Chapter 14
Jepack's Observation Haki flashed a warning of the scene one second ahead—a massive black-and-white sea cow charging straight toward Guina and the Ten'en!
Before the beast even appeared, Jepack had drawn Ten'en. In the final instant before impact, he swung with full force.
"One Sword Style – Dragon Ascend Flying Flame!"
The blade cleaved one of the sea cow's horns clean in half. The lingering sword aura continued flying forward, slicing off part of its tail as well.
The sea cow bellowed in pain and dove beneath the waves. The resulting surge nearly capsized the ship.
Jepack flash-stepped and caught Guina just as the wave was about to knock her down.
"You okay, Guina?"
Still in his arms, she pulled out the spicy strips and frozen treat she'd protected and took a bite: "With you around, how could anything happen to me? Hehe~~"
Ever since that night, Guina seemed completely hooked on the feeling. Every evening now felt like their childhood sword-training days again—making her rely on and trust Jepack more deeply than ever.
Jepack gently set her back on the deck and said:
"Good. Let's head ashore and find Nami!"
"Yay! Time to get Nami!" Guina cheered excitedly.
The ship docked. Jepack and Guina stepped onto the island and began walking toward Cocoyasi Village…
Scene shift—ten minutes earlier, inside Arlong Park's main hall.
"Arlong, I've finally collected the full 100 million beri! When will you return Cocoyasi Village to us?" Nami demanded, facing the fish-man lounging on his high throne.
Arlong: "What? You actually got 100 million? For real? Where's the money?"
Nami: "How could I carry that much? Sign the village deed first—then I'll bring the money!"
Arlong: "Who do you think you are?! If you weren't useful, you wouldn't even have this chance. Bargaining with me? No deal until I see the beri!"
Nami was sharp—she'd expected Arlong to play dirty. But for the village's sake, she had no choice.
"Fine then—send someone with me to get the money. Once you have it, we sign the papers!" Nami countered.
Arlong: "Acceptable. Chew, go with Nami."
Chew: "Yes, Boss Arlong!"
Nami: "Let's go."
She headed for the door. Once Nami and Chew were outside…
Arlong called to another subordinate: "Kuroobi, hurry—tell Captain Nezumi to come to Cocoyasi Village. Confiscate Nami's beri under charges of theft!"
Kuroobi: "Understood, Boss!"
After Kuroobi left, Arlong grinned wickedly: "No one can defy me. The ocean belongs to us fish-men! And to help me become king of the land… Nami, you'll stay right here and keep drawing charts for me. Hahahahaha~~"
Nami (to Chew): "The money's hidden behind Orange Grove Hill. Follow me."
Nami: "Here it is!"
"Surround them!"
A voice rang out nearby. A squad of Marines quickly encircled Nami and Chew!
"Nami! What's going on? Why are you surrounded by the Marines?!" Genzo and Nojiko, standing behind the Navy, rushed forward when they saw her.
"Hand over the stolen goods!" Captain Nezumi declared righteously.
Nami: "That's not stolen money!"
Nezumi: "Cat Burglar Nami—colluding with pirates and robbing travelers at sea! That bag in your hands is contraband, and you're still denying it! Men—seize it!"
"Yes, sir!"
Several Marines stepped forward, snatched the bag from Nami, while Chew stood motionless.
They quickly regrouped and marched toward Cocoyasi Village's entrance!
Meanwhile, Jepack and Guina were walking toward the same entrance. As they passed the Marines, Jepack's eyes locked onto the sharp-faced captain.
Looks like Nami got screwed. That bag… it's gotta be all the money she saved.
Thinking of Nami being bullied, Jepack spoke in a tone that was polite… but not really:
"Excuse me—could you all stop for a second? Dear Navy trash?"
Jepack: "Please put the beri down on the ground. I'd rather not have to pick it up later."
Nezumi: "Who the hell are you two brats? You dare interfere with the Marines? Looking to die?"
"Whether we die or not is unclear—but if you mess with our crewmate, you're definitely dead. One last warning: set the beri aside or step back. Otherwise, when I send it flying, picking it up will be a pain."
Jepack pointed calmly at the Marine carrying the bag.
Nezumi: "You little punk—die!!"
He lunged to attack!
"Spicy Tian Sen!"
Jepack clearly wasn't in the mood for a long fight. He unleashed a burst of Conqueror's Haki.
Everyone collapsed instantly—except the Marine holding the bag and Nezumi, who barely resisted.
"One Sword Style – Iaido – Heaven-Splitting Draw!"
Jepack drew Ten'en in a flash, cleaving Nezumi from head to torso in a single stroke.
Looks like Jepack's really pissed… I've never seen him cut someone in half before, Guina thought quietly.
Jepack snatched the bag from the remaining Marine and said: "You were obedient. You can leave now."
"Ahhh!!! Save me! Save me!!"
The young Marine burst into tears and snot, scrambling away on all fours.
Jepack turned and continued toward Cocoyasi Village, calling to the still-stunned Guina: "Come on, Guina. Time to see Nami—and deal with the real culprit!"
"Mm!" Guina nodded firmly and followed behind.
In the crowd, Nami collapsed to the ground, sobbing helplessly.
Genzo and Nojiko were still trying to process what just happened!
Chew had already slipped away long ago—someone must have warned him this was all Arlong's scheme.
A tall figure slowly crouched in front of Nami and gently brushed aside the messy hair covering her tear-streaked face.
"Nami-chan… still crying? If you keep going, you won't be cute anymore, you know~"
Nami looked up, saw Jepack, and immediately threw herself into his arms—sobbing even louder.
For a long while, only her cries filled the air. Jepack knew how much pressure she'd carried since childhood, so he didn't try to comfort her yet. He simply let her release everything.
After some time, the sobs grew quieter.
Jepack ruffled her hair gently: "Come on—time to pick up your beri. If you keep crying, my legs are gonna go numb and I won't be able to move~"
Hearing him, Nami's crying finally stopped.
Jepack kept soothing her: "There, there… anyone who bullies cute Nami-chan is getting absolutely wrecked. Every single one."
Guina: "Me too! No one messes with little Nami and gets away with it!"
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