A/N: The Brother Lock has nothing to do with Chinese stuff. In anime, Johnny calls Zoro or Luffy "brother, big brother, or aniki."
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"This is this month's share, please accept it..."
Arlong handed a large wad of banknotes to a Marine with a rat-like mustache sitting across from him.
Jie Jie Jie—
The rat-like Marine laughed wickedly and said, "Arlong, your mind is different from that of ordinary pirates."
"Hahahaha!"
"It's the same for you. As long as you are willing to make friends with me, you can enjoy endless benefits in this East Blue."
Arlong laughed out loud while sitting in his chair.
He fixed the Marine with his left eye and squinted his right, grinning. "The fact that you can understand this shows that you're also a smart naval captain!"
The Marine captain crossed his arms and said, "I'm sorry for all this time."
"Hahahaha!"
Arlong threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Why are you still talking about this now? Harmony brings wealth..."
At first, the colonel had been trying to catch Arlong and his crew, but after being bribed, he turned a blind eye to Arlong's actions.
"Money is a good thing—more trustworthy than anything else."
"I'm right, right?" Arlong's grin widened as he stared at the Marine captain in front of him.
Sweat slid down the captain's forehead. "O-Of course..."
The Marine knew exactly what Arlong meant. Since he had accepted the money, he was already in the same boat as the fishman pirate. Though in the back of his mind, the Marine was always ready to betray him if the chance came.
"Although I hate humans, people like you who are sensible are exceptions."
Arlong bared his sharp teeth as he spoke.
The Marine stood from his seat and said, "Then I'll be leaving first."
"Don't worry, have a few drinks here once in a while..."
Arlong raised his wine glass and smirked.
"No, I'd better go. It would be bad if someone saw a navy ship docked next to a pirate base."
"That's a shame. Hachi, see the colonel off."
...
"Is this Arlong's base, the fishman who came from the Grand Line...?"
"Nami here..."
Usopp swallowed nervously as he looked at the looming building in front of him.
"Let's first go and see if the Going Merry is parked on this island..." Johnny suggested.
"That... makes sense," Usopp agreed.
But that wasn't what Zoro had in mind.
He stood up, walked to the bow, and stared at the gate ahead. "Get ready to charge in."
"Why do you want to rush in right away?!"
Usopp and Johnny, standing at his sides, yelled nervously.
"Idiot! We haven't even found any clues yet!" Usopp snapped, his eyelids twitching.
"The opponent is that fishman!" Johnny added, not wanting to fight head-on. "We should make a plan first."
But Zoro casually rested his hand on a sword hilt, set his foot on the bow, and said, "I don't like so much trouble. Luffy ordered me to bring that woman back. So no matter who she is, I'm bringing her back."
"Go!"
Zoro shouted and leaned forward, ready to strike.
Usopp and Johnny glanced at each other, nodded... and then both smashed hammers down on Zoro's head.
Boom!
...
Using his telescope, Usopp scanned the area. Then he spotted a familiar ship.
"Found it, the Going Merry!"
"It seems Sister Nami is indeed here."
"What are you doing? Untie the rope for me!" Zoro, tied up, shouted furiously.
Usopp poked Zoro's side smugly. "You've just recovered, so you should stay put. I'll take care of this."
I must kill these two bastards! Zoro's forehead twitched as he glared at them.
Usopp puffed his chest and laughed arrogantly. "The mission of bringing Nami back will be completed by me, Usopp! Hahahaha!"
Johnny muttered, "You weren't so arrogant back in Arlong Park..."
Bang!Splash!
Before they could row closer to the Merry, a sudden huge wave rocked their small boat.
"Agh! What happened...?" Usopp sputtered, choking on seawater.
"Johnny and the others are here," Johnny said as he spotted Lock, Luffy, Sanji, and their boat appearing out of nowhere.
Johnny blinked. "Johnny, how did you get here so fast?"
Uuurghh—
The other Johnny (the bounty hunter) clung to the boat's edge, retching. "N-No... I can't... Brother Lock's magic is too fast... ugh..."
Meanwhile, Luffy danced with excitement. "Ohhh! Sugoi! That was fun! One more time, Lock!"
Sanji covered his head, pale. "Ugh... what kind of ability do you have to make the ship go that fast...?" He sighed, lit another cigarette—only for it to get soaked by the seawater.
"Hey, isn't this Zoro? Why's he tied up?"
Lock hopped onto Zoro's boat, chuckling at the sight.
"Lock, perfect timing! Untie me, I'm gonna chop them both up!"
Zoro shouted immediately, veins bulging.
Lock smirked and crouched down to loosen the ropes.
"No, Lock!/Brother Lock!" Usopp and Johnny shouted desperately.
Lock turned his head. "Why not?"
The two sighed in relief when he paused.
But then Lock stood up, dangling the rope in his hand. "Sorry, you're too late."
"U...U...sopp!"
"Y-Yes, I'm here..." Usopp stammered, trembling as Zoro loomed over him.
"Johnny!"
"I-I'm here too..." Johnny quaked as well.
Crack...
Zoro stood, stretching his shoulders, fury radiating from him. "You two bastards, ready to be chopped into eight pieces...?"
"I'm sorry, Brother Zoro!"
Both men immediately dropped to the ground, prostrating themselves.
"Don't think an apology will save you!"
"You two—!"
"Hiiiee!" Usopp and Johnny clung to each other, shaking like leaves as Zoro approached.
Bang!Splash!
Before Zoro could clobber them, two fishmen suddenly leapt out of the sea.
"Hey, who are you guys? Why are you here?"
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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