Chapter 31: Finally Have Errand Boys!
"Sanji! Don't catch a cold!" Zeff's raspy voice came through.
Sanji, who was keeping a straight face and trying hard to restrain his emotions, heard Zeff's aging voice, and his tears instantly poured out like a flood breaking through a dam.
After a moment of silence, Sanji suddenly turned around, kowtowed heavily on the ground, and said with a sob, "Old Man Zeff! Thank you for taking care of me all this time. I will never forget this great kindness!"
He then kowtowed two more times with force and knelt on the ground in silence for a long time. Tears instantly soaked his hair and gradually spread across the ground... Seeing Sanji's reaction, even someone as tough as Zeff couldn't help but shed old tears.
"You damn bastard!!"
"I'm going to be so lonely!!"
"I'm going to be so lonely!! Damn it!"
The group of chefs all covered their eyes and wept; even the two who usually didn't see eye to eye with him were wailing loudly.
"It's going to be so lonely!"
"We're really going to be so lonely! You damn bastard!"
"What a bunch of silly boys! A real man should have a silent departure!!" Zeff laughed while wiping away his tears.
Sanji also raised his head, looking at everyone from the Baratie with tears and a smile.
Immediately after, Sanji stood up and walked toward the going merry, constantly wiping his tears with his sleeves.
"See you next time, you scumbags!" Sanji, who had finally managed to dry his tears, began to cry like rain again, waving his hands toward the Baratie.
He didn't lower his hands until the Baratie was no longer in sight.
Seeing this, everyone on the ship showed gratified smiles.
Nami and Usopp also shed emotional tears, though Nami had Chen Yu to comfort her.
Once her emotions stabilized, Nami held Chen Yu's right hand with both of hers and acted spoiled toward him, saying, "Um, Chen Yu, I plan to rest for a bit. I'm a little tired. You're not allowed to disturb me! Don't come in!"
Seeing Chen Yu disagree, Nami acted like a little woman, shaking Chen Yu's hand, pouting, and making soft, kitten-like whimpering sounds.
In the end, Chen Yu couldn't win against Nami's stubbornness and had to agree.
Nami joyfully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, kissed Chen Yu on the cheek, and then skipped into the room, locking the door behind her.
Sanji, who had been kneeling on the ground again to denounce Chen Yu, suddenly noticed that Chen Yu's face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water. He quickly got up and asked Chen Yu what had happened.
Chen Yu gave Sanji a stiff smile and then asked him to call the others to the bow of the going merry, as he had something to say.
Soon, Zoro, Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji formed a semicircle around Chen Yu, each with a serious expression, waiting for him to speak.
Joseph and Johnny stood behind Zoro, one hand propping up their faces and the other across their chests, looking very serious.
"Do you remember Arlong?"
"The Arlong bounty poster that Joseph and Johnny brought out."
Hearing Chen Yu's words, Johnny quickly took out a stack of wanted posters, picked out Arlong's, and slapped it onto the deck.
"A mere piece of trash worth twenty million, yet he made our Navigator cry!"
"Ever since Nami saw Arlong's wanted poster that day, she's been out of it. No matter how I ask, she won't tell me!"
At this point, Chen Yu couldn't help but let a thick killing intent burst from his body!
"We are going to Nami's hometown next. But I've already confirmed with Joseph that Arlong's Territory is also in this direction!"
After speaking, Chen Yu turned to look at Luffy and Zoro and asked, "Do you remember what Nami did before she boarded the ship?"
The two nodded and explained it to the others.
"I didn't understand why a young girl would need so much money!"
"It wasn't until last night that I completely figured it out."
"Last night, Nami talked in her sleep. She kept mumbling that she had finally saved up a hundred million and would soon be able to buy the village, so everyone would be saved!"
Hearing Chen Yu's words, the quick-witted Usopp and Sanji instantly understood what Chen Yu meant. Seeing Chen Yu's gloomy face, it was clear he didn't want to say more, so Usopp turned and explained it in detail to Luffy and Zoro.
After sorting out the sequence of events, everyone went silent, and Luffy became completely furious.
After a short while, Chen Yu spoke again: "Having spent so much time with Nami, she has never been like today. She is hiding something from us today!"
"I guess Nami wants to solve it herself, so everyone remember to cooperate with her for now. Let her try on her own first."
"If it really comes to the worst... even if I have to fight all the way to Fish-Man Island, I will slice that fish into pieces!" Chen Yu's aura intensified again, and the corners of his eyes were already bloodshot and crimson.
Seeing everyone nod, Chen Yu sent Luffy and Zoro to train on their own, while he personally taught Joseph, Johnny, and Sanji Haki.
Chen Yu first glanced at Joseph and Johnny: "Are you two going to the New World with us?"
If you decide to stay in the East Blue, then I can only teach you basic Haki. I won't teach you Hawkeye's Circulation Method."
The two fell silent and thought for a long time. After glancing at each other, they spoke simultaneously, "Chen Yu-aniki! We know our strength is limited, but before we had no choice. Now we also want to get stronger! Please let us stay on the ship; we are willing to even just be errand boys!"
"The enemies we face in the future will all be as strong as monsters, and we might even have to oppose the World Government. I'll ask you one last time, are you really willing?"
Johnny: "Big Brother Chen Yu! Ever since I saw the battle between you, Big Brother Zoro, and Hawkeye, I've thought about it for a long time. I don't want to live my life in a daze anymore! Even if I die, I want to die standing like a man!"
Joseph: "Big Brother Chen Yu! Me too!"
Chen Yu said solemnly, "Good! Then, in my capacity as first mate, I approve your joining the Straw Hat Pirates."
"If you ever commit an act of betrayal in the future, I will personally kill you! Remember that!"
"If we betray you, I will use this blade to commit suicide in front of Big Brother Zoro, without Big Brother Chen Yu having to lift a finger!" Johnny and Joseph both raised their machetes and swore toward the pirate flag!
Hearing this, Chen Yu nodded with satisfaction and then glanced at Sanji.
Sanji didn't answer Chen Yu directly. Instead, he took a deep drag of his cigarette and, after slowly exhaling, said with determination, "You bastard, who do you think you're looking down on?"
Seeing this, Chen Yu smiled knowingly; this was the result he most wanted to see.
In his eyes, if Joseph and Johnny worked hard enough, they would be the new main force; otherwise, they would be the Straw Hat's errand boys.
How could the ship of the future Pirate King not have some lackeys to run errands?
"I've already told you what Haki is. Now I'll let you feel it. Try to comprehend it yourselves first. I'll give you three days. If you can't figure it out, I'll give you extra training!"
At this point, Chen Yu looked at Sanji: "Zoro figured it out in two days. How long will it take you?"
Seeing Sanji's fiery fighting spirit, Chen Yu felt relieved. He hadn't seen the two bickering lately and was quite puzzled. Now it seemed they just hadn't had the chance. He couldn't let them become too friendly! Otherwise, there would be no competitive atmosphere!
He then found an open area to watch the ship while studying the Haki Circulation Method himself.
He planned to learn it himself first and then teach everyone once there were no problems.
Moreover, he was the only one who could learn it first. Luffy and Zoro were a bit illiterate, and Sanji's Haki foundation hadn't been laid yet. It was even less suitable for the others, as their physical fitness wasn't up to par. For them, improving physical fitness had to be the priority, especially for the men!
Another massive project!
Chen Yu sighed sorrowfully. Then he cheered himself up: "Just consider it for my little darling Nami!"Chapter 32: Hawkeye's Method
Chen Yu spent some time memorizing the Haki Circulation Method, and once finished, he felt confident.
Hawkeye definitely didn't hold anything back! Chen Yu couldn't help but give a bitter smile.
He really owed a huge favor this time!
In addition to how to mobilize Haki within the body, the circulation method mainly included Haki tempering and Haki Application Methods.
The principle of the Haki Tempering Method was similar to what was recorded in Buggy's notes; there were no shortcuts, only hard work. Like physical fitness, it could raise the upper limit of Haki, but the limit this method could reach also depended on one's physique.
The Haki Mobilization Method could fully mobilize the Haki within the body. This method could solve Chen Yu's current problem of having a small amount of Haki that didn't last long. Until now, the Haki Chen Yu could use was only the part that overflowed; most of it remained hidden and unused in his body. This method could help master Haki and would assist Nami, Usopp, and the others in mastering Armament Haki.
The Haki Application Method involved more advanced uses of Haki. The applications Hawkeye recorded were all related to blades, such as using Haki to increase the sharpness of a slash or to strengthen the blade's durability. This was perfect for Zoro! It was also applicable to others; if Usopp used this technique, he could probably make his bullets more penetrative.
The Haki Application Method from Amazon Lily leaned toward instantaneous explosive power, while Garp's likely leaned toward penetration or internal destruction.
Chen Yu continuously organized the essence of this Haki Circulation Method; only by clarifying it could he master it better and teach others more effectively.
For Chen Yu, who had already sensed and initially mastered Haki, the mobilization method was easy to learn. Chen Yu held out his right hand, and instead of the usual flesh color, it was pitch black and shimmering with a silver light.
"I'm finally not a 'Three-second man' anymore!" Chen Yu said excitedly.
If he were to fight Hawkeye again now, he could make Hawkeye look more disheveled! Though he still wouldn't be able to beat him.
"Phew! Once Nami's situation is handled, I need to get my physical training started!" After organizing his thoughts, Chen Yu stood up to call Nami, as a small island had appeared ahead.
*Knock knock knock*
Chen Yu gently tapped on Nami's room door and said softly, "Nami, I see the island!"
Immediately after, Chen Yu heard a series of hurried footsteps, and the door swung open, revealing a young girl who looked somewhat haggard.
Chen Yu hadn't expected that in just half a day, Nami would look like a different person. No matter how she tried to hide the fatigue in the corners of her eyes, Chen Yu saw it clearly; her eyes were slightly sunken, and her lips weren't as rosy as usual.
This scene made Chen Yu's heart bleed. He didn't know exactly what Nami had gone through during this time, but at this moment, all he could do was support her!
Nami had to say goodbye to her past and settle the score with Arlong; otherwise, this matter would always be like a needle buried deep in her heart, full of danger and pain.
Chen Yu didn't say anything extra. He reached out both palms to cup Nami's face, holding it steadily. Seeing Nami about to struggle, Chen Yu gave her a stern look and lowered his head to kiss her without hesitation. This time, Chen Yu didn't savor it; he just wanted Nami to feel at ease and tell her that he was there for her!
"If you feel wronged, you must come back to find us. We'll all be waiting for you on the ship!" As soon as he spoke, everyone stepped out, looking ready and waiting.
Seeing this scene, Nami could no longer stop the tears from the corners of her eyes. With a smile and a nod, she carried a large bag, got off the ship, and didn't dare to look back.
Everyone stood at the bow to watch Nami depart.
---Standing by the sheep's head at the bow of the Going Merry, Chen Yu gazed at the sea ahead, silent for a long time. Luffy, on the sheep's head, accompanied Chen Yu in watching the seascape.
Luffy didn't know why Chen Yu had called him over alone, but he didn't ask, even though his stomach was already growling with hunger.
This time, Chen Yu indeed had something to discuss with Luffy. But he didn't know how to start. To be honest, knowing too much about the future wasn't necessarily a good thing; the more one knew, the more responsibility one shouldered!
In the future, Ace would die in front of Luffy, a fact Chen Yu couldn't tell him. Chen Yu truly considered Luffy a brother, so he naturally wouldn't stand idly by regarding the brother Luffy cherished. But the Marineford War had to happen! If Whitebeard didn't die, the balance of power on the sea would never change.
If the balance on the sea didn't change, the world wouldn't fall into chaos, and the Straw Hat crew would be in even greater danger.
Currently, Chen Yu didn't know how to deal with Imu or how to protect this crew from the World Government's suppression. He already considered this place his home!
It was a kind of freedom he had never experienced, a kind of trust he had never possessed.
The people on this ship followed his suggestions without questioning the reasons, which made him increasingly hesitant and indecisive before giving instructions each time.
It was precisely because of this conflict and emotion that he felt somewhat anxious about potential losses.
Chen Yu remained silent... "Hey! Luffy."
Hearing this, Luffy gave a sound of acknowledgement and turned to look at Chen Yu.
"What do you think we should do if we encounter very, very strong opponents in the future who try everything they can to kill us?"
Luffy didn't think for a second; he just raised his hand to adjust his hat, then looked into the distance and said seriously, "I'll get stronger, stronger than all of them!"
Chen Yu had actually guessed this answer. Because that was Luffy; from the moment he set out to sea, he had gambled his life. Even if he died for it, he would have no regrets.
Luffy could be said to fear nothing because he wasn't afraid of losing his life.
But he was also a very cowardly person; he was afraid he couldn't fulfill his promise to Shanks, he was afraid of losing his only brother, and he was afraid of losing his companions.
In the past, he only viewed the Pirate King as entertainment to enjoy, never thinking about what he would do if he were Luffy or part of the Straw Hat crew.
But now that he was in this position, he had to act accordingly.
Their crew would soon enter the New World, and their bounty posters would be released after this battle.
"Then what do you think we should do next?" Chen Yu asked, choosing to skip those problems that couldn't be solved yet.
"Let's go find a musician! Pirates need to sing and have banquets!" Luffy propped his hands on his 'throne,' looking quite excited.
This seemed to be a topic Luffy was extremely interested in; his pursuit of a musician had never stopped.
Chen Yu didn't answer. There would be a musician, but not now, so there was no need to dampen Luffy's spirits.
"Besides a musician?" Chen Yu followed up.
Luffy: "A ship doctor! We also need a ship doctor!! How can a pirate ship not have a ship doctor?"
"Hahahahahaha, is that so, is that so!" Hearing this, Chen Yu laughed heartily.
He seemed to understand the difference between himself and Luffy.
He always thought too complicatedly and liked to take everything upon himself to shoulder. Because he knew some information in advance, he had placed a set of shackles on himself, taking on extra responsibilities for no reason!
Luffy never thought about these things. He trusted his companions; he just wanted to gather them first, and then everyone would face and overcome difficulties together.
Since Haki could be trained step-by-step, they just needed to work harder at cultivation; any other planning was useless! The start had already been very smooth, hadn't it? It couldn't have been done any better, so why spend all day looking miserable and tormenting himself?
Moreover, he hadn't even managed to rely on his companions or ask them for help when he had problems, so why was he demanding Nami do so?
It wasn't that the companions weren't good enough or reliable, but that she also wanted to shoulder it herself first, or perhaps she still held hope for the 100 million Berries bet she had maintained since she was eight.
As long as she gave the 100 million Berries to Arlong, what if Arlong left her hometown in a good mood? That way, she would save her village without letting her companions take risks.
Arlong wasn't strong, but he was Nami's childhood trauma.
Chen Yu was the same; he always wanted to devise a foolproof plan so that everyone he cherished could pass each day safely and achieve their goals smoothly. He always wanted others to walk the path he planned! Just because he knew some things in advance... Chen Yu felt that if he stayed this way, he would drift further and further away from this group.
True partners must rely on and help each other, right?
Chen Yu was completely relieved. No one required him to shoulder everything alone. He only knew the general direction; as for the difficulties encountered, bringing them up for everyone to figure out together—that was the foolproof plan, wasn't it?
Furthermore, presumptuously planning their future direction was itself a selfish and irresponsible act.
He really didn't need to live so exhaustingly. If there were problems, everyone would discuss them; if not, that was for the best, so he could go spend time with Nami!
Chen Yu turned to look at Luffy again, revealing a smile of relief.
Living well in the present was the most important thing!
"Once Nami's business is handled, we can prepare to head for the Grand Line. We'll have a ship doctor and a musician by then!"
Hearing what Chen Yu said, Luffy excitedly took off his hat and stared at the straw hat in his hand with a determined gaze. Entering the Grand Line meant he was one step closer to his dream!
The sea breeze continued to howl, but the straw hat pirate flag was like a frontier soldier, never compromising! The constant snapping sound of the flag was the most powerful evidence.Chapter 33: Sanji! Can Fishmen Be Eaten? (Part 1)
Returning to her home, Nami took out the last of the gold worth seven million Berries and knelt in front of a small tangerine orchard. The fatigue and hope in her eyes welled up, impossible to hold back.
"Finally... I've saved up one hundred million!" Looking at the large chest full of wealth before her, Nami lay down under the shade of the tangerine trees as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Her right fingers curled naturally, and she placed her palm outward over her brow, blocking the piercing sunlight filtering through the leaves.
"Belle-Mere! Nojiko! And everyone in Cocoyasi Village! We can finally escape Arlong's rule!" Nami murmured to herself, her eyes becoming unbiddenly wet.
She didn't know how many times she had cried anymore.
However, she believed that once today passed, the villagers and she herself would be liberated. Then, she would travel the world with the Straw Hat crew to fulfill her childhood dream!
At this thought, Nami felt an endless surge of strength in her body. After closing the treasure chest, she took her three-section staff and walked toward Arlong Park.
"It's Nami-chan!"
"It's Little Nami!"
The people of Cocoyasi saw Nami approaching from afar and began to whisper. But as Nami drew closer, everyone avoided her as if she were a plague, retreating into their homes and shutting their doors and windows tight.
Witnessing all this, Nami didn't react; she had long since grown used to it over the years. Even though they didn't know the truth and didn't understand her, she gave herself willingly to this cause without any regrets.
Only after Nami had gone far away did the villagers start coming out of their houses one after another, huddling together as if discussing something. Several grown men grew so agitated as they spoke that they ran inside to grab hoes, looking like they were ready for a fight. The women wiped their eyes repeatedly, their grief and indignation no less than that of the men... This scene had repeated for eight years, a full eight years!
On the other side, having reached the entrance of Arlong Park, Nami put on a cold expression again. Her eyes were full of gloom, and a cold smile hung on her lips. She pushed open the gates of Arlong Park with force, completely ignoring the startled Fishmen.
"Arlong! You said you were a man of your word, didn't you?" Nami took graceful steps, closing in on Arlong step by step.
Hearing this, Arlong was a bit puzzled, but he still burst into his usual nauseating laughter: "Shahahahaha, Shahahahaha!"
"That's right! I, Arlong, am a man of my word! I do what I say!"
"Good. I've gathered the money. Sell the village to me! That was your promise, wasn't it?" Nami showed no joy; her face remained icy.
Hearing this, Arlong stood up from his throne in shock. His eyes widened, his pupils constricted, and his face became as hideous as a true bloodthirsty shark.
Then he sat back down, looked at Nami, and burst into wild laughter again.
"I, Arlong, am most honest! How about this? You go back and prepare. I'll go count it tomorrow. As long as the amount is sufficient, I'll set your village free immediately!" Having regained his composure, Arlong glanced toward a certain direction in the distant sea and then spoke.
Hearing Arlong's promise, Nami felt a sigh of relief in her heart and left Arlong Park directly.
However, the moment the gate closed, endless laughter erupted inside Arlong Park, like a dance of demons, deafening to the ears.
Nami didn't think much of it, assuming they were just happy about gaining one hundred million Berries.
--- "Squeak, squeak, squeak~"
Nami, who had fallen asleep on the table, suddenly heard a few strange noises. She stood up instantly, vigilantly deployed her three-section staff, and walked out of the room.
On this final day, she didn't dare lower her guard for a second.
Besides, normally no one would come here!
As soon as she went out, Nami saw several Marines using shovels to dig everywhere. An ominous feeling immediately rose in her heart.
"What are you doing?" Nami roared at the Marine in the lead, who looked somewhat like a rat.
Captain Nezumi wasn't angered by Nami's rudeness. He reached out to tweak his whiskers and said, "According to a report from an informant, the Little Thief Cat Nami has stolen pirate property many times, with the amount reaching one hundred million."
"You must be Nami, right?"
"Don't be nervous. We Marines are people who uphold justice. As long as you hand over the stolen goods, we Marines won't make things difficult for you!"
"Squeak, squeak, squeak~"
After speaking, Captain Nezumi laughed incessantly with a squeaking sound again.
"One hundred million! How did you know it was one hundred million?" By now, Nami was beyond furious. Only a few people in Arlong Park knew about this. Even the most foolish person could figure out the cause and effect.
"You Marines leave Arlong alone while he wreaks havoc across the region, yet you come here to catch a thief like me? Don't you feel ashamed?"
Hearing Nami's words, Captain Nezumi wasn't angry, nor did he respond to the topic: "Little girl, this Captain is merciful enough to forgive your crimes. Are you planning to obstruct the Marines in their duties?"
Nami was now shaking with rage. No wonder the villagers' pleas for help from the Marines had been fruitless for years. It turned out the so-called Marines were in league with pirates to oppress the people.
In her perception, Nami suddenly sensed someone approaching her precious tangerine orchard. Her eyes widened, and she swung her staff, sending the Marine trying to destroy the orchard flying. But she couldn't fight them all alone. Under Captain Nezumi's orders, everyone moved toward the orchard. Nami, on the verge of collapse, could no longer stop the Marine Soldiers trying to dig it up.
"Thud!" The sound of a shovel hitting wood was exceptionally piercing at that moment.
But this sound made Captain Nezumi extremely excited. He immediately snatched the shovel and began digging with all his might.
Watching the results of her years of hard work about to be snatched away, Nami's heart gradually shattered. She sank to her knees as if all strength had left her, her gaze vacant, letting Captain Nezumi squander her treasure.
A few moments later, Nami's vacant eyes gradually sharpened, finally turning into endless resentment. She hated Arlong's broken promise, she hated the Marines for not only being useless but also colluding with pirates to exploit the people, and she hated the Arlong Pirates tattoo on her arm!
Nami's neck slowly twisted toward her shoulder. Looking at the tattoo, her eyes were a mix of rage and madness. She suddenly pulled out a dagger and stabbed it fiercely into the tattoo, strike after strike, her teeth clenched tight. She wished she could kill Arlong and drink his blood and eat his flesh!
But then Nami seemed to remember something. She stopped her movements, decisively dropped the dagger, and walked toward the shore while clutching her shoulder.
She remembered. She had friends—a group of reliable friends who cared about her!
She had no intention of going to Arlong to demand an explanation alone, none at all! She now wished she could kill those Marines and the Fishmen of Arlong Park. She had never been this angry before!
Something happened quietly that even she didn't notice. The hand tightly gripping her shoulder was already wrapped in Haki. Although the amount was small, it remained there now, not dissipating.Chapter 34: Sanji! Can Fishmen be eaten? (Part 2)
Sitting on the shore, Chen Yu, Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp all opened their eyes at the same time!
A chilling, murderous intent swept out from Chen Yu. Sanji, Johnny, and the others, who didn't understand what was happening, all looked at the murderous Chen Yu, waiting for an explanation.
Sanji turned his head to glance at Zoro and Usopp, then somewhat gloomily lit another cigarette. What made it worse was that his lighter wouldn't spark no matter what; Sanji's veins bulged with anger, a surge of fury with nowhere to go.
Sanji knew that the four of them had discovered something with their Observation Haki. Thinking about how he was the last to join the ship and still hadn't mastered Haki, he couldn't help but curl his lip. He was not someone content with falling behind!
As Nami approached the group step by step, the murderous intent on Chen Yu grew more intense. It wasn't until Nami stood before them that he stood up, walked toward her as she clutched her shoulder, and gently took her into his arms.
"Let go, let me see," Chen Yu said, looking at her haggard face. He tried his best to restrain his anger, forcing his voice to remain calm and steady.
Back with everyone, Nami was clearly much more relaxed. Enduring the sharp pain, she opened her tightly clenched palm.
In the next moment, the murderous intent on Chen Yu intensified even further. Simultaneously, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from between his brows. Johnny and Joseph, standing near Chen Yu, lost consciousness instantly, while Usopp panted heavily, struggling to withstand the pressure.
Aside from Nami, the others only felt an overbearing aura sweep past them and didn't have much of a reaction.
Everyone knew what this aura was, but the focus right now was not on that.
Nami, who was closest to Chen Yu, felt nothing of the aura. She only knew that Chen Yu was angry—it was the first time she had seen him so furious. Seeing Chen Yu's bloodshot eyes and tightly clenched fists, all of Nami's grievances were set aside. Enduring the severe pain in her shoulder, she pulled Chen Yu's clenched fists into her embrace, her eyes filled with worry as she looked at him.
Feeling Nami's actions, Chen Yu's heart felt incredibly warm, but the coldness in his eyes only grew. He forced a soft expression and asked stiffly, "Who was it? What happened during this time?"
The few who remained conscious also gathered around.
Nami no longer hid anything and recounted everything from beginning to end.
After hearing Nami's story, their faces were like frost. The bulging veins on their foreheads and necks all displayed their collective rage.
It wasn't that Chen Yu didn't want to take Nami into his arms earlier, but he couldn't.
At this moment, he was the first mate first, and a boyfriend second.
From the moment he sensed Nami to the short time it took for her to appear before everyone, no one knew just how angry Chen Yu was. But he had to exercise restraint. They had agreed beforehand to let Nami try to resolve it herself first; if she couldn't and asked for help, then everyone would step in!
Therefore, he had to wait until Nami reached out for help before he could make a decision.
Chen Yu didn't want Nami to be just his girlfriend; he wanted everyone to know that Nami had always been a member of the Straw Hat crew.
They weren't helping Nami because of him, Chen Yu; they were choosing to act because Nami was their crew's Navigator!
Thus, in matters concerning the collective, he had to be the first mate before he could be the boyfriend.
Everything was for the sake of that intangible cohesion!
At this moment, Chen Yu knew what he truly wanted to do: to take care of Nami, to stay by her side forever, and once everyone's dreams were realized, he would take Nami into seclusion, just like Rayleigh. That was his simple, unadorned dream. No matter who stood in the way of his dream, Chen Yu would not let them off. Whether it was Imu or anyone else, it wouldn't matter who came!
His dream was very simple!
If anyone hindered him from realizing his dream, he would absolutely destroy their entire family without hesitation!
Seeing the uncontrollable anger in everyone's eyes, Chen Yu no longer hesitated. He waved his hand to summon a Flame Cloud, carrying everyone as they flew toward Nami's village.
As Chen Yu's strength increased, the speed of the Flame Cloud became faster and faster. Within a few breaths, they arrived at the village. Everyone ran in the direction Nami pointed and soon saw the gathered villagers.
By now, the villagers had learned of Nami's plight from Nojiko. They were no longer willing to endure. They intended to use the strength of the entire village to stand up for Nami and for the long-oppressed village, even if it was like moths to a flame!
The mobilizing villagers saw Nami and the others flying in on the Flame Cloud from afar and gripped their tools warily.
After Nami, in Chen Yu's arms, quickly introduced them, Chen Yu didn't waste any time. He asked the village doctor to help treat Nami's wound, as well as the unconscious Johnny and Joseph.
Genzo was still deeply immersed in the shock and grief of the fact that Nami already had a boyfriend.
"Sanji! Can Fishmen be eaten?" Chen Yu asked in a calm tone, smiling.
He casually helped Sanji light the cigarette in his mouth.
If it weren't for the several bulging veins on Chen Yu's forehead, everyone would have truly thought he wasn't angry anymore.
Sanji took a puff of his cigarette to calm his anger and explained slowly in a very flat tone: "For this kind of muscular fish, you could consider slicing it into thin, transparent pieces, then chilling it quickly with ice and eating it with soy sauce and wasabi."
"You could also cut it into thick chunks for braising or stewing."
"The tendon content in this kind of fish meat is too high; stir-frying makes it too tough, so I don't recommend that."
Why did Sanji know so much about Fishmen? While they were waiting on the shore, a few blind Fishmen had come to provoke them. Naturally, Sanji now knew how this kind of fish should be eaten.
As for where those fish went? There was no need to ask; by default, they had gone on a trip around the world.
The villagers felt a chill hearing the cold conversation between the two, yet they were also incredibly hopeful about these young people who had come to avenge Nami.
Once Nami's wound was treated, the group headed toward Nami's house.
They had just set out when they ran into Nezumi and his group, carrying large and small bags.
Nezumi looked at the group blocking his path, especially seeing Nami among them. He instantly understood their purpose, but he wasn't afraid at all. He was a Navy Captain!
"Little Thief Cat, our Marine mercy let you go, yet you repeatedly obstruct Marine business. Do you want to be an enemy of the Marines? An enemy of the World Government?"
Hearing these words, Nami didn't react at all. Her gaze toward Nezumi was like looking at a dead man.
Though Nami didn't react, the villagers following behind were so angry they grabbed their hoes, sickles, and other tools, showing no fear of these Marines. They had long since prepared for death; a few mere Marines wouldn't make them retreat an inch! This was eight years of accumulated fury!
"Do you unruly people want to challenge the authority of the Marines?" Seeing that these villagers were different from the submissive people in other villages, Nezumi was so scared he backed up repeatedly.
Nezumi knew very well how he got his rank; he couldn't handle these unruly people.
I'll remember these peasants. Once I get back to the branch, I'll immediately mobilize the army to raze Cocoyasi Village. As for Arlong, money can settle that, Nezumi thought resentfully to himself.
Faced with Nezumi's threats, no one retreated a step, nor was anyone afraid; they all had fierce glints in their eyes.
Genzo suddenly roared, "Villagers, the time for revenge has come! There are no cowards in Cocoyasi Village!"
"There are no cowards in Cocoyasi Village!" xN
Seeing Genzo preparing to lead the charge against Nezumi, Chen Yu reached out his right hand to stop him: "Uncle, leave it to us. We don't even care about mere Marines!"
Nami also gave Genzo a meaningful look.
She didn't want these kind people to suffer repercussions later. She would be going out to sea soon and would then head for the Grand Line. With these monster-like companions, she wasn't afraid at all. But the people in the village were different; they couldn't escape the Marines' pursuit.
Chen Yu pulled Nami behind him, which meant she was in front of the villagers.
He took a step forward and stood before the timid-looking Nezumi. However, he didn't look at him, but instead turned to the Straw Hat crew: "I'll take this one. You guys split the people from Arlong Park, no problem?"
Luffy and the others naturally agreed. Besides, they had no desire to act against someone of this caliber.
Seeing that Chen Yu didn't regard him at all, Nezumi trembled with rage, his finger pointing directly at Chen Yu as he roared incessantly, "You low-class pirates! I am a Navy Captain! Do you know who you are about to make an enemy of?"
"Who?" Chen Yu had no reaction, only giving Nezumi a faint glance. He was considering how to multiply Nezumi's 'joy' before he died.
"Low-class pirates are just low-class pirates. You can't even imagine how powerful the Marines are! The Marines have captured countless people of your sort!"
"However, as long as you capture Nami and those unruly peasants and hand them over to us, I guarantee you'll be safe!"
Nezumi's finger remained pointed at Chen Yu's head as he threatened.
Hearing Nezumi's words, Nojiko, who had just warmly embraced Nami, quickly stood in front of her, wary of Chen Yu and his group.
However, she was pulled back by Nami.
"Chen Yu and the others would never hand us over!" Nami said playfully, holding Nojiko's hand to ease the tension of Nojiko and the villagers.
Nami believed deeply in the Straw Hat crew, but the others did not. Having suffered greatly from pirates, they would not easily trust them! The villagers still tightly gripped their tools.
Nami had just learned from Nojiko that the villagers had known about her deal with Arlong for a long time and had been worried about her all these years. However, to avoid affecting her, they chose to pretend and endure.
Combined with the villagers' current care and protection, Nami's heart was naturally filled with warmth, making her feel even more that her efforts over the years had not been in vain.
"Did I mention that I don't like people pointing their fingers at me?" Chen Yu ignored Nezumi's nonsense again, looking at him with a smile.
Chen Yu had already thought of a way to double Nezumi's 'joy'—it really was a wonderful idea.
"You low-class pirate! Do you have any idea who you're facing? Behind us Marines is the World Government! Does someone like you dare to be an enemy of the World Government?" Nezumi was at the end of his patience with Chen Yu's repeated ignoring of him. He decided that once he got back, he would immediately lead men to wipe out these low-class pirates and unruly peasants!
"I know! But you seem to really like pointing at me. I just said, I don't like it."
"Sigh! What can I do? I'm just so helpful to others," he said. Then, regardless of Nezumi's reaction, he directly created several fire ropes in the air, fixing Nezumi in his current pose.
After securing Nezumi, Chen Yu extended his index finger and ignited a three-centimeter flame at the tip, about three or four hundred degrees. He used this flame to burn the finger Nezumi was using to point at him. To prevent Nezumi from screaming and startling him, Chen Yu used his other hand to firmly pinch Nezumi's mouth shut, forcing him to breathe only through his nose.
As the flame began to burn the finger, Nezumi, who was panting heavily, had a large amount of mucus erupting from his nose. Quick-witted, Chen Yu immediately manifested a fire shield to block it, preventing his hand from being defiled by Nezumi.
The intense pain didn't just make Nezumi pant; because his mouth couldn't open, the roars constantly produced in his throat could only emerge continuously from his nasal cavity. The sound didn't seem painful; instead, it sounded like a cow's lowing—'moo, moo, moo'—which Chen Yu found heartwarmingly pleasant.
Nezumi watched helplessly as his finger visibly became red and swollen, then shriveled and turned white, and finally became a dry, shriveled black.
Of course, throughout this process, the cow-like lowing never stopped.Chapter 35: The Blooming Room
Seeing how much Nezumi enjoyed mooing like a cow, Chen Yu certainly wouldn't be stingy. One finger was burnt to a crisp, but there were still nine more.
No, nineteen!
No, no, twenty to be exact!
He had just burned the right index finger; now it was time for the left thumb.
After mooing like that for a while, Nezumi fainted.
He fainted after only four fingers were burned, even while switching between hands?
Seeing Nezumi faint so easily, Chen Yu was somewhat speechless. Was he really that incapable of enduring torture? Even though Chen Yu was a novice at this, it was still too pathetic!
Chen Yu immediately lost interest and used a burst of fire to turn everyone, including Nezumi and all the Marine Soldiers, into ash.
Seeing the scum of the Marine finally executed, the villagers were incredibly excited and cheered one after another!
As they say, everyone pushes a falling wall. Even if you are a Marine, and even if you've done good deeds your whole life, as long as you do one thing to wrong me, then in my eyes, you are surely the most evil person in the world!
After dealing with Nezumi, Chen Yu didn't linger and flew toward Arlong Park with the Straw Hat crew. This time he didn't bring the villagers along, which was also with Nami's consent.
At the entrance of Arlong Park, even Nami, who had great confidence in the others, couldn't help but feel nervous again. This place, this style of architecture, and that pirate flag were deeply engraved in Nami's mind; unless they were completely destroyed, they would surely affect her for the rest of her life.
Chen Yu began assigning tasks. This time, he didn't arrange an opponent for himself. The main force stayed the same: Arlong versus Luffy, Zoro versus Hatchan, Usopp versus Chew, and Sanji would deal with Kuroobi. However, the requirements were different this time. Chen Yu demanded that Luffy and Zoro finish their opponents within ten minutes, Usopp had to defeat his opponent head-on, and he didn't place many demands on Sanji—since Sanji hadn't mastered Haki yet, winning would be enough. As for the two sword gods, they had to find a way to take out two small fry.
Hearing Chen Yu demand that Zoro finish his opponent within ten minutes, Sanji naturally refused to be outdone and also clamored to finish within ten minutes. Chen Yu didn't respond to this and just let him be.
Watching Luffy blow apart the stone gate of Arlong Park with one punch, Chen Yu couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. His arrival had indeed made this group much stronger. Take this 'knocking on the door' for example; the old Luffy would have needed several punches to pry the door open, but now he only needed one punch to smash it. This gave Chen Yu a great sense of accomplishment—his silly son was growing up!
Seeing everyone go off to find their opponents, Chen Yu didn't stay idle either. With a wave of his finger, over a dozen flying swords floated above Arlong Park and poured down like rain. Leaving only two small fry, the rest were wiped out in a single wave.
After doing all this, Chen Yu slowly walked into Arlong Park. No Fishman came to stop him; those who wanted to were all held back.
Chen Yu had no interest in the rest of the place. He was heading straight for the chart room on the top floor, which was Nami's room. However, flying up directly would be too abrupt. He wanted to give Nami a surprise, not a fright!
Chen Yu walked all the way. He didn't look for any treasures because there was no need; it would be enough to ask Nami later.
"Nami? Are you sure you want to betray us for these lower lifeforms?" Arlong, standing opposite Luffy, shouted angrily at Nami.
Clearly, Chen Yu wiping out so many small fry just now had driven Arlong completely insane!
Arlong stared fixedly at Nami, the killing intent in his eyes completely undisguised. Those lying on the ground were his compatriots! And they had been killed by lower lifeforms!
If he hadn't needed Nami's talent, he would have killed her long ago! But now, a mere lower lifeform dared to betray him!
Hearing Arlong's words, Luffy suddenly felt a shiver run through his body. He remembered what Chen Yu had said: "Luffy! If you let Arlong say anything in front of Nami that makes her unhappy, don't even think about eating meat for three days!"
This kind of threat worked every time on Luffy. Scared, Luffy instantly coated his hands in Haki, then stretched his arms and fired a Rocket Launcher at Arlong. It hit the rambling Arlong so hard that he spat blood and his eyes bulged out.
As for Zoro, since there was a sword on the ship that Chen Yu had swiped from Morgan, he directly used a Three Sword Style move, Black Rope Dragon Twister, instantly killing Hatchan. However, the already half-crippled Zoro immediately lost his form, and a large amount of blood seeped from his wounds. He forced himself to walk to a wall, turned his head, and fell asleep.
Sanji's fight was much better than before. Since he didn't have to go underwater to save that idiot, Sanji hadn't been injured yet. He was currently clashing in physical techniques with Kuroobi, having a grand old time.
Gradually reaching the top floor, Chen Yu stopped in front of the target room. Before even entering, his anger was already uncontrollable.
The door handle was covered in blood... Suppressing his rage, Chen Yu pushed the door open, but the handle he held instantly melted, flowing onto the floor as a pool of glowing red molten iron.
Upon entering, what met his eyes were mountains of paper, stacked neatly pile after pile, with the entire wall covered in charts.
Chen Yu walked to the desk and picked up the pen lying there. The fury in his heart could no longer be suppressed. He had never seen such a dirty pen—a fountain pen covered in blood. It could be said that since Chen Yu entered the room, he hadn't seen a single piece of furniture or tool without bloodstains!
Drawing sea charts was clearly Nami's favorite thing, but the charts in this room carried absolutely none of Nami's dreams or happiness! He would not allow anything here to remain in this world.
Chen Yu erupted.
A heatwave exploded from the room. Several charts flew out of the broken windows with the air current, followed immediately by a burst of cyan flames that filled the entire room in an instant. The charts and furniture were instantly turned to ash. Not only that, the ceiling and walls began to melt. As the color of the flames deepened, the walls melted faster and faster. Finally, with a surge of Chen Yu's power, the entire top floor melted into lava.
Outside, Nami had already understood something when she saw the room's windows shatter. Then she saw the room where she once lived erupt with cyan flames, followed by the entire floor being melted by Chen Yu. She also saw an still-unsatisfied Chen Yu leap into the air and use a terrifying cyan Fire Fist to incinerate the entire building from top to bottom, leaving no trace behind!
To hell with the treasure!
By now, Nami had already broken down in tears, covering her mouth and constantly calling Chen Yu's name.
Chen Yu, his anger still lingering, heard Nami calling for him and rushed to her side at top speed. Before he could speak, Nami lunged straight into his arms, hugging him tightly. The two of them just stood there, neither saying a word. Chen Yu's anger dissipated at that moment; to him, nothing was more important than Nami.
Holding Nami, Chen Yu looked toward Usopp. His requirement for Usopp to take down that kissing fish head-on was indeed a bit difficult for him. However, Chen Yu believed that Usopp, who had already mastered Observation Haki, had a high probability of dealing with Chew.
Watching a fish with a pouting mouth and red makeup walk toward him with a look of disdain, Usopp's legs couldn't help but shake.
However, the more his legs shook, the more relieved Chen Yu felt.
A desperate Usopp had never let anyone down.
Soon, Usopp took action. Chen Yu had forbidden him from leaving Arlong Park, so he ran around the pool, firing Lead Stars at Chew as he ran. Under the judgment of Observation Haki, Usopp was guaranteed to hit once every three shots; the other two missed only because his body couldn't keep up.
Hit by a lead pellet at close range, Chew's defense was finally breached. The pellet sank into his muscle, but it wasn't deep and was easily squeezed out by Chew.
Seeing such terrifying defensive power, Usopp felt a bit weak again.
Unable to take it anymore, Chew leaned over the edge of the pool, took a huge gulp of water, and then fired a Water Gun Machine Gun at Usopp. It was completely useless, however, as Usopp easily dodged it.
In Chen Yu's view, if Chew had a few more mouths, Usopp definitely wouldn't have been able to dodge. The range of Usopp's movements was huge, which meant he couldn't perform precise dodges. As long as the attack range was a bit wider, Usopp would have to accept his fate.
Fortunately, Usopp's Haoshoku-level luck was good, and he never encountered an opponent beyond his limits.
Seeing that they couldn't do anything to each other, Usopp looked triumphant while Chew's face was flushed red with anger!
Usopp's hits weren't fatal, but they hurt!
What was even more ruthless was that Usopp would occasionally fire an Alcohol Star or a Pepper Star, making Chew scream in pain.
He couldn't catch him, and he couldn't hit him. Finally, he was knocked to the ground by one of Usopp's Hammer Stars, his head buzzing for a long time. Usopp fully utilized this opening, pulled another hammer from his bag, leaped into the air, and knocked Chew unconscious on the spot.
Seeing that Usopp didn't deliver the killing blow, Chen Yu very kindly pulled out a forty-meter-long blade and rested it against Usopp's neck; between the two of them, one had to go today!
After today, only Hatchan among these Fishmen would live. This was something Chen Yu and Nami had discussed. On one hand, Hatchan was still somewhat useful; on the other hand, Hatchan was just simple-minded and had foolishly followed Arlong. Such a large fish was full of holes but lacked a single devious bone. Most importantly, Hatchan had never killed anyone from Cocoyasi Village; otherwise, no matter how useful he might be later, he would have to die!
Under Chen Yu's threat, Usopp finally took a dagger and plunged it into Chew's heart.
Chen Yu told a somewhat dejected Usopp that this was something a brave warrior of the sea must go through. If he could learn Armament Haki sooner, he could take out trash like Chew in one shot without exaggeration, which made Usopp full of fighting spirit again.
The reason Usopp was able to win was thanks to Observation Haki. Observation Haki in the East Blue really was like a bug; it was just bullying people.
No Fishman mourned Chew's death, because except for Hatchan, all the other Fishmen were dead.
Sanji was sulking in a corner, smoking a cigarette because he failed to defeat his enemy within ten minutes.
Relying on years of tacit cooperation, the two sword gods still managed to take out those two small fry at the cost of several broken bones each.
The villagers, arriving late, saw the ruins of Arlong Park and wept for joy, embracing one another.