Under some heavy threats from Arlong as well as some well-placed hush-money, Nezumi's death was reported as an unfortunate accident, meaning the corps shouldn't be looking much more into it. However, it still left a void that needed to be filled so, when they were finally informed that Headquarters had selected a new Captain to head the 16th Base, everyone was a bit on edge.
When the newly-appointed Captain finally showed up in Cocoyashi, Brynlee was rather surprised to see a somewhat familiar face. She couldn't place the purple-haired woman at all, but she knew her from the original story, that much was certain.
"I heard there were some shitty pirates running amuck," she stated, taking a drag of her cigarette. "If they're giving you any trouble, just give the word and I'll get rid of them."
She was strong, that much was certain – New World strong, Brynlee was ready to bet. How and why such a powerful woman had been named Captain of a random marine base on the edge of the world, she couldn't tell, though. But one thing was for certain: she wouldn't be bought, and Arlong couldn't beat her.
Right here, right now, the villagers of Cocoyashi had to decide their fate.
"… baseless rumors," finally said Genzo, lowering his cap a bit. "The only people on this island are us and our lovely neighbors."
"You mean the Fishmen?" she replied, quirking a brow.
"What, you got somethin' against Fishmen?" snapped back an older woman. "'Cause we ain't gonna stand for it if you try to cause them any issues, know that."
The rest of the villagers nodded firmly in agreement, seemingly of one mind. Brynlee merely watched from her hiding spot on one of the higher roofs, pleasantly surprised, and admittedly a bit confused. If they refused to turn in Arlong and his crew right now, then they'd miss their chance at being free from his admittedly tyrannical rule.
But the villagers stood their ground, and the Captain eventually accepted defeat.
"Alright, I'll take your word for it. I won't bother you any longer, then. If you need anything, feel free to contact our base."
On which she walked away with a lazy wave of the hand, though she spared a glance for Brynlee's hiding spot as she passed by. The girl held her breath but, thankfully, the woman didn't call her out and simply left.
When Arlong later came by to confront the villagers about their encounter with the new Captain, he was quite surprised to find they hadn't spilled the beans. Not out of fear, but not exactly out of respect, either – something in between.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you're the lesser of two evils right now. We can pay you and you leave us alone – but the marines? It's a pit of endless greed and ambition. We can't trust them to keep their word, but we can trust you to keep yours," explained Genzo.
"Plus, this is our problem," added Bellemere. "We might not have much, but we're a proud people – we'll resolve this without their interference."
Right there and then is when Arlong finally began to understand that there might be more to humans than he originally gave them credit for.
Alright, new chapter, as promised!
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