"Wait, you're saying someone can use *all six* Rokushiki at once?" Usopp asked, eyes wide.
Zino nodded slowly. "Yes. It's rare… but not impossible. There's a legendary technique that's said to be the result of fully mastering all six styles. It's not officially part of the standard Rokushiki, but those who have seen it call it the *seventh*—the secret art."
"What's it called?" Gin asked, leaning forward with interest.
"*Rokuōgan*," Zino said, his voice quiet but firm. "The Six Kings Gun."
The name seemed to hang in the air, heavy and powerful.
"How strong is it?" Gin asked again, this time more cautious.
Zino gave a small shrug. "I've never seen it in person, so I can't say. And I haven't mastered it myself. I can use all six standard techniques—but Rokuōgan? That's still beyond me."
There was a moment of silence.
The crew exchanged glances. If Zino, who had effortlessly taken down Arlong and held his own against war-hardened pirates, hadn't reached that level… just how powerful was Rokuōgan?
Kaya voiced what they were all thinking, her tone hushed. "If even Captain Zino hasn't reached it… that technique must be something else entirely."
Zino smirked, arms crossed. "One day, I'll show it to you all."
He said it with quiet confidence—not arrogance, but certainty.
He already knew all six of the standard Rokushiki techniques. And while he had never performed Rokuōgan himself, he'd seen Rob Lucci unleash it more than once—at least, in the anime and manga, back when he was still on Earth. Even if it wasn't real at the time, he had studied it enough to understand its mechanics… and now, in this world, it was something he believed he could reach.
"Anyway, forget about Rokuōgan for now," Zino said. "Let's focus on what's in front of us. So—what do you all think? Interested in learning Rokushiki?"
The crew fell quiet.
Zoro broke the silence with a shrug. "Not interested. I only want to focus on swordsmanship."
Zino raised an eyebrow. "Zoro, you might want to reconsider."
"Hm?"
"I'll tell you this—understanding the principle behind *Rankyaku* will help you learn how to unleash a flying sword slash."
Zoro's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "That's possible?"
"Absolutely. The key lies in understanding the pressure and release through movement," Zino said. "You master Rankyaku, and you will certainly be able to use flying sword slash."
That got Zoro thinking. He didn't answer, but his expression said enough.
Zino then looked at the rest of the crew. "Actually, I want *all* of you to pick at least one technique. I'm not asking you to master them all overnight—it takes years of training to do that. But even learning just one could make the difference in a life-or-death fight."
He paused, then added, "Choose the one that suits your strengths. Focus on it seriously. You'll thank me when the time comes."
The crew exchanged glances, the air suddenly feeling more serious.
One by one, they began nodding, silently committing themselves to the path of Rokushiki.
Usopp was the first to raise his hand. "I pick *Soru*," he said confidently. "I need speed more than anything else. If I can move faster, I can dodge better… and maybe even get out of trouble before it finds me."
Kaya, standing beside him, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Same here," she said softly. "I'm not strong… but if I'm fast, maybe I won't *need* to be."
Nami thought for a bit, then said. "I'll learn Soru too," she said without hesitation. "I've got too much to do to be left behind."
Nojiko chuckled. "Guess I'll stick with my little sister. Soru for me as well."
Zino nodded, clearly pleased. "A solid choice. Soru is a great foundation—it sharpens your instincts and teaches control over your entire body."
Zoro rolled his neck with a crack. "I'll take *Rankyaku*," he said plainly. "If it helps with flying slashes, I'm all in."
Gin too made a firm choice. "*Shigan*. If I can pierce with my fingers, I don't need to rely on blades."
Finally, Sanji lit a cigarette, then pointed upward with a smirk. "I want to learn *Geppo*. Walking on air? That's pure style."
Zino grinned at their enthusiasm. "Alright, good choices. Seems like you guys picked something that fits your strengths—and that's exactly how it should be."
He then said, "For today, observe Alvida's Soru again. Watch her movements. Try to feel the rhythm in your own body, even if you can't do it yet."
The crew nodded. They began to spread out across the deck, some trying to imitate Alvida's footwork, others discussing techniques with curiosity and excitement.
The training had officially begun.
...
The next morning, in the pristine offices of Marine Branch 16 on Nazawa Island, Captain Nezumi sat behind a polished oak desk, his expression calm but his mind racing. He tapped the pen against his reports, rewriting segments with careful precision—each sentence designed to implicate Monkey D. Zino and protect his own reputation.
...
On the top sheet, the heading read "Incident Report: Silent Orca & Zino." The list of accusations was long:
1. Zino breached Marine authority by entering Branch 16's jurisdiction without authorization.
2. He recruited Nami—formerly an associate of the Arlong Pirates—into his crew, allegedly aiding a former enemy.
3. The confrontation with Arlong was framed as a personal dispute over Nami, rather than a legitimate operation.
4. During the engagement in Cocoyashi Village, Zino's forces destroyed civilian buildings, showing disregard for non‑combatant safety.
5. His behavior mirrored that of a pirate—acting without regard for Marine protocol or civilian protection.
As Nezumi added each line, a junior officer knocked and stepped into the office. He nodded sharply. "Captain—our fishman scout has returned. Two of Arlong's escaped crewmen were captured and are available for debrief."
"Excellent," Nezumi muttered. He waved the men in and listened closely as their muddy, gilled faces reported the aftermath of the battle.
"They said Zino is transporting Arlong and his officers toward Nazawa," the scout began. "And…"
"And?" Nezumi leaned forward.
The fishman swallowed. "He let dozens of minor Arlong pirates escape. The villagers claim Zino's crew is acting like thieves—taking what they could, letting the rest go."
Nezumi's eyes narrowed. He hurriedly added a new bullet point into his report: "6. Zino *deliberately* released rank‑and‑file of the Arlong Pirates, allowing looting and criminal behavior under the guise of 'rescue operations'. Local villagers are now calling the Silent Orca's crew 'thieves'."
With one swift motion, he stamped the report "For Immediate Submission" and sealed it.
Moments later, the door to Captain Nezumi's office swung open with urgency.
"Captain! The Silent Orca has docked at the southern quay!"
Nezumi jolted to his feet, panic flashing across his face. His instincts screamed at him to retreat—slip away quietly, avoid the confrontation entirely. But just as he turned toward the back exit, a sly idea sparked in his mind.
Wait. Why run?
He adjusted his coat, fixed his posture, and smirked to himself. No—he wouldn't flee. He would meet Zino face-to-face… with a smile.
All he had to do was act like the dutiful Marine captain, play his role, and accept the prisoners like a model officer. Let Zino drop his guard. Then, he could twist the truth however he needed in the official report.
At the southern quay, the Silent Orca was already anchored. A small crowd of curious marines and dock workers gathered at a distance as Zino and his crew began escorting a row of unconscious and restrained prisoners off the ship.
Arlong was shackled and unconscious, bruised from the battle. Don Krieg lay gagged and tied, flanked by Kuroobi and Chew—both subdued but glaring.
Zino stood at the front, overseeing the process while keeping a sharp eye on the surroundings. The rest of the Orca crew helped guide the prisoners down the gangplank.
"Wait…" Usopp looked around. "Where's Hatchan?"
"Yeah, wasn't he one of Arlong's officers?" Sanji added.
Zino crossed his arms. "I released him."
"What?" Nami's eyes narrowed.
"He's guilty of being with Arlong, but not of the same crimes." Zino's tone was calm but firm. "I already have spoken to him, and I knew he is too gullible, and that's how Arlong able to use him. Besides, he also helped Sanji deal with Don Krieg."
"But, he is involved-"
"Nami. I understand your reasoning." Zino said, glancing at her. "After this I will talk about the reason why I let him go. Is that okay with you?"
Nami frowned but remained quiet. She clearly disagreed, but didn't press the issue further.
Just then, Captain Nezumi arrived with exaggerated cheerfulness.
"Well, well! Lieutenant Zino! What an honor! We're most grateful for your service to justice," Nezumi said, flashing a wide smile.
Zino didn't return the grin. His gaze was cool and steady. "We're here to deliver prisoners. That's all."
Nezumi nodded eagerly, approaching the line of bound criminals. His eyes lingered on Arlong, then on Kuroobi and Chew. But when he didn't see Hatchan, his smile faltered for the briefest second—just long enough for Zino to notice.
Feigning innocence, Nezumi looked up. "Ah… are these *all* the prisoners from the Arlong Pirates?"
"Yes," Zino replied flatly, arms still crossed.
Nezumi gave a courteous nod, masking the disappointment behind his spectacles. "Very good. We'll process them immediately."
But in his mind, plans were already forming. If Hatchan had been let go, perhaps there was still a way to manipulate this situation. He'd just need to be careful.
Very careful.
Captain Nezumi, still playing the role of the gracious host, extended a hand and congratulated Zino in front of his crew and subordinates.
"Well done, Lieutenant Zino," he said, smiling broadly. "For apprehending these notorious criminals, the Marine Headquarters has prepared bounty rewards in accordance with their wanted posters."
Nezumi motioned for a marine to bring a locked briefcase forward. With a click, it opened to reveal stacks of neatly bound Berries. "As per their bounties, your rewards are as follows," Nezumi said, pulling out a list:
- Arlong: *20,000,000 Berries*
- Don Krieg: *17,000,000 Berries*
- Kuroobi: *8,000,000 Berries*
- Chew: *6,000,000 Berries*
"Totaling to *51,000,000 Berries*," Nezumi beamed, gesturing toward the payment.
The total amount surprised Zino. He hadn't expected the Marines to actually pay out the full bounties, especially not under a corrupt officer like Nezumi.
Still, he accepted the payment quietly, sensing something wasn't quite right.
Then, Nezumi turned to Nami and, to everyone's shock, bowed low to her.
"My deepest apologies, Miss Nami," he said with an exaggerated tone of remorse. "Though I wear the title of Captain, I lacked the power to defeat Arlong. That is why I was unable to free Cocoyashi Village sooner."
Nami's expression turned dark. "You lacked the power?" she snapped. "No. You lacked the courage. You let him rule over us like animals. Don't act like a victim now."
"I understand your anger. You're right. I was a coward." Nezumi fell to his knees, his forehead nearly touching the dock. "Please forgive me."
Nami's fury boiled over. She walked up and kicked him across the face.
"Coward's not the word! You let us suffer while lining your pockets!"
Some of the marines nearby raised their rifles in response, startled by the attack on their captain.
But Nezumi, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, raised a hand.
"Stand down," he ordered calmly, still on his knees. "Do not raise your guns."
The marines hesitated but obeyed. Nami stood over him, breathing heavily. Disgusted, she kicked him hard in the side. He winced but didn't fight back.
Without another word, Nami turned and stormed back toward the Silent Orca, pausing only to snatch the briefcase of reward money.
Zino, watching it all unfold, crossed his arms. Nezumi's behavior didn't feel right. The man was corrupt—he knew that. And yet, here he was, smiling, apologizing, and handing over rewards. Was he really trying to make amends?
Zino sighed. Maybe he was. Or maybe he just didn't care anymore.
Either way, Zino had no desire to punch a kneeling, smiling man.
He turned away, signaling to his crew. "We're done here. Let's go."
The crew boarded the Silent Orca, and the ship slowly pulled away from the quay.
Nezumi stood slowly, brushing dirt from his uniform, and raised his voice dramatically. "Salute! See off our heroes!"
All the marines turned and gave a formal salute as the Orca sailed off into the horizon.
As soon as the ship vanished over the horizon, Nezumi's face twisted into a wicked grin. He returned to his office and sat down at his desk. Pulling out another sheet of paper, he began writing his second report:
1. Zino assaulted Marines upon arrival and disrupted port order.
2. His crew attacked a Marine officer (himself) in front of witnesses.
3. Zino demanded bounty rewards—proof he acts more like a pirate than a Marine.
4. He failed to turn in all of Arlong's officers—*Hatchan was missing*.
5. The Silent Orca houses additional wanted individuals, including *Gin*.
Nezumi signed it, sealed it, and passed it to his courier. "Send this to Navy HQ immediately."
He leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Let's see how far you get, Captain Zino."