CHAPTER 20: THE CONOMI ISLANDS
The Going Merry glided gracefully into the dock of Gosa Village, Nami's home island. The port was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling life it once held. As the ship came to a stop, Nami disembarked, taking a moment to look back at the ship that had carried her on so many adventures. She carried a hefty sack of treasure, its weight a testament to the five million Berries inside—enough to pay off her debt and free her village from Arlong's grasp.
With each step, Nami's heart grew heavier. She walked through the village, now a picture of utter destruction. Houses were turned upside down, debris littered the streets, and the once vibrant community was a ghost town. The name Gosa Village, which once stood for peace and unity, now echoed with the memories of torment and pain.
Despite the devastation, Nami walked through the ruins as if it were normal. Her eyes were set on her destination, her mind focused on her goal. She ignored the memories of happier times that threatened to overwhelm her.
---
Out on the ocean, Johnny, Usopp, and Zoro sailed towards the Conomi Islands. Their small boat rocked gently with the waves as they discussed their next course of action to retrieve Nami.
"Are we really going to face fishmen?" Usopp's voice quivered with fear. "They're incredibly strong. How can we possibly stand a chance?"
Johnny nodded, recalling the tales he had heard. "Fishmen have ten times the strength of a human. They're not to be taken lightly."
As they continued to sail forward, the tension among them grew. The Conomi Islands loomed ever closer, a foreboding presence on the horizon.
---
On another small vessel, Goku, Sanji, Yosaku, and Gin gazed out at the sea. Yosaku broke the silence, his voice tinged with concern. "Nami must have some kind of grudge or connection with Arlong. Fishmen have a complicated history with humans. They've faced severe discrimination and have a deep-seated hatred for us."
He continued, explaining the rise of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. "To broker peace, the world government offered a fishman, Jimbei, a spot among the Warlords. But this act had unintended consequences. Arlong and his cronies were set free and allowed to rampage, causing chaos and suffering."
Gin added, his tone somber, "Krieg and I had a few run-ins with fishmen. Krieg saw their strength and decided to use them as allies instead of enemies. They are formidable foes."
Sanji, his anger barely contained, spat out, "The world government is too corrupt. How could they allow such a thing?"
Goku remained calm and collected, yet his intense stare out to the sea made the others uneasy. His aura radiated power, causing the boat and the sea itself to tremble. Sanji, Yosaku, and Gin were visibly scared, the sheer force of Goku's presence almost overwhelming.
Sensing the tension, Sanji decided to break for lunch. "I'll make lunch," he announced.
The mention of food finally broke through Goku's intense focus. "I'll have a dish with loads of meat," he said, his tone normalizing.
The relief was palpable as the crew felt Goku's aura subside. Sanji smiled and headed inside the tiny kitchen of their boat to prepare the meal. Yosaku and Gin also placed their orders, eager for a distraction from the heavy atmosphere.
As Sanji cooked, Goku stared out into the horizon, his mind in turmoil. He was angry with himself for not talking to Nami sooner, for letting her leave when they were growing closer. He was frustrated by how much he still didn't know about this world and its complexities. Resolving to stop playing defense, Goku decided to go on the attack and make his intentions clear. He had decided that Nami was his woman and would let her know as soon as they met again. Arlong and his crew would pay dearly for their actions.
Goku's aura began to flare up again as these thoughts consumed him, causing the boat to shake once more. But the smell of lunch being prepared by Sanji brought him back to reality.
The tiny kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of cooking food. Sanji prepared dishes with expert skill, ensuring that each meal was perfect. When lunch was finally served, the crew gathered to eat. Goku, especially glad, devoured his meat with enthusiasm, the tension of earlier forgotten as they sailed onward.
---
Beneath the waves, a massive creature followed the smell of the food. Its shadowy silhouette moved gracefully through the water, its intentions unknown but foreboding.
---
Back on the ocean, Zoro, Johnny, and Usopp continued their journey. The island of Cocoyasi came into view on the horizon, bringing a mix of hope and dread.
Johnny and Usopp exchanged nervous glances. "Are we really going to an island full of fishmen?" Usopp's voice was shaky.
"They're incredibly strong," Johnny added. "I've heard stories. We might not make it out alive."
Zoro, bandaged and barely conscious from his brutal battle with Mihawk, lay in the boat. Despite his injuries, his resolve was unwavering. He groaned, trying to sit up, but the pain was too much. His body bore the scars of his encounter with the world's greatest swordsman, a testament to his strength and determination.
"Zoro, are you sure about this?" Usopp asked, his fear evident.
Zoro, his voice weak but firm, replied, "Nami is our nakama. We have to get her back. No matter what."
Johnny and Usopp nodded, though their fear remained. The sight of Zoro's determination gave them the courage to press on.
---
As Nami continued through the ruins of Cocoyasi Village, her heart ached for her home and its people. She passed by destroyed houses and overturned carts, each sight a painful reminder of Arlong's tyranny. Her mind was set on freeing her village, on ending the suffering once and for all.
Finally, she arrived at her destination. Standing before the wreckage of what was once a vibrant community, Nami steeled herself for the confrontation ahead. She clutched the sack of treasure tightly, knowing that it represented not just her freedom, but the freedom of her entire village.
---
Back on the sea, Goku's boat sailed steadily towards the Conomi Islands. The crew, having finished their lunch, felt a renewed sense of purpose. Goku's mind was clear now, his resolve stronger than ever. He would face Arlong and his crew, he would rescue Nami, and he would ensure that justice was served.
Sanji, Yosaku, and Gin were equally determined. They had seen the strength and determination of their captain, and they knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the ocean, the small vessel continued its journey. Each member of the crew was lost in their thoughts, preparing for the battle ahead.
---
Underneath the waves, the massive creature continued to follow the boat, its intentions still a mystery. The shadowy silhouette moved with a purpose, drawn by the presence of the crew above.
---
The Conomi Islands grew larger on the horizon as Zoro, Johnny, and Usopp approached. The fear was still there, but so was their determination. They would face whatever lay ahead to bring Nami back.
As they drew closer, the island's features became more distinct. The rocky cliffs, the dense forests, and the ominous presence of Arlong's stronghold loomed in the distance.
"Are we really ready for this?" Usopp asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"We have to be," Johnny replied, his voice steadier now. "For Nami."
Zoro, his strength returning little by little, managed to sit up. He looked out at the island with a fierce determination. "We're coming for you, Nami," he whispered.
The boat continued its approach, the waves gently lapping against its sides. The journey was far from over, but the crew was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They would fight for their nakama, for their friend, and for the freedom of Cocoyasi Village.
The gentle rocking of the small boat steadied as the crew neared the island, its silhouette growing larger with each passing moment. Usopp and Johnny, standing at the bow, strained their eyes against the horizon. Suddenly, two massive figures appeared on the shore, their forms clear in the dwindling light.
"Usopp, look!" Johnny's voice trembled. "Are those... Fishmen?"
Usopp's heart pounded as he took in the scene. The creatures were unlike anything he had seen before. Standing at least eight feet tall, their bodies were a grotesque mix of human and fish. One had the head of a shark, its teeth jagged and menacing, while the other resembled a manta ray, with wide fins extending from its sides. Their skin glistened in the evening light, covered in scales that shimmered with a menacing beauty.
"P-Panic!" Usopp stuttered, clutching Johnny's arm. "They're huge!"
The Fishmen, sensing their audience, turned towards the ship. Their eyes, sharp and predatory, locked onto Usopp and Johnny. Without warning, they dove into the water, their powerful tails propelling them swiftly towards the little boat.
"Johnny! We have to go!" Usopp shouted, his voice cracking with fear.
Johnny didn't need any more convincing. Both men leapt over the side of the ship, plunging into the cold sea below. They swam frantically towards the shore, driven by pure terror.
Meanwhile, the Fishmen climbed aboard the ship with ease. Their wet, webbed feet slapped against the deck as they surveyed their surroundings. They spotted Zoro, still unconscious and covered in bandages, lying near the mast.
"Well, what do we have here?" the shark-headed Fishman growled, his voice a deep rumble.
"Looks to be a drifter," the manta ray replied, his voice smoother but no less menacing.
"Let's take him to Arlong," the shark-headed Fishman decided.
With that, they turned the ship towards the other side of the island, steering it with the ease of seasoned sailors.
On the shore, Usopp and Johnny dragged themselves out of the water, panting and shivering. They exchanged a glance, silently apologizing to Zoro for abandoning him but relieved they didn't have to face the Fishmen.
"Sorry, Zoro," Usopp muttered, his voice laced with guilt. "But better you than us."
Johnny nodded. "At least we can come back for him... if we survive."
In the distance, they spotted a town. Their hearts lifted briefly at the thought of finding help, but as they approached, their hope turned to horror. The town was in ruins. Buildings lay in rubble, their structures torn apart as if by some monstrous force.
"What... what could have done this?" Usopp whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.
Johnny's face paled. "Fishmen. It has to be."
***
Switching scenes, the tranquil waters of the East Blue were disrupted by an unusual sight. A tall, lean man rode a bicycle across the sea, the wheels gliding effortlessly over a path of ice. His long, dark coat fluttered in the wind, and a pair of sunglasses perched low on his nose obscured his eyes.
The man was riding a bicycle, but not on land. His bike traversed the ocean on a trail of ice, created by his Devil Fruit powers. The bike itself was simple, yet robust, painted in a nondescript gray, its frame sturdy enough to handle the extraordinary journey.
A transponder snail wrapped around his wrist came to life, its eyes blinking as it emitted a series of urgent sounds. The man glanced at it lazily before answering.
"Oi, where the hell are you?" The voice on the other end was angry, almost shouting. "You can't just leave without saying anything!"
The man sighed, his voice calm and indifferent. "I had some business to take care of in the East Blue."
"The East Blue? What the hell are you doing in the East Blue?" the voice demanded.
"Meeting someone," the man replied curtly, before switching off the transponder snail. He continued to ride along, his demeanor relaxed despite the urgency of his mission.
A powerhouse was on the move, early. The collision course was set. Goku and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates were heading for an encounter that would shake the very foundations of their world.