"I can't believe I didn't think of it before!" The crustacean exclaimed, pacing back and forth as he conversed with the demigod that had come down to talk to him. "Do you know how long it takes them to clear groves of diseased or dead trees? Hours! Maybe even days! I could take care of that easily, along with loads of other stuff that takes them forever!" He clicked his claws together gleefully, chuckling (ironically) like a villain with an evil scheme. "This'll be far easier than I thought!"
Maui laughed under his breath as he listened to Tamatoa ramble; he almost hated having to bring up something negative, especially since the crustacean had finally stopped worrying about monster attacks and was focusing on something positive…
"So, uh… It's really great that you're deciding to help out, but…" Maui rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, frowning. "I've got to tell you something."
Tamatoa tilted his head in confusion, worried by the deity's tone. "Yes…?"
With a sigh, Maui just came out and said it. "Look. A couple of the villagers, Wikoli and Pilipo, have claimed that you wrecked that boat so you could help out with it later and make yourself look good."
"What?" The crab took a step back, startled by the accusation. "I wouldn't do that! I was on the shore the whole time, just ask Sina! I wouldn't have—"
"I know, I know; Sina and the fisherman are vouching for you, and Moana's doing what she can to sort them out. But even she can't stop people from believing what they want to believe." Maui reassured him, taking a step forward. "I just wanted you to hear it from me rather than one of the… less accepting villagers, y'know?"
Tamatoa narrowed his eyes slightly, annoyed that his name was being slandered already; that was the last thing he needed right now.
… Eh. But it's not like he can really blame them, considering. He'd just have to work extra hard to prove his worth.
"Well, no matter." The crab said finally, looking away. "They're just a couple of liars, anyway. S'not going to stop me from proving 'em wrong."
"Heh, wow," Maui commented, folding his arms. "You took that well, crab cake. I'm impressed."
"Naturally," Tamatoa replied with a sly grin. "I'm as impressive as they come. And soon those little humans will realize that, too~." He clicked his tongue at that last bit, doing a quick pose before the two of them shared a laugh.
And, surprisingly enough, Tamatoa's service seemed to be working. He managed to help out in lots of different areas; from attracting fish into their traps with his shininess to harvesting foods and materials from across the island that would otherwise take days to get, the giant crab certainly seemed to be proving his usefulness. Even chief Tui was starting to appreciate the extra help.
But the crab really came into his own when it came to a certain crew of murdering little pirates…
"See, isn't it nice to be nice?" Moana said smugly as she and the crustacean patched up a damaged roof together; she was pleased that the crab was finally dropping the Lalotai frame of mind.
"Pssh." Tamatoa snickered, handing her some fronds and rolling his eyes. "I'm only doing it for a good rep, babe. Not much else to it."
"C'mon, admit it." She smirked. "It makes you feel a little good inside, doesn't it?"
Raising a brow, he did another eye roll. Was he really that readable? "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Maybe a little bit." He admitted with a laugh. "As usual, you're right."
Their conversation was cut off by the yelling of a frantic-looking man running towards them.
"Kanoi?" Moana blinked, confused and concerned. Tamatoa picked her up off the roof and placed her on the ground so she could properly face the man. "What's wrong?"
Out of breath, Kanoi placed his hands on his knees and wheezed, "P-Pirate… things… Beach… Where's… Maui…?!"
The demigod wasn't available; he was off checking on some of the other islands. But that was no problem. Moana knew exactly what was on the beach. "Kakamora." She said out loud.
"Again with these 'Kakamora' things! Maui never told me what they are! What are Kakamora?" Tamatoa queried, very confused.
Moana flashed him a confident smirk and answered, "Coconuts."
"… Coconuts?" The crab repeated, a very faint devious smile starting to appear on his face.
Turning to Kanoi, Moana ordered, "Tell the other villagers to steer clear of the beach." Giving the man a bold grin, she continued, "We'll handle this."
