Out on the vast sea, a lone boat drifted. Aboard, a scruffy teen hummed: "Under the bridge out front, a flock of ducks swim by. Quick, come count 'em—whose neck gets it first?"
An island loomed ahead. Xiaoliang sprang to the bow, eyes shining. "HAHAHA! Finally, land! Food, meat, hot bath!" He grabbed the oars and rowed like a madman.
Feet on solid ground. He drooled, tears in his eyes, inhaling the smoky scent of home-cooked meals. "Land is best. Restaurant, restaurant, restaurant—" Eyes darted everywhere.
Diner. "Boss! Ten-man portions, food and drink, NOW. I'm starving!"
The owner sized up the ragged kid—clearly adrift for ages. "Right away, sir." He vanished into the kitchen… and quietly sent a waiter to alert Cocoyasi Village patrolman Ajian.
Soon, chopsticks clacked against plates like a war drum.
Ajian eyed the stranger warily. "Sir, you're not from around here?"
Xiaoliang looked up mid-bite. Dude, can't you see I'm eating? "Yeah, Uncle. What's up?"
"Here's the deal: if you're a pirate, leave. Cocoyasi's suffered enough. But if you're a lost merchant, pay up and go—I'll cover your tab. Arlong's crew runs this place. For your own safety, get out."
Cocoyasi Village? Nami's home?! Xiaoliang muttered.
"The pirates—Arlong Pirates?"
"You with them?!" Ajian snarled, fear flickering.
"No, no! Just passing through. Heard Arlong's squatting here, so I asked."
"Then go. Once they spot you, you're done." Ajian grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the door.
"SHAHAHAHA! Ajian, where you taking my cash cow?" A blue-skinned sawshark Fish-Man—Arlong—strode in, grinning, flanked by his crew.
"Arlong…" Ajian's voice shook with rage and dread. "I was bringing him to pay protection. Let him go." He shoved 100,000 Berry into the kissy-faced Fish-Man Choo's hand.
"Hmph. Filthy human. SHAHAHA!" Arlong spun and left with his goons.
"Run, sir. They've marked you." Ajian pleaded.
"Don't worry." Xiaoliang walked off, then yelled back: "I'll pay you back!"
Inn bathroom. Mirror check: "Yo! Who's this stud? Graceful as lotus on waves, face that launches ships—loved by all, blooms where flowers fear to tread. Me." He struck a pose, smirking. M.
Stepping out, he headed for Arlong's turf. A graceful figure blocked him. "You're the guy Ajian mentioned. He paid 100k for you, idiot! Why come here? Suicide?!"
Orange hair, tattooed arm, exquisite face—my future wife, Nami.