Cocoyasi Village was alive with laughter with people eating delicious food made by Sanji, Bonfires blazed, casting orange light across smiling faces. For the first time in years, the villagers could breathe freely without the shadow of Arlong looming over them. Children running around the flames, while the older folks talks about what they want to do after this.
At the center of it all, the Straw Hat Pirates were celebrating like true victors. Luffy laughed with his mouth full, Sanji served dishes to the others with smile, Zoro sat cross-armed, and Usopp retold the fight exaggerating wildly while Johnny and Yosaku nodded along.
Nami, though, sat quietly with Nojiko, watching the scene. She held her tangerine drink with trembling hands, the joy of freedom mixing with disbelief.
It was then that Jack finally arrived, the crew immediately looked up, and Nami rushed forward.
"Jack!" she exclaimed. "You won't believe it.... we did it. Arlong is gone. The village is free!"
Zoro gave a rare smirk. "Captain here went all out. Flattened the fish-face and his park."
Usopp puffed his chest out. "And I provided critical support fire, obviously."
Jack listened to each story, smiling faintly. Nami face still streaked with tears that she hadn't fully realized were falling. His eyes softened. "Good," he said quietly. "Then Cocoyasi finally has peace."
The villagers cheered again, that night, joy swallowed grief over the people in Cocoyasi Village.
The next day, the crew gathered near Nami house, most of them still drowsy from the feast. Jack, however, looked as sharp as ever.
"There's something you need to know," said Jack.
The crew after hearing his voice was woken up fully.
"The reason Arlong was able to rule Cocoyasi without Marine interference… is because of one man. Marine Captain Nezumi."
Nami stiffened at the name, her eyes narrowing.
Jack continued, "He covered up Arlong crimes. Took bribes. Reported lies to headquarters. Without him, the Marine would have noticed long ago. Mark my words, after hearing Arlong's defeat, Nezumi won't stay quiet. He'll either return here or lash out at another island."
Luffy clenched his fists. "So we're gonna smash him too!"
Sanji exhaled. "A Marine, huh… won't be easy."
Zoro cracked his knuckles. "Easy or not, if he's in our way, we cut him down."
Jack nodded. "There's a Marine base not far from here... Nezumi station. If we strike there, we cut off his corruption at the root." He paused, his eyes flickering toward Nami and Nojiko. "…But there's another problem."
The crew leaned in.
Jack lowered his voice, speaking directly to Luffy. "If Nami sails with us, the Marines might target her family as retaliation. That means Nojiko could be in danger."
Luffy eyes widened. "Then she comes with us."
Nami turned, startled. "Wait, what....?!"
Jack stopped Nami from saying anything. "It's the safest option. If she stays, Nezumi could use her to force you into surrender. The World Government isn't above using family as leverage."
Tears welled in Nami's eyes again. "But… this is her home. Her garden…"
Nojiko smiled softly, stepping forward. "If it means keeping you safe, Nami… then I'll go. Tangerines can grow anywhere. But family… we can't replace that."
The crew fell silent after hearing her world
Luffy grin returned, wide and unshakable. "That settles it! Nojiko's coming with us. We'll protect her.... just like we protect each other."
Zoro smirked. "One more passenger, huh? The ship's gonna feel crowded."
Sanji twirled. "Another lady aboard? I have no objections."
Usopp gulped. "This is insane… picking fights with Marines now?!" But his trembling didn't stop him from standing with his crew.
Jack looked at each of them in turn, his smile faint but satisfied. "Good. Then it's decided. We'll strike at Nezumi, and this time… the Marines won't be able to ignore what's coming are you ok with it captain?"
"Of course, those who hurt my crew will face my punch," replied Luffy.
...
"Oi, Jack," Luffy said, tilting his head. "Did your ability come back? We got Nojiko now, right? She's new."
Everyone turned, curious. Sanji looked at him, he now knew about Jack ability each time Luffy invite new people, Zoro also curious. Nami raised an eyebrow, already knowing where this was going.
Jack exhaled softly, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, no. My ability didn't return."
Luffy frowned. "Eh? Why not?"
Jack looked toward Nojiko. "Maybe… because she's your sister, Nami. So it didn't count family differently. That's why it didn't trigger."
Nojiko blinked in confusion. "Wait, what are you all talking about? Ability? What family? What does he mean?"
Nami sighed, glancing at Jack. "You might as well show her. She's going to find out eventually."
Nojiko folded her arms. "Show me what?"
Jack gave her a small smile, then raised his hand. The crew shifted as golden lines began to trace themselves across his skin, forming intricate patterns that pulsed with a warm, cosmic glow.
"First," Jack said, his voice calm, "super strength." He clenched his fist, the golden markings flaring, and punched the tree. The sturdy wood bent and splintered under the blow, as if struck by a cannonball.
Nojiko eyes widened. "That… that wasn't normal strength."
Usopp pointed excitedly. "See? That's what I was telling you! He can punch even Luffy and make him feel pain!"
Luffy rubbed his cheek, still remembering. "Yeah… hurt like crazy."
Jack lowered his glowing hand, then gestured again. An illusion shimmered in the air, and suddenly they were surrounded by ghostly images—like stepping into another world. They saw Mihawk's duel with Zoro, Garp's mighty punch, even the terrifying destruction of an island.
"This," Jack explained, "is my illusion ability."
The illusions faded, and everything returned to normal, Nojiko lips parted slightly in awe.
Jack's hand shifted again, and suddenly his hand pulsed on his arm, a sleek ball suddenly appeared. He fired it toward the tree ground, and a concentrated blast shot across ground and destroyed it
"That's my cosmic weaponry," he said matter-of-factly. "Each shot can destroy enemy weapons or people."
Sanji let out a low whistle. "Tch… flashy. Guess you're more than just a talker."
Nojiko was speechless, but Jack wasn't done. With another gesture, he summoned the massive golden fist from before, energy patterns crawling up his arm. The air vibrated with its power as he clenched it.
"This… is the Golden Energy. A core part of my arsenal. With it, I can push beyond human limits."
He let the energy dissolve, and the deck fell quiet. Everyone stared at him, even Zoro, who rarely looked impressed.
Finally, Nojiko found her voice. "…Amazing, does everyone have it?"
"Nope... I am not from this world actually," replied Jack.
"Really... did you hiding it?"
Jack nodded. "Not hiding, only our crew knew about. Just… revealing them when the time was right for example right now. Power can draw enemies as much as it saves friends." He gave her a faint smile. "But now you're part of this crew too. You deserve to know."
Nojiko glanced at Nami, then at the rest of the crew. Slowly, she exhaled, a small smile tugging at her lips. " I guess I'll have to get used to it."
Luffy grinned ear to ear. "Shishishi! You'll fit right in!"
The tension broke into laughter, while Jack stood silently, knowing even with this power it would be difficult to fight those like Akainu.
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