Serves You Right

Arlong razor sharp teeth grinded together as he peered at the deceased corpse of one of his officers. "You too, Sharptooth?"

There was a lingering silence in the air over Arlong Park. The villagers who stood to the side, watched with palpable shock in their expressions. Nami stood at the forefront of the crowd with mouth agape. For what seemed like only a few seconds ago, she experienced true terror. When Sharptooth had launched himself at Nojiko with the intention of killing her, Nami assumed that she would share the same cruel fate as her mother. And yet, Sharptooth was the one who ended up dead.

Nojiko, who kept her firm grip on Luffy's head to keep him from sinking back into the deep pool, was just as surprised as her sister and the other villagers. Her eyes darted over to Ryuza. His white samurai gi had been drenched with blood. It was unknown whether it was his blood from his own wounds, or blood from the fishman he had just cut down.

"He…he beat him." Nojiko mumbled audibly. "All the officers are down. Arlong is the only one left. They…they might actually do it. They might actually defeat him."

"Way to go, brother Ryuza!" Johnny shouted, still standing with the crowd of villagers yelled with a wide grin on his face.

As if reinvigorated by the sight, the villagers raised their weapons high into the air, celebrating the young samurai's victory over the fishman that had caused them so much strife. Nami quickly glanced over, observing the villagers' faces. Each one was more delighted and more determined than ever. A grin crept it's way onto her own face. She looked back over at Arlong, who had been glaring daggers at Ryuza. For the first time, she felt that victory may have been possible.

Ryuza's ears felt like it had been ringing for a long time now. His entire body felt numb except for his legs. He was hunched over, taking deep breaths as he contemplated on his next move. No one could stand in his way anymore. He would be the one to takedown Arlong and free the village from evil. With a slow step, he began to make his way across the courtyard floor, his eyes fiercely locked onto Arlong.

"You've killed one of my brethren..." Arlong growled, his eyes narrowed. "For that, I'll make sure that you suffer before you die! You and everyone on this island!"

It mattered not what he said. Ryuza would not fall to someone such as him. He refused to. He continued his steps, prepared to duel Arlong to the death if he had to. But then he paused, as if the muscles in his body had suddenly turned to stone. His eyes shifted to the floor and he saw sma;; puddles of crimson liquid forming. Blood. His blood. As if suddenly coming to the realization of his wounds, Ryuza dropped to one knee, the pain shooting through his spine like a wheel of sharp spikes running along his back.

My body… Ryuza grimaced, the sharp look in his eyes disappearing. It was as if he had been knocked out of a trance. I can't move…

Arlong—who must have noticed Ryuza nearly collapse—laughed. "Shahahaha! It looks like you've used up all your energy, samurai." He said mockingly. "Looks like killing you will be much easier than I thought!"

"Oh no, brother Ryuza's injuries must be getting to him!" Yosaku noted, standing with the crowd. "He's lost a lot of blood!"

Not yet. Ryuza could not allow his body to collapse. Not when he was so close to finally bringing the battle to an end himself. He thought that he'd be in better condition than this. To at least have enough energy to put Arlong down for good. But after so many injuries, his body must have been starting to give out.

"I'd be a fool to not take advantage of this." Arlong laughed. "Not that a pathetic human like you would be a threat to me. But still, I'll be glad to put you out of your misery!"

Arlong bolted forward—his taller figure already looming over Ryuza—his fist pulled back to most likely pummel him into the fortress floor.

"Ryuza! Move!" Nami cried out.

Do not use my name, orange haired witch. Ryuza wasn't furious at her, but mostly the situation he had found himself in. His breathing was ragged, his muscles ached, and his body refused to obey his commands. Nevertheless, he was prepared to take the full brunt of Arlong's attack. Even if he could not move, he could still endure. Nami and the villagers looked on in horror as Arlong prepared to attack. It was then, something had darted past them, the force of the wind nearly knocking over some members of the crowd. That something turned out to be not a thing, but a person. Nami quickly recognized the white hair, tall stature, and multicolored.

It was Yamato.

Ryuza clenched his jaw, preparing to take Arlong's punch, but to his surprise, he saw Yamato in the air—having leapt from the ground—with her mace drawn back, and a fierce gaze in her orange eyes. He was surprised to see her, but also very relieved to see that she was there.

Arlong spotted the large shadow looming over him and moved to turn around. But by the time he completed his rotation, Yamato slammed her mace into his ribs. She yelled, and with a mighty push, sent Arlong flying into the wall of the tower that stood at the center of the fortress.

"Sister Yamato!" Johnny shouted, smiling wildly at the familiar sight.

Nami blinked her eyes rapidly, astonished to see the white haired Oni present in the fight. "Yamato?"

Yamato glared at Arlong as the dust began to clear. Ryuza saw that her white top was damaged and filthy, signifying the mark of battle. Her face was also scratched and marked with bruises and small wounds. And yet here she stood in front of him. It could only mean she was victorious against the large fishman she battled again.

Yamato glanced at Ryuza—noticing his bemused expression—and smiled wide enough for her cheeks to redden. "I'm glad I made it in time, Ryuza-san."

Ryuza could feel his lips begin to straighten out. Eventually, he gave into the urge to give her a small smile in return. "Welcome back, Yamato."

There was a silent acknowledgement for the moment. Yamato had that same stupid grin she'd always have when pleased with herself. A look Ryuza had grown accustomed to seeing.

"You look like someone just gave you a good beating." Ryuza said as he stared up at her tall stature. "I assume your opponent looks a lot worse?"

Yamato's smile widened even further as she hoisted her studded mace over her shoulder. "Of course! In the end, he was no match for me!" Her expression turned serious. "But your injuries look much worse than mine. You should stay there and balance yourself. I can take care of Arlong."

"I'm fine." Ryuza said. He smiled weakly and his shoulders weaved up and down from drawn ragged breaths. "I just need a minute. I can still finish this battle."

"Ryuza-san…." Yamato appeared worried for a moment. But then, that stupid grin of hers returned. "Apologies! But I will have taken down Arlong before you have recovered!"

Ryuza suddenly felt himself fired up. His calm and collected demeanor that overtook him during his duel with the piranha fishman was swapped with a more irritable demeanor.

"Commit Hara-kiri!" He suddenly snapped. "Arlong is mine to defeat!"

Indignant by the response, Yamato hollered in equal irritation. "I already told you to not tell me to commit Hara-kiri! It's rude!"

Despite the situation, the two glared at each other, a spark of competitiveness shooting through them both. Yamato had always known what pushed Ryuza's buttons, which is likely why she was teasing him. Despite the irritation, he felt slightly better at Yamato's presence despite the pain that occasionally shot up his spine.

"Worry not, Yamato-Chan! I will not let you fight this battle alone!" Sanji's voice suddenly cried out.

Just a few meters behind them, Sanji—whose face was still marked with small drops of blood, leapt forward. He appeared to be reinvigorated after not being capable of standing to his feet earlier during the fight.

Ryuza was surprised to see him standing. He noticed the way he wobbled as he made his way over to them. The injuries must have still been affecting him.

"When did you get back up?" Ryuza asked aloud. "I thought you were unconscious."

Sanji managed a smile. "I've been awake ever since you took down that bastard with the knives. Nice going by the way."

"Nice to see that you are still alive, Sanji-San!" Yamato said brightly.

"Of course my beautiful Yamato-chan! I would never leave you and Nami-swan to fend for yourselves!." Sanji said proudly, as if making some declaration.

"He's getting back up…" A voice mused.

A few meters away, Zoro who had most certainly been momentarily unconscious was beginning to stir. His wounds still looked fresh, but despite this, he reached over to grab his swords that were sitting only a few feet away.

"Zoro-San! You're alright as well!" Yamato said, expressing her delight.

"All of you get ready." Zoro said, his eyes focused ahead. "I think you managed to just piss him off even more."

Inside the pile of rubble where Yamato had batted Arlong away, the fishman roared furiously. In a matter of moments he shot up, his arms raised and his teeth bare, sending the pieces of debris scattering across the fortress courtyard. His eyes were bloodshot, and the group could tell that he had lost what little patience he had.

"I am tired of this! You humans just don't know how to die properly!" He snapped.

"Finally! I can breathe again!" A familiar voice screamed after it had taken a deep inhale.

Ryuza snapped his gaze over to the right to spot the source of the loud and yet familiar voice. At the spot of the deep pool, Genzo had taken the place of Nojiko, who seemed to be nowhere in sight. Genzo hands were gripped tightly around Luffy's head, and much to Ryuza's surprise—as well as slight relief—Luffy was fully conscious, coughing up the remnants of pool water that still lingered in his lungs.

Genzo smiled triumphantly despite the tiredness in his eyes. "Hey! Are you finally awake?!"

Luffy's only response was an onslaught of rapid coughs and cursing.

Though Luffy was conscious, Ryuza noticed that his neck was still stretched at a lengthy rate. Which could only mean that his feet were still trapped in the piece of the floor he had clamped his foot in earlier. Perhaps Nojiko was down there to free his trapped limbs.

"We need to keep this guy occupied for a bit." Zoro said, lifting his third blade to his mouth. "I won't last any longer than 30 seconds, so you better hurry."

Ryuza, Yamato, and Sanji stared at Zoro. What is he talking about? Ryuza pondered to himself. Was he suggesting that the three of them divert Arlong's attention long enough for Luffy to get free? And what then? Would Luffy be the one to finally defeat the fishman captain? The mere thought of Luffy once again delivering the final blow to the pirate captain agitated Ryuza. He felt as if it should be his duty to defeat Arlong. He still clung tightly to the dream of defeating evil and freeing an entire village all by himself. Such an achievement would surely allow his name to traverse through the seas, and what would follow would be the world declaring him as the "Sword god".

And yet, as much as he had no desire to admit it, he could not defeat Arlong by himself with the condition that he was in. He glanced over to his allies. Neither Yamato, Sanji, or Zoro were in the best of conditions either. And Ussop was still nowhere to be seen. The ugly truth the young samurai had to face was that if the outcome of this battle would be victory, then Luffy needed to be freed.

Yamato, who had been staring at Zoro, suddenly grinned determinedly. Her mace glinted in the sunlight as she held it in preparation for an attack. Ryuza took it as a sign that she promptly agreed to Zoro's plan. If she agreed, then he would have been foolish to argue.

"Kozuki Oden wouldn't lose to this guy." Yamato said, "So I won't lose to him either!"

"30 seconds huh? That should be more than enough time!" Sanji said. He spun toward the pool and prepared to jump. "I shall return for you soon, Yamato-chan!"

Ryuza watched as Sanji dove into the pool, and disappeared into the depths below. He quickly understood that he was most likely going down there to assist in freeing Luffy from his confines. Arlong however, quickly caught onto what had been happening, the annoyed grimace evident on his face.

"You have to be kidding me….!" He growled. "That rubber brat is….!"

Yamato surged into a sprint, charging at Arlong with her mace reeled back. "Arlong! I will be the one to defeat you!"

Arlong's focus snapped back to the Oni who was already looming above him in the air. Yamato raised her mace over head and brought it over her shoulder with a significant amount of force. Arlong leapt back, his agility astounding for someone his size. Yamato's mace slapped hard against the floor, shattering the surface into pieces of small shards.

Not to be fettered, Yamato pursued Arlong, swinging her mace at him once again. The fishman captain ducked, avoiding the powerful strikes and jerked his head to the right. Ryuza narrowed his eyes, confused by the sudden movement. To his surprise and horror, the movement had caused a cut at Yamato's abdomen. Arlong's sharp nose must have been the incision. Yamato's white robe split in two at the spot of the quick and yet deadly attack, revealing her abdomen.

"Ouch ouch ouch!" Yamato cried out, lunging back. "That nose of his is sharp!"

Arlong laughed. "Shahahaha! It doesn't matter if it's against humans or freaks of nature like you! Fishmen will always be superior!"

Before Yamato had the chance to regain her combative stance, Arlong launched himself at her with his body stiffened in a plank position and his arms at his side. His body moved with incredible speed, as if he were a harpoon thrown by someone with an expert arm. The speed of the attack forced Yamato to go on the defensive, bringing her mace up as if it were a shield. But Arlong was too fast, and his sharp nose pierced her shoulder like a lance. Yamato's eyes shot open from the pain drawing forth. Arlong followed up the attack with a powerful blow to her abdomen with his fist—sending the Oni sliding back a few feet.

Yamato could endure a ton of pain however, and would not be beaten so easily. She charged at him again, her mace reeled back for a mighty blow. Arlong leapt back and suddenly dived into one of the many nearby pools. Yamato halted and looked at the pool in uncertainty. She knew she could not dive in after him and it was even more confusing that he would flee from her in such a way.

However, Arlong was not merely fleeing. He was simply using the water to his advantage. Suddenly, just as he disappeared within the water, he quickly reappeared. He launched himself from the water with burst of great speed and powerful force, as if it had given him plentiful energy. His fist slammed into the side of Yamato's face as she did not expect Arlong to move at such speed. The force of the attack knocked her off her feet and sent her tumbling a few feet away. Arlong landed on his feet and sneered as she lifted her head and panted raggedly.

"Shahahaha! I had not expected an Oni to be so weak!" Arlong laughed mockingly. "Don't tell me Gura lost to someone so pitiful!"

Yamato visibly grit her teeth and knelt down on one knee. Ryuza saw the blood trickling from her shoulder and abdomen. Her body had been visibly shaking. Yamato always had an inhuman amount of stamina, even when she and Ryuza were kids.. And yet, he could tell that Yamato was greatly fatigued. The battle she had with Gura must have been taking its toll.

While Arlong continued to goad Yamato, Zoro joined the battle. He held his swords firmly and his body shook with exertion He swung at Arlong's neck, attempting to behead the fishman, but Arlong intercepted the sword strike with his long and sharp nose, using it as if it were a wieldable blade.

"Roronoa Zoro! Perhaps if you were at full strength, you could have cut my nose!" He shouted, counter pressuring Zoro with his strength. "But don't look so frustrated! Even if you were at full strength, you'd all die anyway!"

The strength of Arlong's nose was fierce, and they broke through Zoro's defense, cutting deep into the green haired swordsman's shoulder. Zoro screamed from the pain but before he could fall, Arlong gripped him by the neck—the size of his hand nearly covering the entirety of his head—and raised the swordsman into the air.

"Brother Zoro!"

Johnny and Yosaku watched on in terror as they witnessed their close friend's head being crushed. They looked on in horroralong with the other villagers who continued to spectate. Nami's hand found her mouth as bore the same terrified look, most likely noticing the blood dripping from the multitude of Zoro's wounds.

Arlong reeled his free hand back, his intention most likely to be to snap Zoro's neck with a single powerful attack. Yamato wouldn't be able to save him. Ryuza saw that she was just now getting back on her feet. But he was close enough to make the save. He had no desire to see the green haired swordsman die. After all, they still had a duel to settle.

However, his body worked against him and was still plagued by his injuries. But his will was stronger. It had to be stronger if he were to save the green haired swordsman. With his sword gripped tightly in his hand, he forced himself to stand on his own two feet. If one last attack was all that he could manage, then he would make it count.

His master had taught him that sometimes, one strike was all that was needed to turn the tide of a fierce duel.

He could feel the sword in his hand almost vibrate with energy, pulsating like the beat of a human heart. That familiar feeling of his sword feeling as if it had a soul of its own resonated within him once again. He lunged forward, his sword's tip scraping against the ground, and soon he was upon Arlong.

After he witnessed Nojiko's tale of how Arlong and his crew gained power. Seeing Nami stab and cut at her own flesh as a result of Arlong's cruelty. The corruption that the Marines who were meant to uphold justice and yet instead stole from the innocent. All that anger sparked a fire within the young samurai's warrior soul. And he would use it to singe a deep scar into Arlong's chest.

"Arlong!" Ryuza roared, leaping at him with fierce eyes.

Arlong's open hand was only a few meters away from Zoro's neck and it had frozen upon hearing Ryuza shout his name. By the time he realized that the young samurai was charging at him, it was too late.

Ryuza slashed at the blue flesh of Arlong's chest, which was wide open due to his unbuttoned shirt. The dark metal of his sword hit its mark, seering through the fishman's flesh. Blood burst forth and Arlong bellowed, dropping Zoro to the ground.

Nami stared on in wide eyed shock, sweat visibly trickling down her face as she bore witness to what had just happened. It was as if she was pondering if this was something of a dream world rather than reality. No, it was indeed not a dream. It was real, a true battle unlike anything she had seen. And for the first time in her twenty years of being forced to work for him, she actually saw Arlong experiencing true pain and bleeding from a wound.