Silk flashes a faint smile, the villagers' fervent cheers ringing in her ears.
Her comrades are steadfast, dependable. The air itself feels different now—charged with a shift in momentum.
Basking in the thrill of an almost-certain victory, she locks eyes with her opponent, gripping her sword with unwavering resolve. Defeat isn't even a flicker in her mind. She's eager to showcase the fruits of her relentless training.
After being torn from her crew by Umipanda's ambush, Silk never wavered. She lifted Nami's spirits while honing her own skills. Time was one thing she had in abundance—time to think, to train. At the edge of Cocoyashi Village, facing the sea, she swung her sword countless times, each strike a step toward mastery.
She knows her powers can be refined through thought and discipline.
That knowledge drove her to push her limits, to evolve.
Beyond perfecting her dual kamaitachi techniques, she devised a new strategy.
The thought of finally testing it stirs a mix of excitement and irreverence. She's grown so accustomed to the pirate life that the prospect of battle thrills her. Poised and fearless, Silk stands unshaken.
Her opponent looms ahead: Hachan, the octopus fishman.
Two legs, six arms—each clutching a sword.
Close combat would put her at a disadvantage. But that only makes her the perfect match for him.
"Woman, no swordsman can beat me. Know why?" Hachan taunts.
"Hmm… because I've only got two arms?" Silk replies, her tone light.
"Exactly! I've got six, and you've got two—with just one sword. No way you can block my attacks. You're done for."
"Really? I'm human, sure, but I'm no ordinary human."
Hachan's arms move with fluid precision, but Silk's expression doesn't falter.
Her sword raised, her gaze steely, she stands resolute, unshaken by even the slightest doubt.
"Didn't you see earlier? You showed me your Six-Sword Style, so let me return the favor. I'm a Kamakama Fruit user. I can summon kamaitachi—blades of wind."
"Nyu? Kamaitachi?" Hachan blurts, puzzled.
"But here's the thing," Silk continues. "When I thought about it, I realized it's not just kamaitachi. If I can create those, it means I can wield the wind itself."
A gentle breeze begins to swirl around Silk.
The wind is invisible, but the sand it kicks up from the ground reveals its motion. It's a strange, mesmerizing sight—the first of its kind for onlookers. The wind encircles her, faint but undeniable, born of her power.
When she faced Garp and Bogard, Silk was deployed as a surprise weapon under Kiri's orders—a necessity to stand a chance against such formidable foes. Kiri's instructions were clear: split her kamaitachi into two types.
One, a broad gust to overwhelm with sheer force, even if it only causes minor scratches. The other, a focused strike to seize the enemy's attention with raw power.
It was a gamble, but her training paid off. The attempt succeeded.
In that moment, she realized something profound: "kamaitachi" isn't a singular concept. It encompasses countless variations.
Wind has no fixed form. Freer than even Kiri's paper, it can take any shape she imagines. Ungraspable, ever-changing, her ability holds potential beyond mere attacks. She pondered, experimented, and deepened her understanding of her power.
The ability to command formless, invisible wind.
What seemed vague—summoning kamaitachi—unlocked endless possibilities once she grasped its true nature.
Her hair, tied back, dances in the breeze she conjures. She stands with an air of unshakable grace, utterly composed.
"Sorry, but I'm not planning to lose. Not even to your Six-Sword Style."
"What's that!?" Hachan roars. "Talk big all you want—I'll show you the true strength of Six-Sword Style!"
Hachan charges forward with a bellow, his six arms weaving in unnatural patterns, swinging swords in ways no human could replicate.
He seems oblivious to the spectacle before him, devoid of fear. Silk's smile fades as she shifts into battle focus.
"Octopus Frenzy Blade!"
His arms spread wide, joints bending impossibly, poised to unleash a six-sword assault. But Silk strikes first, swinging her sword to release a burst of wind.
The breeze surrounding her explodes outward, racing toward Hachan.
"Tempest Whirl!"
The wind slams into Hachan, hurling him back. It grants no moment to brace himself. The powerful gust envelops him, carrying him effortlessly while grazing his skin with faint cuts. The wounds are minor, barely painful, but the situation is clear: Silk has seized the upper hand.
"Nyu!? What the hell is this!?" Hachan yelps.
"Told you. It's my power," Silk replies coolly.
Stunned, Hachan tumbles to the ground, unable to break his fall. He clings to his swords—a testament to his skill—but he's too far to strike back. Scrambling to his feet, he finds himself dozens of meters away from Silk.
This is her ideal range.
Hachan's face pales as the realization hits. Her sword swings don't stop at her blade's reach, and dodging her wind is nearly impossible.
"Here comes a stronger one. Tempest Gale!"
"Nyuah! More wind!?"
A fiercer gust engulfs Hachan, tossing him like a ragdoll. This time, sharp pain accompanies the blast. Blade-like kamaitachi slice into him, leaving cuts across his body. The blood that spurts is swept away by the wind, and he's flung even farther, crashing to the ground.
This wind isn't just for pushing—it's laced with cutting blades.
The attack is invisible, impossible to predict within the storm. Hachan, sprawled on the ground, struggles to rise, fear creeping into his heart.
Silk stands poised, sword ready, unmoving. She doesn't need to advance—her control is absolute.
For Hachan, facing a human who instills such terror is a first. His mind reels as he gazes at the delicate, unyielding girl, so impossibly far away.
"Something wrong? You can surrender if you want," Silk offers.
"Nyu… Nyu! No way I'm giving up! Don't underestimate my swords!" Hachan shouts, rallying himself.
He rises, fueled by defiance, but victory feels out of reach. How can he dodge her wind?
His mistake is fixating on that question, failing to consider how to leverage his own strengths.
Silk knows her weakness. The Kamakama Fruit's range is vast but limited by her mastery. The wind travels straight, unable to curve or target foes behind cover. Her training hasn't yet yielded precise control—only the ability to adjust strength, to cut or to push. If Hachan could exploit this, the tide might turn.
But he doesn't. Panicked, he faces her head-on, making himself an easy target.
Determined not to lose, Hachan charges again. Perhaps it's the distance, or desperation, but he tries something unexpected.
"Don't think I'm just a swordsman! I can do this too! Takohachi Black!"
He spews octopus ink from his mouth, the dark spray arcing toward Silk. The attack has range, but it's not fast enough. Silk calmly swings her sword, unleashing a gust that scatters the ink, sending it back at Hachan. The spray coats him, obscuring his vision.
"Nyuah!? I can't see!" he cries.
"Um, that's not my fault, right?" Silk quips.
Hachan, flailing to clear the ink, leaves himself wide open. Silk hesitates, feeling a pang of guilt, but resolves to end the fight.
Wind gathers around her blade, layering thicker, denser.
Her kamaitachi, while far-reaching, lack the raw power of a direct sword strike. To deliver a stronger blow, she devised a new technique: a piercing thrust no one can stop.
Her wind-clad sword draws back slightly. She steadies her stance, her movements still.
"Sorry, but I'm finishing this. I'm not trying to kill you, so… be careful."
"Nyu?" Hachan mutters, wiping his eyes.
As his vision clears, he sees Silk's stance shift. In an instant, she thrusts her sword forward.
A spiraling kamaitachi rockets forth, invisible but for the roaring gust and thunderous sound it carries. It's less a slash and more a miniature typhoon.
"Tempest Surge!"
The wind, laced with swirling soil, becomes faintly visible—a fist-sized vortex moving too fast to track. It strikes Hachan like a drill, tearing into his torso with a deep, gouging wound. Blood sprays, caught in the spiral, and he collapses, unconscious in an instant.
"Nyuah…!?"
The attack lands in less than a second.
Silk, stunned by the outcome, covers her mouth, cold sweat beading as she wonders if she went too far.
"Oops… maybe that was a bit much?" she murmurs.
Fortunately, Hachan is merely knocked out, not dead. He won't stir for a while, though. Silk stands unscathed, the victor.
Kuroobi, watching from the sidelines, shudders. He knew she was a Devil Fruit user, but this is beyond comprehension. She might even surpass Kiri, with her paper-manipulating prowess. His gaze shifts to his fallen comrade, and he mutters, "Hachi… you idiot."
"Strong and cute? I'm falling for her all over again," another voice chimes.
Kuroobi turns to see Sanji, lighting a cigarette, his eyes fixed on Silk. He seems unbothered by Kuroobi, lost in admiration.
But after a drag, Sanji's focus shifts. He's ready to take on Kuroobi, his tone playful yet sharp.
"Fish sticks, huh? Deep-fried, simmered, or maybe a nice meunière? Oh, right, you interrupted our meal. I'm itching to serve Nami-san, Silk-chan, and Nami-san's lovely sister some of my cooking. Speaking of, I forgot to introduce myself to her—what a rude guy I am—"
"What're you blabbering about? Forgotten I'm still here?" Kuroobi snaps.
Sanji's gaze lifts, meeting Kuroobi's glare. His demeanor is fearless, almost insolent, as he puffs his cigarette. Why light up before a fight? The audacity fuels Kuroobi's rage, his patience fraying as his crew lies defeated.
"Looks like I've got one more pest to deal with," Kuroobi growls. "I don't have time for you. I'll end this quick and send everyone here to hell."
"End it quick, huh? Better own those words," Sanji retorts.
Sanji strolls forward, hands in pockets, utterly relaxed. He closes the distance to Kuroobi without haste, his casual stride almost mocking.
Kuroobi, incensed, assumes a Fishman Karate stance, fists clenched.
He's ready to strike, but Sanji's attitude grates. To assert his dominance, Kuroobi boasts, "Know Fishman Karate? I'm a 40th-degree master. One hit from my Thousand-Tile True Fist, and you're dead. Too late to run now."
"Just don't get hit, then," Sanji replies, unfazed.
"Hmph, think you can dodge? You can't escape—"
Sanji suddenly kicks off the ground, lunging forward.
He closes the gap in an instant, catching Kuroobi off guard. Before the fishman can react, Sanji's right foot slams into his neck.
"Collier Strike!"
The impact sends Kuroobi crashing to the ground, unable to brace himself. He scrambles to rise, but Sanji's next kick follows swiftly.
"Épaule Strike!"
"Guh—!"
The blow to his shoulder sends Kuroobi sprawling, his face smashing into the dirt, nose bleeding. The pain is overwhelming, each hit rattling his core.
Sanji's kicks are devastating.
Each strike shakes Kuroobi, slowing his attempts to recover. He tries to stand, but Sanji waits, hands in pockets, calmly smoking. He holds off until Kuroobi rises.
"What's wrong, fish face? Not what you were boasting about," Sanji taunts.
"Ugh, grr…!" Kuroobi groans.
"Weren't you gonna end this quick? Or do you want me to end it for you?"
Kuroobi staggers to his feet. As he straightens, Sanji unleashes two more kicks with merciless precision.
"Côtelette Strike! Selle Strike!"
The blows land with bone-rattling force, pain searing through Kuroobi's body. He can't even scream.
Sanji raises his leg again.
"Poitrine Strike!"
The kick to his chest sends Kuroobi sliding, barely staying upright. Sanji doesn't stop.
"Gigot Strike!"
"Gyaah!?"
A sharp kick to the thigh forces Kuroobi to his knees, his body no longer his own. He fights to stay conscious, gasping for air.
Through blurred vision, he sees Sanji turn, preparing a final move. Desperate, Kuroobi clenches his fist for a counterattack.
"Blow him away!"
"Guh, you—Thousand-Tile True—!"
"Mouton Shot!"
Sanji's attack is faster, a flurry of kicks delivered with blinding speed. The force sends Kuroobi flying, skidding across the ground, unconscious before he stops.
The fight ends effortlessly.
Sanji plucks the cigarette from his lips, muttering with a bored smirk, "Seconds are free. Not that you can hear me now."
Unscathed, Sanji's victory stuns the onlookers. His masterful kicks spark awe, then cheers erupt as the fight concludes.
Silk and Sanji have triumphed, toppling Arlong's crew against all odds.
Arlong himself isn't here, but the moment feels miraculous. The villagers' joyous cries pierce the night sky, the atmosphere alive with newfound hope.
Sanji adjusts his tie, his expression cool, unshaken by victory. He turns to rejoin his crew.
"No fish-brained punk who doesn't get chivalry can take me down. Study the human world a bit before you try again. Now… Nami-saaan! Silk-chaaan! Big Sis! I won! Aren't you just swooning for me!?"
Sanji sprints toward Silk, his goofy grin and sloppy run betraying his suave demeanor. It's exasperating, but he's unapologetic.
Silk, savoring her own growth, smiles at him.
Her warmth only fuels Sanji's antics, his voice growing louder.
"Sanji, that was amazing! I've never seen kicks like that!" she says.
"Ehehe! Oh, stop, Silk-chan, I'm nothing compared to you!" Sanji gushes.
"Hey, cook, quit fawning over Silk, you idiot—oh, wait, that's just you," Zoro interjects.
"Huh!? Don't you dare ruin my moment with your moss-headed nonsense, Zoro! I'll kick you to the ends of the sea!"
As the cheers continue, Zoro's jab sparks a brawl with Sanji. It's becoming their routine, escalating despite the victory.
Silk, hands on hips, sighs with a mix of exasperation and annoyance. Kiri approaches.
"Why do those two always fight? They're ruining the moment," Silk grumbles.
"They just don't click. Idiots, both of them," Kiri replies.
"Hey, Kiri, can you stop them? My powers might hurt them."
"A little pain might do them good. They're not the type to back down over a scratch. Why not give it a shot?"
"Hmm, okay, I'll try."
Silk swings her sword, carefully conjuring a gust to avoid injury. The wind roars, sending Sanji and Zoro tumbling across the ground, earning minor scrapes. Unfazed, they leap up, turning to her.
"Hey, Silk! What was that for!?" Zoro snaps.
"Silk-chan, that's harsh! Blowing me away with that moss-head!?" Sanji whines.
"No fighting, you two. We're a crew—act like it," Silk scolds, her tone firm but kind.
Sanji raises his hands in cheerful surrender, while Zoro crosses his arms, looking away. The bickering stops, for now.
Silk's presence strengthens the crew's bond. She's always approached Rika and Apis with the same warmth, breaking down barriers. She's lifted Nami's spirits and now reins in Zoro and Sanji's squabbles.
Stronger than ever, she helps the crew feel at ease.
Kiri glances at Silk's profile, marveling at her growth since they first met.
Usopp rushes over, bloodied but brimming with energy, waving excitedly. Beating an enemy officer has him elated, his trembling fist clenched as he shouts to Kiri.
"Hey, Kiri! Did you see!? I took down an officer—a big-shot enemy, all by myself!"
"Yeah, I saw. That was epic. Pirate-level cool," Kiri replies.
"Right!? Man, my heart was pounding! But it all went according to plan—my natural instincts just kicked in!"
"Your bravado was perfect. You're practically Luffy's first mate already."
"Hahaha! Damn right! Captain Usopp's not far off!"
Usopp throws his head back, laughing heartily. Following his victory over Jango, this second solo win fuels his confidence. The chaos fades, leaving only joy and pride. He shouts, sharing his triumph with the crew.
A calm warmth settles over them.
But the fight isn't over. Kiri scans the area, her voice steady.
"For now, we're done here. It's up to Luffy to finish Arlong, and that'll settle it."
"Right, Luffy's still fighting! Let's go back him up! Leave the support to me!" Usopp declares.
"But we can't just leave these guys here. Should we tie them up?" Kiri muses.
Time is short, though. Kiri's gaze shifts, landing on Genzo and the approaching villagers. No words are needed—Genzo understands.
"Leave it to us," he says. "We can't just stand by. It doesn't sit right."
"Thanks," Kiri replies.
"When this is over, we'll thank you properly… Come back safe."
"No worries. The guy left is too stubborn to die."
Kiri flashes a grin and turns away. The others follow—Usopp leading with enthusiasm, Zoro and Sanji glaring but holding back, Silk and Kiri side by side. They leave the cheering villagers behind, heading to their captain.
"Let's go. Time to see the captain's fight through," Kiri says.
"Alright, follow your Captain Usopp!" Usopp shouts.
"I'll settle things with you later, moss-head. I'll wait till your injuries heal—no handicap needed," Sanji sneers.
"Careful, you might regret that. Your only shot at beating me was now," Zoro retorts.
"Ugh, enough! Keep fighting, and I'll blow you both away again!" Silk warns.
The five walk in step, still young but carrying themselves with undeniable presence. They're cool, plain and simple.
The villagers watch, their hearts full, as the crew moves forward.
Among them stands Nami, clutching Luffy's hat, frozen in hesitation. Kiri pauses, turning back to her.
"What're you doing, Nami? Come on, let's go."
"Huh—?" Nami blinks.
"We've gotta see this through. Luffy's waiting."
Kiri's casual smile catches Nami off guard, its sincerity disarming. The others stop, waiting for her.
It's a small moment, but it warms her heart. Doubt vanishes, replaced by resolve. Nami nods, her expression firm.
"Yeah!"
She jogs to catch up, slipping between Kiri and Silk. The six walk together now, as Genzo and Nojiko watch their backs.
Nami chose to stand with them, her will clear. It's not the same as the day she joined the crew, marked by a tattoo and bravado. Now, she's smiling among them.
"It's been so long since I've seen her smile like that…" Nojiko murmurs.
"They're saving us. The ones she believed in. This village will be free," Genzo replies.
"Yeah…"
The villagers, binding the defeated fishmen, buzz with anticipation. Yosaku and Johnny pitch in, the air electric with the promise of freedom.
Nojiko can't hold back her smile. Genzo glances at the night sky, clouds parted to reveal a full moon and countless stars.
"Bellemere, are you watching? Today, our fight ends."
His excitement and joy overwhelm him. He closes his eyes, certain now.
Nami's resolve confirms it: Cocoyashi Village will be free today.
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