Chapter 24: Sudden Arrival
Cocoyasi Village. The Orange Grove. Nami's House.
Apollo and the others sat around a table, a few oranges resting between them.
"So... everyone already knew?"
Nami was sprawled across the table, her face buried in her arms, lost in thought.
Because she was so surprised earlier, Nojiko had accidentally let slip the matter of the 100 million Berries.
Yet, Genzo hadn't shown any surprise. Combining that with what Apollo had said, Nami realized something was wrong. After pressing him, Genzo finally revealed the truth.
"That's right. Your decision to join the Arlong Pirates back then... it was too out of character. No one believed it. So we went and asked Nojiko, and she told us everything."
Genzo's expression was serious. "If you knew that we knew, perhaps when you wanted to run away in the future, you would be held back by our expectations.
So, everyone pretended nothing was wrong. We acted cold so you wouldn't feel guilty."
"So everyone..."
Nami closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them again, her gaze determined. "But it doesn't matter now. Arlong will be defeated soon! We'll all be free!"
Genzo and Nojiko looked at Apollo simultaneously.
They still found it hard to understand what magic this young man had cast to give Nami such overwhelming confidence.
Nami continued, "Nojiko, come with me. Witness Arlong's defeat with your own eyes!"
This was why she had returned to the house first.
Eight years ago, their adoptive mother, Belle-mère, was killed by Arlong right in front of them. It was their recurring nightmare.
Now, she hoped that Nojiko could witness Arlong's downfall, finally helping them shed the shadow he had cast over their lives.
"Wait!"
Genzo couldn't help but stand up. He pressed his hands on the table, leaning forward with a grave expression.
"Kid, are you sure you can defeat Arlong? He was once a core member of the Sun Pirates—a genuine monster! Moreover, he has a crew of powerful subordinates. Even if you can defeat Arlong personally, you might be surrounded!"
Apollo picked up an orange and started peeling it, mumbling nonchalantly, "Uncle, don't worry. I wouldn't joke with my own life, let alone Nami's. I'm two hundred percent confident I can crush Arlong and his entire crew."
Genzo looked at Nami.
Nami nodded decisively. "I believe in Apollo. He can definitely defeat Arlong!"
Genzo slowly nodded, his expression hardening into resolve. "Alright. Since you've made your decision, Nami, then we'll fight Arlong, too! Wait here. I'll go notify the others. We'll go settle things with Arlong together!"
"Genzo, no need, I—"
Before Nami could finish speaking, he had already stormed out of the room.
Apollo popped a slice of orange into his mouth and smiled. "That uncle still doesn't believe me. He had the look of a man prepared to die."
"It's just too incredible to believe. Honestly, I also find it hard to believe that someone could defeat Arlong's crew alone."
Nojiko rested her cheek on her palm, chuckling softly. "However, I believe in Nami. There must be a reason she made such a choice."
"You'll see very soon. It won't disappoint you."
Apollo said casually, then pointed to the table where only peels remained. "These oranges are delicious. Do you have any more?"
Nami looked at Apollo and found him even more pleasing to the eye. She smiled brightly. "Yes! We might not have much else, but we have plenty of oranges!"
"Defeat Arlong... can it really be done?"
Genzo's face was grim as he ran.
Over the years, he had gained a deep, painful understanding of the strength of Fish-Men.
It was hard to believe that the sunny, handsome young man he just met was a match for those monsters.
No matter what, I must ensure Nami's safety, even if it costs me my life!
Genzo sprinted all the way back to Cocoyasi Village.
After Nami had passed through, the village had become lively with whispers. Seeing Genzo run in, they all gathered around to ask what was happening.
Genzo took a breath. "Everyone, please gather around. I have something to inform you."
"Genzo, what's going on?"
"Did you come from Nami's house? Is this about Nami?"
"..."
Genzo remained silent until most of the villagers had gathered. Then, he stepped forward.
"Everyone, please be quiet. I have a very important message..."
He slowly recounted the arrival of Apollo and Nami's decision to fight, finally saying, "Everyone, make your decision! Will you continue to endure humiliation and wait for a miracle, or..."
"Of course, we fight!"
He was interrupted before he could even finish. The crowd erupted with agitation.
"Although we've never met him, since Nami trusts that young man, we will trust him too!"
"That's right! Little Nami has carried the lives of the entire village on her shoulders, fighting hard for eight years. No matter what decision she makes, we stand by her!"
"I've had enough! If it weren't for Nami, I would have fought those bastards long ago!"
"Fight Arlong! Does anyone have any objections?"
"No!"
"Let's fight them!"
"Fight!"
"Good!" Genzo gritted his teeth, tears welling in his eyes. "Even if we can't win, we must let them see our will! We are human beings!"
"Shahahaha... That's truly courageous!"
A cold, sinister laugh cut through the air from the edge of the crowd.
The agitated villagers suddenly fell deathly silent.
That voice was so familiar; without turning around, they knew exactly who it was.
Whoosh.
The crowd parted in terror, clearing an open space in an instant.
Genzo stared, his blood running cold. "Arlong!"
Standing there was the sawtooth shark Fish-Man himself, followed by a dozen of his subordinates.
"I only came to apprehend a rat who was hiding weapons, but I didn't expect to hear such astonishing news. You really gave me a surprise!"
Although Arlong was smiling, his smile held no warmth. It was like the ice on a thousand-year-old snow mountain, radiating endless malice.
His face suddenly twisted, and he roared, "You lowly humans were born to be our slaves! How dare you rebel? I will kill all of you and wipe this village off the map!"
"You fish-bastard! I've had enough of you! Watch me send you flying!"
A burly young villager roared and charged toward Arlong, his fist raised high in desperation.
But before he could even get close, a Fish-Man with a protruding, trumpet-like mouth next to Arlong stepped forward and kicked him.
Bang!
The villager was sent flying backward, crashing into the dirt.
The trumpet-mouthed Fish-Man, Chew, folded his arms and scoffed. "Trash like you isn't worthy of Lord Arlong making a move."
"Ah...!"
Cold sweat broke out on the villager's face as he groaned in pain, clutching his stomach, unable to stand.
"Do you see? You inferior humans... this is the power of us Fish-Men!"
Arlong reached out, grabbed Genzo by the head, and lifted him into the air like a ragdoll.
"Let go of Genzo!"
"Let's fight them!"
"..."
Although they weren't fully prepared, the situation no longer allowed for hesitation. Roaring with desperate courage, the villagers of Cocoyasi Village charged toward the Fish-Men.
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