"What happened? What was that sound?"
"I think I just heard Arlong's voice... it sounded like Arlong!"
"Look ahead! There's a huge crater—who did that?"
When the smoke cleared, Sandy stood tall in the middle of the battlefield, while Luffy sat on the ground nearby, blinking in confusion.
Once Luffy realized what was going on, he jumped up and ran to Sandy, shouting, "Sandy! You jerk! Arlong's supposed to be defeated by me!"
Sandy nodded casually. "Alright, alright. I won't interfere."
Luffy grinned. "Good! Arlong! Come out right now so I can punch you away!"
Sanji, watching from the side, sweatdropped. "Luffy... Arlong's already passed out. He's right there—in that hole. What are you yelling at the building for?"
Following Sanji's finger, Luffy turned and saw Arlong lying unconscious in the crater.
"...So what now? Wake him up so I can fight him again?" Luffy mumbled, disappointed.
Sandy smirked mischievously. "Sure, Luffy. Go wake him up and beat him up again. He's right there—don't hold back!"
The villagers finally realized what had happened, and joy swept through the crowd. After eight long years of oppression, their nightmare was finally over.
"Someone pinch me... this isn't a dream, right?"
"Arlong's reign... it's really over?"
"We're free! We're finally free! Hahaha!"
"Don't just celebrate here! Spread the word to the other villages!"
Not far away, Nami covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face. She could finally breathe again after all these years. But mixed in with that joy was a deep sadness.
"Belle-Mere..." she whispered.
Sandy didn't try to comfort her. He knew—some wounds could only be healed by oneself.
Village Chief Genzo stepped forward, looking down at Arlong's unconscious body. "Everyone... what should we do with Arlong?"
"Do we even need to ask? Kill him!"
"Yeah! After everything he's done, he deserves to die!"
"The one who suffered most is Nami... let her decide!"
Sandy nodded slightly, then leapt into the crater, hoisting Arlong up with one hand and tossing him in front of the villagers.
Nami's hands trembled as she picked up a dagger. She glared at Arlong, but her hesitation was clear. Finally, she dropped the blade with a clatter.
Sanji, hearts in his eyes, twirled around dramatically. "Miss Nami is not only beautiful but also kind! I love you, Miss Nami!"
Luffy walked up, gently patting Nami's shoulder. "I agree with you, Nami. Don't let hatred blind your heart."
The villagers murmured in agreement.
But then, Sandy stepped forward. "I object."
Everyone turned toward him, confused. Sandy walked to Arlong's side, grabbed him by the collar, and said coldly:
"I get that you're kind, but kindness needs limits. Think about it—how many people has this bastard killed? How many lives has he destroyed? How many did he enslave for eight damn years?
If you forgive scum like him... then you deserve the suffering you got!"
"Nani?!" everyone exclaimed in shock.
Ignoring their reactions, Sandy raised his voice. "Paying for what you've done is only right. The hatred for killing your mother can never be forgiven.
Nami, you're not a saint, and I'm not asking you to be one. But if you don't end this yourself, will you really be happy?
Be strong. As Belle-Mere's daughter, do something for her. Let Arlong's life be her memorial.
And if you don't have the guts... I'll do it for you."
Everyone turned toward Nami.
They all knew Sandy was right—the hatred for a murdered parent could never be ignored. Mercy was something to think about after justice was served.
Nami looked at the villagers, then smiled through her tears. Without hesitation, she picked up the dagger and stabbed Arlong.
Cheers erupted through Arlong Park as villagers shouted and cried. After years of despair, vengeance and freedom had finally arrived.
Sanji approached Sandy, grumbling, "Sandy, you bastard! Don't corrupt Nami's pure heart!"
Sandy gave him a sidelong glance. "What would you do if someone killed Zeff—the old man from the Baratie?"
Sanji didn't hesitate. "I'd slaughter them all!"
Sandy smirked. "Exactly. Then don't tell Nami to forgive Arlong. Forgiveness is God's job. Nami's job is to send him to meet God."
Luffy nodded, eyes widening. "I get it now."
Nami walked up to Sandy, stared at him for a long moment, and then bowed deeply. "Thank you."
Sandy grinned. "Don't thank me yet. I've got another gift for you."
He waved a hand. "Everyone, back up! Stay away from the base!"
[Pheromone System: Space Field – Scan]
That's right—Sandy had mastered an ability similar to Trafalgar Law's Room. After all, their space-based powers had a lot in common.
In an instant, a massive pile of treasure materialized in the field—all the riches hidden inside Arlong's castle.
The villagers gasped in awe. They didn't understand Devil Fruit powers, so to them, this looked like a miracle.
"What in the world?! Where did all this treasure come from?!"
"That young man... he did it! Could it be... he's giving it all to Nami?"
Luffy pouted. "What? I thought it was something to eat!"
Sanji bonked him on the head. "Idiot! With this much treasure, you could buy all the food you want!"
"Really?!" Luffy clasped his hands and leaned toward Nami with sparkling eyes. "Nami! Can I have some?!"
Nami didn't even hear him—her eyes had turned into ($_$) symbols.
Zoro, watching from the side, noticed that Sandy hadn't ended his ability yet. "Sandy, what else are you planning to do?"
Sandy grinned. "You'll see."
He raised his sword. "One-Sword Style: Chrysanthemum Slash!!"
With a single sweeping motion, Sandy unleashed a fierce strike. The entire Arlong Park began to collapse piece by piece, kicking up huge clouds of dust.
"Cough... cough... what now?!"
"Ahhh! He scared me half to death! That guy's insane!"
"Look! Arlong's castle—it's been reduced to rubble!"
"Hiss... Sugoi...!"