Chapter 13
"Smoker is patrolling the nearby waters. Lie low for a while."
At the mention of Smoker, Nezumi's face twisted into a sneer. He truly believed he stood for justice.
He didn't want Arlong captured—it would drag him down too.
That big smoker Smoker!
The man who punched Buggy and kicked Luffy—two future Emperors. A real badass.
Arlong grinned, baring his teeth. He wouldn't mind meeting the guy himself.
Seeing Arlong brush it off, Nezumi pressed, "Smoker's a mad dog. You don't want someone like that on your tail, do you?"
Not out of kindness—he was afraid Arlong would rat him out if caught.
Arlong glanced at Nezumi but said nothing.
He felt full enough. Activating Life Return, his belly—which had looked like he was carrying ten babies—visibly deflated.
"Life Return!"
Nezumi's eyes nearly popped out.
He wasn't strong, but as a colonel he had seen plenty. He recognized the ability instantly.
Anyone who could use Life Return was a monster!
His wariness of Arlong grew even deeper.
"Burp~~"
Arlong returned to normal size and let out a long, satisfied belch.
He clenched his fist, feeling explosive power coursing through his body—stronger than before.
It felt amazing!
Arlong flashed Nezumi a toothy, menacing grin.
"If you want revenge, come at me. I'll take it all. But if those machines don't arrive… don't blame me for doing something irrational."
"You know I have the strength for it."
"N-no, of course not! They'll be here tomorrow!"
Nezumi waved his hands frantically, forcing a fawning smile.
His groveling perfectly matched the soiled word "Justice" on his cape.
After the mess was cleaned up,
Nami threw herself into Arlong's arms, showing her gratitude.
Soon Nojiko joined in to "help."
…
The next morning, the machines arrived on schedule.
The shipwrights divided tasks and worked full-speed repairing the pirate ship.
The remaining fishmen trained under the three cadres, attempting to learn the Rokushiki.
Progress was slow—the average fishman brain wasn't the sharpest.
Nami and Nojiko received personal instruction from Arlong and advanced quickly.
In just five days, both had a basic grasp of Geppo—they could briefly hover in the air.
During that time, Commodore Pudding Pudding arrived with a warship, intent on destroying Arlong's empire.
No prizes for guessing Nezumi had stirred the pot.
A single warship didn't even require Arlong to lift a finger—Hatchan and the other two cadres sank it effortlessly.
The humiliated commodore fled and ultimately covered the whole thing up.
Arlong wasn't the vindictive type, but he didn't turn the other cheek either.
Just… not yet.
…
That afternoon, like any other,
Arlong was teaching the sisters the Rokushiki.
A news coo flew overhead and dropped a stack of newspapers.
He told the girls to practice on their own, picked up the papers, and started reading.
To his surprise, the front-page headline was Luffy—grinning like an idiot, as always.
Several new bounties were featured.
Straw Hat Pirates – Luffy: 20 million berries Straw Hat Pirates – Zoro: 12 million berries Straw Hat Pirates – Krara: 8 million berries …
The reason for the bounties: assaulting Colonel Nezumi.
Arlong's attention locked on Krara—a very beautiful girl with an amazing figure.
Wonder if she still remembers me.
She's with the Revolutionary Army—how did she…
It clicked immediately.
Dragon must have sent his son a navigator to keep him from sailing back to his death.
What a devoted father.
"Big Bro Arlong, I still can't get the feel for Soru."
Nojiko walked over, cheeks flushed.
Nami could already move short distances; she hadn't made any progress.
"Come here. I'll help you feel the speed of Soru."
Arlong set the newspaper aside and positioned Nojiko in front of him.
"Soru!"
Their figures flickered, instantly shifting positions at blinding speed.
…
As repairs on the Shark Sparb neared completion,
The atmosphere in the Arlong Pirates grew increasingly tense.
A month of intense training had bulked everyone up and raised their strength.
No one fully mastered Rokushiki.
Even the three cadres had only scratched the surface.
Arlong hadn't expected much anyway, so no disappointment.
With departure day approaching, Arlong gathered everyone in Arlong Park.
"Today I have a big announcement…"
Before he could finish, cheers erupted from below.
"OHHHHH!!!"
They already knew they were heading back to the New World—excitement was through the roof.
Since they knew, Arlong skipped the speech and roared,
"Then let's fight!"
"The last ten standing get a spot on the ship."
"Skwahahaha~"
At his command, total chaos broke out.
The strongest were quickly swarmed.
So raw power wasn't everything in a free-for-all.
Unfair?
In life-or-death battles on the Grand Line, no one cares about fair.
After half a day of fighting, the ten spots were decided.
Emotions split the crowd—winners laughed triumphantly, losers lay on the ground sobbing.
"Don't be sad. When the name Arlong resounds across the world, you'll be proud to have been part of the Arlong Pirates."
Arlong's bold words dried tears.
Then came earth-shaking cheers.
"OHHHHH!!!"
"Start the banquet…"
…
Three days later
The Shark Sparb, flying fresh Arlong Pirates flags and fully stocked with supplies, sailed toward Branch 16.
Hearing the destination, Nami and Nojiko were puzzled.
"Big Bro Arlong, shouldn't we head to Loguetown?"
Arlong placed a huge hand on Nami's head.
"Naturally, it's to get revenge for my little cat burglar."
The sisters were deeply touched.
Nami Affection +3 Nojiko Affection +1
Seeing Nami's affection hit 89, Arlong threw his head back and laughed.
"Skwahahaha~"
Half a day later, the Marine base came into view.
High walls ringed the island; entry was only possible through massive gates.
Black cannons lined the walls, barrels gleaming menacingly.
"Arlong Pirates! You have entered the jurisdiction of Branch 16. Retreat immediately, or we will open fire!"
A Marine warning echoed out.
Arlong pulled out Nezumi's personal Den Den Mushi and dialed.
Buru buru~
It rang twice before being answered.
"Moshi moshi!"
"Colonel Nezumi, I've brought you a big gift. Hurry up and open the gates!"
Arlong's voice dripped with temptation.
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