''Arlong-san!''
Both the villagers and fishmen alike could only gawk as Arlong crashed into the wall. No one had ever expected Luffy to be so strong.
Needless to say, this served to galvanize the enemies into action. ''You bastards!''
In seconds, many of them were sent flying as the gravity around them was decreased greatly, leaving them to flail in shock. Zoro took out the ones coming his way with some well placed sword strikes while Sanji knocked all the ones on his end with fierce kicks. Usopp was able to snipe some without missing a hit while Luffy mowed any who floated his way down.
Arlong pulled himself up, shock and anger mounting the more of his men fell ''What're you all doing? They're just some pathetic humans!''
Sharing the sentiment, they tried harder despite their predicament. The ones who remained gathered some water over their palms and made to attack. Miguel raised a hand and calmly increased the gravity on them tenfold, making them hit the ground hard and quickly knocking them out.
Nojiko's eyes were wide ''Amazing...!''
''They took so many fishmen down just like that!'' Genzo exclaimed.
Johnny watched contently ''We told you. If anyone can stop Arlong and his crew, it'd be them!''
''Don't get cocky, damn you!'' The fishman in question stomped a foot forward. ''Nami, what the hell are you playing at? You're betraying me?''
''Betrayal? That implies I had any loyalty to you in the first place.'' The girl didn't even care to bother pointing out the sheer hypocrisy here ''Get off your high horse or better yet, we'll make sure you do. I'm here to kill you.''
Arlong scoffed loudly ''Kill me? How many times have you tried now? Let's face it, you don't have any reason to want me dead, look at all what I've given you.''
''All the treasure in the world wouldn't make up for all you've done! It wouldn't ever change the fact that my mother's six feet under because of you, you xenophobic monster!''
'Tell you what, I'll give you a different deal. I'll forget any of this ever happened.'' He decided ''You and the villagers will be allowed to live, but those five pirates die. What do you say?''
Genzo growled, even now he was still determined to do this?! How long would he keep toying with Nami?
Equally irate, Nojiko was also worried about her sister's reaction. After all, Nami's prime motivation all those years had been to protect people.
But one look at Nami told her all she needed to know.
If Nami were honest, she might have considered the deal in any other situation. But now, now she had her answer.
''Everyone...I'm sorry, would you all die with me?''
Their postive responses resounded through the area, some even cheering to were quick to demonstrate the same determination she felt.
Arlong's expression darkened ''...So be it then.''
''You're not getting your way here, you bastard. We're not losing to you!'' Luffy fired back.
Miguel stepped in front of the villagers, his worst suspicions confirmed at the sight of all the fishmen with the red sun tattoo. He'd really hoped they would've chosen to live somewhere away from Fishman Island given their status as pirates, that the distance may be why Jinbei and his crew had no leads. But something like this never would've crossed his mind.
To think this was how the Sun Pirates ended up...
Mentally shaking himself, he focused on the situation at hand. Arlong's three officers stepped up to the fray, assuring their boss that they would handle this for him.
''Fine then, do it. Get rid of this filth.''
''Gladly, Arlong. You don't need to interfere.'' A ray fishman by the name of Kuroobi assured.
''Yeah, we're more than enough for these guys!'' Hatchan, the octopus fishman Luffy's group had encountered earlier declared.
''They won't get away!'' His last officer Chew, a smelt-whiting fishman cried.
''That's some cocky attitude you got.'' Sanji's eyes narrowed.
Kuroobi deftly blocked his path ''It isn't cockiness if you know how to back it up and we most certainly can. We'll teach you fools the inferiority of your species.''
''Let's see you run that mouth again once we're through with you.''
Hatchan came face to face with Miguel and Zoro. ''You're both swordsmen, huh? Perfect, I'll take you on!''
Zoro scoffed ''Oh, please-you couldn't handle one of us. Two is definitely overkill.''
Growling, Hatchan's ire was put to a halt by Miguel's words ''...So going by what I heard, I'm guessing you're Hachi.'' He stared ''Jinbei and Aladine were looking for you, Jinbei actually thought we'd get along.''
Arlong stilled, his eyes narrowing dangerously as Hatchan asked the obvious question ''Wait, how do you know them?''
''Does the name Arcadia mean anything to you?''
As a matter of fact, it did. ''Wait, you must be those adventurers' kid! No wonder then...Jinbei-san was such good friends with them. He was thrilled when they brought up making him your godfather...''
Usopp looked takenaback ''Wow, then they really must have been close...''
''Wait, he's connected to the Knight of the Sea? But that's bad...!'' Genzo began.
''No, no, no, hold on! You don't get it!'' Yosaku recounted the talk they had earlier.
Nami finally understood his sudden interest in the subject of fishmen in the East Blue. If he'd been looking for clues all along...''So, it wasn't that Jinbei was protecting Arlong-he just had no idea?''
''Yeah, Miguel-aniki knows him realy well. He's nothing like Arlong and his crew.'' The bounty hunter assured.
Thinking back to what Luffy said about his grandfather's visits, it did actually add up. If the man was as strong as Luffy implied (and she had a feeling that was the case) then it was only lack of knowledge stopping him from coming here in the first place. Her ire grew as she remembered Nezumi, knowing that the marines would definitely cover things up if it would save their sorry asses.
Although, come to think of it, Arlong had been careful to keep a low profile. She had noticed that he didn't waste any time bribing people to keep their presence to themselves. If anything, his gaze had turned contemplative and even wary when he looked at Miguel.
Had he been looking to avoid attracting Jinbei's attention?
''You act like you're doing this for fishmen but your boss must hate this more than anyone else.'' Miguel concluded.
''Boss...?'' Nami picked up on the signs that the comment had hit home, Hachi in particular flinching. No one was sure what he was getting at but a number of the fishmen clearly understood, the wizard calmly matching the glares coming his way.
Zoro wound up voicing the question many had in mind ''You don't think you'll actually change their minds or anything, do you?''
''Not at all. I just needed to be say it. He was someone I really respected so...'' Hatchan's expression softened at that.
''Gotcha...'' From that, Zoro and Nami inferred that the fishman in question must have actually been a very good person. The villagers had grown so used to this group of fishmen that the idea of one being so different was a bit of shock.
Neither failed to spot the mooks threatening to surround the villagers. ''Zoro...''
''Go. I got this.'' His friend assured.
Arlong's attention turned on Sanji and Luffy, who were handling Kurrobi and his mooks respectively with ease. The officer himself was more than a little shocked that he met his match in a human. Sanji smirking back ''What was that about your superiority again, fish stick?''
''Let's see how long that confidence lasts, you ignorant human!''
Luffy punched another fishman as he prepared to attack the crowd, wondering if Sanji was right about this crew being overhyped. He'd really thought they would be stronger than this...
''What're you relaxing over there for? We're taking you down too!'' Chew snapped as Usopp tentatively lowered his weapon. Blanching, the sniper ran, making him follow with a cry of ''Get back here!''
No one had much time to process this as the rest of the fishmen were closing in on the crowd. Despite hearing the ruckus, Zoro didn't so much as turn.
''We can kill them now, Shioyaki-san!'' An enemy declared.
''Yeah...'' Said salmon fishman leered at their intended targets. ''...you'll regret the day you rebelled against us, you fools.''
But they were then repelled by a sharp gust of wind that made them start and look up as Miguel descended in their path. ''You'll have to deal with me first.''
Arlong harrumphed as he stared down at Luffy ''You're all pathetic, struggling pointlessly and throwing your lives away. You don't stand a chance!''
''We'll see about that!''
''That traitor Nami must have sent you here.'' Kuroobi stated, crossing his arms. ''I knew we couldn't trust her.''
''Are you deaf? She was never on your side! Besides, you really want to talk about betrayal with the crap your damn boss just pulled? Don't you dare badmouth Nami-san!''
''Hmph, chivalry from a pirate just sounds ridiculous. You're all weaklings.''
Hachi was barely listening, unable to get Miguel's words out of his head. Whether his friends admitted it or not, he'd been right about everything. Their boss would never agree to their stance on things now and Jinbei knew it too. He was the one who truly took after his example.
It wasn't like Jinbei didn't feel their anger, he did. He'd just been looking at the big picture, Hachi knew that. And he envied him for it.
He himself had practically led to this. Jinbei had known Arlong's mindset was dangerous, that it would just bring their people more trouble in the long run and but Hachi had just seen two of his oldest friends pummeling each other so much that he'd genuinely feared for Arlong's life. Thus, he pleaded with Jinbei to let him go, Hachi hoped that they could get time for tempers to cool off and Arlong to see that this hate wasn't worth losing someone dear to them. Jinbei was just doing his best for all their sakes, for their home's wellbeing.
But he'd been naive, Arlong only grew worse from there. His hate only grew and festered until they came here. The crew may claim they were doing this for the sake of fishmen but Hachi knew they were just letting the hatred rule them, the same hate that caused their boss' death. He knew what they did here made them no better than the humans who hurt them so much in the past and yet...
He was such a coward. If he hadn't stopped Jinbei, if he'd spoken up against Arlong...so many what-ifs circled his mind. If he'd just done something, could he have helped prevent this?
Zoro couldn't help noting his reaction with interest. It may not have been Miguel's intent but his words certainly had an impact.
''Well, you've come this far.'' Hachi had been so lost in his musings that he'd almost forgotten Zoro was there ''What're you going to do? If you're not going to fight, just come out and say it. Otherwise, I think we'd all like a piece of that scum you call boss.''
Hachi responded after almost a minute, gathering his swords ''...He's still my friend. I helped lead to this and I did nothing all those years even when I knew it was wrong. What's the point of walking away now?''
His tone had Zoro wondering just who he was trying to convince here ''Not seeing much of a friendship here. Johnny, Yosaku, lend me your blades!''
''You got it, Aniki!''
Deftly catching the weapons, Zoro stared Hachi down ''Better put your head in this, I'm not interested in fighting weak opponents.''
Hachi let out a battle cry as he charged, his opponent meeting him head on.
A few terse minutes later, something happened that took nearly everyone by surprise.
It started when people pointed out the dark shape in the waters near Arlong Park, a good number of those present knowing exactly what was coming.
''It's that sea monster!''
''The one who just destroyed Gosa-oh no, the pirates are tough but this thing's power is absurd!''
''What're they talking about?'' Yosaku asked Nami.
The girl's response died in her throat as the answer revealed itself, Arlong smirking ''About time, Mohomoo!''
Most of the newcomers hadn't actually seen it before so this was certainly expected. But as it turned out, the monster was none other than...
''Wait, it's you again?'' Luffy wondered, nonplussed.
Likewise, Sanji didn't so much as blink ''That sea cow from before.''
Their nonchalance was a complete surprise to both the villagers and fishmen. Arlong was so confused, he'd never gotten around to even ordering it to attack. Having spent quite some time taking care of the sea king, Hachi had seen something was clearly amiss here.
''M-Miguel-aniki, please tell me you can take it on!'' Johnny requested.
''Sure, that's easy enough...but there's no need.''
Any relief his words caused swiftly turned into confusion but the reason made itself clear in moments. Once they realized the sea cow had yet to make any move, it didn't take anyone long to see that it was staring at Luffy and Sanji with what they could only describe as horror.
''How long are you going to stand there, Mohmoo? Finish...'' A baffled Kuroobi realized the sea king was already retreating.
''...Yeah, I think you guys left a pretty strong impression.'' Miguel told Luffy and Sanji.
''It's just a big scaredy cat.'' The captain waved off.
Sanji only shrugged ''Even if it could fight-we beat it once, we can do it again.''
The declaration came completely out of the blue and thus was met with the appropriate response.
''You what?!''
''No way!''
Growling at the news, Arlong didn't have much to act as he was already facing Luffy...he was definitely going to make sure Mohomoo knew who to really fear later.
. A few of the remaining fishmen tried to get around to attack the villagers but they were forced to stop when Miguel's Frost Shield blocked their path. With all the ongoing battles, very few noticed Mohmoo retreating far away.
Shioyaki ground his teeth ''You wanna play hero? Fine, you bastard, we'll finish you off first. This won't take long.''
Miguel requipped his earth sword ''We'll see about that.''
''Shikai Zero: Takohachi Black!'' Hachi proceeded to squirt ink at Zoro, who quickly got out of the way and raised his weapon but then the fishman moved. ''Takohachi Number Nine!'' Pouncing on a pillar, his suctions cups let him remain stuck to it. ''This is only possible due to my nature as an octopus fishman.''
Jumping high, he aimed all his swords at Zoro. ''Takotsubo no Kamae!''
''Toro Nagashi!'' Zoro shocked him by blocking with two of his swords and twisting sharply to attack with the third one, leaving the fishman to cry out in pain. He kept up the attack though, forcing Hachi back as he attempted to defend.
''Amazing...he's actually beating this guy with those three swords!'' One of the villagers cried.
''Aniki's got this, that fishman doesn't stand a chance!'' Yosaku grinned.
But Hachi wasn't down yet ''Takoashi Kiken!''
Zoro's eyes narrowed as the fishman began swinging his swords wildly and charged at him. He was left with little choice to fend off or tank the strikes to the best of his ability. As far as opponents went, Hachi was a skilled, versatile opponent-but while he may hate what things came to, he was clearly affected by his crew's pride.
Zoro figured they would just have to learn the hard way. He reflected on his vow at the Baratie for a moment. The image of those sharp, golden eyes staring him down came to mind again-he was not failing again, no matter the adversary. He wouldn't ever stand a chance towards his goal otherwise
Hachi was beginning to tire ''H-how are you still...? Take this!''
Zoro fended the oncoming two swords off and slashed Hatchan's side before taking the stance for his signature technique.
''Oni-Giri!''
Alarmed, Hachi tried to hold up his swords and defend but it was no use. The oncoming strikes hit the mark and he yelled out.
''N-no way...'' He managed, blood beginning to drip from his wounds. ''...don't think I'll fall here. Rokutoryu Ogi: Rokuto no Waltz!''
Zoro didn't even blink at the six whirling blades coming at him ''You just don't get it...''
The green haired swordsman began to spin with his weapons, creating a tornado of blades that clashed with Hachi's strike. It quickly became evident that the former won as Hachi was sent flying, with wounds clearly visible and swords breaking.
''H-how could three swords beat six...?''
''...I'm not going to lose to someone with such weak conviction. My swords have far more weight and meaning than yours, that's why I won.''
Around the same time...
Elsewhere, Chew was standing before a downed Usopp, sneering in disgust ''No wonder he just hit me and ran off. What a weakling!''
But if he hadn't been so sure of his victory, he might've looked closer and thus noticed the deceit. Namely, that Usopp was using ketchup to replicate blood. Making sure to remain as still as possible, he waited with baited breath.
'Lucky he didn't notice...I want to help Nami too but I can't stand up to those guys. They're monsters...'
But even as he lay there though, he couldn't help reflecting...
...Luffy's anger when he punched Arlong...
'That's for making my navigator cry!'
...Zoro's determination to hold firm even against the possiblity of death in his duel against Mihawk...
'Death would be better than to give up!''
...Miguel's loyalty to them, which was evident in his wish to help Nami...
'I have no intention of leaving a friend in such a mess alone.'
...Sanji's chivalrous nature motivating him to keep going...
'If those bastards keep tormenting Nami-san, I'm make sure they pay!'
Now he more than shared their disgust and anger, what the fishmen had done was despicable. But he wasn't anywhere as strong as they were. The crew would understand if he didn't fight now...but could he live with that?
The memory of Kaya and his former crew flased before his mind's eye, thinking of how broken Nami and knowing his crewmates were still fighting was what sealed the deal.
'What am I doing?! They'd be so ashamed of me if they knew about this...dammit, no more! I can't be a pretend pirate anymore, that's why I set out, isn't it?! Well, I'm doing my part too!'
''Stop right there, you stupid fish!''
Chew's eyes widened, seeing Usopp stand and aim his slingshot ''You're alive?!''
''Of course I am! No way, you can beat Captain Usopp. You haven't seen anything yet!'' Now that would've sounded much more credible if he hadn't been already running away again.
''What the-?! You talk so tough but then you run off again? Like hell you're getting away this time!'' Chew growled as he chased him.
Determined not to let fear hold him back, Usopp would fight like his friends and give it his all. ''Flame Star!''
Howling as the flames surrounded him, the incensed Chew kept chasing with renewed vigor. ''I'll kill you, Hundred Shot Water Gun!''
Usopp didn't miss the numerous blasts of water flying at him and it made him run faster towards the forest near the rice paddies. Chew grinned ''Do you even see where we are, you coward? I have plenty of water to work with here!'' Then as if to prove the point, he fired more water blasts at the area where he assumed Usopp was, only to be irked to find that nothing happened. He kept trying to find the sniper but Usopp made sure to distract him by firing many pellets from a number of locations to confuse him.
''Dammit, where are you!? This is just a waste of time, you're all going to pay for defying Arlong-san!''
Usopp ignored him, however, getting his next projectile ready. 'Guys, I know you're all fighting, you can count on me to do my part!'
Chew blinked as he happened to see the next projectile, which happened to be a sake bottle. ''Now you're just desperate. Spare me the tricks and come out. If you beg, I might actually consider letting you live.''
Then the next pellet came and shattered it, soaking him in the alcohol. ''What the...?''
''Newsflash, you half-fish freak!'' Usopp called. ''Sake burns, Flame Star!''
His oncoming projectile was far more damaging than the last, leaving his opponent crying out in pain as he rolled on the ground with the flames burning on. He headed to the rice paddies to douse the flames but Usopp would have none of it.
''Usopp Hammer!'' He hit the fishman repeatedly with a mallet on the head. After a few moments, he stopped to see that Chew was out cold, currently a bloody mess.
''I...did it. ALL RIGHT! I WON! CAPTAIN USOPP TRIUMPHS!''
As Luffy kept fighting, he couldn't help but note something was off. It had been niggling at him ever since they started fighting but it was hard to actually name this feeling.
But the more he watched the ongoing battles and observed Arlong in action, the more he knew. For veterans of the Grand Line, the Fishman Pirates really weren't much to write home about. Okay, he knew normal people couldn't beat fishmen anyway but this was looking more and more like with that ax-jerk captain. They had people so scared and convinced of their power that no one felt they could do anything and that let Arlong take people's freedom. Heck, that was what he did to Nami for years.
All the more reason why he was sure of his conclusion ''I get it now...you guys are just like that clown buffoon.''
Nami looked at him as if he had two heads. Sure, Luffy was a bit on the strange side sometimes but this was quite a leap of logic. How were they anything like Buggy of all people?
''What're you talking about?'' Arlong grunted.
''You're lazy.'' The statement came out of nowhere ''You just came here, saw how tough you were and lorded it over everyone. But you found yourselves a nice little hidey-hole here and just said that was that. You didn't even try to go do anything about your stupid plan, you didn't even train. It doesn't matter how strong a person is, if they don't train or try to get any better, they just get weaker.''
Thinking it over, Zoro realized that was a valid point. The fishmen were so convinced of their superiority that they let themselves grow complacent. Heck, that other idiot Sanji was fighting had just been going about their strength as fishmen again.
They'd been here for eight years and remained practically unchallenged. Training wasn't just about growing stronger, it could also keep your strengths sharp. If they'd even bothered to give half the effort to train as they did their boasting, the crew would've been in trouble. But they were ruled by pride and hate and that was what fueled them. They'd never even considered taking any opposition seriously and now hubris had come back to bite them big time.
''Who do you think you are?!'' Arlong roared ''A lowly human standing there and judging us? As if I'd ever let that stand! In fact...''
His eyes traveled to the side, specifically the crowd at the entrance ''...I'll start right now. Take this!''
Before they quite knew it, he'd launched a wide water blast at them, with it gaining speed in seconds, almost like a bullet. Johnny and Yosaku recoiled but it was Nojiko who'd noticed the solution first.
Assuming a stance, Miguel willed his magic forth as he took a well-praticed motion, Arlong freezing in shock as the attack was immediately reversed right at him. Nostalgia swept over him as he looked back, remembering a certain whale shark fishman who'd been the one to make this technique. ''You...how does a lowlife weakling know that move?''
''Same source you do if I had to guess.'' Miguel's gaze was hard ''I've been wondering what kind of people you'd be...to think this was the truth this whole time. Jinbei tried to help and not only do you throw it in his face, you cut your ties with what's practically the last of your family over this grudge. In the end, you're no better than the people you hurt. I can't tell if you're really that much of an idiot or just plain delusional.''
Arlong snarled ''What do you know, you idiotic brat?! As if we can find any peace with the scum, he's the fool for not understanding!
''Oh please, we both know he'd pound your face in if he knew even half of what went down here. You're just lucky that the marines can be such cowards, that's what let you got away with this for so long.''
While he wouldn't ever admit it, Arlong was indeed aware of the veracity of that statement ''Don't get cocky because you managed to surprise me! It won't happen again-in fact, maybe I should drag your carcass and rub it in his face what a failure he's been all these years!''
''You'd have to win today first. Last I checked, my captain's not done with you.''
A smirking Luffy jumped over, fist rearing up ''Exactly! Don't go looking away again, I'm your oppponent.''
Kuroobi had been able to distract Sanji long enough to jump in the water and that was when things turned for the worst. The ray fishman's field advantage quickly let him get the upper hand.
Smirking, as he blocked one of the blond's kicks, Kuroobi taunted ''You see? Human strength here is halved but this is where we fishman are at our strongest. So much for that earlier show of chivalry, all it's going to do is lead faster to your death!''
He punctuated the statement with a fast punch to Sanji's side before following it up with a kick to the chin ''Kachiage Haisoku!''
Kuroobi swam after Sanji, who was sent reeling back after the kick. The cook managed to right himself in time to attack once more, only for Kuroobi was able to swim away.
''I told you, it's useless. Ka Kakato Otoshi!'' He hit back with the hell of his foot, leaving to almost hit the wall.
Sanji attempted to get out of the water but was met by his cocky opponent. ''More futile resistance, I see. You really all just came marching for us to finish you off, none of you can beat our crew. You can't save anyone! Wanto Giri!''
Kuroobi's arm-fin slammed his back, leaving the fishman free to grab him and follow up with some punches. Sanji almost went limp, much to his flee.
''It's about time you humans learned your place!''
But Sanji wasn't anywhere near finished, his ire reignited in fact. As if he was going to fall here after all that happened!
It was just as Kuroobi managed to trap him with his ponytail that the cook happened to notice the spaces in the fishman's neck, which gave him an idea.
He quickly bit down on one of the said areas, making his opponent cry out in pain and release him. Sanji captialized on the chance by kicking the fishman back before he swam to the surface and got away from the water.
As he expected, Kuroobi quickly came after him, looking angry. ''What, you think that getting back here will change anything? As if!'' He charged to attack the cook again and they clashed but Sanji was more than able to match his attacks. ''I admit, you're actually above average for human but you're still weak, all you're doing is throwing your life away for one girl. It's pathetic!''
''Shut it, you bastard! As if someone like you would understand!'' Sanji stunned him for a moment with a kick to the gut before pushing him back with a following attack.
''I'm ending this here.'' Kuroobi took a stance. ''It's time for the essence of my martial arts...''
He never got to really attack though as Sanji was already running at him. ''You say we're definitely losing? Well, let's prove that wrong. Collier!'' He kicked the fishman into the concrete. ''Epaule!'' Next one was to the shoulder. ''Cotolette!'' A kick to the ribs. ''Selle!'' And another to the back. ''Poitrine!'' One to the chest and next a sweeping kick that made Kuroobi crash down. ''Gigot!''
Kuroobi tried to fight back but it was too late as Sanji was just finishing another attack, delievering a flurry of very fast kicks that sent him flying, and crashing hard outside Arlong park.
''Mouton Shot!''
Sanji allowed himself a smirk as he glimpsed his fallen opponent. ''Now that's what I'm talking about.''
The group of fishman led by Shioyaki was split into two, one was fighting Miguel and the other was trying to destroy the shield he had in front of the villagers.
A few of them charged with weapons at the ready. Miguel stopped the first attack with his sword's sheath before using it to strike his neck and knock him out. A second attacker fell to his blade. Three more came from his right, all raising spears and charging. Miguel spread his arms out, keeping both sword and sheath leveled as he met them head on and attacked, almost disappearing for a moment.
''Flicker Strike.'' The three fell down, all appearing to have been cut down as their wounds became visible.
Another one tried to sneak up on him but Miguel, who had already heard him charging, took another stance with him putting the sheath at his side while lowering his sword counter attacking. ''Tempest Arc.''
The wide slash took the fishman by surprise and knocked him down. Miguel went on the offense this time, taking another enemy down with a second Tempest Arc before striking one with a series of fast attacks that made it seem as if he landed many blows at once. ''Thousand Raid.''
''Wow...''
''Incredible...''
''He's not even using magic and he's still more than a match for them...'' An amazed Nojiko breathed while her sister let her smirk grow in satisfaction.
''And he's making it look easy.'' Genzo added, dumbfounded.
''Yeah, Miguel-aniki's great!'' Johnny grinned.
''Way to go!'' The new voice made them look over in surprise to find Usopp.
''Usopp-aniki?!''
The sniper grinned back ''Don't just gawk, you guys. No need to worry, I came out on top.''
Johnny, Nami and Yosaku smiled at the news before they all turned to the ongoing fight. Sanji watched on, with some amusement. He hadn't gotten to see Miguel in battle due to him using up so much of his strength to heal Zoro, but there was no denying his prowess. ''He's doing pretty good.''
''Don't start celebrating yet!'' Shioyaki led his men firing some blasts of water. ''As if we'd lose like this.''
Genzo scowled ''Those lousy scumbags! They know the kid's attention is going to be divided since he's still trying to look out for us.''
The pink fishman's laugh only confirmed this ''Well, not only are we dealing with a single human, it's one with a bleeding heart to boot. But it just takes a worthless human to care for another one. Let's take care of this.''
Seeing some of them trying to jump over the shield, Miguel wasted no time in blocking them off before powering up his spell. But this also left him vulnerable to Shioyaki's follow up attacks.
''See? What'd I tell ya, get him!''
Some of the enemies split off to take this chance, more than eager to take the wizard down. While at first he'd had little choice but to defend, Miguel was able to cast Meteor to counterstrike, flying away from them.
''Miguel-aniki, don't worry about us and keep fighting!'' Yosaku could appreciate the wizard's kindness but he didn't want him to get hurt for it.
Nojiko shared his sentiment ''Yeah, you'd just be playing into their hands otherwise!''
''That doesn't matter.'' Miguel countered. ''You all keep acting like you're so much above us-like we're worthless if we don't obey you-but we're all people. You have no right to treat others like this...to look down on anyone's life.''
He absolutely loathed that outlook, this was the kind of mindset that led to the war on his home and even Fishman Island itself. So many had died because of it...even his own family was almost destroyed as a result. He understood hating people who hurt you, he could relate to the fishmen because he knew of their losses. He'd just been among the many who felt their anger given his own experiences. But it wasn't worth letting the hate take over your life.
Didn't they see how this made them no different from the horrid people who'd caused all this?
Usopp certainly understood his aggravation, not only had they involved someone he considered family, this kind of xenophobic belief just let to more death. If anyone knew what it was like...
Shioyaki sneered ''That's just another reason why you're a weakling. Let's see if you can keep up this self-righteous attitude after we beat you!''
They charged once again, with some fishmen firing up water blasts. Deflecting them with his water blade, Miguel increased his speed with Meteor before using another Thousand Raid, knocking everyone sans Shioyaki out. Recoiling in shock, the fishman found that his opponent was nowhere near done.
''Terra Force!'' The concrete shook under some of the fishmen's feet, leaving them to stumble as it began to crack open, releasing blasts of magic that sent them flying. A few managed to recover and push back to fire back some water blasts.
Miguel proceeded to cast another spell ''Jet Ballista!'' Another spell-circle appeared before some pieces of the ground flew and slammed the attackers, tearing through the water blasts with ease and making them crash hard.
Arlong ignored the cheers from the villagers, looking in on shock while Luffy and the others watched with growing satisfaction ''Just like that?! How is it possible?''
Shioyaki snarled as he charged ''This isn't over!'' He began attacking as fast as he could, intentionally trying to lead the battle to the water.
Aware of the ploy, Miguel flew once more, forcing him into the air with Telekinesis before switching blades. His wind sword shone a bright vivid green as its magic thrummed. Shioyaki let out a gasp as the sword struck, blood flowing as he crashed down.
''All right, that's all of them!'' A villager whooped.
Genzo's grin was wide ''They really are amazing!''
Nami couldn't help nodding, her heart in her throat. Just when she thought all was hopeless, her friends came through for her. All her tormentors falling one after the others...she could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!
'We can really be free, Bell-mere...it's finally happening.'
As their hopes grew, so did Arlong's rage. Everything had been going according to plan, before long they'd have enough resources to really start his empire. And now those damned humans come along, thinking they could ruin everything?!
''I'm not finished!'' He spat ''I won't ever let this be the end. I'll kill you all for my fishmen brethren and we'll make sure we stand tall! This Arlong Park is only the start my Empire, I will not fall here.''
''Oh, about your precious Arlong Park...'' Miguel started ''...I suggest you take one last look at it.''
''What do you mean la...?'' A flash of light brought everyone's attention to the seven spell circles shining in the sky, directly above his HQ. Arlong's eyes widened, when did he even...?! ''...no! Don't you...!''
''Grand Chariot!''
The seals lit up and released blasts of magic that rained down on the enemies and Arlong Park. In moments, the entire building was left to crumble.
''W-whoa...''
''He...he just...!''
''I'm so glad that kid's on our side!''
Nami could barely breathe, shock and relief mixing in equal measure as she remembered his promise earlier. She knew he was strong but the fact that the place which haunted her nighamres, that despicable room where she was trapped for so long...it was all finally gone...and she could barely believe it.
Many, particularly Nojiko, Genzo and the Straw Hats were greatly enjoying Arlong's clear horror.
One thing was for sure, the situation may have started out bleak but there was no denying that the tide of battle had shifted to the side of the Straw Hat Pirates.
And let's stop here.
I hope this was good. It really didn't feel like I should put all the fights in one chapter so here we are. Just to clarify, Miguel doesn't actually know Fishman Karate but he's learned the general idea because he's close to a number of merfolk, Jinbei and Aladine actually helped him train. Since he knows how it works so he can use his magic to emulate the effects.
Next time will of course be the rest of the battle and wrapping up this arc, I hope you liked what I had in store.
I thought it over and making an OC that I might never actually use again seemed pointless, especially with how One Piece seems to have a lot of characters in abundance. So yeah, Shioyaki's actually a canon character. This will be explained some more soon but from Miguel's standpoint, the Arlong Pirates are acting a lot like the marines did to the people of Elysia so it's an especially sore point for him. As for his family, the war happens to be the reason that the remaining members of the Arcadia are Miguel, his aunt and uncle. I will be explaining some more down the line but let's just say the three of them have been doing a lot for the relief effort.
Anyway, thanks for reading and till next time.