BROTHER ON BOARD
PsychopathOnADiet - Gin's defining characteristic has always been his utter devotion to Don Krieg. He was willing to accept Don Krieg's 'punishment' of lethal poison because he went against him. I know that a lot of people like Gin and I've even seen a couple of FanFics where he joins another crew. But I could never see him serving anyone other than Don Krieg.
Bluejay Blaze - I don't think Sanji really cares. Luffy and Usopp are proud members of the Bonnie Anne Fan Club. Zoro and Nami are notably against it. Sanji's reaction seems to be middle-of-the-road casual acceptance. He sees that Sabo knows how to treat a lady but is also glad that he's not taking any actual ladies off the market.
Pipi96 - Interesting idea. But wouldn't that make Sabo... SANE?
Cotton Candy Lover - Chopper - Welcome to the crew, Sanji. Membership comes with a complimentary, custom-made straitjacket. I can't take much credit for being born but I'll pass on your thanks to my mother. I will take the thanks for the story though. I'm glad you like it and I hope you like what I've done to the Arlong Park Arc.
lostdog200 - But before Luffy gets his chance to meet the fishmen... Sabo is going to have to deal with them. It's not going to end well. I wonder why you weren't able to sign up for an account here? It's usually pretty easy. All you really need is a working email.
rasEnshur1KEn - This chapter will show that Sanji is still perfectly willing to be rivals with Zoro. Now the long-suffering swordsman will have two insufferable blondes to deal with and soon enough he'll have Nami's constantly increasing debt as well. I can see Nami barred in her room trying to save herself from the insane zombies. But then again, we haven't seen Nami in treasure-mode or scared-for-her-life mode yet to show how truly crazy she is.
Syluk - Even if he doesn't have Conqueror Haki we'll just say that my version had it unlocked because of all the internal rage he feels towards the World Nobles after his near death experience. Sabo's the charismatic Quartermaster of the Straw hats but he also has some deep-seeded anger issues towards royals and nobles. His reaction to Nami 'rifle-napping' Bonnie is just a taste of what's in store when he finally meets a spoiled royal. As for Johnny and Yosaku, at times I feel like even canon forgets about those two. But I think they're important in showing how much stronger the rest of the Straw Hats are compared to normal people. I feel like their closer association with the Monster Trio will have a longer-lasting impact on their characters.
PipeDream - There were some differences. Mainly, that Zoro was there to have his chat with Gin and that the Dreadnaught Saber's main mast had fallen over before the big fight. I feel like whether Sabo was there or not, Luffy and Krieg still would have fought the same way. It's a pretty bad-ass fight that really showcases Luffy's unstoppable will so I didn't want to just skip over it like I've seen done before. But on the other hand, I don't like just regurgitating canon word for word which is why I hit the fast-forward button a few times during the action last chapter and tend to reword scenes. The fast-forwarding is especially clear during Sanji's fight with Gin.
anomynos - Looks like your second try worked. Yay! A Mythical Zoan Fruit... hmm... I usually don't like the idea of using Mythical Zoans because they seem OP and I prefer to have powers that I can use creatively. But if the fruit is eaten by a gun... maybe it won't count. However, an ultra rare Mythical Zoan Fruit would be even harder for Sabo to find than a regular Dog Dog Fruit Model: Fox.
Mikila94 - Well that's awkward. Apparently Sanji and Zeff were a lot closer than we all thought. I must keep this secret! The 'mistake' has been concealed. Thank you.
Chrisfragger - Hopefully you're still reading. This is a response to your review from chapter 7. I kind of committed to doing Luffy's attacks in English when I started the story. Plus, if I went back and changed Luffy's attacks to Gomu Gomu then I'd have to change Buggy's attacks to Bara Bara and make all the other Devil Fruit Users' attacks Japanese too. It's easier on me to just keep the attacks in a language that I understand. So far Zoro's attacks are the only ones that I'm keeping in Japanese in order to pay homage to that one SBS where Oda said that Zoro would be from Japan is he was in the real world. Other exceptions are Sanji's French attacks and Robin's Spanish-numbered Fleur attacks.
P.S. If Sabo was alive in the real world, I'm positive that he'd be from England. He wears Victorian-style clothing and his character is modeled after the Artful Dodger from Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.
Arlong:
"I'm on my way, Bonnie!" Sabo called out as he held a paddle in one hand. It was the day after Luffy's battle with Don Krieg and they were well over halfway to Arlong Park. "Nothing's gonna keep me from getting to you, babe!"
"I can't believe we lost the Merry when that shark attacked," Usopp complained. "That paddle wasn't a perfect stand-in for Bonnie but I guess it worked."
"Melee weapons are a little crude but I used to have a pipe before I met Bonnie," Sabo told him. He casually swung the paddle around his side. "This is close enough to serve as a substitute."
Neither Sabo nor Usopp were steering the skiff but it was still cutting through the water at a fairly fast pace.
"So… does this mean we're really heading for Arlong Park?" Usopp asked nervously.
"Yup," Sabo confirmed.
"These fishmen though…" Usopp said, "They sound like monsters!"
"Have you ever met a fishman?" Sabo asked.
"No," Usopp admitted.
"Me neither," Sabo stated, "That means we have no way to know what they're like. They could be perfectly reasonable people. It's rude to just judge people without meeting them yourself."
"Oh, you're right," Usopp agreed. "Maybe this won't be so bad."
"That's the spirit," Sabo encouraged him. "Let's go, Panda! Pick up the pace or you'll get another lump! Full speed ahead to Arlong Park!"
Usopp looked down at the large panda shark that was nearly the same size of their skiff. The huge water monster had attacked their ship but Sabo had taken it down with one swift hit from his paddle. Now the shark was serving as their reluctant steed.
"Right, I'm with you, Sabro!" Usopp resolved.
"Yeah… stop calling me that," Sabo requested.
"Nope!" Usopp refused. "Too bad! It's catchy!"
"This is it," Nami resolved as she sailed the Going Merry along the coast of Commi Island. She glanced at the towering five-story structure known as Arlong Park as she sailed passed it. It was flying a black flag with a red symbol that matched the tattoo on Nami's exposed right shoulder. "I'm home."
Nami sailed the Going Merry up to the dock outside Cocoyashi Village and spotted three fishman from the Arlong Pirates standing on it.
"Back again Nami?" Shioyaki - a pink salmon fishman in a dark green party shirt that was tied closed with a purple sash – greeted her.
"Should we let Arlong know you've returned?" Pisaro – a blue ocean sunfish fishman with a puffy collar and a purple party shirt – offered. "He'll throw another banquet for you."
"And now it looks like you're stealing ships," Kaneshiro – a light pink goldfish fishman with an open orange party shirt – remarked as he eyed the Going Merry. "That's a caravel isn't it?"
(A/N: I'm replacing the three nameless fishmen from canon with these three because they actually have names that appear in the One Piece databooks.)
"Yeah," Nami confirmed, "I stole it from some pirates. They chased after me for a bit but I managed to give them the slip. I've gotta stash some treasure back at my place but once I do that I'll go see Arlong myself."
Nami went down to the main deck where she'd gathered her latest haul of stolen treasure. She grabbed the various sacks and bags but stopped and eyed the rifle that was still sitting out in the middle of the deck where she'd left it. She'd tried to pick it up another couple of times but each time Bonnie went off and sent her flying.
"Damn it," Nami cursed. "If I leave it sitting out here someone could take it. I've already pissed Sabo off enough… I don't want to completely enrage him by losing his stupid gun."
Nami reached down and picked up Bonnie Anne.
KER-CHOW!
The rifle once again went off without Nami doing anything. The recoil in Nami's one-handed hold sent the thief and her stolen treasure flying across the trip.
THUD!
"Ow…" Nami groaned. The sacks of treasure had 'cushioned' her collision with the railing but gold and jewels weren't exactly soft. "Son of a bitch!"
"Smuggling guns now, Nami?" Pisaro asked.
"It came with the ship," Nami grunted as she rubbed her side and glared at the rifle.
"You know Arlong has a strong anti-weapons policy," Shioyaki reminded her.
"That's for civilians," Nami countered, "I'm an Arlong Pirate."
"Nami, are you alright?"
The three fishman stepped aside to reveal a young woman with light blue hair and tattoos. Nami staggered back up and grinned at her sister. "Nojiko? What're you doing down here?"
"I was chasing some brat away from Arlong Park when I saw a ship coming," Nojiko answered. "Most ships know to stay away from here so I thought there was a good chance it was you. I had Genzo clear the towns so you can go through without seeing anyone. Then I heard a gunshot and came over to investigate."
Nojiko turned and glared at the fishmen. "Did you jerks attack Gosa and flip all the houses?"
"That's what happens when a village tries to stop paying their tribute," Kaneshiro stated.
"I don't think I like your tone," Shioyaki warned Nojiko. "We may give you some leeway because you're Nami's sister but don't think that gives you the right to say whatever you want."
"Guys!" Nami called out. "Can you do me two big favors? First, clear out for a couple minutes so my sister and I can have some privacy. I've got a big haul this time and I'm gonna need her help getting all the treasure back to my place. Second, once we're done could you move this ship over to my dock so its out of the way?"
She received three hard stares in response but eventually they conceded.
"Fine," Pisaro agreed, "but only because you just got back. Don't say we've never done anything for you."
The three fishmen left the dock and Nojiko joined Nami on the Going Merry.
"I don't want to add any more pressure to your situation," Nojiko said, "But money's starting to run thin. We're stranded out here since the fishmen have all but cut off trade to other islands. Gosa was only the first village that ran out of money and couldn't afford Arlong's tribute. If things keep up… they're not going to be the last."
"Then how 'bout we end it today?" Nami suggested. "I've still got to count it all but I think I've got all the money I need from this latest trip."
Nojiko looked down at Nami's collection of stolen treasure, "I'll say, you hit the jackpot this time. You even got this adorable pirate ship to go along with it."
"I actually teamed up with some pirates for a bit," Nami admitted, "They weren't anything like the pirates I'm used to and they were all nuts. But they're also really strong and thanks to them I was able to rob Buggy the Clown and Don Krieg. I'm a little sorry that I had to leave them."
Nojiko smiled fondly at her sister. "Really? You made friends?"
"Well don't go overboard," Nami chastised her. "But for a bunch of pirates… they were alright."
Nojiko was still smiling but she changed the subject. "So what was that gunshot I heard?"
Nami pointed accusingly at Bonnie Anne. "That stupid rifle is possessed or something. Every time I touch it the damn thing goes off and the recoil sends me flying. I was trying to do a nice thing and not leave it lying out here but it went off and threw me halfway across the deck."
"Maybe I should take a look at it?" Nojiko suggested as she went over to Bonnie Anne.
"Oh, and suddenly you're an expert?" Nami retorted.
"I know a bit," Nojiko replied as she picked up Bonnie Anne. "Mom taught me how to take care of her old rifle while you were out causing trouble."
KER-CHOW!
Bonnie Anne once again went off on her own and blew Nojiko backwards. But despite getting thrown through the air Nojiko never lost her hold on the rifle.
Nojiko sat up and rubbed her back. "Wow, this baby's got some kick. I can't even imagine the type of damage it does in a fight." Nojiko glanced down at the rifle in her lap. "Ah, there's your problem. Most rifles have a safety switch that keeps them from randomly going off. The switch on this rifle is broken." Nojiko peered closer at the rifle. "Actually... the safety switch has been completely broken off. I wonder who would do that."
Nami scowled. "I know exactly who would do that."
"Other than that this rifle's in really great condition," Nojiko noted. "Whoever you stole it from must've really cared for it."
"Yeah, he chased me halfway across the East Blue when I stole it," Nami admitted. "I managed to give him the slip but just in case he manages to find his way here… I need you to keep an eye out for a tall blonde guy with old-style clothing and a top hat. If you see him, give him that rifle back and tell him 'I'm sorry, I didn't know I had it but if you know what's good for you you'll take it, get on your ship and sail away from here'."
"I think I can pass that on," Nojiko agreed.
"Good," Nami said. "Because I'm finally at the end of this eight year ordeal and I can't afford to have him stick around and mess anything up."
Nami quickly gathered up the treasure slipped off the ship. Nojiko followed her with Bonnie Anne.
"You know, it's been a while since I've maintained a rifle," Nojiko mused. "I bet that top hat guy would be more forgiving if his rifle was cleaned and polished when I returned it to him."
"I honestly don't care what you do with it," Nami told her, "Just keep that damn thing away from me."
"Wait… so you're saying there are six more pirates like Mihawk!?" Zoro exclaimed as he, Luffy, Sanji, Johnny and Yosaku headed across the East Blue towards Arlong Park in pursuit of Sabo, Usopp and Nami on Sanji's boat.
"Yes, bro," Johnny confirmed. "Hawk Eye Mihawk was just one of the Seven Warlords. They're all legalized pirates that the World Government leaves alone in exchange for a portion of their treasure and the bounties that they pull in. They're all really strong."
"So the World Government actually condones piracy?" Sanji questioned.
"Only for these seven pirates," Yosaku said, "Most pirates call them 'Government Dogs'."
"OH! Dibs on fighting the next one!" Luffy called out.
"You mean you want to fight a Warlord?" Johnny questioned. "Remember how strong Mihawk was Luffy-bro!"
"Yeah, they sound like they're really strong!" Luffy agreed, "And since Zoro already got his chance to fight a Warlord that means I'll get to fight the next one we meet."
"I don't think you're taking this seriously Luffy-bro," Yosaku warned him. "They're—"
"Hold on," Sanji interrupted. "If you and the mossball both get to fight a Warlord then I want a chance to face one too."
"Okay, but only after me!" Luffy replied, "Oh, when Sabo hears about how strong these guys are he'll probably want to fight one too."
"These guys are all monsters," Johnny gravely whispered to Yosaku, "We always knew that Zoro-bro was really strong but these two are just like him! They're a Monster Trio."
"YOU GUYS ARE MISSING THE POINT!" Yosaku yelled. The newly dubbed 'Monster Trio' all turned to look at him, "The problem is that one of the Warlords… Jinbe released a monster into the Grand Line when he was made a Warlord. That monster is Arlong. He's not just a pirate from the Grand Line… he's not even human! He's a fishman!"
"What's a fishman?" Zoro asked.
"Just like it sounds, Zoro-bro," Johnny explained, "They're half-human and half-fish. They're ten-times stronger than normal humans and their fish half allows them to breath underwater. They consider themselves to be evolved and look down on humans as unevolved monkeys."
Luffy frowned. "That's bad. Make the ship go faster."
"Why's it bad?" Sanji asked. "They just sound like a bunch of elitist fish."
"Yeah, Sabo hates those kinds of people," Luffy told him. "If he meets the fishmen… they're gonna end up fighting."
"Oh, so you're worried about the gun-nut getting beaten by fishmen?" Zoro asked.
"What? No!" Luffy replied. "Sabo would never lose to those guys! I'm worried that by the time we get there he'll have beaten them all and there won't be anyone left for us to fight!"
"That is bad," Zoro realized. "We can't let him have all the fun. Hey cook, can't your boat go any faster?"
"Sure, we can lose some extra weight by tossing you overboard," Sanji suggested.
"The only thing here that's useless is you, eyebrows!" Zoro snapped.
"What if we all start paddling?" Luffy suggested. "Will that make us get there faster?"
"My boat doesn't have paddles," Sanji told him.
"Oh, so it's just as useless as you!" Zoro realized.
"If you're gonna call your Ship's Cook useless then that must mean you're not very hungry," Sanji reasoned. "So in that case I'll make lunch for everybody but you."
"That's fine!" Zoro retorted. "I don't need your fancy food! I prefer booze anyway!"
"Wait, Sanji, did you just say 'lunch'?" Luffy questioned. "I want meat on a bone!"
"Fine, coming right up," Sanji agreed.
"…" Johnny and Yosaku stared at the three Straw Hats in silent shock.
Eventually, Johnny spoke up. "Just who are these guys? They seem more concerned with fighting each other and eating lunch than the fishmen."
"Oh, Cook-bro!" Yosaku called out, "I'll have some beansprouts."
"And… it appears the lack of concern is contagious," Johnny lamented.
"Meat and beansprouts," Sanji recounted as he slipped into the boat's galley, "That's hardly a test of my cooking talents. I'd rather be cooking for Nami than you ingrates."
"Oh, I know how to get us there faster!" Luffy exclaimed. "You two! Gimme your swords!"
Johnny and Yosaku stared dumbfounded at him. "What?"
"Just gimme!" Luffy ordered.
"If he thinks we can get there faster then you might as well do as he says," Zoro advised.
"Fine," Yosaku conceded as he and Johnny handed over their swords.
"Luffy-bro, what're you doing?" Johnny asked.
"Just watch!" Luffy replied as he started to twist both of his rubber arms like a screw while he held one katana in each hand. Luffy ran to the back of the boat and dunked his arms in the water. "GUM GUM... PROPELLER!"
SHOOOOOOM!
Luffy's arms started to unwind and the two katana blades served as propeller blades and caused the boat to start speeding across the water.
"Whoa!" Zoro exclaimed. "Keep it up Luffy! At this rate we'll be there in no time!"
"Is… is that the place?" Usopp whimpered as he and Sabo stared at the massive five-storied structure of Arlong Park.
"GRAAH!"
The panda shark pulling their ship suddenly stopped short.
"Hey? What's the big idea?" Sabo complained.
CHOMP!
The panda shark lurched to the side and bit through the ropes securing it to their ship then turned tail and swam off as fast as its fins could carry it.
"And I though tuna were supposed to be the chicken of the sea!" Sabo called after the shark.
"I'm starting to think that coming here was a bad idea," Usopp remarked. "If the shark was even scared of this place then I think that's a good sign that we shouldn't go there!"
"What kind of self-respecting pirate are you?" Sabo asked. "Where's your sense of adventure?"
"I'm the kind of pirate that likes to live through his adventures!" Usopp snapped.
"Well if it makes you feel better we're not going to Arlong Park," Sabo told him.
"We're not?" Usopp repeated.
"We came to rescue Bonnie and the Going Merry," Sabo reminded him. "I don't see the Merry near that place so we'll have to keep looking along the coast of the island."
"Oh, thank God!" Usopp sighed in relief. He wiped his brow and smiled as they sailed right passed Arlong Park "I wholeheartedly support this plan! We'll stay away from that scary place and just focus on finding Bonnie and the Merry."
"Although," Sabo added, "if we do spot Nami along the way I did kind of promise Luffy that I'd let the rifle-napper explain herself."
"I'm fine as long as we stay away from those fishmen and Arlong Park," Usopp insisted.
"Well… good news," Sabo said, "I think I see the Merry up ahead."
Usopp squinted as he stared in the direction that Sabo pointed. He spotted the familiar caravel anchored on a small dock beyond the main one for Cocoyashi Village. "You're right! That is the Merry! Whatever hunch you had that Nami would come back here was dead on! But that's a weird spot to anchor it."
"Maybe that's Nami's personal dock," Sabo suggested. "But unfortunately it looks like there's bad news to go along with the good news. I believe those three guys on the dock are fishmen so it looks like we won't be able to completely avoid them."
"M-maybe we could come back later?" Usopp stammered a suggestion, "Those fishmen look like monsters."
Sabo turned and glared at him. "I'm not going to let you, three fishmen, or anything stop me from getting Bonnie back. You can stay here if you're too scared. But I'm not about to discriminate against a bunch of guys I've never met and label them as monsters just because they look different than I do."
"I… right," Usopp said suitably chastised. "I'm sorry. That was rude and small-minded of me. Maybe they'll be nice."
The three fishmen on the dock looked up and watched as they two pirates sailed right up to them and tied their small ship to the dock.
"Hey there, fellas!" Sabo greeted them with a flourish as he stepped off the boat.
"You guys lost?" Kaneshiro asked as he folded his arms across his chest.
"Nope," Sabo replied. "My name's Sabo. I'm the Quartermaster of the Straw Hat Pirates." Sabo turned and pointed at the Going Merry's Jolly Roger. "Looks like I made it to the right place."
"Oh, so you're Nami's latest victims, eh?" Pisaro questioned.
"I guess so," Sabo said. He eyed the tall fishmen that were each two heads taller than him. "So you guys are fishmen, huh?"
"Yeah? What of it?" Shioyaki challenged him.
"Nothing," Sabo answered, "I'd heard stories about fishmen before but I've never actually met one until now. I didn't realize you guys were all so big. I guess you ate your vegetables as kids."
"Well, we've got bad news for you humans," Shioyaki announced, "This is Arlong's territory and anyone that sets foot on this island has to have Arlong's permission first."
"If that's the rule than I'd be happy to oblige," Sabo agreed, "However, I was hoping you guys could do me one quick favor before we go see him." Sabo motioned to the Going Merry. "You see, that thief didn't just take our ship and our treasure. She also kidnapped my girlfriend."
"Kidnapped?" Pisaro repeated.
"Wow, that girl's getting more devious by the day," Kaneshiro remarked.
"Bonnie means the world to me," Sabo explained, "Would you guys mind terribly if I took five minutes to search our ship for her? Then I'll gladly go see Arlong with you. In fact, we'll give you guys a ride over there if you'd like."
"Fine, five minutes," Shioyaki relented, "But only because if there's another person here on your ship that means she'll have to meet Arlong too."
Usopp decided that now definitely wasn't the time to tell the three scary-looking fishmen that Sabo's girlfriend was a rifle.
"Thanks guys, I owe you one," Sabo said as he slipped passed the fishmen and boarded the Going Merry.
Usopp now found himself as the sole focus of the three fishmen's attention.
"So what's your story, long nose?" Shioyaki asked.
"I… I just came to get our ship b-back and rescue Sabo's g-girlfriend," Usopp stammered. "Are… are you guys really from the Grand Line?"
"Sure are," Pisaro replied, "Straight from Fishman Island."
"Wow," Usopp remarked. "I heard that the Grand Line whittled 'Pirate Admiral' Don Krieg's armada down to just one ship and only one hundred pirates. If you guys used to live there then you must be really strong."
"Of course," Shioyaki replied. "Fishmen are ten-times stronger than you humans. So don't forget your place."
"I… right," Usopp quickly agreed. That seemed rude. "I don't wanna mess with you guys."
"That ship of yours," Kaneshiro said as he motioned to the Merry. "As Arlong's Shipwright I can tell that it's brand new. You humans haven't been sailing for long have you?"
"Well, this is my first time off my island," Usopp admitted, "And this is the Going Merry's maiden voyage."
"Ah, so you humans are rookie pirates," Shioyaki realized, "That explains why Nami was able to pull such a big one over on you so easily."
"Yeah… I guess so…" Usopp said as he attempted to not feel insulted.
"Damn it, she's not here," Sabo complained as he came and leaned on the Going Merry's railing. "Did you guys see Nami take anything off the ship?"
"Her sister came by and she asked us to clear out for a bit," Kaneshiro admitted. "She could've done it then while we weren't watching."
"Damn her," Sabo growled, "That means Bonnie could be anywhere on this strange island."
"Time's up, human," Shioyaki announced. "You've gotta come see Arlong now."
"Right, of course," Sabo agreed, "That was the deal. You've been more than fair." Sabo jumped off the Merry and landed on the dock. "You guys want a lift to Arlong Park?"
"We don't need a lift," Shioyaki insisted. "We're going to tow you humans there."
"Really?" Sabo asked. "Doesn't that seem kind of… demeaning?"
"It's more efficient," Kaneshiro stated, "Fishmen are evolved to be stronger and faster swimmers than you humans. We're the ones that pulled your caravel from the Cocoyashi dock to this one. We'll get you to Arlong Park faster than you ever could yourselves."
"Oh, well if you're sure," Sabo said, "By all means, go ahead."
Sabo stepped back onto the skiff and the three fishmen jumped into the water and grabbed hold of the skiff then took off.
SHHOOOOM!
"WOW!" Sabo exclaimed as they skiff was hauled through the water by the three fishmen, "They were right! This is way faster than we were going with that chicken-shark."
"Sabo… I've got a bad feeling about this," Usopp whispered as Arlong Park approached.
"Why?" Sabo asked. "Arlong clearly takes his duty of protecting this island very seriously if he insists on meeting everyone that lands here. How bad can he be?"
"These fishmen…" Usopp said, "I'm trying not to be judgmental like you said… but they said some things that makes me think they're not the nice, reasonable people that you're depicting them as. This is the one place I didn't want to go and I don't think it's going to end well."
"Well if I'm wrong and Arlong turns out to be a jerk you can say 'I told you so'," Sabo offered.
Usopp swallowed hard as the gates to Arlong Park swung opened and they were pulled inside.
Nami knelt at the edge of a modest tangerine grove outside her small house on the outskirts of Cocoyashi Village.
"It's all here…" Nami mumbled.
Nami stood up and practically danced back to the house. Nojiko was sitting on the front step carefully polishing Bonnie Anne. Nami tossed a sack of money at her sister.
"What's this?" Nojiko asked.
"The three million berries that I had left over," Nami answered.
"Left over?" Nojiko repeated. "You mean…"
Nami's face split into a wide grin. "I finally did it. I got all one hundred million berries. Everything I've done over these last eight years has finally paid off. Now I can buy our village back from Arlong. We survived… just like Bellmere said… and that means…"
Nojiko put Bonnie Anne down and quickly stood up and drew Nami into a tight hug. "That means lots of good times are coming our way. You're free Nami. You can finally chase your dream and draw your map of the entire world."
Nami hugged her sister and used the back of her hand to wipe her eyes. She wasn't crying! These were tears of joy!
"I've gotta go," Nami announced as she broke the hug and pulled away. "I need to make sure Arlong will still live up to his end of the deal like he promised."
Nami ran off and left a smiling Nojiko behind her. The blue haired girl looked back at the rifle she was halfway through polishing. "I'll finish this then I'll go tell Genzo the good news. Nami's finally come through for us just like we knew she would."
"So… you're Arlong," Sabo noted as he and Usopp stood in front of Arlong's throne.
Their boat was still sitting in the waterway of Arlong Park but the three fishmen that had brought them in all stood in front of it barring their path.
"That's right," Arlong confirmed. "And you're the two humans my fishman brothers caught trespassing on my land."
"We were following a thief," Sabo explained.
"Oh, so you're Nami's latest victims, eh?" Arlong questioned. "That girl's a crafty one. She's one of the few humans that I actually like. That's why I made her an officer on my crew."
"Nami's a member of your crew?!" Usopp blurted out.
"She has been for eight years," Arlong replied. "That girl's an expert cartographer. We fishmen are great at gathering undersea information but it's all useless without a skilled cartographer to turn it into an sea charts. Nami's maps and charts are the best I've ever seen."
"I see," Sabo said, "And we thought she was just a skilled navigator."
"You can forget about your treasure and your ties with that girl," Arlong warned them. "Even if she's just a human she's still a valued member of my crew."
"I don't really care about the treasure," Sabo admitted, "We chased after her because she stole our ship and kidnapped my girlfriend."
"Kidnapped your girlfriend?" Arlong repeated. "I thought she was just stealing. That girl gets more impressive with each passing day. I knew I'd turn her into a true pirate eventually. Shahahaha!"
"Well, I guess I'll have to tell my Captain that Nami's already a member of your pirate crew," Sabo reasoned. "He'll be disappointed. I think he really liked her but there's nothing to be done about it if her loyalty lies with you. Now if you could just give me permission to search this island for my girlfriend then the two of us can find her, get on our ship and leave."
"You may not care about treasure but I do," Arlong stated, "Money makes the world go round. If you want my permission to enter my territory unharmed then you've got to pay the toll just like everyone else here on the island."
"Everyone else?" Usopp echoed suspiciously. He looked over at Sabo but found that the Quartermaster had gotten distracted.
"Hey, is it racist if I ask what kind of fish you are?" Sabo suddenly asked. "This is my first time meeting fishmen and couldn't help noticing that you all seem to be a different kind of fish. I'm assuming you're a sawshark which explains your nickname 'Saw Tooth'." Sabo motioned towards Hachi. "That guy over there with the six arms is clearly part octopus and the one with the arm blades is some kind of a ray." Sabo nodded at Kuroobi. "But I'm not the best at identifying fish so I can't make heads or tails of what you are… maybe a type of kisser fish?" Sabo pointed at Choo.
"For your information, I'm a smelt whiting fishman, choo," Choo answered irritably.
"I have no idea what that is," Sabo confessed. "All I know is that you're half fish."
"Half fish?" Arlong growled. "We're not half fish. We fishmen are evolved from humans! We're bigger, stronger and can breathe underwater. That means we're more than you puny humans could ever be! WE'RE THE LORDS OF CREATION!"
"Look, I seem to have upset you," Sabo realized, "That wasn't my intention. The last thing I want to do here is come across as prejudiced or discriminating. I didn't come here to fight."
"You're damn right you didn't!" Arlong snapped. "A human could never beat a fishman! That would be an exercise of futility! It's like going against nature!"
"Riiight…" Sabo said. His smile was notably strained. "I certainly wouldn't want to do that."
Arlong glared at him. "You want to search my island? Then you're gonna pay me the same tribute that everyone else does! One hundred thousand berries a head! That's two hundred thousand for the two of you and another hundred thousand when you find your girlfriend."
"Th-three hundred thousand?" Usopp repeated. "We don't have that kind of money."
Arlong's shark-like grin turned deadly, "Then you'll face the same penalty that everyone who fails to pay me… death!"
"DEATH!?" Usopp shrieked in alarm. "Sabo! I think we've overstayed our welcome! Let's get out of here!" He looked over and found Sabo rooted in place.
"You force the people here… to pay you a tribute… just to stay alive?" Sabo questioned. His smile had now completely vanished and his top hat was tilted forward to hide his eyes.
"That's right!" Arlong confirmed. "This entire region is my territory, my Arlong Empire! The puny humans that live here pay me a monthly tribute and in exchange I allow them to live. The ones that can't pay… we use as an example to show why you puny humans should never go against your superiors!"
Sabo turned to Usopp, "You were right. Feel free to say 'I told you so'."
"At this point I don't think I want to!" Usopp whimpered.
"You know, I don't care that you're a fishman," Sabo stated as he turned back to face Arlong, "I don't care that you've got a huge ego. I can even ignore that fact that you seem to think your race is the best one in the world. But what I can't stand is the fact that you're an elitist tool that thinks just because you're strong and 'more evolved' that it automatically makes everyone else is inferior to you! The people on this island aren't alive just to be your slaves!"
"SLAVES!?" Arlong roared. "YOU DARE TO THROW THAT WORD BACK IN MY FACE!? NOT AFTER WHAT YOUR SPECIES HAS DONE TO MINE! You humans branded us and treated us like exotic pets! WE'RE NOT BENEATH YOU! WE'RE YOUR SUPERIORS! WE'RE BETTER THAN YOU PUNY HUMANS COULD EVER HOPE TO BE!"
"You know what's funny?" Sabo asked. "Those same humans that you just complained about are the ones that I'm looking to take down. My dream is to eliminate the Celestial Dragons."
"What?" All the fishmen, even Arlong, stared at Sabo in shock.
"Is he crazy?" Kuroobi asked.
"Who're the Celestial Dragons?" Usopp wondered.
"I didn't know that you had such a huge grudge against those disgusting bubble-headed snobs," Sabo admitted. "And if you weren't such a hypocritical, elitist prick that turned around did the same thing to an island of humans… I would've suggested working together to get rid of them. Maybe we could've seen passed this whole species-issue and become friends."
"FRIENDS? WITH A HUMAN?" Arlong shouted. "I'D RATHER DIE! YOU WORTHLESS MAGGOTS CAN'T BE TRUSTED!"
"Arlong! You need to calm down!" Kuroobi warned him. "You'll end up destroying Arlong Park if you keep this up."
Arlong seethed as he glared furiously at Sabo and took a series of deep breaths. But suddenly a thought crossed the fishman Captain's mind and a grin split his face. "SHAHAHAHAHAHA! That must be it! You're not just ignorant… you're delusional too! Not only do you not know and fear your evolved superiors but to actually think that an insignificant human pest like yourself could ever hope to take out the Celestial Dragons proves that you're biggest brain-dead idiot that I've ever had the misfortune to come across."
"Okay… now you've crossed the line," Sabo announced.
SKISH!
Sabo launched himself backwards and drove both his boots into Shioyaki's stomach.
THWHAM!
The fishman dropped into the waterway while Sabo flew over him and landed in the skiff. He quickly picked up his paddle then vaulted off the ship at Kaneshiro and Pisaro.
WHA-WHACK!
One swing of the paddle knocked the other two fishmen away from him.
"Well would you look at that," Sabo taunted as he walked back over to the petrified Usopp and brandished his paddle. "This puny human just took out three big, bad fishmen. Do you still want to rub that self-righteous sense of superiority in my face?"
"KILL HIM!" Arlong bellowed. The fishmen charged at the two Straw Hats.
"Usopp… run for it," Sabo instructed.
"WHAT!?" Usopp yelped.
"I got you into this mess," Sabo said, "So I'm gonna get you out of it. Run for the gate. I'll cover you and hold them off as long as I can."
Usopp ran and Sabo followed him.
WHACK!
Sabo spun and sent two fishmen flying with swing of his paddle then spun and shot past Usopp to take out three that were blocking the door.
KRACK!
"NYU! HEY, HUMANS!" Hachi called out from the waterway. "YOU FORGOT YOUR BOAT!" The octopus fishman used the suction cups on his six arms and his impressive fishman strength to haul Johnny and Yosaku's skiff up out of the water and into the air… then threw it at them. "HERE!"
WOOSH!
"WAAAAAAAHHHH!" Usopp screamed in terror as the boat came flying at them.
Sabo spun around and met the incoming skiff with a swing of his paddle.
KER-RACK!
The small ship went flying backwards and crashed down on a group of wide-eyed fishmen,
KA-BOOOSH!
"Oops! Sorry guys, nyu!" Hachi apologized.
"Nice hit!" Usopp praised Sabo.
"What're you still doing here?" Sabo asked. "Go!"
Usopp nodded and barreled through the doors out of Arlong Park.
"Enough of this," Kuroobi grunted as he stalked towards Sabo.
Sabo swung his paddle at the ray fishman.
KRECK!
Kuroobi's fist smashed straight through Sabo's wooden paddle and broke it in half.
"Huh…" Sabo said as he held the two broken halves of his weapon.
"Your toy is no match for my Fishman Karate." Kuroobi gave Sabo a smug grin and Sabo quickly threw the broken paddle in his face. "Wah!" The ray fishman lurched backwards in surprise before Sabo jumped up and drove both his boots into his chest.
THWAK!
Kuroobi went flying, landed hard but quickly sat up and started to get back up. "You punk!"
SPLAT!
Sabo was suddenly struck in the side with a blast of water and dropped to the ground.
"Choo, that's the power of a fishman, puny human," Choo taunted.
Usopp had run out of Arlong Park but he hadn't gone far. A familiar face was right outside.
"N-Nami!" Usopp stammered in surprise.
"You guys just had to show up and cause trouble," Nami grumbled.
"Is it true… are you really a member of Arlong's Crew?" Usopp asked. "Are you one of them?"
Nami pointed at the Arlong Tattoo on her shoulder. "What's that tell you? I can't afford to let you idiots mess up everything I've worked for over the last eight years. So now I've gotta clean up this mess you've made."
The former-Straw Hat Navigator pushed passed Usopp and slipped into Arlong Park.
Usopp stared after her. "I want to run… but I can't… I can't leave him alone in there with that witch and those monsters…"
"If I… had my rifle… you'd be dead…" Sabo grunted as he staggered back up.
"I don't need a gun to kill you, choo," Choo retorted. "Water Bullet!"
Choo spat another blast of high pressure water at Sabo through his puckered lips.
SPLAT!
The water once again knocked Sabo off of his feet.
That was when Nami walked in and found Sabo on the ground in front of her.
"Oh… there she is…" Sabo realized, "There's the thieving kidnapper." He stood up again and glared at Nami. "Where's Bonnie?"
"Back at my place," Nami answered.
SPLAT!
Sabo was hit by another water bullet from Choo and hit the ground again.
"Don't bother getting back up, choo," the smelt whiting fishman advised.
"Nami, welcome back," Arlong greeted his cartographer. "I see you made some friends on your latest trip."
"I wouldn't call this guy a friend," Nami replied, "More like a crazy pain-in-the-ass."
"Shahahahahaha!" Arlong laughed, "You've got that right. Did you really kidnap his girlfriend?"
"This idiot calls his rifle his girlfriend," Nami explained. "He left it on the ship when I stole it. Honestly, I didn't even know it was there until he started following me. I thought it shook 'em but it looks like this idiot doesn't know when to quit."
"Wait… that rifle… is his girlfriend?" Kaneshiro asked.
"Go suck on a salmon!" Sabo spat as he pushed himself back up again. Shioyaki the Salmon fishman blanched. "I don't need to justify myself to a bunch of talking fish."
SPLAT!
"Choo, you're right about him not knowing when to quit," Choo commented as Sabo fell over.
"SABO! RUN FOR IT!" Usopp suddenly yelled from on top of the wall. "SPECIAL ATTACK: SMOKE STAR!" Usopp fired his slingshot and the projectile hit the ground next to Sabo.
FWOOOSH!
The round exploded and created a thick cloud of smoke. Nami squinted and spotted Sabo's silhouette through the smoke as he tried to sneak passed her. She quickly pulled her trusty bo staff out from her shirt.
WHACK!
Sabo hadn't seen the attack coming and went flying back towards the edge of the waterway.
"Ugghhh... Damn it..." Sabo cursed. He looked up to see Nami walk up to him.
"You have no idea what's going on here," Nami growled. "But I've got eight years invested in this and I'm not going to let you ruin everything. I need you out of the way."
"Oh yeah?" Sabo retorted as he stood up. "What're you gonna do about it?"
Nami drew a knife and lunged.
Chunk!
The smoke cleared and the fishmen saw that Nami had Sabo pinned back against the waterway and had just stabbed him with a knife. Her hands were coated in blood.
"It's just business," Nami intoned, "I had no choice." Nami kicked Sabo away from her and let him drop into the waterway. "For once in your life just shut your mouth and die quietly."
SPLASH!
Sabo's body sank but his signature top hat floated to the top. Nami reached out and grabbed it.
"No… NO!" Usopp gasped. "Nami… you… you killed him!"
Nami turned and glared at him. Sabo's blood still covered her hands. "Get out of here before you get the same treatment."
Usopp slipped off the wall and took off running. "Oh no! What'll I do? What do I tell LuffY? NAMI KILLED HIS BROTHER! NAMI KILLED SABO! OH GOD! WHAT'LL I TELL BONNIE? SHE'S GONNA BE FURIOUS!"
"Should we really let him go?" Shioyaki asked.
"That guy's harmless," Nami replied. "He'll scream and tell everyone what happened here which will really only end up boosting Arlong's reputation."
"Good idea, Nami," Arlong remarked. "And on top of that, you're a killer now too! You've grown up to be a truly formidable woman. I'm proud to have you on my crew."
"I wasn't about to let him ruin eight years' worth of hard work," Nami replied then she cleared her throat. "Eh-hem, Arlong, I've finally got all the money I needed for my end of our agreement. I'm ready to pay you one hundred million berries in exchange for Cocoyashi Village."
Arlong looked surprised then he grinned and clapped his webbed hands. "Shahahahaha! Well done, Nami! This is truly a momentous day! You've worked hard these last eight years. I'm proud of you. Allow us to celebrate your return and all your hard work with a special banquet in your honor."
"You can still drink like a fishman, right Nami?" Pisaro the Crew Musician asked as he pulled out a set of maracas. "Let's have a party!"
"I guess I could have a few drinks," Nami agreed. "Let me go wash this blood off my hands first..."
"Of course, go ahead Nami," Arlong encouraged her. "We'll get everything ready in the meantime."
Nami nodded and headed into Arlong Park.
It wasn't until Nami was completely out of earshot that Arlong's grin faded into a scowl. He turned and glared at Kuroobi, "Call Nezumi. I don't want a single berri left in that tangerine grove of hers after he's done with it."
"Yes sir," Kuroobi agreed.
Arlong turned to the rest of his crew, "The rest of you are to keep Nami occupied as long as possible so Nezumi can do his work."
"That was a close one, choo," Choo remarked. "I almost thought you were going to let Nami slip through your fingers."
"That girl's way too valuable for me to allow that to happen," Arlong replied with a cruel smirk. "She's just going to have to start collecting all over again. Once she's charted of all the world's oceans for me then I'll let her go. Shahaha! Now what're you all standing around for? We've got a banquet to throw!"
So yeah... Nami killed Sabo. What is Luffy's reaction going to be to Nami killing his brother? See you next week!
Silver signing off