Chapter 24: CHAPTER 24: Something is wrong
Kill them all, don't leave anyone alive!
This bloody statement sent chills through everyone present.
As the overall commander of this operation, Luffy scanned the crowd's expressions and spoke again:
"Don't think that any of the fishmen are innocent and don't deserve this. There is no such argument."
"The Arlong Pirates, as a whole, are led by Arlong, and their crimes are unforgivable. To say that they have reasons for their actions is a joke."
"This pirate crew came to the East Blue from the Grand Line eight years ago and has since occupied more than 20 villages, with even more cities destroyed."
"They rule everything around them with force, collecting a tax of 50,000 for children and 100,000 for adults per month. The number of people killed because they are unable to pay the tax is countless."
"There are no fishmen innocent of these despicable acts!"
At that moment, Luffy looked at Nami.
Nami closed her eyes and after a moment, opened them again, saying seriously, "I was naive just now, I'm sorry. Now let me say it again, please help me eliminate the Arlong Pirates!"
His tone became resolute.
Zoro smiled: "No need to ask, aren't we comrades?"
"Yes, Zoro is right!"
"Nami, we will definitely save your hometown!"
Johnny and Yosaku also firmly agreed.
Luffy took a sip of tea and laughed, "This is all for justice!"
"Ugh~ That sounds weird coming from your mouth!" Usopp couldn't help but comment.
Matt nodded solemnly, "Luffy is right, this is all for justice!"
"Hey, is it appropriate to say that to a group of pirates?" Usopp's mouth twitched.
"Hahahaha."
Matt laughed, "I don't think you guys are pirates. If all pirates were like Luffy and you, what difference would it make if the whole world became pirates?"
Clap, clap, clap.
Luffy clapped his hands, attracting everyone's attention.
"After confirming our objectives, the next step is the specific plan."
At that moment, Nami raised her hand to signal.
"Luffy, I have a way to bring all the fishmen together."
"He is sure?"
Nami looked at him gently, smiling, "After all, this is about my hometown, I want to contribute! And don't underestimate me, Luffy, I'm your navigator!"
-------
Shortly after.
Everyone gathered at the bow of the warship, watching the Going Merry leave the fleet and head towards the Arlong Pirates' stronghold.
"Luffy, do you really agree to leave this to Nami?", asked Matt with a touch of concern.
"Don't worry."
That woman mastered two techniques of the six styles (Rokushiki). If there is any danger, that bunch of fish won't be able to stop Nami.
Luffy wasn't worried at all.
"Come on, let's go to Cocoyasi Villa first."
"Yes!"
...
Arlong Park.
The Arlong Pirates' stronghold.
Nami was standing at the entrance to the main gate, feeling a mix of emotions.
She recalled her childhood, the time she spent with her mother and sister.
Despite the poverty and sometimes having to survive on oranges alone, those were warm and beautiful times.
But this beauty was destroyed with the arrival of the fishmen. His mother, Bellemere, was shot and killed by Arlong because she was unable to pay her taxes.
Everyone in the village suffered and many people died.
As for her, she was valued by Arlong for her talent in drawing maps.
And so, a deal was made.
When she collected 100 million berries, she was able to buy Cocoyasi Village back from the Arlong Pirates.
She became a "Thief" in the eyes of some people, a "traitor" in the eyes of those who didn't know the truth.
Eight years have passed.
Looking at Arlong Park once again, a pirate flag was hanging at the top.
"This will be over soon!"
Nami calmed her mind and opened the door, entering.
What appeared was an outdoor pool.
There were many fishmen around the pool, standing or sitting.
And the captain of the Arlong Pirates, the fishman Arlong, was sitting on a beach chair, peacefully enjoying the sunlight.
"Aren't you our navigator, Nami? Are you back yet?" Arlong was the first to notice Nami and smiled, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "How was the transportation this time? It looks like you're carrying a big package."
Disgusting!
As soon as the words "navigator" left Arlong's mouth, Nami felt extremely disgusted.
She approached without saying a word and threw the package she was carrying onto the floor.
"I collected the 100 million berries!"
"What!?"
Arlong's expression suddenly changed. "That's impossible!"
"What is impossible?" Nami glared coldly.
How much money she stole every time she came back, how much she stole until today, he knew everything very clearly...
Arlong looked at Nami and then at the package on the floor.
Judging by its size, it indeed contained one hundred million.
"According to the agreement, Cocoyasi Village is free from now on!" Said Nami.
This was truly an unexpected turn of events.
Arlong remained silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahaha, let's check it out then, Nami. I'm a man who always keeps his promises!"
Saying so, he gestured to a nearby fishman.
Receiving the boss's order, the fishman walked towards the package, pushing Nami aside.
"Come on, Nami."
However, just as his hand was about to touch Nami, a slender leg suddenly appeared.
Stormleg! (Rankyaku)
A quick kick technique, creating a vacuum cut.
Plop!
A long wound opened in the fishman's chest, and he flew backwards screaming.
The surrounding fishmen were all shocked.
"What was that now?"
"I... I didn't see clearly, did this woman kick Bisharo away?"
"His chest is bleeding!"
The fishmen were filled with doubt and astonishment.
Even Arlong's pupils constricted. When did Nami acquire this kind of fighting power?
Is this a move humans can use?
Others couldn't see clearly, but he could see clearly.
It was a slashing kick!
"Nami, what are you doing?" Arlong's face turned ugly as he questioned.
"Don't touch my money so casually." Nami stood with one hand on her hip, full of momentum. "This agreement needs to be witnessed by everyone. If you go back on your word, you will lose all your dignity in front of your subordinates. I don't trust you, Arlong!"
Hearing this, Arlong sneered inwardly. Naive human.
They have no idea how united fishmen are!
Even if he went back on his word publicly in front of everyone, so what?
As the captain of the Arlong Pirates, he would never lose his prestige, because they are fishmen, fishmen enslaved by humans.
"I understand, it's natural for you to have such concerns. In that case, let's wait until everyone is present to witness this agreement made eight years ago." Arlong laughed warmly. "Hachi."
"What happened, Arlong?"
An octopus fishman emerged from the pool.
"Go and tell everyone to gather together. We must prepare for a grand celebration! After all, there are a hundred million berries, hahaha..."
Amid wild laughter, Arlong got up and returned home.
His face instantly darkened.
"Something isn't right. Nami's money couldn't have been gathered so quickly."
Thinking about this, he took out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
"It's me. We have big business to discuss!"
(End of chapter)