I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own the OC's
Enjoy!
Arlong Park opening: Ft. - Funkist, Fairy Tail OP 3
"Now, which one of you is Arlong?" asked Luffy after he destroyed the doors that led into Arlong Park. Each of the Fishmen inside stared at the sudden intrusion of their base. Jou saw Arlong sitting in his chair, he seemed relaxed but had to be irritated by their arrival.
"Well, that just happens to be my name," Arlong stated as Luffy walked toward him.
"Good," Luffy replied. "You can call me Luffy."
"Luffy?" Arlong wondered. "What're you supposed to be?"
"A Pirate," Luffy answered simply.
"Hey, that guy!" Hachi pointed at Luffy. "I remember him! He's the guy that likes going on walks!" A couple of Fishmen blocked Luffy's path and stopped his advance to the Fishman leader.
"Hold it right there!" the first Fishman said.
"Where do you think you're going?" the other questioned with a laugh.
"You wanna talk to the boss? Well, you gotta talk to us first!" the Fishman put his hand on Luffy's shoulder.
"That's far enough," Before the two could do anything Luffy grabbed each of their heads and smashed them together.
"Move it!" Luffy said as the two Fishmen collapsed on the ground. Luffy showed he was in no mood as his focus was on Arlong. Luffy had Arlong's attention now as the Fishman leader glared.
"So what does a Pirate want with me?" Arlong wondered. Luffy's response was a right hook that sent Arlong flying out of his seat and into the far wall that caused dust to billow into the air and villagers were speechless by Luffy's strength.
"Who the hell are you?" Arlong asked as the dust cleared. Luffy's only blew steam out of his nostrils like a bull before he said:
"That's for making our Navigator cry!" Luffy exclaimed. A group of angry Fishmen leaped out of the pool and dashed to attack Luffy. But they were all knocked away by Sanji, who ran in and sent them flying with multiple kicks.
"Back off!" Sanji remarked. "You're out of your league!" Arlong seemed visibly upset now as he gave a low growl as the cook made his way beside Luffy.
"Geez..." the cook said to the captain. "You just had to run on ahead by yourself."
"Don't worry," Luffy assured. "I can handle these bozo's on my own."
"You fool," Sanji sighed. "I never said anything about being worried. I just don't want you hogging all the action."
"Oh," was all Luffy said.
"Leave it to Luffy to rush in without us," Jou remarked as he walked into Arlong Park with his red chain hanging from his shoulder. "He could probably do this by himself no problem but I wouldn't mind kicking some ass myself."
"Well..." Usopp said as stepped forward. "I don't mind if you hog it all," he claimed with sweat pouring down his face.
"I see you're rearing to go as usual," Zoro commented.
"It's them!" Hachi pointed at Jou and Zoro. "Those are the guys that tricked me!"
"Roronoa Zoro," Kuroobi said.
"I thought so!" Hachi figured. "The bastards played me for a fool! I can't believe it! I fell for it look, side, and yanker... wait..." he realized he said the saying incorrectly. "Hook, line, and sinker?" A lot of the Fishmen were recovering from the kicks they received from Sanji.
"Hey, look," a Fishman said. "Long nose is here."
"Ahhh!" screamed Hachi. "But he's dead! We saw Nami kill him!"
"Oh, he's alive," Chew remarked. "Which means..."
"Then Nami was a traitor all along," Kuroobi growled. "Just as I suspected."
The Fishmen glared at the five human Pirates. Zoro had a hand on his remaining katana, Usopp stood proud with his nose in the air, Jou still had his red chain over the shoulder and sent a glare back the Fishmen, Luffy cracked his knuckles, and Sanji grinned as he fixed his blazer.
"Wh-who are these guys...?" a villager stuttered.
"Hold it!" Johnny and Yosaku crossed their swords which kept villagers from entering Arlong Park.
"That guy just decked Arlong!" Nako exclaimed. The villagers were surprised by Luffy's attack that sent Arlong into the far wall earlier. They couldn't believe what they had seen and still had trouble comprehending it.
"No human should be able to do that!" Genzo questioned.
"Are they..." Nojiko murmured.
"Didn't we tell you...?" Yosaku reminded. "Just stay back here."
"Now do you understand why we're keeping you away from that fight," Johnny brought up. "You guys will just get in their way."
"But why?" Genzo wondered. "What reason could they have to fight?"
"Reason...?" Yosaku questioned.
"Big sis Nami was crying," Johnny stated.
"Do they need anymore reason than that to put their lives on the line," Yosaku said. Arlong chuckled from where he was against the wall.
"A pirate," Arlong grinned. "Of course. This is all starting to make sense now. You've been after Nami this whole time." Arlong belted out a big laugh. "The girl is mine and I'm not giving her up!"
Arlong was just making Jou despise him even more now. He's talking about Nami like she's a prize. Once he's brought down this whole thing will be over for Nami. But they haven't dealt with the rest of his Pirates yet.
"Hahahaha!" Hachi laughed. "A bunch of idiots like you aren't worth Arlong's time! We know how to deal with you!" Hachi turned and put his hand around his long mouth which for some reason made the sound of a trumpet. This caused worried murmurs among the villagers at the entrance.
"Oh no!" Nojiko exclaimed with wide eyes. "It's here!" Everything began to quake for everyone in the area which caused more panic among the villagers.
"AAAH!" Usopp screamed. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE, GUYS!?" he exclaimed to the crew but Jou, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji quietly waited for what was called to Arlong Park. Something huge from the ocean started to rise from underneath the water.
"Every single one of you is about to become fish food!" Hachi exclaimed. "Moomoo, rise!" Hachi threw his arms in the air as he called the supposed beast's name.
"It's a monster!" Usopp shouted fearfully. "That's the beast from the Grand Line that destroyed the town of Gosa!"
"This thing destroyed a whole town?" Jou questioned in a calm tone. "It must be pretty dangerous." Jou had to admit he was curious what a town-destroying beast looked like if it had the villagers terrified of it. Hachi had all 6 arms raised as the sea monster he summoned shot up from the ocean causing water to cascade down its towering form. The monster showed itself and was revealed to be a cow. It was white with green spots along it's body. Jou rose an eyebrow as the cow didn't seem threatening as everyone made it out to be. It looked sad as tears dripped from it's eyes and had bruises and a large bump on top of it's head.
"Huh?" was all Hachi said as the cow let out a low whine.
"Aaaah!" Usopp screamed as his eyes bulged out of his goggles.
"It's actually real!" a villager screamed.
"It's Moomoo!" Nako called out as the rest of villagers were alarmed by the towering sea creature. Jou noticed Moomoo lean in a bit as it's large eyes focused on someone. On two people to be exact. Jou followed sea cow's gaze and found it was staring at Luffy and Sanji.
"Well, look who's back," Luffy commented with crossed arms.
"Seems he's a friend of the Fishmen," Sanji noted.
"You guys meant him before?" Jou wondered as he gestured to Moomoo. "To me, he doesn't exactly look... scary." The people seemed scared enough of it but right now the sea cow was crying at the sight of Luffy and Sanji. Moomoo turned and swam away with tears in its eyes.
"That's what everybody was so afraid of?" Jou questioned. "Not what I pictured for a vicious sea monster."
"Hey, stop!" Hachi called to Moomoo while frantically shaking it's arms. "Where are you going? Get back here, Moomoo! You can't just leave! Moomoo!"
"Leaving?" Arlong spoke as he looked at Moomoo. "Now, isn't that a shame." The words from the Fishman leader caused the sea cow to stop. "But... I suppose if you really want to run away, then who am I to stop you." a grin spread across Arlong's face. "Well, then?"
Arlong's words seemed to strike something within Moomoo. With a roar combined with a moo, Moomoo spun around with angry white eyes and bared it fangs as it swam back to attack the human crew.
"IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US!" Usopp yelled as he flailed his arms.
It was time to get ready for a huge fight. Jou, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji got themselves ready as on one side they had an angry sea cow to deal with and on top of that, the rest of Arlong Pirates were charging straight for them.
"You're all mine!" Luffy declared. "You dumb cow!" Luffy raised a leg and smashed it into the ground and soon doing the same with the other. Jou wondered what his captain had in mind but remembered what Luffy said when he found him in the village.
'I guess this is what he meant when he mentioned a new move,' Jou thought. 'But how is he gonna get his feet out?'
"Looks like he's got a plan," Sanji said. "For once."
"We'll see," Zoro mused. "I gotta bad feeling about this."
The Fishmen Pirates were approaching Luffy, the straw hat captain only spun his body and each turn caused his body to coil thanks to his rubbery form. Moomoo was zero-ing in on Luffy as it gave off a roar. Luffy finished coiling his body and stretched his arms to grab Moomoo by the horns. Moomoo's apparent rage quickly faded as it reverted back to being sad.
"His arms stretched!?" Hachi exclaimed in disbelief. as the other Fishman Pirates were surprised as well.
"So he must have Devil Fruit powers?" Arlong observed as he seemed astonished himself. The other members of Arlong's crew didn't care about Luffy's powers and decided to rush and attack him.
"Hey, let's get outta here!" Zoro warned Jou and Sanji.
"What's he gonna do?" Sanji wondered.
"We'll see when we once we get to a safe distance!" Jou suggested as he and the others ran to get away from the possible destruction that was about to happen.
"Time for something new!" Luffy announced. "Gum-Gum Pinwheel!" Luffy's coiled body started to spin along with Moomoo's horns in his grasp. As Luffy spun, Fishmen were being knocked out one-by-one as it caused property damage to Arlong Park. The attack caused a powerful wind to pick up that caused Genzo's own pinwheel to rapidly spin. Everyone, including the executives of Arlong watched the scene with gaping mouths. Luffy's own spinning began to pick up speed as he gave off a final roar that released Moomoo as the sea cow yelled as it flew away from Arlong Park and crashed into the ocean. Strewn about Arlong Park were Fishmen laying unconscious that were caught in the crossfire of Luffy's new move.
"Alright, that's it Arlong!" Luffy huffed out. "I'm done playing games with you! I didn't come here to beat down all your cronies! I came here to teach you a lesson!" Luffy protested with a finger in the air and pointed at the Fishman leader. "So step up!"
"Oh, I will," Arlong remarked with a grin. "Don't worry." he opened his shadowed eyes. "Actually, I was just thinking how painfully I'll end your life!"
"That was the worst plan ever!" Sanji shouted as he kicked Luffy in the head a few times.
"Yeah, were you trying to kill all of us too!" Usopp exclaimed.
"Uh oh..." Luffy mouthed as an expression like he realized something crossed his face. The villagers outside the entrance of Arlong were busy murmuring about what Luffy had just done.
"That boy is incredible," Genzo muttered.
"I just can't believe there's a human who can throw that giant monster!" Nako commented.
"It's as if the gods themselves are fighting," Genzo remarked as he was still in disbelief. Luffy moved his body from left to right as his legs were in the cement. Everytime he shifted around, there was a small squeak.
"What're you doing!?" Usopp shouted at Luffy with shark teeth. "Are you ruining something else!?"
"Huh?" was all Luffy said as he looked down.
He's stuck, isn't he? Jou figured.
"How dare you hurt our brothers!" Hachi said.
"Very well," Kuroobi declared. "It seems that we must now join in the fight."
"Now, you'll get an education in the inferiority of your species." Chew stated.
"Oh, really?" Zoro challenged with a grin. "I'd like to see that."
"Relax, sir!" Kuroobi spoke to Arlong. "Let us handle this."
"If you go on one your rampages to squash these insects..." Chew stated. "You could destroy all of Arlong Park."
"Please just let us kill these weaklings!" Hachi shouted.
"Alright, they're yours," Arlong told his executives. Jou, Zoro, and Sanji stood beside Luffy and Usopp hid behind a pillar to likely avoid the fight.
"Uh guys...?" Luffy was trying to get Jou and the others attention. "There's something I should tell you?"
"In a bit, Captain..." Jou said as he kept his focus on Arlong's executives. Hachi pointed his face upward as his body bloated.
"What the hell's that octopus doing?" Zoro wondered.
"Probably nothing good," Jou remarked.
"Octopus is best when it's cut thin and salted," Sanji stated with a grin. "Add some olive oil and paprika and it makes the perfect snack while drinking."
"So, listen to me guys..." Luffy kept trying to get their attention. "I'm kind of in trouble."
"Take this!" Hachi shouted. "Hachi: Ink Jet!" the octopus Fishman shot ink from his mouth. Each of Jou, Sanji, and Zoro quickly got out of the way and avoided the spray of black ink. However, a certain captain of theirs wasn't so fortunate and was hit by the ink.
"Luffy!" Jou called out in concern.
"Idiot!" Zoro scolded. "How come you didn't dodge that!?"
"AAAAHH!" Luffy screamed. "I CAN'T SEE SQUAAAAAT!"
"Now to finish you off!" Hachi announced as he lifted a piece of Arlong Park that was larger than he was with his six arms.
"C'mon get outta there, Luffy!" Usopp warned from his hiding spot. "Run!" Hachi approached Luffy hefting the huge piece of debris over his own head.
"Yeah, that's the problem," Luffy answered as kept struggling to get his feet out. "I can't run. I can't even walk. My feet are kinda stuck!"
"I thought as much..." Jou muttered with a sigh.
"But you're the one who stuck 'em into the ground in the first place!" Usopp yelled in disbelief.
"Always thinking ahead," Zoro face-palmed.
"One Hachi: Ink Jet served on the rocks!" Hachi exclaimed as he brought down the piece of debris onto Luffy. It was about a second until the middle of the debris cracked in the middle. It split into two pieces which revealed Sanji with his foot raised in the air.
"You're such a pain," Sanji remarked to the captain.
"Sanji, that was so totally awesomely awesome!" Luffy grinned proudly.
"Looks like I ended up picking one hell of an idiot to be my captain," Sanji commented with a smile.
"We all did," Zoro agreed.
"I guess I can't argue with that," Jou said.
"Luffy's great!" Usopp shouted at them. "Hey!"
"But the truth..." Sanji said. "Is that our idiot captain is far better than a gang who'd prey on a lady."
"A lady, huh?" Kuroobi repeated. "You rushed into certain death for one lousy girl?" he asked with a scoff. "I think that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"
"Lousy girl?" Sanji glared. "If you insult Nami one more time, I can promise that you'll go from Fishman to fish sticks." he pointed the hand that held his cigarette toward Kuroobi. "Got that?"
"Your skills are quite exceptional for a human," Kuroobi praised. "But I must admit that chivalry from a pirate seems just a little fake." Sanji rose his hand to take a short drag of his cigarette.
"I'm damn good at what I do and I guarantee that there is nothing fake about my desire to help a beautiful lady in need," the cook stated before blowing out smoke. Kuroobi in response started cracking both of his fists.
"Looks like I'll be acquainting you with the true superiority of the Fishman species," The ray Fishman said.
"Yeah?" Sanji questioned with a returned glare as he and Kuroobi stood ready to begin their fight. Usopp took this time to try and yank Luffy free from the concrete but it only caused the captain's legs to stretch as the sniper pulled.
"Nice work but they're still stuck," Luffy stated nonchalantly.
"Still!?" Usopp struggled. "They're still stuck!" he pulled Luffy further in hopes of him becoming free but it was no use.
"We can pull all day," Luffy commented while picking his nose. "I bet my legs will still be stuck in there."
"Do you want to stay stuck in there!?" Usopp shouted with shark teeth.
"Maybe no one told you that the penalty for playing around in Arlong Park..." Hachi said as he lifted another piece of rubble that was smaller than the last. "Is death!" Usopp started running as he pulled Luffy along who was still stuck in the ground.
"Get unstuck already!" Usopp pleaded as he ran. "Get unstuck! Please Luffy, come on!"
"Come here!" Hachi called.
"Hey, octopus...?" Zoro got Hachi's attention as he pointed his sheathed katana at him. "They're a little bit busy at the moment, why don't you take me on?" Hachi looked at Zoro as his face turned into a glare.
"You're Zoro! I forgot!" Hachi tossed the rubble in an attempt to crush Zoro with it but he leaped away to avoid it. "You can't get away with tricking me! And how dare you mercilessly slaughter so many of my brothers!"
"That stuff's old news, octopus man," Zoro replied. "I personally don't care for what reasons you have for wanting to kill me, the situation has changed. You see, the tables have turned. Your not the hunters anymore, understand? Now it's you fish freaks who're being hunted." Zoro threatened as he unsheathed his sword.
Jou figured Sanji and Zoro already picked who their going to fight. All that was left was Chew, the Fishman with the long mouth and Arlong. With Luffy so sure he's stuck in the ground, it's possible he won't be able to fight. Jou figured he could hold off Arlong until they figure out a way to get Luffy free. Unless Jou ends up beating Arlong himself since at this point he's made it personal because of Nami.
"Yeah, you tell him, Zoro," Usopp cheered as he wiped his brow. "That octopus guy is yours." Usopp had let go of Luffy and and the rubber captain's body snapped back to where he was stuck in the ground. "AAAAH! LUFFY!" Usopp screamed as Luffy retracted and hit an unsuspecting Chew who was knocked backward from the force. Chew leaned up and glared at Usopp.
"Oh, you're dead," Chew stated as tears of complete fear fell from Usopp's eyes.
"Oh, crap..." the sniper whimpered.
"I get it now..." Chew said. "You must actually want me to kill you?" Usopp started to slowly turn and darted out of Arlong Park screaming with Chew giving chase.
"Wasn't that the guy who saved Genzo's life earlier?" a villager wondered as they watched Usopp. Chew stopped running once he saw the villagers.
"Hey, wait...?" Chew questioned. "You're the people from Cocoyashi? Judging from the fact you all have weapons, I can only assume this is a rebellion. Then you'll have to-"
"Exploding Star!" Chew who was distracted was hit by Usopp's attack and knocked onto his back.
"Big bro Usopp!" Yosaku cheered.
"Did you think it would be easy?" Usopp exclaimed. "You're dealing with me now!" Chew leaped back to his feet.
"Enough!" Chew shouted. "I'm going to get rid of you right now!" Usopp howled in fear as he ran from Chew who was once again chasing after him.
"Who is that man?" Genzo wondered as he and the villagers watched Usopp continue to try getting away from Chew.
"Brave one minute and cowardly the next," Nako commented. "He's a baffling man."
"GET BACK HERE, LONG NOSE!" Chew shouted as he was gaining on the sniper.
"OH, YOU'RE ONE TO TALK, BIG MOUTH!" Usopp retorted as they ran further away from Arlong Park.
Nojiko didn't know what to make what she was seeing. First, the black-haired boy earlier sent Moomoo soaring through the air like it was nothing. Now, his crew was about duke it out with the Fishmen and now Usopp, the liar she met earlier, was currently running away while also declaring to fight Chew.
Why're these people pirates? Nojiko thought. She couldn't quite understand how people like them can be pirates.
Jou saw Arlong bring himself back onto his feet and started making his way over. There seemed to be a look of disappointment on his face.
"You morons are a pathetic sight to behold," Arlong said to his officers. "I'm sick of watching this; now get out of my way!"
"But sir...?" Kuroobi questioned. "There's no reason to go on a rampage. Think of Arlong Park."
"Don't worry, I won't," Arlong assured. "I just thought of a fun game, that's all."
"Game, huh?" Hachi wondered.
Jou was curious what Arlong had planned. What kind of 'game' does he have in mind? Arlong seemed rather confident in whatever idea he had.
What's he going to do? Jou thought.
"Now, you're going down!" Luffy declared as he stretched his arm toward Arlong for a punch. Arlong with a tilt of his head dodged it effortlessly and grabbed Luffy's arm.
"Do you honestly think your sad little group can defeat us?" Arlong asked.
"So what if we do?" Sanji said with a grin.
"Yeah," Luffy agreed. "So what if we do? Now, let go!" Luffy tried pulling his arm free.
"You got something to say to us?" Zoro asked as he thumbed up his sword.
"Go on and say it," Jou smiled. "It won't matter once we win this."
Arlong ignored them and knelt while keeping hold of Luffy's wrist. He shoved his hand into the ground and with great strength lifted a big chunk of the concrete that Luffy was stuck in and hefted it over his head. Jou's mouth dropped in surprise, Zoro and Sanji had similar reactions to what Arlong had just done.
"No way!" Luffy screamed. "No way! No way! No way!"
"Did you know that those with Devil Fruit powers can't swim?" Arlong said. "But honestly anybody in this situation would sink right to the bottom! SHAHAHAHAHA!" Arlong let out a victorious laugh.
"Gum-Gum Pistol!" Luffy went to deliver a punch into Arlong's face. But instead, the Fishman leader bit down on Luffy's arm.
"Ouchie!" Luffy whimpered in pain.
"You fool!" Arlong claimed. Luffy in return chomped into Arlong's arm. The act caused Arlong to scream in pain himself.
"How pointless," Kuroobi commented as he and Hachi watched. Jou couldn't stand by and just watch anymore. Jou knew Arlong was going to toss Luffy in the sea and figured he had to stop him. Jou ran in with his chains ready and fluttering as he charged.
"Jou!" Zoro called.
Jou didn't listen to Zoro's call and instead he kept running. Kuroobi and Hachi approached to stop his advance. Kuroobi went to attack first with one of his fins but Jou ran straight for him. Jou didn't have to deal with the ray Fishman as Sanji intercepted Kuroobi's attack with a kick. Hachi was next, he stood his ground with all six arms outward. Jou continued his sprint and showed no signs of stopping.
"I won't let you through!" Hachi affirmed.
Jou never had to do anything to Hachi either. Zoro stepped in with his katana unsheathed and sliced at Hachi who ducked under Zoro's attack. Now that the two officers were out of the way, that only left Arlong.
"Let him go, jackass!" Jou shouted. "Dual-Chain Revolver!" Jou spun his chains and slashed Arlong in the body. Arlong growled in pain and lifted one of his feet and sent it straight into Jou's body. The kick was hard as Arlong put all of his strength into it. Jou hacked spittle from his mouth as he was sent skidding across the ground and fell into the water with a splash.
"Jou!" Luffy called his lookout as he watched him fall in the water. "You bastard!" Luffy cursed Arlong but the Fishman leader tossed Luffy into the air and sent him out soaring through the air while screaming.
"Luffy!" Zoro shouted.
"Damn you!" Sanji growled.
"SHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Arlong laughed. Sanji started to run toward the water in hopes of saving Luffy but was stopped by Zoro.
"Wait, don't be stupid!" Zoro warned. "Those Fishmen can't wait for us to jump into the water after him! They have an obvious advantage in an underwater fight!" Sanji's only responded with an angry growl but figured the swordsman was right. "There's only one way to save Luffy: we gotta take these guys out at the same time then go into the water." The two of Zoro and Sanji stood across from Hachi and Kuroobi. "There's no time! C'mon, let's do it!"
"Yeah," Sanji agreed.
"So, how long can he hold out, huh?" Arlong smirked. "Time is ticking."
"Oh, so that's the game," Hachi figured.
"I get it," Kuroobi said.
"You can take the fish," Zoro said to Sanji.
"You slice and trim the octopus," the cook replied. Arlong chuckled as things were about to become interesting.
Jou came into consciousness as the kick Arlong hit him with knocked the air of him. Jou quickly swam back to the surface and took a big intake of breath once he felt the fresh air.
"Big bro Jou!" Johnny and Yosaku called together. Jou slowly crawled onto land as he wiped his mouth. He looked around and found Zoro and Sanji standing across from Hachi and Kuroobi.
"Hey, look who's back," Sanji said as he acknowledged Jou.
"Jou, you alright?" Zoro wondered.
"I'm fine..." Jou said while coughing in his hand. Jou saw Arlong with a smug smile on his face. "Where's Luffy?"
"He threw him," Zoro stated.
"In the water!?" Jou exclaimed and turned around. "Then I'll see if I can get him out."
"I wouldn't do that," Sanji remarked. "Zoro here says that's not a good idea. The Fishmen will jump in after you once you do. And while we're dealing with these two, then who will stop Arlong jumping in after you."
Sanji wasn't wrong. These guys are Fishmen and they are likely just as deadly in the water as they are on land. Luffy wasn't going to last long underwater especially with feet stick in that block of cement. Jou turned around saw the bubbles come up to the surface which had to be Luffy.
"What now!?" Yosaku shouted. "He can't help himself!? What do we do!?"
"Big bro Luffy's gonna die!" Johnny yelled in alarm. Jou's eyes widened and his breath hitched once the last of the bubbles stopped surfacing. Which meant only one thing: Luffy had run out of air.
"Shahahaha!" Arlong's laughter boomed. "And they can't even breath underwater! Humans are such pitiful creatures, aren't they!" Jou glared at the Fishman leader as he kept laughing.
"Damn you..." Jou cursed as he slowly stood, gripping both chains.
"Jou, the only way we'll be able to save Luffy is to defeat these guys," Zoro said. "The cook's gonna deal with him." Zoro gestured toward Kuroobi. "And the octopus is mine."
"Then I'll leave it to you guys," Jou figured but realized. "But you sure you should fight, Zoro?" Jou referred to Zoro's wound.
"I'll be fine," Zoro assured.
"I sit out for now then," Jou said. "But if Arlong steps in, I'll take him on. I can buy time until we can get Luffy out of the water. Hurry, the captain doesn't have much time."
"I know," Zoro nodded. Jou returned the nod and re-wrapped his chains around his wrists and went to stand with the Cocoyashi villagers. For now, Jou was going to leave the fighting to Zoro and Sanji and will only step in once Arlong decides to join the fight.
"Hey, calamari...?" Zoro called out to Hachi. "Let's go!" All Hachi did was laugh at Zoro as the two humans approached.
"Game!" Hachi taunted. "Game!"
"I'll kick your ass in 5 seconds flat!" Zoro threatened.
"We don't have more than 3!" Sanji said.
"Hey, what's the rush?" Kuroobi said. "You're all running headlong into death. None of you will leave this place alive!" The ray Fishman blocked a kick from the blonde cook.
"So, what do you boys think?" Arlong questioned. "Isn't this an exciting game? I can't wait to see how it ends! Who will die first? You? Or that rubber man? SHAHAHAHAHA!"
"This is bad, Johnny!" Yosaku exclaimed. "Luffy's totally trapped down there!"
"Big bro Luffy!" Johnny called worriedly.
"We gotta hope Zoro and Sanji can take these guys out quick," Jou stated. Zoro, with his blade drawn made a dash toward Hachi.
"I'll beat his ass real quick and then go save you Luffy!" Zoro declared.
"Hachi: Ink Jet!" Hachi fired another stream of ink at the swordsman. Zoro maneuvered out of the way to avoid the ink. Zoro landed on his feet and went to attack the octopus Fishman. He cut in a wide arc as Hachi ducked underneath the blade. Doing that caused Zoro to slice pieces of Hachi's hair.
"Oooh! You bastard!" Hachi cursed. "My hair!" he growled in anger at Zoro who stood at the ready with his sword. "But it's okay. It's only hair. It can grow back."
"Huh?" Zoro only said in confusion.
"Now, Zoro..." Hachi grinned. "You can't beat me! I have six hands that will mesmerize you!" Hachi wiggled all six of his arms. "With their wiggly beauty!"
"Shut up!" Zoro shouted and charged Hachi again.
"Hachi's...Triple...Sword...Catch!" Hachi called out. "Now you will see my skills!" Zoro slashed downward as Hachi tried to use his six arms to catch Zoro's blade. Hachi wasn't successful in catching the sword as blood poured down his forehead.
"That hurt!" Hachi whined with tears in his eyes.
"I don't have time for this crap!" Zoro claimed. "Not now," he said through gritted teeth. Looking closely, Jou noticed the heavy sweat pouring down Zoro's forehead. Jou knew it was the wound from Hawkeye Mihawk that was acting up and it wasn't even given proper time to heal.
"I got no time left! No time!" Zoro said and charged Hachi. "WHY DON'T YOU DIE!" Zoro slashed at Hachi but the Fishman leaped high into the air to evade it and wrapped himself around a pillar.
"Too bad!" Hachi mocked. "Hachi suckers are stuck!" he stayed like that for five seconds which caused Zoro become annoyed.
"Don't just stick there!" Zoro yelled. "Get down here and fight!" at this point, it seemed Hachi was only toying with Zoro as he grinned in response.
"Damn coward," Zoro muttered.
"Stupid octopus!" Johnny remarked. "He's just trying to waste our time!"
"But if we try to save Luffy now..." Yosaku said. "They'll just drag us to the bottom of the sea and we'll drown!"
"If we sit here and do nothing then Luffy drowns for sure," Johnny stated.
"We gotta think of a way to help him," Yosaku added.
"Yeah!" Johnny agreed. Jou, who had been listening to the bounty-hunting duo talk the whole time had snuck behind them. All it took was one tap on their backs which caused their own wounds to flare in pain.
"You two jackasses aren't going anywhere," Jou told them. "The both of you can barely stand. How are you going to be able to save Luffy in the ocean when your both in bad condition yourselves."
"He's right," Genzo spoke up. "If you're trying to figure out a way to save that young man, then I believe I should be the one to volunteer ahead of you."
"You'll save him?" Johnny questioned.
Jou had to admit he liked the initiative Genzo displayed. Definitely something a leader of a village would take upon himself to try and save his home.
"I'm willing to try anything at this point," Jou stated. "I'd greatly appreciate it if you can save my captain."
"His survival is the key to our winning," Genzo replied. "If we don't save him, then we will certainly lose. Wouldn't you agree?"
"You're right," Jou nodded.
"Genzo?" a villager spoke up.
"I'm coming with you!"
"Let's do it!"
"I'm in!"
"I'm going alone," Genzo told the villagers. "The Fishmen will suspect something if we go with a large crowd and I fear doing so may cause more harm than good."
"But we could help-"
"Not another word about it," Genzo affirmed. "There's no point endangering more people than we have to. I must go alone." Genzo turned to Jou, Yosaku, and Johnny. "If that's okay, well boys?" Jou smirked at Genzo and gave a nod.
This old guy is alright, Jou thought. I like him.
"Yes, thank you!" Johnny cried as gave a grateful bow.
"We're counting on you!" Yosaku said as he bowed like his partner. "But please, hurry!"
"Hold on!" everyone turned and saw Nojiko wielding a mallet in her hand. "Genzo!" she said. "I'm going, too!"
"Nojiko, you're hurt!" Genzo stated.
"You're not going to leave me out of this!" Nojiko argued. "When those guys are fighting for my sisters life! You can't!"
Jou found himself smiling at Nojiko as well. She's showing she really cares about Nami which is something she, Jou and rest of the crew have in common.
"I say let her go," Jou said as he approached them. "You might all the help you can get," he remarked to Genzo. "I'd help you but someone has to stay here and keep an eye on Arlong. He may be sitting out now but who's telling when he might join the fight." Jou brought his eyes over to Nojiko. "Will you save my captain?"
"I will," Nojiko nodded firmly. "You can count on me."
"Fine," Genzo allowed her to help him. "Come on, we have to hurry."
"Right," Nojiko agreed as she and Genzo started to make their way to the other side of Arlong Park.
"I'm counting on you guys," Jou murmured as he watched them. He noticed Johnny and Yosaku put their heads down. The two were likely feeling powerless to do anything. Jou gently put his hands on their shoulders. "Don't beat yourselves up." Jou comforted the two bounty hunters as they stared at him. "We're all doing what we can right now."
"Big bro Jou..." the two stared at him in surprise with tears in their eyes.
"Hey, I have a question I was meaning to ask you, Zoro?" Hachi wondered as he was still wrapped around the pillar. "Your famous for your three-sword technique, so why are you only using one?"
"If your running scared then why would I need three?" Zoro asked while breathing.
"I've just been playing around with you!" Hachi explained. "Actually, a human can't defeat me. I can tell you why but I think it'll be more fun to show you. Yeah show, I like that! I think you're really going to enjoy it a lot, too."
Jou noticed Zoro's breathing had quickened. Jou also found he was having a hard time standing up. His wounds must be causing him to shut down and he was struggling to stay conscious. Zoro wrapped an arm around himself as the pain seemed to become worse.
"Zoro!" Jou called in concern.
"Crap!" Sanji noticed. "I thought as much, you still haven't recovered from your fight with Hawkeye."
"Zoro!" Johnny and Yosaku said in unison, worried for their friend.
"I'm not stupid," Hachi stated. "Falling for the old 'injured animal' routine. That's for children! It's time for you to see what my true skills really are!" Hachi shuffled up the pillar and ran inside a door on that floor of Arlong Park. He appeared with six swords in each of his hands. "Now you may tremble in fear of Hachi's Way of Six Blades!" Zoro collapsed on the ground as standing seemed to take a lot out of him. "Hey, you're not supposed to die yet!" Hachi exclaimed. "I haven't even killed you!"
"No, Zoro!" Yosaku yelled.
"I knew it!" Johnny figured. "He's been faking it!"
"So true" Yosaku agreed. "The way he's been pommeled would've killed any normal guy but he tries to fight anyway!"
"What'd you say!?" Nako exclaimed to the two. Nako is the doctor on the island so he could obviously tell something was wrong with Zoro.
"Dammit," Jou muttered. "This is bad. Zoro could die from his wound here if that octopus doesn't finish him off first."
"I thought it was strange," Sanji turned his attention to the swordsman. "He walked around just like nothing had happened after such a horrible fight. He's laid out flat."
Without noticing, Sanji received a punch in the stomach from Kuroobi. The force from the strike sent Sanji through a wall and flying out of Arlong Park. The villagers looked in the direction of where the cook had been sent.
"Sanji!" Jou called the cook.
"I told you to pay attention to me, weakling!" Kuroobi said. "I'm a 40th Don in Fishman Karate."
"What the hell just happened?" a villager wondered.
"Sanji...?" Johnny said.
"It can't be him!" Yosaku couldn't believe it. But it was as he looked closely and the found the cook lying flat on his back. "SANJI!"
"They're taken care of Arlong," Kuroobi said. "What would you like us to do with Zoro?
"What a waste of time," Arlong said. "Just toss him in the sea. Hardly entertaining."
"Aww..." Hachi whined. "That's all."
"Well, they did manage to make a bit of a mess," Kuroobi stated as he looked around the destruction of their base.
"No big deal," Arlong said. "As long as Arlong Park is still standing."
"True." Kuroobi agreed.
"No fair!" Hachi complained. "He killed himself! I never got the chance to show him what great of a swordsman I am! If he could've died on one of my six blades I could've stolen his fame! Well, it's no matter! There isn't a human alive that can compare to my way of six blades! Behold: the superior power that only a six swords master swordsman can attain!" Hachi started to slice the air and creat a large twister that made the wind rapidly pick up which caused the debris of Arlong Park to float into the air.
"Enough, Hachi!" Kuroobi voiced. "I understand how you must feel. But if you continue this little demonstration... You'll destroy Arlong Park." Hachi's eyes widened as he paused his slicing which caused the twister to be sent in the air.
"I'm sorry." Hachi apologized bashfully. "I forgot I could destroy stuff.
"Don't get carried away," Kuroobi remarked.
"I'm fine now," Hachi assured.
Jou figured the Fishmen seemed confident that they have won. But a small smirk crept on Jou's face when he saw a certain green-haired swordsman slowly get up.
"Way of six blades," Zoro muttered. "What a loser." The Fishmen looked at Zoro who got back onto his feet.
"Way to go!" Johnny cheered.
"You're not dead!?" Hachi exclaimed in surprise.
"Let me make this clear to you, you sorry excuse for a swordsman," Zoro declared. "There's a certain man I have to face and until I see him...death himself cannot touch me." Jou smiled at Zoro's will as the swordsman tore the bandana off his bicep. Jou noticed the doctor gasped in shock beside him. Jou wondered what had him startled as he followed the gaze. Jou smiled as he saw a certain cook they had brought on the crew was leaning up.
"He's still alive!?" Nako shouted in disbelief.
"Of course he is," Jou stated.
"Alright, big bro!" Yosaku cheered.
"That's the best punch that Fishman's got?" Sanji muttered. "The old man's kicks were 100 times worse than that and I never even died."
"What's wrong with ya, Zoro?" Hachi questioned. "You look like you're having a really bad day or something?"
Zoro said nothing as he put his katana in his teeth which freed his hands to allow him to tie his bandana around his head.
"I've already demonstrated my way of the six blades to these pathetic humans." Hachi continued. "And there's no way you can hope to defeat me in that condition."
"Just shut up already," Zoro growled through his katana.
"Big bro...?" Yosaku said. "He's taken such a beating."
"Hey, you're a doctor, right?" Jou asked Nako and got his attention. "How bad is Zoro looking right now?"
"I'm sure the onset of fever caused by his wounds is making him delirious," Nako explained." Or worse, if that wound opens up again I'm afraid he'll die for certain."
"But he doesn't have time to think about that right now," Johnny stated.
"Yeah," Yosaku agreed. "He's the one who can fight that six sword freak."
Jou could easily take over fighting Hachi if something happened to Zoro. But Jou knew Zoro wasn't going to go down from a fight like this and find a way to win.
"I'll show you Three-Sword Style," Zoro glared at Hachi. "Yosaku! Johnny! Lend me your swords!"
"Of course!" Yosaku exclaimed and reached for his sword as Johnny did the same.
"Big bro, catch!" Johnny called and tossed his sword in sync with his partners.
"Big bro, here they come!" Yosaku said as the swords spiraled through the air toward Zoro.
"Now you'll understand why two human hands never have a chance to beat me!" Hachi exclaimed. "Six blades Tentacle Sword Overload!" Hachi approached Zoro swinging all three of his blades. Zoro stood his ground and caught the bounty-hunting duo's swords in each of his hands. In doing so, Zoro blocked and avoided all of Hachi's blades.
"Three-Sword Style: Streaming Wolf Swords!" Zoro dashed past Hachi and seconds went by as the octopus cried out in pain as blood spurted from a cross-shaped scar across his chest.
"He did it!" Yosaku exclaimed happily with tears in his eyes.
"He faced all six swords and not even a scratch," Johnny cried like his partner. Jou smiled in pride himself as the villagers were also impressed with Zoro's skill.
"Perfect sword skill," Nako commented. "With perfect concentration."
"You got that right," Jou agreed. "He's going to be the world's greatest swordsman one day."
"How dare you cut me like that!" Hachi shouted in anger. "Now I'm really mad, I'll kill ya bastard! There's no way you'll survive my next attack! You just got lucky is all, you'll never beat my six swords with your three! I have twice as many swords as you, don't you get it!? Six is more!"
"I was never very good at math," Zoro breathed as he held tightly onto his borrowed swords. "Three-Swords? Six-Swords? Doesn't matter!" he turned to Hachi. "You may have more swords than me but mine will always carry more weight than yours!"
"Weight you say?" Hachi questioned. "It may not look like it, but my swords actually weigh quite a bit. Over 300 pounds each to be exact. They weigh much more than your pathetic human swords."
"I meant the burden of..." Zoro groaned and realized it was pointless. "Oh forget it."
"Way of Six-Swords Octopus Pot Stance!" Hachi pointed all six blades together and charged Zoro, he stabbed forward with each tip as Zoro blocked with the back of his blades. "New Years - Open!" Hachi shoved Zoro which left Zoro wide open and rammed his head into Zoro's wound which caused the swordsman to spurt blood out of his mouth. "Body slam!" The attack sent Zoro into the air and Hachi slammed into him once more and got underneath th airborne Zoro.
"You'll never touch the ground alive!" Hachi stated and began to spin his swords above his head. "Waltz of the Six-Swords! You'll be mince meat if you touch them for even a second!"
Jou was getting a bit worried but Hachi didn't count that Zoro was ready for him. Zoro expertly sliced Hachi's hands which caused the octopus to scream as blood squirted while Zoro landed on the ground.
"Alright!" Johnny and Yosaku cheered.
"Awesome," Jou commented with a smirk.
"Damn it! First, you timed your roll to dodge my Tentacle Sword Overload!" Hachi shouted. "Then you slice and dice my hands up like some cheap sushi chef! How dare you make a spectacle on my master swordsmanship! You'll pay for that, you son of a bitch! I'll tear you to limb from limb!"
Jou saw Zoro was having trouble staying on his feet. He was in pain but Zoro knew he had to finish this fight. Jou had faith and knew his crewmate can take out Hachi and just needed one good hit.
"Look at that," Yosaku said. "He's in pain."
"That attack..." Nako noted. "It probably opened up his wounds again."
"I wish I could take his place right now," Johnny commented with tears cascading down his eyes.
"Don't worry," Jou added. "He's got this."
"Time to die, Zoro!" Hachi declared. "Octopus Post Stance!" Hachi pointed his blades together and ran at Zoro.
"Tatsumaki!" Zoro with his back to Hachi spun around with one swift motion and sent Hachi spiraling through the air with four slashes across his body and sliced through all six of his swords.
This caused everyone's jaws to drop. Johnny and Yosaku cried tears of joy for their old friend. Jou had a proud grin on his face seeing Zoro show Hachi what being a true swordsman meant.
"Hachi..." Arlong murmured.
"Defeated...Three-Sword...Style." Hachi said and slammed into the ground defeated causing a cloud of dust to billow out once he crashed.
"So fish..." Zoro said. "The weight I carry in my three swords. You satisfied?" Zoro sheathed his katana in his sheath and took a knee. "Alright..." he breathed. "Now that tentacles is out of the way, I think it's time to go rescue Luffy."
"No, look out!" Yosaku warned as Kuroobi was standing over Zoro and was about to attack him
"How could you do that to Hachi!" Kuroobi growled and was knocked away with a kick from Sanji. "You!?" he glared at the cook.
"You thought you'd gotten rid of me, huh?" Sanji asked.
"Not bad," Kuroobi commented. "I didn't know there was anyone in all of the East Blue who could stand back up after one of my punches!"
"Oh sure, there's a whole bunch." Sanji smiled. "At a certain restaurant I know of. Wanna go?"
"I don't think so?" Kuroobi said as Sanji chuckled in response. Zoro started to crawl toward the pool.
"Big Bro!" Johnny warned. "Don't do it!"
"Zoro, no!" Jou exclaimed. "If you go in that water now, you'll bleed out!"
"He's right." Sanji agreed. "You're dead if you go in the water like that!"
"Just shut up!" Zoro muttered. "He won't last much more. You think you ladies might wanna stop chatting!?"
"If I can get you to shut up for a moment!" Sanji said. "Maybe you wouldn't notice that I was about to do this! Here goes nothing!" Sanji discarded his blazer and shoes and dove directly into the water.
"That's great!" Kuroobi laughed. "He wants to try his luck in the water! Against a Fishman!"
"Stupid," Zoro said. "I told you they want us to fight in the water!" Kuroobi followed Sanji and went in the water himself.
"SHAHAHAHAHA!" Arlong boomed in amusement. "This is more like it! Somebody else do something entertaining!"
Sanji saw Luffy's neck was extended to the surface. He saw Genzo underwater trying to resuscitate Luffy. Sanji's plan is to kick the concrete to free the straw hat captain. Sanji was stopped by Kuroobi who had struck him in the back of the neck. Sanji recovered from the attack and grabbed Kuroobi by his ponytail preventing him from going after the village leader.
Where do you think you're going? Sanji thought as he couldn't speak beneath the water.
"You foolish human Kuroobi shouted and yanked back his hair causing the cook to release it. "Are you really trying to fight me underwater? You can't even breathe down here! What makes you think you can fight!?" Sanji had no way to answer back as he was currently trying to keep his breath in by holding his mouth and nose.
"As you wish, foolish boy!" Kuroobi exclaimed. "Fishman Karate: Dueling Hair Tether!" Kuroobi spun around and whipped his ponytail around Sanji's torso. Sanji was pulled toward the Fishman and went in for a kick, but the only problem was his movement was slowed under the water.
"Too bad!" Kuroobi remarked. "Your kick is powerless down here! That's more of your human weakness! But my Fishman Karate loses nothing in water! Hahahaha! Quite the contrary, it's much more powerful!" Kuroobi settled into a fighting stance. "Fishman Karate Underwater Bladder Buster!" Kuroobi landed a powerful kick into Sanji's gut, causing him let out a gasp in pain. Kuroobi spun around which again pulled Sanji to him.
"Fishman Karate Flaming Ax Kick!" Kuroobi kicked Sanji in the back of the head with the heel of his foot. Kuroobi swam underneath him and did his next attack. "Back-Foot Jawbreaker!" Kuroobi kicked Sanji in the jaw sending the cook upward. Kuroobi appeared in front of Sanji who was powerless against Kuroobi's attacks.
"Guffaw Palm Bomb!" Kuroobi reeled his hand and struck underneath Sanji's chin. Sanji was released from Kuroobi's ponytail and was sent a cliffside underneath the water with a crash. Sanji recovered quickly and knew he couldn't last long underwater and figured it best to swim to the surface as fast as he could.
Air! Air! Air! Sanji shouted in his head. I let out too much, I can't breathe!
Sanji felt he would suffocate if he stayed under any longer. Sanji didn't make it to the surface as Kuroobi blocked Sanji's way with a confident smirk on his face.
"Impressive," Kuroobi mused.
Crap, let me through! Sanji exclaimed in his thoughts. I need to breath! Move it!
"You have amazing stamina," Kuroobi commented seeming almost impressed. "You sure your human?" Kuroobi laughed victoriously. "Didn't you say something like 'any man who hurts a lady is just a piece of crap?' And yet, look at what your precious love of woman has finally gotten you! You have no escape and you'll die by my hand! The old man and the boy he's trying to save? They'll die, too. I'll kill Zoro, that chain guy and even the long nose guy and I'll massacre the entire village! And as my final pleasure, I'll murder that traitorous bitch Nami! Don't you see? Your love is worthless! If it can't save you, then you protect no one!" Kuroobi exclaimed while widening his arms. "Not even your little girlfriend Nami!"
Kuroobi gave out a mocking laugh. That was the last straw for Sanji as his eyes hardened in a glare. This fish has insulted Nami for the last time and he wasn't going to get away with it. Kuroobi hooked his hand on the back of Sanji's shirt.
"I'll admit that you have some skills," Kuroobi said bringing Sanji to look at him in the eyes. "But still, in the end, you're just a human! Your body doesn't react well to a sudden change in pressure, does it?" Kuroobi hooked his arms around Sanji in a tight hold. "Let's see, I have a theory about what's gonna happen to you! Your organs are gonna explode from the inside out!" Kuroobi kept his hold on the cook and shifted them so they were upsidedown.
"Pulverizing Pressure Plunge!"
"Kuroobi kicked his feet and swam to the ocean floor with Sanji trapped against him as the chef felt his organs tighten inside his own body.
I can't let him do this! Sanji thought. If I wanna save Nami, the first thing I have to do is save myself!
When they reached the ocean floor, Sanji let out a strained gasp as blood sprayed between his fingers that kept what air he had left inside his mouth. Kuroobi gave a smug smile which faded as Sanji pointed with his index finger.
"What's with him?" Kuroobi wondered. "He's just won't die! Very well, I guess we'll just have to try it again!" Kuroobi carried Sanji to the surface once more. But this time, Sanji was ready with an idea of his own that was gonna save his life.
Fishmen use their lungs to breathe air on land, Sanji noted. But they use their gill's to breath water down here. Which means a fish's gills are useless on dry land.
"Ready for a second go-around?" Kuroobi asked with a smirk. Sanji latched onto Kuroobi and put his mouth into Fishman's exposed gill.
And their lungs are useless underwater, Sanji figured. Which means forcing air into his gill's should suffocate this bastard!
Sanji breathed air into the Kuroobi's gill which weakened the Fishman and caused him to release Sanji and allowed the cook to finally swim back to the surface for air.
Jou was starting to become a bit anxious. He hoped nothing terrible happened to Sanji since Kuroobi dove into the water after him. It was a good few minutes until Sanji broke to the surface and took a long breath of air. Despite this situation, Jou was impressed that Sanji could stay underwater for that long.
"Sanji!" Jou called. Sanji said nothing and coughed while he dragged himself out of the water.
"Is Luffy...?" Zoro was about to ask.
"Don't worry, he's okay," Sanji reassured.
"Are you sure?" Zoro asked.
"Half of him," Sanji stated.
Jou didn't know what Sanji meant by 'half'. Jou guessed that meant Luffy was somewhat okay but meant the captain was still in danger.
"I'll explain later," Sanji breathed and was trying to get in as much fresh air as possible back in his lungs. "FIRST...!" Sanji exclaimed with a dramatic point toward the water. "GET YOUR ASS UP HERE! I WANNA FIGHT WHERE I CAN BREATH!" Kuroobi coughed as he climbed back on land.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Kuroobi glared. "It doesn't matter if I fight on land or in the water. I'm just as strong either way. Now you will witness the true power of Fishman Karate! When I punched you before that was just a sample of things to come! My ultimate attack is 10 times as powerful and there's no chance you'll survive it! And the chance that you'll survive it are ZERO!"
"Collier!" Sanji landed a kick into Kuroobi's neck causing the Fishman to slam into the ground on his back. "You said my love was worthless? Epaule!" Sanji's kicked Kuroobi in the shoulder. "I can't protect anyone is that, right? Cotelette!" Sanji slammed his leg into Kuroobi's ribs. "Selle!" followed by another in his back. "Poitrine!" the next kick went into Kuroobi's chest which crushed the Ray Fish into the ground. "Gigot!" Sanji kicked Kuroobi in the legs and sent the Fishman backward.
This was the first time Jou had seen Sanji fight. It seemed Luffy didn't just pick Sanji only for his cooking skills. Johnny, Yosaku, and the villagers were speechless even seemed impressed by Sanji's kicking strength. Kuroobi growled in anger as he weakly stood up.
"Son of a bitch!" Kuroobi cursed. "Thousand Brick Fist!"
"And now... Mouton Shoot!" Sanji leaped into the air and landed one last kick into Kuroobi's face which sent the Fishman straight through Arlong Park.
There was no way Kuroobi was getting up after that barrage of attacks from the crew's newly acquired cook. The villagers and bounty-hunting duo had their mouths wide open and were just in awe. Jou only smirked in pride, even Zoro had a grin on his face.
"Now, it's done," Sanji remarked coolly. "He won't be back."
Jou was glad Zoro and Sanji were able to finish two of Arlong's top crewmen. Now it just left Arlong who seemed less than pleased by how things turned out.
"Kuroobi..." Arlong murmured. "Hachi..." he looked at the unconscious octopus.
"In the end, they're all just seafood," Sanji stated as he stuck his feet into his shoes. "Fish can't fight a cook, I don't know what he was thinking." Sanji smiled. "This game is ours."
Arlong stood from his seat as his hands shook in anger. It looked like Arlong was ready to fight now and avenge the decimation of his crew.
"You bastards," Arlong seethed. "You killed my brothers one after the other! I'm afraid I've let you get too carried away!" he glared at Sanji and Zoro with eyes filled with rage.
"Alright, explain..." Zoro said to Sanji. "What did you mean by Luffy's 'half okay'?"
"It means he's alive for the time being," Sanji informed. "But if we want him fully back on dry land, I gotta go back in the water... but something tells me ugly over there won't let me." Sanji figured as he stared at Arlong as the Fishman leader looked at Zoro and Sanji and lumbered toward them.
"I'll tear you both apart for you did to my brothers!" Arlong growled as he charged and reached with a webbed hand. Zoro and Sanji stood their ground to fight the Fishman leader. Arlong never reached them as he was sent back with a blast of wind. Jou was in front of the swordsman and cook, both chains in his hands and waving through the air. Arlong glared at Jou next who only gave Arlong a cocky smirk.
"You heard Sanji..." Jou told the Fishman leader. "This game is ours." Jou twirled his red chain and put it on his shoulder. "Sanji, go free Luffy. Zoro, take a break. I'll keep this jackass busy."
"No way," Sanji shook his head. "You think you can hog the glory by taking out this bastard? We have a better shot if we kick ass together."
Jou didn't feel like arguing but Sanji may be right. Jou noticed Zoro didn't move away and focused on Arlong. The three of them could quite possibly finish Arlong off together which would make saving their captain easier.
"Fine then," Jou said. "You hear that?" he asked the Fishman leader. "You're going down, Arlong."
Nojiko, who was kneeling on land and holding Luffy's head above the water. She was astonished by the swordsman and the cook's strength and watched the entire thing from where she was. Nojiko started to see why Nami put a lot of faith in these guys.
"Amazing! Really amazing!" Nojiko exclaimed. "Those guys beat two of Arlong's best Fishmen." Genzo resurfaced from the water and inhaled air as he came up.
"I'm done." He breathed. "I can't hold my breath."
"Take my place!" Nojiko suggested. "I'll go!"
"He's looking better," Genzo said as he observed Luffy. "Not so pale."
"He spit out a bunch of water," Nojiko said.
"Did I miss anything?" Genzo wondered as he's been underneath the water for so long.
"They're doing great!" Nojiko told him happily. "Everyone's fine! For the first time, I think I have hope! These guys have fought so well! We may actually be set free!"
Usopp had been hit by Chew's squirt gun. The Fishman believed him to be dead but the sniper had been faking it. Usopp covered himself and the ground with ketchup to make it look as if he bled out.
"Chu, what a pain in the ass," Chew commented. "That long nose freak sure could run forever. But it took just one blast from my squirt gun to take him out completely." he turned to leave. "I guess I should head back. It's all over by now for sure." Usopp smirked victoriously as Chew continued walking back to Arlong Park.
It worked! Usopp thought. 'I'm alive! I'm so glad I made the Ketchup Star for such occasions. He thinks he killed me with a water blast. Run along now! Go home! Usopp stood once Chew had walked away far enough. 'These guys are totally nuts! I don't even know what I'm doing here! Usopp remembered the destruction of Gosa village when he and Johnny first made it to the island. They destroyed an entire village and killed everyone in it! I know Nami can't do this all on her own, but seriously?
Usopp played dead again as Chew stopped walking and turned his head to find the sniper still laying in the pile of ketchup.
"I'm hearing things," Chew figured and continued back to Arlong Park.
Usopp didn't want to die which was why he decided to 'play dead'. He felt he needed to look like he had been beaten to go along with his 'blood' to make it look as if he fought bravely.
I know! Usopp smiled. I'm missing dirt! I'm too clean!
He started to cover himself in dirt and figured now was the best time to start coming up with a good story for why he looked so 'hurt'.
"Hey, I'm sorry I got lost," Usopp acted out multiple excuses he could make. He continued as he was brought to thinking about something Luffy once said to him.
"We're friends, right? So get on." Now Usopp heard the voices of his friends and the words they have said before.
"Never in my life did I imagine I'd lose."
Zoro.
"Time to show them what happens when you make our navigator cry."
Jou.
"But the truth... is that that our idiot captain is far better than a gang who'd pray on a lady."
Sanji.
"It's for my business. This was my only choice."
Nami.
"Big sis Nami was crying."
"Do they need any more reason than that put their lives on the line?"
Johnny and Yosaku.
"To make a choice like that when your only 10. Do you know how hard it must have been for Nami?"
Nojiko.
Usopp remembered the Cocoyashi villagers charging to Arlong Park to free their island themselves knowing they would die. Usopp paused in covering himself in dirt and came to the realization that he was only a liar. He cried when Kaya and the Usopp Pirates came to mind. Usopp figured he was nothing but a coward. His dream is to be a Brave Warrior of the Sea someday. How can he prove that if he can't defeat this Fishman? Realizing his resolve, he couldn't just let Chew walk away, Usopp stood and turned to face him.
"STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Usopp shouted and regretted it once Chew stopped in his tracks.
"Oh, you're still alive," Chew said as he turned his head.
"That's right, big lips!" Usopp pointed. "It takes more than water to kill someone like me!" Usopp fished through his bag and started to pull out his slingshot.
When I left home... Usopp thought. I left everything behind. Peace. Safety. When you live your life on the edge you savor every moment. his thoughts went to Luffy, Jou, Zoro, Nami, and Sanji each of them smiling together while on the Going Merry. That's why they're able to laugh so much. Chew picked up walking speed as he approached Usopp. That's the reason I went to sea. I wanna laugh that way, too! Usopp aimed his slingshot as Chew started charging full speed. If I don't fight with all I've got! Then I don't deserve to be on the same ship with them!
"Then I'll never be able to face my friends again!" Usopp exclaimed aloud as he fired an Exploding Star at Chew. It didn't faze Chew as he ran through it and punched the long nose directly in the face. The punch was so hard it sent Usopp spinning in the air until he hit the ground.
"Fool," Chew commented. "You were better off pretending to be dead. The human brain is an absolute waste of meat."
"I don't feel good," Usopp mumbled from the ground.
"Oh yeah!" Chew said and started delivering kicks into Usopp. "I'm just getting started!" Usopp rummaged through the bag for another weapon.
"Usopp Hammer!" Usopp pulled out a hammer and hit Chew in the head causing him to reel back and shout in pain. "Usopp: Rubber Band of Doom!" Usopp reeled back a rubberband on his thumb. Chew shut his eyes to prepare himself for the pain but it never came as Usopp took that as his cue to leave.
"Crap!" Chew shouted as he looked from left to right. "Where did that stupid son of a bitch go!" Chew's face went red with anger. I... CAN'T... BELIEVE... THIS!"
"Special Attack!" Usopp who fled to the trees tossed a bottle at Chew who effortlessly caught it.
"Sake?" Chew wondered.
"Lead Star!" Usopp fired his projectile at the bottle which shattered on impact. The sake spilled all over Chew as he stepped back into the water.
"Is that the only way you can fight, you coward!" Chew said. "There is no place to hide from my Squirt Cannon!" Chew placed his mouth over the water and sucked it in his body which caused him to bloat. Usopp hid behind some trees to catch his breath.
"Stupid coward or whatever, I can't run from this fight!" Usopp stated. "I'm supposed to be a man! Although, it doesn't feel all that great to be manly. If I lose, I'll die. At least I'll die a pirate."
"Squirt Cannon!" Chew blew a gigantic ball of water. The attack missed as Usopp was hidden in a completely different spot but the attack managed to destroy the trees.
"Dammit," Chew muttered. "Why should I have to waste my time with such an idiot? It's too easy. I'll shred you to pieces! Squirt Machine Gun!" Chew started firing multiple water blasts with rapid speed. Usopp screamed as he took cover behind a tree to avoid getting hit.
"How did he find me!?" Usopp shouted. "Crap! Crap! Holy crap! I wanted to be a real Pirate and now I've finally got my chance! I know I can do it! I know I can! I promise! If survive this ordeal! I'll never pretend to be a Pirate ever again! I won't be a coward and run away! My fake Pirate days are over!"
Usopp on instinct ducked and rolled as Chew kicked the tree that Usopp was hiding behind in half.
"What did you say is done?" Chew questioned.
"This whole fight!" Usopp answered as he took aim with his slingshot. "Alcohol lights on fire! Usopp Flaming Star!" Usopp released his projectile into Chew's face as he ignited into flames. Chew ran for the water to douse the flames but Usopp gave chase with his hammer in hand.
"Usopp Hammer!" Usopp leaped and whacked the Fishman in the head with his hammer. Chew splashed in the water as Usopp flew over him and landed on the ground. Usopp checked to see if actually managed to beat Chew or not.
"BASTARD!" Chew shouted and began getting back up until...
"USOPP HAMMER! USOPP HAMMER! USOPP HAMMER! Rubberband of doom! USOPP HAMMER! USOPP HAMMER! USOPP HAMMER! USOPP HAMMER!" this continued until Usopp believed he landed enough hits to Chew's head. The Fishman was unconscious and his face was covered with huge bumps. Usopp with his arms raised over his head fell back into the water.
I did it! Usopp thought. I beat a Fishman. he couldn't believe it but it finally sunk that he beat Chew.
"YOU SEE THAT LOSER?" Usopp shouted. "I BEAT YOUR ASS! I CAN'T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID IT! WHO'S A PIRATE NOW? I AM USOPP THE PIRATE!" Usopp roared to the heavens and laughed victoriously that he won his fight against Chew.
Back at Arlong Park:
Jou was on one knee as Arlong stood over him, Zoro, and Sanji. Arlong had only hit each of them by tossing water from his hand. Jou had no idea water could hurt so much, it stung once it struck his body and caused him to spit blood. Zoro and Sanji weren't faring much better. Especially Zoro who was laying flat on the ground with blood pouring from both corners of his mouth.
"I must've been dreaming," Nako remarked. "For a moment there I thought we might've had a chance."
"So what did that shark guy just do?" Yosaku wondered.
"All he did was toss water at them and then they all started bleeding," Johnny stated.
"I don't even have to touch you," Arlong grinned. "You humans are so fragile that I can kill you just by playing with a little water! That's the difference between you and me!"
"Shut up!" Sanji exclaimed and went for a kick. The Fishman leader threw more water at Sanji which sent to the cook on his back.
"Sanji!" Jou shouted.
Jou had to do something to counter Arlong's water. Jou ran at Arlong while twirling his chains and as he did, wind started to gather to both Jou's chains. Arlong hurled the water at Jou with a smile on his face, believing this to knock him down. Jou lashed out with both chains and sent a blast of wind at Arlong which sent the water in the other direction. Arlong shielded himself with his arms and was almost knocked back from the wind. Arlong growled as he narrowed his eyes at Jou.
"You done splashing us like a child?" Jou mocked with a smirk. "Why don't you show me what you can really do?" Jou wiped the blood from his bottom lip. "Cause I'm not convinced how strong you think you are."
"You believe I'm inferior, human?" Arlong asked. "If that's what you truly wish, then I should kill all of you right now. Your lives are not worth that much. There's no one who will miss you when you're gone."
"No one's going to miss you either," Jou glared. "If your gonna start fighting for real, then let's fight." Jou twirled his red chain and hung it over his shoulder.
"ARLONG!" a familiar voice to Jou rang out. Jou turned his head and saw Nami standing in front of the villagers. Jou told her to stay away from here but she showed anyway. Luffy's hat on her head, her shoulder was recently bandaged from the previous wound. Nami had a fierce look of determination at the Fishman leader.
"Nami..." Jou muttered.
"You're here?" Sanji questioned as he slowly leaned up.
"Hey, Nami!" Arlong grinned when he noticed the girl. "I was just teaching a final lesson to these pathetic, little pirates. What're you doing here?" Nami gave Arlong a hard expression and said:
"I'm here to kill you."
Okay, that's it for this one. The reason I took a long time was that I made two chapters. It takes more time but at least you won't have to wait long. You'll get the next chapter sometime this week. But I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!
To BlazeBlade's question: I will not be doing any specials/OVAs. I'm also not going to do the Clockwork Island movie. But I am going to do the Warship Island arc again because I like that filler arc.
To Kdidier's question: Jou's look-like? l can't help you there. But I can tell his voice actors for both English and Japanese. For English, he's voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch(I know he voices Sabo but I'm keeping it), and Japanese he's voiced by Noriaki Sugiyama(he voices Ichiji, Sanji's brother). Those are just my picks for Jou's voice, you know, for fun.
I'll answer questions if you got them.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!