The Going Merry sailed under a sky heavy with tension. The closer we got to Arlong Park, the thicker the air became. This wasn't just another fight. This wasn't about pirate pride or proving strength.
This was a monster's domain—and we were about to tear it down.
Arrival at Cocoyashi Village
When we docked, the weight of oppression was suffocating. The villagers moved with hollow eyes and cautious steps, their bodies hunched as if burdened by invisible chains. At the center stood Genzo, the old sheriff, his face lined with quiet anger.
Nami was nowhere in sight.
"We need to talk to her," Sanji said firmly.
Genzo exhaled, shaking his head. "She doesn't want to see you. Leave while you still can."
Luffy stepped forward, his expression unwavering. "Not happening."
And then, as if summoned by fate, Nami appeared.
She walked toward us with measured steps, her face unreadable. In one sharp motion, she pointed a dagger at Luffy.
"Go away."
The words cut deeper than any blade.
The Truth Comes Out
She was lying. We all knew it. But only Luffy had the patience to let her shatter her own defenses. He simply stood there, waiting.
Her hands trembled. The mask cracked.
And then she collapsed to her knees.
"Please… help me."
That was all we needed to hear.
Luffy grinned, placing his hat on her head, shielding her from the world. "Of course."
I exhaled slowly. The time for words was over. The battle had begun.
Storming Arlong Park
The gates of Arlong Park shattered under Luffy's punch, splinters flying like battle flags.
"ARLOOOOOOONG!"
The Fish-Men turned in surprise. Arlong lounged on his throne, his long nose casting a shadow over his sharp grin.
"Well, well," he mused. "The humans finally learned how to bite back."
Zoro stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "Tch. Big words for a dead fish."
Arlong's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You think you can challenge me? Pathetic."
Luffy cracked his knuckles. "We're not here to talk."
Battle UnleashedZoro vs. Hachi
Zoro's swords clashed against Hachi's six-sword style, the force sending shockwaves through the air.
"A swordsman with six arms? Cute trick," Zoro muttered, dodging a simultaneous strike.
Hachi laughed. "You can't keep up, human!"
But Zoro wasn't backing down. Each strike became sharper, each block tighter. His muscles screamed in protest, but his resolve burned hotter.
"You're strong, but you lack precision," Zoro said coolly.
In a single motion, he severed two of Hachi's swords, his blade pressing against the Fish-Man's throat.
"Game over."
Sanji vs. Kuroobi
Sanji dodged a powerful Fish-Man Karate strike, his movements a dance of lethal grace.
"A cook? Trying to fight me? Pathetic!" Kuroobi sneered, lunging forward.
Sanji smirked, spinning mid-air. "Let me show you what a cook's legs can do."
His kick connected with a sickening crunch, sending Kuroobi flying through a stone pillar.
"That's for making Nami suffer."
Usopp vs. Chew
"Come back here, you coward!" Chew roared, firing water bullets.
Usopp ran, dodging wildly. "This isn't cowardice! It's strategic repositioning!"
He skidded to a stop behind cover, panting. Then, with a sly grin, he pulled out his slingshot and took aim.
"Eat this!"
A Fire Star shot through the air, exploding against Chew's chest, sending him screaming into the water.
"Told you! I'm a warrior of the sea!"
MC vs. Arlong - The Breaking Point
Arlong turned to me, eyes gleaming with intrigue. "You're different. I can smell it."
I rolled my shoulders, energy humming beneath my skin. Sukuna's instincts roared inside me, my grip tightening on my sword.
"You're right," I murmured. "I'm not just human."
I moved first.
A slash cut through the air, shattering the ground beneath Arlong's feet. His eyes flickered with recognition as he dodged.
Cleave.
His shoulder ripped open, blood spraying the ground.
Arlong grinned. "Not bad."
He lunged, jaws snapping. I twisted, Geppo launching me mid-air as his teeth clamped down where I had stood.
Dismantle.
A shockwave erupted from my blade, tearing through an entire tower of Arlong Park. The battlefield fell silent.
Arlong growled. "You—!"
Fire Arrow.
Flames coalesced in my palm, a cursed energy inferno. I launched it forward.
Arlong barely dodged, the explosion leveling another section of the fortress. He was panting now, arrogance cracking.
I exhaled, lowering my stance. This was freedom.
For the first time, I felt truly alive.
The End of Arlong
Luffy stepped beside me, eyes filled with unwavering fury. "I'll handle this now."
I nodded. "Finish it."
Luffy's fists tore through Arlong, his rage reducing the Fish-Man's empire to rubble. His final punch sent Arlong crashing through his throne.
As the walls crumbled, the sky above seemed brighter.
Cocoyashi Village was free.
Aftermath & Growth
The villagers wept with joy. Nami stood in the ruins of her prison, tears falling freely.
She was finally home.
I checked my system.
[System Reward: Basic Swordsmanship Level 6 Acquired] [System Reward: Sukuna Synchronization Increased (30%)] [System Reward: Fire Arrow Skill Unlocked] [System Reward: Full Control Over Cursed Energy]
I clenched my fists, feeling the shift in my body. Stronger. Sharper. More refined.
Zoro eyed me as he wiped blood from his blade. "You've changed."
I exhaled. "Yeah. I think I have."
Luffy grinned, bruised but victorious. "You're one of us, Ren."
I stared at him, my chest tightening. One of them.
For the first time in forever… I believed it.
"Yeah," I said, a small smile forming. "I guess I am."
The Going Merry waited. The sea called for us once more.
A new journey had begun.
................................................................Hey everyone! How's the story treating you so far? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your favourite moments or characters in the comments—let's chat about what you're enjoying!