Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Eight years prior, the renowned fish-men pirates of the Grand Line disbanded due to differing beliefs. Captain Jinbe took the remnants and reformed the Sun Pirates, aligning with the government as a Shichibukai. Those not aligned with Jinbe's vision, led by Arlong, sought refuge in the East Blue.
Arlong's experiences on the Grand Line had been marred by prejudice and maltreatment. Such hardships had molded the Arlong crew into a group seething with disdain for humans, stemming from their own personal traumas. Their intent was clear: make humans endure the worse humiliations they had faced.
Upon their arrival in the East Blue, Arlong swiftly dominated twenty villages, establishing his reign of terror. He even erected Arlong Park, its design inspired by the main building of Sabaody Park, a renowned amusement park on the Sabaody Archipelago where merfolk faced severe discrimination.
But how did Arlong carve out such an expansive domain in the East Blue? The answer lies in an influential ally, navy captain.
Inside a room in Arlong Park, the sound of currency resonated.
SNAP!
A pile of Bellys was thrust onto a table. An audacious voice echoed, "Here's this month's payment. Accept it."
"Captain Nezumi!" Arlong, the fish-man captain of the crew, acknowledged. He was an imposing figure with a saw-shaped nose, long black hair, and a distinguishing ushanka hat.
"Zhizhizhi, Arlong, you've proven to be an excellent partner," responded Captain Nezumi of the navy, his mousy features and prominent whiskers making him unmistakable. Picking up the money, he smirked, "Well, I won't stand on ceremony then."
Arlong boomed with laughter, "Formalities at this point? Money is truly the world's most dependable ally, wouldn't you agree?"
Ever since setting foot in this part of the sea, Arlong felt an unparalleled sense of elation. The East Blue lacked formidable challengers, allowing the fish-men, who boasted physical prowess far superior to humans, to quickly lay the foundation of their kingdom. In Arlong's territory, every individual had a price: 100,000 for adults and 50,000 for children. Villagers had to regularly pay this "head fee".
Captain Nezumi chimed in with glee, "Indeed, money can work wonders!"
The room was charged with camaraderie. It was almost surreal, seeing a navy officer and a pirate share such jovial exchanges. But that was reality. Thanks to Captain Nezumi, the Arlong Pirates had reigned over twenty villages uninterrupted for eight years.
-----
Onboard the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, anchored near Cocoyasi Village.
Bai Ye confidently declared, "He needs to be ruined!" as he concluded his plan.
As the crew prepared to step off the ship, Zoro, holding two fish-men, questioned, "What's the plan for these two?"
Setting them on the ground, one fish-man stood out with his pink skin, wavy brown hair, and a distinct fin on his head. A black wave tattoo adorned his forehead. This was Shioyaki, the Arlong Pirates' head of banquets and a salmon fish-man.
Beside him was another with light blue skin, long black hair, and a pink fin on his head's back. His hooked nose, sharp teeth, and red lips were also noticeable. He was Take, a carp fish-man and the Arlong Pirates' party commander.
While Captain Nezumi's influence shielded them from prying eyes, Arlong ensured regular patrols within his territory. Being fish-men, they didn't require ships. This allowed them to adeptly hide and ambush from the water. This advantage had always served them well. However, that day, they ran into the Straw Hats.
First, their assault on the Golden Merry activated a protective formation Bai Ye set up, freezing them underwater. Subsequently, the Straw Hats captured them.
Furiously, Shioyaki glared at Nami, "Are you turning against the Arlong Pirates?"
With scorn, Take added, "Just as I thought, humans can't be trusted."
Bai Ye quickly silenced Take with a foot on his mouth, retorting, "Coming from those who manipulate loyalty through threats, how dare you judge Nami?"
The rest of the crew shared Bai Ye's disdain for the duo. Without hesitation, Zoro suggested, "Let's just cut them off."
Luffy chimed in, "I just want to find Arlong and deal with him."
Trying to keep the peace, Bai Ye responded, "There'll be time for that. Remember, we're here for Nami's sake."
With a mischievous grin, Bai Ye knelt before the fish-men, "Consider yourselves fortunate. I have something special for you."
-----
Shioyaki and Take suddenly showed up at Arlong Park.
"Why are you two back? Weren't you on patrol?" Octopus Hachi, a leading member of the Arlong Pirates, greeted them at the entrance. Hachi, recognized for his pink skin and distinct grey hair styled in five spikes, also wielded eight swords.
Instead of answering Hachi's question, the two fish-men headed straight for Arlong's room.
Hachi shouted after them, "Wait! What's going on with you two?" He sensed something unusual about their behavior, especially noting their rigid movements. But before he could ponder further, another crew member called him away, diverting his attention.
Once out of Hachi's view, Shioyaki and Take quickly approached Arlong's door. Ignoring the sounds of laughter from within, they entered without hesitation.
"Boss, there's trouble! Nami has gathered 100 million Bellys," Shioyaki reported.
Take added, "Yes, Boss. Nami wanted you to know she'll come with the money once she's done counting."
Arlong looked taken aback. "Did she really manage to save up 100 million Bellys?"
"Yes, Boss. I saw it myself. There's indeed 100 million Bellys," Take confirmed.
Just then, Captain Nezumi's voice chimed in, "Sounds like you've got a problem, Arlong."