Instead of waiting for the others longer, Johnny and Yosaku decided to go and see if they could find them instead. It had taken a while but the two were able to come across their friends and-to some surprise-Sanji, who had also been trying to find their group.
''So this is Nami-san's hometown...?'' The blond looked around curiously as they entered Cocoyashi. ''Is it always so quiet?''
''I don't think so...they're probably still worried because of Arlong.'' Yosaku replied.
At his surprised expression, Johnny added ''We don't have all the details yet, we wanted to wait for you guys to show up before we go after Nami-aneki. She went back to her house a little while back.''
Usopp perked up at the sight of the group approaching them ''There you are! Oh, so Luffy did manage to get you on the crew after all? Somehow I'm not too surprised.''
''Yeah, I never thought I'd find someone so pushy and annoying. I guess I just caved in the end.''
''Hey!'' Sanji was grinning as Usopp snickered, the teen pouting at them with the others similarly amused.
''You really can't complain if it's true.'' Zoro couldn't help but put in.
Miguel shook his head ''I don't think you're going to win this, Luffy. Anyway, how about we focus on what we came here for?''
''Oh yeah!'' That got the captain's attention. ''So you're sure Nami's here?''
''It looks that way.'' Zoro offered. ''There's something you need to hear first though...''
''Okay, this really doesn't add up...'' Miguel concluded at the end of their tale. ''...if Nami was even half the kind of person they make her out to be, we wouldn't have even been here now.''
''Exactly.'' Sanji was especially relieved that there were no arguments on the matter ''We're obviously missing a lot of information. It's just like you said, someone like the supposed 'witch' wouldn't bother to save that kid.''
''Then let's go find her!'' Luffy exclaimed. ''She lives in the house by the grove, right? Come on!''
Around the same time...
Nami was talking to a woman with blue hair and dark eyes, telling her a bit about her last few days.
''Eh? You mean they're actually coming here?'' Her older sister, Nojiko asked.
''I don't know. I made sure to hide as much as possible about my past so they couldn't know I'm here. Keeping those secrets was just bound to make them worry...agreeing was the only way I could see to have them let me leave.'' Trouble was, now that Nami thought it over, she could see what Miguel was getting at. Luffy wouldn't even think twice about following the deal and coming after her. He was too stubborn.
''But they...''
''I know! I told them I would but...would it make a difference?''
''Well...'' Nojiko hesitated. ''...I think you might be right, if they do come, they'll be expecting an explanation. Just tell them the whole story and ask them to wait, you're this close. I think they'll understand.''
''I hope so.''
The orange haired girl took a walk around to clear her head, wishing she knew what to do. A part of her knew that she took a risk in agreeing to the deal but at the same time, she was perfectly aware that the crew was looking to know more about her. All she had been hiding would likely have just motivated the wizard into making sure she couldn't leave until he got more out of her.
At least they didn't know so they had no reason to come...right?
And she really did want to tell them, a part of her had struggled with the burden that she bore for so long. But the thought also terrified her, thinking they would fight Arlong and die because of her. To lose the closest thing she had to friends after all those years...no, no she couldn't allow that. Ever.
She was so close to ending things, to reaching her freedom. But at the same time, she was afraid that she could put them at risk. Luffy and the others were strong but Arlong was a monster...as much as she hated working for him, she couldn't see any other way...
Could there be one?
''Oi!'' The call snapped her out of her thoughts, making her look back to the source of voice, stiffening as she recognized Luffy. ''There you are, Nami!''
Her eyes widened. They actually...came...''Why...?''
''We wanted to find you!''
''Nami-swan!'' Sanji swooned. ''Remember me? I'm the crew's cook now! I'm delighted to be serving you!''
''Cool it, Casanova!'' Zoro ignored the cook's glare. ''We've been through this, you wanted to know more about her. So do we, we're here to get the full truth.''
''Oh, right! Gotcha.''
''You really did come...'' Nami uttered.
''Yup!'' Luffy grinned.
''So we'll be having you follow on our deal now.'' Miguel stated.
''...Follow me.''
She led them back into the house and introduced them to Nojiko before everyone was settled. The elder sister crossed her arms ''So you came all the way to get Nami?''
''Nami's the only one I'll accept as the crew's navigator.'' Luffy's tone broke no argument.
Touched, the girl could only stare at him. He really trusted her that much? Even with the way things went down? After keeping all this a secret?
''I don't like letting things end the way they did. Can you blame us for trying to find answers?'' Usopp added.
''Miguel came across people who mentioned Arlong being around these parts before. That's why they avoided this area. How long was this going on?'' Zoro wondered.
''8 years.'' Nojiko replied. ''And I'm not surprised they would...they know how dangerous he is.''
''I don't get it. He gets to stay here for this long just like that? Why didn't the marines do anything?'' Johnny asked.
''I'm not sure if any tried. Anyone who stood in his way was made a lesson for the others.''
Zoro instantly thought of the marines from Shells Town ''Yeah, they talk a big game but they're not the perfect defenders of justice they think they are. Some of us know that a little too well, Johnny.''
The bounty hunter flinched, pointedly not looking at Miguel ''...Sorry...''
Sanji tilted his head ''How did all this start in the first place?''
''Well...'' Nami knew she owed them the truth. ''...Arlong and his crew came here years ago...''
Nami and Nojiko were adopted by a former marine called Bell-mere, who had found them in a war torn country. Even then, Nami's gift for cartography was evident. In fact she had been dreaming to make a map of the world ever since she was a child. They were by no means wealthy, but they were content. Sure, there was some trouble but in general, they were a close family. Bell-mere had been an amazing mother who was supportive of her children's endeavors and she had been looking forward to seeing Nami's map.
One day, the Arlong pirates arrived. Arlong and his crew had taken over the area smoothly, taking down any opposition. The shark fishman forced a terrible deal, people had to pay a fine for him to spare their lives. 100,000 berri for adults and 50,000 for children. Genzo, who had been close to Bell-mere and the girls, knew that the woman couldn't afford it so he ran to warn her.
There had been a fight that day regarding being tired of their family's financial situation, so she had run off. Once Nojiko calmed their mother down, she ran after Nami. This seemed to be an unexpected good thing as neither had been at the house when Arlong reached it. Bell-mere had tried and failed to hurt Arlong, who attacked her in return. Deciding to let it slide in favor of money, he reiterated the deal. As it turned out, Bell-mere had 100,000 berri. This led Genzo to suggest that she pays her fine while he and the others got the girls off the island. Bell-mere refused though, deciding to use the money for Nami and Nojiko instead. Despite his pleading, she was firm. She wouldn't deny her daughters no matter the circumstances.
The girls ran out to her, pleading with her not to risk her life for them but it was already said. As they feared, Arlong killed her right in front of them.
To make matters worse, he had noticed some of Nami's maps nearby and this prompted him to take the girl with them. Genzo had tried to stop him but Arlong hurt him terribly for it. Not wanting to see anyone else die, Nami pleaded with them to stop. She returned a while later as one of Arlong's crew. While people were furious with her for it, the truth was that she did it make a deal. If she gave Arlong 100,000,000 berri, he would leave her home in peace and they would all be free.
Needless to say, her wayward comrades were floored at the story. Even Zoro, who'd been the most irked with Nami the whole time, stared at her in new understanding and mounting respect. Now they finally knew why she was hell bent on getting all that money, what seemed like greed at first was nothing but her desire to free her home and people.
''You've been working for that murderer all this time?!'' Usopp's jaw dropped, horrified.
Miguel couldn't imagine it, having to stomach orders from people who put them through all this. And for eight years, she put her life at risk, bearing with Arlong ruining her dreams and tormenting her all those years.
Then her odd question back in the Baratie came to mind "...I really put my foot in my mouth with that lousy advice, why didn't you stop me?"
Nami waved a hand "That was on me anyway. I didn't think I could say anymore without having to explain and...well...I've got the money. Now I can really end this.''
''That lowly bastard doesn't deserve a single berri!'' Sanji snarled, the bounty hunters agreeing at once.
Zoro's eyes narrowed ''You sure he's going to keep his word?''
''He will...money's the only thing he never breaks a deal with.''
''Nami-aneki, we're sorry we doubted you!'' Johnny cried.
''Yeah, that's so brave...'' Yosaku trailed off.
''Ah...'' She gave a sheepish smile under their admiring expressions. ''...well, I can't say I blame you. I did take off all of a sudden...''
''I don't like this.'' Luffy declared.
Nami hadn't expected anything else ''Luffy, please. I've worked so hard...I can't just drop it all now...''
''...Fine. But we're not going anywhere until this is over.'' The captain decided. ''If things go south, we're stepping in.''
This was exactly what the girls feared ''But they're...''
''They're so strong, you can't beat them!'' Nojiko finished for her.
''Beg to differ.'' Zoro countered.
''Yeah! Like hell I'm going to walk away from this now.'' Sanji agreed.
''No one wants to walk away from this.'' Miguel added. ''I told you we wouldn't just leave you in this. We'll let you work things your way, Nami but worse comes to worse, it'll be our turn. One way or another, we'll help you.''
''...Right.'' She was grateful beyond words for the show of support. This left her all the more determined to see things through. No one would die here, not after all those years.
Everyone waited near the cliff while Nami went to tell Arlong that the money was ready. Usopp glanced out the window ''I hope this works...''
''This is all ridiculous.''
Everyone looked at Zoro in surprise, a furious Sanji beginning to advance on him ''That's uncalled for! Nami-san's been working so hard all this time. If you can't even appreciate her courage and kindness...''
Of course he did, but it wasn't that ''I'm talking about Arlong, moron.'' The cook blinked ''I've seen bounty hunters string people along with all sorts of false promises for a quick buck. Arlong's got the power, a strong base and loads of men. Why would he leave all that behind when he could just as easily take the money? It's already been made clear that Nami couldn't stop him.''
To that, they couldn't respond. Everyone had extremely little faith that Arlong would actually follow the deal but there was no denying Zoro's summary of the situation was quite accurate.
''...Guys, did you see boats or ships that could belong to the Fishman Pirates?'' Miguel clarified, a startled Usopp shook his head. ''I thought so. I had a look around the area before but there wasn't anything like that either. If there really was some sign of him agreeing to this, how was he going to leave? I find it awfully hard to believe he'd just drop all he came to get over the years too. Nojiko even said he's never let the islands since coming here all those years, that doesn't seem like someone who's even considered the thought of leaving.''
Sanji knew that was entirely valid and it left him all the more outraged ''That little...that piece of shit has just been stringing Nami-san along this whole time, hasn't he?!''
''He...he'd even go that far...?'' Johnny managed, understandably horrified. This was the only Nami and the villagers have had for eight years. Eight years, they held out against the fishman's tyranny only for this?
Usopp wasn't ready to believe that. Being a firm believer in honor, the idea of someone treating it like that was inherently repulsive to him ''You...you don't know that! He made the deal on his honor. You could be wrong, we've only just gotten here. They know better about the situation!''
''Tell me I'm crazy but someone who'd kill a mom in front of her kids and force a girl who'd not even ten to work for him doesn't strike me as a person with even a drop of honor.'' Miguel remarked quietly.
That, no one could argue with.
''Exactly.'' Zoro agreed ''Besides, it's just likely that they're simply desperate for salvation.''
Sanji suspected that it wasn't far from the truth. Nami clearly despised this situation more than anyone else and this was the only hope she'd had all this time. Despite the scumbag taking her mother from her, Nami chose to believe that he would honor this because she had no choice, she was desperate and desperate people believe anything.
He knew that that all too well...
Nearly quivering with indignation, Luffy was this close to storming off and finding Nami when he felt Miguel's hand on his shoulder. ''...Not like this, captain. We can't.''
Zoro was very thankful one of them was able to keep a cooler head here, he wouldn't have given following Luffy's lead a second thought. He just didn't see what Nami was thinking, she was pretty damn smart. If anyone knew what that scumbag was like, it'd be her. Was she really that convinced that she had to bear the burden alone?
It went unsaid that everyone knew waiting may be their best option, no matter how they hated it. There was no telling how confronting the Fishman pirates would go, especially considering the ramifications. This had been Nami's goal all those years, what if they fought and things went wrong? She'd never forgive them...or worse herself. The girl had every intention of leaving them out of this and cutting them out of her life and it was only Luffy discovering her in time that changed that. It was quite clear she had every intention of making sure no one else would die.
Thinking of the destroyed towns and graves they'd seen before, Yosaku was completely disgusted with the marines. All right, he knew there was the rotten sort. It wasn't beyond people to let the power simply corrupt them, Elysia was a prime example. But it did explain something he'd heard in passing recently ''Rumors did say Arlong had some strong connections. I guess it was true-the Knight of the Sea is the one backing him.''
Johnny made a noise of surprise, remembering that too ''Oh, yeah, I guess a Warlord's name would make people back off...''
''Wait, what? There's no way!'' Miguel's sharp denial came out of the blue, leaving Yosaku to ask the obvious question.
''But how are you so sure, aniki?''
''Because I know Jinbei!'' Now that, they certainly hadn't expected ''He'd never go along with any of this.''
''Whoa, back up...'' Usopp waved his hands ''...so people thought Arlong was backed by a Warlord and that guy's Miguel's friend?''
The wizard nodded ''He and his crew are practically family, they couldn't be more different from the Fishman Pirates. I don't know where this talk came from but it can't be true...''
''They might be connected somehow, though.'' Sanji offered. ''Rumors are generally baseless but if it helped make sure Arlong got away with this much then there might be more to it.''
That made Miguel remember the fishman they encountered earlier ''...Maybe, if that guy had their mark...guys, did you see any other fishmen before? Did they have this red sun tattoo?''
Zoro blinked ''Actually, yeah-I know for a fact Arlong did. There was another one but I was a bit too far to know for sure. Usopp, your eyesight's pretty good. Remember that one who was telling that big monster off?''
''Hmm...'' The sniper thought back ''...oh...oh, yeah! I think I saw something like that on his shoulder. The shape wasn't really clear from that distance but it did look like Arlong's.''
This was exactly what Miguel feared ''...No wonder they couldn't find any sign of them this whole time...great...just great.''
''What's wrong?'' Luffy cocked his head.
''The Fishmen with those tattoos were actually a part of a different crew. They didn't just set out to hurt people, their leader was a hero. But they were scattered once he died, Jinbei managed to get most of them together, they wanted to follow his legacy but not everyone agreed.'' Miguel recounted. ''Jinbei chose to become a Warlord to help Fishman Island, he's practically one of the reasons it's safe. But a whole lot of his former crew weren't happy that he wanted to make peace with humans so they called him a traitor. He and his first mate Aladine tried to find them but they didn't have much luck, so I thought maybe I could help.''
''Ohh, no wonder you were so interested when Nami mentioned fishmen being here before. You didn't know there were any in the East Blue.'' Usopp realized.
''Yeah, I never heard anything even when I tried for that long so I didn't see that coming. I wasn't expecting any answers. My whole idea was to see if I could find any clues at all.''
''So it wasn't that they're friends, Jinbei just had no idea?'' Johnny's words made sense to Luffy. After all, if his grandpa knew how bad things were here, the situation would've been handled a long time ago.
''We can trust this guy, right?'' Zoro checked.
''Definitely, Jinbei wouldn't ever stand for this.''
''If you say so, that's good enough for me.'' The former decided, Miguel's actions and character had more than earned his trust ''Well, Hawkeye turning up was pretty unusual. The Warlords probably just don't have much of a reason to really come to the blues. They probably wouldn't give the East Blue a second glance.''
''Sounds about right.'' Sanji nodded ''It wouldn't be the first time pirates are overhyped and I've seen enough shitty marines here to know how cowardly they can be. Even the ones who did have the guts to try must've been overwhelmed against a Grand Line veteran.''
Johnny and Yosaku appeared unnerved, completely agreeing ''I'm not sure who'd stand a chance against him either.'' The former mumbled.
''Well, I for one hope we're wrong because if those bastards keep messing with Nami-san even after all she's done, they'll pay dearly.'' Sanji declared.
''Damn straight!'' Luffy cried out. ''We're strong too. I'm not scared of the fishmen.''
Miguel made his opinion clear ''What Nami's doing is nothing short of incredible. I'm not leaving a friend behind now.''
Satisfied, Zoro touched Wado ''Looks like we're in agreement then.''
Usopp may have his reservations but if their worst suspicions were indeed true...''You bet.''
Nojiko leaned against the wall, close enough to hear them but somewhat obscured from view thanks to the area. ''...You found great friends, Nami. I'm so glad...''
Unbeknownst to them, a complication happened to be taking place on a different part of the island.
It came in the form of Marine Captain Nezumi, who headed with a squad to Cocoyashi. Having seen them on her way back, Nami discreetly followed them.
What on earth were they doing here now? Could they be here to deal with Arlong? After all this time?
A concerned Genzo followed the marines to Nami and Nojiko's home, arriving in time to hear a cry.
''Stop it! What're you doing?''
''Don't get in the way, little girl.'' Nezumi leered. ''I am here to arrest Nami the thief for harboring illegal money. Naturally, I'll be confiscating all this at once.''
Illegal?! Where did he even come off? It was so damn obvious that he was just lining up to fill his pockets. After all, there was no way in hell he'd know to return all the money to its rightful owners. Eight years had passed for crying out loud!
The smug smile just told her all she needed to know. Nezumi knew exactly what he was doing and fully believed he was getting away with it.
Nojiko didn't remember the last time she felt so angry. After all the sacrifices her sister made, after all they put up with...all these years of patience and holding out for hope...this was what they got for it?
''Don't you dare!''
''Stay out of my way, little girl!''
Nami made her way as Nezumi shoved her down ''Don't you dare hurt my sister!''
Greed shone in his eyes ''So you're Nami, well that makes this easier. Where's the money?''
''You're not getting a single berri! What the hell are you playing at anyway? I stole that money from pirates.''
''There's no proof of such a thing. I'm working with what I see.'' He returned.
''Working with...?!'' Nami fumed ''What work? We've been under siege for years and no one's done anything to help us. Now of all times, you show up? Talk about convenient! You're just here to lining up your pockets!''
''Watch you mouth!''
Nojiko frowned ''Why should she? It's all true. You haven't done anything to help anyone but yourself!''
''Marines really are useless...'' Nami hissed. ''...you're the worst of the worst to do this now. That money was never for me!''
''I don't care what you say, we're taking that money!'' The captain fired a shot from his rifle. Next thing Nami knew, she was pushed aside and the bullet hit Nojiko in the arm instead.
''Nojiko!''
Genzo grit his teeth. That little bastard...how low could people get? ''How dare you?!''
Nezumi arched an eye as he shielded the girls with his own body.
''You're looking to interfere too? Fine...'' That was as far as he got thanks to the kick that nearly broke his teeth the next moment.
The newly arrived Sanji straightened his jacket ''You lousy jackass! Not only do you hurt a lady, you actually sink so low as to cowtow for money? What the hell kind of justice is that?!''
The rest of the crew had also chosen to act then, Luffy and Zoro pushed the soilders back while Usopp knocked a two down with a couple of well placed shots and Miguel helped Nojiko up.
''Here, this should do it.'' He cast healing magic on her arm.
The surprised girl's expression relaxed with the pain fading away, gratitude shining in her tone 'Thank you...''
''A-a wizard?! There's more of you freaks around? Why didn't you just die in the war along with all your ilk?'' Nezumi spluttered.
''What...'' Usopp started, Zoro's expression darkened.
''Oi, what's your problem?'' Luffy demanded.
Nojiko was completely takenaback at the sheer vitriol, a number of the marines now focusing on Miguel instead. ''What on...?''
Her sister pursed her lips in disgust, remembering the sight at the Baratie. It was just like Miguel said after all, just being a wizard was all the excuse the marines needed to make his life difficult.
''...The marines here really are pathetic if they sink to this level...'' Zoro muttered.
Miguel didn't so much as blink at the warpons or glares coming his way, his tone frosty ''Nami's right, the marines are proving to be the worst again. For defenders of justice, you have got more holes in character than a cheese grater. What exactly makes you think you have the right to do this?''
''Yeah, get lost! That money is for our home's salvation!''
Nami froze, the others staring at Genzo in bewilderment. It took her a few attempts to find her voice ''Gen-san, you...you knew?''
''We've all known.'' He admitted. ''We just didn't want to make you feel beholden to this place, or worse, that you have to bear the weight of our lives. That's why we kept quiet. You've done so much...and you've fought for so long. That's also why I won't let those bastards come and trample on your efforts!''
Her eyes watered ''Gen-san...''
''Big words.'' Nezumi scoffed. ''But there's nothing you can do here, get them!''
The soilders charged on command only to learn that they were very much out of their league. Nezumi spluttering as his forces fell apart ''W-what...?''
Genzo couldn't deny that watching them get beat was extremely satisfying but he certainly never saw this coming ''Whoa...''
''They deserve it!'' Luffy glared at the last marine he knocked out before turning to Nojiko. ''You said we had to wait until Nami's good to go but there wasn't anything there about those jerks.''
A chuckle ''Fair enough, thank you. I actually enjoyed that.''
''Uh, guys?'' Both looked at Usopp, who was the one to notice a new problem.
''Where's Nami?''
The navigator had in fact stormed right back to Arlong Park in her growing fury. She had every intention of getting answers. Had Arlong set her up after all? It wasn't like she didn't expect, as if she'd ever trust that scumbag. But he seemed to agree to that extraordinary sum of money...and now that she managed it...
It...couldn't be a lie. To think that the last eight years of her life were wasted away for nothing...she didn't know what she would do...
However, the truth was a cruel thing indeed.
''I sent him to take the money? Now that's quite an accusation, but can you prove anything?''
Arlong's amusement shone in every word, the malicious glee coloring his gaze infuriating her all the more.
''Don't joke around! Of all times for him to show up, it was...'' She was forcefully stopped as he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her closer.
''I told you, I don't know what you're talking about. But either way, even if the money's taken, you'll just have to work to get some more won't you? After all, you've worked so hard for your precious home. Though I imagine it would be much easier for you now.''
Nami didn't think she could possibly ever hate someone as she did this monster. She had completely refused to entertain the idea, sheer desperation keeping her going all those years but her friends had been right. Arlong had no intention of letting her go. He just wanted her on his crew to milk her abilities for all they were worth. She had nothing but money to offer him and now that turned out to be completely pointless.
The girl ran away, his mocking laughter ringing in her ears. Tears of so many emotions fell down her face. After all this time, all they held out for...it was all for nothing...
What could she do? What could she possibly do now?!
Around the same time...
Nezumi had called on reinforcements which happened to be nearby, still not giving up on the money. Luffy and the others had been more than a match for the oncoming marines but the wily captain took advantage of their distraction and snuck into the tangerine grove. He was able to use the chaos of the battle to take some of the money and began stealthily escaping.
He didn't get far though, thanks to Usopp, who had spotted him retreating and readily sniped at his head without preamble. This gave Genzo enough time to tackle the man and knock him out.
Things weren't about to end like that though.
Genzo and Nojiko had agreed that enough was enough. If Arlong was going to take things this way then there was one path remaining for them. Deciding that the people of their home had to know, the first gathered them all and explained the truth.
''You mean...?'' A man started.
''Yeah, I bet that damn fishman has been lying all along. He never meant to go through with the deal.'' Genzo scowled.
As he expected, they were just as upset as he felt.
''That bastard!''
''How could he?''
''That lousy fishman lied to our Nami!''
''After all she'd done for us...all her battles...it's been for nothing?''
''That monster!''
''We've been waiting for all those years. It hasn't been easy but as long as Nami could keep going, as she kept fighting for us, we could take whatever they threw our way. But Arlong took advantage of her good intentions for years...'' Genzo's eyes hardened. ''...It's time to make our stand. Are you all with me?''
''YEAH!''
Johnny and Yosaku looked on in growing alarm, the people clearly rallying themselves up for battle. ''What do we do?! They're just going to get killed!'' The first cried.
Yosaku was all set to ask their friends if they knew how to stop the crowd when...
''Everyone, stop!''
''Nami...'' Nojiko breathed.
Even as she looked at their expressions, the girl's heart clenched. This was the worst case scenario. They really were planning to fight. ''It's okay, really!''
Her smile couldn't be more forced, if she ever tried and they knew it. ''I'll find some other way to bring our freedom. There has to be a way. You don't have to do this!''
''Nami, stop.'' Nojiko's face was set. ''Nothing's going to change our decision.''
''No!'' The girl held out a dagger. ''I...I won't let you go!''
Her breath still when Genzo grabbed, not even flinching as the blade cut his hand. ''It should hurt, right? I don't feel a thing though...because I know it's been nothing compared to what you endured for our sakes for those long years. Nami, you should leave this place. Go with your friends.''
''W-what?'' He had to be kidding!
''Yeah, they're good people. They'll take care of you. Don't shackle yourself, Nami. Follow your dream'' Nojiko added.
''Stop talking like that!'' The orange haired girl shook her head vehemently ''I can't leave...I won't let you...you're all going to die!''
''Yeah...'' Genzo started. ''...enough is enough. We've taken all what we can. Let's go everyone, we may not win but we'll give all those bastards hell.''
Nami could only watch them leave, numb with the myriad of feelings rushing through her. Horror at how everything was falling apart, shock that it all turned out this way, that her worst fears had been real and hating herself for letting things turn out this way, terror for the people she had grown up with.
All of it came back to one person though. His laughter and sneering face echoed in her mind, making her grit her teeth. Just looking at his symbol on her arm made her sick. Without quite knowing it, she grabbed the dagger and stabbed her arm, not even feeling any pain as nothing compared to the pain, to the sheer despair pressing on her very soul now. She cursed the fishman's name and stabbed again.
A hand grabbed hers before she could stab a third time. Nami slowly looked up to find it was Luffy's.
''...What do you want?''
''Remember what we said before?'' She inhaled sharply ''We're here for you.''
The girl's eyes widened at this before suddenly noticing Zoro, Miguel, Sanji and Usopp watching nearby. Then it hit her, they had kept the agreement the whole time. No matter how much they hated, they'd made the choice out of respect for her wishes.
But now with things falling apart, it was their turn.
''Luffy...everyone...help me.''
''Of course.'' Luffy went past her, brown eyes going wide as she registered the weight of a certain hat on his head. ''That's what friends do.''
Almost sure she was imagining it, Nami reached up to recognize the feeling of straw. His treasure...and he entrusted her with it.
Luffy inhaled sharply before crying out at the top of his lungs ''HE'S GONNA PAY!''
Miguel stopped near her, his healing magic soon at work ''All you had to do is ask. Just wait, Nami, today Arlong Park will be razed to the ground.''
The captain continued walking ''Let's go!''
''Right!'' His crew immediately followed him, all set to end this once and for all.
Johnny and Yosaku, initially too scared to face the fishmen at first, simply couldn't take the situation lying down. This prompted them to head to Arlong Park first, heading the villagers off and making sure none of them would enter.
If they couldn't bear not to act now, they knew what their friends would do. So all they had to do was await their arrival.
''There we go...'' The first grinned at the sight of the approaching Straw Hat pirates. ''...take a good look. These five are the ones who will save everyone.''
Nojiko's eyes widened at the sight of the group, seeing Luffy make his way through. ''Move.''
The two bounty hunters gladly followed the command and the rubber teen surprised most by breaking the door with a single punch.
This made the fishmen who heard the noise suddenly alert.
''What's going on?''
Luffy glared at them ''Which one of you is Arlong?''
''Ah?'' One of the fishmen leered at him.
''I'm Arlong.'' The shark fishman declared. ''Who wants to know?''
''I'm Luffy, a pirate.''
He quirked a brow ''What's a pirate want with me?''
The answer came in the form of a punch that blindsided him. ''That's for making my navigator cry!''
Well, I'll cut this one right here.
How was it? We're done setting the stage so to speak, now next comes the fight. Hope you like my version of this arc. I just felt like I had to add my own twist to things and I've got to admit, I enjoyed sorting through its plot.
I know that Luffy doesn't care about the crew's past generally but remember that they came to hear everything from Nami and agreed that it was for the best.
Thanks to everyone who reads my work and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!