In front of the metal gates that gave access to Arlong Park, several people began to gather. All of them were equipped with weapons of all kinds, whether swords, sticks, knives and even pots. They were the Villagers of Cocoyashi and intended to fight Arlong and his band to the death.
With the crowd already quite large, one of the villagers finally noticed the presence of two men sitting on the ground, their backs leaning against the iron gates. They looked like they had just been beaten, so the villager who noticed them exclaimed.
- Hey, are you guys okay? Were they defeated by Arlong?
But the two men just stayed silent. As they didn't want to move, one of the villagers demanded.
- Get out of the way! We have business with these pirates!
Ignoring the residents' outburst, Jhonny spoke.
- We challenged Arlong to a duel for having doubted Nami-aniki... We narrowly missed winning. He confessed seriously.
- We were wrong with Nami-aniki. Confessed Yosaku. Once we know the truth we cannot face them.
- Forgive us, but we can't let any of you pass! Jhonny spoke seriously placing the sword in front of him.
- We are waiting for the people who will certainly appear here soon. Yosaku replied doing the same with the sword.
The villagers who weren't happy about this thought about getting the two men out of their way, but gave up when they saw the two get up excitedly and soon screamed.
-Ruffy-aniki !
Turning back the villagers of Cocoyashi village, they spotted five shadows walking towards them. When they reached a close distance, Nojiko recognized them as Nami's friends. They all had the face of few friends.
Due to the menacing aura that exhaled, the villagers were unconsciously making their way to the quintet. When they came face to face with the iron gates of Arlong Park, Zoro ordered.
- Jhonny, Yosaku, get out of the way! He didn't have to speak twice, they immediately moved to the far left corner of the gate.
With the path clear, Ruffy stepped forward and landed a powerful right hook, completely destroying the gates surprising the merfolk on the other side.
With the gates in pieces, Ruffy walked a bit through Arlong Park before asking.
- What is happening?! Arlong wondered, irritated at the fool who broke the gates of his fortress.
- Which one of you is Arlong?
- Arlong? Arlong is my name. Spoke the biggest of the merfolk in the building sitting on his throne.
- I'm Ruffy. The captain of the Straw Hats introduced himself.
- Ruffy? And what are you?
- A pirate.
- Hey, not so fast... Where do you think you're going? asked one of the fishmen. You have to explain some things to us before ni-chan.
- If you don't stop...it started but didn't end, as Ruffy raised his arms, grabbed the heads of the two fishmen and hit each other knocking them out as he said.
- Get out of the way! He ordered without taking his eyes off Arlong.
- And what does a pirate want with me? He exclaimed, holding himself back so as not to kill this human who attacked his fish-men brothers.
But Ruffy being himself didn't say anything, just landed a powerful right hook sending Arlong into a fortress wall and pinning him to it.
- What the hell are you?! he asked, deciding to kill this inferior human.
Snorting Ruffy responded ignoring the question asked by the merman.
- Don't you dare make my navigator cry! he yelled angrily.
(END OF SOUNDTRACK, GUYS)
- You bastard! They cursed the other merfolk attacking him. How dare you hit Arlong-san! they shouted angrily.
Before the fishmen got close to Ruffy, Naruto and Sanji appeared knocking out all the attackers in the blink of an eye as they spoke.
- You weaklings stay out of this! Sanji ordered kicking several.
- Get out of my way! yelled Naruto punching and kicking at high speed.
- Honestly... invade alone like that... Spoke the cook, indignant with his inconsequential captain.
- I wouldn't lose even if I were alone. Said seriously.
- I agree with Sanji, you're too rushed! scolded Naruto.
- Beast! When did I say I was worried about you? replied Sanji. I'm just telling you not to take all the hunting. Seriously asked.
Over there, Naruto just laughed at Sanji's apology when he was actually worried about his captain, yes.
- II don't mind...if you keep everyone...Naruto! spoke Usopp begging the older blonde to accept, confirming in the previous attack how strong he is.
- And that's showing courage... Zoro mocked sarcastically.
Getting to his feet unharmed, Arlong began to laugh, then said.
- So you're here for Nami? Hahahahahaha! He mocked Arlong without stopping to laugh. But what can five lesser humans do?
Before anyone could say anything else, Naruto annoyed with Arlong for what he had done to Nami, in the blink of an eye punched the man in the face making him sink to the ground and spit blood after the attack.
- Is that all you have? exclaimed the shinobi seriously.
Feeling intimidated by the blonde's aura, Arlong threw a punch in order to push the lesser human away, which worked as Naruto disappeared and appeared beside Ruffy.
- Hey, Naruto! Arlong is mine! scolded Ruffy pouting.
- Yeah, I get it. He spoke apologetically.
Coming out of his stupor Hacchi said.
- You guys are suckers! Do you think Arlong-san is going to waste their time with you? asked the six-armed merman. He'll be enough for the job.
Making a sound with his mouth like a horn he yelled.
- Show up, Mohmo! Ordered. You could be his next meal!
The Straw Hats turned to the left, towards the source of the tremor. The monster emerged from the sea baring its menacing teeth at the Straw Hats, as soon as it recognized the guys who beat it, it broke out in a cold sweat.
- It's a monster! exclaimed Usopp, horrified by the appearance of the sea cow.
- Oh, it's just him... said Ruffy.
- So he was allied with the merfolk? Sanji asked in surprise.
- Now it makes sense for him to be near this island. Naruto rambled, snapping his fingers at the monster, indicating that if he attacked he would regret it.
The sea ox began to cry remembering the trio that beat him and was retreating refusing to face the trio of monsters again.
- Wait, Mohmo! He sent Hacchi. Where do you think you are going? Hey wait! I'm telling you to wait! Mohmo! No matter what he said, the monster refused to listen.
- Mohmo... Where do you think you're going? Arlong questioned, narrowing his eyes. Well, if you want to run away, I'm not going to stop it... am I, Mohmo?
The tone used by the fishman clearly said the opposite, if the monster withdrew it would suffer serious consequences. Regaining its courage, the animal roared, ready to attack the straw hats.
- That! catch them! Follow Mohmo! Spoke the merfolk attacking.
- This is a waste of time! He exclaimed, punching one hand in the other and then immediately planting both feet on the concrete floor.
- But what's he doing? Sanji asked confused.
- I have a bad feeling about this. Commented Zoro.
After steadying himself on the ground, Ruffy turned his torso forming a spring, then immediately grabbed the creature's horns, which returned to crying with fear.
- He has the power of the akuma no mi. Arlong said in surprise.
- Hey, run! He sent Zoro.
- What? what is he going to do? Sanji asked curious and scared at the same time.
- I don't know but it will be ugly! He confessed starting to run.
- Zoro is right! Come on Usopp! He spoke taking the nose and started to run, knowing that the boy would not leave in time for the attack.
- GOMU GOMU NO KAZAGURUMA! (RUBBER WINDOW). He yelled turning his body with the monster and at the same time knocking out all the fishmen that attacked them and to finish he threw the sea monster out of Arlong Park.
- I didn't come here to fight these guys! He protested angrily. The only one I want to take down... is you! He yelled pointing to Arlong.
- That was dangerous, you tapir! Sanji dictated, kicking Ruffy's head lightly.
- You wanted to kill us too?! shouted Usopp, irritated with his captain. Good thing Naruto took it off in time to get hit.
Naruto and Zoro just chose to remain silent.
Before long, Ruffy realized he was trapped.
- What the hell did you think you were doing?! Usopp insisted on the matter, but a touch from Naruto and he let it go.
- How dare you do that to our gang? Hacchi asked irritably.
- Looks like now we'll have to get our hands dirty. Spoke the other bluish one with fins in his arms.
- I think we need to teach them the difference between our species. retorted the merman with a mouth of pliers.
- Let's show these humans who the superior race is! Said Rumuru seriously looking specifically at Naruto, who was his target.
In the middle of the merfolk speech Usopp walked away from the group in silence, but that didn't go unnoticed by Naruto. Who sighed heavily thinking that what he said in the baratie to no avail.
- So, the main forces finally showed themselves... Zoro said, smiling predatorily at the fishmen.
- Arlong-san, please stay where you are. Asked the merman with fins in his arms.
- If I fought in a rage, Arlong Park would be pulverized.
- We'll take care of them! stated Hachi.
- It'll be over before you know it! Said Rumuru.
- Yes, do as you wish! ordered the shark merman smiling.
- Hey, well, wait...asked Ruffy trying to say he was stuck. Hey, come on, can you hear me? He just couldn't tell you his problem in time.
- Take this! shouted Hacchi, puffing out his chest. Tako-hachi Black! exclaimed the fish-man, shooting a large amount of black paint through his mouth towards the straw hats.
Sanji, Naruto and Zoro, seeing that, tried to jump to the side, dodging the attack. But, for some reason, Ruffy remained immobile, thus being covered all over his body with the ink shot by Hacchi. Zoro to the side, shouted unreconciled.
- You fool! Why didn't you dodge?
- AHHH! I can't see! shouted Ruffy desperately.
- This idiot's feet are stuck in the concrete, Zoro! Naruto said dissatisfied that the captain had not got rid of this situation.
- And to finish with you... Spoke lifting a piece of concrete from the ceiling of Arlong Park to crush Ruffy who was still stuck on the floor.
- Ruffy! Get away fast! shouted Usopp from afar seeing the situation.
- That is the question! My legs are stuck! I can not move! Spoke the boy with the straw hat.
Beside him Naruto, Zoro and Sanji just muttered what an idiot their captain was. Usopp already expressed his indignation by shouting.
- But you were the one who did it!
Hacchi, who was already in front of Ruffy, launched his attack with the concrete.
- Tako-Hacchi Black on the Rocks! He yelled using all his strength in the blow. But he was soon surprised by Sanji who split the concrete in two with a kick.
- But that's great... it looks like I ended up having a big retard as a captain! Announced. With a smile, completed. Still better than having one that makes a woman cry!
- Cool, Sanji! Exclaims glad not to be crushed.
- He is fantastic! praised Usopp in the back.
Arlong twitched an eyebrow at the cook's boldness, but it was Kurrobi who spoke next.
- For a human, it looks like you know how to fight! He commented looking at a cook. But a pirate who fights for chivalry can only be mediocre.
- Why don't you come and see if my chivalry is mediocre? Teased the cook while smoking. I was raised by an invincible pirate.
- Looks like you're not familiar with the superiority of the merfolk race. He exclaimed, clenching his fists.
Usopp, coming out of the corner where he was, started to pull Ruffy in order to get him off the concrete, which resulted in the rubbery boy being stretched out without leaving his place.
- I'm not loose yet... Ruffy commented.
- Not yet? can't you take them off? Usopp asked pulling with all his strength but without success.
- Not yet. said the captain with disdain. I don't think I can get it out just by stretching.
- But are you at least trying? exclaimed the sniper angrily. Do you want to get your legs free?
- Why are these two hanging around there? Hacchi asked seeing Usopp and Ruffy. After all, this is Arlong Park. I will kill you! He dictated taking another concrete to throw at the pair.
- Damn, dammit... Damn! Get them out of there! We have to get out of here! exclaimed Usopp desperately as he pulled Ruffy.
- Hey, octopus. Those two are busy. I will be your opponent. Zoro stated pointing his sword at the merman.
- And even! Roronoa Zoro! I had forgotten about you! How dare you deceive me?! He roared attacking with chunks of concrete, but the swordsman deftly dodged.
- That's in the past! I don't care if you want to fight, but now the situation has changed. Giving a predatory smile Zoro spoke. You are not able to defeat us. We will finish you off.
Usopp seeing Zoro stand in front of the merman that was attacking them, sighed with relief and at the same time releasing Ruffy, who hit the merman with the mouth of pliers.
The merman got up angrily and said.
- Scoundrel! Looks like you really want to get killed... He said and started running after the nose out of Arlong Park. Naruto seeing the scene tried to run to help his friend but was stopped by Rumuru.
- Where do you think you're going? You have to defeat me first...Naruto your name right? He exclaimed licking his lips.
- Leave it to me! When I'm done with you, I'm going to ask Sanji to make you a delicious dish! he said smiling.
-You humans can't give us-Says but was interrupted by a punch from Naruto sending him out of Arlong Park.
- I better send a clone after Usopp. thought Naruto seriously.
Arlong gets up and walks calmly to where the Straw Hats are.
- Arlong-san, I said you didn't need to fight! Kuurobi said looking at his captain.
Ruffy, seeing Arlong approaching, yelled.
Damn you! he yelled angrily. His arm reached forward and with speed he made his way to Arlong, ready to land a solid blow to his jaw. But the fish man never looked worried and, when he was about to get hit, he grabbed Ruffy's wrist quite easily.
- Do you think you can with us?
- Sure we can! Let me go! Ruffy replied.
Seeing that it was useless to argue with these humans, he bent down but still holding on to Ruffy's arm. Then he slammed his free hand into the concrete under the straw hat and, with some force, ripped off a cinder block with Ruffy still attached and lifted it over his head.
- Oh! What the hell are you doing? exclaims Ruffy in the air, totally helpless.
- Why don't we play a little? exclaims the smiling merman. Whoever eats a Devil Fruit cannot swim! But the way you are now, no one could!
- He's going to throw Ruffy overboard! shouted Zoro, realizing Arlong's intentions.
An angry Ruffy attacked the merman.
- GOMU GOMU IN THE PISTOL (RUBBER PISTOL)! He exclaimed as he tried to punch the merman. But the fish man defended the blow by biting Ruffy's fist before he hit him. Hey! That hurts!
- Biting is dirty! exclaimed Ruffy before biting him too. Even surprised by the attack, it did not intimidate him and immediately threw him into the sea.
Sanji who was getting ready to jump after the captain was stopped by his opponent who didn't allow him.
- We have to defeat these guys before helping Ruffy! replied Zoro, making the cook agree.
- Where are Usopp and Naruto? Zoro asked annoyed.
- Fighting outside Arlong Park. Sanji said without looking at the swordsman.
Arlong sat back down and spoke when he heard the pair's conversation.
- So that's your idea? mocked the merman. You are doomed.
(Zoro vs Hacchi)
With his sword in hand, Zoro ran towards Hacchi.
- I'll finish you off pretty fast! Before the Swordsman got close he had to dodge an ink shot fired by the merman. Which deftly dodged by jumping to the side, as well as creating an opening for an attack.
- Hacchi bent down so he wouldn't have his head cut off, having only his weird hairstyle cut off irritating him.
- You bastard! My hair! exclaimed the merman. I won't forgive you, but it's just hair so it grows.
- You are very annoying! Commented Zoro, but soon had to dodge a blow from Hacchi. He managed to do this successfully, but the wounds he acquired from Mihank began to gnaw at him forcing him to stop and take a gasping breath.
- I have to finish this quickly, my wounds are opening. thought Zoro seriously.
(Sanji vs Kuurobi)
- That stupid swordsman! Sanji thought, looking at Zoro, who was sniffling, looking tired. It was obvious that he still hadn't recovered from the onslaught of the fight with the greatest swordsman in the world.
Returning to reality, he had to dodge a blow delivered by his opponent that aimed at his head.
- You better not take your eyes off me! Said the merman preparing another attack that the cook also deflected. And irritated by Kuurobi, he delivered a screaming kick.
- Do not worry! Cooks are not killed by fish, but the opposite. He provoked Sanji by trying to get him to lower his guard, which he didn't, because right after the comment the merman defended his kick with his fin.
In a careless moment when Sanji could land a powerful kick at his enemy, he dropped his guard when he saw that Zoro had collapsed to the ground.
- Damn it! The cut on his chest is still bothering him...
With the cook's carelessness he ended up taking a strong kick from Kuurobi. He ended up being sent with everything against the wall that guarded the Arlong Park stopping beside the villagers of Cocoyashi village who watched the fights.
The merman seeing that his enemy was not slowing asserted.
- I'm a 40th dan karate fishman! I warned you to be careful.
(Usopp vs Chuu)
Usopp ran so fast that it felt like his life depended on it. Well...to tell you the truth, it really depended, as a few meters behind him that weird merman was trying to catch up with him.
With tears in his eyes and screaming all the time, Usopp wondered if he would make it out of this situation alive.
(Naruto vs Rumuru)
Outside Arlong Park in the opposite direction in which Usopp fled, Naruto faced his enemy coldly. Wanting to get this over with quickly to get back to the merfolk building.
- Looks like nobody's going to bother us here! exclaimed the merman, smiling predatorily at the blonde.
- It doesn't make any difference! Said the shinobi. You cannot defeat me! Nobody in this world can. He stated.
- Don't be arrogant, inferior human! ordered annoyed. I am a 120 dan Karate fishman! He bragged about attacking the blonde.
Naruto started laughing at the merman's speech.
Annoyed the merman attacked Naruto with an easy punch to dodge, but the real blow came from the blow to the stomach. The attack on the face was a distraction, but to Rumuru's surprise, Naruto simply dodged the two blows with his eyes closed.
- I-impossible! How can you dodge so easily? He exclaimed in disbelief upon seeing his fists held by the human.
- In a hand-to-hand combat nobody can defeat me! said Naruto squeezing the merman's fists. Since I trained my martial art for 150 years!
- W-what? exclaims in disbelief at the statement, as only a master could easily stop as he did. Only Jinbe was able to do that as the blonde was.
- Well, in excitement I told you something I shouldn't, so I'm sorry. Seriously.
- What you mean? He asked scared, believing he was in front of an enemy of Jinbe's level.
- BUNBUN TEKINA BÕKYAKU O ATSUKAIMATSU (FIST OF PARTIAL FORGETTING)! He yelled slamming both hands on the merman's head making him forget about what he said about his training time.
- Excuse me! Naruto said smiling. You're not going to die, but you're going to have such a headache and you won't remember the last two hours.
- Now! I'm going back to Arlong Park. He spoke as he recalled the conversation he had earlier with the rest of the Straw Hats.
FLASHBACK ON
- And that's what happened, Ruffy! He spoke telling the story about the island and how Nami ended up in the merman gang. She needs our help. Said seriously.
- Why didn't you say that before, Naruto?! exclaimed Sanji irritated with the other blonde. Let's help her!
Usopp and Zoro agreed with Sanji and started walking towards Arlong Park, but stopped when they heard.
- Nobody leaves here! ordered the captain of the Straw Hats.
- What did you say? asked the three at the same time incredulous.
Before anyone else protested, he continued.
- Nami didn't ask for our help! Said seriously. We will only act when she asks for our help! He yelled at his companions making them agree.
FLASHBACK OFF
Lying on the ground, Sanji watched the clouds pass across the sky. He had worried about that stupid swordsman and let his guard down, so now he was in that shameful position. As he took a drag, he suddenly noticed that someone appeared beside him. But before he got up in a hurry, thinking it was the merman, he listened.
- I thought I was defeated, but looking closely, you look fine. Commented Naruto leaning against the wall facing the cook.
- As if a piece of shit like that would knock me down! Sanji said getting to his feet. Trust me when I say the old man who raised me beat ten times harder than that. I just let my guard down.
- Have you finished with your enemy? asked Sanji curious starting to walk beside Naruto.
- Yes, he was no big deal! He stated laughing.
- By the way, where's Ruffy? he asked curiously.
- Damn it! And even! Arlong threw Ruffy into the water, you need to get him out. Seriously asked.
- Idiot! I should have said that before! scolded Naruto starting to run to the edge taking off his clothes, leaving only his underwear.
Naruto jumped into the sea looking for his captain. Halfway to the bottom, he looked around for Ruffy, it didn't take much effort to find him. He was lying a few feet away from him, lying unconscious on the bottom of the sea, his feet still pinned to the concrete.
Acting quickly because Ruffy already blacked out due to lack of air. Naruto picked it up and quickly made his way to the surface. When he finally emerged, he ran into Genzo and Nojiko on the edge.
- He is fine? exclaimed Nojiko upon seeing the straw hat.
- He's alive, but he swallowed a lot of water. Said the shinobi. We need to get the water out of your lungs!
- Leave it to me! asked Genzo. I know what to do in case of drowning! He stated.
(Zoro vs Hacchi)
Even with Zoro's pain caused by the Mihawk, he still refused to lose to another swordsman. Because of that, he gathered all his strength and stood up and said.
- I'll tell you something shellfish. I promised I would defeat a certain man, and until then, not even god can defeat me! Spoken smiling predatory, which did not suit someone about to collapse.
Zoro tied his bandanna around his forehead and screamed.
- Jhonny and Yosaku, lend me your swords! He ordered without turning around.
He didn't need to ask twice, as soon as they heard they threw their swords at him and he took it without looking at them.
- I'll teach you a lesson! Said the swordsman looking at the octopus.
Irritated by the swordsman's confidence he spoke.
- I'll finish you Roronoa Zoro! I'll show you the power of my style, the Rokutoryuu (six sword style), which made me the strongest among fishmen! The merman boasted. You will never defeat me! Not with your three spade style!
- Do you think quantity is quality? Do not be stupid! The human swordsman mocked. Even using only three swords...Each one of them weighs more than yours! He stated.
Since Hacchi was ignorant, he smiled triumphantly.
- Heavier! Mine weigh three hundred kilos each! They are heavier than yours!
- I should have known that a fish wouldn't understand... Commented Zoro.
Hacchi irritated by Roronoa Zoro's arrogance, so he placed his six swords in front of him and attacked like a spear.
- To defeat the greatest swordsman in the world... I need to overcome human limits... Zoro thought as he watched his opponent approach. When he was at a suitable distance, he attacked.
- Oni Giri (Demon's Cut) with the three swords together forming an asterisk, collided with Hacchi's six swords. To the amazement of all who watched, the result was the octopus's six broken swords.
Hacchi couldn't speak just looking at his broken swords.
- Now you understand what I mean by "their weight"? If not, I'm sure you'll learn now, stupid octopus. Taking a stand for the final blow.
Desperate Hacchi began trying to punch the swordsman with his six arms.
-TAKOYAKI PUNCH !
Dodging with unnatural ease for someone with a fresh cut on his chest, Zoro just waited for the right moment to scream.
- TATSU MAKI (DRAGON TORNADO)! Zoro spun so fast that a tornado began where the swordsman was, slashing Hacchi several times, sending him into the air, already defeated.
- Sorry... But I don't have time for you anymore! I have to help Ruffy... Even so, his body didn't want to move.
(SANJI VS KUUROBI)
Kuurobi could not believe what he saw. Hacchi had been defeated by the human swordsman. Even though Zoro was almost falling from exhaustion. Furious Kuurobi decided to finish off the lesser human himself.
- Roronoa Zoro will pay with what he did with Hacchi! exclaims the merman behind the swordsman ready to kill him. He just didn't expect him to have to dodge a blow aimed at his head. Pulling away from Zoro, he saw that the one who had attacked him was the gang's cook. Angry said.
- I can't believe you survived my attack... He commented calmly.
Sanji lighting a cigarette and mocking said.
- You sent me away, it's true... But I think a lot of people would survive, especially in a restaurant where I worked...
- You'll regret making fun of me! Promised irritated.
Sanji just smiled at the statement. Then he saw Zoro struggling towards the water. Understanding where he was going spoke.
- Don't worry about Ruffy. Naruto already pulled him out of the water. Claimed smoking.
- So where is that idiot?! He questioned not selling it.
- He is incapacitated for the time being, but he will soon join the party! Hearing the cook, he just nodded.
- Can you take care of this guy yourself?
Sanji took that as an insult from the swordsman, so he said.
- Of course I can idiot, go sleep somewhere while I end up with this guy. He ordered without turning around.
Zoro couldn't wait to rest, didn't waste time arguing, just walked away to recover, while watching Sanji struggle.
- Just don't make me have to save your ass, idiot! It teased one last time before lying down in a pile of rubble.
- Get ready your damn fish! Now I'm going to teach you what happens to someone who makes a lady cry in front of me. Said the cook.
- You can't defeat me. The difference between your race and mine is like heaven and earth. Taking up combat stance, he continued.
- But as I'm impressed for having survived my blow, I'll give you the privilege to see my best technique. The HYAKUAI GAWARA SEIKEN (PUNCH FORCE CEM) was the attack I gave you when you flew. But the chance of surviving the SENMAI GAWARA SEIKEN (PUNCH THOUSAND STRENGTH) is less than zero! Get ready!
Even before the merman finished speaking Sanji attacked.
- COLLIER SHOT (KICK TO THE NECK)! He exclaimed hitting a kick in the merman's neck. Sending him away from where he was, he still wasn't over. EPAULE SHOT (SHOULDER KICK)! VEST SHOT! (KICK TO THE RIBS)! SEAL SHOT! POITRINE SHOT (CHUTE TO THE CHEST)!
Shoulder, rib, thigh and chest, Sanji hit each of those parts of Kuurobi's body with swift, powerful kicks, making the merman grunt in pain with each attack he took.
-M-maldito ! SENMAI GAWARA ... !
- MOUTON SHOT (FINAL KICK)! Sanji again didn't give the merman time to finish his attack and landed his final kick sending him into the Arlong Park wall.
Analyzing the result of their combined attack, he spoke.
- What? Aren't you staying for dessert?
- Amazing! They have already defeated the Arlong officers... Commented one of the villagers who watched the fight in disbelief. They are very strong!
- I told you that if anyone could defeat Arlong and his gang it's these guys! exclaimed Jhonny, who was currently jumping from side to side hugging Yosaku, in a kind of celebration.
- Yea! Zoro aniki, Sanji aniki, Usopp aniki, Ruffy aniki and Naruto aniki are incredibly strong! It's not a bunch of fishmen that will defeat them!
(USOPP VS CHUU)
In the middle of the road Usopp found himself sprawled near Cocoyashi village totally still, with blood pouring from his body.
- You gave me a lot of work! It goes well but it's just a coward... It only took one shot to kill you. replied the fish-man.
The merman observed his enemy's corpse for a moment and began walking towards Arlong Park.
- I better go back... They must have already finished with the invaders... Said the merman.
But what the fishman didn't know was that Usopp was far from being defeated. In fact, he hit KETCHUP BOSHI (STAR OF KETCHUP) and pretended he had been shot by the merman. Now I just expected it to go out of sight.
- I feel a little sorry for Nami. I'd even like to help but I don't want to die... He thought getting up, because he believed that the merman was already far away.
- This KETCHUP looks like blood. but I think I should spread it a little bit to make it look like it was a tough fight. Said the sniper. If I get dirty it will look more realistic, won't it? he asked himself.
- I think I could say something like: "Sorry I was defeated..." or I could say "He hit me first..." It doesn't get better this way: Don't cry, Nami at least I tried..." Usopp desperately tried to convince himself who had done the right thing.
But suddenly he began to remember the moments he spent with Nami and how she helped him save his village. Furthermore, he also remembered how much determination Ruffy, Zoro, Sanji and Naruto showed. All in order to save Nami, who had been suffering at Arlong's hands for more than eight years.
- We're going to the big route, Usopp! The most dangerous place in the world! Ruffy wants to become the king of pirates or we will be the most powerful bunch! stated Naruto. Do you really want to be the one who's afraid to fight?
- I'm a shame! He thought how pathetic he was, pretending to be defeated so he wouldn't have to fight, while everyone else struggled to save Nami.
- Wait a minute, damn fish!
- Are you still alive?! He exclaimed in surprise even from afar.
Usopp, already regretting giving himself up with shaky legs, decided it was time to change. He had left the safety of his village, he could no longer act like a coward. He decided to be a real pirate so his father could be proud of him.
So, taking a bottle of rum from his bag, he threw it at the merman. The fishman just raised an eyebrow and caught the object in one hand quite easily, but that was his mistake. Usopp already had his slingshot in hand and fired.
- HISSATSU NAMARI BOSHI (MORTAL STEEL BALL). The iron candy hit the rum bottle full-on, causing it to explode in Chuu's face and dousing the merman's body with rum. Seeing that, Usopp didn't take long, and pulling out another type of ammo for his weapon, he spoke. Did you know that rum is flammable? HISSATSU KAEN BOSHI (STAR OF FLAME)!
Usopp precisely hit Chuu, who was distracted by the rum on his body. When the attack made contact, it burst into flame, igniting the merman's entire body. Desperate, he ran to a lake used for planting rice on the other side of the road. He just let his guard down.
- Usopp's hammer! - Usopp's hammer! - Usopp's hammer! - Usopp's hammer! - Usopp's hammer! - Usopp's hammer! The straw hat shooter screamed desperately, hitting the merman several times in the head. When he was satisfied he checked the result.
Usopp looked at the fishman for a few seconds before confirming.
- It saw? I also fight when I need to! I hope you learn, you idiot!
Peering from behind a nearby tree, Naruto's clone grinned and vanished in a cloud of smoke.
(RUFFY VS ARLONG)
Naruto stared coldly at Arlong as he held Zoro by the neck. Knowing he had to do something, he decided to take Zoro and Sanji away from the merman. Before the shinobi could do anything he heard.
- I went back! Ruffy announced in midair upside down.
- You're late, idiot! exclaimed Zoro irritated with his captain.
Ruffy in midair grabbed Zoro by the collar of the Hawaiian shirt he was wearing.
- I have a bad feeling about this... Naruto commented to Usopp who nodded.
As if his words had power, Ruffy threw Zoro away as he screamed.
- YOU RELAYED! yelled Naruto, Usopp and the villagers of Cocoyashi village.
- GOMU GOMU NO KANE (RUBBER BELL) yelled head-butting Arlong.
Knowing he couldn't waste any time, Naruto grabbed two three-pointed kunai and threw them close to his companions. One near Sanji on the ground and the other one in the air near Zoro. Acting at high speed screamed.
- HIRAISHIN IN THE JUTSU (FLYING GOD TELETRANSPORT TECHNIQUE)! Soon after appearing behind the swordsman picking him up and then disappearing again and appearing beside Sanji and picking him up. Taking them both to the gates of Arlong Park.
- Amazing, Naruto! shouted Usopp, impressed. How did you do that? he exclaimed curious.
- I'll explain later, before we need medical treatment for both! Said Naruto calling the village doctor.
- GOMU GOMU NO MUCHI (RUBBER WHIP) yelled hitting a strong kick in Arlong's stomach. Soon after, he shouted GOMU GOMU NO PISTOL (RUBBER PISTOL) hitting a punch on the fish-man pushing him towards the building and to end the sequence of blows, GOMU GOMU NO GATLING GUN (RUBBER MACHINE GUN)
Standing calmly, he faced his opponent who, oddly enough, appeared to be warming up to battle.
- What's the main difference between you and me? exclaimed Arlong.
Ruffy seemed to think for a moment before saying.
After several failed attempts the merman fumed and gave the answer.
- IT'S THE RACE! He dictated. The difference is our species! he screamed as he almost snapped his straw hat. As he dodged, Arlong continued to try to bite him without success. Ruffy managed to dodge even with some difficulty.
After a lot of trying Arlong managed to corner him in a pillar of the building. Confidently attacked the boy aiming for his neck, but the same caught his head out of the way causing him to bite the spine. But to the surprise of those watching the fight, the merman bit the spine that shattered. Ruffy, knowing he had to get out of there or the whole structure would fall on him, crawled to a safe place.
After recovering, Ruffy returned to face his opponent.
- This is the power of a fishman who was blessed by the gods... You humans only have the strength to stay behind us in the food chain! Arlong said, laughing.
- Then show me how amazing a fishman is. ordered Ruffy seriously. But even so I won't lose, because I'll be the king of pirates! He stated laughing.
- The king of pirates?! asked Arlong in mockery. Do you think an inferior human can become someone like that? he exclaimed. Can you even destroy a spine with your teeth? He said and laughed again.
Surprising everyone, Ruffy punched a piece of column near destroying it completely, when he finished he said.
- Stop bragging about something so small. Ordered. I can destroy the spine with my punches! He stated. It doesn't matter how you do it and I don't even need to bite.
Ruffy soon after took two swords and started attacking the merman, but it turned out to be useless as the Arlong destroyed the swords, but before finishing he punched the merman in the face, breaking his teeth.
- Of course I don't understand some damn swords you damned! Agreed with the merman seeing the skill with them. And I also don't know how to navigate like Nami. I can't cook like Sanji. I'm not smart like Naruto. And I don't know how to lie like Usopp. It ended up making Usopp protest from where he was.
- So he thinks I'm smart? I'm flattered! thought Naruto.
- I just know that I need help from others if I want to continue living! He spoke showing a point that one person cannot do everything.
- You're really useless... It's pitiful! And this so pathetic guy is the captain? They must regret it! He stated laughing. What can you do?
- I can spank you! yelled Ruffy.
- Ruffy puts an end to this bastard! asked Nami smiling.
- You bet!
The fight that followed was very close. The two fighters were extremely strong, and had abnormal physical stamina. The fight reached a point where the two entered a room where they had many papers. Curious Ruffy wondered why so much, and Arlong replied that it was every map Nami had ever drawn, and that no one but him could use it better than he.
What annoyed the Straw Hat for considering the navigator as an object. So furious he destroyed the room at the same time defeating the merman. The building collapsed with the end of the fight.
Arlong didn't get up again.
- What happened to Ruffy aniki? asked Yosaku.
- We'll know soon! Naruto said feeling Ruffy standing and Arlong not.
As if the blonde's words had power, the top of the rubble began to shift revealing Ruffy breathing heavily.
- Ruffy! yelled Nami, happy to see him alive.
Nami thought about going to help her captain but stopped when she heard.
- NAMI! YOU ARE MY COMPANION! He yelled for all to hear.
The navigator tried her best not to cry, but changed her mind when she heard.
- Don't keep your pain to yourself. asked Naruto. If you have any problems, talk to us, Nami. he exclaimed smiling.
Nami looked impressed at Naruto for his words so she couldn't hold back her tears.
- Yes. Said simply crying.
After the villagers celebrate for three days the end of the tyranny of the fishmen and finally be free. On the morning of the fourth day the Straw Hats were ready to go. The villagers watched the others board the ship and waited anxiously for Nami's arrival.
While several people were chatting excitedly waiting for the navigator Naruto asked Ruffy.
- So you think I'm smart, Ruffy?
The Straw Hat Captain looked at his companion and said.
- But of course! Agreed. Even because you were the one who found out what Nami was going through. He finished speaking smiling.
- I agree with Ruffy! Sanji spoke. That sharp eye of yours can come in handy on the grand route. Said the cook.
Before Naruto could say anything they heard.
- Raise anchor! Ordered starting to run.
- Why is she running? Sanji asked intrigued.
- She doesn't want the villagers to thank her! Naruto dictated. And also...
- Who cares! Retorted Ruffy let's sail! Raise anchor! He ordered Zoro.
The girl ran out and jumped into the ship without saying anything. But Naruto wasn't naive, he knew perfectly well what she wanted.
Once inside the ship, she lifted her blouse a little and several wallets fell. In other words, she robbed them all by running past.
- You little brat! Shouted the angry villagers with what the girl did.
The insults of "Give me back my wallet" and "Your little thief have changed to "come back often" or "Have a good trip."
And so the ship disappeared over the horizon towards the great route.