ARLONG PARK

Oyal is not panicking. Not at all. They are absolutely fine. Everything is fine.

Why? Because they are alone with three people.

No, they are not alone. They know these people, Usopp, Johnny, and Zoro. They know them! Even if they don't Oyal... It's fine. They are fine. This is fine.

Usopp touches their shoulder and they do not jump at.

Usopp scrambles back, "Sorry! Just… question about the, um… I just want to clarify the pronoun thing."

Oyal takes a deep breath, "Yes, please ask."

Usopp coughs into his hand, "So… they/them?"

If there is one thing Oyal have learned from Luffy, it's that he did not take into account any consequences, believing in the straightforward approach. It is not idiocy but simply ignoring the norms of how he should behave. He sees people as individuals, not for sex, gender, species, age, or statues.

"Yes, they/them," to Luffy, you are a person and that is how Oyal wants to be seen, "I suppose these norms… made be feel… uncomfortable," they shake their head, "Excuse my lack of eloquent vocabulary but I am still figuring out my feeling about the matter myself."

Usopp nods, "Okay, just making sure," he looks to Zoro, still unconscious, I mean sleeping, on the floor, "You know, when I dreamt about becoming a pirate... I never imagine a crew like this."

"I doubt anyone could have," Oyal looks over the horizon, the Going Merry long gone from sight, "Johnny, Cocoyashi village is still the target location?"

Johnny gulps, sweating up a storm, "Yes! And this is suicide!" he yells, "Don't you get it?! We are getting closer and closer to Arlong's base!"

Oyal pauses, "...Yes?" how are they suppose to respond to that, "I would hope so? That is the goal?"

"Things aren't that simple!" Johnny has tears trailing down his face, "Nami-Sis wants to take that 2 million beri bounty that's on Arlong's head! While we're taking it easy here, she could, for all we know, have already snuck into Arlong's base!"

"It's about time for lunch, don't you think?" Oyal goes inside the dinghy, "Orange juice helps blood lose."

"Yeah," Usopp pats his stomach, "Let's find some grub. Should have gotten some food before we left."

Johnny stomps his foot on the ground, "Don't tell me you've never heard of Arlong?!"

Usopp puts his hands behind his head, "He's just another pirate with a high bounty, right?"

Oyal comes out of the dinghy with some juice and a glass, "Arlong is a fishman, former member of the Sun Pirates, known for being on the Grand Line. Current captain of the Arlong pirates, Brother of Knight of the sea Jinbei, one of the warlords of the sea," they kneel next to Zoro's sleeping form, "Age: 39, Bounty: 20,000,000, Birthday: May 3rd, Epithet: Arlong the Saw, Former resident: Fishman District of the Ryugu," Oyal pours a glass of juice.

Usopp and Johnny just... stare at them, letting the information sink in.

...Johnny coughs in his hands, "Okay, so you know… a little more than...I expected…"

"A fishman?" Usopp says with some awe, "Never seen one before," he closes his eyes, hand under his chin in thought, "Come to think of it, I've heard that there's a Merman Island in the Grand Line."

Oyal nods, "Yes, Merman is where the Ryugu Kingdom is held. It is a... beautiful place… It is at the end of the Paradise part of the Grand Line."

"Paradise part?" Johnny asks.

Oyal finishes pouring the glass, "Yes, the first half of the Grand Line before the Red Line is called Paradise due to its more peaceful nature… especially compared to the second half."

Usopp pales, "You got to be kidding me… Paradise?" even he has heard horror story after horror story of the Grand Line.

Johnny huffs, "Yeah, well to normal people it's called the Pirate's Graveyard. It's because there are three superpowers that exist there," Johnny lifts his finger, "One of them, is the Shichibukai."

Usopp sits down, "Shichibukai?"

Johnny looks at Oyal, lifting a brow, "What? You're not going to explain?"

Oyal shrugs. They know about them only because of the contract but it certainly wasn't a thing in their day, "You may continue."

Johnny takes a sit himself, "Thank you," not sounding very thankful, "ln plain terms, they are seven pirates warlords who are acknowledged by the government."

Usopp scoffs, "Why would pirates be acknowledged by the government?"

"Because the Shichibukai would give a fixed percentage of the treasure they get to the government," Johnny explains, "To other pirates, they're just government dogs. But they're powerful! The man who defeated Zoro, Hawk Eyes Mihawk, is one of them," he points to his bro.

"There are seven of them like him?" Usopp feels shivers run down his back, "I think I'm going catch can't-go-to-the-Grand-Line-illness."

"Deal with it," Oyal forces the juice down Zoro's throat. They slightly lift his head, making sure he unconsciously drink. They can't afford him to die by drowning at this stage. Zoro is the perfect right hand of the King which was why he needs to get better as soon as possible.

"So cold!" Usopp falls off his seat.

Johnny doesn't even react, "Among the Shichibukai there is a fishman, Jinbei, who's the captain of a fishmen crew," Johnny says seriously, "like you said the guy who fought beside him in the Grand Line is a most wicked and devastating pirate... Arlong!"

Usopp gulps now understanding the situation they are heading into. Oyal wonders if they should just kill Arlong or let him live. Hard to tell which would be more productive consider they never see him in the contract again... Hmm.. choices, choices.

"Ever since Arlong came to the East Blue, he's already overturned over 20 villages," Johny continues, "His power is far beyond that of Don Krieg!"

"But why would Nami run off to someone like that alone?" Usopp asks through chattering teeth.

"It's is obvious! She's after the bounty on Arlong's head," Johnny says will full confidence.

Oyal puts the cup down… why not... "No, Nami's village was captured by them eight years ago and she is being enslaved by them."

Both men, again, look at Oyal, "Enslaved?" their heads turning to the side in sync.

Oyal pours more juice in their empty glass, "Think about it, you say that Arlong has taken over 20 villages. What does one do with a village they have captured them?"

Both men think hard, "Bully… people?" Johnny guesses.

"Think more economically."

"I know!" Usopp hits his fist in his hand, "Eat them!"

"Taxes," Oyal claps their hands, "or tributes to be more exact. You take advantage of the village, using them out of all their resources, including the people, making Nami a resource for them," they try to put more juice in Zoro's mouth, "She is a navigator beyond compare, a thief, clever, smart, skilled. Arlong with his cruel reputation would no doubt use her as a resource to his bend and will."

Johnny furrows his eyebrows, "But still... isn't that stretching it?"

Oyal shakes their head, "Not at all. Slavery is... not uncommon on the Grand Line, especially the involvement of fishmen. That is the point of the Fishmen pirates. Ex-enslave fishmen. Arlong would most likely have a hatred to humanity because of this history by telling of his cruelty to them."

"Wait, wait wait," Usopp tries to keep up, "Why would someone who hates slavery… enslave people?"

"Ah, now you get it," Oyal puts the empty cup down, "Hatred like this doesn't have to make sense. In most cases, it doesn't even need logic or reason. He just has to hate humans."

Both guys gulp at that, the somber realization getting to them. A hatred with no rhyme or reason at this point. Just pure hatred.

Johnny is the first response, a bead of sweat rolling down his face, "So... you have to understand what we are up against here..."

Oyal nods, "I am fully aware of the picture."

The calm response is not what he was hoping for, "NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW POWERFUL FISHMEN REALLY ARE!"

"I was born on the Grand Line, I know what I am talking about," that shuts him up real fast, "So stop yelling, it is not helping."

Zoro starts waking up, "Wha-?"

"Heso, Windchimes."

"Die, brat."

"Zoro's fine," Oyal gets up, letting Zoro's head drop to the wooden floor, "Ah, there it is."

Johnny grabs the railing of the ship, "W-We're finally here, Arlong Park! The base of the fishmen pirate, Arlong, who survived the Grand Line."

Usopp was finally seeing the military base like park creeping upon them and starts shaking, "Is Nami really in there?"

Zoro grunts sitting up, "If she is here, then so would the Going Merry."

Oyal hums, "Okay Fishers, shall we check where it's anchored at the island first?"

"Fishers?" Zoro asks.

"Don't ask," Johnny shakes his head, "You're crew is insane bro."

Usopp nods, gathering himself up, "Yeah, w-we should anchor soon," he can handle a recon mission, as long as they don't rush in.

Zoor grabs his swords, "Prepare to rush in!"

Johnny and Usopp stand over Zoro, shark teeth out, "AS IF!"

Usopp looms over Zoro, taking advantage of the height differences while he has the chance, "Why would we do that?!"

"We don't know anything about this place!" Johnny continues as Zoro shrinks lower and lower, "Our opponents are fishmen! We should plan out everything first!"

Zoro glares at both of them, "Sorry, but I don't do those cowardly things! Luffy asked me to bring that woman back, so I don't care who the opponents are, but I'm gonna get her back!" " he is eager up to prove himself again, after his greatest defeat.

Johnny and Usopp look at one another, silently agreeing to take Zoro down together.

"Luffy said to find her, not to get her back," Oyal quips in quickly, "It would be smarter to look for the Merry as that is the last location we saw her in. It is best if we wait for Luffy to come. Wouldn't that be smarter, First Mate?"

Zoro growls, "We can't rely on Luffy to solve everything…"

Oyal nods, "No, but this is between captain and navigator. We find her and shall wait for our captain to take her back."

Zoro… reluctantly listens to that line of logic, "... fine, let's find the damn ship first."

Usopp and Johnny let out a silent breath, "I didn't really think we could do it," Usopp whispers.

"Even in his weaken state, Bro is a monster," Johnny puts a hand over his fellow fear-buddy.

They pass the Park to a village further down the coast.

"There it is, found it!" Johnny yells putting down his binoculars, "It's the Going Merry!" The happy ship was within sight at the coast.

Usopp smiles seeing her clearly, "But why would it be over there?"

Johnny gets his map out, "This part's to the east of Arlong Park, Cocoyashi Village," he furrowed his eyebrows, "But this is weird, why would she anchor so far away from the park?"

"There are also three fishmen defending the port," Oyal claims with their... telescope.

"Is that a paper tube?" Usopp looks at the makeshift tool.

"I am trying here," Oyal mumbles, shifting their feet.

Johnny quickly takes his binoculars out again, "SHIT! Oyal is right! Three fish dudes at the port!"

"Full speed ahead!" Usopp points forward... in the opposite direction.

"Stop being stupid," Zoro hits Usopp in the back of the head, "Why don't we dock here?"

"Didn't you see? There were fishmen over there!" Usopp gets in Zoro's face, totally not crying, "They're Arlong's men! You can't blame me!"

"I can blame you for multiple things!" Zoro glares right back.

Johnny grits his teeth at the sight, "This area must've already been controlled by Arlong too. What should we do now?"

Usopp folds his arm, "Yosh, let's just say that we couldn't get Nami back."

"Incorrect," Oyal pushes Usopp out of the way, "What we need to do is eliminate the target."

This time everyone looks at the astronomer, "WHAT!" "Finally!"

Usopp and Johnny are crying this time, "Oyal, not you too!" "Oyal-Sib! Be reasonable!"

Zoro, smiles smugly while getting a sword out, "So we go to them or they come to us?"

Oyal doesn't hesitate to hit Zoro in his wounds causing him to double over, "Calm down," they put their hand down, "Anyway, as much as I hate to admit it, you still seem capable of fighting," they explain to the pained Zoro. Taking down all of Arlong's men at his home base the first time around shows that clearly enough, "While I would like stealth to be on our side, that is simply not going to happen," they clap their hands together, "Too many fish-men are patrolling and no matter what they see, everything will be reported to Arlong. Best bet is to eliminate the targets to buy us time before Arlong's men notice their disappearance."

They look over all of them, "Now follow my lead."

Everyone looks at one another, not sure where this is going...

Two unsuspecting fish-men gaze over and to see a small boat coming towards them, "Well, that's kinda suspicious…" one says.

"Abandoned ship?" the other can't see anybody on board.

"Stay on guard," the third one says boarding the empty dinghy.

The second goes to the door, opening it slowly…. "Nothing here!"

"Is it really that empty?" The first says again looking around, not seeing a shadow coming to life right behind him.

"I don't- AGH!" One down.

"What the-AH!" Two down.

The third wisely goes on defense but it's too late, "Who is there?!"

"You're doom." "AGH!" Three down.

A splash of water is heard, "Is it safe to come out now?"

"Yeah," Zoro sheathes his swords, "Come out."

Usopp pulls himself on the boat as Johnny resurfaces as well with a gasp. A thud from the inside could be heard as Oyal lost their grip and fall on the floor.

"Okay," Oyal says as casually as one landing on their face can, "We have a limited time either they wake up or Arlong notices they are gone."

Johnny walks on to port, "I think this place is called Gosa village."

Zoro folds his arms, "What a dump."

And it is. Every single house is flipped over with a huge crater down the middle, "W-What happened to this place? A-All the buildings are upside-down," Usopp can't believe his eyes.

Johnny starts to sweat again, thoughts going to the worst possibility, "I heard that Arlong had attacked this place a couple of weeks ago," he shudders at the thought, "I heard that fishmen have 10 times the strength of a human!" his teeth grit together "Does this exemplify the power of the men who've survived the Grand Line?"

"And may I ask where exactly you have heard all this?" Oyal asks in a monotone voice.

"You know..." Johnny gives a sheepish smile, "Reliable sources?"

Usopp cocks his head, "But how did the road turn out this way?" he is referring to the giant crater tube down the middle of the street.

Oyal sighs, starting to walk down the street, "A Seaking called Mohmoo did this."

Usopp gulps walking right behind them, shaking, "Seaking? Don't tell me they've got a monster too?"

Oyal shrugs their shoulder, "They got him from the Grand Line. He is very… useful."

Usopp stops shaking, "No…," he runs right in front of Oyal, "No. No! No! NO!" swinging his arms with each negatory.

"What?" Oyal asks innocently, "I didn't say anything."

"YOU DIDN'T NEED TO," Usopp points accusingly, "We are not getting a Seaking!"

"We have the power," Oyal has stopped listening at this point, muttering to themselves, "Luffy can control the creature and with the right direction-"

"GOT YOU, FISHMAN! I'LL KILL YOU AND AVENGE MY FATHER'S DEATH!" a kid comes from behind them and kicks Usopp from behind... in an unsavory place.

Johnny looks down at kneeling Usopp, "Now that's just sad."

"Die you rotten fishman!" the kid holds his small but very real sword!

"Don't fight the fishmen!" only to get hit in the head by a purple haired woman, "Have you forgotten? This village was obliterated because somebody went against those fishmen."

Usopp tries to get up on very shaky legs, "W-What..."

The woman puts a hand on the kid's shoulder, "See, he looks like a fishman, but he's actually human," she pauses, "Just unique."

Usopp straightens up at that, "What do you mean by unique?!"

Oyal raises their hand, "We are in need of sanctuary, may you please house us for the time being?"

The beautiful woman raises a brow, "Who are you? You haven't been picking any fights here, have you?"

"No," an extermination, yes, but not a fight, "We made a diversion a bit away, but I doubt it will last very long," they point to Zoro, "We have an injured man."

Zoro and the woman huff in sync at that, "Fine," she picks up the brat with her, "Follow me."

Once settled they are taken to a lovely tangerine grove, "I'm Nojiko. I plant oranges here," the purple-woman finally introduces herself. She goes into the kitchen part and started pouring some glasses of juice.

Usopp looks around they simple but very cozy home, "It's very nice here."

Zoro finds a spot on the wall to sit against, "I don't need medicine," he says as he gets comfy in the stranger's home, "I can on any fishman."

Nojiko glares at the man, "My ass you could! You're lucky I was around before any of the fishmen found you. If you were to fight a fishman in your condition, you would've gotten killed," she slams down a tray of tangerine juice, "Outsiders don't know anything about what's going on around here."

She hands a glass to the beaten up boy in front of her, "You're a kid of Gosa, the neighbor town, aren't you?" she takes a sip of her own juice, "You should know well enough that you'd get killed if you fought them. More than well enough..."

"I know!" the kid shouts, "I know, but-" he grips his knees, "They were the ones who killed my dad! They robbed everyone, destroyed the village, and killed many of its people! I'll... I'LL NEVER FORGIVE THEM! No matter what happens, I'll never forgive them..." his eyes are haunted but no tears fell, as if they are dried out, "So, I headed for Arlong Park, but some woman of the gang blocked me off! She's like some sort of witch!" Oyal turns their head at that, "It was mortifying! I'll have my revenge for my dad, even if it means death!"

"Then go drop dead" Nojiko says bluntly, making Usopp spit his drink out, "Get yourself killed would make it a great revenge," she carries on as casually as if they were talking about the weather, "But at least keep this in mind, thanks to me and the witch at Arlong Park, your life has been spared twice," he pushes a cup to him, "So drink your juice and leave."

"Hey!" Usopp slams his juice on the table, "Don't you think that's too harsh for the kid?"

Zoro and Johnny say nothing as they watch the interaction with varying degrees of interest.

"Kid or not, if he really wants to die, why not just let him?" Nojiko snaps back, "He doesn't have enough will to live in these harsh times!"

"What are you trying to say?" Usopp is starting to dislike this woman more and more.

"I always look to the future," Nojiko shouts back, "I know of a child who chose to live..." she takes a calming breath, "Who lives a lifestyle that is more painful than death," only to goes back to her righteous anger, "That's why I hate people who simply want to go off and die like this kid here!"

Silence fills the room at her outburst, "What..." asks a poor excuse of a crying child, "What should I do? I tried my best to hold it in... but..." the child starts shaking, "What should I do?"

"Your mother?" Nojiko asks, all anger gone from her face.

"She's alive," he says through his tears.

"She must be worried," a pleasant smile blooms on Nojiko's face, "Go back to your mom."

"Okay," the boy wipes the tears off his face and get up leaving to the door. All without drinking his juice.

Usopp sits back from his chair, "You're actually a real nice gal," all previous misconceptions gone, "even though you got tattoos."

"Yes," Oyal pipes in, "They are quite lovely."

Usopp's eyes widen, "I- mean, yeah!" he says quickly, trying and failing to save face, "Nothing wrong with tattoos!"

"And what is wrong with tattoos?" Oyal's voice cold.

Usopp sweats a little, "N-Nothing! They're great! I, um, think they are a great form of, uh, art?"

Nojiko takes a sip of juice rolling her eyes, "Stereotypes," she puts her cup down, "Speaking of which, I still don't know who you are."

"Oh yeah, of course," Usopp points to himself, "My name is the Great-"

"L. Oyal," they raise their hand, "That's Roronoa Zoro, Johnny, and Usopp."

Usopp drops his bravado, "Took my spotlight…"

"We are here for Nami," Oyal continues, time to get down to business.

"Nami? You know her?" Nojiko asks, showing no more reaction than gentle curiosity.

"Yes," Oyal answers carefully, "We are here to formally make her part of our crew."

Nojiko gives a humorless smile, "That sounds pretty hard considering Nami an officer of the Arlong Pirates."

A beat of silence.

"What?!" Usopp's jaw hits on the floor, "Nami's an officer of that gang?"

"Yeah, everyone knows," Nojko rests her head in her hand, "That kid was talking about her too. The Witch," her smile grows a little more genuine, "Here's another surprise: This is the place where that witch was raised. Me and Nami are foster sisters."

Usopp does a double take, "This is Nami's home?"

Johnny mouth hangs open, "No way..."

Nojiko nods, "Both Nami and I were orphans. We grew up here. Though our mother who raised us has died, the three of us used to live happily, here in Cocoyashi Village."

Usopp mind is spinning. Oyal made the theory about Nami being used but... an officer?! That seems like a high position for someone being looked down on. Zoro clenches his teeth but he shouldn't have been surprised. He should have known Nami was faking the whole hating pirates attitude! He looks over to Oyal and sees they don't even flinch at the news. They knew.

"Yes," Oyal says.

Everyone look to them now. Nojiko raises an eyebrow, "Yes?"

Oyal gets their journal out and puts it down, "I mean more to agree with you, I thought it would be polite than saying I already know all that."

Johnny's jaw drops along with Usopp's. Zoro's eyes narrow but he doesn't say anything.

Nojiko frowns, "What do you mean you know?"

"I mean that I know you are her sister and that everyone on this island knows her plan as well. I mean that I know that Nami is the cartographer of the Arlong pirate and has been for the past eight years," Oyal's voice doesn't change its usual tone but the implications are clear, "I mean that I know she needs 100 million beri to buy this town off of Arlong."

Nojiko grows paler with each word Oyal said, "How...?"

Usopp is the only one to recover fast enough, "So... she isn't just a witch?" he scratches his chin, "I mean, yeah! Of course, she isn't! She can't be!" he hits the table with his fist, "She joined in the battle to defend my village. She laughed with us like she was enjoying herself on the ship! There's no way she could just be pretending that whole time, right?"

Nojiko catches that, "Enjoying herself her?"

Usopp nods holding his arms out, "We came here to get her back, but…" he looks to Oyal, "Things sure have gotten complicated."

"More importantly," Zoro speaks up for the first time, "Isn't that the Going Merry?"

They all look out the window to see Merry happily floating at the coat in the far horizon.

"THERE SHE IS!" Usopp looks over, "But that means-"

"Arlong park is right next to this village..." Johnny thinks going from Gosa-Cocoyashi gave them some space. Apparently not.

Nojiko shakes her head, "She left to the Park earlier this morning…"

"Yes, well," Oyal stands up, "I think we should be heading to Cocoyashi village right now."

"Why?" Johnny asks slowly

Oyal is already making their way to the door, "Because he is there."

"Hey, wait!" Nojiko stands up, her previous anger showing again, "You got some nerve coming here and spouting that you know everything. You don't know what this village has been through!"

"No, I don't," Oyal agrees easily, "But I know it will go through a lot worse if we don't stop Arlong from killing Gen."

Nojiko eyes widen. She can't believe it. How would that even make any sense? But as much as she is pissed she can't let something like that happen. She grits her teeth, "Just keep your heads down and follow me," as she pushes past Oyal, toward Cocoyashi village square.

They hide in the shadows of the houses, out of sight and out of mind.

Usopp has his back glued to the wall at the sight of... "THAT'S ARLONG?!" he whisper-yells, so frightened that his grip allowed him to hang perfectly horizontal on the side of the house.

"Your arm strength is surprisingly impressive."

"Not now, Oyal!"

"He's huge!" Johnny gapes at the 8-foot tall fishman.

Zoro raises a brow, "He's no human alright."

Nojiko folds her arms, "Well, he is a fishman."

Zoro sweat-drops, "Right."

Arlong is talking down to a certain individual, a man with too many stitches and a pinwheel fan on the hat, "I've got 20 villages and towns under my control. Rebels are a pain in the butt. As ruler, I destroyed Gosa Village as a warning. The fact that they failed to pay their tributes was an indication of rebellion."

Usopp looks over, "Tribute... like you paying him right?"

"Yes, it's money offered to them," Nojiko looks down, "Every month, we have to spend money to buy our own lives. Whether it be adults or children. If anyone can't afford to pay it, even if there's only one, their village would be wrecked like Gosa's."

Johnny shakes, "That town was turned over just because of one person?"

"That's how Arlong does things," Nojiko eyes are blank, "Racists who don't give a care about killing and toying with human lives."

"Understand?" Arlong laughs, "Low-life humans should just think of nothing but ways of offering the money to me. I need lots of funds. The tribute that you offer will be the very foundation of the Arlong Empire which will dominate East Blue!"

Zoro catches that, "Arlong Empire? Are they planning to dominate the whole of East Blue as a Fishmen Empire?"

Oyal shrugs, "I mean it has been what? Eight years and he hasn't done anything besides staying on this island. He might be putting off this Empire thing a bit too long."

They hear a scream ahead of them.

Nojiko looks around the corner, for the first time seeing Arlong's newest victim, "Shit! Gen!"

There is Gen being held by his neck, a little blood coming down the side of his head as Arlong picked his up like a couple of grapes, "Even possessing a weapon is a sign of rebellion. In order to prevent any other rebels from you humans, I'll kill you right here, right now."

"You gotta be kidding!" Usopp is panicking, his grip turning deadly white on the house, "He only possessed the weapon! Will he really kill him just for that?"

Nojiko grits her teeth, seeing no choice but to run out of the alley, "That son of a-!"

"Hey, come back here!" Johnny raises his voice, "You're going to be killed!"

She doesn't listen and keep running into the clearing, "That's so selfish!" she draws attention to herself, all eyes are on her now, "How can you be so selfish, Arlong?! We've been offering tributes to you for eight years now, without fail! There's no way that we'd even think about rebelling, is there?! Let him go!"

Other villagers start to yell with her, "She's right! He didn't use any weapons!" "Please don't!" "Let Genzo go!"

"I said that possession of a weapon is a form of rebellion," Arlong smiles with nothing but teeth, "Or are your thoughts otherwise? Do you want me to dig up this village? If anyone dares to go against us, then don't expect less than the demise of this village," the look in his eye was as dead and lifeless as… well… a dead fish's, "I don't mind whatever you choose."

"Everyone, go back inside! It'll be futile to fight them now," Genzo gets himself together, "If we were to resist them with our fists, we would have done so eight years ago! But, we swore to each other, to fight with patience. For our survival!''

Everyone looks unhappy but takes Genzo's words to heart, "Genzo, but-"

Along grabs Genzo's head completely, "That's so touching, nicely said," as he lifts Genzo up sky-high, "Of course, you can be happy for being alive," he smashes Genzo face into a wooden board, "Even worthless pests like you!"

The villagers shriek, "Gen!" unable to move, unable to do anything to help their friend.

"After all, not all living things were made equal!" Along throws Genzo to the floor, "Shahahaha!"

"You bastard!" One man goes up, about to break the silent oath.

"No!" Genzo coughs on the floor, "Don't fight, no matter what!"

The dude hesitate, "But, Gen-!"

"Everything's over if you were to die!" Genzo lifts a hand in a stopping motion, "Don't abandon the endurance we've gone through! Even if I die," and like that the crowd goes back to their silent rage.

"Nice speech," Arlong lifts Genzo up for the last time with one hand, "Mere humans, behold! This person, who had the notion of rebelling us, will now endure his fate," ready to smash Genzo's head into the ground, "Let this be a warning!"

"GUN POWER STAR!"

Until an explosion of gunpowder and fire attack Arlong's face. Genzo is dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes but it's better than getting your head smashed in so, ya know, he was fine.

"Huh? What happened?" The fishmen are the first to react to their captain being attacked.

"Look! Over there!" The villagers as well start looking up, seeing who was brave/dumb enough to fight a fishman like Arlong and ruin a plan of eight years, "There's someone on the roof!" "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm the brave warrior of the sea," says the poor sap from the top of a building "Sniper Usopp!" people down below question this guy's sanity, "Thousands of people all over the world fear me, calling me King Usopp who emerged from Hell! I shall have mercy on you if you escape now!"

The smoke clears around Arlong, leaving the sight of one pissed off fishman, "Thousands of people are nothing to me..." his voice is cold, sending shiver running down Usopp back, having second, third, and fourth thoughts about this plan, "I'D CLOBBER EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM TO THE GROUND!" Arlong yells murderously to the heavens, face full of teeth, "What is a low-life human like you trying to do to me?!" he makes a move to Usopp-!

That is until something nick him in the neck. Not hurting him but it was sharp enough to draw blood. Causing everyone to stared in horror at the red liquid.

"Oh sure, now you hit a target."

"Shut up, Tinkles."

Arlong, along with a village of shock humans, turns to see three strangers standing at the edge of the clearing; one sweating with a sword in hand, the other two watching boringly.

Usopp quickly gets down from the house, "Damn, I thought I was a goner," sneaking his way back to his bodyguards/friends.

Zoro grabs his swords, "Plan of attack?"

Oyal gets another paper star ready, "Yes…Fishers..." they look to Usopp.

Usopp looks back, nodding imminently.

Oyal looks to Johnny.

Johnny nods back, grip on his sword tightening.

"RUN!" All three running in the opposite direction of the fishmen without question.

"THE HELL-!" Zoro turns around, looks back at the fishmen, who are just as confused and pissed, but follows anyway, "Goddamnit!"

"CATCH THEM!" Arlong screams, "Kill them all!"

"Forget about that guy, Arlong! Else you're gonna ruin this place!" Matar Ray guy says, holding back his boss. He turns to his crew, "Get him!" he orders to several fishmen who chase all after them.

He turns to the villagers, "We'll be back. Aren't you guys fortunate?" Fishmen muttering to themselves, some spreading to follow Arlong back, other going to chase the humans.

Genzo sit up as they finally leave, "Sorry, for troubling all of you."

"What are you babbling about? It's not your fault," a normal dude says, "But, who were those guys just now?"

Nojiko whistles quietly to herself in the background.

"Everyone!" A voice calls out from behind before any more questions could be asked, "Long time no see!"

"Na-chan..." is the only words spoken before every single one of the villagers silently walk away, back into their homes as if nothing happened. Leaving only thee in the street.

Nojiko is the only one to look right at her sister as Genzo sits down, bleeding, "What's the matter? It's rare for you to use the main road."

Nami shrugs, "I heard Arlong was making a stop here," no damage to the village at least, "Nothing too bad I hope?" taking complete notice of the blood coming down a silent Genzo's face as he looks purposely away from her.

With no more words spoken Nami keeps on her merry way.

She continues walking to the end of the road, up to a hill and in front of a grave, "Hey, Bell-mere..."

Nojiko follows her all the way, "As usual, your reputation is pretty bad."

"No surprise, I am a pirate after all." Nami says lightly, "But Arlong knows that. Anything can be solved with money. Just a little more to keep my part of the bargain," she smiles a smile she dares to dream, "It has finally come true..."

And the other side of town…

Usopp is huffing it, "We can't outrun them forever!"

Johnny is having trouble keeping up, "Where are we going to go?"

"WHY ARE WE RUNNING?" Zoro yells at them, "I promised Luffy that I'd get her back, didn't I?"

"We don't need to run away," Oyal huffs as well, stamina still shit, "All we need to do is not fight Arlong."

"WHY?!" Johnny gets another burst of energy as a fishman almost nabs him.

"Because we can't handle him!" Oyal snaps, "For maximum efficiency, Luffy needs to beat Arlong with Nami's consent else she will live in fear forever!"

"So…" Usopp raises a brow, thumbing behind him to the fishmen chasing them.

"Yes…" Oyal agrees silently.

"You mean..." Johnny asks.

"I do," Oyal says gravely.

The three run off the path, "GOOD LUCK, ZORO!"

Zoro stops, seeing them hiding in the forest, "WHAT THE HELL, YOU BASTARDS!" the whites in his eyes showing as he is the lone man on the road.

The fishmen surround him immediately, "Heh, looks like the other abandoned their crewmate," "This should be easy…"

Zoro grits his teeth in a fake smile, "I'm going to kill them," getting his swords out.

The fishmen start closing in around him, "Empty threats!" "Yeah, this guy is nothing compared to us!"

"I'm going to kill them all," Zoro's words sound harsh to those around him but it is all directed at the wrong prey.

"Go, Zoro!" Usopp cheers from a bush.

"IF YOU REALLY WANT TO CHEER, HELP ME!" he yells behind him.

A fishman takes the opportunity to aim a punch-!

Zoro cuts them all down easily.

Zoro huffs, putting his swords away, "Great, well there goes your element of surprise or whatever."

Oyal walks out of the forest, not looking the least bit ashamed, "Doesn't matter really. Besides, The Fryers should be here any second now."

Usopp tilts his head, "They are already here?"

Oyal nods, "Yes, in about," she steps away from the forest, "Three… two... one…"

CRASH!

A boat comes sailing in just over the tree horizon, landing in the lily pad marsh on the other side of the path... also landing a bit on Zoro's head.

"Landing complete!" Luffy gets out of the boat rubble, dusting himself off, seeing his crew in front of him, and a certain First Mate under the boat rubber as well, "Yo! Zoro! The Fryers are here!"

"YOU BASTARD!" Zoro stands straight up from the wooden wreckage, forcing boards off him and glares down at his captain, "What the hell are you doing?"

Luffy smiles, thumbing to a disgruntled Sanji and Yosaku holding a careful package, "We've come to take Nami back."

Oyal nods, "Yes, she should be in Cocoyashi around now to check on her treasure."

"Well, that was horrifying," Yosaku almost trips over the rumble, carefully maneuvering his feet, doing everything possible not to drop the sleeping package in his grip, "Right. Seakings, money, treasure, fishmen... Luffy filled us in on the, uh, situation."

Oyal takes one look at Yosaku, then his arms, "Luffy..."

"Hm?" he doesn't turn around.

"Why..." they ask slowly, "Is Gin here?"

"I don't know..." he sweats a bit, still not looking at them.

"Luffy..." they grab his cheek, pulling it, "Explain."

Gin was unresponsive, clearly and utterly still sick from the fumes, and no matter how careful Sanji was moving him out of the rumble Gin should NOT BE MOVING in the first place!

"They were sending all the baddies to prison and I couldn't just leave him there to be taken to!" Luffy says, "Sanji agreed and he was passed out and so he didn't say no buuuuuuuut…." he trails off under Oyal's scowl, slowing growing on their face.

"Dude, we had a sea king throw us," Yosaku hisses to his lifelong buddy, "A seaking! This is insane"

"Man… this whole thing is insane" Johnny goes over to his partner, not even noticing the other conversation, "To think Nami-Sis is trying to buy back her village."

"Yeah!" Luffy seeing his way out, butts in, putting himself safety between the two bounty hunters, "But don't worry we got this covered!"

Sanji gently puts Gin down near a tree, "What's our next move captain?" He gets they are here because his poor Nami was in a delicate situation. With her whole town being a hostage they were going to have to strike fast.

"Nothing!" Luffy speaks confidently.

"WHAT?!" Everyone but Oyal shouts.

Usopp goes up, "What you mean nothing?! Nami is in trouble," he is starting to look pissed, "Don't tell me we are going to abandon her?!"

Luffy stops smiling, looking Usopp right in the eyes. Usopp tries not to flinch at the sudden change of demeanor, "Never. We never leave one of our own behind."

Usopp gulps at the seriousness, but... "Luffy, what are you-"

"SLEEP!" Luffy drops to the floor face first.

Oyal huffs, "Sneaky move; tactical though. Avoiding responsibly."

Usopp rolls his eyes, "Don't be ridiculous, no one can fall asleep, that-" he squats down to the snoring teen, "HE'S ASLEEP!"

Sanji sits down as well, being the first to move, "Well... that went well."

Oyal gestures to Johnny and Yosaku to sit by them, "Let him be... he has his reasons," once seated they start analyzing Gin's condition, "Dear Apollo, how did he make Gin's condition worse?"

Zoro sits, leaning on a tree, "Yeah, you would know, wouldn't you?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Oyal asks airly. Blood pressure: 90/60 mm, slow but still moving.

Zoro narrows his eyes, "That bullshit you made in the beginning, with the paper forming bullshit," he lifts a hand, "the cat, the fish, and the damn tangerine grove," each finger lowering at the claims, "There is prediction bullshit and then there is just plain bullshit."

"Hey!" Sanji looks at his new crew member with fury, "Don't talk that way to a la-" he chokes on his tongue.

Zoro raises a brow, shit eating grin slowly crawling on his face, "Oh? Don't talk that way to a what?"

Sanji grits on his cigar, "DON'T FUCKING MOCK ME!"

"THEN DON'T BE A DUMBASS!" Zoro shouts back.

"And thus, the pack is formed," Oyal mutters, checking for pulse per minute now: 50. Their first fight, "How quaint."

Usopp sighs, feeling a migraine coming on, "Please don't tell me this is going to be a normal thing."

"There is no escape from the alliance..." they don't even look away from their task.

Usopp drops his head, "Right... creepy..."

Johnny drums his fingers on his knees, "Well," he looks to Yosaku, "We don't really want to stay and get killed by Arlong… so..."

Yosaku nods, "Yeah there is no real reason for us to stay on the island anymore."

Oyal takes Gin's temperature, "When Luffy defeats Arlong you can have a share in the reward money."

"YEAH! LET'S KICK HIS ASS!" Johnny stands up, making a complete 180 change of attitude.

"NOTHING CAN STOP US!" Yosaku joins him, "NAMI DON"T WORRY YOUR FRIENDS ARE HERE!"

"It's useless," another voice joins in, "No matter what you do, you won't be able to change Arlong's rule," Nojiko walks over, stance full of sass, "Friends huh? To her, that's the most difficult word of all..."

Usopp turns around, "Nojiko!"

"Nami's older sister," Oyal offers to Sanji and Yosaku.

"Nami's older sister? She's so pretty!" Sanji twirls along, already in love.

Zoro glances at her, "What do you mean, It's useless?"

"Do us a favor," Nojiko put her hands on her hips, "Don't meddle with this village's business anymore," her voice is as flat as a field, "Leave Nami alone. I'll tell you the reason how things go this way, so in return you be quiet."

"The reason?" Usopp tilts his head, "I thought we already got the reason. Arlong is taxing your city and Nami wants to buy it off him."

"Well..." Nojiko gives Oyal the side eye, "Despite what you heard, that is still not the full story."

Oyal tactically keeps their mouth shut.

Yosaku looks up, "All right, then tell us the reason or whatever."

Nojiko looks to the sleeping Luffy on the floor.

"Don't mind him," Zoor mutters, "That's just what he's like. We'll listen to the story. Although it probably won't change anything," he says as his last words as he falls asleep himself.

"Don't sleep if you said you'd listen!" Usopp yells, then calming down, "I'll listen too. I want to understand what's going on here."

"Me too," Sanji smiles, "I want to know everything about Nami!"

There is a noticeable lack of snoring from Luffy on the floor.

Nojiko smiles, "I see. No wonder Nami is torn."

She tells them the story of Nami, herself and Belle-mere living together as a happy family. About Genzo and how she would steal because they were poor. About how Bellemere retired from the marines to take care of them. And then how Arlong came and ruined everything, killing their mom and taking Nami at just age ten. How she made a vow to buy back the island once she got 100,000,000 beri.

"I heard, when she was traveling with you, she was happy and had a great time," Nojiko adds at the end, "I haven't seen her happy for years now," I'm fine. I'll just smile whenever I see his face. I've decided I'll never cry again. I've decided I'm gonna fight on my own! "For a 10-year-old girl to decide to fight alone and struggle," Nojiko voice grows harder, "Do you understand how hard it must've been? For a deal that would free the village,"

Johnny and Yosaku are near tears, taking everything they had to keep from bawling, "That's... so sad..." "So sad bro..."

"So in order to save her village," Usopp grits his teeth, "She forced herself to join the very pirate who killed her mother..."

Sanji's blood is boiling, "Whoever makes Nami-swan suffer I'm gonna kill them!" Nojiko hits him on the head, "Why, Sister?"

"Because I'm telling you not to interfere." Nojiko explains cooly, "If you guys keep claiming that you're her partners, the pirates are gonna doubt her loyalty. And all her hard work these eight years will be all for naught!" she looks down, annoyance clearly on her face, "Don't make it any harder than it already is. She is fighting on her own. Knowing there are people who call her a friend is the most painful thing for her."

There is silence at that. No one dared to raise an objection.

Luffy sits up, hat covering his eyes, "What a nice nap," and gets up, "I'm taking a walk."

''Taking a walk?'' Nojiko watches him take his leave in bewilderment.

Oyal sighs, "A rather mysterious character."

Yes, Luffy is not the most educated; not knowing who to cook, navigate, mostly read, do math, or most other basic skills. Uneducated but not stupid. He can hear and speak to all living things and Luffy listens. He listens to people. He may not care, but he will listen.

That's why it is so important that he follows this plan. Luckily it is easier than Oyal thought to get him to agree to wait to defeat Arlong. They talk about this ages ago when there was nothing else to talk about but the future.

The only reason Nami asked for his help was when her original plan did not work. To bypass their contract Arlong had planned to have Nami's gold stolen and therefore unable to buy her village back. At that time the villagers that she aimed to protect were nearing a certain death situation by facing Arlong. And in her desperation, she asked Luffy for help.

It doesn't matter that Luffy can take Arlong out now or that they know Arlong was planning to betray her. In Nami's point of view, interfering now will only be a sign her breaching that contract she made with Arlong. They will be the ones putting their villagers' lives in immediate threat. Arlong may have plans to break it but until the actual deed is done, little can happen.

As... unfortunate as the situation was, it's still advantageous.

Oyal does not like how it leaves a sour taste in the back of their throat as they watch their captain's back grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Perhaps Arlong's chances of staying alive this time are smaller than originally calculated...

Luffy keeps walking. Feet leading him but he knows where they are going. He didn't listen to Nami's story the first time around. He didn't need to. He didn't have to know anything about Nami wasn't willing to tell him herself. She doesn't owe him anything like that.

That being said he is fucking livid. Oh, sure he was pissed in the first timeline but that was just from context clues. Now he had the full picture and it is not pretty. It is taking every inch of self-restraint keeping him from going to Arlong's and utterly destroying him.

Luffy has never been one for murder but a man has his limits.

He hates this plan. He hates absolutely everything about this.

But that doesn't matter.

Nami said to stay away. He would be going not only Nami's wishes but her lifelong dream of saving her village. She is going to fulfill that promise with Arlong but Arlong is going to betray her and crush those dreams a the end. He can't not make Arlong betray her. No, he has to wait. Wait for Nami to be betrayed. Like an ass.

God, he hates this plan.

"No, Luffy, you can't just beat up Arlong. Nami will get mad at you ruining her eight-year plan. She doesn't want your help and you can't force it on her. If you rush in you will only look like an ass. Well, I feel like one," he kicks a rock, refusing to feel as young as he looks, "Stupid logic. Stupid dumb contracts. Stupid stupidness!"

"Hey, you there! Wait!" Luffy looks up seeing three individuals in front of him. Was he actually… lost in thought. Weird?

But there they were; Hachi and the other two he doesn't know. Mantaray guy and Fish Lips. Yeah, that seems close enough. It was good to see Hachi again! Even if Zoro was going to have to kick his ass! Ah, memories.

Luffy looks behind him, "You mean me?" he is pretty sure he didn't meet anyone in the road before.

"Yeah, you!" Hachi points on of his many fingers at him, "What are you doing here?"

Luffy shrugs, "What's it to you?" he asks back. Future friend or not Luffy is not going to hold back.

Hachi falters at the question, "Well…" he searches his mind trying to sound like he had a clever comeback, "Uh, it's just… we don't get many visitors…" he finishes up lamely. Fish Lips shakes his head at the display.

"Ah," well I wonder why, "Well, I'm Luffy, nice to meet you," and gives a bow. Manners matter.

"Oh!" Hachi quickly straightens up to give a bow back, "Nice to meet you too!"

Fish Lips hits Hachi in the back of the head, "DON'T BOW BACK!"

Mantaray shakes his head but addresses Luffy, "Where are you going?"

"...I have no idea," he actually doesn't remember the way back to Cocoyashi Village. Damn, don't tell him he has been going in circles!

The other two didn't seem satisfied with that answer but Hachi just laughs, "Hahah! What a fun guy!"

Luffy gives a small smile. Hachi sounds more like himself in that moment. He walks right past the three. He can feel their confusion but that mattered little to him. He has bigger fish to fry.

They were following him...

Luffy feels peeved he really didn't want to start a fight but-

"Luffy?"

Luffy feet stop, he really has to stop thinking! "Nami..."

She is standing there in the middle of the street... Another wave of angry went through him seeing her old tattoo on her shoulder but he swallows it down. She looks strangely not angry, "So you really came..." her tone unfairly neutral.

"Of course," Luffy says equally as plainly. The fishmen following him hide but Luffy can still feel them watching them. Nami didn't see them and de doesn't really know what to make of the whole thing. They were spying but can they hear anything? He keeps his face clear. After all, two can play this game. Even if one does not know how to play this game. It's Luffy.

Nami looks down, her bangs covering her eyes, "You..."

She moves forward, with purpose. Luffy doesn't even flinch. He has Haki, he sees the hit coming a mile away.

...is what was supposed to happen.

What Luffy does not expect is a hug.

What. What? What! His reaction time so slow he doesn't hug back. Luffy has officially lost the game. Nami: 1 Luffy: 0

She pulls back, holding Luffy at arm's length and gives him a genuine smile, "I'm so happy you're here," her voice is barely above a whisper.

Luffy just stares back, faintly hearing a rustling in the bushes, "Uh," Nami is happy they are here. Good? Bad? Good, "I told you we would follow."

Nami's smile turns into a smirk but is no less genuine, "Yeah, and raising hell while you are at it," she puts her hands on her hips, "You're lucky the crew got away while they could before Arlong could get them."

"That is not on me," Luffy waves his hand carelessly, "I just got here."

Nami snorts, "So irresponsible..." she says clearly fondly.

As much as Luffy would love to just not question this change in behavior and enjoy a happy Nami, he knew he can't. Stupid more self-aware brain, "Where are you going?"

Nami's attitude doesn't change at the question, if anything she brightens, "I'm going to go get Arlong," she claps her hands, "I just went home to drop off the treasure and as it turns out... I have enough!"

Luffy gives a closed mouth grin, he doesn't slip but he does blink, "Enough?"

Nami's eyes sparkle like a thousand jewels, "Yes! My goal! 100,000,000 beri!" she cheers, "The treasure from all our voyages; Buggy, Kuro, El Drago! That last one was what really made the goal! I-" was supposed to forget about you guy. Suppose to erase you from my heart.

She looks at with Luffy with utter gratitude, a laugh that sounds like a sob coming out, "I couldn't have done it without you."

There is a yelp from the bushes that is quickly covered up. Luffy hopes to every deity the three would stop this conversation but no such luck. He is on his own.

Luffy is not a good liar. He is not. Even after years on the open sea, he can't lie to save his ass. So trust me when I say there is only one thought going through his head at this moment.

Shit.

If Luffy's silence suggested anything with it, Nami doesn't seem to notice, "I can finally buy my village back. I can finally end this nightmare..." she looks over his shoulder, "I was going to get the crew to help me carry the gold over. A deal's a deal after all! He can count every damn coin himself!"

Luffy nods vigorously out of habit as he felt a bunch of different emotions come from the bushes, most negative, "That's..." marines are at your house right now? Arlong is not going to hold up the deal? I kinda already plan his funeral? "an idea!"

Nami, for the first time, notices Luffy behaviors, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean!" Think stupid brain! "How about we help you with the gold! Make it all in one trip!"

The bushes paused. Nami hums for a bit, "We? As in the whole crew?"

Luffy nods still smiling, "Yup!"

"The same crew that shot Arlong in the face," she deadpans.

Luffy sweats, "Yup!" he shoots his arms out wide, "I mean come on! I'm sure he is over that now! Let's go! Let's go!"

Nami pauses, she can't believe she is actually entertaining this thought, "Well, once I buy my village we could hide the rest of the crew there. As long as he doesn't make any visits," she puts a hand under her chin, "In fact, I should make a list of everything he can't do like visiting my village," she looks back to Luffy smiling, "Okay, fine, let's go get my village!"

Luffy nods again, hoping he doesn't look too relieved. His brain wasn't meant to be thinking this much, "Right, we can carry it all easily."

"Monster," Nami says not unkindly walking back to Cocoyashi, "And don't say a word once we get to Arlong Park. I don't need you making any trouble to interrupt our deal. You guys may have these monster-like powers, but you're no match for real monsters."

Luffy bits his tongue. Oh, trust me I am not the one to be breaking any deals. But he has to endure. He can't stumble now, he didn't come back all this time to lose again.

He feels the fishmen leave through the forest… running all the way to Arlong Park.

Nami and Luffy start making their way back to the crew at their own pass, Nami looking ahead, "Hey, Luffy..."

He hums back, arms swinging.

For an instant, she has forgotten the fate she brought upon herself. She thinks that if she could, she would stay with these guys forever. Because she found something she didn't want to lose… something she never had the choice to make, "After all of this... are you still looking for a navigator?" Friends.

Luffy keeps walking, answer on the tip of his tongue before being interrupted.

"Nami!" "Witch." "Nami-swan!" "Nami Bro!"

Nami eyes widen at the display. Six guy, one child, and her sister, "Nojiko?!"

Usopp runs up to her first, arm out for a hug, "YOU'RE SAFE!" only to stop as his expression turns sour, "YOU TOOK THE GOING MERRY!"

"What?" her expression one of pure innocence "Why, Usopp, I have no idea what you mean?"

"DON'T YOU GIVE ME THAT!"

"Don't even bother, Usopp," Zoro calls, not bothering to move from his comfort spot under the tree, "She can't feel remorse."

"That's some high and mighty words from the two who went out of their way to purposely pissed off the most dangerous being on this island," Nami says evenly.

Both Usopp and Zoro simultaneously cock their heads to the side, "When did we piss off Luffy?"

Nami twitches at that, "ARLONG, YOU MORONS!" she forgos to lose all cool in favor of pure rage.

"Even when angry, she is still so charming!" a certain chef spins in place, "Hi Nami-swan! Remember me? Let's go on a cruise together!"

Zoro glares at the chef, "You shut your mouth! You're just complicating things!"

Sanji stops spinning, "What did you say!? My love is always a hurricane!"

"It is good to see you, Nami," Oyal, at some time, appears right next to Nami, causing her to flinch a bit, "Though, we have been worried."

"Yeah, Nami bro!" Johnny sits up, "We thought you were crazy to go catch Arlong's bounty but this!" he gestures to nothing in particular, "This is insane!"

"This?" Nami asks confused, looking to her sister, suspicion creeping in, "What did you tell them?"

Nojiko shrugs, "The truth," she says simply.

"Nojiko!" Nami looks panicked by that, "What- Why... They didn't need to know that!"

Usopp lifts his hand up, "Hey it's fine Nami. Nojiko just filled us up on what's going on here."

Nami glares at her sister, "Nojiko! This isn't their business!"

Nojiko laughs at her reaction, glad to see her sister so carefree, "What can I say they are a stubborn bunch."

Nami sighs, seeing as she isn't going to win this. She looks at the crew. These morons that came after her, after everything...

She straightens her back and bows lowly, "I'm sorry for taking the ship," she comes back up just as fast before anyone could say something, face smiling, "But I finally reached my goal."

Nojiko's eyes widen, "You... You mean?"

Nami gives a watery smile to her, "Yes!"

Nojiko is stunned. She doesn't move for a second until rushing at Nami and grabbing her, practically spinning her sister in her arms, "You did it!" she whispers in her little sister's ear, "You really did it!"

Luffy gestures behind the touching scene to Oyal: HELP!

Oyal nods, instantly understanding. Their mind is going a mile per minute, "You are going to Arlong Park now, I assume," they state.

Nojiko lets go of Nami, still holding on and still smiling like a mad woman.

Nami pulls herself together, "Yeah, actually I was hoping you could help me iron out some details once I make the exchange. You guys are already on bad terms with Arlong, so I want to make sure this won't affect the Village."

"Hey!" the three of the four troublemakers retort.

"Understandably," Oyal keeps their voice clear, "I suggest rewriting your deal on paper," they lift a blank piece of paper, "Now what are the exact words that were your verbal agreement?"

"Um," Nami remembers years ago, "It was that I pay Arlong 100 million beri upfront and he will return the village back to me."

As she speaks the word appeared on the piece of the paper, "Just as I thought, terribly vague, don't you think? I have already taken liberty in writing several conditions to what this entails. It says that you are not free until the money is in front of Arlong's," they fold the paper up, "I am suggesting that we go to Arlong and make him re-sign this new contract with all the details you want while the rest of the crew go get the gold."

Nami takes the folded piece of paper, looking over every detail, "This is very... detailed."

"Thank you. I may have the power of paper but also contracts," they explain awaken devil fruits in the simplest terms, "He quite literally cannot go against his word if he signs. The best bet is one you know you are going to win after all, right, Nami?"

Nami looks it over. She doesn't want to think about Arlong breaking his end of the bargain but… the security in Oyal's devil fruit does give her some comfort, "Fine," she sighs handing the paper back, "Nojiko, can you show the guys were the gold is and bring it to Arlong Park?"

Nojiko nods, eyes full of determination, "You can count on it!"

Oyal nods, "Sanji, Usopp, Johnny, and Yusuke go back to Cocoyashi and get Nami's gold. Settle Gin down as well please, and find a doctor for Apollo's sake, this is getting ridiculous. Luffy, Nami, Zoro, and I shall go to Arlong Park."

Nami shakes her head, "Did you forget? Arlong has you pretty high on the 'plan to kill later' list."

"That is if he can. If worse comes to worst then we can handle ourselves but what matters now is getting him to sign this contract. Then we can finally settle this matter," they roll the paper up and make it disappear, "Once and for all."

The words brought a heavy silence among them all, "... Jeez, can you make that sound any more ominous."

"Shut up, Usopp."

With those final words, they split up.

Sadly, it doesn't take nearly as long as anyone would have as Nami walks in, Luffy and Zoro covering her flank with Oyal in the rear.

"Arlong," she says levely.

Arlong barley turns to her, already expecting company, "Oh? What's this, my little cartographer? I see you have made some friends," his eyes narrow murderously as he sits in his lounge chair. He looks like a phony king, so relaxed, but he was anything but. The other fishmen look to one another, but Arlong doesn't make a move for his men to move. He was waiting for them. All of them.

Nami shrugs, cold demeanor on high, "They don't have anything to do with this, just some thugs I stole from."

"You seem pretty close," Arlong lazily counters.

Nami rolls her eyes at this point, "I will deal with them later, but this is between us, "she snaps her fingers as Oyal slides the piece of a paper in waiting hands, "I have the money."

Arlong's eyes narrow a bit, "That's pretty small to be 100 million beri."

Nami doesn't let up, "The rest of the crew is getting it as we speak, so until then," she leans toward the fishman, "So, let's go over the details of our contract."

Arlong bears his teeth, "What are you talking about? We already have our agreement. You give me the money and I give you back your village."

Nami nods, "Yes, yes, and that's good and, all but it all very vague, don't you think?" Nami repeats Oyal's words, "I think we should hammer out the details," she tosses the scroll at him and he catches it, "Read it and sign it. Those are the agreements."

"I'm hurt, Nami," Arlong grins as he crushes the paper in his grip, "We have an agreement and we are sticking with it," and rips up the paper without even looking at it, right in Nami's face, "No need to make things complicated."

Nami pales not liking how Arlong is reacting.

Another paper is pushed into Nami's hands, "It's okay, I made copies," Oyal speaks over Nami's shoulder, "Hello. L. Oyal, the manuscript of the contract. If you bothered to read you can see that the initial agreement is still there: When 100 million beris are in your hands, Nami will own Cocoyashi village. This is simply precaution so that when she owns the village, there is no backstabbing or double crossing."

"Which you would never do, right, Arlong?" Nami grits out, handing the piece of paper again.

Arlong snatches the paper, "Me? Don't you trust me Nami?" looking it over this time, his shark gin as evil as ever, "I'm hurt."

"It's nothing personal," Nami is as emotionless as Oyal, "It's just business."

Arlong sneers, all the fishmen look on trying to guess what to do but not daring to make any moves. Everyone knows the plan, but they need to wait for Arlong's signal.

Luffy and Zoro don't make a signal reaction throughout the whole thing. Standing menacingly like two guard dogs, looking ready to fight at any moment.

Arlong, after a long moment, looks down and begins to chuckle, "Fine," he looks up with a bemused look, "I'll humor you. Once the 100 million is in my hands the village is yours," he takes an offered pencil and signs. Arlong.

Once signed, Oyal is the one to snatch it out of his hands. Their face changes… into a horrible smile, "Thank you!"

They dig into their pocket, taking out a... snail.

"Where did you get that?" Nami asks.

"Doesn't matter," Oyal pokes the little creature, "Sanji, did you get all of that?"

"Yup," a smooth voice comes out the snail and lets out a sigh, "Which pains me to say that the marines are at Nami's house right now looking for her gold."

"WHAT?!" Nami nabs the snail, "What business do the marines have here?"

The snail looks down, not even having the power to look flirtatious, "The guy kept spouting nonsense like since you stole from pirates, all the treasure is government property now or something. And he was going to confiscate it."

"Don't they have better things to do!" Nami's mind is reeling. Arlong's gang is killing people and destroying villages! Even now they're taking over this island, and wrecking lives! To ignore that and take care of one measly thief! The people of this island have been waiting for the Marines' help for so long, good marines like Bell-mere! How can they just pass them by and come straight to her?! "Of course they don't have courage to stand up to pirates, picking on a smaller game to raise their standings!"

"Oh? How terrible," Arlong gives a sleazy smile, "But if you don't have the gold..."

"Which is why they are all 6 feet under right now," Sanji finishes, "It's like you said, Oyal, Rat man squealed the whole story. Arlong never intended to keep the promise."

"Wha..." Nami asks slowly.

Arlong narrows his eyes, "Why that useless bastard..."

Suddenly the snail changes demeanor, "Nami, is that you?"

Nami swallows, "Gen?"

Gen sounds so broken, "Nami, I'm so sorry about the marines and the gold... we know how hard you worked..."

Nami shakes her head, "Gen... How did you..." she trails off.

"We've always known, Nami," Genzo lowers his head, shown by the snail, "Back then. I just couldn't believe what you'd done. So I asked Nojiko," Nami's breath hitches, "From then on, everyone in the village knew, That in order to save this village, you joined Arlong's gang. But, we pretended to not know, so that if you ever wanted to run away from Arlong, our hopes wouldn't pull you back into his gang."

Nami breathes shakily, "Can't be-"

The snail takes up a conversation going on in the background, "These shameless government dogs!" a pissed Nojiko yells "We are fighting for our own lives because the Marines can't be relied upon! They have no intentions of saving this village. How could the Marines stoop so low as to be ordered around by pirates?!"

The snail changes again back to Gen, "The Marines were here for Nami's money," Genzo says calmly, "Arlong turned his back on Nami eight years ago, and never intended to keep his promise."

"WHAT?!" the snail relayed the sound of many voices mumbling to themselves, "What!?" "That means- That bastard!" "Our Na-chan!" "Nami..." "Nami!"

"Eight years ago, we said we'd never throw our lives away! That no matter how bad their abuse against us became," Genzo starts to shout, "As long as Nami was fine, We were going to continue our fight of endurance!" the snail lifts a fist in the air, "But this is how they answer back! Now that there's no way for this village to be free, we have no goal to survive for! Furthermore! We will not forgive them for preying on Nami's kindness! Are there any objections!?"

"No way!" "Let's go!" "We're already prepared to fight! We're not gonna take it anymore!" "YEAH!" The crowd's choice was clear. It is do or die time.

Arlong slowly starts to sit up.

Nami's eyes widen, "Wait, everybody!"

The voice had everybody's attention, "Nami?"

Nami's bangs are covering her face, holding the snail like it is a lifeline, "It- It's okay! I'm going to make everything better! I'll make sure you are all free!" her cheeks are flushed but there is a perfect fake smile on her face, "You guess will have freedom soon, so don't worry about me! It's okay," it is like everyone is fine, "You don't have to worry..." I don't want anyone to die anymore! "Everybody, I'm fine! I'm fine so... that's enough."

Tears run down the snail's face. Just what have they done to her to make her like this? No one said anything for the longest moment, their once happy girl, their one hope for freedom, killing herself slowly right in front of them. Trying so hard to rescue them when they have been relying on her. If there was any doubt about going to Arlong Park it was all gone now.

Genzo wipes his tears away, talking to the girl he saw as a daughter, "We know what futility is like," he wished he could be there for her now, "You fought well, for our sake. It must have been more painful for you to join that crew, more painful than it is to cut yourself," he lets out a shuddering breath, "You fought well."

No, she will not cry. She can't afford to cry. Not with Arlong here, "Gen..."

Genzo continues, "Leave this village."

"What!" Nami's eyes widen.

"Do it, Nami!" he pushes.

She can't, "I-I can't!"

"Na-chan," Noriko takes over, "Nami, you've got brains and you've got a dream to fulfill," she gives her own smile, "So don't let us hold you back."

"Nojiko! Everybody!" The shadow looms over her. What are they thinking trying to save her? "I-I won't let you! I don't want to see anyone get hurt anymore! You're gonna die."

"We know," Genzo looks her right in the eye, "It's useless. We've already decided in our hearts. So... DON'T THINK YOU CAN STOP US, NAMI!" he finally snaps at her. It is pure anger. But not an ounce directed at her, just the injustice of it all.

Nami's own eyes reflect his, and the snail turns off with a click.

Throughout it all, the fishmen were politely quiet during the whole exchange.

"SHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Arlong laughs like there is no tomorrow, "So the humans are coming here now," the other fishmen start to laugh along as well, "That's quite unfortunate. But a rebellion must be dealt swiftly and without mercy," his shark grin shows complete humor, "I guess there's no point in our deal since they are all going to be dead soon."

This... this betrayal. When she is so close. No! When she has the money and he thinks he can just take that all away! There are no words to describe this.. this... Rage. Betrayal. Despair. Never has it crossed her mind that Arlong would go back on his word. Such thoughts would only lead to despair and she couldn't allow herself to think like that. She had to keep moving. But none of that matters. She knows what Arlong's game is.

He is going to kill everyone in this village. She can't escape. There is no escape.

We pretended not to know. So that when you wanted to run away from Arlong, Our hopes wouldn't pull you back into his gang.

Chu shakes his head, "You sure can say some heartless things. Chu~"

Arlong shrugs, "Comes now, I'm no demon. How about this Nami, I promise I'll set you free Nami... Once you draw up a map of the whole world! SHAHAHAHAHA!" more laughter, "How many decades is that going to take!"

The other fishmen start to clap, "Welcome to the crew Nami!" "Yeah, no more villagers to hold you back!"

Nami is shaking, "You vile bastard..."

Arlong didn't even try to look professional standing up, "It didn't go against a simple contract of 'hand me over 100 million beri.' Nothing against foul play," Arlong's sharp tooth smile widens, "And it's a damn shame it isn't in my hand now, is it?" he gives a cold laugh, "You just don't get it," his eyes are as cold as he is, "I will never let you win. You belong to me."

She... lost. No, lost would suggest she was even playing in the first place. She has just been... running in place for the past eight years. Running in circles that lead to nowhere because at the end, it doesn't matter if she has the money. It doesn't matter if she made a promise eight years ago because all she did was delay the inevitable...

She is still trapped and everyone she has ever loved is going to die.

"Arlong…" she looks at her brand. Tears rolled down her face, the first time her mask slipping to show what she truly feels…

Luffy grabs Nami from behind, Zoro and Oyal flank the two, weapons drawn buying any time they need, "You are going to get it now fish-face."

Arlong folds his arms, "Is that right, Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro?"

"Ex-Pirate Hunter," Oyal icely corrects.

"Nami…" Luffy looks her in the eyes, "Please, let me help…"

She doesn't move for a second, tears still streaming down her face.

"Luffy…" Nami looks at him. He is stoic, nothing like the fun-loving kid she is used to dealing. Is he disappointed in what he saw? A girl who can't even fight for her dreams. Is he going to die too? Just another life to add to the growing list of lost loved one she seems to be making.

"You don't know anything," she drops her head, all her anger directed at what is right in front of her, "You don't know what's been happening for the past eight years on this island."

He looks at her with those old eyes. Eyes that saw right through her since the very beginning. Eyes that had seen a village being burned to the ground for people's own selfish reason. Eyes that trusted her to give her a ship and all the treasure on it.

"Maybe," he says plainly, "But I know you are suffering right now."

"THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" she sobs, hoping he would just walk away, "YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER COME TO THIS ISLAND!"

"Maybe," he says with that stupid blank face of his, "But I did."

He is so goddamn selfish. Either way, he is an ass. Nami may have never forgiven him for interfering with Arlong but at least she wouldn't have to go through this. But no, he wanted, needed her approval to go after him. He is an ass because he couldn't just be content leaving her. He couldn't just let her go. The mere thought made his heartache.

"Go away! You! Go away!" she tries to weakly push him away. Him and his stupid shorts and his stupid coat and his stupid straw...

She takes a deep breath, arms grabbing on to his coat, "Luffy…." tears streaming down her face, snot coming down her nose, sweat from pain and fear all over her face, "Help me..."

The hat is already protectively over his nakama the second she finishes that sentence. There are some things he hates repeating but there are others he wouldn't change even if he had a thousand lifetimes. His treasure on his treasured nakama.

"Of course," he pushes Nami towards Oyal… "That's what friends do," takes a few steps forward, standing right next to Zoro. Right in front of a laughing Arlong, "Hey, I'm going to kill you."

His words echo throughout the park, all laughter dying at the simple yet very clear statement.

Arlong looks down at his shorter foe, "Oh? You and what army?"

BANG.

Just then the side doors to the Arlong Park are kicked open as Sanji stands in their place, "Sorry to interrupt, it took us a minute to get here."

A hidden Usopp to the side shuffles into view, "Y-Yeah, that pinwheeled guy gave us some time to start running here," his words were quite steady compare to the rest of his body shaking.

Sanji lets out a string of smoke, "Don't you know, that making a lady cry is the worst sin of them all," his flirty attitude all gone in exchange of a cool ass-kicker, "Is there any love better than protecting such a fair maiden?"

Zoro eyes him and ties his bandana around his head, "Your motives are obvious, Love Cook."

"That is what a real gentleman does for a beautiful and suffering ladies!" Sanji starts walking in, "What's wrong with fighting for somebody beautiful?"

"Love Cook," Oyal whispers, "The rivalry is forming..."

A shaking Usopp tetters around the corner, "R-Right, we are here to help! You guys go get them!"

"Shut up," both older and obviously more mature men snap back at Usopp.

Nami touches the hat, worn with age but oh so strong, "Luffy…" tears still flowed but not out of sadness… there was a hope.

Oyal moves Nami, leading her near the entrance letting the two newcomers pass, "Gin, Johnny, and Yosaku are in position, they should keep the villagers away for a bit. But I cannot guarantee they will stay away completely"

Nami doesn't flinch as Oyal takes out paper tissue and hands it to her, "Oyal..."

"Silence," Oyal says as cold as a glacier, "You are in no position to be fighting," their actions are warmer as they carefully start to dry her tears, "Let the monsters fry this fish."

"You guys handle the fodder," Luffy cracking his knuckles, "I'll handle the big fish."

Each Straw Hat move unquestioningly to their captain's orders. Zoro with his swords. Sanji lit his cigar. Usopp lowers his goggles.

"Roger!"

OOO

I would like to thank The Patient One, Miep42, and MadGirl for editing!