It was a calm day with no rain clouds. In a small boat were Naruto, Ruffy, Sanji and Yosaku sailing calmly through the East Blue. While Naruto was thinking this a voice was present.
- The weather is great! announced Ruffy smiling walking around the entire vessel and wondering where the great route is.
- Shut up... Can't you be quiet a little bit? Sanji asked, fed up with Ruffy walking all over the boat.
- Sorry, sorry. We finally have a chef on our ship! Ruffy said excitedly. Now we have to find Nami to finally go the big route.
- Nami-san! Just thinking about your inexplicable beauty makes me jump for joy! Sanji spoke with a face that could say he has bad suggestions.
- You're still going to die for thinking that way about women you know? Naruto commented taking a bottle of rum he had on the boat.
- Shut up! he ordered angrily to the other blonde.
Hearing Sanji decided to just ignore it, as he's not exactly their age and had no reason to fight back like he was, so he just kept drinking. It snapped out of his thoughts when he heard.
- Hey, Yosaku, we're almost there, right? exclaimed Ruffy sitting down. The island where Nami is, right?
- You are very innocent! Too innocent! You do not understand? Yosaku asked fearing the destination of the trip. We are getting closer and closer to Arlong's base!
While Yosaku talked about how dangerous Arlong Naruto was, Sanji and Ruffy talked about trivialities to the point of yawning with boredom.
- Hey, isn't Sanji at lunch? asked Ruffy hungrily.
- I agree! I am hungry. Naruto agreed.
- Yes. Sanji said simply ignoring Yosaku's outburst.
- Don't tell me you've never heard of Arlong?! he exclaimed in disbelief.
- Arlong? Who is he? asked the curious cook.
- Never heard of it. Ruffy dictated.
- It doesn't make any difference who he is. exclaimed Naruto seriously. When we get there we'll find out.
- Arlong is a merman, who has been on the great route. Said Yosaku seriously.
- A merman? Sanji asked confused.
- A merman, huh? Ruffy asked no one in particular. Never seen one before.
- On second thought, I've heard that there is an island of newts on the great route. He suddenly remembered talking about newts. And that there are many wonderful mermaids there!
- Let me explain again. he requested. The reason why the great route is called the pirate tombs... is because there are three super powers there.
- One of them is the Shichibukai. Overall, they are seven pirates who have government recognition. Retorted seriously.
- What does that mean? Sanji asked confused. Why would pirates get government recognition?
- Because the Shichibukai give a fixed percentage of the treasures...they get to the government. To the other pirates, they're just government dogs. But they are powerful!
- The man who defeated Zoro, Mihawk Hawk Eyes, is one of them. Said Yosaku afraid to enter Arlong's territory.
- Wow! This is fantastic! Ruffy yelled. Are there seven like him? The Shichibukai are awesome! He shouted in surprise.
- Shichibukai is it? Naruto asked no one in particular.
- I WANT TO MEET THE OTHER SHICHIBUKAI! Ruffy declared excited.
- Didn't you understand what I'm trying to say? He exclaimed incredulously with the calm that the trio took in that situation.
- Yes. That they are very strong merfolk, right? Ruffy asked a rhetorical question. Already understood.
- You didn't understand a damn thing! They are very strong. He ended up giving up on convincing the trio.
- We'll find out when we get there. So do not worry. He asked seriously to calm down Yosaku who was scared.
- Well, let's get ready for lunch. Announced Sanji going to the small vessel's kitchen.
- Right, lunchtime! The captain agreed.
- What will you want? asked the cook, rolling up his sleeves.
- I want meat served on the bone! asked Ruffy drooling.
- I want fried beans! asked Yosaku ignoring his fear of the merfolk.
- I want a curry gratin! asked Naruto looking at the cook.
Upon hearing the request of passengers said.
- Well, leave it to me. It will be out in an instant. So it's beef, fried beans and a gratin. Sanji spoke to no one in particular.
- Having a good chef is very good! Ruffy admitted to Naruto who nodded.
Meanwhile, the Straw Hat ship calmly sailed towards Cocoyashi village. Sitting on the edge of the ship, Nami thought about life as the ship approached the coast.
- I'm finally back... my hometown. He spoke to no one in particular seeing the huge structure with the words "Arlong Park" on top of a pirate flag waving in the wind.
- Here's the amount for that month. Said a merman with a saw nose and who looked more like a shark handing a sum of money to a sailor.
- Arlong-kun, you think differently compared to normal pirates. Said the sailor. You really know how things work. He replied putting the amount in his pocket.
Laughing Arlong replied.
- That goes for both of us. He dictated. As long as you want to be my buddy here at East Blue, you can be assured that you will get plenty of things in return. He ended up laughing again.
- Having understood that, you are quite perceptive for a naval captain. Arlong commented amusedly.
- Thank you very much. Thanked the sarcastic sailor.
- Do not be modest. You can only live a good life if you have money. He rambled on, laughing nonstop. Money is the best. There's nothing you can trust more! do not you think? Arlong asked the sailor a rhetorical question.
- Of course! Agreed the fearful sailor.
- Even though I hate humans, the cunning ones like you are exceptions.
- Well, I'm on my way. He announced getting up.
- Why don't you relax and have a drink or two before you go? exclaimed Arlong trying to convince his "business" partner
- It doesn't seem right for a navy patrol cruiser to be stopped on a pirate island, especially yours. He rambled and retreated.
- I'll kill anyone who tries to denounce you. Promised seriously.
- It is not alright. I'm leaving now. He spoke and left Arlong Park.
As soon as the sailor left, a person was slowly approaching Arlong Park. It was none other than Nami the navigator of the Straw Hats. When Arlong noticed the girl approaching, he said.
- Oh, you're back, Nami. You've been gone a long time. Said the fish-man. How was the trip this time? asked his loyal human.
- Very productive. I profited a lot. Said the girl. I can't believe there are so many idiots out there. Look for yourself. he said tapping on the suitcase he carried full of money.
Returning to laugh Arlong ordered.
- Nami's back! Let's party!
A small boat was slowly approaching Arlong Park with Zoro, Usopp and Jhonny in the navigator's homeland.
- We finally arrived...Arlong Park! Jhonny spoke trembling with fear.
- So this is it? The base of the merman pirate, Arlong, who survived the great route. replied Usopp with more fear than Jhonny. Is Nami really there?
- First of all, if Nami-aniki is really here, then let's find Going Marry. opined the bounty hunter.
- Shouldn't we first check if he's anchored on this island? asked Jhonny curious.
- Yes, we should. Agreed Usopp.
Standing up slowly, Zoro ordered seriously, drawing the only sword that was left.
- Prepare to invade!
- W-why would we do that?! yelled Usopp and Jhonny, at the same time incredulous at the swordsman's suggestion.
- You fool! We don't even know anything about this place! exclaimed Usopp, annoyed at the same.
- Our opponents are merfolk, aniki! Jhonny spoke trying to make sense of the man he considers a brother.
- We should plan everything first! replied Usopp, calming down.
- Excuse me but I don't do such cowardly things. Ruffy asked me to take that girl back. He spoke. It doesn't matter who the opponents are, I'll get her back!
- We will! Ordered getting ready to jump from the vessel, but was hit by two small hammers given by Usopp and Jhonny.
A few minutes later Usopp found the Going Marry through the binoculars he always carried. Right behind him Zoro complained to Jhonny to let him go.
After Usopp bragged that he was going to bring Nami back and as soon as he saw the merfolk he jumped along with Jhonny leaving Zoro tied to the boat. When the merfolk arrived to check the vessel. That as soon as they saw a man tied up, they took him to Arlong to decide his fate, while the two who jumped were swimming calmly.
With Ruffy and the others...
Sanji had just finished preparing the dishes his "customers" ordered. Ruffy was cane on the bone, Yosaku fried beans and Naruto au gratin with curry. Once it was ready, he placed the orders on the table outside.
However, the smell of the food attracted a dangerous monster. One who would regret attacking the Straw Hats.
- You couldn't expect less from Sanji. It is delicious! Commented Yosaku.
- I don't care about you. I just want to be able to cook for Nami-san as soon as possible. He confessed bluntly.
- It would be great if we could all have dinner together again. Yosaku replied thinking that Nami would not go back to the Straw Hats.
After the bounty hunter's comment, an argument began about the last piece of meat the two wanted and they started running around the boat in search of the meat. In which in the confusion the boat rocked without stopping. Naruto and Sanji, annoyed with the confusion, yelled smacking the pair.
- STOP ROCKING THE SHIP!
So with the knocked out duo Naruto and Sanji returned to enjoy the wine they were drinking, which by the way is quite expensive. Half an hour later, the two of them woke up and went back to the table for the second period.
It didn't take long and a monster appeared with an eye on the food, in the rocking of the ship the wine was broken, irritating the two blondes of the group.
- Oh! It's a monster! yelled Yosaku. He wants the food, deliver it to him! Yosaku thought, that way they would avoid the monster attacking them.
- Deliver is it? Naruto and Sanji asked with their blood boiling.
- Sure! Let's get him the food. the cook rambled.
- Come get the pet! Naruto spoke urging the animal to come closer, which scared Yosaku. Apparently they sensed the trio's intentions.
- Yes. Delicious and hot food! Ruffy commented as annoyed as the blonde duo of the pack.
When the animal approached to take the meat in the cook's hand, it took a kick from it, soon after took a punch from Naruto breaking five teeth and ended up flying away. And to end with a golden key.
- GOMU GOMU NO MUCHI (RUBBER CHOCOLATE) ! He yelled, stretching his arm and bringing the animal close that had been thrown away by Naruto and attacked.
- GOMU GOMU NO PISTOL (RUBBER PISTOL) ! shouted Ruffy irritated with the sea monster wanting his precious food.
After what happened Naruto, Sanji and Ruffy went back to the table to eat, while Yosaku stared in disbelief in the corner at the show of strength displayed by the trio.
- Now! Let's continue our meal! Sanji said returning to sit with Naruto and Ruffy.
- These guys are crazy. muttered Yosaku.
With Zoro, Usopp and Jhonny.
Usopp and Jhonny, who had left the boat with Zoro tied up, swam to the shore, a village called Gosa, which was completely destroyed. Soon Usopp found a young girl named Nojiko who stopped him from attacking a newt. At that moment both were at the young woman's house along with a boy who wanted revenge on the fishmen.
- There is? Where I am? Questioned Usopp confused.
- This is my house. A voice came out. Awake now? He asked.
- I'm Nojiko. I grow oranges here! She spoke without the nose asking what she was doing.
- I remember! You were the one who attacked me earlier, right? asked the sniper indignantly. And to think I was kind enough to try to rescue you! He said embarrassed.
- I was the one who ended up rescuing you. He responded. If you were going to fight the merman in the condition you were in, you would have been killed. Said serious. Outsiders don't know anything about what's going on around here.
- You're from Gosa, the neighboring town, aren't you? Nojiko exclaimed to the boy sitting across from him.
- You should have known well that you would end up dead if you fought against them. Spoke scolding the boy. You know very well, don't you?
- I know! I know, but they were the ones who killed my father! shouted the boy.
- I want revenge! Conjectured the boy. But when I went to Arlong Park a woman in the pack stopped me. She is a witch.
- So you want to die. Said the young woman with the blue-purple hair. Thanks to that witch and me, her life was saved twice.
- So tell me, what should I do?! asked the desperate boy.
- And his mother? asked the young woman.
- She is alive! She replied crying.
- She must be worried. Go back to your mother. He asked smiling.
- All right. She agreed, still crying.
After drinking tea, the boy returned home.
- You are a very nice woman, even with those tattoos. Commented Usopp.
- Stereotype. He spoke without turning to the nose. Speaking of which, I still don't know who you are. He replied looking at the boy.
- Of course, of course. Agreed. I'm Captain Usopp. I'm looking for a woman named Nami. He spoke with pride.
- Nami? asked the surprised young woman.
Seeing that the young woman reacted to the name, he asked.
- Do you know her?
A few minutes later.
- What?! Is Nami an officer from that gang?!
- Hey, guys! Arlong is coming!
A bad feeling seized the residents of Cocoyashi village at the warning. The village for eight years had been under the power of Arlong, a cruel and merciless pirate of the race of fishmen. The fact was, every time the infamous pirate and his band left their fortress and appeared in the village, nothing good happened.
- What did he come here for? We paid the fee not a week ago. Spoke a worried resident.
Suddenly a man, who was sitting on a bench below a straw-roofed sombrero, spoke.
- I think I know why he's here. The man had numerous scars all over his body and was dressed in a kind of black uniform, with a black beret on his head decorated with a weathervane.
Realizing that he had the attention of the other residents who gathered on the road, he spoke.
- Everyone, come into their homes. He's probably here because of the sword I found a few days ago.
The villagers looked worriedly at the man with that piece of information. They knew that Arlong would not tolerate the villagers having any tools that could be used as a weapon, let alone something like a sword.
- He is coming! muttered one of the villagers when he saw the figure of the merfolk.
Arlong was a tall merman, approaching ten feet tall. That, combined with his powerful physique, his purplish skin, and his sharp teeth, certainly gave the pirate an intimidating look. Beside him, several of his lackeys accompanied him, obviously wearing smirks as they watched the villagers of Cocoyashi village tremble in fear.
The dreaded pirate made his way and soon stopped beside the man who had just alerted him to the reason for the merman's presence in the village, so he spoke.
- So you were the one with a sword a few days ago? It was obvious that it wasn't a question.
The villager, whose name was Genzo and who served as mayor of the small village, did not seem intimidated by the fishman's presence, even though he knew he would have no chance in a fight if the pirate decided to attack.
- Yes it's me. He spoke without expression. Can't I have my stuff anymore? I like to collect weapons.
Arlong smirked at the man's response. He delighted when humans tried to show a little courage in the face of his power, even if in the end it all turned out to be useless.
- Guns are not cool things, they are always causing chaos and destruction. Said the pirate. And they can bring this very peaceful village to destruction.
All the villagers gulped, recognizing the threat implied in the merman's words.
- That's big! Spoken Usopp seeing the merman together with Nojiko behind a house. So is that Arlong? asked the nose the young woman.
- Do you understand now? exclaimed the girl. It is impossible to fight the merfolk. She admitted seriously.
- I have twenty villages under my domain. If one of them starts to contradict my authority, it can mess up the whole system. Arlong spoke making Usopp and Nojiko listen to the conversation again. Vila Goza is an example of ideas that run counter to our authority.
If they don't pay the "fee" it means they are rebelling against me. Said the fish-man.
The merfolk who accompanied Arlong laughed in amusement as they saw the fearful expressions of the villagers deepen as they remembered Goza village. Some villagers couldn't find enough money to pay the pirates that month, so the entire village was destroyed.
- Listen well! The only duty of being inferior like you is to pay us the "tax". You don't need to do anything else! You are just my source of income! Arlong roared for all the villagers to hear. With your money I will build the Arlong empire! An empire that will dominate every island in the East Blue.
Genzo, who had been silent the entire time, grunted in pain as he felt Arlong squeeze his shoulder and haul him up as if he didn't need any strength for it.
- Possessing a weapon is an act of rebellion against me! And I can't ignore this kind of attitude because it undermines "peace" in my territory! Arlong and the others laughed at Genzo's pained expression.
- So to ensure that no other rebels will rise, you will die as an example of what happens to those who challenge me. Villagers sighed in fear. Was Arlong going to kill Genzo over a sword? How cruel could that monster be? That's when everyone heard someone scream in revolt.
- Wait Arlong! You can not do that! It's been eight years since we paid the fee every month without fail! Can't you see that no one dares to challenge you? Release Gen-san! Begged Nojiko appearing in front of the merman.
- Nojiko! shouted one of the villagers worried about the girl's outburst. It wasn't enough that Arlong was threatening Genzo, he didn't want that left for the girl.
Arlong smirked and said.
- I warned you before that owning a gun is an act of rebellion. I need to kill him to maintain order in my territory. Or would you prefer me to destroy the entire village? Make your choice now! ordered the merman serious.
The villagers were terrified to hear this, even Nojiko, who had just shown the courage to defy the merman, took a step back in fear of his wrath.
- If any of you dare attack us, we will destroy the entire village! He dictated.
Genzo, who had so far been enduring the pain of Arlong's grip, spoke.
- You go to your homes! asked the mayor. If you fight now, everything we've done in these eight years will be in vain! If they wanted to sacrifice their lives fighting, they should have done it eight years ago! Genzo said obviously trying to save the villagers' lives.
After letting out a laugh Arlong spoke.
- Your speech was exciting! You're right! He scoffed, tightening his grip on Genzo and making him grunt in pain. Be content to live! Living is the best choice!
- Mere humans see! ordered laughing. That person who dared to rebel against us will now meet his fate. May this serve as a warning! He spoke ready to hit the mayor's head hard on the ground. But he was interrupted when someone yelled.
- KAYAKABOSHI (EXPLOSIVE STAR)! And a cloud of smoke covered the merman's torso momentarily.
- Oh? What happened? asked one of the merfolk. Look over there! Ordered the same who asked looking at the roof of one of the houses.
- Who are you?! exclaimed another merman.
- I am the brave warrior of the sea, Captain Usopp! Said the straw hat shooter with trembling legs. Thousands of people around the world fear me and call me King Usopp, the one who came out of hell. You lied to intimidate your enemies. I will have mercy if you run away now!
- Thousands of people are nothing to me! He dictated. I would take every one of them to death! He spoke furiously. What is a mere human like you trying to do to me?! he exclaimed in absolute fury.
Showing incredible strength Arlong grabbed the house Usopp was in, lifted it and threw it on top of another one, completely destroying it.
- Fortunately! I thought I was going to die! Spoke Usopp relieved.
- I will exterminate him! shouted Arlong angrily.
- Wait Arlong-san, if you destroy this village we will lose another source of income. Said one of the fishmen holding him. Let the staff capture you!
-We will be back! One of the newts' leaders promised. You are lucky, aren't you? He asked more to himself than to the villagers.
After the mermen were out of sight, Genzo spoke.
- Sorry to make trouble for everyone. He asked crestfallen.
- What you mean? asked the doctor. It's not your fault! Said bandaging him.
Before anyone said anything else they heard.
- Folks! how long. Said Nami arriving at the village. Once she arrived, everyone went back to their homes ignoring the young woman, only the doctor, Gen and Nojiko remained outside.
- What's it? Nojiko asked. It's rare for you to use the main road.
- I heard a lot of noise. It was Arlong, wasn't it? He asked already knowing the answer.
As no one answered the question, she just assumed that she did, then followed her way to her mother's grave. Once he arrived he sat down and was silent for a few minutes and said.
- Seven million more berries... and I can buy the village. She spoke to herself.
- His reputation is as bad as ever. A voice was present behind the Straw Hat Navigator.
After a brief conversation the two went home to rest.
- She told me to run away, but all I have to do is here. Spoke Zoro sitting on the throne of Arlong looking at all the merfolk he defeated. So he escaped from the cell he was held in after being captured and with Nami's help he managed to escape.
- I promised Ruffy I would take her back, didn't I? he asked himself. Well what do I do now? Things are getting complicated.
With Ruffy and the others...
After beating the sea monster, the trio forced the poor creature to pull the vessel to Cocoyashi village as quickly as possible.
- We have speed now! Ruffy spoke smiling from ear to ear.
- Ruffy-aniki! Arlong park has been sighted! Retorted Yosaku looking through binoculars.
- Here we go! Arlong Park! he yelled, raising his arms.
- So this is Arlong Park is it? exclaimed Naruto not thinking much.
- Well, we're still a little way off. Sanji said beside Naruto. I can't wait for my beloved Nami-san! He spoke with a heart in his eyes.
Suddenly the sea monster started to get tired which annoyed Ruffy.
- Hey, don't get tired bull! He ordered shaking his arms.
- Well he has to be. Sanji's kick is taking effect. argued Yosaku.
- Hey, it's wrong! It's more to the left! That's Arlong's base! He spoke, pointing to the building a little farther to the left. Totally out of control, the bug hit the shore making the boat that Ruffy, Naruto, Sanji and Yosaku were on literally fly across the island.
- It's like flying in the sky! shouted Ruffy amused.
- It's not like flying...we were thrown...we're falling. Sanji and Yosaku yelled.
- I agree with Ruffy! I have never seen a boat fly! Admitted Naruto having as much fun as Ruffy.
- Landing complete! yelled Ruffy and Naruto.
Before the boat came to a complete stop, they ran over Zoro who was in the way and in the end they crashed into a mountain.
- We arrived! Ruffy said smiling looking around the place.
- Looks like a pretty peaceful place. Commented Naruto unharmed like Ruffy.
- You idiots... what the hell were you doing?! Zoro questioned excitedly irritated by being run over.
- Like this? asked Ruffy confused. We came to rescue Nami. Still haven't found it? He questioned even more confused looking at his mate.
- Oh, really! Where are Usopp and Jhonny? he asked seriously.
- Usopp? Zoro suddenly remembered what he was doing before he was run over. That's right? I have no time to waste!
- What happened? asked Ruffy curiously.
- That guy got caught by Arlong! shouted Zoro. If we don't hurry, he will be killed! He replied more seriously than usual.
- He is dead! A voice was present. You were late...Usopp-aniki is dead. Jhonny confessed. He was killed...by Nami-aniki!
- She joined Arlong! And for that purpose, she killed him without hesitation. He vented incredulously at the situation. She is a rotten heart worm!
- Scoundrel! shouted Ruffy angrily. Say it one more time and I'll kill you! Promised angrily Jhonny.
- Stop it, Ruffy. This has nothing to do with Jhonny. Zoro spoke.
- You may think I'm lying, but I saw it with my own eyes! He confessed seriously.
- You're making this garbage! Nami wouldn't kill Usopp at all! Ruffy yelled.
- He's right, Jhonny! Naruto agreed.
Calming down and releasing Jhonny, Ruffy asked.
- I've? How do you know Naruto?
- Because I'm feeling Usopp's vital energy. He spoke. Seeing the confused faces of his friends explained. I have the ability to feel all the people on this island, and among them is Usopp. Relax, he's alive.
- Amazing! He praised Ruffy with his eyes shining. You have such a cool skill!
A few minutes later Nami appeared and said very harsh words that were just a pretense to Naruto. As Ruffy refused to leave the island, the Straw Hats are currently resting.
Twenty minutes later Zoro and Sanji started to argue, getting to the point of attacking each other, but when they were going to hit each other, they ended up hitting Usopp, who arrived suddenly.
- He is alive? Zoro asked in surprise.
- Well, I think he's dead now. Sanji commented.
Ten minutes later Ruffy woke up in despair when he saw Usopp's condition.
- Usopp! Did Nami do this to you? he asked in comical despair.
- No, it was the two of them. Said Naruto seriously pointing to the pair.
- Yours! exclaimed Zoro irritated with Naruto.
- Well, I think I understand what happened on this island! Naruto dictated.
- Arlong! Arlong! Arlong! Arlong! Arlong. screamed Nami in complete despair.
After she left the Straw Hats she went straight home, only to find the sixteenth squadron sailors at her house looking for the hundred million she had collected.
When he couldn't stop them, he hurried toward Arlong Park to plead with Arlong, who denied that he had sent the navy.
Running to the village, she noticed all the villagers taking up arms to end the eight-year tyranny, she even tried to stop them from going, but in the end she couldn't, so at that moment she was on her knees digging the knife into the pirate's mark.
As she did so, she realized that someone had caught her wrist preventing her from continuing to hurt herself.
- Ruffy...What do you want?! she asked, holding back tears. You do not know anything! She surmised a little annoyed. You don't know what's been going on on this island for the past eight years.
- IT'S. I do not know. Agreed seriously.
- It's none of your business! I told you to get off this island, didn't I? Asked a rhetorical question.
- Yes, you said. The rubber man agreed again.
- So go! ordered annoyed. You...Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away! He yelled at his old captain as he threw dirt at him in despair.
Stopping to play dirt, Ruffy noticed the young girl crying. To try to stifle the crying, he put his hand over his mouth in order not to make a sound. But it was useless, the crying was loud and clear, making even the other straw hats hear.
- Ruffy... help me? Begged Nami tearfully.
In an act that surprised the girl Ruffy put his hat on her head, backed away from her a little and screamed.
- IT'S NOW!
Walking to where his companions were, he talked nonstop.
watch?v=sKq56oOyRMA ( Guys, this video has five soundtracks, but the one I want you to hear is the first one. So listen while you read from here. I'll let you know when it's over in the next one. )
- We're going to Arlong Park. He ordered without changing his expression.
- Right! Zoro, Sanji, Naruto and Usopp spoke.