Chapter 70: Accelerating to Arlong ParkThe ship drifted on the sea, and a well-fed Monkey D. Luffy shouted to Yosaku."Yosaku, I want a cup of tea too!"After finishing his food, Monkey D. Luffy followed Alex and Sanji's example and asked for a cup of tea.After finishing his tea, Alex looked at Momoofloating on the water nearby and conceived a plan."Speaking of which, Monkey D. Luffy, we need to find Nami and the going merry quickly and then head to the Grand Line, right?"Monkey D. Luffy nodded."Since that's the case..." At this point, Alex pointed to Momoo beside them."There is a giant sea monster here, and Yosaku said the Fishmen came from the Grand Line. This indicates that this big guy was either brought here by the Fishmen or is related to them..."Sanji understood what he meant and exhaled a puff of smoke."...Phew. In other words, you want this hippo to take us there, is that what you mean? But how could this hippo... It seems you have a way to make it obey, right, Alex?"Alex nodded, indicating that was correct."Hee hee hee, that sounds interesting. So, Alex, how should we go about it?"Sanji also stood to the side, watching how he would operate.Alex activated his Sharingan, stepped onto the water surface, and arrived in front of Momoo to wake it up."Roar—"As soon as Momoo woke up and was about to roar, it saw Alex's Sharingan. Although it didn't have Chakra in its body to be directly controlled, a simple hypnosis was still possible.Then, Alex pulled several thousand-meter-long plastic ropes from his gloves and securely tied Momoo to the ship."Set off! Forward to Arlong Park!"Following Alex's order, Momoo began to accelerate toward Arlong Park.At this moment, Zoro, riding on Hatchan, arrived at Cocoyasi Village."Alright, we've arrived. This is Cocoyasi Village! Lord Arlong should be here.""Oh, thank you." Facing such an enthusiastic Fishman, Zoro was truly at a loss, and in the end, he could only wave and thank him.Hatchan didn't mind; after all, ferrying people was his duty."Don't mention it! Take care! Come again next time!" He said goodbye to Zoro and then dove into the water, leaving the area.Watching Hatchan drift away, Zoro couldn't help but sigh again that he was truly a strange Fishman."Although he's a strange Fishman, he did provide qualified intelligence. It seems that saw-nosed guy has also come to this Village. Whatever, I'd better go find our long-nosed friend first."Then, Zoro went to the main street and asked others if they had seen a person with a long nose and an afro.Seeing that they knew, Zoro quickly asked where he was now.The answer he received was Arlong Park."What! Usopp went to Arlong Park!""Yes, I saw with my own eyes that after he was captured, he was taken there...""Damn it! We just got separated! Forget it, I'd better hurry over and take a look. By the way, thanks, mister."Having learned the news, Zoro ran toward Arlong Park again, afraid that if he were a second late, Usopp might die inside.At this moment inside Arlong Park, Arlong, who had returned with the other Fishmen, saw his fallen kin all over the ground, and the anger he had just suppressed flared up once again."What is going on here! What... what happened! My kin!""Roronoa Zoro."A Fishman, upon seeing his boss return, forced himself to speak and revealed the perpetrator's identity."Roronoa Zoro? Did he come to take my head?"Arlong strode to his side, helped him up, and asked about the specific situation."No, he didn't come by himself... That guy... is Zoro! The guy we captured... he is Zoro."After finishing this information, the Fishmancollapsed.Hearing this news, Arlong felt a surge of anger. At this moment, a Fishman with a long snout and two red circles on his cheeks walked over."Chew! Why don't you kill him first? Maybe your mood will improve a lot."As he spoke, he revealed the person in his arms, and the one being held tightly was Usopp.Indeed, Usopp had been captured. Although he was fast, his stamina was too poor to compete with the Fishmen for long. Ultimately, he was caught because he ran a little too slowly.Arlong looked at Usopp, his face filled with killing intent as he said: "...Killing him won't appease my anger.""Right? Then... let... let me go! Besides, that might just be a way of saying hello. In our Village, there... there is a way like that!"But when Usopp saw the Fishmen covered in slash wounds all over the ground, he immediately shut his mouth. He was afraid that if he kept talking, he would be killed.Originally, using gunpowder attacks could be called a greeting, but if connected with what he had just said, the guy might really slash him to confirm if such a custom truly existed.But what was the situation with these wounded Fishmen? Could it be... yes, it must be Zoro.At this moment, a burly-looking Fishman officer standing to the side with his arms crossed voiced his confusion."...But how did Zoro escape... Lord Arlong, do you think this is possible?""So, is it possible that Nami intentionally let Zoroinfiltrate this place to take your head..."Hearing the other's words, Arlong began to think. In fact, it wasn't that he hadn't considered this possibility, but Nami was crucial to his plans, so he naturally didn't want to believe it.Seeing that Arlong still didn't believe it, the others also spoke up about the things that were wrong with Nami."Come to think of it, Nami has been acting a bit strange today.""Indeed, not only did she stop you, Boss, from continuing to beat Zoro, but she also said she wanted to return and personally interrogate him."The burly Fishman officer from before spoke again."Don't forget, Lord Arlong... betrayal is her specialty.""Don't talk nonsense! And don't suspect me blindly!"Usopp saw Nami's figure and felt this wasn't real. Although he had known about this matter for a long time, subconsciously, he still didn't believe she was truly part of the Arlong Pirates.Seeing that the other Fishmen didn't react, Namicontinued to defend herself."I am part of your crew! I swore an oath eight years ago with this tattoo! Furthermore, the money agreed upon with you is almost collected; at this point, I wouldn't do such a boring thing!"At the same time, Nami was inwardly despising Zoro. Why did he have to stage this? Wouldn't it have been better to just leave?Arlong seemed to have thought of something and reached out to interrupt Nami, who wanted to continue defending herself."Ah—sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you. It's no wonder you're angry, after all, we've been together for eight years... We were just hot-headed for a moment; in fact, we still trust you very much."Although the trust crisis was resolved, there was indeed no decisive evidence to prove that Nami was truly innocent.Therefore, Arlong grabbed Usopp, who was nearby, and held him in his hand, looking at Nami as he said:"By the way, we are now going to eliminate Roronoa Zoro and his companions! How about it, Nami? Do you want to stay and watch?"At this moment, Nami didn't know what to do and could only walk toward Arlong.Just then, a Fishman came running over, stumbling."Cough, cough, my lords, you... you've returned... that... that green-haired criminal escaped on his own, and he even..."Before he could finish, he took his last breath and died right in front of Arlong.Hearing this news, Nami was somewhat confused. What did it mean that Zoro escaped on his own? Had he broken the cage and escaped before she could save him?And Arlong, watching his kin die before his eyes, already believed Nami was innocent, but...Thinking of this, Arlong looked at Usopp nearby. With every step he took toward Usopp, the killing intent in Arlong's eyes grew stronger.Watching Arlong get closer and closer, Usopphurriedly reached out his hand to ask him to wait a moment.Unfortunately, Arlong couldn't listen to anything at the moment. He picked up a dagger from the side and placed it against Usopp's neck.Arlong still thought that Usopp and Zoro and the others had come for his head."My bounty is the highest in the East Blue, twenty million Berries. Would you and your Bounty Huntersfriend let my head go? So it's natural that you've come back to take my head. Now tell me, how do you and Roronoa Zoro contact each other? Signal flares, smoke signals, or some special sound, huh!"Arlong held the dagger against Usopp's temple and continued to press for answers."One more thing, killing someone's kin while the master is away... I don't think that's the right way to do things! So I'm going to teach him well what the correct way is."Usopp was so scared that sweat was streaming down his nose. What is all this? Zoro, I'm going to be killed because of you.But he couldn't say that directly: "I... I don't know. I have no relationship with Zoro. Let me go!"The Fishman who had captured Usopp saw through his lie."Chew, stop telling such fake lies. You also directly attacked Lord Arlong; in short, you're done for."Hearing this, Usopp gave up on denying his relationship with Zoro. Instead, he struck a pose, looking at the Fishmen with an attitude that suggested if they dared to kill him, someone would come to deal with them."Hey, hey, hey! Zoro and I are like brothers! If you dare to touch a single finger of mine, Zoro will kill you!"The other Fishmen saw Usopp acting like this and couldn't help but remark on how fast he changed his tune.Arlong waved the dagger in front of him."...In that case, as long as I kill you, Zoro will show himself."Facing the threat to his life, Usopp hurriedly waved his hands."Huh? No... no! That's not it! Killing me won't do any good! If you keep me alive, Zoro will definitely come to save me! If I die, he won't come! Hey, Nami, hurry and say something good for me!"Usopp hurriedly begged Nami, who was nearby, for help.And Nami also had a look of wanting to save him but being unable to do so.Seeing Nami's expression, the officer who had suspected her earlier continued to interrogate her."What's wrong, Nami? You look pale..."Nami was startled when she heard this, but this shock actually helped her come up with a good countermeasure.However, the most important thing now was to dispel the other party's suspicion.Nami turned her head to look at the Fishman and retorted."It seems you are still suspecting me!"
Chapter 71: Is Usopp dead?Hearing Nami ask this, an average Fishman would be afraid of Arlong's words and try to laugh it off.However, this officer admitted that he was still suspicious of her."That's right, it's precisely because I know what you're like that I'm suspicious of you.Because you are just too smart."Nami thought to herself that she didn't want to be acknowledged as smart at a time like this. Besides, her plan was almost complete; if it weren't for Zoroand the long-nosed one in front of her, she wouldn't have ended up being suspected.Usopp, standing to the side, saw Nami pretending not to know him and began to curse loudly."Hey, Nami! I'm so disappointed in you! You witch!Even after knowing you left, Luffy and Alex didn't doubt you at all!They trusted you completely! And they still do!And yet you can deceive people like that without batting an eye!"Hearing Usopp's words, Nami realized this might be a good opportunity to break out of her predicament.She then said with a relaxed expression, "...Thanks for your trust.But I just want to say that you guys are the ones who are too stupid to have been fooled by me."Hearing Nami's words, Usopp's eyes widened, and he glared at her angrily: "What did you say! You bastard Nami!"Splash! A column of water erupted from the pool, and then Hatchan made a grand entrance."Hello everyone!Huh? Why are you all gathered here?Oh? Lord Arlong is back!"Seeing that it was Hatchan who had returned, Arlong's mood improved quite a bit.But when Hatchan saw the Fishmen scattered all over the ground, he asked everyone what had happened with an angry face."What the hell is going on here!""It was the Pirate Hunter Zoro who did this. By the way, Hatchan, what were you doing at the time?If you had been here, this wouldn't have happened."Hearing Arlong's words, Hatchan also became angry."That bastard Pirate Hunter actually killed so many of my comrades while I was away...I absolutely won't forgive him! I must kill him!""Come to think of it, Hatchan, you don't know where Zoro went, right?""That's right! As I see it, the guy should be a swordsman I've never met before, but he acts strangely..."Hatchan's voice grew quieter as he spoke, because he remembered the "guest" he had just sent off."Ah... could it be that guy!"Seeing this, how could everyone not understand what had happened?So they shouted at Hatchan, "You didn't meet him, did you! You idiot!""Then where did he go!"Hatchan responded to everyone with extreme embarrassment that he had sent the guy to Cocoyasi Village.Hearing this, it was all for nothing; they had just left, and the guy had come out and cut down a large number of their compatriots.It was estimated that he found out Usopp was with them while chatting with Hatchan, so he went to Cocoyasi Village.Now they were back, but the guy was in Cocoyasi Village.Seeing everyone furious, Hatchan quickly tried to appease them."No... wait a minute, that guy said he was Lord Arlong's guest. It was only after he asked where Lord Arlong was that I took him to Cocoyasi Village.I didn't expect you all to return so soon."Arlong, however, became happy about this."In that case, there's no need to rush to find him.Because he's looking for us too!"Usopp was somewhat confused as to why Zoro was looking for Arlong, while Nami didn't want these two to continue interfering with her plan.Hatchan, seeing Usopp, asked who the other person was?"That person? He's Zoro's partner. It looks like he thinks humans can fight against Fishmen."Nami recalled the plan she had just come up with, and after confirming there were no loopholes, she prepared to give it a shot.She quickly walked up to Usopp, took three short rods from her chest, and quickly assembled them into a staff.Then she swung it hard at Usopp's head.This blow sent Usopp flying, and blood sprayed from his mouth.The other Fishmen couldn't figure out what she was doing, but Usopp sat up and shouted at Nami."You bastard! Want to fight!""You nuisance... it's all your fault. Who told you to dare to lay a hand on Fishmen!Not to mention that bringing you here was my mistake.But every country has its laws, and every family has its rules. Not to mention that this matter still has room for maneuver.However, because your actions almost caused my eight-year plan to be ruined.So, as the person who brought you here, at least let me take care of you personally.""Take care of me? Hahaha, don't joke! Although I'm not strong, I'm not so weak that I'd be taken care of by you!"Usopp didn't pay attention to Nami's statement, but the Fishmen on the side were shouting, "Finish him, Nami!"Even Arlong was rubbing his chin, watching this good show."Heh, it looks like Nami is becoming more and more like a pirate."Nami didn't care about Usopp's words at all."I'm kindly advising you, you'd better not underestimate me. This is for your own good!"Usopp didn't care about this, threw the ammunition in his hand, and immediately fired it after seeing an opportunity."Special Move! Smoke Star!"Thick smoke covered the whole area, and Usopptook advantage of this time to move towards the edge of the pool.Seeing the smoke, the Fishmen immediately knew he was trying to escape, and they all moved to surround the area.Nami, having spent some time with Usopp, naturally knew what he was thinking.She turned around and quickly ran towards the edge of the pool.Sure enough, through the smoke, she could vaguely see his figure."This is indeed very much your style, Usopp!"Having located Usopp, Nami didn't say another word and sent him flying again.The smoke came and went quickly, and what everyone saw at this moment was...Nami rushing towards Usopp with a dagger in hand.Usopp, watching the dagger getting closer and closer, panicked and told her to stop.Unfortunately, Nami couldn't hear a word right now and stabbed him with the knife.A large amount of blood flowed from his chest. Usopp looked down at all this, unable to believe it was real.But the blood on his hands indicated that it was all real."For my own sake, I had to do this..."Nami whispered this in Usopp's ear. He clearly had something to say to Nami.Before he could say a word, he was pushed over by Nami. Usopp lay on the ground, just like that, passing out."Hahahaha! Well done, finally got revenge!""This is worthy of an Arlong Pirates officer!"Arlong and the group of Fishmen saw Nami "kill" Usopp so decisively and immediately laughed out loud.Outside the wall, in a vacant spot, Johnny saw everything before him. Because the distance was too far, he couldn't see the whole process clearly.But he saw Nami's action of "killing" Usopp clearly.Johnny squatted on the ground, clutching his head, unable to believe everything he had seen."U... U... Big Brother Usopp... was killed by... Nami...!...How could this be!"Looking at Usopp lying on the ground, Nami kicked him into the sea. To ensure the Fishmen wouldn't be suspicious, Nami made up a line, saying that dying in the sea was his long-cherished wish.Seeing that he was "dead," the Fishmen didn't care about these things.Even the Fishman who had previously called Nami a traitor apologized personally."I'm sorry, I shouldn't have doubted you, Nami. You are our comrade."The other person saying "comrade" seemed to trigger some kind of switch in Nami."Comrade? I don't have comrades. I only have one purpose for joining you!That is to save up 100 million Berries, and then buy this Village from your hands.To put it plainly, it's just an alliance relationship."But the person then changed the subject."You, who betrayed the villagers, betrayed your parents... and trust nothing but money... why are you so obsessed with such a small Village?I have always been curious about this question. Until I found this in your room a few days ago."As he spoke, he took out a map. On this map, an island similar to Cocoyasi Village was drawn.After seeing the map, Nami's expression changed drastically. She became incomparably cold and lightly spat out four words: "That is mine!"Arlong was interested in the map and stretched his neck to look.The man was also surprised by Nami's change. Someone who didn't care about anything could actually become so serious over this map; it seemed his speculation was correct."Lord Arlong, I speculate that this is an ancient treasure map! And the small island drawn on the map might be Cocoyasi Village!"The other Fishmen immediately gathered around when they heard "treasure map," all wanting to take a look at what this treasure map looked like."Give it back to her. That is Nami's thing.""Don't touch it, this is my treasure."Nami also quickly walked over and snatched the map back."I really can't stand your inexplicable suspicions anymore! It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not, I only care about the Village trade. Don't suddenly say the deal is off, Arlong!"Arlong laughed happily after hearing Nami's words."Hahahaha, that naturally counts. If I broke an agreement involving money, I might as well commit seppuku. That's just the kind of person I am!"After confirming that Arlong's word still held, Namileft the place, holding the map in one hand and the blood-stained dagger in the other.The officer who had previously suspected Namigave his evaluation after seeing Nami's performance just now."What a scary woman.""Hahahaha! But she has become a good woman!"As Nami left, Johnny also ran to the main gate and began to cry about Usopp's departure."...Must tell Zoro about what happened here...That person... is a witch!"On the sea not far from Arlong Park, Momoo was also pulling the boat of Luffy and his group, arriving here."Look, it's Arlong Park. Great, we're almost there. As expected of Alex, make this guy speed up!""Idiot! You're not allowed to call yourself tired, hippo!"Unfortunately, Momoo's stamina couldn't last much longer, because it had previously been attacked by the three of them, and on top of that, it hadn't eaten a single bite, so it didn't have much stamina to begin with.Now it still had to carry this boat and run wildly on the sea; it was already approaching its limit."Hey, that's not right Alex, more to the left!""It's that building! You idiot cow!""It's no good, we're going to crash onto the shore!""Stop arguing, I'm steering! After driving for so long, it's about to fall apart. It's only thanks to my hypnosis that it's holding on until we reach the shore."
Chapter 72: Convergence"No way, damn it, I can't stop it! Take this, Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!"A massive amount of mud erupted from the shore, gushing toward the ship. The soft mud blocked the charging vessel, and the plastic ropes binding Momoo were severed in the process.In the end, relying on Alex's superb driving skills, the group docked safely at the shore, but due to the excessive inertia, the four of them were still flung out.At this moment, Zoro, who was running toward Arlong Park, was submerged by the suddenly appearing mud.The four people who were flung out also plunged headfirst into the mud."Whew... scared me to death, but at least we're down.""Yeah, it's just that the ship is left over there, I don't know if it can be preserved...""Never mind that, we survived, didn't we... Eh, why is it so soft?""Xi... Brother Alex, you... underneath you."Alex looked down upon hearing Yosaku's words and found a clump of green stuff under his buttocks; it looked like hair or something similar.Green, hair—isn't this! Alex hurriedly moved away, and looking closely, it was indeed Zoro."Which bastard was just sitting on my head!"Zoro got up and shouted at the group.Upon seeing Luffy and the others, Zoro asked them what was going on and what exactly they were doing."Wait, where's the other one?""Isn't he right here? His name is Sanji, he's our cook.""Not him, Alex. He was just sitting on my head..."As he spoke, Zoro felt his clothes being pulled. Looking down, he saw a child with white hair, carrying a giant scroll, who bore some resemblance to Alex."You... couldn't be Alex, could you!"Alex nodded and briefly explained why he had become like this while performing Water Release to wash the mud off everyone, then used Fire Releaseto roast them dry. In no time, everyone looked as good as new."So that's how it is, I'll have to live with this body for a while.""By the way, where are Usopp and Johnny?"Zoro, who was still thinking, heard Luffy's inquiry and remembered he had something left to do."Usopp... right! We don't have time to dawdle here!That guy was just captured by Arlong. If we don't rush over to save him, he'll be killed...""He's already dead!"Hearing these words, everyone looked toward the source of the voice.It was Johnny, standing there and recounting the process of Usopp's murder."Big Brother Usopp... has already been... murdered by Big Sister Nami!"Hearing his words, everyone froze in place.Luffy even grabbed the other's collar and questioned him loudly."Say that again!Watch out or I'll beat you up! What nonsense are you talking!How could Nami kill Usopp! We are friends!"Alex stepped forward and pulled away the angry Luffy."Stop! Luffy, calm down, this has nothing to do with Johnny!"Johnny, having been released, coughed a couple of times and spoke the truth he had seen once more."Cough, cough, it's fine if you don't believe me! But I saw it with my own eyes!"Just as Luffy was about to grab Johnny again, a figure walked over."Nami...""Whose partner am I? Luffy. And what are you guys doing here?"Alex let go of Luffy, who straightened his straw hat and looked at Nami as if it were only natural."What are you saying! You're our partner, so naturally we're here to take you back."Nami's face showed neither the joy of reunion nor the relief of meeting a savior; instead, she looked at the group with a face full of disdain."How troublesome. By the way, where's Alex? Has he already parted ways with you?"Alex looked at her and activated his Byakugan. Right now, he wasn't sure of her situation; if Namireally had some hidden hardship, acting directly might make things impossible to resolve."How did you get so small?Since you won't say, I won't ask. And Luffy, who are your partners?Don't make me laugh, that was just a boring mutual aid alliance."On the side, Sanji raised his arms high after seeing Nami's figure."Nami-san♦, it's me, remember? Let's go sailing together!"Zoro walked over, feeling annoyed by Sanji's behavior just now."You, back off! You're making things more complicated!""What did you say! Love is always a hurricane!"At this moment, Johnny stood up and pointed at Nami while shouting."Big brothers! Didn't I tell you! This woman is a witch! To monopolize a certain village containing secret treasures, she joined the Arlong Pirates, and she can kill without blinking!Her nature is wicked and foul to the core.You've all been deceived by her! Not to mention this woman stabbed Big Brother Usopp to death, I saw it with my own eyes!"Nami agreed with Johnny's statement and said mockingly,"So what? Do you want to kill me for revenge?Let me tell you one more thing: Arlong is going to kill Roronoa Zoro and all his associates now, all because Zoro did something stupid.Even though you're strong like monsters, you're no match for the real monsters."Zoro was indifferent to her words and continued to ask where Usopp was."The bottom of the sea.""That's enough, you bastard!"Hearing this, Zoro drew his sword to strike Nami, but he was blocked by Sanji."The one who needs to stop is you, you bastard!As a swordsman, how can you lay a hand on a lady? Roronoa Zoro!"Facing Sanji's attack, Zoro ducked to avoid it, then pulled out his sword and stood opposite him."What? You know nothing about this, stay out of it!""Hmph... are you feeling frustrated after that humiliating defeat?"In the face of Sanji's provocation, Zoro was not to be outdone; he prepared to teach this guy a lesson."What? You better watch your mouth, or I'll blow your head off.""Come and try it if you can, you heavily injured patient."Johnny, on the side, couldn't take it anymore."Big brothers, is now the time for a conflict!This is an emergency!""Nami, I'll ask one more time, is what you just said true?"Alex, standing to the side, looked at Nami. At the same time, he opened both eyes—one to observe the beating of her heart and the other to observe her mental fluctuations."Heh, how many times do I have to say it before you believe me? Usopp fell into the sea...""I'm asking if Usopp is dead, don't change the subject!""Dead."After Nami said those words, Alex knew that Usoppwas not dead.Through observation, after Nami spoke the word 'dead,' the heartbeat in her body clearly increased, and the activity level of her cranial nerves also rose significantly.Generally speaking, this is a sign of lying, which proves that Usopp is not dead.Then Alex deactivated his eyes and sat by a tree without moving. Zoro also sheathed his sword and sat down beside him to rest."Hey, what's the meaning of this? But whatever, you'd better leave here quickly.Outsiders should stop meddling in the affairs of this land!And don't you understand yet? I approached you for money..."Before Nami could finish, Alex threw out two large bags. These contained part of the gold seized from Don Krieg's armor, three diamonds from the gauntlets, and two pearls."You... what is the meaning of this! Alex, are you insulting me?""No, this is what we agreed on before. You show us the way, we give you money. Now we're even, so where we go is none of your business."After hearing Alex's words, Nami's body visibly trembled, but she immediately forced a smile."Is that so? Then I'll return the ship to you, and you can find a new navigator.Whether you let them take you to find the great treasure 'ONE PIECE' or whatever, just go!Leave here quickly! You're such an eyesore. Goodbye!"The sound of Luffy collapsing nearby drew everyone's attention.Johnny thought something had happened to Luffyand hurriedly asked him what was wrong.But Luffy only answered with one word: sleep."Sleep? In this situation, and in the middle of the road?"To this, Luffy closed his eyes: "I don't want to leave this island, I'm not interested in what's happening on the island, I know Usopp isn't dead and am waiting for him to come over, and I'm very sleepy."Nami was nearly driven crazy by this group. What kind of people are they? Whatever."Then suit yourselves! Even if you go to your deaths, it's as you wish!"Leaving behind a few angry words, Nami picked up the treasure and left.Yosaku and Johnny looked at the current situation: Luffy was sleeping on the side, Alex was meditating against a tree, Zoro was also resting against a tree, and Sanji was standing there smoking."You guys are too strange! Everyone saw that woman with mental problems.Johnny saw with his own eyes that Big Brother Usopp was killed by her!Everyone is also being hunted by Arlong, so what reason is there to stay here?"Yosaku didn't understand what everyone was waiting for, and Johnny also voiced his thoughts."Although the time we've served you has been short, our guiding work ends here. We don't want to be hunted by Arlong.So, Brother Zoro, Yosaku and I will say our goodbyes here. Farewell."Zoro didn't stop them, immediately agreeing to their departure and telling them to be careful."You brothers too, take care of yourselves. Until we meet again!"At this time, on the west coast of Cocoyasi Village, a strange thing happened.A huge semi-circular deep pit had appeared on the shore, and it was already filled with seawater.But the villagers hadn't heard any gunfire, and there was no smell of gunpowder at the scene.At this moment, a Marine warship appeared on the sea, and then everyone began to discuss it."Ah, look over there!""Isn't that... a Marine ship?""But I've never seen this kind of ship shape before.""This isn't a ship from this Marine branch; where could it be from?""Ah—Sister!"A child nearby waved his arms and ran toward everyone.Nojiko saw him and remembered—isn't this the child from Gosa Village?The child then pointed to the distant ship and said,"That's the ship the World Government sent to Gosa Village to pick us up!""Pick you up?""Yeah! The uncles who survived in the town successfully contacted the local government!"
Chapter 73: UncomfortableAboard the warship, a group of Marines watched Arlong Park in the distance."Is that the legendary Arlong Park? I didn't expect pirates to be able to stay so openly without leaving. It seems the world is coming to an end.""I feel the same way, Commodore Pudding Pudding!" a soldier nearby chimed in.Seeing the building before him, Commodore Pudding Pudding began his pre-battle mobilization."Listen up, everyone! Our mission this time is to go to Gosa Village, which was destroyed by the Arlong Pirates, rescue the surviving villagers, and lead them safely away from here.""—Although, that's what the mission says!""But, having seen such an unrestrained pirate stronghold with my own eyes, how can we ignore it!""Does our sense of justice allow us to do that, soldiers?!""It does not!" The group of Marines grew hot-blooded under Commodore Pudding Pudding's mobilization.Meanwhile, inside Arlong Park."The 77th Branch?""That's right, that's what's written in the report, Arlong-sama."Arlong began to mock this branch with disdain."Seems like a new face... ""Tell them not to try any small tricks. Find someone to negotiate with them. If twenty million doesn't settle it, then wipe them out."Before Arlong could finish, a cannonball appeared in the sight of the Fishmen.The cannonball headed accurately toward Arlong."Ah! They're attacking! Arlong-sama, look out!"Facing his compatriot's warning, Arlong was completely unconcerned. He then opened his large mouth, revealing the teeth inside."Ah..."The moment the cannonball made contact with his teeth, it was crushed by Arlong."He bit the cannonball... into pieces!""What... what terrifying teeth and jaw..."The other Fishmen marveled after seeing Arlong's display.Instead, a Fishman nearby asked Arlong: "What about the negotiation?"Facing someone who attacked directly like this, Arlong spat out the cannonball fragments and casually stated their fate."Cancelled!"The group of Fishmen shouted happily upon hearing this news."Great, pirates, let's go!""We can continue the slaughter again!""Chuu, wait a minute."A Fishman's voice interrupted everyone.The other Fishmen looked over and found the Fishman Officer trio eager to give it a try."It's just sweeping up trash, there's no need to waste so much manpower. Chuu!"This was the person who just stopped the other Fishmen; his name was Chew."It'll be enough if we go!"This was Hatchan."To dare to fight us in these waters, truly foolish people..."The last one was the burly man who had been suspicious of Nami; his name was Kuroobi."With the Officer trio heading out together, it's bound to be a spectacular battle.""That way, that ship won't even last three minutes."Arlong also nodded in satisfaction. The three jumped into the pool in the park and, following the seawater, they swam under the warship.On the warship, the soldiers, who had been waiting for the sound of the cannonball to no avail, were getting a bit restless."Strange... Commodore Pudding Pudding! The cannonball doesn't seem to have exploded.""Then do it again. This is the signal for war! We must formally notify them that we are declaring war on them!""And one more thing, the enemies are Fishmen. No one can be careless, understood?!""Yes! Commodore Pudding Pudding!"It seemed this Commodore was a believer in pre-war declarations.However, his luck was a bit poor. The cannonball used as a declaration earlier was aimed right at Arlong, which was equivalent to a signal for immediate battle—something they clearly didn't know.The soldiers had no choice but to light the cannons again."Light the cannons!""Wait a minute!"Just as the low-ranking soldier was about to light it, Chew burst out of the water and began attacking him.Water Pistol!This move utilized Chew's characteristics as an archerfish Fishman to spray water from his mouth. The power of the sprayed water stream was stronger than a bullet, and this single strike killed the soldier who was lighting the fuse.Seeing that Fishmen had arrived, the others immediately grabbed their weapons, ready to fight."It's the Arlong Pirates! Go! Battle stations!""Wait a minute, calm down!"Chew sat on the edge of the ship, watching this man with hair tied in multiple bunches walk over."I am Commodore Pudding Pudding of the Marine77th Branch.""We are somewhat of a famous elite force.""...If you can obediently..."Unfortunately, before Commodore Pudding Puddingcould finish, Chew fired a Water Pistol right at his heart, knocking him down directly.Seeing the Commodore fall, the other Marines drew their swords one by one and glared at Chew."He actually hit the Commodore! Kill him!"Not long after they said this, they felt the ship beneath their feet begin to shake."What's with this shaking? Could there be Fishmen under the ship?"Indeed, Kuroobi of the three officers was dismantling the rudder beneath the ship."Just now... my comrade dismantled the rudder of this ship.""A ship without a rudder has a final destination: the deep sea! Chuu!"Deep under the sea, Hatchan was in front of a huge sunken reef."Watch me move this reef... here it comes!"The reef was moved aside under Hatchan's monstrous strength.Kuroobi, on the seabed, looked at the warship above."Then, I'll make it sink a bit easier... Hah!" Kuroobipunched the bottom of the ship with force, smashing a huge hole. Seawater poured in through the opening.The soldiers on the ship could feel the vessel beginning to sway significantly.Even the injured Commodore Pudding Pudding was shaken awake. Seeing the current scene, he questioned Chew."What on earth have you guys done?!"Chew didn't answer, but instead began to give the Commodore a lecture on ocean currents."If you want to know your current situation, I'll give you a simple example.""If a huge reef is thrown into the middle of a swift current.""What changes do you think will occur in the sea?""What?!"As a Commodore, Pudding Pudding naturally knew what the Fishman's words meant. Could it be...Before the Commodore could react, a Marine nearby pointed at the waters in front of the ship and shouted."Look over there..."Looking in the direction the soldier pointed, a massive whirlpool appeared on the sea surface."Waaah! A huge whirlpool suddenly appeared ahead!""Turn the rudder, quick!""It's no use, the rudder has failed!""What do we do? We're going to fall in!""Oh no, we're being sucked in!"Without a rudder, the ship could only follow the current and be sucked into the suddenly appearing whirlpool.Before long, the ship disappeared from the sea surface, as if it had never been there at all.The people on the shore felt deep fear after seeing the ship disappear..."They clearly came to save us...""This is reality! No one can escape from Arlong's hands."In the pool of Arlong Park, the three Fishmen who had finished their work swam out.Arlong looked at the three returning comrades: "Good work...""What are you saying? We know this sea area inside out, from the winds to the deep sea. It's a small matter, Chuu.""As long as we have the charts Nami drew and our skills, we are invincible here!""But speaking of which, Nami really is an indispensable person for us to establish the Arlong Empire."Regarding the other two's praise for Nami, Kuroobiwas somewhat worried."But, didn't you promise Nami that if she had one hundred million Berries...""Then we'd give her her freedom and give the Village to her?""Of course, I will keep an agreement regarding money to the death! I will..."Upon hearing Arlong's words, the three knew he had a perfect plan in place, so they no longer worried.After the Marines were wiped out, the residents of the small Village returned to the Village and began to continue their work.Meanwhile, Usopp, who Johnny thought was dead, appeared openly on the street.What he didn't understand now was the meaning of Nami's words and actions.He recalled how Nami, in order to protect him, didn't hesitate to sacrifice herself and throw him into the pool so he could escape.If not for that, he would definitely have died. No, he should be thinking about where Zoro is now."That octopus Fishman did say he sent Zoro to Cocoyasi Village.""So, the primary task now is to regroup with him.""Wait, I remember that guy Zoro said he was going to kill Arlong.""He couldn't have broken into Arlong Park again, could he! Damn it!"Thinking of this, Usopp began to sprint towards Arlong Park."Run, run, run! Don't you dare break into Arlong Park, Zoro!"On the path Usopp was taking, Luffy and the others were resting."So, Alex, are you saying Usopp isn't dead?"Zoro asked Alex, who was treating him. He didn't understand why the other would say that."That's right. Normally speaking, when she was answering my questions, both her heart and brainwaves had obvious reactions.""First, her heartbeat quickened, and second, her brainwaves were unusually messy. These are all signs of lying.""Alright, Zoro, your shoulder blade has healed."Zoro moved around a bit and found it really was better."Alex, how did you see that Nami-san wasn't lying?""My eyes. The Byakugan can see through the human body. Nami's heartbeat was the same as when you first met her.""As for brainwaves, the Sharingan can also see some. A normal person's brainwaves are usually balanced and orderly. Only Luffy's brainwaves are something I can't make any sense of.""And at the moment Nami lied, her brainwaves were unusually messy, which is why I concluded she was lying."After Zoro confirmed Usopp wasn't dead, he lay down under a tree trunk to rest.Since he knew the other person hadn't killed Usopp, he would just wait for him here.Instead, Sanji, after hearing that the Byakugan had the ability to see through things, quickly came in front of Alex.He stared intently at him, and Alex didn't know what was wrong with him, but being looked at with such eyes, even he felt pressure."San... Sanji... let's... let's talk this out.""Hey, Alex, you said your left eye is called the Byakugan and can see through Nami-san's body, right?"Alex nodded."Can it see through just clothes?"Alex nodded again."In other words, you've already seen Nami-san's beautiful body, haven't you?""Theoretically it's possible, but I've never done that. After all, she was a comrade then, I wouldn't do that.""In other words, it really is possible, right!"Alex nodded again.
Chapter 74: Hopes DashedSanji saw Alex admit he could do it. He lowered his head, but his hands, which were gripping Alex's arms, tightened even more."Hey, Alex, do Ninja have the ability to turn invisible?""Speak up, Sanji, what exactly are you...""Don't talk about anything else, just answer yes or no!"At this moment, Sanji was staring at Alex with eyes blazing with fire.Alex nodded again.Then, Sanji's body began to tremble, and he started taking deep breaths, as if he were about to complete a very glorious and arduous task."Alex, please take me as your apprentice!""Huh?""Hey, what are you thinking!""Sanji, are you trying to become a Ninja by taking Alex as your master? Give it up, it's impossible."Seeing Sanji trying to apprentice under Alex, Luffyshook his head directly and said it was impossible, as he had already asked Alex if he could learn those cool Ninjutsu.He remembered Alex's answer to him was no, and the reason given was that the cell count was wrong."That's right, Sanji. Luffy is right, you guys can't learn it. My body structure is different from yours; you don't even have the most basic Chakrapathways, let alone anything else."When Sanji heard that their body structures were different, his body trembled. Alex didn't think much of it, assuming he was just disappointed because he couldn't learn Ninjutsu.After all, when Luffy heard he couldn't learn Ninjutsu, he had grumbled for a long time, and even when practicing, he would mutter curses like "Explode!".Knowing he couldn't learn Ninjutsu, Sanji was clearly quite disappointed, but just then, a voice came from afar."Wow! It's Zoro, and Luffy, Alex, and that cook! Thank goodness Zoro didn't go to Arlong Park, and everyone has returned!""Yo, Usopp, welcome back to the 'living'."Just like that, the Straw Hat Pirates, who had separated at the floating restaurant Baratie, were fully assembled in Cocoyasi Village.Usopp returned and, before he could even catch his breath, told everyone that Nami hadn't betrayed them and that she had joined Arlong out of necessity.However, everyone looked at Usopp with a "is that it?" expression; clearly, they had already known.Seeing this, Usopp asked everyone how they should proceed."Naturally, we'll bring her back, and we'll kill anyone who dares to stop us!"Alex looked toward Arlong Park with a calm face, but everyone could hear the killing intent in his tone."Yeah, since the misunderstanding is cleared up, we naturally have to bring her back and give her a good scolding for doubting her companions."Zoro had an "as I thought" expression and spoke calmly."You damn swordsman, don't you dare lay a hand on Miss Nami."Sanji liked the suggestion but retorted against Zoro."Alright, then next target: retrieve Nami!"Luffy was even more simple and direct.Just as everyone was in high spirits, a voice interrupted them."You must be Nami's companions. I advise you to leave here quickly."The person who arrived was Nami's sister, Nojiko.How did Nojiko know everyone was here? That all goes back to after Nami left.Nami, having left with the others, returned home carrying the treasure Alex had given her.She placed the large bag of treasure at her feet. In the past, she would have been happy for a long time seeing this, but this time, she couldn't bring herself to feel happy at all.Thinking of this, Nami smashed everything in the house.Nojiko, who was picking tangerines in the tangerine grove, saw Nami return and knew she was angry."Ah—ah— You've made a mess of everything, Nami. And what's wrong with you?""Nothing, I just feel like my previous goal has suddenly ended, and it's as if I've lost something very important. I suddenly felt very tired and came in to rest."Nojiko looked at the treasure at Nami's feet. Even though she didn't deal with treasure often, she could roughly estimate that these items were worth five million Berries.Adding this to what Nami had buried, the money to buy Cocoyasi Village had been collected."Just coming over to rest, and you bring so much treasure, and smash all the glass and furniture? That's hard to take. If nothing was wrong, you wouldn't have opened that treasure map. Also, didn't you promise me that you would tell me everything?""Some things happened that made me furious, and I've already lost a lot of things..."Nojiko was truly Nami's sister; she noticed something was wrong with Nami at a glance."It's those guys, isn't it? Can you tell me what kind of people they are?""You've seen them?"Nami was curious how her sister had seen Luffy and the others."Yeah, I met someone called Captain Usopp, who is a guy who loves to lie. And Luffy and Alex; I heard both of them are very strong."Afterward, Nami recounted what had just happened, and as she spoke, she became too tired and fell asleep on the table.Watching the sleeping Nami, Nojiko also became worried."It's no wonder you're angry; after all, for you, companions are the most painful thing."Then, Nojiko draped a coat over Nami, left the room, and headed toward Arlong Park.She couldn't let these people go to their deaths, nor could she watch them die and make Nami sad again.Afterward, she arrived to persuade Luffy and the others to leave."It's useless. No matter what you do, you cannot shake Arlong's rule here.""Nojiko!""Who is this?""Nami's sister."Usopp quickly explained the person's identity to everyone.Sanji then came to Nojiko's side."Nami's sister. Truly Nami's sister, you're so beautiful.""What do you mean by 'useless'?""I beg you, don't get involved with this Villageanymore. I will tell you the whole story, so please leave here quickly.""Well, I'll leave here first. After all, there's no need to listen to this stuff; other than knowing more about Nami's suffering, it has no practical use.""Me too, I don't want to listen either, and I have no interest in her past!""Hey, Luffy, let's go explore the Village.""Sure."Saying this, Alex and Luffy left together and walked toward the Village."Hey, where are you two going! Aren't you going to listen to her?""Nope, not listening.""No interest."Nojiko looked at the big and small figures leaving, feeling a bit curious, and asked Zoro, who was nearby."What are they doing?""Don't mind them, those two are just like that. We can just listen, though it won't change anything even after we hear it."After Zoro finished speaking, he leaned against a tree and fell asleep."He's sleeping!"Usopp bared his shark teeth and shouted at Zoro."Don't just go to sleep right after talking, hey!"But Usopp also showed a helpless expression regarding Zoro's behavior.Then he looked at Nojiko: "I want to listen! I want to understand the situation!"Sanji also expressed with great interest that he wanted to listen.Looking at the few people in front of her, Nojikosighed; she finally understood why Nami felt so helpless.On the other side, Nami woke up from her sleep, only to see the gold at her feet and a basket of tangerines not far away."I fell asleep... Where's Nojiko? Where did she run off to... But the money has been collected; now, as long as I complete the transaction with Arlong, everything can return to normal—the tangerine grove, and my dream..."Just as Nami was fantasizing about completing the transaction with Arlong and escaping from this endless suffering, she didn't expect that a nightmare was descending.At the harbor, a Marine warship was docked; this was a ship from the Marine 16th Branch.The villagers, upon seeing this ship, were all wondering if it had come because of the matters at the 77th Branch.Did this mean the Headquarters was starting to take action..."Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak... I am Colonel Nezumi of the Marine 16th Branch. Call Genzo, the police officer of Cocoyasi Village, over here!"Genzo walked over and saluted in front of Nezumi."I am the police officer Genzo, Colonel, sir.""It's you? Alright then, take me to the home of a woman named Nami."Genzo didn't understand why the Marines had come, but it wasn't easy to refuse, so he had to take them to Nami's home.At this time, Alex, who was walking toward the Village, told Luffy that he had something to do and parted ways with him.After walking a few steps, he saw that Colonel Nezumi and the police officer Genzo. Since he didn't know them, Alex didn't pay them any mind and just asked a nearby villager where to find a blacksmith."A blacksmith? Over there, follow that road and you'll find it.""Thanks, mister."Alex ran in the direction the villager had just pointed."What a strange kid." The man said this and then continued his work.Alex didn't run for long before he saw a blacksmith shop.Inside the shop, two rather sturdy men were forging iron.Seeing Alex approach, they immediately roared."Hey! Kid, it's dangerous here; this isn't a place for you!""Oh, I'm here to have something made. By the way, can I ask if you can forge daggers?""Have something made? Where are your family? Why did they let a kid like you come here? This is too dangerous. Daggers? We haven't made any, but we can give it a try."Seeing that they could forge them, Alex nodded, took out paper and pen, and began to draw.He wanted to forge the standard equipment for a Ninja: Kunai and Shuriken. Although he had picked up a few Shuriken from Don Krieg, they weren't enough."Mister, these are the things. Please forge ten of these bladed ones for me, and thirty of these darts. This is the deposit."Alex took out two pearls and handed them to the other party."Little guy, you gave too much. Ten daggers and a few small darts don't cost this much.""It's okay, just please forge them well for me, mister.""No problem, leave it to us. Brothers, let's get to work!""Oh!"Not long after, two more big men came out of the house. The four of them gathered around the furnace and began to hammer. These items were quite simple to forge, there were just a lot of them.Seeing that it wouldn't be finished in a short while, Alex told them he was going to look around elsewhere.After walking for a long time, he saw that group of Marines again, only this time they were carrying a pile of stuff toward the seaside. While walking, the leader was saying things like "We're rich, we're rich".
CriedAlex didn't care at first, until a bundle appeared before him; he remembered that bundle."I gave this to Nami, how is it with them? There's something wrong here."Thinking of this, Alex stepped forward to ask."Big brothers, where did you get this from? What are these bundles?"Unfortunately, none of these people paid him any mind; some soldiers saw he wouldn't leave and tried to push him away."Go away, where did this smelly brat come from? Get to the side.""Still looking? Careful, or I'll shoot you!"Seeing that if he continued, the other party would really take action, Alex didn't continue to pester, pretending to cry as he left the place."Humph, the more you don't let me know, the more interested I am. Shadow Clone Technique!"Not long after, a person exactly like Alex appeared beside him.Then the clone began to perform the Rock Hiding Technique, quietly infiltrating the Marine warship.On the warship, Nezumi looked at the 100 million Berries found from Nami's side and laughed happily."Chichichichi, I didn't expect this little girl to have saved so much money, but this money has to be shared with that Arlong guy, truly a pity.""Sir, should we take Arlong and..."A confidant of Nezumi came to his side and made a throat-slitting motion."Idiot, Arlong is powerful, who among us is his match? Unless we bring that person over, but don't you think—if he comes over, wouldn't the things we've done all these years be exposed?""Sorry sir, it was my lack of consideration."Nezumi said nothing, just waved his hand to let the other party withdraw.While he himself admired these treasures.The clone had already arrived on the ship at this time; because of the Camouflage Ninjutsu on his body, the Marine soldiers could not see his figure."Where did they put these treasures? Why haven't I found them?"The clone's idea was very simple: find the treasures, and then perform the Transformation Technique to enter the other party's vault along with these treasures.Then use the Sealing Technique to collect these treasures. Oh right, there's also the Bounty Exchange Vault in the base he could go and take a look at.Having done everything, Alex's main body came out of the alley.Then he heard someone shouting."It has nothing to do with you! Get off this island quickly!"After walking over, he found it was the scene where Nami knocked Luffy down and ran out."What kind of attitude is that, that guy?""Luffy, what happened to Nami? Did you give her some stimulation again?""I don't know?"Luffy shrugged, indicating he didn't understand what he had just done.In that crowd, Alex saw a familiar figure; walking over to take a look, he found it was Nojiko, and she had multiple gunshot wounds on her body."Nojiko! Damn it, who shot you!"Alex quickly came to the other party's side and began treatment.Under the guidance of Chakra, the bullets were sucked out of the body, and the wound repair used the Jellyfish Healing Technique.This was a Ninjutsu that Alex specifically found and modified; it had good healing effects and would not leave scars.Nojiko woke up and found Nami was gone; Alexhurriedly asked what exactly happened.Nojiko looked at him, originally not wanting to say, but thinking about how all of Nami's years of effort were in vain, she sighed and explained the situation."It's Arlong. Arlong and Nami agreed on a deal for 100 million Berries, but... but just now, he sent someone to inform Captain Nezumi to sweep away all of Nami's money..."After hearing the explanation, Alex understood; it seemed the Marine money he saw really was snatched from Nami.Then Nami running over just now was to go and demand an explanation from Arlong.At this time, Nami was sprinting towards Arlong Park.As she ran, she shouted Arlong's name, while recalling the promises he had made."Arlong!"Nami pushed open the park gates and walked towards Arlong in a rage."Oh, what's wrong, our excellent surveyor! Your expression has changed.""You're the one who instructed those Marines... to come and snatch my money, right!"The next moment, Nami rushed in front of Arlong, grabbing his collar and shaking him while shouting at him."What is wrong with you! Didn't you say you would swear to uphold a deal based on money!""Hmm? Uphold... when did I break the agreement?""Stop playing dumb! You let those Marines take my money..."Before Nami could finish, Arlong grabbed her and blocked her mouth at the same time, looking at her and asking."When did I break... the decision?""You tell me!"Seeing this, Nami remembered the agreement; she knew he wasn't lying, and she knew she had completely fallen into a trap, but she was unwilling to accept it.But how could weak Nami resist him? The other fishmen also began to laugh loudly."You say the Marines snatched your money, that's truly unlucky, but a deal is a deal...""If you can't prepare 100 million Berries in front of me, I can't return the Village either.""Despicable, shameless!" Facing such rhetoric, Namicould only use these two words to fight back.Unfortunately, these words were like a mere tickle to Arlong."But, forget it...""Is it just 100 million Berries? Just save it up again!""Or do you want to escape from here?""But don't forget, at that time all the villagers of Cocoyasi Village will die because of you."At this moment, Nami was being pinched by Arlong, and Genzo's words flashed in her mind.Thinking that the villagers knew everything she had done all these years, that the villagers had distanced themselves from her so she wouldn't continue collecting money, and chose not to speak to her so she wouldn't be bound by morality.Thinking of this, Nami's mood became even heavier; then she gave Arlong a slap, while also breaking free from his restraint, turning to leave the place."Hmm? What's wrong Nami? Are you finally going to run away? Shahahahaha!"After Nami left, Chew looked at Nami's figure and couldn't help but sigh."That being said, you can really come up with such a ruthless move, Choo!""Humph, with a surveyor as excellent as Nami, how could I just watch her escape!""——That being said, I'm not a demon.""As long as she finishes the measurement work of all the world's sea areas, I will return her freedom."The other fishmen thought their boss was really going to let her go, but they didn't expect it to be like this."Puhahahaha, then wouldn't that be something decades from now!""Boss, you're really too ruthless, hahahaha!"Nami was running towards the Village, running and hoping everyone wouldn't start a war, definitely don't start a war.At this time in the Village, Alex, who had finished treating Nojiko, came to Luffy's side, watching Genzo and a group of villagers giving a pre-battle encouragement there."This is it! Take up your weapons and fight, everyone!""Eight years ago, we once were going to throw away our lives! But later we swore...""Under the rule of those bastards, no matter how humiliating and hard it is, as long as Nami is still living spiritedly...""We will fight a war of endurance!""But, this is those guys' answer!"Genzo pointed to the nearby dug-up ground; there was where Nami buried the treasure."Since the breakthrough of liberating the Village has been closed, there is no more hope within the rule of this island!""Those fishmen are simply toying with her kindness, we absolutely cannot forgive these people!""Any objections!"Other villagers were also holding different things and raising their arms to shout."How could there be! Let's go!""How can we continue to endure those guys' rule!""The whole Village is prepared to go to war at any time!""Fight!"It seemed everyone had endured enough; before, for Nami, they could endure for eight years.But now the way out has been cut off by the other party; the only choice left is to resist."Everyone, wait a moment!"Everyone looked at Nami with a smile on her face, but everyone knew she was just forcing a smile."Wait a little longer! I'll try hard one more time! I'll save up money one more time! This time it'll be a lot easier..."Looking at Nami, the group of villagers became even more worried about this weak little girl in front of them.Genzo stepped forward and took Nami into his arms to comfort her."It's enough! You also understand this is useless, right... carrying the lives of our whole Village alone.""...You've worked hard fighting until now, thank you!""For you, joining those guys is more painful than your body being cut by a knife!""You've worked hard fighting until now!"Nami looked at the person in front of her, the corners of her eyes filled with tears."Gen-san..."Then Genzo looked at Nami with a serious face."Just like that... leave the Village!""What! Wait..."Before Nami could say anything, she was interrupted by Nojiko on the side."You... you're not just full of bad ideas! Don't you still have your own dream to realize!"Seeing everyone like this, Nami understood; they wanted to seek death to set her free.Thinking of this, Nami took out a dagger and stood in front of everyone."Don't do this! I... I don't want anyone to be hurt by them anymore!""You'll die...""We know."Genzo came to Nami and grabbed her dagger to show everyone's determination.The doctor on the side also appeared to persuade Nami to leave."It's no use. Our minds are made up. Nami!""Step aside, Nami!""Everyone, charge! Even if we can't win, we must let them see our will!"Led by Genzo, everyone took up their weapons and crossed past Nami, charging towards Arlong Park.Nami stood in place, falling to her knees with a thud, the dagger in her hand dropping beside her.She grabbed the Arlong tattoo on her left shoulder, thinking of his smug face."Arlong! Arlong! Arlong! Arlong!"Nami picked up the dagger beside her, and with every shout, she stabbed the tattoo area, as if that were Arlong.*Slap*Luffy grabbed Nami's hand; sensing someone behind her, Nami looked back and saw it was Luffy."Luffy...""What... you clearly don't know anything.""Yeah. I don't know."Still a Luffy-style statement: clearly not knowing, yet able to find the key issue incisively."It has nothing to do with you! Get out of here quickly! Didn't I tell you!"Nami threw sand while telling Luffy to leave."That's right, you did say that."Nami covered her face and sat on the ground."Luffy... help me!"At the moment she turned her head, tears flowed down Nami's face; she really didn't know what to do anymore. These tears contained her humiliation of all these years, the villagers' hope, and her hatred for Arlong...Luffy took off his straw hat and placed it on her head, then ran to the side, squatted deep, and shouted at the sky."Of course I will!"
Chapter 76: The Battle BeginsNami sat on the ground, touching the straw hat on her head. She finally understood now: the person before her had always considered her a partner.At some point, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp had also arrived.Luffy walked toward Arlong Park."Let's go.""You got it!" × 4Nami covered her mouth again, trying not to cry out loud.Meanwhile, at the main entrance of Arlong Park, when the villagers arrived, they saw two bloodied figures lying on the ground. They rushed forward to ask if they needed help."Hey, are you guys okay! Did Arlong do this to you?""Could you please move aside? We have business with the Fishmen too!"Looking at the villagers, Johnny and Yosaku didn't move. Instead, they stuck their swords into the ground to block them from entering."Hmph... We challenged them for the sake of Big Sister Nami, but who knew we'd lose by just a hair!""We heard the whole truth in the forest. It turns out we misunderstood her. We don't have the face to see Big Sister Nami anymore.""But, sorry, we can't let you people with zero chance of winning pass!""That's right, we're here waiting for some people who are definitely going to show up.""What! Some people are..."Before the villagers could finish asking, Luffy and Alex arrived at the front gate of Arlong Park.Inside the park, Arlong was discussing with the others whether those two guys who came over were Zoro's subordinates."Zoro's subordinates? No way, they're too weak. They aren't even worth killing."Outside the gate, Luffy looked at the gate before him, threw a punch, and smashed it to pieces. He stepped inside."That guy called Arlong... who is he?"Alex looked at Johnny and Yosaku, tossing a soldier ration pill into each of their mouths to help them recover their strength.Arlong sat in his chair and looked at Luffy."That's me. What do you want?"Luffy walked toward Arlong, step by step."I'm Luffy.""Is that so, Luffy... What are you?""A pirate!"Just as Luffy approached Arlong, several Fishmen came over to block his path."Hey, stop right there.""Hehehe, where do you think you're going!""Get past us first, otherwise it'll be hard for us...""That's right, if you don't stop...""Minions, stand back. Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"A pillar of fire erupted from Alex's mouth, burning those blocking Fishmen to ashes.Seeing this, the other Fishmen widened their eyes in disbelief.Even Arlong was somewhat surprised."What is a pirate doing coming to find me?"At that moment, Luffy reached the guy, and without a word, punched Arlong, sending him flying until he crashed through the wall next to them.This scene not only shocked the villagers, but even the other Fishmen found it impossible.Arlong got up from the ruins and looked at the person before him."Who on earth are you..."Before he could finish asking, Luffy was already shouting at Arlong."You made my navigator... cry!"The other Fishmen drew their weapons and ran toward Luffy."Bastard... what are you doing causing trouble here!""Small fry, get the hell out of the way!"A leg appeared near Luffy and kicked all the charging Fishmen away."Anyway, I won't lose.""Honestly, you and Alex ran too fast. And you idiot, when did I ever worry about you? I was telling you not to hog all the prey."It was Sanji who kicked those small fries away.Then Zoro and Usopp arrived one after another."I see.""Let's get this straight: Arlong is mine. You guys can pick the rest yourselves.""I... I don't care, I'll leave them to you.""Seriously, Usopp, can you have more guts?"Alex's side had all gathered.The officers on Arlong's side also came over."Roronoa Zoro!"Hatchan looked at Zoro and became furious."It's him! That guy! He's the one who tricked me! I fell for his... wait, no! I let him trick me."Behind the Fishman officers, two Fishmen saw Usopp's figure."...The long-nosed guy, he's still alive!""Shouldn't he be dead!""Damn Nami, she dared to trick us!"At this moment, Arlong figured out the relationship between Nami and these guys.The villagers saw Luffy send Arlong flying with one hit, Alex breathe out a fire dragon to burn the Fishmen, and Sanji kick so many Fishmen away with one leg."Hey, who exactly are they?""They were actually able to send the monster Arlong flying! That doesn't seem like something an ordinary person could do."Johnny and Yosaku, having recovered after eating two soldier ration pills, picked up their weapons and blocked the villagers outside the gate."I can't say who they are, but if even they can't defeat those villains...""Then there is no future for this East Blue!""If you insist on throwing cold water on us, then kill us first."Seeing Johnny and Yosaku like this, Genzo stepped forward to ask the question on his mind."Why go this far... You have no reason to fight..."Yosaku and Johnny looked at Genzo with calm expressions."Big Sister Nami cried.""Is there any better reason to risk our lives?"Inside Arlong Park, Arlong, lying in the ruins, figured everything out and laughed loudly at the five people in front of him."So that's it, you were after Nami from the start. Hahahaha! You're just five members of an inferior race; what can you possibly do!"Hatchan grabbed his mouth with his hand and started to play the sound to summon Momoo."You bastards, do you think you're worthy of being enemies with Lord Arlong? Go become feed! Come out, giant combatant!"The villagers obviously knew what Hatchan was summoning, and Alex had a premonition and knew the identity of the opponent, while Luffy and the others looked at the figure that suddenly appeared in the pool."Come out, Momoo!"The sea beast that had encountered Alex and the others on the sea appeared.It's just that there was a big bump on its head, which seemed to have formed after hitting the seabed."It's here, the sea monster!"Usopp continued to shout timidly from the side. The villagers were also afraid of this guy. Alex didn't speak, just lifted his finger slightly.Luffy and Sanji looked over."What's that, that guy...""So it's the Fishmen's companion."When Momoo saw those three nightmares were there, it wanted to dive back into the sea and escape."Wait a second, Momoo, where are you going?"Momoo ignored Hatchan's voice and continued to swim toward the bottom of the sea."Momoo... what are you doing, you bastard..."But Arlong's voice made it freeze in place, unable to move."Anyway, if you want to run, I won't stop you. Right, Momoo!"Compared to those three nightmares, it would at most get a beating, but if this guy attacked, it might die.Thinking of this, Momoo charged toward Luffy and the others."It's coming!" Zoro warned everyone; the opponent was coming.The Fishmen followed behind Momoo and charged toward Alex and the others."Alright, follow Momoo and charge!""Teach these idiots what happens when you like to show off!"Just as everyone was preparing to fight, Luffystepped forward."I'll take care of it! So we don't waste time!"Luffy planted his feet into the ground to steady himself.The Fishmen, with their weapons, had already reached Luffy.Then Luffy started to rotate his body, twisting himself into a pretzel.Sanji, on the side, didn't understand what Luffy was trying to do."What is that guy trying to do?""I have a bad feeling about this.""Hey, I'm telling you two, you're really careless, hurry up and get out of the way!"Alex had already jumped onto a nearby building with Usopp and was standing on the wall, warning Zoro and Sanji below.After all, he had figured it out: if Luffy wanted to finish off the enemies at the fastest speed, it would be an indiscriminate AOE attack.Zoro and Sanji looked at each other and quickly left the area.After spinning enough turns, Luffy grabbed Momoo's two horns.Seeing this, Sanji and Zoro also understood what Luffy was about to do.The Fishmen saw Luffy's body twisted like a pretzel and realized he had eaten a Devil Fruit.Zoro and the other, who had already left, hadn't even caught their breath before they saw Luffy's next move."Gum-Gum—Windmill!"Luffy grabbed Momoo and spun it around. He used his body to swing it, forming a powerful machine of destruction.Wherever Momoo went, nothing was left standing. Those Fishmen were wiped out completely by Luffy's move.Then Luffy let go and sent Momoo flying."I'm not here to beat up this guy! The one I'm going to beat up... is you!"Luffy pointed at Arlong and shouted loudly.At this moment, Alex jumped down from the wall and let go of Usopp.Usopp hadn't recovered from the scene just now, and upon feeling his feet touch the ground, he let out a long sigh of relief."Luffy, I said it, this one is mine."Alex opened his eyes, one white and one red, looking at Arlong."Hey, hey, what do you take me for, merchandise? But I want to kill you guys too.""It seems... we have no choice but to fight too.""Daring to treat our kin like this!""Must teach them what the difference between people is, Chu!"The three main forces on the Fishman side appeared; similarly, on Luffy's side, Zoro and Sanjistood out while supporting Usopp."The main forces are appearing, huh...""Just don't know which is easier to cook, Fishman or fish.""I can leave my enemy to you guys...""You're coming to fight with me too!" × 2Zoro and Sanji, upon hearing Usopp's words, shouted at him.The villagers looked inside through the gap in the wall, but the scene before them was unbelievable."Throwing a monster from the Grand Line away... Arlong Park destroyed like this... What astonishing destructive power... It's hard to believe."Genzo looked at the scene before him and muttered to himself."To think someone could contend with the Fishmen... Is this really a battle of this world..."Inside Arlong Park, the two groups stood facing each other."If I had known this, I should have just killed them and taken Nami.""Hey, Alex, saying things like that in your current state is a bit off."Several Fishmen looked at the small-statured Alexand couldn't help but laugh.
Chapter 77: One-on-One"Hey, is this a kindergarten? You sent such a little shrimp over here, hahahaha...""Little... little shrimp? Heh heh heh. Fine, very fine, you stinking Fishman."Facing Hatchan's mockery, Alex couldn't hold back anymore.He began to weave hand signs rapidly, while Hatchan lowered his head to charge up.Kuroobi and Chew told Arlong not to intervene."Lord Arlong, you should rest for a while.""That's right, if you start moving... this Arlong Parkwill be smashed to pieces, Chew."On Luffy's side, when Zoro saw Alex start weaving hand signs, he knew he was about to get serious and quickly reminded him,"Alex, take it easy, don't take out all the opponents by yourself."Sanji started thinking about how to cook an octopus."Octopus should be boiled in salt water first, then sliced, and seasoned with olive oil and pepper. That would be perfect as a snack with drinks."Luffy, standing to the side, waved his hand. He was drooling just listening to it."Stop saying things that tempt me."The conversation between them seemed long, but it only took a brief moment.By now, Hatchan had finished charging, and Alexhad completed his hand signs."Hatchan's Ink Jet!""Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"Hatchan sprayed a large amount of ink toward Alex, while Alex spat out a ball of flame coated in oil.The ink and fireball collided, but the ink quickly dried and hardened, while the flame bullet fell along with the ink to the ground, creating a small sea of fire."What! Damn it, another Devil Fruit user! Then take this, Hatchan's Rock!"Seeing that his ink tactic didn't work, Hatchan picked up a large rock from the side and smashed it down toward the immobilized Luffy.Not long after it hit, cracks appeared in the middle of the rock, and then it shattered.It was Sanji. Sanji kicked the rock in half, and the shattered pieces extinguished the flames."What a headache... It seems I've followed an incredibly stupid Captain. — However, it's still a hundred times better than those bastards who bully women and guys who abandon the chivalric code!"Luffy stood where he was and shouted at Alex and Sanji."Waaaaah—nice job, Alex, Sanji."Standing nearby, Zoro agreed with Sanji's assessment of their stupid Captain.Usopp was shocked that Sanji was also this powerful.Kuroobi expressed approval of Sanji's performance."...For humans, you're not bad... However, it's inconsistent for pirates to uphold the chivalric code."On the other side, Usopp was trying to find a way to rescue Luffy."Usopp, is it still not working?""No, no, no, he hasn't budged at all."Sanji tossed away his cigarette; it looked like he was about to discuss the chivalric code with his fists and feet."You say my chivalric code is inconsistent, do you want to try it out, Fishman? Don't judge me by my looks, I was raised by pirates.""You guy seems to have no idea about the Fishmanrace... and where our true strength lies."Usopp was still struggling to pull Luffy out, and by now, Luffy had been stretched quite long."Still not working, Luffy!"In response to Usopp's question, Luffy picked his nose while describing how he felt."Why do I only feel like I'm stretching, but not like I'm being pulled out? Usopp, are you even trying?"Usopp had used all his strength, but Luffy's feet were like they were rooted in the ground, completely motionless."Still can't pull him out?""Still can't pull him out—"Hatchan, watching this, thought the two were just playing around in Arlong Park."What are you two doing! Playing around in Arlong Park!""I'll kill you!"Saying this, Hatchan picked up a huge rock from the side, preparing to throw it at Usopp.Usopp was scared out of his wits; he grabbed Luffyand started running, and Luffy's legs stretched longer and longer."Hey, octopus. They're busy right now."Zoro's figure appeared behind Hatchan."Let me play with you.""What! Roronoa Zoro! Right, I almost forgot about you, how dare you deceive me."After speaking, Hatchan slammed the rock in his hand toward Zoro.Zoro dodged the attack, and the rock shattered into pieces."That's right! I remembered a bunch of things! You killed many of our kin!"Zoro drew his sword with a relaxed expression."I have no interest in these old grudges. Whatever reason you have for wanting to kill me, it doesn't matter anymore... because the situation has changed. It's not you killing us! It's us killing you!"Seeing the danger averted, Usopp subconsciously wiped his sweat, let out a sigh of relief, and instructed Zoro."Good... good job, Zoro, I'll leave that octopus to you."When Usopp looked at his hands again, he found that Luffy was gone."Oh no, Luffy!"At this moment, Luffy was flying backward, and where Luffy had been standing, the last Fishmanofficer, Chew, appeared."Hmm?" Chew heard a sound by his ear, turned his head, and saw Luffy flying toward him.Bang, he was sent flying away from the impact.Luffy looked at his feet, then at the surrounding environment."Oh my, I'm back again."Chew sat up from the ground, staring fixedly at Usopp.Usopp looked at him, tears silently streaming from his eyes.The next second, he ran toward the gap, wanting to escape from here."It seems you really want to die by my hand!"Chew stood up and chased after Usopp."Waaaaaaah! Aaaaaah!"In no time at all, Usopp was almost out of sight.Johnny and Yosaku, who were guarding the hole to prevent villagers from entering, saw Usopp leaving and shouted at him, but unfortunately, Usopp didn't stop to respond.Chew chased out and saw Johnny and Yosaku, as well as a group of villagers."Hey, aren't you the guys who disrupted the training ground earlier? Still hanging around here, Chew. So, you must be the villagers of Cocoyasi Village, right? Gathering here with weapons, it seems you want to rebel, then I'll just kill you all here...""Fire Star!"Usopp fired an incendiary shell from his slingshot in the distance."Bastard, your opponent! Is me."It seemed Usopp didn't want others to get hurt, so he chose to attack the opponent and locked his aggro onto himself."Hmm, it seems Usopp has grown up. Shadow Clone. Clone, follow Usopp, only intervene when he's about to die, and don't let the opponent notice you."The Shadow Clone nodded and vanished. Seeing Alex's display, the other two Fishmen couldn't help but pay a little more attention."Since you want to die so much, I'll make you disappear right now!"Chew indeed locked his aggro firmly onto Usopp, and the two raced along the road.The villagers marveled at this incredible person who was both incredibly brave and running for his life.Just then, Arlong stood up from the ruins and walked over."Arlong, didn't I tell you? Don't join in the fun here.""I'm not joining in the fun, just moving a little bit.""Huh? Watch me..."Just as Luffy was about to strike, a figure faster than him appeared."Monster Strength Punch!"Bang, with one blow, he slammed Arlong into the ground, leaving only his head above the surface.Then Alex crouched on his head."Don't move, quietly watch my companions' performance!""Arlong!""Lord Arlong!"Seeing Arlong slammed into the ground, Kuroobiand Hatchan wanted to rescue him."Hahahaha, Alex, well done!""Hmph, I underestimated you.""Hey, you stinking brat, do you think you can tie me down just like this? I'm a Fishman, I am...""Shut up.""Lightning Release: 100,000 Volts!"This was a move borrowed from Pokémon. Powerful electric current surged from Alex, and even people in the distance could see the massive lightning.The lightning struck, and Arlong was scorched all over, unrecognizable as a person."Alright, Zoro, Sanji, I'll time you two to see who wins first. You two better do your best! By the way, Fishmen, just letting you know, in this state, Arlongwill go into shock and die in ten minutes.""Tch, meddlesome.""Hmph, the pervy cook is scared.""I'm afraid of you? Let's race."Kuroobi and Hatchan recovered from the previous lightning attack. Hearing their conversation, they looked at each other, preparing to finish off their opponents and rescue Arlong.Kuroobi ran toward Sanji."Then I'll finish you first, Hundred-Brick Fist!"Sanji calmly stated."Don't be so impatient. Either way, you won't survive. Mutton Shot."Sanji launched his attack, and they clashed.Zoro didn't waste any words either, raising his sword to slash at Hatchan.Seeing Zoro attacking, Hatchan sprayed ink again."Octopus~ Hatchan~ Ink~ Jet~!"Zoro dodged to the side, then used the momentum to swing his sword."Ouch!"Hatchan immediately ducked, but a few spikes of his starfish-like hair were cut off."Ouch! My hair! You bastard, I will never forgive you!""It's just hair, it'll grow back.""Really? Thank you!"Zoro couldn't tell if Hatchan was genuinely stupid or pretending."Hahaha, Hatchan, you're so funny."Luffy stood there laughing heartily.Alex raised his leg and stomped on the ground where Luffy was standing, shattering it."I just remembered, you haven't broken free yet.""Thanks, Alex!"Luffy climbed out of the ground, stretched his body, and just as he was preparing to fight, he saw Sanjibattling Kuroobi, Zoro fighting Hatchan, and Alexhaving instantly taken down Arlong.Seeing there was nothing to do, Luffy went over to Alex's side, squatted on the ground, and watched his companions' battles.Kuroobi clicked his tongue at Hatchan's performance; if he didn't finish his opponent quickly, Arlong would definitely die here."Hey, you stinking fish, if you keep looking around, be careful you don't die young."Sanji kicked at him, and Kuroobi, failing to react in time, raised his arm to block."Hmph, I am a Fishman, both my race and my strength far exceed yours.""Is that so? But fish had better not resist a chef."Sanji kicked again, and this time Kuroobi used the fins on his arms to block Sanji's attack.On the other side, Hatchan spread his six arms and faced off against Zoro."I! Roronoa Zoro! Am very strong against swordsmen. Do you know what that means?"