Lately, because they had become so familiar with Doflamingo, Nami and Nojiko had started visiting him more and more often. After all, it was a place where they could learn things they couldn't anywhere else.
It was another beautiful day. Nami and Nojiko had been helping Bellemere in the tangerine grove. After they finished their work, the two of them planned to go to Doflamingo's place to hear more stories about the outside world.
"Come back soon, Nami, Nojiko!" Bellemere called out as the two sisters ran off.
"We know, Bellemere!" Nami and Nojiko shouted back in unison as they ran, one after the other.
"Those two kids," Bellemere sighed, watching them disappear into the distance.
Just as Nami and Nojiko were heading to Doflamingo's residence, the Arlong Pirates officially set foot in Cocoyasi Village.
"Arlong-san, we've arrived at Cocoyasi Village," Hachi announced, standing at the bow of the ship and looking at the small village ahead.
"Alright, boys! Let's tear this place up! Disembark!" Arlong shouted, rallying his men.
"Tear it up!"
"Tear it up!"
The fish-men under his command cheered wildly, responding to Arlong's call.
Led by Arlong, a large contingent of fish-men swarmed ashore, invading the land of Cocoyasi Village.
At that moment, Genzo, the village sheriff, was on patrol. To protect villages from pirate attacks, most had a similar position. Genzo noticed the arrival of the large group of outsiders. From their actions, he could tell they were aggressive and not to be trifled with. Even more terrifying was the flag flying from their ship's mast, which clearly marked them as pirates.
Genzo realized something was terribly wrong and quickly shouted to the village, "Pirates are here! Everyone, get ready!"
His loud cry caught the attention of Arlong and his crew. Arlong looked at the man before him with an expression of utter contempt.
"You there! Gather all the villagers here for me, and save me the trouble of hunting them down one by one!" Arlong said fiercely to Genzo.
"Damn pirates! We will not surrender! Get out of our village now!" Genzo shouted back, unafraid and resolute.
"Damn you! Did you not hear what I said? It seems you won't learn your lesson until I teach it to you!" Arlong said, his face a mask of impatience. This wretched human was refusing his kindness. Arlong was getting angry.
"You want me to surrender to you damn pirates? That's impossible!" Genzo said with backbone, his hand gripping his weapon tightly.
"Boss, let me handle this," Kuroobi said to the enraged Arlong. "Since this guy doesn't know what's good for him, I'll be happy to put him in his place."
Arlong gave a slight nod, giving Kuroobi permission to act.
Genzo watched the fish-man Kuroobi approach, his expression grave. He was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.
"Have you decided how you want to die?" Kuroobi asked arrogantly, backed by the large group of fish-men who cheered him on.
"Who's afraid of you damn pirates?!" Genzo said calmly.
"You wretched fool. Let's see if you can still talk after this. Let me teach you how to speak to us!" As soon as the words left his mouth, Kuroobi eagerly lunged at Genzo.
"Kuroobi, kill him!"
"Go, Kuroobi!"
Behind Kuroobi were his numerous brothers, their cheers deafening. Behind Genzo, there was no one. He looked utterly helpless.
How could Genzo possibly be a match for Kuroobi? In less than a single exchange, he was covered in cuts and wounds. His face was particularly gruesome, splattered with blood.
THUD!
Genzo was kicked away by Kuroobi. He lay on the ground, struggling to get back up.
Kuroobi dragged his blade and slowly walked over to Genzo, looking down on him with a mocking sneer. "Still trying to get up? You pathetic worm! Just die!"
Kuroobi raised his sword without a moment's hesitation, ready to strike. He had had his fun; it was time to reap the man's life.
Genzo watched Kuroobi's sword descend upon him and quietly closed his eyes, calmly accepting his death.
I'm sorry, everyone. I couldn't protect you. Even in his final moments, Genzo's thoughts were of the villagers' safety.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Several gunshots rang out, halting Kuroobi's attack. Bellemere had arrived.
She aimed her rifle at Kuroobi, making him hesitate to deliver the killing blow.
"Get back!" Bellemere shouted at him.
Kuroobi looked at the gun-wielding Bellemere and subconsciously took a few steps back, watching as she rushed to help the fallen Genzo.
"I was wondering who it was! So it's you, Bellemere," Genzo said with a pained smile, opening his eyes.
"Genzo, don't talk! You're really going to die!" Bellemere said with worry, helping him up.
"I'm not dead yet. Don't worry. Is everyone alright?" Genzo said toughly.
"They're all behind me. Don't worry, Genzo. You're not fighting alone. We're all here. I'll do my part too," Bellemere encouraged.
"Cough, cough... I know," Genzo coughed, spitting up blood he couldn't control.
As the two talked, the villagers quickly gathered around them.
The Arlong Pirates watched the reunion quietly. They paid no mind to the rifle in Bellemere's hands. Seeing that all the villagers had gathered, they decided it was time.
"That's enough sentimental nonsense. It's time to talk business," Arlong said, stepping forward to address Bellemere and Genzo.
"Stay back! Don't come any closer!" Bellemere shouted, holding her rifle steady. It was now her duty to protect everyone.
"Shahahaha! You think that thing works on me? You should know, I am a great fish-man, infinitely more noble than you inferior humans," Arlong said, ignoring her threat with perfect composure.
"That's right! We're great fish-men! Our physical strength is ten times that of you humans!"
"Ten times!"
"Surrender now! We won't hurt you!"
"Yeah! Just use money to buy your lives! We're very reasonable!"
Hearing their leader speak, the fish-men behind Arlong eagerly chimed in.
Their words made the villagers nervous. They were just defenseless civilians. How could they possibly be a match for these vicious pirates? Besides, they weren't planning on killing them.
Hearing this, the villagers' will to fight quickly faded. They waited helplessly for Arlong's judgment.
Seeing the villagers waver at the pirates' words, Bellemere knew this was bad. "Everyone, don't believe what the pirates say!" she shouted. "Can people like them be trusted?"
Her words split the villagers into two camps. Some supported her, while others believed Arlong.
Finally, a brave villager couldn't hold back any longer and asked Arlong, "M-Mr. Boss? Do you really mean what you say?"
Seeing the fish take the bait, Arlong generously replied, "Of course I do! I just want money. I don't want your lives. As long as you pay enough, I won't bother you."
Arlong's words were like a calming pill for the villagers. Instantly, they all changed their minds and decided to pay. If they could buy their safety with money, they were willing to accept it. It was just a small price to pay to avoid disaster.
"Everyone, don't believe them!"
Just as everyone had agreed to Arlong's terms, Bellemere jumped out and righteously warned them.
"I'm telling you, you're really getting on my nerves. Do you really think I'm that easygoing?" Arlong said, extremely annoyed that this wretched woman was ruining his plans again.
"My justice will not allow you damn pirates to violate this place!" Bellemere declared, raising her rifle.
"Shahahaha! Such justice! Then come and try me!" Arlong said with utter disdain, gesturing provocatively with his finger.
Bang, bang, bang!
True to her word, Bellemere would not surrender easily. She raised her rifle and fired at Arlong.
"Foolish woman. It's time you learned the difference between me and you inferior humans."
Arlong's voice came from behind Bellemere. A powerful fist slammed viciously into her stomach.
"How could...?" Bellemere was stunned. A heavy blow from Arlong struck her abdomen. She fell to her knees, clutching her stomach in pain.
"Bellemere, are you alright?" Genzo asked, dragging his heavily injured body to her side to support her.
"I'm fine," Bellemere said, gritting her teeth against the pain.
"Don't push yourself," Genzo advised, seeing her furrowed brow and the cold sweat covering her forehead.
"I..." Bellemere was speechless.
"Do you understand the difference between us now? We are the great fish-men!" Arlong said arrogantly.
"Maybe... maybe we should just agree to their demands," Genzo said to Bellemere, unable to bear it any longer.
"Genzo, you..." Bellemere looked at him in disbelief. Then, as if realizing something, she nodded. "Then let's do that."
Seeing that the only one who dared to resist had finally submitted, Arlong was deeply satisfied.
"Is everyone here? It's time to start collecting the fee!" Arlong said excitedly, looking at the people as if they were mountains of gold.
In contrast to the Arlong Pirates' excitement, the villagers resignedly accepted their fate. They hung their heads low, not daring to speak loudly, afraid of angering the vicious fish-men.
Bellemere and Genzo scanned the crowd but didn't see Nami or Nojiko. They also didn't see the two outsiders.
They exchanged a look, and a silent understanding passed between them.
"Why aren't you speaking? Are you all mute?" Arlong roared.
"Mr. Boss... everyone... everyone should be here," a villager said meekly. They all knew the truth. They loved Nami and Nojiko, and knew Bellemere was poor and probably couldn't afford to pay for three people. They had hidden the truth out of kindness.
"Should be? So there are still people missing? Damn you! Did you think I was so easy to talk to that you dared to deceive me?!" Arlong bared his sharp teeth and threatened the villagers.
"We... we..." The villagers finally broke under Arlong's pressure.
"Bellemere... we're sorry," a villager apologized.
Bellemere said nothing. She too had accepted their fate. It would just be hard on Nami and Nojiko.
"There should still be two little girls and two outsiders," the villagers reported truthfully.
"Two little girls... two outsiders," Arlong muttered.
"Quick, go and bring them to me!" Arlong commanded. He was so blinded by greed now that he didn't care who they were.
"Yes, boss!"
Receiving their orders, the fish-men headed towards the location the villagers pointed out—the very place where Doflamingo was staying.