The Straw Hat crew stood before the imposing gates of Arlong Park, the stronghold of the most dangerous pirate in East Blue, Arlong.
Luffy's eyes were filled with determination as he clenched his fists. "Let's go, and kick Arlong's ass," he said seriously.
The crew nodded, falling into step beside him.
Flanking Luffy were Kon and Zoro, both mostly recovered from the brutal wounds inflicted by Mihawk.
Perched on his shoulder was Goku who was loading ammo into his four pistols.
Usopp, walking beside Kon, pulled out his slingshot, his fingers tightening around it as he steeled himself. Jango, gripping his hypnosis ring, kept pace.
Sanji, beside Zoro, lit a cigarette, the flame briefly illuminating his face as he exhaled a plume of smoke.
Nami walked among them, her heart swelling as she glanced at her nakama. These people, who she'd known for less than a month, were risking their lives for her village, her fight.
In her head, she whispered, 'Thank you, everyone. Arlong, your reign of terror would finally be over!'
Moomoo, the massive sea cow, was tied tightly to prevent escape to the deck on the shore.
Luffy and Kon had already planned its fate—Luffy dreaming of juicy steaks, while Kon fantasized about sweet milkshakes.
As they moved through the villages under Arlong's control, they saw the suffering infected by Arlong and his pirates.
Elderly men with frail frames leaned on canes, their eyes hollow. Women bore tears and dark circles, their faces filled with exhaustion. Men slumped in despair, their spirits broken. Children, with puffy eyes and no trace of playfulness, flinched at every sound, fear clinging to them.
Kon's gaze swept over the scene, his eyes hardening. He didn't say anything, didn't think anything. He just walked faster toward Arlong Park, his small fists clenched.
---
Inside the Arlong Park, Arlong sat at a round table outside a mansion, as he faced Captain Nezumi and Rear Admiral Barco Keade.
Arlong's Fish-Men and Navy soldiers were scattered throughout the park, weapons at the ready if any fight broke out.
Everyone knew, though, that with Read Admiral Keade present, any fight would end decisively in the Navy's favor.
Arlong's jaw tightened as he watched Keade, who lounged with infuriating ease in front of him.
Arlong hated seeing a human so at ease in his domain, but he swallowed his pride—for now. He knew Fish-Men were superior in strength and speed, but certain humans, especially in the Navy, were monsters.
His mind flashed to a humiliating memory: Admiral Kizaru, toying with him as if he were a child, beating him effortlessly.
The sting of being unable to avenge his captain, Fisher Tiger, because of that man still burned him.
Shaking his head, Arlong pushed the thought aside. He also recalled Keade's last visit, when the Rear Admiral had snapped a Fish-Man in two with terrifying ease.
Arlong forced himself to focus—keeping Keade happy was critical to his Arlong Empire's growth in East Blue.
"Your actions of destroying Gosa village and killing Commodore Pudding Pudding and Marines under his command puts us into a bad situation," Keade stated, his voice calm but edged with authority.
"It's your job to cover my actions; that's why I pay you," Arlong snapped irritably, his sharp nails tapping the table.
Keade's eyes narrowed, his tone turning cold. "Do you think some money would be able to make me throw away my head? A Commodore's death is no small issue. The Marine HQ would sniff, and if they find my involvement with you, I would be just as dead as you."
Arlong looked angry at him, but Keade leaned back, a faint smile curling his lips. "I would need more money. A lot more money," he said simply.
"I just gave you 25 million berries. Why do you even want more?" Arlong growled, his patience thinning.
Keade's smile widened, unperturbed. "For the extra risk I'm taking with you and, of course, for bribing some people in the headquarters to keep their mouths shut."
Arlong's eyes narrowed, but he leaned forward. "I don't have more, but…"
"But what?" Keade prompted, raising an eyebrow.
"The girl Nami might have some hidden stash of money in millions," Arlong said, his voice low.
"Nami? Who is that?" Keade asked, glancing at Nezumi.
Nezumi leaned in, whispering quickly to Keade, filling him in on the girl's role in Arlong's crew.
"I see, I see," Keade said, his interest piqued. "And why would she have this much money with her?"
"I told her she could buy the freedom of her village for 100 million berries," Arlong replied, a cruel smirk spreading across his face.
Keade laughed, a loud, booming sound. "Wonderful, wonderful, Fish-Man! I like your ruthlessness, hahaha. Business should come first before sentiments, after all."
Arlong's smirk faltered slightly, but he continued. "The problem is we don't know where the money is, and Nami has not returned from her mission."
"Then find her," Keade said, his tone turning sharp. "She might have told someone in her village about the money in case something happens to her. After all, she loves her village so much. She would not want the villagers to slave away if she died at sea."
"There might be…" Arlong began, but before he could finish, the wall to Arlong Park exploded in a shower of debris.
Dust clouded the air as an elongated fist shot through, then snapped back to a boy wearing a red sleeveless t-shirt and a straw hat.
Luffy strode forward, his crew behind him: Kon, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Jango, and Goku.
Nami walked at the rear, her heart pounding as she saw Arlong's shocked expression.
Arlong's gaze flicked to Nami, his sharp teeth baring in a grin. Nezumi, sitting beside him, leaned toward the Fish-Man, his voice low but gleeful. "Well, well, Fish-Man, it seems you have quite some good luck."
-------Author Notes------
Y'all can read 15 extra chapters on my pat*reon for this fanfic!
https://pat reon.com/mrmime24
[No Space in pat*reon]