" Hey, Luffy, stay a little quiet. " Sanji ordered him, seeing him move in all directions. " You make me dizzy. "
" Okay ! Okay ! " Said the pirate, finally sitting in a corner of the boat.
" Hey, Yosaku. " Called him Raynare. " Are we far from this famous "dangerous place" ?
" How can you be so relaxed ? " He asked, pointing to the three of them, before turning to Gin, who was trying to get some sleep. " And that also applies to you ! It shows that you don't know where we are going. "
Then removing the blindfold that covered his eyes, Gin said.
" We're going to Arlong Park. "
" Exactly. " Affirmed Yosaku. " We're going to Arlong park and ..."
He was silent then, before looking at Gin.
" How did you know we are going there ? "
" We are on East-Blue! There are not many "dangerous '' places in this area ! And for something to scare Luffy, you have to find someone stronger than Don Krieg, right ? And on this sea, there is only one man who has a bounty higher than hims : Arlong ! "
" Huh ... yes ! That's it ! This guy is wanted for twenty million berrys ! He is the terror of East-Blue. "
" And why that ? " Raynare asked him. " What makes this guy so formidable ? Would he have eaten a demon fruit ? "
" What ? You ... you don't know Arlong ? "
" I come from South-Blue. " She lied to him. " I don't know the big bounty around yet. "
" He is a cruel and merciless fishman. " Cried Yosaku.
"A fishman ? " Raynare wondered. " What is this joke ? "
" Oh ? Then they exist for real. " Understood Sanji. " I thought it was just a legend. "
" GREAT. " Shouted Luffy. " I wonder what they looks like. "
" Imagines just a human resembling a fish and you will surely not be far. " Gin advised him.
" In fact, this magnificent mermaid was not the fruit of my imagination, right ? " Wanted to know Sanji, while making hearts with the smoke of his cigarette. " Who was she? "
" It's one of Lucy's spirit. " Raynare explained to him.
" Lucy-chan ! Yet another reason to love her ! I can't wait to see her again, as well as Nami-swan. "
" Completed. " Suddenly stated Luffy, showing the portrait of a fish with arms and legs.
And while Sanji exploded with laughter at his "masterpiece", Gin ended up feeling a drop run behind his head, as he affirmed.
" I believe you have just drawn a creature that has not yet been identified. "
" Are you going to stop taking everything for fun ? " Shouted Yosaku. " It's serious, damn it. "
" By the way, Yosaku, have you ever heard of the seven Shichibukais ? " Raynare asked him.
" Yes, of course ! One of them is even an acquaintance of Arlong. "
" I don't understand something. " Confessed Gin. " How the navy can team up with pirates ? It is insane. "
" The Navy does it for two reasons! First, this pirates can continue their misdeeds, but must give part of their booty to the Navy ! And the second condition is that the Shichibukais must always come, when the Navy ordered them ! We can qualify them as a group of mercenaries feared by all ! The proof, Mihawk is a Shichibukai and he easily crushed Zoro-aniki. "
" REALLY ? " Shouted Luffy.
" And there are six others like him. " Sighed Gin. " Well, it is not a good new. "
" From what I know, one of the Shichibukais is also a fishman ! This is Jinbei ! And it is rumored that he was the one who sent Arlong here, on East-Blue, in order to make the domination of the fishmen prosper! In just a few weeks, Arlong managed to loot twenty towns and villages, making him a pirate even more feared than Don Krieg! However, he ended up settling on an island with his crew. "
" But what would your friend want to do with this guy ? " Wanted to know Gin.
" Knowing Nami, she surely thought that this pirate has a big treasure. " Asserted Raynare. " So, she went to get it. "
" It's not the best idea. " Affirmed Yosaku. " Fearsome as they are, it's a safe bet that these monsters will only make a mouthful of it ! And seen in the state where Zoro was, it was better that I go get you. "
" But, once there, what do you plan to do Luffy ? " Asked Gin. " I didn't understand everything, but it seems that this Nami stole your boat, showing that she wanted to ride you from the start ! So, are we going there to pick up the boat ... or pick up Nami ? "
" We're going for both. " Asserted Luffy. " I want Nami to be our navigator. "
" Yes, but if she betrayed you once, there is a good chance that she will do the same ! I would not give my opinion but it would still be necessary to know what she really wants. "
" That is explained just because I was not there. " Asserted Sanji. " With me, now, to take care of her, she will never want to leave me ! Speaking of which, how about we eat a bite ? "
" YEAH ! " Cried Luffy. " I want a leg. "
" A fricassee of green beans. " Yosaku ordered.
" A grilled mackerel. " Wanted Gin. " And with rum. "
However, almost ignoring them, Sanji picked up a notebook as he headed for Raynare.
" Raynare-sama, what would make you happy ? "
Then taking her Yuuma's form, Raynare displayed a shy air, while asserting.
" Huh ... anything as long as it's good, Sanji-kun. "
Immediately feeling his face turn red, Sanji said.
" I am going right now ! Go to the kitchen. "
" Hey, don't forget the meat. "
" And alcohol. "
" Shut up and wait for your turn. "
" Look who is here. " Sneered Arlong. " It's been a long time, Nami ! So, how is your treasure harvest going? "
" Of course ! And it always will be as long as there are stupid pirates on these oceans as naive as newborns. "
" Indeed ! Human pirates are so stupid, -chu. " Laughed Chew.
" No, all the humans are stupid. " Retorted Kuroobi.
" Anyway, Nami will always be smart enough to steal them. " Hachi assured.
" HAHAHA ! It's true. " Sneered another fishman.
Smiling in turn, Nami suddenly displayed a surprised face when a pair of arms closed around her.
" Mimi-chan. " Rejoices a female voice behind her.
Sighing, Nami squirmed slightly to free herself from hugging the newcomer. Finally letting go, the other woman ends up floating the air cushion on which she was sitting to get closer to Arlong.
" Syra, stop doing that. " Nami ordered her.
" Ohhh ... you're not nice, Mimi-chan. " Remarked Syra.
Suddenly leaning on her air cushion, she made a magnificent leap until she plunged into the water of a huge pool. Then, with her fishtail, she stirred the water enough to splash Nami.
" HEY ! Stop ! "
Laughing happily, seeing her soak, Syra was called to order by Arlong.
" Syra ! This is not how a mermaid should behave. "
" Sorry, Arlony-kun. " She apologized.
" It's nothing. " Assured Nami, then shaking her hair. " After my travels, it's not a few drops that will kill me. "
" Happy to hear it ! In this case, guys, let's go to celebrate Nami's return ! Bring alcohol and food. "
" Yeah ! "
" It's… Is it there ? " Wanted to know Usopp.
" I think so." Johnny said, swallowing.
While the two boys were half hidden on their boat, Lucy could only said when she saw Arlong Park in the distance.
" Level design, I saw much more beautiful homes than it. "
" We don't care about aesthetics. " Retorted Johnny. " It's not the house that counts, but the guys who live there. "
" Are we at least sure that Nami is here ? " Wanted to know Usopp.
" To find out, you would have to go around the island and try to find the Vogue Merry." Johnny said, rather eager to leave before they were spotted.
" Good idea. "
" What do you think Zoro ? " Asked Lucy, despite having an idea of what he intended to do. " With your injuries, it is better not to try the devil by attacking head-on. "
" What injuries? " Wanted to know Zoro, despite his chest covered with bandages.
Pulling out a saber of his scabbard somewhat, he said.
" Let's go. "
" What ? But are you sick ? " Asked Johnny and Usopp. " Do you want our death, or what? "
" You must first develop a strategy. "
" He is right."
" To do what ? " Wanted to know Zoro, standing up in front of the boat. " Going into the heap by taking the enemy by surprise is the best tactic to use ! And by eliminating Arlong, we make sure we no longer have the slightest threat to watch. "
Preparing to say something, Lucy ends up seeing Usopp and Yosaku knock Zoro out with hammers, before tying him to the mast of the boat.
" Huh ... what are you doing there ? "
" We prevent him from doing bullshit. "
" And you had to knock him out ? " Wanted to know the blonde.
" If we didn't, he would have forced us to follow him and that's out of the question. " Said Johnny.
" Yes, we are not like you. " Assured Usopp. " Now that Zoro is injured, you're the only one who can fight these monsters. "
Showing a smile of vanity, hearing this, she said.
" You know, it is not always easy to be a person as important as me. "
" Hello modesty. "
" However, … " Began to say Lucy, looking at the building. " … It may be best to make sure Nami is here before tackling these guys ! At worst, we will meet them when the others are there. "
" Good idea. " Affirmed the cowardly duo, immediately changing the direction to follow.
" Hey, what are you doing ? " Wanted to know Zoro, then regaining consciousness. " Untie me right away or it will shatter. "
" No way. " Affirmed Usopp, smiling at him. " Calm you, you are hurt. "
" I still have enough strength to kick your butt. " Assured his comrade.
" Stay calm, Zoro. " Usopp advised him, tapping lightly on his wounds. " Stress is bad for you. "
Grinning then, Zoro said.
" I will really kill you. "
" Zoro, it is better that you stay still. " Advised Lucy. " Virgo may have given you first aid, but it's not enough to heal your injuries! As soon as we can, we'll have to take a doctor. "
" Your doctor can go to hell ! I am very well. "
Suddenly startled, Johnny cried out.
" Hi … Hide yourself. "
" Hum ? " The three others wondered.
Looking ahead, they finally saw a boat that was familiar to them.
" It's the Merry ! Nami is so here. "
Suddenly putting his hands on the head of Usopp and Lucy, Johnny forced them to bend down, while he said.
" There are enemies nearby. "
Turning their eyes towards a pontoon, the duo could indeed see three people with the strangest looks.
" Fishmen ! " They shouted.
" What do we do ? " Wanted to know Johnny.
" We flee as discreetly as possible. " Usopp said.
" Anyway, I have my keys in case of a problem. " Assured Lucy.
Passing thus, near the pontoon and the Merry, the small band decided to sail to stop further. However, not everyone was happy with this idea.
" Band of cowards ! " Shouted Zoro. " Why didn't we stop? They may know where is Nami. "
" Shut up ! " Usopp ordered him. " We are no match for them. "
A splashing noise was suddenly heard. Looking towards the pontoon, all to find that two fishmen had jumped into the water, to rush straight towards the boat.
" AHHHHHHHH, they're coming. " Shouted Usopp and Johnny, jumping into the water.
" Hey, wait. " Zoro ordered. " Untie me. "
Immediately taking his saber, Lucy began to cut his ties. However, she barely had time to cut the first ropes when a fishman jumped onto the boat.
" Find ! " He sneered, reaching for Lucy.
Then trying to move back, the blonde felt her foot tapping against the edge of the boat and lost her balance to start falling into the water. Wanting to keep her from running away, the fishman grabbed her belt, exactly where her keys were. Using more force than necessary, the man unwittingly untied the small pouch from the rest of the belt and let Lucy fall into the water.
" Hum ? What is happening ? " Wanted to know the second fishman, getting on the ship.
" There's a woman trying to run away. " Affirmed his friend, still with the pocket in hand.
Then rising to the surface, Lucy ordered.
" My keys ! Give me back my keys. "
" Huh ? What is she saying ? "
" No idea ! But let's not let her go. "
Preparing to dive, one of the two men groaned in pain when a cut formed in his cheek. Turning around immediately, he glared at Zoro who, with the ties Lucy had cut, was holding his saber with his hand that had just been released.
" You will not go anywhere. " He said.
" Are you looking for a fight ? " His two adversaries wondered, rushing at him.
Trying to get back on the boat, Lucy was suddenly seized by Usopp and Johnny who swam immediately to leave.
" Quick, we have to leave. "
" But … ? My keys and Zoro ? "
" We will see later for that. "
It was thus that the trio went away, leaving behind Zoro who faced the two fish men. But as he was about to use his saber to deliver himself, his eyesight suddenly became blurred, while severe abdominal pain was felt.
" Shit ! Not now. "
Too handicapped to defend himself effectively and who therefore got hit on all sides by his opponents.
Arriving a few moments later on the bank, Johnny wanted to know.
" What do we do now? "
" We just have to walk a bit and find a village in ... " Usopp started.
He was silent at this moment, seeing Lucy, kneeling on the ground, looking down.
" Are you okay Lucy ? "
Getting up at this moment, Lucy ends up sending him her fist in the face, making him fall back.
" Hey, are you crazy ? "
" All of this is your fault. " The blonde suddenly roars, with a hateful look. " If you had helped me free Zoro instead of running away, he might be there with us and I would still have my keys! Now, what's going to happen, huh? Because of your cowardice, Zoro can get killed at any time and we have nothing left to help us deal with these monsters. "
" Huh ... I ... " Usopp started.
Suddenly falling to her knees, Lucy sticks her nails in the ground, while moaning.
" My keys ! How am I going to get them now ? "
" Huh ... I think we have a bigger problem. " Said Johnny.
Then looking up, the two pirates immediately opened their eyes, seeing a village in front of them, or, at least, what was left.
" All the houses have been returned. " Frightened Usopp.
" And even the road was destroyed. " Lucy noticed, seeing a strange streak on the ground.
" These are the fishmen. " Said Johnny. " It is said that they are ten times stronger than men ! Which shows their power! However, I am surprised that they could do this. "
" Oh, it's not us. " Retorted a voice behind them. " But a sea monster. "
Freezing at this moment, the trio began to swallow while they already knew who were behind them. And without warning, they ran off, followed by the third fishman, who had managed to find them.
" Come back here. " Ordered the fishman, chasing them.
" He's following us. " Johnny was horrified.
" Quick ! Let's separate. " Usopp advised.
In an instant, he suddenly found himself alone, while the other two had slipped in small paths, between the walls of the overturned houses. Finding that he was now the target of the other monster, he continued to run while cursing his bad luck.
Finally, when the two left, Lucy came out of her hiding place and began to think about what she was going to do.
" First, I have to go save Zoro and get my keys! So, I'm going to see what's in Arlong Park. "
Decided, she immediately went to the huge building on the island.
" And there you go. " Cried Sanji, coming out of the boat's kitchen.
Then placing a full plate on a table, as well as a glass of wine, he said.
" That's it for you, Raynare-sama ! Rice confined to a thousand spices accompanied by a wine worthy of your beauty. "
" Oh, how nice, Sanji-kun. " Said Raynare, putting her hand on his cheek." It all looks delicious. "
" I am very happy to hear that. " Sanji said, gesturing in all directions.
" What about us then ? " Wanted to know Luffy and Yosaku.
" Yeah yeah ! It happens. " Sanji assured, going back to the kitchen.
Seeing him go, Gin told Raynare.
" I didn't think you were a girl who could compliment people so easily. "
" Huh ? " She wondered, finding her bored look. " It's just that I was hungry and I knew how to go about getting it served quickly. "
" It is not fair. " Cried Luffy, trying to grab her plate. " I'm hungry too. "
" You are going. " Raynare ordered him, crushing the heel of her boot against his cheek.
Barely embarrassed by this, Luffy stretched his arm in an attempt to steal her food. But before he could do it, a powerful kick landed on his head, while Sanji exclaimed.
" Hands off ! Just try to steal his food and I will deprive you of meals. "
" But Sanji… "
The captain suddenly fell silent, seeing the cook bring their orders. Thus, seeing a plate with a leg of lamb, Luffy gave up all desire to fight against Raynare and grabbed a piece of meat.
" Miam, it's a delight. " He said.
" Mmmh, too good. " Rejoices Yosaku, eating his beans. " The seasoning is perfect! I enjoy. "
" If this continues, I will become addicted to your kitchen. " Gin said, while he chewed a piece of his fish, before making a mug of rum.
Smiling at this, Sanji made himself a glass of alcohol, when he felt vibrations around them.
" Hum? What is that ? "
Suddenly appearing, a gigantic figure emerged from the water and finally uttered an enormous roar.
" AHHHHHH ! A sea monster ! " Yosaku frightened, seeing the huge cow in front of them.
" Is there any here ? " Gin wondered.
" Wow, it's huge. " Luffy said.
Splashing the boat somewhat, the appearance of the monster annoyed Raynare somewhat, while sea water fell on her plate. Tasting her food, she cried out.
" The salinity of the water destroys this whole dish. "
" What ? " Roared Sanji, looking at Meuh-Meuh. " How dare you dirty monster ? "
Nevertheless, he calmed down somewhat, seeing the animal start salivating, as it looked at the food on the table.
" Hum ? " Said Luffy. " It looks like he's hungry. "
" In this case, give it your meal. " Gin recommended.
" What ? What's wrong or what ? " Asked Luffy. " You give your meal. "
" You have already eaten twice as much as me. "
" It's not a reason ! Me, I need three times more to be satisfied. "
Suddenly taking their plates, Sanji approached Meuh-meuh, while affirming.
" As long as Raynare-sama can eat in peace, all the sacrifices are good. "
" Hey, give it back. " Luffy and Gin ordered him, starting to fight him.
Seeing them arguing in this way, while remaining wisely drinking wine, Raynare ends up affirming.
" I think this monster wants to eat something other than Sanji's cooking. "
" Hum ? " Wondered the trio, then seeing the cow open its jaws wide, before pretending to swallow them.
" What ? " The three men got mad. " No, but I dream. "
Luffy immediately hit it in the head, causing the creature to move back enough to allow Sanji to put the plates on the ground and Gin to pick up his tonfas. Then both of them running towards the monster, they jumped together.
" Sale ungrateful. " Sanji growled, hitting it on the neck.
Feeling raised, the cow was then climbed by Gin who found himself on it head.
" Never touch… "
Spinning his tonfas, he smashed them together on the skull of the sea monster, which was immediately knocked out.
" … our food. "
Seeing this, as the trio concentrated again on their meal, Yosaku finally affirmed.
" These guys, they're really crazy. "