A.N: Okay, yeah, this is definitely the system to work on. Enjoy the chapter, everyone. Follow me on twitter and instagram, check out my website, and subscribe to me on youtube. And to top it all off, if you want to see original content, check out Age of Heroes: The Hero and the Disciple on Amazon Kindle.

Chapter 26

The Best of Humanity

Arlong vs. Jonathan

Cat Burglar Nami looked out at the battle between Arlong and that dapper-looking young man who was called Joestar. "Arlong…" she growled, still unable to truly forgive that man after everything he put her and her home through.

"Nami, are you alright?" Nico Robin asked in concern. "I wasn't part of the crew back then, so I never really knew. Was it all really that bad?"

"Arlong...Arlong took almost everything from me and from Cocoyashi Village." Nami revealed. "He killed the closest thing I had to a mom. I may be able to forgive Jinbe and Hachi. However, I don't think I can forgive him. I don't think I can ever forgive him."

"I see," Robin nodded in understanding, "so tell me...do you think this Joestar can hope to beat Arlong? I know he's nowhere near what we've gone up against lately. However, he is still an infamous and vicious pirate who was once the scourge of the East Blue."

Monkey D. Luffy grinned. "Well, I think he's got this." He claimed.

Vinsmoke Sanji scowled. "Luffy, if you're telling us to make a bet on this guy, that may not be the best idea. Usopp and Franky have scammed you out of a lot of beris with gambling, ya know. You're terrible at gambling."

"I agree with Luffy." Roronoa Zoro noted, taking an interest in Jonathan Joestar as well.

"And you've lost gambles of your own how many times, Mosshead?" Sanji deadpanned. "You do realize you're in even worse debt to Nami because of that, right?"

"Shut up, you pervy cook! This is different!" Zoro yelled. "I look at that guy, and everything about him screams experienced combat. Not just that, but everything about him screams that he's way beyond a normal human being."

"Honestly," Zoro continued, "drop the guy in our world, and I bet he'd catch up in no time and become a pretty big name on the Grand Line. I give him five years to adjust"

"That's...whoa!" Usopp's eyes widened at this. "I mean, you do realize how much training we had to go through to get to where we are?"

"That should tell you what kind of man this Jonathan Joestar guy is." Zoro told him. "Keep an eye on him...because I think he's going to win this fight, and pretty convincingly for that matter."

Back on the battlefield, Arlong scowled at Jonathan's declaration. "A gentleman, you say? Yes, I can definitely see it in the clothes you wear. You're nothing but a pampered human who has benefited from the wealth that humans such as yourself don't deserve."

Jonathan shook his head. "The Joestar bloodline is an honorable family that made its money off of trading. Although, these days, it seems my bloodline fights for justice."

"Justice? What the hell do humans know about justice?" Arlong demanded.

"Humans know of both justice and injustice, just as humans are also capable of both good and evil." Jonathan claimed. "That is what humans are. And because of that, our potential is limitless. Allow me to show you."

"Humans are just filthy inferiors compared to the superior Fishman race! Filth that hurts and betrays at the drop of a hat!" Arlong declared viciously. "Allow me to show you the difference between our two species right here and now!"

Arlong brought his hands together and swung them down towards Jonathan like a hammer. The impact sent a shockwave within a three mile radius. Arlong gave a feral grin. The strength of a Fishman is far beyond any human! The victory of that Straw Hat was nothing but a fluke! Nothing but a fluke at all!

Arlong's eyes then widened when he heard the voice of Jonathan Joestar beneath him. "You certainly do have a lot of strength behind your attacks. However, I'm afraid you have the technique of a street brawler."

Arlong looked down to see Jonathan had blocked his attack with both of his arms. Jonathan's biceps bulged as he pushed back against Arlong. "Compared to Bluford...compared to Dio, I'm afraid brawling like a man of the streets doesn't mean much to me."

Before Arlong could respond, Jonathan delivered a surprising flexible kick right to the stomach that sent him stumbling backwards. "Whoa, did you see that!" Usopp exclaimed. "He's as flexible as you are, Sanji!"

"Something was up with that kick though." Sanji noted. "Did anyone else notice that his leg seemed to shine a bit? Like the sun?"

Jonathan looked down at his leg. I imbued my leg with Hamon like I do with Zoom Punch to allow myself to fire kicks off even at particular angles like that one. Nice to see it worked.

Arlong recovered and snarled feraly at Jonathan for that kick. "I'll kill you." Arlong told him. "You'll pay for that!"

"You fool, you cannot kill your enemies, remember." Jonathan reminded him. "I must politely ask that you remain calm. Even if you truly hate humans, you will accomplish nothing by killing them in a tournament that is merely for sport."

"It may be a sport to you, but I have a far bigger goal in mind! I will wish for Fishman dominance, with me at the very top!" Arlong declared before crouching down. "Shark Darts!"

Arlong leapt from the ground, propelling himself towards Jonathan like a torpedo. Jonathan's eyes widened. Fast! He exclaimed before rolling off to the side and avoiding Arlong's Shark Darts attack.

"I have a far bigger goal in mind!" Arlong had said.

I suppose I can't criticize him for his drive for a wish like that, even if it is horribly twisted when you get right down to it. Jonathan acknowledged with a sigh. After all, more than anything, I wish to win my division and wish back Father and Baron Zeppeli. I was hoping I could include Dio in that wish...but seeing him become an even bigger monster than he was before, especially with that Stand of his...I can't help but believe it to be a bad idea.

"Shark Darts!" Arlong yelled again, launching himself at Jonathan once more.

Jonathan quickly rolled out of the way once more. Good, at least I know he can only go one direction when he attacks like that: forward.

"Cowardly human!" Arlong growled, turning back to Jonathan.

"Dodging attacks doesn't make a man cowardly on the field of battle, though if you do want me to take the attack head on, I suppose I could do the gentlemanly thing and oblige." Jonathan noted before sighing. "Then again, if we were still in training, Baron Zeppeli would criticize me for trying to be courteous to an enemy."

"Shark Darts!" Arlong leapt towards Jonathan.

"Of course, Baron Zeppeli also knows the kind of man I am. I won't back down against anything." Jonathan claimed, digging his feet into the ground and letting his leg muscles bulge, showing he was about to put a lot of strength into making himself a human wall. "And besides, I have to overcome your speed if I want any hope of beating you in this fight!"

With that Arlong collided with Jonathan. "Jonathan!" Erina yelled from the stands, concerned for her beloved.

"Why would Grandfather do something so foolish?" Old Joseph wondered out loud.

Jotaro remained silent. Inwardly, however, he was rather surprised at how different his great great grandfather was compared to himself and his own grandfather. The old man, his younger self and me, we're far more pragmatic. But Jonathan Joestar...he really is an honest to god, decent gentleman.

If it wasn't for the fact that he's so incredibly powerful-hell, even I'd be afraid to go up against him, he'd be a nightmare with a Stand-I'd actually be worried about him in this fight.

When the dust suddenly settled, there was Jonathan, standing in the exact same spot he had been before, gripping Arlong's jaws with both hands and keeping them from snapping shut. However, his hands were still bleeding. The unfortunately inevitable aftermath of grabbing a shark man by the jaws.

Still, it was a feat of strength that made everyone watching the fight gasp in shock. "Holy whoa!" Asta exclaimed. "That is so cool!"

"There's a guy who's pushed himself past his limits." Yami Sukehiro acknowledged. "He clearly trains a ton. Maybe just as much as you do, Asta."

"Whoa, I absolutely have to compare biceps with that guy when he's done with this match!" Asta exclaimed.

Noelle Silva blushed at the thought of two muscular men comparing biceps with each other. However, she was absolutely not blushing because one of those men comparing biceps was Asta. Not at all. And you were a damn liar if you insisted such. You got that?

Arlong gazed up at Jonathan in shock. It was impossible. It was simply impossible. A human did not possess the strength to catch him in the midst of his Shark Darts attack. Even Straw Hat had to punch and kick him or even rely on his Devil Fruit to stop him. But catching him? It was simply impossible!

What in the world is he?

Jonathan then let out a roar before throwing Arlong over his shoulder, making the Fishman yell in shock as he was sent tumbling onto his back. Arlong looked up at the sky in disbelief. His haughtiness was wiped away as he found himself remembering his encounter with Vice Admiral Borsalino.

Arlong rose to his feet. He then vocalized his disbelief at what kind of man Jonathan Joestar was. "What are you?" He demanded. "What the hell are you?"

Jonathan clenched his hands into fists, ignoring the pain from stupidly catching Arlong by the jaws. "I'm no one special," he replied, "just a gentleman of the noble Joestar Family. And a man who was lucky enough to be mentored by an even greater man."

"Nothing special? Nothing special?! Don't give me that crap!" Arlong snapped again. "In this world you are either born special or nothing at all! That is an undeniable fact! You cannot have that kind of strength and claim to be nothing special! I was born special, and yet you are matching me blow for blow! It makes no sense!"

"We are more than what we are born as, that is a far more undeniable fact!" Jonathan countered. "Whether you are born a human or a Fishman, you have the potential to become far more than that. That is what it means to be human. No, that is what it means to be a person! Our potential is limitless!"

Arlong snarled. "Shut it! Fishmen are the pinnacle of evolution! Allow me to show you!" Arlong reached into his mouth and pulled out his teeth. His teeth quickly grew back. He then proceeded to pull those out as well.

He then held them out in front of him, brandishing them like castanets, very dangerous castanets. "Allow me to now introduce my Tooth Attack." Arlong grinned dangerously as a third set of teeth grew from his gums.

"Let me show you!" Arlong lunged at Jonathan. "If simply launching at you like a cannonball isn't enough, then I will gladly stoop to your level and take the fight to you, so-called gentleman!"

Jonathan found himself weaving in and out of Arlong's attacks far more easily than before. It was foolish of him to switch tactics. Jonathan noted. But, considering his pride in his own species, that was to be expected. He is no tactician. He focuses on fear and brute strength to overpower his opponents.

Compared to what I've been through, a monstrous thug like him could never hope to frighten me!

"Zoom Punch!" Jonathan threw an extended punch right into Arlong's stomach, making Arlong grunt.

"That won't be enough!" Arlong exclaimed.

Jonathan stepped forward, continuing his assault. "Overdrive Barrage!" Jonathan continued to press his assault, firing a barrage of rapid fire punches that released several Hamon overdrives consecutively.

Arlong grunted, stumbling back with every punch. "I...I won't lose to you!" Arlong screamed, powering through the barrage and attempting to have his Tooth Attack clamp down on both of Jonathan's arms.

I'll cut off his main strength, his arms. And then, I'll rip him to shreds! Arlong declared inwardly.

Then, Jonathan's right arm erupted into flames. "Scarlet Overdrive!" Jonathan yelled, striking Arlong with a flaming karate chop.

Arlong screamed as he erupted into flames, dropping the two sets of teeth he was carrying in his hands. Jonathan winced slightly as the scent of burning fish invaded his nostrils. "Not done yet!" Arlong then screamed. "A little fire won't stop me!"

"I knew it wouldn't, Scarlet Overdrive is not powerful enough to stop you. It was merely preparation for this next attack!" Jonathan declared as his entire body was enveloped in Hamon.

"How my heart resonates!" Jonathan chanted. "I'm pulsing with heat and life!"

"My very blood is a symphony!" Jonathan declared as he began to pummel Arlong with a flurry of blows even stronger than before. "Sunlight Yellow Overdrive!"

Arlong yelled as he was pummeled by the relentless barrage, courtesy of Jonathan Joestar. Speedwagon gave a happy grin at the sight of his dear friend's strongest move. "There we go!" He exclaimed. "There's the Sunlight Yellow Overdrive that even turns the strongest enemies into nothing special!"

Arlong was sent flying from the last of Sunlight Yellow Overdrive's punches, landing on his back. "Whoa, he completely decimated Arlong!" Usopp exclaimed.

"Amazing…" Nami said breathlessly.

"Was it enough though?" Sanji wondered.

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. I can still sense resolve to continue the fight coming from him. Arlong is not done yet. He noted.

"Joestar...Jonathan Joestar…" Arlong groaned, rising to his feet, swaying as blood dripped from his wounds. "No matter what happens...I must defeat you...I will not let my ambitions end here. I will not let it end here!"

Arlong then retrieved a massive blade that had been strapped to his back. It looked almost like a giant saw. "This is the saw blade!" Arlong introduced. "I will saw you to pieces, right down to the bone. Let's see those punches reach me now, huh?"

Jonathan remained dispassionate at Arlong pulling out his blade. "It seems you understand nothing of Hamon. My attacks are more than just mere punches and kicks."

Arlong let out a roar of anger, swinging the saw blade at Jonathan. Jonathan responded by kicking the blade. "Hamon is life energy, energy that is identical to the sun itself. And unfortunately for you, Arlong, metal conducts Hamon!" Jonathan declared.

"Metal Silver Overdrive!" Jonathan yelled as Hamon coursed through the saw blade, striking Arlong in the arm.

Arlong let out a roar of pain as the shock of Hamon coursing through his arm made him drop the saw blade. Am I really this helpless against him? Just like back then with Borsalino...damn you...Jonathan Joestar!

"I'm afraid no matter what you may throw at me, I have an answer for it." Jonathan claimed. There was no arrogance in the tone of his voice. Just pure certainty and confidence. "This is not a question of humanity vs. Fishman, however. This is simply the result of hard training against complacency."

Arlong found himself uncharacteristically whimpering. Indeed, the Fishman found himself horribly outmatched and frightened of a vastly superior opponent for the first time since his encounter with the future Admiral Kizaru. "This...this wasn't how it was supposed to go!" Arlong declared.

Jonathan gazed impassively at Arlong for that statement. "It wasn't just to create an empire ruled by Fishmen!" Arlong continued. "It was...so that his death meant something. Big Bro Fisher Tiger didn't have to die the way he did. He shouldn't have died the way he did! It's all those detestable humans' faults! If I can just create an empire where Fishmen don't have to suffer! Where the superior species is right at the top where it belongs, then that means Fisher Tiger and all the other Fishmen who were wrongfully enslaved and slaughtered can find justice!"

Jonathan sighed at this. "Ruthlessness aside, I cannot deny that deep down, your goals are admirable. Tell me though, what exactly do you hope to accomplish by simply reversing the roles? The roles of ruler and slave."

Arlong fell silent. "All you will do is cause humans to lash out, just as you are now. Maybe one day, humanity will rule once again and bring down your Fishmen Empire. Maybe once again, humans will hate, enslave and kill your kind."

"That, Arlong, is nothing more than a cycle of hate and revenge."

Naruto Uzumaki grimaced slightly at Jonatha's speech. It would seem that the cycle of hate was alive and well across the universe. "No good comes from revenge politics when you're in power, Arlong." Jonathan told him. "And no matter how admirable your reasons are. No matter how much you genuinely love and care for your people, I cannot allow your world to be created. Not because I'm a human but because such a world hurts everyone."

"And as I've said before, I have a far greater, far more personal goal for this tournament. I will resurrect my father, Baron Zeppeli...and even my mother as well. For me, right now, my justice is breathing life back into those who had their own lives cut far too short. I apologize that my goal stands in the way of yours, but I promise you this. Even if I did not have my own intentions for this tournament, we would still be foes because of your own goal."

Arlong regained his composure and glared at Jonathan. "Then I will simply rip you apart, Joestar." Arlong vowed, standing on his feet now. "You say my 'revenge politics' only hurts everyone. Tell that to the Fishmen who've suffered. I don't give a damn if some idiotic cycle is created by my actions. I want blood for what has been done. I want human blood!"

Jonathan sighed, knowing there was nothing else he could say to Arlong. He took a deep breath, preparing for one final attack. Arlong leapt towards Jonathan spinning about. "Shark Tooth Drill!" Arlong screamed.

The key to Hamon is a unique style of breathing that requires tremendous training and effort. Jonathan noted. However, it is still breathing. That means, I can still draw a deeper breath if I wish. And it stands to reason that the deeper the breath, the more energy I can draw for one single strike!

Jonathan's entire right hand exploded with Hamon as Arlong's drill attack neared him. "Infernal Crimson Overdrive!" He yelled before pivoting away from the attack at the last possible second and then punching downwards, striking Arlong precisely in the forehead.

There was an explosion of Hamon energy as Arlong was knocked to the ground by the impact. For a brief moment, fighters nearby paused and gazed in awe at the light that reminded them of a miniature sun.

Then, the miniature sun vanished, leaving Jonathan and a motionless Arlong in the dead center, the ground around them was scorched with the intense heat of Hamon. Jonathan's fist bled from the attack "I am truly glad that Hamon is only absolutely lethal to vampires, and its lethality depends on my wish as the wielder." Jonathan acknowledged with a hard expression on his face before it softened into an empathetic one. "And I pray that there comes a day when you are able to live your life without this rage inside of you."

Arlong still remained in place, motionless. His head bleeding from the blow delivered by Jonathan Joestar's Infernal Crimson Overdrive. "Farewell, Arlong." Jonathan said to him. "As a gentleman, know that I was being sincere."

"I truly will pray that your soul finds peace one day."

A.N: For real though, can I just take a moment to gush about Jonathan Joestar? This dude is way too nice for the part of JoJo he was a part of. He went through hell. Lost his girl (for awhile), lost his dog, lost his dad, lost his home, lost his mentor. He did not deserve what he went through. And he still remained true to what he desired to be, a true gentleman. If Jotaro didn't exist, this guy would definitely be my favorite JoJo. Either him or Joseph. Maybe on YouTube, I should dedicate a series to gushing about characters I really like? I'll save that for later.

This was definitely another curbstomp. But let's be real here, end of Phantom-Blood Jonathan could absolutely wreck the East Blue. The only person who gave him any trouble after the fight with Tarkus was Dio, because he's, well, Dio.

And that's the point of these prelims, to introduce the real heavy hitters and weed out the weak so that we can get to the really tough fights in the elimination rounds.

I hope everyone enjoyed me channeling my inner Speedwagon and totally man-crushing on Jonathan Joestar for like 3,000 words. I'll see you all next time.