Chapter 20 - Episode 34 & 35
After skipping episode 34's opening and recap, they were greeted with, "Reunited! Usopp Tells Nami's True Story!"
"He's alive!" Kirishima cheered, along with a few others.
"Of course he is." Katsuki murmured.
Johnny thought that Nami wanted to obtain some hidden treasure in Cocoyashi Village for herself by kissing up to Arlong and that she was heartless enough to kill for it. Luffy grabbed him by the collar, telling him that if he says that one more time, he'll kill him.
"Oh Jesus," Denki reeled back, shock by Luffy's behavior.
"He... really cares about her." Todoroki interpreted.
Zoro told Luffy to calm down, but Johnny was certain of it. Still, Luffy doesn't believe a word of what he said.
Then Nami arrives on the scene, asking why they're here. Luffy was confused, saying that she's his companion so he came to get her. Nami just thought he was annoying, that their group was pathetic.
Nami kept on this evil, coolheaded persona. Even when Johnny accused her of killing Usopp, she took it in stride, and asked if he'll kill her as revenge. Nami gave them the message that Arlong wants to kill Zoro and his 'posse,' and even though they seem powerful, they can't fight against Arlong.
"Nami... you still care about them." Aizawa said, a few heads turned towards him. "If you didn't, you would have actually killed Usopp. You wouldn't have warned them about Arlong."
A few students nodded, certain of Nami's true nature despite what she've done.
Zoro glared, but Sanji was smitten by her 'cool look,' asking if she remembers him.
Zoro told him that he's just complicating things, but Sanji claimed that, "My love is always a hurricane!"
"Goddamn it, Sanji." Jiro facepalmed, along with a few others.
Zoro ignored him and asked Nami about Usopp, but won't believe her when she answered with, "At the bottom of the sea." The swordsman was about to attack, but he have to dodge a kick from Sanji.
"You two shouldn't be fighting, especially when you're on the same side!" Iida scolded the two.
Yosaku told them to stop bickering, and Nami agreed, telling them to fight somewhere off of the island. She told them that she only wanted money from them and nothing else. She kept pushing the narrative, even saying she'll return Merry so they could find a navigator and head for their goals.
After a pause, Luffy simply flopped onto the ground, trying to take a nap in the middle of the road since he claimed that he doesn't care what's happening here. Then he fell asleep.
"Luffy, what are you doing?" Iida stared at the rubber man, dumbfounded.
"Wait, how couldn't you care about what's going on?" Jiro asked, looking rather puzzled herself.
The other students could only exchange looks of confusion at this development.
"I don't think that what he means." Toshinori whispered.
As his group stared at him, there was a close up on the black glove covering Nami's left hand. It curled up into a fist. She exploded in anger, telling Luffy to die, then she ran away.
As the students could only frown at her reaction, Izuku noticed something.
There was some time that hand was bandaged up, but... when was Nami injured? Izuku thought.
Nojiko was being dragged by the little boy from before, telling her that the Marines have finally arrived when the survivors of Gosa Village were able to get in touch with the government. The marines are going to rescue them!
Villagers waited by the seaside, watching a Marine ship come their way.
On the Marine ship, a purple haired soldier was commanding over his subordinates. To him, Arlong Park was just a rumor to him before, a sign of the end of the world when pirates settle down in areas like this, but the man truly believes that it's their job to save the survivors and that their sense of justice shouldn't allow them to pretend this doesn't exist.
"Holy shit, are we actually getting marines who aren't assholes?" A big smile appeared on Sero's face.
"It won't last long." Katsuki was convinced that this triumphant moment won't last.
"Well, they're technically the second decent group of marines we've seen." Iida pointed out, referring to Morgan's group.
Why don't I like that person? Todoroki thought, looking at the purple haired soldier.
Arlong was warned about the marines from the 77thfleet. He told Chew that if they can't negotiate with the person in charge, then attack them. Though negotiation wasn't needed when the marines shot a cannon ball, which Arlong successfully caught it in his mouth and crushed it into nothing.
"Bullshit." Aizawa murmured under his breath while Hizashi tried to cover up a laugh.
Their students gaped at such a feat.
"His teeth are that strong?" Denki said, resisting the urge to check out Kirishima's teeth.
The fishmen cheered at the chance of attacking the marines, but they were held by Chew, who've said they shouldn't waste too much energy and just allow him, Hachi, and the sharp finned fishman, who the other members called them three of their main fighters.
At the marine ship, they thought it was strange that the cannonball was a dud, but the purple haired man said to send in another one to signal a battle, reminding them they're dealing with fishmen. Before they could, Chew jumped out of the ocean and shot a man down with water as if it was a bullet.
The soldiers were going to attack, but the man, Pudding Pudding, held them back, telling the fishman that they're a famous marine fleet. Before he could go on, he was shot down by Chew.
"Do I really need to tell you that you shouldn't brag in front of a villain?"Aizawa sighed, shaking his head.
The soldiers were furious from the take down of their general, preparing to attack, but the sudden shaking of their ship distracted them. From below the waters, the blue skinned fishman took out their ship's rudder. As the ship shook, Chew asked them a 'hypothetical question, of what would happen if they moved a boulder in the middle of a current. At the moment, Hachi was shown of doing such a thing.
Pudding Pudding thought it was impossible, but a whirlpool suddenly appeared on their course, and there's no way for the marines to stop with their crippled ship.
They could only stare in disbelief, watching as the fishmen smiled at the sinking marines. They felt just as hopeless was the villagers watching it from afar.
In a world of heroes, they would be certain that these fishmen could be taken down, but in a world where 'quirks' seemed to be extremely rare, it seemed absolutely hopeless. If the villagers do anything, they're dead. If any good marine is sent there, they're dead. It just seems to be the outcome for this world without heroes. This is just these villagers' reality.
"...But there's Luffy." Izuku whispered, holding onto hope.
After the eyecatches, at Arlong Park, Arlong congratulated the three on their work, but they claimed that it wasn't hard since they have the best knowledge of how the sea works and the map Nami drew for them. If they make Nami draw up maps for the whole world, they can rule the sea.
"So, they don't have a map of their world." Izuku noted.
"Well, I doubt they have computers and the devices to make accurate maps." Iida said.
"Then how is Nami able to make her maps so accurately?" Denki asked.
"I've heard magnetic compasses help on the accuracy, though maybe Nami is truly talented in cartography." Momo attempted to explain.
Arlong thought it was a pity that Nami is such a irreplaceable member of his crew. Chew pointed out that if Nami saves 100 million beris, she'll get Cocoyashi Village and be free, and Arlong promised her, so he has to go through it.
With Luffy and the others, Johnny and Yosaku told Zoro he should run away since he's Arlong's target and Nami's a 'low life' to them now, but the reason why Zoro's staying is because Luffy's staying here too, still going along with Luffy's choice of letting Nami be their navigator.
Johnny and Yosaku understood, leaving them to their own devices.
"Such manly loyalty." Kirishima nodded.
"Still, there have to be some limit." Jiro said.
As the wind passed by, Sanji asked why Nami was crying. Zoro was confused by that, and the cook elaborated that she was crying in her heart.
Zoro thought she was 'crying' tears of guilt for killing Usopp, but Sanji doesn't believe that.
"Really, Curlicue?" Katsuki facepalmed with Jiro.
"I mean, I honestly believe that Nami wants help. Ribbit." Tsuyu nodded.
"But crying in her heart?" Momo said.
"...That is ridiculous. Ribbit."
Then Usopp came in, running, with a gray blanket over his head.
"Yes! Usopp's alive!" Toru cheered with a few others.
The sniper thought back to Arlong Park. Nami didn't stabbed him. She stabbed her own hand to make it look like she killed him.
If she didn't do that for him, Usopp'd have been killed by Arlong.
"She's not a murderer." Mina let out a sigh of relief.
"That's why her hand was bandaged and gloved before." Izuku's eyes widen, remembering the last episode. He knew it would have been injured, but now he knows how it did.
Usopp tried to to think of something to do, not wanting to be saved all the time. He plans on going to Zoro, and as if on cue, he saw Zoro sitting on the road.
The swordsman and the cook continued on arguing until Sanji exploded in anger, thinking Zoro said Nami's chest was small. Just as Usopp came in, Zoro and Sanji accidentally attacked him.
There was a mixture of pained 'ooo...' and laughter.
"Really, Sanji?" Jiro said, shaking her head.
One black screen later, Luffy woke up, shock to see Usopp all beaten up. He asked if Nami did this to him, but Sanji confessed it was Zoro and him, though Zoro claimed it was just Sanji.
Usopp was glad to see Luffy again as Sanji causally introduced himself. Usopp was angry at him, but Zoro asked him about Nami killing him. Luffy was glad that Johnny was lying, and Usopp confessed that Nami actually saved his life.
"Yeah, if she didn't, then Long Nose would basically be in tiny bits." Katsuki said.
In the mikan orchard, Nojiko was walking back to her house. She stopped when she heard a vase being thrown out the window. Though she didn't look that alarmed, in fact she looked more annoyed.
The house was a complete mess as Nojiko saw Nami resting her head on a table. Nojiko asked what's wrong, but Nami claimed that she just want some rest.
"I hope you don't do that every time you want a nap." Toshinori said.
"Yeah, if Shota does that every time he wants a nap, the whole school would be in chaos." Hizashi joked, with Aizawa glaring at him.
Nojiko sat across from Nami, asking about the map. Nami said there's something that made her mad. She looked up when Nojiko asked who 'they' are. Nami knew what she means as Nojiko told her that from Usopp she've heard Nami actually had a good time sailing with them. In all honesty, Nojiko haven't seen her happy in years. Nojiko wants the details about them, promising that she can talk to her about anything.
Nami confessed that she was suppose to forget about them, erase them from her heart, but as memories of the good old times came to her, she admits that she couldn't do that no matter what. During all that time, Nami was able to forget about the fate she've brought upon herself. If she could, she would stay with them forever.
"Nami..." Mina sniffed, wiping her tears away. She could feel Nami's honest feelings about her friends. All she wants now it for all of this to end happily in some way.
Nami was able to sleep, a blanket draped over her body. Nojiko understood the situation, that someone actually came for her, that... she have friends, 'the most difficult word of all.'
"To experience such darkness... where you wouldn't be able to trust others," Tokoyami bowed his head.
"And when you do, you can't let them go." Mina seemed to finish for him.
Back to Luffy and the others, Usopp explained that Nami saved him and that there might be a reason why she've joined the fishmen, but Zoro asked what they're going to do now. Usopp suggest that they should ask Nami for a better explanation.
Nojiko seemed to came out of nowhere, telling them that it's useless. She believes that Arlong's reign won't end no matter what.
"I'm sure Luffy could do something." Kirishima determined.
"Come on, everyone knows Straw Hat is going to beat up Saw Nose in the end." Katsuki said.
Luffy asked who she is, and Usopp explained that's Nami's older sister, which surprised Sanji into his lovey dovey mode. Zoro wants an explanation for why it's useless to her. Nojiko told them to stop meddling with the village and leave Nami alone.
"But you know how important these guys are to her!" Mina exclaimed.
"But when you're met with disappointment for most of your life, there are times where it seems like it's best to let it go." Todoroki said.
Nojiko wants to tell them the reason why Nami stays with those pirates, hoping they'll leave after that, but Luffy decided to pass on that, claiming he doesn't care about Nami's past. So Luffy went out for a walk.
Nojiko was confuse by that, but Zoro claims he's like that.
"Luffy, how couldn't you care about her past?" Iida seemed to scold him.
"Well, there is a saying of 'the past doesn't define you.' I guess Luffy is taking that seriously." Hizashi theorized.
Sanji, Usopp, and Zoro will listen to Nami's story, though Zoro already fell asleep.
Meanwhile the villagers were shock that the marines of the 16th fleet have arrived, believing they were sent for the 77th fleet.
Then the mouse-like marine was revealed. He asked for Genzo to escort him to Nami's house.
"What are you going to do with her?!" Jiro demanded as everyone were already alarmed by his appearance.
"Arlong must have been behind this." Momo's eyes widen.
"There's no one else who could have." Izuku said.
Nojiko explained that it started eight years ago, back when they were young.
In the flashback, young Nami and Nojiko were eagerly showing a mikan to a woman with fuchisa hair mostly shaved. Her name was Bellemere.
"To Be Continued."
"Bellemere..." Aoyama repeated the name, remembering its meanings.
Ochako tightly gripped onto her pajama pants, remembering how she wanted to know about Nami's backstory, and now she's getting her wish.
After skipping episode 35's opening and recap, they were met with, "Untold Past! Female Warrior Bellemere!"
Hachi, Chew, and that other fishman were looking around Luffy's broken ship, wondering who could have done this.
Soon, they saw Luffy passing by, recognizing that he isn't from this island. The three stood in his path, but Luffy causally passed them.
Hachi demanded answers from Luffy, but the rubber man just ask why does that matter to him, which stumped him. Luffy simply introduced himself. As Hachi waved him goodbye, Chew asked where he was going, but Luffy doesn't know either.
As Luffy walk away, they noticed he passed by them without fear.
"I mean, you guys are kind of funny looking even compared to the human-animal hybrids here." Sero said.
"Yeah, Gang Orca has a bit of a better... blend." Jiro attempted to describe.
Back to Nojiko and the others, Usopp was shock to hear about Bellemere. Nojiko wasn't too sure how to describe her.
With Nami, she woke up to Nojiko wasn't there, but she smiled when she saw the basket of mikans, reminding herself she just needs a little more money and everything will return to normal.
She looked down at the map, remembering the first time she drew her map.
"She drew that as a child?" Momo's eyes widen.
"Wow, it looked like it could have been made by a professional." Iida complimented.
"Not only she seems to be a natural born meteorologist, but Nami was a prodigy at cartography." Izuku added.
"She's practically the perfect navigator." Shoji concluded.
"I can see why Arlong would want to keep her." Denki said, causing the others to frown.
At a book store, Nami was looking around for a certain book, checking around the area, and attempted to steal one by hiding it in her dress, even when she was confronted by the owner. She was figured out when she bumped into a less scarred Genzo and dropped her book.
"Even at a young age, she was a little thief." Iida sighed, disappointed in her actions.
Even though the elderly woman smiled goodheartedly, Genzo yelled at Nami for stealing again, picking her up like a cat. The village laughed the stunt off as Genzo told her that stealing was wrong, but Nami reminded him that they're poor.
Iida seemed to soften slightly as Ochako's eyes widen at Nami's claim.
Genzo angrily banged on Bellemere's door until she opened it, looking rather annoyed but happily welcomed Nami back despite the situation. He complained to her about Nami stealing, but Bellemere seems to be fine with it, knowing Genzo paid for the book.
She caressed his chin til he turned red. "I'll pay later... with my body."
Most of the students and Toshinori turned red at her suggestive comment. Mineta and Denki cheered, "We love Nami's mom!"
"Miss Bellemere, that's an inappropriate thing to say in front of your daughter!" Iida scolded her with lightly colored cheeks.
Genzo backed away in an instant, telling her that she shouldn't those things like that. Nami and Bellemere laughed until Bellemere bonked her on the head, reminding her that she's still being punished with a 100 spankings.
"I don't think her punishment should be that harsh." Todoroki commented on.
"I don't think so. My mom would have definitely do that if I did that. Hell, she've done that for less." Katsuki said nonchalantly.
Seeing the way Todoroki look at him, Katsuki added, "Fuck off, Icy Hot."
Nami apologized, but she really wanted that book. Bellemere asked why she couldn't have just asked for it, but Nami claimed she wouldn't have buy it. Bellemere said the opposite since they still have money stashed away.
Nami heard from the villagers that the climate have been good, meaning they could get mikans at any other field and their's won't sell as good because they don't go up in value. Bellemere said that they should mind their own business.
And she's worry about money. Ochako could remember her own desire to make money for her parents.
She remembers even when she lived in her own place before the dorms were made, she was reluctant to indulge herself in things like food and air conditioners (even when it becomes so hot).
Young Nojiko bragged that she could've stolen that better, which made Bellemere give them both bonks on the head, reminding them not to steal.
Still, Bellemere was able to laugh, praising Nami's map making skills, and Nami is trying to study navigation too. Nojiko claimed that's Nami's dreams.
Nami wants to use her navigation skills to travel all over the world and make a world map of everything she sees. The map of their island is the first step.
"Then Nami has to join Luffy's crew." Ochako immediately stated.
"But Luffy would have to defeat Arlong first." Ojiro reminded her.
"Would this arc end in any other way?" Kirishima smirked.
On a rainy day, in their home, Nami noticed that Bellemere haven't been eating meals lately. Bellemere simply brushed it off, saying that she's been eating mikans as she sews a little dress. Nojiko claimed that she doesn't need meals either, and Bellemere attempted to tease that she've taken an interest in guys, reminding her that kids need to eat.
Nojiko told her that she keeps lying, saying that they don't have money so Bellemere has to suffer for them, but Bellemere brushed it off as just a diet.
The others looked on with empathy while Ochako felt her eyes weld up with tears, recognizing the sacrifices Bellemere is making for her kids.
Bellemere claimed that they shouldn't underestimate the 'beautifying power of mikans,' but she got mad when Nami pointed out her yellowing hands.
Bellemere finished her little sewing project for Nami, which was a pink dress with a sunflower lion on it. Nami was disappointed that it's a hand-me-down from Nojiko, but Nojiko reminded her she's two years younger than her.
Still, Nami wants new clothes, but Nojiko told her that her clothes are old too. Nami just gets them because she's her baby sister.
"Yeah, I'm certain that most younger siblings get hand-me-downs. Ribbit." Tsysu said with a little nod, though she did felt uneasy as their argument was getting heated.
"But I'm not your real sister! We're not related by blood!"
Bellemere slapped Nami in the face with enough force to send her flying.
Sharp gasps came out of the audience. Todoroki grabbed onto his knees, tightly gritting his teeth.
Bellemere told Nami to never say anything like that again. Nami held her cheek, her eyes filled with tears, as she furiously told her that she isn't their real mother either, and she'd be better off without them so she could be free. Nami wished someone richer had adopted her instead.
Bellemere turned her back, telling Nami that if she hates this place that much, then she should leave. Nojiko told them to stop fighting, but Nami left, running into the rain.
Ochako's whole body shook, crying. She can remember the times where her parents worked so hard for her, but there were times where she felt so frustrated that they've sacrificed so much for her. Sometimes those moments became so unbearable for that she wanted to say something. That maybe they were better off without her. Those moments have caused some anger between them, but they usually end in the three of them still together, forgiving each other for what have been said.
Ochako felt a hand on her shoulder, and noticed Izuku and Iida.
"Are you okay?" Izuku softly asked.
Ochako nodded, wiping her tears away with a tissue.
After the eyecatches, Bellemere stared at the hand she've hit Nami with. Nojiko was certain that they're still a family, and she's sure that Nami feels the same way.
Nojiko was nearly in tears, but Bellemere told her she's a strong person and that what she've done to Nami was immature.
Bellemere asked her if she could bring Nami back home so she could made a super delicious supper ready before they get back.
Todoroki closed his eyes for a moment. At least she knows what she've done was wrong right away.
It stopped raining as the sun shined over the village. The villagers were already bustling out in the market place as Genzo laughed, drying Nami off with a towel. He gave her a warm drink, but Nami still thinks that Bellemere would be better off without them since having two children would cost a lot of money, and it doesn't help that the village hates her because of Nami, or that's what she thinks.
Genzo was glad that Nami was considerate enough at her age. He told her that Bellemere was a famous brat in the village when she was Nami's age too, and it became a shock to the village that this brat became a marine.
"Wait, she was?!" Denki's eyes widen.
"I guess she was trying to show she can grow up." Aizawa theorized.
Images of a war between marines and pirates appeared as Genzo explained that Bellemere have said that 'pirates have to pay for slaughtering innocent people.'
"And she has a sense of justice." Toru admired.
"Why do the good marines keep dying?!" Mineta shouted in frustration.
"I'm pretty sure the first group of marines we've seen are alive." Iida said with a small sweatdrop.
"Yeah, but one of them was killed by Morgan, so it kind of counts."
Among the war ridden village laid a bloodied Bellemere, thinking her time to die has finally come... until she heard the soft cooing of a baby.
She managed to pick herself off and found a younger Nojiko carrying a baby Nami in this empty town. Approaching the two, Bellemere asked if that's her baby sister, but Nojiko honestly doesn't know her at all.
Bellemere gently brushed her hand against Nami, and the baby smiled and laughed. Bellemere cried and so did Nojiko, being able to laugh.
Gen explained that Bellemere was able to muster up the will to live again because she saw Nami.
As teary eyed students stared at the screen, Aizawa slightly smiled. Huh, so this is how a problem child grows up.
Lightning and thunder filled the sky as the citizens of Cocoyashi Village could see a small boat out to see, soon discovering it was Bellemere.
She demanded them to call the doctor. Before they could ask for more questions, Bellemere told them to check the children's terrible fevers. She didn't care about her own wounds; she wants those kids to live.
After they were fixed up, Genzo was shock that Bellemere wants to be Nami and Nojiko's parents, despite what the other villagers said. She could have given them to a government institution, but no, she wants to raise them to be wonderful people. Nami and Nojiko gave her life.
"You girls have a bond that goes far deeper than a real family's."
"So from the very beginning, Bellemere loves and cares about them." Todoroki continued to stare on, linking his fingers together.
There was a small smile on his face, glad that at least Nami actually goes have a good parent despite her actions. Seeing how much Bellemere have done for those two made him realize why she've gotten angry at Nami.
Nojiko have found Nami, and told her Bellemere is waiting for them with supper. The village watches them happily run off, glad that they can watch them grow up.
But soon, a man warned them of pirates as a familiar pirate flag flickers in the wind.
"Arlong," Izuku hissed under his breath, eyes narrowing.
This is the same day Arlong took over their village.
The villagers were shock that fishmen from the Grand Line came here, recognizing them as the Arlong Pirates.
Gen told Nami and Nojiko to hide in the forest, just in time for Alrong and his crew to come in and announce that this island if under his control now. From now on, they have to buy their lives from him; 100,000 beris per adult and 50,000 beris per kid. Those who can't pay will die.
From the bushes, Nojiko and Nami could only watch, knowing they wouldn't able to afford that, but hopefully, they might not notice their house.
The students could only stare in horror. Ochako gritted her teeth in anger over the fishmen's greedy desires, that the villagers have to live like this for 8 years.
Though they have to pay to survive, Gen told them to endure for now since they should be glad that no one in the village has to die, and hoped they'll leave without noticing Bellemere's house. He doubts that she was able to save enough money for the three of them.
Arlong and his crew was about to leave until a minion noticed smoke coming from outside the village.
"Shit!" "No!" the audience cursed out in frustration.
Her love for them might have been her downfall. Toshinori nervously gulped, watching Bellemere happily cook supper.
Nami and Nojiko ran for their house as Arlong directed his crew to the same direction. As they left, the village recognized that this is bad, and worst, they found out the kids have left.
Meanwhile, Bellemere was waiting for their meal to cook, not minding she's splurging a little, just as Arlong and his crew were getting close with the kids behind them.
"To Be Continued."
"Well, that was the 20th episode of the day." Aizawa causally ejected the disk, leaving them on a cliffhanger.
"No! Just one more episode. You can't leave us hanging like that." Kirishima desperately exclaimed.
Aizawa stared him down. "You'll have 20 more episodes tomorrow."
"Yeah, but we can't sleep from all this excitement buzzing around." Sero said.
"...I guess I have to bring the DVDs with me then."
"He's right. Besides we have over half a hour before midnight, so we need to go to sleep." Iida raised a hand as some of the other students let out annoyed groans.
Still, as Aizawa took the DVDs, he could hear the students were still talking, either about the anime or having Mineta stay as far away from the girls for the sleep over as possible.
"Bellemere's going to die." Mina said.
"Yeah, thanks for the information, Captain Obvious." Katsuki complained.
"She's going to be killed by Arlong!"
"Once again, thanks for the information, Captain Obvious. We saw her grave!"
"Don't you care?!"
"Yeah, she's going to die in front of us tomorrow!" Kirishima exclaimed.
"Of course I do! I'm not fucking heartless!" Katsuki shouted.
'She's kind of like my mom' went unheard for them. While Bellemere is much nicer in comparison to Mitsuki, Katsuki can't help but to be reminded of his mom because of things like Bellemere's short-temperament to even the little ones like mentioning her skin is soft for her age (his mom's quirk is to secrete glycerin from her skin, allowing her to maintain great skin quality despite her age), especially that fight. Oh god, that fight...
Despite the excited jitters were buzzing through them, Class 1-A were able to sleep for that night.
Chapter 21 - Episode 36 & 37
It was a Sunday morning as everyone cleaned themselves up and have breakfast upon Iida's request. He wouldn't allow them to continue on this One Piece marathon without having something as fuel or being clean.
As they wait for all the students to sit down in the living area, Izuku was trying to read through One Piece at a reasonable pace, occasionally making notes in his One Piece notebook.
"Oh, here's the Q&A section." Izuku smiled a bit, though he've only gotten 3 questions and the last one was rather silly. "Huh, Shanks would have been 37 at this point."
"We are here!" Toshinori playfully announced as he and Hizashi entered in.
Aizawa sighed, but he knew the kids would need something more lighthearted today.
Once everyone was able to sit down in the living area, they were able to start to watch One Piece.
Skipping episode 36's opening, they were met with people running towards Bellemere's home, determined to save her. Bellemere continued on cooking until Arlong knocked on the door.
Finally, the title card came up; "Survive! Bellemere, the Mother, and Nami's Family!"
Bellemere looked at the front door when no one answered. Then she noticed the big, tall shadows from the window.
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Kirishima quietly cursed as the students were already panicked over the situation.
I swear that this is too early for something so intense. Aizawa thought, but continued on watching the anime.
Outside, Arlong smirked when Bellemere told them to come in, but upon entering in, he was met with no one in the entire house.
With a flicker of a lighter, Bellemere send him flying to the ground with a single kick, aiming a gun into his mouth, ready to shoot.
"Whoa!" The students were in awe, and cheered at the woman's actions.
"Why can't all the marines be this cool?" Denki complained.
Bellemere demanded on what Arlong wants with the village, but she was met with laughter from the fishmen, including Arlong himself. He destroyed the gun with a single bite.
The audience immediately quiet down, seeing it crash down already. They knew that Bellemere doesn't survive all of this, but...
"I don't want to watch." Toru squeaked, squirming a little.
Nojiko and Nami ran for the backdoor of their home, but they were soon stopped by the doctor. He told them that they can't go home. While it sounded cruel, the doctor need to remind them of the situation.
Then they heard the sounds of screaming.
"Mom-!" "Bellemere!"
The sound of Bellemere's pained scream made them want to jump into action, but they could only watch as Arlong stomp onto Bellemere's arm til it turned a sickly purple.
Izuku clung onto his arm tightly, looking away from Bellemere's torture. "They... They truly are monsters."
Genzo arrived on the scene, saying that this can be solved with money. Arlong agreed, saying she should pay for her family's life.
As Gen help her turn around, he told her the price, but Bellemere claimed that she only have a little over 100,000.
Hachi called out there's a dinner for three inside, allowing Arlong to figure out this is a family of three.
"No. No. No." Ochako whispered, gripping onto her pillow so tightly she could be ripping it in half.
Gen was able to lie that he and his friend were actually invited for dinner, trying to get Bellemere to pay for herself. It helped that the census shows that she've never been married nor had any kids.
Despite knowing Bellemere's fate, there were a few students that felt relieved in her temporary safety til they saw the sorrow on Nami and Nojiko's faces.
The doctor have told the kids that there is no proof of the three of them as family, so they have to leave before the fishmen find out. There's no way for them to save all three of them, so Nami and Nojiko have to venture out to sea.
Nami refused. She doesn't want to leave. The fishmen are the ones who invaded them. As she cried, she asked if it's because they're too poor to be Bellemere's daughters.
Ochako felt herself shook, feeling tears run down her face. It just hits way too close to home.
"It's the only way for them to live." Aizawa solemnly whispered.
"But... Bellemere dies." Hizashi reminded him.
Of course he knows that. Everyone knows that... But...
Nojiko was determined that they should leave, knowing that this is the only way for Bellemere to be safe, but before the fishmen could leave...
"Hold up! Who said that was my share? That 100,000 is for my two daughters. I'm short on mine."
Everyone's eyes widen.
"L-Lady, what are you doing?" Katsuki breathed out.
"I won't deny I don't have a family... Even if it means sacrificing my life. We may not be blood-related, but we're still a family. I wish I could be a mother by simply saying it." A small memory of holding Nami and Nojiko came to her. "Those two... are my daughters, right?"
Nami and Nojiko ran to Bellemere's side, crying. With tears in her eyes, she cradle them close even with her broken arm.
"I really wanted to buy you more stuff, like books and new clothes. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more of a mother to you guys."
Ochako sobbed right into Izuku's side as he held onto her tight. Everyone's eyes were glued onto the scene.
"You're more of a mother than anyone could be!" Mina cried out.
Nami and Nojiko didn't care for the material things. They just don't want Bellemere to die as Nami wants her to see her map of the world.
Shakily lifting a hand to her head, Bellemere told her to make sure to fulfill her dreams, to live on.
The fishmen loomed over them. As Nami and Nojiko cowered by Bellemere's side, their mother told Arlong to promise to leave her daughters alone. Arlong did, as long as she die.
"T-They're not going to see her die. Are they?" Toru sniffled.
No one could answer her. Only a sickening feeling within them worsened at the idea.
Nami screamed for help, but when Genzo attempted to shoot Arlong down, the man was defeated by the sharped fin fishman, and Genzo was sliced down right in front of her.
From the distance, they could hear the villagers charging their way to them. Arlong ordered his men to show them what they're made of, but not to kill them.
He plans on making Bellemere the perfect example.
"No!" "Fuck!" "Leave them alone!" They could only desperately shout out, clinging onto each other for some kind of comfort.
Bellemere pushed the girls into the house. Arlong aimed the gun for her heart, telling her to die for her 'pathetic love.'
Through the chaos of the village's beat down, Bellemere was able to call out to her daughters. Nami and Nojiko could only stare at her with teary eyes.
"I love you."
The gunshot rung out though the room as they watch Bellemere's limp body sent flying backwards from the shot. The memories of softer, sillier times didn't help ease their tears. It just enforces them, especially mixed with the reactions of those who care about Bellemere.
They knew of her fate before, but they weren't prepared for this.
Don't lose to anyone. Girls have to be strong too. It doesn't matter if you're not complimented. Don't hate the era you were born into. And always remember the strength to continue laughing.
Arlong laughed proudly at his accomplishment, talking down to the humans.
"You bastard! You fucking bastard!" Katsuki's shaky body was held down by his friends, crying their hearts out.
"You're lower than any demon from hell!" Tokoyami almost growled.
"Y-You've just tear a family apart..." Momo managed to squeak out, feeling hot tears run down her face. She lend against Jiro, looking for any kind of comfort.
Hachi picked up a map from Bellemere's back pocket, but Nami told him to give it back. When Arlong saw how good the map is drawn, he told his men to bring her with them. Nojiko was desperate to stop them.
"You promised not to touch her!" Ojiro held Toru back before she could jump up from her seat.
Gen mentioned the money and the promise Bellemere made Arlong keep, but the fishman only claimed that he's 'borrowing' Nami.
"You were never a man of your word! I bet you're going to break that promise about her village too!" Jiro shouted.
Nami called out for help, and Gen tried to defend her, but Arlong called out for Kuroobi to slice him down.
Nami and Nojiko could only stare as Gen weakly tried to save them, but Nami begged for him to stop. Kuroobi took Gen down with the blunt end of a sword.
"I don't want anyone else to die!"
Izuku's eyes widen as his thoughts went to Eri.
"That's... enough... I'm sorry..."
Though comparing Eri to Nami would be like comparing apples to oranges, Izuku could see Eri's situation within Nami's; Nami is being used by Arlong, like how Chisaki used Eri for his goals, and...
"It's easier to be hurt yourself than to have others get hurt for you,"
Luffy, you have to do something. Izuku thought, hoping for the better.
After the eyecatches, the village was a mess as their ships have been sank, so their original plan for Nami and Nojiko was... native.
As Genzo recovered within the medical bay, he knew the marines won't even bother with them, and Bellemere instinctively knew. There was no way anyone could escape this fate.
Out at night, Nojiko have told the grave of her mother that the fishmen have taken Nami, asking what she is suppose to do now.
The somber mood hung over their heads, wishing that these villagers' fate could be changed.
I guess she wasn't foolish after all... Aizawa thought, thinking back to when Bellemere announced that the money wasn't for her. It would had been easier to just save herself and just hope that the girls would be safe, but he guessed that Bellemere really cared for her daughters.
When the sun was shinning, the village figured out where Arlong and his gang are. They have to decide whether they fight to their deaths or wait for the government. Genzo recognized that the only ones who can stand up to them are the people from the Marines Headquarters, but they already have their hands full with the Grand Line. It's very unlikely they'll come.
Still, Genzo wants to save Nami, so they all want to fight for her. Nojiko could only remind herself of Bellemere's words: "As long as you continue living, lots of good things will come your way!"
"They'll die if they do." There was no humor in Toshinori's voice. He understands their desire to save her, but they've already been beaten by the fishmen and they haven't enough time to recover and plan for sure. They'll be slaughtered if they've done anything.
They quiet down when they saw Nami, crowding around her. They were relieved to see her safe, but Nami... she told them she's joining Arlong's crew as their map drawer. Gen asked of they're making her do this, that they must have threatened her to do this, but trying to escape his grasp, Nami revealed Arlong's tattoo on her shoulder.
Momo's hand flew to her mouth. "They've marked her at such a young age."
This convinced the villagers of her ways as Nami shakily smiled, saying that his crew could buy her whatever she wants.
Nojiko tackled her down to the ground, saying she'll never forgive her for becoming a pirate. Still, Nami doesn't want to live properly, even thought Bellemere was killed for them.
Before Nojiko could continue on, Gen told her to stop. He demanded that Nami never step foot into this village ever again.
Nami was only able to run away as Gen wondered if Nami thought of Bellemere as her mother, but Nojiko knew that wasn't the case.
Did the village truly given up on her? The kid they practically helped raise. Though Ochako knew the reason why the village have lost their trust in Nami, she hoped that there's still some part of them that still loves Nami.
That night, Nami sat in front of Bellemere's grave as Nojiko watches from afar. She remembers Bellemere's words as well, and she knew the government won't help them. She realized that she has to act on her own, so she made a deal with Arlong to buy back Cocoyashi Village for 100 million beri. Once she buys the town, they'll be free and no one has to die.
Nojiko thought it was impossible, but Nami believes she could, knowing everyone's having a hard time paying their tribute. If she asks for help, they'll just get hurt.
That's a lot of pressure for a single child. Aizawa thought as Izuku sharply took in a deep breath.
Nojiko asked if it would be hard to be with the person who killed Bellemere, but Nami convinced herself that she'll just smile whenever she sees his face, that she'll never cry again. She'll fight on her own.
Toshinori tried to stifle a shutter. To see someone so young make his mistakes...
Back to the present, Nojiko finished off the story, asking Sanji and Usopp if they understand the hardships Nami went through. Sanji was certainly determined for Nami, but Nojiko punched him for trying to interfere, telling him not to make it harder on Nami.
In the bushes, Yosaku and Johnny were crying.
"How couldn't any good hero not want to help her after hearing all of that?!" Kirishima cried.
"I want to save her from everything now!" Mina exclaimed.
The two practically voiced the other students' feelings as they yelled out declarations of wanting to save Nami now.
Nojiko could remember the time Nami became a pirate thief. Even after being so beaten up, Nami was still able to go through with it, hiding the treasure in the ground.
Back to Nami, she was certain that she needs to make one more trip and everything will be over. Everyone will be free and she'll finally laugh from the bottom of her heart.
Out in the village, Luffy walked in, seeing Genzo and the marines. As the rubber man stared, sweating, Gen asked the marines what business they have with Nami. The mouse-like marine told him to remain quiet and escort them. Once they pasted by him, Luffy wonders why that guy have a pinwheel on his head, thinking it looks TOO cool.
"Really, Straw Hat?" Katsuki sighed, though sounding a lot more softer than he'd normally would be.
"We need something lighthearted." Kirishima managed to crack a smile, jabbing an elbow into his side.
Nami walked outside, stretching out her body. She was about to go out for another stealing spree when she saw the marines walking towards her.
The mouse-like marines asked if she's the female thief, telling that according to their investigations, she seemed to have stolen treasures stashed in this form. Since she've stolen them from pirates, they're not going to arrest he, but that stolen treasure will now become government property.
"To Be Continued."
"No!" "Back off!" "That money's her's!" Furious students cried out foul.
"You could have saved them, but you have to get her money instead!" Ochako teared up.
Skipping episode 37's opening, they were met with a sinking marine ship. Then a young Nami appeared in a room with Arlong. This was the moment the two have made the agreement: 100 million beris for the village's freedom.
"Luffy Rises! Result of the Broken Promise!"
The audience stared on with gritted teeth.
"I knew it." Jiro quietly hissed.
The marines plan on taking everything she've stolen from pirates. Nami was smug enough to tell him that he isn't brave enough to stand up to pirates but is willing to deal with sneaky thieves. She've warned them that as a leader of the Arlong Pirates, if they mess with her, Arlong won't sit by quietly.
"No. No. No." Ochako softly said, hands in her hair.
Still, the marines ignored her warning, and started to search.
Nami built her staff and took down two soldiers. She've told the mouse-like marine what the Arlong Pirates have done, including what Arlong have done to this island. She demanded if ignoring that major problem and taking a thief's goods is really what the government stands for.
"Exactly!" Several students exploded in anger, frustrated with these soldiers' behavior.
The main marine just told his men to continue on their search. Nami is furious that he's ignoring her. The colonel was told of the the suspicious mikan orchard. He ordered them to dig it up.
"Leave everything alone! She was so close!" Mina shouted.
One by one, Nami tried to stop the marines from digging up the orchard til Gen declared that the money is meant to save Cocoyashi Village, that he doesn't have the right to take it away.
"Genzo, you knew?" Izuku said, staring at the man.
The colonel doesn't want to be talked down to someone like him. Nami asked him how he knew that.
Gen admitted that he've always known it. The whole village knew it in fact, but they pretended they didn't, hoping that it would let her run away from Arlong.
"I knew it." Ochako quietly said, casting her eyes towards the floor.
The colonel doesn't understand what they're talking about, interpreting as all the villagers are thieves and they should arrest them.
"Fuck off, and actually do your job!" Katsuki shouted at them.
Nojiko came in, saying that the villagers are trying to survive, but only because they can't rely on the government. She told them to get out of here, or else Arlong will go after them. The marine wasn't convinced, giving Nami a hint.
It was certain that he was working with Arlong when he told his men they're looking for 100 million beris. Gen demanded on how he knew the amount, and the man just claim he has a feeling. Nami demanded if Arlong sent him, but the colonel just pretended they were just doing their job, making the three of them furious.
Then one of the soldiers shouted that he've found the treasure.
"Leave it alone!" "You monsters!" "No!" "Fuck off!" "You could have saved them!" The students could only shout out their frustrations at the navy.
The colonel was glad to see Nami's riches, impressed with the ragged and blood stained treasures, especially when 30% of it is his.
Nami tried to attack him, but Nojiko and Gen held her back. The man smiled, taking out his gun.
The bullet hit Nojiko.
"NOJIKO!" chorused several students. Their guts twisted horribly at the thought of Nami seeing another family member die by a bullet.
"You monsters! You fucking monsters!" Ochako cried. "Do you enjoy seeing them suffer?!"
In Cocoyashi Village, Luffy was thinking about the pinwheel, and was able to think up a move because of it until he heard Gen yelling for the doctor. He smiled when he saw Nami, though her lap have Nojiko resting on it.
Gen told them that Arlong is working with the navy, that he never intended to honor their agreement. The village was riled up as Nami stood up. Luffy causally went up to her, asking if she needs any help, but Nami turned to him and glared, asking why he's here.
Grabbing onto the front of his vest, she told him this has nothing to do with him and to leave the island already. She threw him off to the side, running away.
"Nami, please don't do something reckless." Momo prayed, but she wouldn't blame her for being fueled on emotions, especially with what have happened to her.
Nami's thoughts were filled with Arlong and the promise, running all the way to him. With Luffy, he wonders what her deal is.
After the eyecatches, Nami confronted Arlong with what happened. She grabbed onto his shirt, reminding him about dying before breaking promises about money. Arlong asked when did he break their promise. Nami told him to stop playing dumb, but the fishman covered her mouth, repeating the question.
Arlong and his crew laughed at her crying face. He just told her that she should just try again. If she runs out on him, Arlong will kill everyone in Cocoyashi Village.
Nami remembered what Gen have said before. She could only slap his hand and run away. Hachi asked if they should chase after her, but Arlong knew she'll never abandon her village, and he wouldn't let Nami go for her skills. Only when she's done surveying all the world's seas, he'll give her her freedom; an impossible task.
"You bastard!" Katsuki shouted as the others could only stay quiet in the moment.
Arlong isn't going to let her go. Izuku thought, letting his mind wander back to Eri again.
With Luffy's crew mates, Usopp believes they should meet up with Luffy now while Sanji wants to take away Nami's suffering. Usopp reminded him it's for Nami and the village. Zoro just told them to go.
In Cocoyashi Village, Gen have gathered the villagers, prepared to fight while Nami ran, desperate that they don't do anything hasty, but the very reason why they decided to fight is for Nami.
"They're so dead." Katsuki dryly said.
"And you're right, honestly." Iida agreed. "They couldn't fight the fishmen before, and I doubt that even if they trained, the result would be the same."
Nami approached them with a big, forced smile on her face, telling them that she can save up the money again, that she was just fine.
The memory of Bellemere's death appeared.
The students let out soft sobs, being reminded of the tragedy.
"P-Please don't show us that again." Toru managed to squeak out.
"Young Nami, don't put yourself through this again." Toshinori gravely whispered.
Gen pulled her into an embrace, telling her to stop, that she've fought very well, carrying their lives on her back all this time. He could only guess that everything she've went through must have been very difficult.
He told her to leave this town, even Nojiko agreed. Nami has a dream.
Toshinori quietly took in a sharp deep breath, seeing how selfless this entire village are for just one person. Would he allow the citizens to sacrifice themselves like this?
Nami pulled out a knife, telling them they would die, but they already knew. Gen grabbed onto the knife's blade, as if daring her to attack.
It was no use. The village have already decided that even if they can't win, then the least they could do is show them what they're made of.
When the villagers ran passed her, Nami dropped to her knees; the knife falling to the side.
As Arlong's laugh echoed, they could feel Nami's anger as she glared at the tattoo, dragging her nails in as if she's going to rip it off. That disgusting mark symbolizes the man who've took away her childhood, her family, and her dreams.
Arlong, you're going to pay for what you've done. Izuku determined in his mind.
Then she grabbed the knife.
Eyes went wide.
"Nami, stop-!"
"ARLONG!"
They stared in horror, watching as Nami repeatedly stabbed her arm, screaming out that venomous name at each one.
With tear stained faces, their bodies shook at each stab she made. They could feel her anger... her sadness... her hopelessness... and all of it came from the vile villain.
It felt like there's no one who could save her from this fate, but...
Luffy grabbed hold of Nami's wrist, stopping her from another stab. She didn't move for a second before she slowly turned to see who it was. Luffy's face was blank.
"Luffy..." Nami let the blood soaked knife fall onto the road.
The moment Luffy appeared... it feel like a big weight was off their shoulders.
"Luffy..." Ochako repeated his name, gripping onto Izuku's body as tightly as she could. The girl still shivered. Help her... please...
Her voice was choked up, but she still tried to demand from him, "What do you want? You don't even know anything! You don't even know what's happened on this island the past eight years!"
"Yeah. I don't know." Luffy answered honestly.
"This has nothing to do with you!" Her voice risen, gripping handfuls of dirt. "I told you, leave the damn island already!"
"Yeah. You told me."
"Leave! I don't need you!" Nami yelled as she threw a handful of dirt back, and with each word, she threw more dirt, desperate for him to just leave already, but she finally ran out of steam, letting herself let those emotions she've held on for many years out.
As she cried, Luffy didn't react. He just stood there, waiting.
Nami brought a hand to her mouth, muffling her cries. Finally, she turned her head.
"Luffy... Help me..."
Students and teachers alike took in sharp breaths, tearing up from Nami's desperation for help, but they anxiously waited for Luffy's answer.
At first, Luffy didn't do anything until he silently took off his straw hat and placed it on her head. He turned and walked a few steps away as she stared in confusion.
He suddenly stopped and took in a deep breath, bending down til he screamed on the top of his lungs, "OF COURSE I WILL!"
For the first time since this episode started, they were able to smile, feeling relieved. Some of them even cheered out loud for joy.
Nami remembered how precious his straw hat is to him, clinging onto it.
Luffy walked down the path, revealing Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji were waiting for him. "Let's go."
They all looked up. "Right!"
"Oh my god, finally." Jiro said in relief, unable to stop smiling like the others.
The villagers were furious that Johnny and Yosaku were guarding the entrance to Arlong Park, but the bounty hunters were waiting for certain men to arrive.
Side by side, the four marched along the road. From afar, the villagers could see them.
"They looks so manly!" Kirishima's eyes seemed to sparkle.
Yosaku was certain that if they can't handle the fishmen, then there's no hope for this island or the East Blue. They were certain Luffy and his crew was going to change destiny.
Luffy ordered the people to move aside. In Arlong Park, Arlong laughed, wondering if Johnny and Yosaku were apart of Zoro's group until large indents on the door caught his attention.
The door was smashed, and exploded into pieces. Smoke disappeared aound Luffy as Arlong was freaked out.
"Which one of you is Arlong?" Luffy demanded.
"To Be Continued."
"Holy shit, that was epic!" Denki cheered as the students dissolved into excited chatter.
Their teachers smiled at their thrilled behavior, especially after the tragedy they went through.
They just need to watch the next episode to get their prize.