"Get a bit closer, will ya? No way we're fitting everyone in like this!"
"Then just the main crew's fine. As long as the center's solid, it'll do."
"Hey, Luffy, quit shoving! You're supposed to be over there, aren't you?"
"Huh? Am I?"
At the ruins of Arlong Park, a photo shoot was underway.
A photographer, summoned to the island the day before, was busy framing the shot, directing the pirates as they arranged themselves in their own quirky ways. In the center, a battered Nezumi sat, propped up like a trophy.
The Straw Hat crew, seven strong, fit snugly into the frame, each striking their signature pose. Alongside them were key members of Arlong's gang. Luffy and Arlong, at the photographer's insistence, sat side by side, flanked by Usopp and Hachi.
Some of the fishmen, Arlong included, wore their displeasure plainly, but Hachi seemed softer, more conciliatory. He'd already apologized to Nami, bowing his head in remorse.
They weren't exactly chummy—far from it—but here they were, posing for a single photo, dragging a freshly defeated Nezumi along to flaunt their pirate flair.
The photographer raised his hand.
All eyes turned to him.
"Alright, here we go! Smile big!"
Click. The shutter snapped, and the job was done.
The shoot wrapped smoothly, and the group relaxed, starting to move about.
Kiri was the first to spring into action, darting over to the photographer with an oddly chummy demeanor.
"Alright, stick to the plan. Write a proper article, got it? If it's off the mark, we'll come for your office. We've already proven we can wreck stuff."
"Don't worry, I got this. No screw-ups. I'm staking my life on this one."
"Good. Handle it."
The photographer packed up his gear and strode off, practically bouncing with excitement. For a guy called in on short notice, he seemed thrilled, like something great had just happened.
Kiri shrugged, grinning as he waved the man off.
Turning back, he tilted his head. Another photographer—unfamiliar—was snapping pictures of Luffy, who seemed delighted to oblige.
"Man, that's a weird hat! Can I touch it?"
"Fire!"
"Pfft, hahaha! What's with that call? That's awesome!"
Luffy cracked up as the strange "Fire!" chant echoed with each shot. It was an absurdly laid-back scene.
Kiri, chuckling wryly, approached them.
Odd, he thought. He'd only called one photographer.
He couldn't tell if this second guy was a professional or just some hobbyist with a camera. Still, he didn't seem harmful, so Kiri let it slide without a fuss.
"Hey, Kiri, get in on this! You gotta say 'Fire!'—it's so cool!"
"I don't think the chant's necessary. What's the photo for, anyway?"
"Backup for the article. You want one too?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, get in there! Saying 'Fire!' makes it more fun."
"Fine, whatever. Go ahead."
Kiri agreed without overthinking it.
The pint-sized photographer nodded slightly, raising his camera.
"Here we go… Fire!"
"Hahaha!"
Luffy doubled over laughing as Kiri, with a faint smile, posed for the shot.
That seemed to wrap things up. The second photographer bowed, thanked them, and hurried off, his back radiating enthusiasm. Another workaholic, apparently.
Still, two photographers when one was expected? That was odd.
Regardless, the job was done.
Turning around, the two surveyed the scene.
Nezumi, battered and bruised, was tied up like the other marines, too weak to even speak. He might've been unconscious, but a dry, raspy laugh suggested he was still hanging on.
His crimes would soon be exposed. The Navy could handle the rest. A ship exposing corruption within the ranks was already en route from the Grand Line. She'd likely haul Nezumi off and dig into every detail.
The battle was finally over.
Nami turned to her crew, her face bright with a genuine, joyful smile.
"Guys, thank you. Seriously, you all saved me."
Her crew grinned back.
Gone were the downcast looks of the past. Now, they faced each other with clear, buoyant spirits.
Usopp and Sanji, caught up in the moment, raised their voices.
"No big deal, really! I mean, sure, I took down one of their big shots, but helping a crewmate? That's just what we do!"
"Nami-san's smile is absolutely radiant!"
"God, these guys are loud. Always getting carried away," Zoro muttered.
"Come on, lighten up! Haha, it's really great to see Nami smiling," someone added.
The air was warm, the battle's end palpable.
Peace had returned to Cocoyasi Village. The root of its suffering was gone, and freedom was theirs at last.
The village could now live in tranquility, free of trouble.
Just then, Arlong spoke up.
Taking down Nezumi was fine—he'd never liked the guy anyway, and they'd worked together against a common enemy. But that didn't mean he'd accepted the Straw Hats.
His bloodshot eyes locked onto Luffy, brimming with renewed hostility.
"I ain't bowing to you lot. You think you can just call the shots? No way I'm joining you on the sea!"
"Still going on about that?" Nami shot back, her tone firm. "Get it through your head. You lost. I won. Stop whining already!"
"Shut it, brat! You little punk, acting all high and mighty!"
"Yeah, I'm riding high! I've always hated you guys, and I was never your ally. I'm Luffy's navigator! I don't have to care what you think anymore!"
"Tch…!"
Arlong gritted his teeth, glaring, but turned away from her.
Instead, he fixed his eyes on Luffy and roared.
"Hey, Straw Hat! You said anytime, right? Come at me!"
"Yeah, I said that."
"Then… right here, right now! Let's settle this!"
His shout rippled through the quiet, amplifying the silence that followed.
Tension gripped the onlookers. No one—human or fishman—had expected this. They'd all assumed a rematch would come later, after wounds had healed.
Both Luffy and Arlong were bandaged head to toe, their injuries far worse than the others'.
"Wait, hold on! Why are we even talking about this?!" Nami cried.
"Alright, let's do it," Luffy said calmly.
"Luffy, what?!"
"Stay back, Nami. I got this."
Pushing Nami aside to keep her safe, Luffy stepped forward.
Arlong grinned at how easily Luffy accepted the challenge.
"Kill you, and this is all over. Cocoyasi Village, your crew—I'll wipe you all out!"
"Try it. But I'm warning you, I'm strong."
"Hmph. I already know your weakness. Rubber or not, my teeth will tear you apart!"
With that, Arlong charged, jaws wide, sharp teeth bared, closing in fast. Those teeth could pierce even a rubber man.
But Luffy stayed cool.
His counter was so swift Arlong couldn't react.
"Gum-Gum Stamp!"
"Gah?!"
Luffy's right leg shot out, smashing into Arlong's face. The force, amplified by Arlong's forward momentum, snapped his head back, pain searing through him.
Arlong struggled to recover, but Luffy was already in his space.
Twisting his arm, Luffy unleashed a spiraling punch into Arlong's gut.
"Rifle!"
"Guh?!"
"Ngh!"
The punch landed hard, followed by a swift kick to Arlong's jaw, throwing his head back again. As he staggered, trying to stay upright, Luffy leaped into the air.
He'd seen this move before. Arlong understood but couldn't stop it.
A powerful stomp crashed into his stomach.
"Axe!"
Arlong couldn't even scream.
He collapsed, sprawled out, coughing up blood as his body remembered its limits.
The outcome was clear.
Luffy adjusted his hat, looking down at him.
"It's over."
"Ugh, damn it… I'm not done… not yet…"
"Arlong-san, stop it! You're gonna die for real!" Hachi pleaded.
"Come back anytime. I'll take you on land. Can't swim, though—hammer, y'know," Luffy said with a grin.
"Grr, damn it…!"
Whether it was Hachi's plea or Luffy's words, Arlong looked skyward, eyes shut, swallowing his frustration. He'd lost—again. The gap in strength was undeniable.
Kiri nodded thoughtfully.
Arlong's attitude was no surprise. He wasn't the type to warm up easily or play nice. This was expected.
What caught Kiri's attention, though, was Luffy's fighting.
He'd always known Luffy wouldn't back down, but his moves seemed sharper.
"Luffy's gotten better, hasn't he? Something happen?"
"Plenty," Zoro replied, arms crossed. "Fought a Navy legend—his grandpa, no less. Then the Baratie, and now this guy. Every island, he gets stronger."
Kiri nodded, satisfied, then glanced at Usopp.
"Yeah, he's reliable. You're looking pretty dependable too, Usopp."
"Who, me? Nah, not really! I mean, sure, I took down one of their big shots, but my shining talent's just unstoppable, y'know!" Usopp boasted.
"Damn it…!" Chew, the fishman Usopp had beaten, flushed with anger but held it in.
Usopp, oblivious, laughed loudly, clapping Kiri's back.
Kiri grinned, taking it in stride.
Looking around, he figured things were settled. It was time to move on.
The Grand Line awaited.
Kiri took charge, rallying everyone.
"Alright, we messed with the Navy, so things are gonna heat up. Let's prep and sail. Gotta get outta here before someone spots us. If that hero shows up, we're in deep."
"Y-yeah, that'd be bad! Alright, everyone, let's scram!" Usopp shouted.
"What, you scared, Usopp?" Zoro teased.
"Scared? Me? I'm just, uh, worried about you guys, that's all…!"
The group started moving, heading back to the village to prepare. The Straw Hats aimed for Cocoyasi, while Arlong's crew, barred from the village, went straight to their ship.
As they walked, Nami called out to Luffy.
"Hey, Luffy, can I have a sec?"
"Hm? What's up?"
"Just wanna say some goodbyes."
"Cool. I'll wait."
"Alright. I'll be there, promise."
Nami split off, heading somewhere alone.
No one worried. She'd be back. The crew trusted her, letting her handle her business in the safe village without following.
Atop a cliff overlooking the sea, Nami knelt before Bellemere's grave, a bouquet of flowers at her side, a soft smile on her face.
Everything felt different from her last visit. The way she saw her mother, the calm in her heart, the faint smile on her lips—it was all new. She'd won her freedom.
Behind her, a short distance away, Genzo and Nojiko stood.
They weren't here to stop Nami as she prepared to leave. They were ready to see her off.
"Hey, Nojiko… if Bellemere were alive, would she have stopped me from becoming a pirate?"
"Who knows? Would you even listen if she tried?"
"Pfft, no way."
"Heh, there's your answer."
Nami stuck out her tongue, like a kid again.
Nojiko and Genzo both figured Bellemere wouldn't have stopped her. She'd probably have laughed and sent her off, which was a little scary to think about.
Nami whispered, as if making a vow, her voice carrying to Bellemere and the two behind her.
"I'm not gonna cry. From now on, I'm gonna live laughing, with them."
"That's the spirit. Best revenge there is," Nojiko said.
"Nami, if Arlong's crew tries anything, call me. I'll hunt them down to the ends of the sea," Genzo added.
"Haha, no need to worry. I've got my crew. Luffy'll handle Arlong, and with everyone, I've got nothing to fear."
Beaming, Nami gazed out at the distant horizon.
"Bellemere, I'm heading out."
Her smile was simple, heartfelt.
Nami declared her departure, her heart lighter than ever.
It'd be a long journey, and she wouldn't be back for a while. But she felt no loneliness.
Luffy had said he'd sail the world to become Pirate King. They'd return here someday.
This was just a temporary goodbye.
She'd decided, selfishly, that she'd come back. That, she thought with a laugh, was true freedom.
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