Chapter 34
BAM~
The hall doors burst open as a figure rushed in.
Carmen, frying pan in hand, jumped—nearly wetting herself.
Seeing it was Nami, she patted her chest, calming her racing heart.
Nami panted. "Carmen-san, quick…"
"Slow down."
Carmen poured her water and soothed her.
Nami downed it, took a deep breath, and steadied.
"Big Bro Arlong might be in trouble."
What?!
Carmen looked shocked.
Was there someone on the island stronger than an admiral who subdued Arlong in one move?
Otherwise, why no commotion?
After Nami's explanation, she realized her mistake.
Nojiko groggily woke, saw Nami and Carmen, and giggled drunkenly.
"Nami… Carmen-san… let's keep drinking… then find Big Bro Arlong for fun.
Big Bro Arlong loves…"
Drunken rambling. Nami's veins bulged.
She raised a fist—but couldn't bring herself to hit.
Nami handed Nojiko to Carmen and went to rouse the others.
"Nojiko, wake up—trouble!"
Carmen shook her shoulders.
Nojiko felt sick and shoved her away.
"Carmen-san, you're so loud… Big Bro Arlong loves that…"
She giggled. "Big Bro Arlong loves the back road in snow—you all can't handle it…"
Carmen: [●′?｀●]
Unable to wake her, Carmen dumped a kettle of water on Nojiko's head.
Nojiko struggled but Carmen held firm.
Nami was more direct—pummeling the three fishman cadres awake.
That familiar pain snapped them alert.
"Big Sis Nami…"
Hatchan rubbed the lumps on his head, looking wronged.
He opened his mouth—Chew and Kuroobi clamped it shut.
Didn't see Nami's murderous glare?
Nojiko, drenched, sobered somewhat.
Using her fruit, she expelled the alcohol and water from her clothes.
Fully awake.
Nami explained what she overheard.
Hearing Arlong might be in danger, Hatchan and the others panicked, demanding to search.
"Sit down, all of you!"
Nami punched each once, taking charge.
"No plan? We'd not only fail to save Big Bro Arlong—we'd die too."
The panicked trio looked to her like a lifeline.
"Big Sis Nami, what do we do?"
"Big Sis Nami, any plans?"
"Big Sis Nami, just tell us!"
Nojiko and Carmen looked to her too.
"We should…"
Nami stopped—someone was missing.
Bartolomeo wasn't here!
Was this a trap targeting the whole Arlong Pirates?
Dread hit Nami. She asked quickly,
"Anyone have Little Barto's Den Den Mushi?"
"I do."
Hatchan pulled out the green mohawk snail and dialed.
Buru buru~
It rang forever—no answer.
It really was trouble!
Nami's heart sank.
Heavy footsteps and shouts came from outside.
"Everyone out—don't let them surround us!"
Nami grabbed the Clima-Tact and charged out.
The others followed.
"Hey."
The Den Den Mushi finally answered—Bartolomeo's lazy voice.
"Hatchan, middle of the night—no sleep? Why call?"
"Hatchan?"
Buru.
No response—Bartolomeo hung up.
Seeing Nami emerge, Mr. 9 counted—everyone present.
Their guarded stances sank his heart—the plan was exposed.
Mr. 9 glanced at Miss Monday; she looked back.
Worry in their eyes—they exchanged silent panic, unsure what to do.
Baroque Works agents held back—Nami didn't dare attack first.
Hundreds of bounty hunters—over half with guns.
They could turn them into sieves easily.
Stalemate. Like statues. The atmosphere turned eerie.
Sweat beaded on tense foreheads; throats bobbed.
Minutes passed—Nojiko broke the silence, glaring at Mr. 9 and Miss Monday.
"Where did you hide Big Bro Arlong?"
"Hand him over—or else!"
"I'm a Slip-Slip Fruit user!"
Nojiko tried to look fierce—but too pretty, just kawaii.
Mr. 9 jumped at "Devil Fruit."
Senior Baroque agents were all users—far beyond him.
But seeing Nojiko's cute face, his heart fluttered.
Miss Monday's mind raced.
From Nojiko's words, Arlong seemed missing.
Igaram's plan succeeded?
She wanted Mr. 9's take—but saw him lovesick and fumed.
Never seen him look at her like that!
Miss Monday wrapped her massive arm around Mr. 9's neck.
"Knock it off!" Mr. 9 panicked, struggling.
"We need to talk."
She dragged him aside like a chick.
Mr. 9: (╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻
Can't we talk normally?
Seeing the leaders whisper, Nojiko grew excited.
Whispering to Nami, "Did I scare them?"
"Maybe…!"
Nami wasn't sure.
"I'm a Devil Fruit user too—release Big Bro Arlong!"
Carmen imitated Nojiko.
She turned her right hand into a spatula—one "sword," one "shield."
Another user!
The hunters tensed more.
Miss Monday's eyes lit up. She shared her thoughts with Mr. 9.
Spatula meant support-type fruit.
The other uncertain—but not attacking meant not strong.
Mr. 9: "Attack—take them."
Decision made.
"Your captain's captured—surrender!"
Mr. 9 stood akimbo, laughing triumphantly. "I count to three—then fire."
He raised one finger.
"One."
Click click~
Guns cocked.
"Big Sis Nami, what now?" Hatchan asked.
"No surrender!"
Nami was resolute.
She was timid but calm in crisis.
Others might surrender instinctively.
But Nami knew surrender meant no comeback.
During the standoff, she mentally simulated outcomes based on abilities.
With time, she'd have a perfect plan.
Now, the best one.
She signaled behind her back, assigning tasks.
"Two."
Mr. 9 raised a second finger.
Just then, a teasing voice came from the roof. "Middle of the night—no sleep? Noise complaint!"
Everyone looked up instinctively.
Mr. 9 forgot three and shouted,
"Fire!"
BANG BANG BANG~
Like popping beans, the quiet night shattered.
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