Arlong defeated a 100-million-Berry bounty head.
But the brutal fight left him gravely wounded, bandaged head to toe, unconscious.
A day passed, yet he didn't wake. A heavy air hung over the ship.
Hachi frowned, muttering in distress.
"Nyuu~… Everyone's so down."
"No wonder. Arlong-san's out cold," Kuroobi replied nearby.
Chuu sighed beside him.
Even the officers lacked their usual vigor. Tasked with leading in Arlong's absence, worry clouded their focus.
The crew risked falling apart.
Scanning the deck, Hachi resolved to act.
"Can't stay like this. Gotta do something."
"Chuu! Do what? If you can fix this, go for it," Chuu said.
"Hmm…"
"Arlong-san waking up is key. That alone would lift spirits," Kuroobi added, sighing.
True, Arlong's charisma held the crew's trust. Despite his temper, he was kind to them. His awakening would restore their smiles.
Hachi thought, then grinned suddenly.
"Got it!"
His loud voice made Kuroobi and Chuu look up.
"Can't wake Arlong-san, but I can help him heal faster. I'll find something nutritious for him."
"Nutritious?" Kuroobi asked.
"What's with the sudden idea?" Chuu muttered.
Would it solve anything?
The childhood friends didn't dismiss him outright. They'd seen this before—better to let Hachi try.
"Nutritious food could help," Kuroobi admitted.
"Chuu! Arlong's out anyway. Do what you want," Chuu said.
"Nyuu~ Thanks, you two! I'll dive and find something."
"Alone? Got a bad feeling," Kuroobi warned.
"I'm fine. Be right back!"
Hachi dashed to the railing, leaped atop it, and dove headfirst into the sea.
Fish-Men breathe underwater, swimming masterfully—a key to their naval dominance.
Eyes wide open, Hachi scanned the sea, swimming casually.
The ocean was calm, soothingly quiet, washing away the chaos of land and sea battles. If only the world were always like this, he thought, smiling as he swam, enjoying the moment.
"Nyuu~ Something to help Arlong-san recover…"
He swam swiftly, drifting far from the ship, heedless of the return path. His friends' unease was already proving justified.
Passing various fish, none feared him. Some approached curiously. He observed them, but none seemed right for Arlong, so he didn't act.
Kind-hearted, he avoided pointless killing, greeting the fish politely before moving on.
With a goal but no destination, he swam aimlessly—up near the surface, down to the seabed, wandering freely. He no longer knew his direction, only that the ship was far behind.
Oblivious, he swam on carefree.
After nearly two hours, he found nothing, frowning.
"Nyuu~ Trouble. Nothing yet. Wanna bring Arlong-san something tasty and nutritious fast…"
Sighing, he neared the surface.
Then, a strange sight: a panda-patterned shark, writhing alone, not chasing prey.
"Nyuu?"
Curious, Hachi approached.
The shark, twisting wildly, pointed to its mouth. A fishing hook was lodged there—likely caught while biting bait, unable to remove it.
Understanding, Hachi smiled, swam closer, and reached out gently.
"Got it. I'll take it out."
The shark nodded happily, staying still.
Hachi grabbed the hook, pulling carefully to minimize pain. It came out easily.
The shark spun joyfully, grabbing Hachi's hand with its fin, beaming.
Hachi, scratching his head bashfully, smiled back.
"No need for thanks. Glad you're okay."
The shark, thrilled, shook its head and beckoned Hachi to follow, swimming toward the seabed.
Intrigued, Hachi trailed it.
At the seabed, the light dimmed slightly—a shallow but distinct area.
The shark entered a large rock's hollow, a makeshift home filled with human items: dishes, lanterns, balls, pots, even an anchor and cannon.
A huge refrigerator stood among them. The shark proudly opened it, pulling out a massive chunk of sea beast meat, handing it to Hachi.
Surprised but seeing the shark's grin, Hachi smiled.
"This yours? Sure I can take it?"
The shark gestured enthusiastically. Hachi bowed.
"Thanks. I'll take it."
Accepting the kindness, he waved goodbye to the shark, planning to bring the meat to the ship.
But, having swum aimlessly, finding the way back wasn't simple.
He aimed for the surface.
"Nyuu~ Why'd it have a hook? Hunters around?"
Popping above water, he scanned around, curiosity shifting.
Holding the meat with two arms, he paddled and spotted a small island nearby, deciding to check it out.
"Hm?"
Barely ten meters long, it had a few trees and a wrecked ship leaning out of the water. Black smoke rose from a fire made of debris.
A ragged man sat there, fishing.
Hachi approached, noting the man's exhausted, hungry look—likely a castaway.
"Hey, you shipwrecked?"
"Huh? Who're you?"
"Just got this big meat. Want it?"
"Meat!?"
The man's face lit up, voice ecstatic at the sight of the large chunk.
Hachi handed it over without hesitation.
The man, tears streaming, bowed profusely, choking out thanks.
"You're my savior… Never seen meat this good!"
"Nyuu~ Glad to help. You've got fire—cook it well."
"Thank you! I'll never forget this!"
"Bit dramatic, but no big deal."
"Wanna share?"
"Nah, you need it more. Eat it all."
"You're… the kindest guy I've ever met! Fish-Men are great!"
"Wish I could do more, but I'm looking for stuff for my crew."
"This is enough! I was despairing, but this meat gives me life!"
Starving, the man held the meat high, shouting. Hachi, seeing his smile, felt satisfied, waving as he prepared to dive.
"Do your best. I can only cheer you on, but good luck!"
"Wait! This island's got nothing, but take this!"
The man stopped Hachi, pulling a shiny ring from his pocket.
"What's this?"
"Caught it fishing. Once, I'd have sold it, but it's worthless to me now. I wanted fish."
"Nyuu~ Then I'll take it."
"Thanks, octopus! I'll never forget you!"
"Name's Hachi."
"Thanks, Hachi! I'll repay you someday! I'll survive till then!"
"Love that. Don't die before we meet again."
"Deal!"
Waved off by the hopeful man, Hachi dove back in.
He'd given away the meat but gained a ring—inedible, so he needed new food.
He swam off, seeking more.
The sea was calm again, peaceful.
Two encounters brightened his mood, and he murmured with a genuine smile.
"Meeting all sorts today. Wonder who's next?"
Holding the ring, he swam gracefully, enjoying the scenery—a true stroll now. While seeking Arlong's food, he savored the moment.
A rare peace. He wished his crew, Arlong included, could forget fighting for a bit, like old times, and revel together.
Smiling, he scanned the seabed.
Then, he spotted something odd.
Approaching, he found a school of diverse fish, among them a crying goldfish princess.
Curious, he asked a nearby fish.
"What's wrong? Why's the princess crying?"
The fish's mouth moved, inaudible to humans but clear to Hachi.
Fish-Men rarely spoke with fish, a skill more common among mermaids. But Hachi's kindness made him adept at it.
Nodding, he understood.
The goldfish princess lost a precious ring.
Hachi gasped, showing them his ring.
"Found this earlier. Is it hers?"
The fish cheered, recognizing the princess's ring.
Hachi approached the tearful but joyful princess, handing it to her. She bowed deeply, elated.
"No big deal. Just passing it back."
Thrilled, the fish insisted on a reward.
A butler-hatted fish offered a stunning golden spear.
Fit for a princess.
Hachi, hesitant but touched, accepted with a bow.
"Can I take this? Thanks. Don't lose that ring again."
Waving to the grateful fish, he swam off.
Helping felt good.
Buoyed by their cheers, he wandered aimlessly again.
"Sea's full of folks in need. Helping's kinda nice."
Seeing others' smiles warmed him. Though he'd started for Arlong, this was rewarding. Leaving the ship for a stroll was worth it.
Shouldering the golden spear, he swam on.
Great, but inedible.
Hoping to find food, he scanned around casually.
After a while, a large shadow approached fast.
Instinctively, Hachi braced.
A sea boar swam frantically, chased by a gaping Sea King.
Unsure why, Hachi saw the boar's sad face and acted impulsively, gripping the spear.
Fighting a Sea King was a bad choice—victory wasn't easy.
But today, Hachi kept helping.
Seeing the boar's distress, he wanted to see it smile, to erase its pain.
"Sorry, Arlong-san, wait a bit longer…!"
Holding the spear with two arms, he charged the unaware Sea King.
It resembled a chameleon, with rows of teeth, a long tongue, and curled tail.
Focused on the boar, it didn't notice Hachi.
He attacked fiercely.
"Nyuaaa!"
He stabbed its cheek, drawing blood, making it stagger.
Now targeted, Hachi let go of the spear and clenched his fist.
"Takoyaki Punch!"
He smashed the spear's handle, driving it deeper. The Sea King flailed, desperate to remove it.
Hachi muttered, feeling guilty.
He hadn't thought—only acted. Of course it hurt.
He pulled the spear out, causing more pain but unavoidable. The Sea King fled, looking dejected.
Apologizing, Hachi turned to the sea boar, who approached gratefully.
Complex feelings aside, it was thankful.
The boar survived, and no one died.
All's well.
"Nyuu~ You okay? That was a scary one."
Feeling bonded, Hachi spoke casually.
Suddenly, the boar clutched its mouth in pain, vomiting.
Hachi's eyes bulged.
A mermaid and starfish emerged from its mouth.
"Out! We're out!"
"Yay!"
"Nyuu!? A mermaid and starfish!?"
The two rejoiced, embracing.
The mermaid, a woman with short green hair, wore a T-shirt and backpack, crying happily.
The starfish, male, wore a hat, speaking human-audible words, celebrating with her.
Hachi, a Fish-Man, was used to oddities, but this—swallowed and spat out—was new.
Mouth agape, he couldn't speak.
The mermaid noticed, smiling at him.
"You saved us! Thank you!"
"Nyuu?"
"You're our savior! How can we thank you…?"
"Nyuu?"
He hadn't meant to save them—they just emerged.
Unable to accept the praise, Hachi tilted his head.
But they insisted he was their hero, unwavering.
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