Nojiko's face tightened with worry as she watched Nami walk toward Arlong Park. She knew better than anyone how terrifying Arlong was, and every step Nami took in that direction felt like a blade scraping across her heart.
Rolan stretched lazily, hands behind his head. "If you're worried about her, go check on her. Don't stand here waiting."
Nojiko hesitated for only a moment before Kuro plucked an orange from a branch and waved her off. "Go ahead. We'll pick these ourselves."
Relief washed over her. She bowed her head quickly, then sprinted after her sister.
Rolan straightened his back, rolling his shoulders with a faint crack. "Let's go. We should take a look too."
Without hurrying, he began walking in the same direction. His pace was slow, almost lazy, but his Observation Haki had already spread across the island like a silent net, tracking Nami's every movement.
If anything even slightly unexpected happened, he could appear beside her instantly using his skill.
Lina, Zoro, and Kuro exchanged glances, sharing the same unspoken thought. Rolan looked like he didn't care… yet the moment Nami went alone, he followed without hesitation.
With faint smiles, the trio followed after him.
---
Arlong Park
"Oh? Look who finally came back."
The Fish-Man lounging on the main seat grinned with malicious amusement. "Isn't this Nami, navigator of my Arlong Pirates?"
His blue skin gleamed under the light. A fin stretched down his back. His long black hair fell past his shoulders, and a jagged saw-shaped nose dominated his face. Rows of sharp teeth sparkled as he smirked.
Arlong.
Nami forced her expression calm. The moment she heard his mocking tone, a hint of bitterness flashed in her eyes… but she buried it quickly. She stepped forward with the box in her hands.
"Arlong, does our previous agreement still stand?"
Arlong raised an eyebrow. "Agreement? Remind me."
Nami inhaled sharply to steady her voice. "If I gathered one hundred million berries, you would return Coco Yashi Village to me."
Arlong tapped his webbed fingers on his jaw thoughtfully. "Hmm… sounds familiar."
Then he leaned forward, eyes full of ridicule. "Don't tell me you actually managed to save one hundred million berries."
Nami didn't answer. She simply unlocked the box.
Click.
The lid opened.
The Fish-Men froze, stunned speechless at the mountain of money inside.
"This is one hundred million berries," Nami declared. "Coco Yashi Village belongs to me now. From this moment on, you are not allowed to touch the village or step foot inside it again."
She set the box gently on the ground.
Arlong stared at her, unblinking, surprise flickering behind his shark-like eyes. He had never truly believed she could do it.
After a moment, he laughed. "Hahaha… You actually brought the full amount?"
He motioned lazily to a subordinate. "Count it."
The Fish-Man stepped forward and began counting. Nami remained still, saying nothing. She had checked the amount herself — exactly one hundred million berries, no more and no less. There was nothing to worry about.
After a long stretch of time, the Fish-Man raised his head. "Arlong sama, it's indeed one hundred million berries."
A faint look of interest flickered across Arlong's face. "Bring it here."
The box was closed and carried to him. But as soon as the Fish-Man handed it over, Arlong "accidentally" let it slip.
The box hit the ground, bursting open. Paper bills erupted into the air like scattered leaves, some falling into the sea, others rolling across the stone floor.
Nami's eyes widened in horror.
Arlong shrugged. "Oh? Nami, seems like there's not one hundred million berries in the box anymore."
Trembling, Nami leapt into the water, grabbing the floating bills. Then she scrambled across the ground, collecting the remaining stacks with desperate hands.
When everything was gathered again, she forced herself to look up. "Arlong, the money is all here. Return the village to me."
Arlong turned slowly, his face void of emotion. "I don't accept wet money. Go collect it again."
Nami's breath hitched. "How are wet berries not money?"
Arlong spread his arms, mocking her. "Wet berries tear easily. They're worthless."
"Bastard…" Her voice cracked with rage.
Before she could finish, Arlong grabbed her neck and lifted her effortlessly. Her feet left the ground as she struggled for air.
"Nami," he said coldly, "the money is for me. If I say it's not money, then it's not. Be grateful I still need you to draw maps."
Her fingers clawed at his hand, but she couldn't break free. A Fish-Man's strength was leagues beyond a human girl's.
Tears welled in her eyes. "Arlong… you never intended to sell the village, did you?"
"What? I was going to," he replied mockingly. "But you didn't bring one hundred million berries."
Nami's heart tore painfully. She had known. Deep down, she had always known. But she'd had no choice. Weak people didn't get choices — not freedom, not dignity, not even death.
"Nojiko!" Nami's eyes widened as she recognized her sister's footsteps rushing inside.
"Nojiko, go back! Leave now!"
Nojiko gripped a long staff tightly, glowering with fury. "Arlong, put Nami down right now!"
Arlong turned toward her slowly, murderous intent filling his gaze. Besides Nami's navigation skills, every other villager was nothing more than trash beneath his feet.
"Water Shot."
A droplet formed at his fingertip, then shot forward with lethal speed.
"Nojiko, stop!" Nami screamed.
But the moment before it hit her forehead… it stopped.
Frozen in midair, hovering two centimeters from her skin.
Arlong blinked, confused. "What…?"
Before he could react, Nami's body jerked free from his grasp as if an invisible force yanked her away, sending her flying toward the entrance.
A lazy voice drifted into the room.
"Oi, Fishy. Isn't it rude to handle two beautiful ladies like that?"
Rolan stepped into Arlong Park, hands in his pockets, eyes cold and utterly unimpressed.
For a brief moment, the Fish-Men froze, unsure whether to attack or retreat. Their instincts screamed danger, yet they had never felt such a presence before.
Rolan's eyes scanned the room slowly, deliberately, and a silence fell heavy over the hall. Every movement of his body radiated control, confidence, and an unspoken threat.
Arlong's jaw tightened. "Who… are you?"
Rolan tilted his head slightly, lips curving into a faint smirk. "Just someone who doesn't like bullies."
The air crackled as his Observation Haki extended subtly, warning everyone in the room: the game had changed.