Author's Note: I am aware that the flag that burned on Enies Lobby was a World Government Flag. However since the Marines also were stationed on the island I am certain a Marine Flag would be visible somewhere on the island.

Summary: While staring at the blue symbol on a white field, one Straw Hat crewmember dwells on why the mascot for the Marines is a seagull.

On Seagulls

There they were, standing on a tower gate in Enies Lobby. The one place a pirate should never stand. The gap between them and CP9 seemed infinite and still strangely close. They could see Nico Robin. See her tears. See her fears. But she was still too far away to reach. It wasn't necessarily his choice to come. And it wasn't his choice to make. So he stood there willing to do whatever needed to be done.

The conversation was only mildly interesting to him. Instead he eyed the flag fluttering behind the Government Agents. Taunting them. Claiming this island for Justice. What Justice? The government saw justice where others saw tyranny. Luffy would never agree with their idea of justice. Neither would any member of this crew. He would get his chance to cut some sense into these CP9 agents soon enough. Show them that their flag meant next to nothing. Seagulls… Really?

It was one of those issues that remained in the back of his head, popping up at weird times. Why did the Marines choose a Seagull of all creatures to represent them? Seagulls were nothing more than greedy, loud, angry birds. There was nothing majestic about them. Scavengers of the coast, they ate and stole anything in sight. Bullies of the seas. They pushed out other birds to get what they wanted. Though come to think of it, the Seagull was a very accurate bird to represent the Marines. They had a lot in common. But Zoro didn't think that was the intention.

No, Zoro did not think the Marines would appreciate being called a bully or a scavenger or a rat with wings. They claimed to have the lofty goal of Justice on their side. And considering some of the pirates sailing the seas, they might have the right idea. However protecting people from the bloodthirsty villains did not mean they were allowed to do what the hell they felt like the rest of the time. Just look at the corruption running rampant through their hierarchy. Captain Morgan was a great example of how sheer power turned to terror when directed on the innocents. Give a man authority to do what he wants and watch the world fall apart. Not to forget the greed of Captain Nezumi and his agreement with Arlong. That man had worked freely with a pirate just to gain some gold. Not much justice in that acquaintance. And he still hadn't gotten over the selfishness of Commodore Nelson. How did that gluttonous pig even attain any kind of rank? What was more was that he was willing to kill innocents and his own men for his stupid desires.

Not only did the Marines have insane commanders, they also had insane definitions of Justice. What the hell was Absolute Justice anyway? And who gave anyone the right to annihilate an entire island with their Buster Call? So far what Zoro had seen of these Marines was no better than the Pirates that roamed the seas. He certainly hoped Coby would turn out better than some of the officers they had come across. And as much as he disliked Smoker, at least that Marine Captain had a decent understanding of the word Justice. People weren't good or evil based on what they called themselves or what rumors were spread about them.

He understood that better than most. Being called a Demon and being feared as much as any pirate had helped Zoro understand the plight Robin was in. How could a child cause as much damage as the rumors stated? They knew most of the truth now. She did not deserve the animosity that had been directed towards her. And Zoro could now commend Luffy for his judge of character.

And because of this, Zoro would not let these Seagulls take away something precious to them all. These bastard birds of the sea could just rot in the pile of filth they created.