It was a Sunday morning as everyone cleaned themselves up and have breakfast upon Iida's request. He wouldn't allow them to continue on this One Piece marathon without having something as fuel or being clean.
As they wait for all the students to sit down in the living area, Izuku was trying to read through One Piece at a reasonable pace, occasionally making notes in his One Piece notebook.
"Oh, here's the Q&A section." Izuku smiled a bit, though he've only gotten 3 questions and the last one was rather silly. "Huh, Shanks would have been 37 at this point."
"We are here!" Toshinori playfully announced as he and Hizashi entered in.
Aizawa sighed, but he knew the kids would need something more lighthearted today.
Once everyone was able to sit down in the living area, they were able to start to watch One Piece.
Skipping episode 36's opening, they were met with people running towards Bellemere's home, determined to save her. Bellemere continued on cooking until Arlong knocked on the door.
Finally, the title card came up; "Survive! Bellemere, the Mother, and Nami's Family!"
Bellemere looked at the front door when no one answered. Then she noticed the big, tall shadows from the window.
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Kirishima quietly cursed as the students were already panicked over the situation.
I swear that this is too early for something so intense. Aizawa thought, but continued on watching the anime.
Outside, Arlong smirked when Bellemere told them to come in, but upon entering in, he was met with no one in the entire house.
With a flicker of a lighter, Bellemere send him flying to the ground with a single kick, aiming a gun into his mouth, ready to shoot.
"Whoa!" The students were in awe, and cheered at the woman's actions.
"Why can't all the marines be this cool?" Denki complained.
Bellemere demanded on what Arlong wants with the village, but she was met with laughter from the fishmen, including Arlong himself. He destroyed the gun with a single bite.
The audience immediately quiet down, seeing it crash down already. They knew that Bellemere doesn't survive all of this, but...
"I don't want to watch." Toru squeaked, squirming a little.
Nojiko and Nami ran for the backdoor of their home, but they were soon stopped by the doctor. He told them that they can't go home. While it sounded cruel, the doctor need to remind them of the situation.
Then they heard the sounds of screaming.
"Mom-!" "Bellemere!"
The sound of Bellemere's pained scream made them want to jump into action, but they could only watch as Arlong stomp onto Bellemere's arm til it turned a sickly purple.
Izuku clung onto his arm tightly, looking away from Bellemere's torture. "They... They truly are monsters."
Genzo arrived on the scene, saying that this can be solved with money. Arlong agreed, saying she should pay for her family's life.
As Gen help her turn around, he told her the price, but Bellemere claimed that she only have a little over 100,000.
Hachi called out there's a dinner for three inside, allowing Arlong to figure out this is a family of three.
"No. No. No." Ochako whispered, gripping onto her pillow so tightly she could be ripping it in half.
Gen was able to lie that he and his friend were actually invited for dinner, trying to get Bellemere to pay for herself. It helped that the census shows that she've never been married nor had any kids.
Despite knowing Bellemere's fate, there were a few students that felt relieved in her temporary safety til they saw the sorrow on Nami and Nojiko's faces.
The doctor have told the kids that there is no proof of the three of them as family, so they have to leave before the fishmen find out. There's no way for them to save all three of them, so Nami and Nojiko have to venture out to sea.
Nami refused. She doesn't want to leave. The fishmen are the ones who invaded them. As she cried, she asked if it's because they're too poor to be Bellemere's daughters.
Ochako felt herself shook, feeling tears run down her face. It just hits way too close to home.
"It's the only way for them to live." Aizawa solemnly whispered.
"But... Bellemere dies." Hizashi reminded him.
Of course he knows that. Everyone knows that... But...
Nojiko was determined that they should leave, knowing that this is the only way for Bellemere to be safe, but before the fishmen could leave...
"Hold up! Who said that was my share? That 100,000 is for my two daughters. I'm short on mine."
Everyone's eyes widen.
"L-Lady, what are you doing?" Katsuki breathed out.
"I won't deny I don't have a family... Even if it means sacrificing my life. We may not be blood-related, but we're still a family. I wish I could be a mother by simply saying it." A small memory of holding Nami and Nojiko came to her. "Those two... are my daughters, right?"
Nami and Nojiko ran to Bellemere's side, crying. With tears in her eyes, she cradle them close even with her broken arm.
"I really wanted to buy you more stuff, like books and new clothes. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more of a mother to you guys."
Ochako sobbed right into Izuku's side as he held onto her tight. Everyone's eyes were glued onto the scene.
"You're more of a mother than anyone could be!" Mina cried out.
Nami and Nojiko didn't care for the material things. They just don't want Bellemere to die as Nami wants her to see her map of the world.
Shakily lifting a hand to her head, Bellemere told her to make sure to fulfill her dreams, to live on.
The fishmen loomed over them. As Nami and Nojiko cowered by Bellemere's side, their mother told Arlong to promise to leave her daughters alone. Arlong did, as long as she die.
"T-They're not going to see her die. Are they?" Toru sniffled.
No one could answer her. Only a sickening feeling within them worsened at the idea.
Nami screamed for help, but when Genzo attempted to shoot Arlong down, the man was defeated by the sharped fin fishman, and Genzo was sliced down right in front of her.
From the distance, they could hear the villagers charging their way to them. Arlong ordered his men to show them what they're made of, but not to kill them.
He plans on making Bellemere the perfect example.
"No!" "Fuck!" "Leave them alone!" They could only desperately shout out, clinging onto each other for some kind of comfort.
Bellemere pushed the girls into the house. Arlong aimed the gun for her heart, telling her to die for her 'pathetic love.'
Through the chaos of the village's beat down, Bellemere was able to call out to her daughters. Nami and Nojiko could only stare at her with teary eyes.
"I love you."
The gunshot rung out though the room as they watch Bellemere's limp body sent flying backwards from the shot. The memories of softer, sillier times didn't help ease their tears. It just enforces them, especially mixed with the reactions of those who care about Bellemere.
They knew of her fate before, but they weren't prepared for this.
Don't lose to anyone. Girls have to be strong too. It doesn't matter if you're not complimented. Don't hate the era you were born into. And always remember the strength to continue laughing.
Arlong laughed proudly at his accomplishment, talking down to the humans.
"You bastard! You fucking bastard!" Katsuki's shaky body was held down by his friends, crying their hearts out.
"You're lower than any demon from hell!" Tokoyami almost growled.
"Y-You've just tear a family apart..." Momo managed to squeak out, feeling hot tears run down her face. She lend against Jiro, looking for any kind of comfort.
Hachi picked up a map from Bellemere's back pocket, but Nami told him to give it back. When Arlong saw how good the map is drawn, he told his men to bring her with them. Nojiko was desperate to stop them.
"You promised not to touch her!" Ojiro held Toru back before she could jump up from her seat.
Gen mentioned the money and the promise Bellemere made Arlong keep, but the fishman only claimed that he's 'borrowing' Nami.
"You were never a man of your word! I bet you're going to break that promise about her village too!" Jiro shouted.
Nami called out for help, and Gen tried to defend her, but Arlong called out for Kuroobi to slice him down.
Nami and Nojiko could only stare as Gen weakly tried to save them, but Nami begged for him to stop. Kuroobi took Gen down with the blunt end of a sword.
"I don't want anyone else to die!"
Izuku's eyes widen as his thoughts went to Eri.
"That's... enough... I'm sorry..."
Though comparing Eri to Nami would be like comparing apples to oranges, Izuku could see Eri's situation within Nami's; Nami is being used by Arlong, like how Chisaki used Eri for his goals, and...
"It's easier to be hurt yourself than to have others get hurt for you,"
Luffy, you have to do something. Izuku thought, hoping for the better.
After the eyecatches, the village was a mess as their ships have been sank, so their original plan for Nami and Nojiko was... native.
As Genzo recovered within the medical bay, he knew the marines won't even bother with them, and Bellemere instinctively knew. There was no way anyone could escape this fate.
Out at night, Nojiko have told the grave of her mother that the fishmen have taken Nami, asking what she is suppose to do now.
The somber mood hung over their heads, wishing that these villagers' fate could be changed.
I guess she wasn't foolish after all... Aizawa thought, thinking back to when Bellemere announced that the money wasn't for her. It would had been easier to just save herself and just hope that the girls would be safe, but he guessed that Bellemere really cared for her daughters.
When the sun was shinning, the village figured out where Arlong and his gang are. They have to decide whether they fight to their deaths or wait for the government. Genzo recognized that the only ones who can stand up to them are the people from the Marines Headquarters, but they already have their hands full with the Grand Line. It's very unlikely they'll come.
Still, Genzo wants to save Nami, so they all want to fight for her. Nojiko could only remind herself of Bellemere's words: "As long as you continue living, lots of good things will come your way!"
"They'll die if they do." There was no humor in Toshinori's voice. He understands their desire to save her, but they've already been beaten by the fishmen and they haven't enough time to recover and plan for sure. They'll be slaughtered if they've done anything.
They quiet down when they saw Nami, crowding around her. They were relieved to see her safe, but Nami... she told them she's joining Arlong's crew as their map drawer. Gen asked of they're making her do this, that they must have threatened her to do this, but trying to escape his grasp, Nami revealed Arlong's tattoo on her shoulder.
Momo's hand flew to her mouth. "They've marked her at such a young age."
This convinced the villagers of her ways as Nami shakily smiled, saying that his crew could buy her whatever she wants.
Nojiko tackled her down to the ground, saying she'll never forgive her for becoming a pirate. Still, Nami doesn't want to live properly, even thought Bellemere was killed for them.
Before Nojiko could continue on, Gen told her to stop. He demanded that Nami never step foot into this village ever again.
Nami was only able to run away as Gen wondered if Nami thought of Bellemere as her mother, but Nojiko knew that wasn't the case.
Did the village truly given up on her? The kid they practically helped raise. Though Ochako knew the reason why the village have lost their trust in Nami, she hoped that there's still some part of them that still loves Nami.
That night, Nami sat in front of Bellemere's grave as Nojiko watches from afar. She remembers Bellemere's words as well, and she knew the government won't help them. She realized that she has to act on her own, so she made a deal with Arlong to buy back Cocoyashi Village for 100 million beri. Once she buys the town, they'll be free and no one has to die.
Nojiko thought it was impossible, but Nami believes she could, knowing everyone's having a hard time paying their tribute. If she asks for help, they'll just get hurt.
That's a lot of pressure for a single child. Aizawa thought as Izuku sharply took in a deep breath.
Nojiko asked if it would be hard to be with the person who killed Bellemere, but Nami convinced herself that she'll just smile whenever she sees his face, that she'll never cry again. She'll fight on her own.
Toshinori tried to stifle a shutter. To see someone so young make his mistakes...
Back to the present, Nojiko finished off the story, asking Sanji and Usopp if they understand the hardships Nami went through. Sanji was certainly determined for Nami, but Nojiko punched him for trying to interfere, telling him not to make it harder on Nami.
In the bushes, Yosaku and Johnny were crying.
"How couldn't any good hero not want to help her after hearing all of that?!" Kirishima cried.
"I want to save her from everything now!" Mina exclaimed.
The two practically voiced the other students' feelings as they yelled out declarations of wanting to save Nami now.
Nojiko could remember the time Nami became a pirate thief. Even after being so beaten up, Nami was still able to go through with it, hiding the treasure in the ground.
Back to Nami, she was certain that she needs to make one more trip and everything will be over. Everyone will be free and she'll finally laugh from the bottom of her heart.
Out in the village, Luffy walked in, seeing Genzo and the marines. As the rubber man stared, sweating, Gen asked the marines what business they have with Nami. The mouse-like marine told him to remain quiet and escort them. Once they pasted by him, Luffy wonders why that guy have a pinwheel on his head, thinking it looks TOO cool.
"Really, Straw Hat?" Katsuki sighed, though sounding a lot more softer than he'd normally would be.
"We need something lighthearted." Kirishima managed to crack a smile, jabbing an elbow into his side.
Nami walked outside, stretching out her body. She was about to go out for another stealing spree when she saw the marines walking towards her.
The mouse-like marines asked if she's the female thief, telling that according to their investigations, she seemed to have stolen treasures stashed in this form. Since she've stolen them from pirates, they're not going to arrest he, but that stolen treasure will now become government property.
"To Be Continued."
"No!" "Back off!" "That money's her's!" Furious students cried out foul.
"You could have saved them, but you have to get her money instead!" Ochako teared up.
Skipping episode 37's opening, they were met with a sinking marine ship. Then a young Nami appeared in a room with Arlong. This was the moment the two have made the agreement: 100 million beris for the village's freedom.
"Luffy Rises! Result of the Broken Promise!"
The audience stared on with gritted teeth.
"I knew it." Jiro quietly hissed.
The marines plan on taking everything she've stolen from pirates. Nami was smug enough to tell him that he isn't brave enough to stand up to pirates but is willing to deal with sneaky thieves. She've warned them that as a leader of the Arlong Pirates, if they mess with her, Arlong won't sit by quietly.
"No. No. No." Ochako softly said, hands in her hair.
Still, the marines ignored her warning, and started to search.
Nami built her staff and took down two soldiers. She've told the mouse-like marine what the Arlong Pirates have done, including what Arlong have done to this island. She demanded if ignoring that major problem and taking a thief's goods is really what the government stands for.
"Exactly!" Several students exploded in anger, frustrated with these soldiers' behavior.
The main marine just told his men to continue on their search. Nami is furious that he's ignoring her. The colonel was told of the the suspicious mikan orchard. He ordered them to dig it up.
"Leave everything alone! She was so close!" Mina shouted.
One by one, Nami tried to stop the marines from digging up the orchard til Gen declared that the money is meant to save Cocoyashi Village, that he doesn't have the right to take it away.
"Genzo, you knew?" Izuku said, staring at the man.
The colonel doesn't want to be talked down to someone like him. Nami asked him how he knew that.
Gen admitted that he've always known it. The whole village knew it in fact, but they pretended they didn't, hoping that it would let her run away from Arlong.
"I knew it." Ochako quietly said, casting her eyes towards the floor.
The colonel doesn't understand what they're talking about, interpreting as all the villagers are thieves and they should arrest them.
"Fuck off, and actually do your job!" Katsuki shouted at them.
Nojiko came in, saying that the villagers are trying to survive, but only because they can't rely on the government. She told them to get out of here, or else Arlong will go after them. The marine wasn't convinced, giving Nami a hint.
It was certain that he was working with Arlong when he told his men they're looking for 100 million beris. Gen demanded on how he knew the amount, and the man just claim he has a feeling. Nami demanded if Arlong sent him, but the colonel just pretended they were just doing their job, making the three of them furious.
Then one of the soldiers shouted that he've found the treasure.
"Leave it alone!" "You monsters!" "No!" "Fuck off!" "You could have saved them!" The students could only shout out their frustrations at the navy.
The colonel was glad to see Nami's riches, impressed with the ragged and blood stained treasures, especially when 30% of it is his.
Nami tried to attack him, but Nojiko and Gen held her back. The man smiled, taking out his gun.
The bullet hit Nojiko.
"NOJIKO!" chorused several students. Their guts twisted horribly at the thought of Nami seeing another family member die by a bullet.
"You monsters! You fucking monsters!" Ochako cried. "Do you enjoy seeing them suffer?!"
In Cocoyashi Village, Luffy was thinking about the pinwheel, and was able to think up a move because of it until he heard Gen yelling for the doctor. He smiled when he saw Nami, though her lap have Nojiko resting on it.
Gen told them that Arlong is working with the navy, that he never intended to honor their agreement. The village was riled up as Nami stood up. Luffy causally went up to her, asking if she needs any help, but Nami turned to him and glared, asking why he's here.
Grabbing onto the front of his vest, she told him this has nothing to do with him and to leave the island already. She threw him off to the side, running away.
"Nami, please don't do something reckless." Momo prayed, but she wouldn't blame her for being fueled on emotions, especially with what have happened to her.
Nami's thoughts were filled with Arlong and the promise, running all the way to him. With Luffy, he wonders what her deal is.
After the eyecatches, Nami confronted Arlong with what happened. She grabbed onto his shirt, reminding him about dying before breaking promises about money. Arlong asked when did he break their promise. Nami told him to stop playing dumb, but the fishman covered her mouth, repeating the question.
Arlong and his crew laughed at her crying face. He just told her that she should just try again. If she runs out on him, Arlong will kill everyone in Cocoyashi Village.
Nami remembered what Gen have said before. She could only slap his hand and run away. Hachi asked if they should chase after her, but Arlong knew she'll never abandon her village, and he wouldn't let Nami go for her skills. Only when she's done surveying all the world's seas, he'll give her her freedom; an impossible task.
"You bastard!" Katsuki shouted as the others could only stay quiet in the moment.
Arlong isn't going to let her go. Izuku thought, letting his mind wander back to Eri again.
With Luffy's crew mates, Usopp believes they should meet up with Luffy now while Sanji wants to take away Nami's suffering. Usopp reminded him it's for Nami and the village. Zoro just told them to go.
In Cocoyashi Village, Gen have gathered the villagers, prepared to fight while Nami ran, desperate that they don't do anything hasty, but the very reason why they decided to fight is for Nami.
"They're so dead." Katsuki dryly said.
"And you're right, honestly." Iida agreed. "They couldn't fight the fishmen before, and I doubt that even if they trained, the result would be the same."
Nami approached them with a big, forced smile on her face, telling them that she can save up the money again, that she was just fine.
The memory of Bellemere's death appeared.
The students let out soft sobs, being reminded of the tragedy.
"P-Please don't show us that again." Toru managed to squeak out.
"Young Nami, don't put yourself through this again." Toshinori gravely whispered.
Gen pulled her into an embrace, telling her to stop, that she've fought very well, carrying their lives on her back all this time. He could only guess that everything she've went through must have been very difficult.
He told her to leave this town, even Nojiko agreed. Nami has a dream.
Toshinori quietly took in a sharp deep breath, seeing how selfless this entire village are for just one person. Would he allow the citizens to sacrifice themselves like this?
Nami pulled out a knife, telling them they would die, but they already knew. Gen grabbed onto the knife's blade, as if daring her to attack.
It was no use. The village have already decided that even if they can't win, then the least they could do is show them what they're made of.
When the villagers ran passed her, Nami dropped to her knees; the knife falling to the side.
As Arlong's laugh echoed, they could feel Nami's anger as she glared at the tattoo, dragging her nails in as if she's going to rip it off. That disgusting mark symbolizes the man who've took away her childhood, her family, and her dreams.
Arlong, you're going to pay for what you've done. Izuku determined in his mind.
Then she grabbed the knife.
Eyes went wide.
"Nami, stop-!"
"ARLONG!"
They stared in horror, watching as Nami repeatedly stabbed her arm, screaming out that venomous name at each one.
With tear stained faces, their bodies shook at each stab she made. They could feel her anger... her sadness... her hopelessness... and all of it came from the vile villain.
It felt like there's no one who could save her from this fate, but...
Luffy grabbed hold of Nami's wrist, stopping her from another stab. She didn't move for a second before she slowly turned to see who it was. Luffy's face was blank.
"Luffy..." Nami let the blood soaked knife fall onto the road.
The moment Luffy appeared... it feel like a big weight was off their shoulders.
"Luffy..." Ochako repeated his name, gripping onto Izuku's body as tightly as she could. The girl still shivered. Help her... please...
Her voice was choked up, but she still tried to demand from him, "What do you want? You don't even know anything! You don't even know what's happened on this island the past eight years!"
"Yeah. I don't know." Luffy answered honestly.
"This has nothing to do with you!" Her voice risen, gripping handfuls of dirt. "I told you, leave the damn island already!"
"Yeah. You told me."
"Leave! I don't need you!" Nami yelled as she threw a handful of dirt back, and with each word, she threw more dirt, desperate for him to just leave already, but she finally ran out of steam, letting herself let those emotions she've held on for many years out.
As she cried, Luffy didn't react. He just stood there, waiting.
Nami brought a hand to her mouth, muffling her cries. Finally, she turned her head.
"Luffy... Help me..."
Students and teachers alike took in sharp breaths, tearing up from Nami's desperation for help, but they anxiously waited for Luffy's answer.
At first, Luffy didn't do anything until he silently took off his straw hat and placed it on her head. He turned and walked a few steps away as she stared in confusion.
He suddenly stopped and took in a deep breath, bending down til he screamed on the top of his lungs, "OF COURSE I WILL!"
For the first time since this episode started, they were able to smile, feeling relieved. Some of them even cheered out loud for joy.
Nami remembered how precious his straw hat is to him, clinging onto it.
Luffy walked down the path, revealing Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji were waiting for him. "Let's go."
They all looked up. "Right!"
"Oh my god, finally." Jiro said in relief, unable to stop smiling like the others.
The villagers were furious that Johnny and Yosaku were guarding the entrance to Arlong Park, but the bounty hunters were waiting for certain men to arrive.
Side by side, the four marched along the road. From afar, the villagers could see them.
"They looks so manly!" Kirishima's eyes seemed to sparkle.
Yosaku was certain that if they can't handle the fishmen, then there's no hope for this island or the East Blue. They were certain Luffy and his crew was going to change destiny.
Luffy ordered the people to move aside. In Arlong Park, Arlong laughed, wondering if Johnny and Yosaku were apart of Zoro's group until large indents on the door caught his attention.
The door was smashed, and exploded into pieces. Smoke disappeared aound Luffy as Arlong was freaked out.
"Which one of you is Arlong?" Luffy demanded.
"To Be Continued."
"Holy shit, that was epic!" Denki cheered as the students dissolved into excited chatter.
Their teachers smiled at their thrilled behavior, especially after the tragedy they went through.
They just need to watch the next episode to get their prize.
AN: So... I'm sorry for the wait, but I was helping out family. Then I got sick. Don't worry, it's not the virus. It was just a cold, and I'm all better now.
Anyway, I really hoped I was able to at least captured the emotions of these famous scenes (or at least how people feel about these scenes because I've always heard that these scenes are the ones that convinced people to watch One Piece), and I hope you enjoyed it.
