beenjammin: Thanks! Considering the circumstances though, Miguel won't be getting his bounty right away. You'll see why here. I'm still on the fence about the Elysia arc though but it's a bit of a long way off so no answers yet.

RyofuHosen: Glad you like it. As I mentioned, I'm still not sure about the Elysia arc's timing so it depends on how I can plan things. Thanks for the idea though, appreciate it, but let's just say I have a couple of other plot points that would likely cause a problem with implementing that. Nothing's really decided yet though.

Arlong's temper was nearing volcanic levels at this point. Everything he'd worked all those years was falling apart by the seams. His brothers, beaten! Arlong Park, in ruins! Nami and the villagers were rising up against him and if all that weren't bad enough, there was someone directly connected to Jinbei of all people here...

Despite his bravado, Arlong was very well aware that Jinbei finding them wouldn't end well for him. He didn't actually remember the end of their last meeting, having lost to the man he once called a brother but he did know that Hachi was the reason they left when they did. The marines being such cowards was indeed a stroke of luck. If Jinbei had caught one whiff of his schemes, he would've come down to thrash him without a second thought.

And the thought honestly aggravated him all the more, Jinbei was so powerful and he'd truly come onto his own after their Boss died. But he hated how the fool thought they could come and make peace with humans, as if! After all the humans had done to them? Sure, Merfolk had amicable relations with wizards but that was entirely different.

He knew he didn't like Jinbei getting so close to those damn adventurers, although he wasn't even sure if it was them, the Boss or the queen who'd convinced him to go down this path. Perhaps it was all four of them...

But it didn't matter who approved of his actions, he'd stand for what he believed in. This was for all his kind, they'd been looked down on long enough-it was time that they rise and teach the humans their place!

''I won't lose, no matter what!'' The fishman kicked Luffy before making to bite his arm but Luffy jumped back in time. Only Arlong pressed forward, not willing to give up. He even easily bit through a rock easily in a second.

''You're just wasting time! You don't stand a chance against me.''

''Yeah, right! You're supposed to so tough because you crushed a rock? Who cares?'' Luffy retorted.

Growling, Arlong's gaze narrowed ''You really are an insolent brat! Fishmen will always be superior to humans. The differences are obvious as night and day!''

''Really?'' The rubber human tilted his head. ''Is it the nose?'' He had to dodge a punch at this. ''The gills, right? Oh wait, the webbing!''

''...Okay, now he's just missing the point on purpose.'' Sanji deadpanned while Usopp groaned.

Arlong had had enough ''It's our very race, you fool! Humans are beneath us and they don't have anything better than we do. Let's take you for an example, what can you do besides stretch? Heck, you're not only reckless and foolhardy but an anchor too-you crew must be sick of dealing with someone so useless.''

''It's true that there are things I can't do. I can't use swords or cast magic. I don't know how to navigate or cook. I can't even lie.'' Luffy's earnest response carried his resolve ''But that's just why I have my crew by my side. We help each other out through everything-even I can't do that stuff, I can do things they can't too. So it's just fine!''

Aforementioned crew exchanged glances and smiles, realizing how true that was. While they all had their own specialty, if they work together, they would be capable of great things.

''Oh? So what can you do then?'' Arlong sneered.

Luffy didn't even think about the answer ''I can kick your ass, Gum Gum Pistol!''

The fast attack hit Arlong's face, smashing him into a wall. It soon became clear that it also knocked his teeth out. But the shark fishman just got up as if it were nothing. Luffy stared in confusion as Arlong's teeth were soon replaced by a new set.

A chuckle ''Surprised? I'm a shark fishman! This is only natural.'' As if to prove the point, he took the other set out and yet new teeth grew again. He held both teeth sets like castanets in his hands and lunged at Luffy ''Tooth Gum!''

Luffy endeavored to get out of the way as the fishman kept up the offense. Just when it looked like he would get a hit, Luffy held up one of the unconscious fishmen in front of him, making him Arlong's new target.

Quickly backing off in surprise, Arlong's anger re-ignited ''Why you...!'' Luffy cried out as Arlong finally managed to strike his side. As the fishman was about to press his advantage, he was surprised to see his opponent push through the pain enough to punch him and knock his teeth out.

The next thing he knew, Luffy had grabbed that set of teeth before stuffing them in his mouth.

Arlong wasn't the only one staring.

''What's he doing?'' A baffled Johnny managed while many of the observers sweatdropped.

Arlong certainly shared that sentiment ''Are you making fun of me? You'll regret that!''

Both attacked at once, each striking the other and sending them back. Luffy stretched to try and bite Arlong ''How do you like that?''

''Don't be so proud. You don't have the jaw strength to make that work.'' Arlong took advantage of the move to grab Luffy's neck and pull him up. Taking note of the sea, a grin spread across his face as he prepared to toss his opponent in. Catching on, Luffy was quick to wrap his legs around a pillar and pull back, headbutting Arlong to make him let go.

Usopp let out a sigh of relief ''That's good...if he got stuck in the water...''

''That doesn't matter.'' Arlong dove in the ocean himself, leaving everyone to watch warily.

''Oh no, they're a lot stronger in water...'' Yosaku frowned.

''Shark on Darts!'' Arlong shot out of the water at great speed like a torpedo. Luffy immediately stepped out of his path and Arlong continued until he broke the wall nearby but he got up as if it were nothing.

''No matter what you do, I'm not going down. I'm not losing to someone like you!''

''That's my line, you bastard!'' Arlong stomped a foot forward. ''I'm going to kill every last one of you for daring to get in my way. You're going to pay for what you did to my brothers!''

''Get off your high-horse, you shitty fishman! It's all your fault to begin with, you had it coming!'' Sanji returned.

''I could care less what humans think of me. I'm going to show all humans their real worth and make everyone pay for their terrible treatment of fishmen! It's only what you scum deserve!''

''You might have faced discrimination but that doesn't justify your actions or behavior.'' Miguel stated. ''You can't paint all humans with the same brush.''

''Humans are all the same, I refuse to believe otherwise! What you say is meaningless!'' Arlong's eyes narrowed ''You're just like Jinbei! Even after all they did to your people, you think you can make peace? They treat us like dirt for our differences just like they see you as pariahs simply for having magic. How many wizards' lives were wrecked because of them? How many of your own people have you seen die?'' The former closed his eyes, pain and sadness evident at the reminder ''Your own home was nearly razed to the ground because of those pathetic, greedy cowards and you think we can make peace with them? You've turned on your own race and your pride!''

Miguel's expression told his friends all they needed to know. Not only was Arlong hitting where it hurt, he was also telling the truth.

Now they knew the situation wizards faced was bad but...hearing it like that...a few had to admit it was a surprise Miguel really was standing up for people at all.

But he soon provided his reasons ''...I had no idea pride meant becoming a murderer. Do you really think any of this is new to me? Do you think you're the only one who feels angry at what we have to face? It just comes back to what I said before. I refuse to condemn everyone for the actions of a few, how would that make us any different than the ones who hurt us, who refuse to acknowledge that we're human too? Revenge isn't going to bring us peace. Humans aren't all the same, just like fishmen aren't all the same. You're the one who's too blind to see otherwise.''

The crew felt their respect for their newest member rise, the words resonating within them as well. He'd been angry, which was completely natural. But he was striving to look at the big picture, at the end of the day, he refused to become like the monsters who nearly stole everything from him. And for that he would always be the better person.

Nojiko began to smile ''...Your friends are really something else, Sis.''

Nami nodded, still keeping a tight grip on the hat.

Genzo hadn't forgotten Nezumi's reaction. The little rat had completely freaked out and his men had practically deemed Miguel a threat right from the get go, when all he'd done was help Nojiko. That the young man hadn't so much as blinked at the treatment hadn't gone unmissed either and only now did he understand why. He had heard a few things about wizards here and there but he never understood all the hate. Even Arlong seemed to consider them something different from humans, but it was just like Miguel said. Some simply ignored that they were in fact, humans, too. Why should they be villfied simply for having magic?

Bell-mere may have left the marines after finding the girls but her sense of justice had never changed. He knew for a fact that she would have royally schooled anyone who treated people in front of her, titles be damned.

Just another reason why those marines made a mockery of the very justice they pretended to stand for.

Nami found herself looking at the fishmen from an angle she never would've considered before. If that was the sort of situation they'd been putting up with...then it wasn't hard to see how monsters like Arlong came along.

Not that it excused all he'd done to them, of course. He really had just turned out like the people who hurt him. She would never forgive that bastard.

Luffy glared down at Arlong, making no effort to his disgust. The fishman could dress it up all he wanted but at the end of the day, he was just a no good scumbag preying on those weaker than him. He acted like this was all for the sake of fishmen but it was a big fat lie. ''...I won't lose to someone like you.''

''Why you-! I'll turn the whole world into my empire to keep humans below us where they should be and no one's going to stop me!''

''Gum Gum Whip!''

''Tooth Gum!''

They clashed once again, both trading and receiving blows. Arlong was pushed back as a result, then he took out a massive saw blade from behind a wall nearby. Nami recognized the massive Kiribachi, the weapon he only took out when he was completely serious.

''That look in his eyes...'' Sanji observed. ''...it's just like when a Sea King snaps. He's lost it.''

Arlong swiped with the blade, forcing Luffy to dodge but the strength of the weapon was clear as it practically cut anything in its way like paper. The fishman kept up attacking, going for a Shark Twister but Luffy once again dodged. He kicked Luffy back and the teen responded by grabbing and knocking him into the air.

As the teen landed, he jumped to a large piece of rubble left behind by the devastation caused with Miguel's spell. He almost tripped on a strange object he'd just barely seen in time, a heavily damaged treasure chest which seemed to hold a bunch of messy papers. The object hadn't escaped the devastation after all, so he wasn't sure what those were, But then he noticed that a whole lot of similar papers were in fact scattered around the area. None of them had escaped unscathed, of course.

When Luffy put them together, they looked a lot like...''...Maps? All those were...''

''That's right.'' Arlong came into view. ''I had Nami draw maps for me all those years. You humans may be trash but she's above you, you don't know her talent. It's a waste with you, only I can use her.''

Just when Luffy thought he couldn't be angrier ''Use?! Who the hell do you think you are?!''

It was getting a bit hard for the onlookers to hear the two over their scuffle, which continued with Luffy gaining the edge. Some rubble and debris was sent flying as the two continued to fight, even the bits of paper drifting away.

Usopp's sharp eyes caught sight of them, blanching as he noticed something over quite a few pieces. It...looked like blood...

Nami briefly forgot to breathe, unable to tear her eyes away from the papers. How many times had Arlong locked her in that damned room, forcing her to keep drawing the charts no matter how hungry, how exhausted she was? Even when her hands bled, he just wouldn't let her rest...how she hates those charts, how they turned her dream into a bitter memory...

She'd been so focused on the fishmen's defeat that it was only just hitting her. Arlong Park's destruction meant that they were truly no more...it was like a big weight fell off her chest...

''Nami-san?'' A concerned Sanji followed her line of sight, quickly spotting the blood. ''Wait, what the-?!''

Nojiko's glare hadn't left Arlong ''...That's what's left over from those damn maps he forced her to make. He just kept pushing for more, no matter how hurt she was. Watching this place fall has been one of my best memories in years, I just want nothing more than to see Luffy beat that monster into the dirt.''

''So do I, damn bastard!'' Sanji growled. Zoro remained silent but his disgust was just as evident.

Nami almost jumped at the feel of a hand on her shoulder, brown eyes meeting blue green. She almost smiled at the concern they conveyed, grateful for the silent support. The day had just been so exhausting that she felt like she could sleep for a week, the emotions were so overwhelming that Miguel's hand on her shoulder was one of the few things keeping her steady.

But no matter how tired she was, she was not, under any circumstances going to miss this.

Arlong's ire and hate grew, unwilling to believe that he couldn't beat this little boy. He was nearly at the end of his rope here but the damn brat refused to stay down. How could he still keep fighting?! He had to end this now!

Putting all his power into his next attack, the shark fishman took a step forward and attack missed how Luffy raised his foot high in the air. ''Shark on Darts!''

Luffy gave a pained cry as Arlong struck his side but he refused to back down. Gritting his teeth, he made sure his consequent attack nailed the mark.

''Gomu Gomu no Ono!''

Luffy's foot struck home then, destroying the entire area with the increased speed and slamming Arlong deep within the ground. A crater formed around the two of them before the earth started to fall apart...

Zoro, Sanji and the bounty hunters were already scrambling to find Luffy amidst all the wreckage and debris when the rubber teen revealed himself. Undaunted by his wounds and injuries, the teen stood tall ''Nami! You're always going to be one of our own!''

Nami's restraint finally broke at this, paying no need to the tears cascading down her face. The sight of Arlong's unconscious form barely visible in the crater told her all she needed to know. She was finally, truly free. ''...Yeah...''

''Arlong Park has fallen!''

The jubilant cry served to finally break the terse mood, the villagers' delight almost palpable at the realization. Their oppressors were truly defeated. The eight year long reign of Arlong and his crew had finally come to an end.

Some of the villagers proceeded to pick Luffy and Usopp up, throwing them into the air, with both pirates laughing along with them. Their joy was so contagious that it was impossible not to smile.

Unfortunately, something came that almost ruined the celebration. It was none other than Nezumi, who somehow managed to keep his trademark sneer ''So Arlong has fallen? No matter, the marines will be confiscating all the money here.''

As you might expect, no one was going to take that well.

''What?!''

''Like hell!''

''Yeah, you guys haven't done a damn thing!''

''Shut it!'' He snapped. ''Or I'll arrest you all!''

''Go ahead and try!'' Genzo retorted defiantly.

''It took you guys long enough to actually do something.'' Nojiko stepped up ''This just proves how much of a failure you are!''

Usopp was already deciding what star he should use on this imbecile, filled with disgust and outrage on their behalf ''Seriously, you're completely shameless!''

''I said shut up!'' The rat's revolver was then aimed at Miguel, making some stop in surprise and concern ''This'll end things-!''

Miguel didn't even blink ''Is that right?'' A second later, the revolver was surrounded by purple energy that lifted it out of the marine's hands before Miguel reduced it to scrap with gravity magic, Nezumi stumbled, falling to the ground in shock. ''You're supposed to be the defenders of justice? Do something to show for it then. The people here have been suffering for years-our friend's been fighting to save them. Just what exactly makes you think you can get away with this now?''

Nezumi grit his teeth ''I would've thought you freaks would know your place by now. You think you can talk to me like that...?''

''Actually...'' Zoro and Sanji stepped up before the former continued. ''...Miguel's just telling it how it is.''

''But seeing as the civil approach is wasted on shitheads like you...'' Sanji kicked the marine. ''...we'll just do it this way.''

''Allow me, boys.'' Nami walked in between them, staff at the ready as she stared Nezumi down. . Not only did he and his subordinates work with Arlong, they hurt Nojiko, tried to tall the money and now they were treating Miguel like dirt. On top of all that, he was still looking down on them.

Enough was enough.

''Y-you can't do this!'' Nezumi managed to say. ''I'll report you to HQ, you're all going to prison!''

''Oh, can it!'' Nami went to town on him. ''You think we'll just let you walk all over us? You're the one who's going to pay for your actions, you lowlife scumbag!'' She punctuated the statement with another hit, this time to his head, leaving him to collapse.

''Good job, Nami-san!'' Sanji grinned.

Amused, Zoro wasn't about to deny that he enjoyed watching that ''Feel better?''

''Much better.'' Beating up that corrupt captain felt really good-he had it coming big time.

''All right, we'll take care of him. But first, we've got a celebration to start. Come on!'' Genzo smiled.

It didn't take long to spread the word and soon everyone was celebrating Arlong's defeat. It just went to show much the people were looking forward for their freedom. The festivities were spread out all over the island with the food and drink easily found for all and those who hadn't been there to see the battle soon all heard about the Straw Hats. No one even batted an eye at the fact that they were pirates, it was enough that they had saved them.

Doctor Nako had made a point of examining on the Straw Hats and patching them up to the best of his ability, also gladly giving them some necessary medical supplies in the process. ''I'm amazed that kid's just able to go up and about like all what Arlong did to him was nothing...''

''You mean Luffy? Ah, nothing keeps him down for long.'' Usopp remarked.

''He sure looked like the type.'' The doctor nodded before looking at Zoro. ''How did you come out of a fight with the Hawk Eye Mihawk with such little injuries?''

''Who said they were little?''

Nako blinked ''Well, it only made sense. It's not like you were...oh.'' His eyes traveled to Miguel, now catching on. Come to think of it, the young man had drifted off to sleep shortly after his checkup and he'd yet to so much as stir. Nako already knew he patched Nami and Nojiko up so...if the Warlord was as brutal as his reputation made him out to be...yeah, that explained it.

''I'll be fine. Can you just make sure he will be?'' Zoro requested.

''That's what I'm here for.''

It wasn't long before the Straw Hats were able to join the celebrations as well. Luffy made a point of ensuring that he could try out every type of food he came across while Sanji partied and flirted with the women. Usopp also enjoyed the festivities, taking time to regale everyone with his stories. Zoro merely relaxed and took some time to drink up, occasionally telling the story about their battle when asked. Miguel joined his friends after a while and they were all able to partake in the celebration of their victory together.

Two days later...

Miguel took some time to look around the island, things had changed so much in such a short while and it was great. Genzo and a few of the villagers had made it their mission to handle Nezumi and his crew, tying them up before heading to a nearby marine station to explain everything. Hopefully, the corrupt men would finally get what was coming to them.

It was just as he spotted the hill near Nami's house that he came across a surprise.

Hachi froze when their gazes met, the oncoming question dying on his lips with a furious Nami storming over ''Why exactly aren't you rotting in a jail cell with the rest of you crew?''

''I...I don't know for sure...it happened so fast.'' He began. ''I hung back to make sure Arlong wouldn't...wouldn't get away this time. It feels like it's my fault he even became like this. If I'd just listened to Jinbei...he knew. He knew Arlong would've become a menace all along and that he would only bring both people and merfolk trouble. But I just saw two of my oldest friends fighting it out...and I feared for Arlong's life. The only thing I could do was beg Jinbei to let us go. I hoped Arlong would see that Jinbei was following in Boss' footsteps once he cooled off...we were all each other had growing, I thought he'd remember that we were like a family. But I was too naive. Maybe if I'd do something...anything...none of this would've happened...''

''Well, isn't that fine and dandy for you? You knew they were in the wrong but you were too much of a coward to take a stance like you should've all those years. You just stood back and watched while Arlong ruined our lives, you knew he was stringing me along on false promises but you couldn't even be bothered to say anything. All because that piece of shit was your friend? You're pathetic, you can dress it up anyway you want but you were just as much complicit in our suffering as the rest of your pals.''

''...Did you even try to talk to Jinbei?'' Miguel couldn't help but ask. ''If you really were that close, why couldn't any of you see where he was coming from? You turned on someone you called a brother just for years of hate. This wasn't any easier on him too, you know. He tried to look at the big picture and help his people. He never came out and said it but I always got the feeling he hated how things ended up between you, all the stories he shared...you keep talking about friendship but do you even know what it means? More importantly, are we really supposed to believe you won't go setting your 'friends' free now?''

Hachi looked stricken at the thought ''No! No...I wouldn't! I wouldn't repeat the past now...though I wouldn't expecting you to believe me. I want to make up for everything but I know all the apologies in the world wouldn't make a difference now. You have every right to despise us, Nami. Even if I tell myself otherwise, I know we were just as bad as the people who oppressed us. And I was too weak...too cowardly to do anything about it...now that I think about it, I think a few of the others might have helped me escape. They made sure I was at the back and...The waves changed so fast...'' Shaking his head, he sighed ''...guess I'll never know. Anyway, I...I wasn't expecting anyone to find me now but...I'm turning a new page, there's no way I'd ever do any of this again. I swear.''

Now Hachi had always been the kindest of the Fishman Pirates, Nami knew, he'd always tried to be nice to her and even convinced Arlong to be lenient to her more than once. He made putting up with Arlong far, far more tolerable. She knew.

But at the same time, she was far too angry to care. The wounds were still too fresh for her to even consider the possiblity of forgiving him. ''...Leave.'' Hachi stared ''Never step on these islands again. You hear me? Get lost!''

Visibly fighting back tears, Hachi nodded, Nami already turning her back to him. Despite knowing she wouldn't see it, the fishman bowed to her before hurrying away. Miguel watched him go, unsure of what to do. Hachi really did seem to mean it, the guilt coming off him was palpable.

But at the end of the day, he felt there was only one person who could really make the call here.

''...You did good, you know.''

Nami sighed, her shoulders slumping ''Thanks but it doesn't feel that way. I just wasn't expecting this at all. What was he even thinking?''

That was a good question. ''Who knows? I guess we'll just see how sincere he really is. Worse comes to worse, you know we'll have your back now, right?''

The girl couldn't help her smile at that. Yeah, she didn't doubt it for a second. She finally made friends after all those years...and it felt wonderful.

''It hit me that you nailed it after all...'' Miguel gave her a quizzical look ''...your advice at the Baratie, remember? I did have to ask for help to deal with my problem in the end. Funny how that works, huh? Maybe if I'd just thought to try sooner...''

''Hey, there's no point questioning the what-ifs. We're here now, that's what counts.'' He reminded gently. ''For what it's worth though, you're amazing. I can't even imagine having to put up with this all those years...''

''Well, I did have help.'' Nami felt she would've been completely lost without Nojiko's support, her sister had truly been her rock. ''But hey, we're not all that different, look what you're doing for Elysia. Going out into a world that hated you just for existing...I knew it was bad but after today...I don't know how you can do it.''

''I had help too. A bunch of my friends thought it was nuts but they really had my back through it all. Besides...''

'Okay, is it absolutely, certifiably nuts? Yes. Do I love it? Also, yes! More importantly, you're not facing this on yuor own if I have anything to say about it!'

Miguel smiled at the memory. ''...Things are bad, yeah but Arlong's ignoring that there's also plenty of good there. It's not really about whether we can or not. There's somethings we just do.''

Now that, she definitely wouldn't argue with ''Still, you're not exactly doing a good job proving Johnny and Yosaku wrong, you know.''

''Don't start that again...''

Both thought back to the day they shared stories with the bounty hunters shortly before arriving at the Baratie. The two had been immensely curious about the people their good friend was sailing with. The sheer amount of trouble Luffy managed to find in the few weeks since he sailed had certainly been shocking, a reaction more than a little understandable to people who possessed any sense.

Hearing of a few of Miguel's adventures before he met Zoro and Luffy left them proclaiming him a hero, something the rest of the crew agreed with at once (For some reason, Luffy and Zoro had been so opposed to even the idea of being heroes that they completely dropped it).

''I said it once and I'll say it again. They're exaggerating.'' The wizard shook his head ''I just do what I believe is right. So far as I'm concerned, the real heroes are all back home. Our family was almost completely wiped out in the war but even after we lost so much, people like my aunt and uncle found it in them not to give up. The Council still pulled together for the sake of Elysia. They got back on their feet and kept trying even when things were bleak. It's because of that that I can be here today.''

Nami realized they had it all wrong. What they took to be his usual humility was actually just really believing in those people so much that he likely felt that what he did wasn't be fair, she did understand. The losses after the war had been immense and even now Elysia was only a shell of what it used to be. Thinking of people trying to find their way after that...it was indeed a daunting prospect to say the least.

Still...''You're not giving yourself enough credit. Just that you're actually willing to look at things that way says plenty.''

''I can't say it doesn't bother me but I won't let this keep me from living, I'm going to remain true to myself and make the most of life. That's all.'' He shrugged.

''You're something else, you know that?'' Nami began to smile. It was honestly sad that people couldn't see him for who he was just because he had magic. ''Well...''

''Hey, guys!'' The loud cry brought their attention Luffy, waving a hand. ''What're you doing? Come on, you're missing out on the fun!''

The two looked amused, Nami grinning. ''You heard the man. Let's get back to the party.''

''Right.''

When it was time for the Straw Hats to leave, the villagers of Cocoyashi gathered to see them off...

''Nami's not here...'' Usopp trailed off.

Zoro crossed his arms ''I wonder if she will want to come.''

''Don't say that! She has to!'' Sanji exclaimed. ''She's at least over 90% of the reason I set sail.''

This earned the cook a few odd glances, Luffy and Miguel were more focused to see if Nami was even at the port. Thus, they were the first to spot her as she came running.

No one saw what happened next coming.

''Guys, set sail!''

''?''

''Nami-san!'' Sanji beamed.

Luffy perked up ''Miguel, you heard her. Time to go!''

As he scrambled to help the wizard, Usopp was also confused ''Wait, just like that?'' Did she really want to leave this way?

''Hey, hold on! You can't leave without saying goodbye!'' Genzo called.

But Nami kept going, quickly making her way on board the Going Merry. Zoro quirked a brow, why was she rushing like this?

The answer turned out to be...

''Hey, my wallet's gone!''

Two others soon realized the same, this seemed to set off a domino effect of sorts as everyone realized that they had been robbed. Nami gave a mischevious grin as she held up the stolen items, making some of those present groan.

Nojiko, on the other hand, was visibly holding back laughter at her sister's antics.

''You little thief!'' Genzo couldn't be mad at her if he tried now, his grin just as wide ''We'll miss you!''

Nami smiled warmly back and Nojiko called out ''You can do it! Make sure you come back, I want to see that map of yours one day.''

''You got it!'' She called back.

Usopp eyed the orange haired girl warily ''Should we be careful?'' Zoro didn't say anything but his expression proved that he agreed completely with the sniper. Meanwhile, Sanji just gave her a thumbs up while Luffy chuckled.

Well aware that she'd already left the treasure Arlong stole for the villagers, Miguel wondered if this was just her way to mess with them ''That's one heck of a way to leave an impression.''

A wink ''Well, what can I say? Something to remember me by.''

Luffy let out a hearty laugh ''All right, now we can keep going! Our goal's the Grand Line!''

''Right!''

And we're done.

What do you think? I hope this was good. I wanted to add my own flair to the story as following canon all the time is just plain boring.

Just to clarify, there are some who hate and fear wizards just like fishmen because they're so close-minded that they can't accept them. So Miguel knows exactly what he's talking about here, he's dealt with some after all. There were some who even believed that Elysia was going to join Dragon but it was made clear that it was only because they wanted to give the nation time to recover. You'll see more about wizards when I get further in the story, specifically of course the part with the Grand Line. Let's just say I have a few more surprises in store. Oh, before I forget; Luffy will get his bounty since the word spreads out fast about him beating Arlong. I'm having a bit of trouble choosing an epithet for Miguel (he's not getting his bounty for a while) I have one title in mind but I'm still trying to think of something that might work better.

Well, thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep going. I'd appreciate if you tell me how you think I'm doing so far. Till next time!