CHAPTER 21: HIDDEN TRUTHS
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Arlong Park, the weather unusually serene for such a notorious place. The sky was a vibrant blue, with just a few wisps of white clouds drifting lazily. The air was thick with the salty tang of the sea, mingling with the earthy scent of the lush tropical flora that surrounded the park.
Arlong Park itself was an imposing structure. It was a sprawling compound built from stone and wood, with a grandiose entrance that featured a massive gate adorned with the symbol of the Arlong Pirates—a stylized saw-shark. The walls of the park were fortified and tall, designed to keep intruders out and prisoners in. Inside, the park was a mix of organized chaos; there were various buildings scattered around, serving as living quarters, storage, and operational hubs for Arlong's various schemes.
At the center of the park was a large pool, clear and blue, with a small waterfall cascading into it from a rocky formation. Around this pool, a group of Fish-Men were deeply engrossed in a game of poker. They sat on makeshift stools, a rickety table between them, their faces a mix of concentration and deceit.
There were six of them, each distinct in their appearance and demeanor. Hachi, with his octopus-like limbs, used his tentacles to deftly shuffle and deal the cards, a look of pure focus on his face. Beside him, Chew, the smirking blue-skinned smelt-whiting Fish-Man, leaned back casually, his sharp eyes occasionally flicking to the faces of his opponents, trying to read them. Kuroobi, the ray Fish-Man with a stern expression, kept his cards close to his chest, his muscles tense with anticipation.
Across the table, two more Fish-Men, indistinct but fierce-looking, were locked in a silent battle of wits. The sixth player, the shark-toothed Arlong, watched the proceedings with a smug grin, confident in his ability to outplay the rest.
***
Inside the main building of the park, Arlong himself sat on a throne-like chair. He was an imposing figure, his muscular body covered in tattoos and scars that told tales of countless battles. His skin was a pale blue, his hair a wild, dark mane that framed his fierce, shark-like face. His eyes were sharp and cold, reflecting a lifetime of hatred and brutality. He wore a pair of red trousers and a yellow sash, his chest bare except for a few ornamental pieces of jewelry.
Standing beside him were his two lieutenants, Chew and Kuroobi. Chew, with his sleek, blue skin and sharp features, exuded a sense of sly cunning. He was dressed in a simple tunic and pants, his posture relaxed but ready. Kuroobi, in contrast, was all raw power and discipline. His broad, muscular frame was clad in traditional martial arts attire, his expression one of stoic determination.
As they conversed, their topic turned to the past, reminiscing about their time sailing with Fisher Tiger. "Remember the times we had with Fisher Tiger?" Chew began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Those were the days of true freedom."
Arlong's eyes softened for a moment, a rare glimpse of sentimentality. "He was a true leader," he replied. "The way he stood up to the world, refusing to bow down to the humans. His death at the hands of the Marines was a tragedy."
Kuroobi nodded, his fists clenching at the memory. "The Marines are nothing but dogs of the humans. Fisher Tiger's death only strengthened our resolve to continue his fight."
The conversation shifted, and Arlong's expression hardened again. "Jinbei," he spat the name with disdain. "That traitor. He joined the World Government, becoming one of their Warlords. A fool and a coward, turning his back on his own kind to become a government dog."
Chew's face twisted in anger. "I can't stand the sight of humans. They treat us like monsters, but it's they who are the true monsters."
Arlong nodded. "Humans are weak and stupid. They think they can control everything, but we will show them their place."
Kuroobi spoke up, his voice low and menacing. "The Marines have been increasing their patrols around these waters. They could interfere with our plans."
Arlong's eyes narrowed. "They are becoming a nuisance. But don't worry, Nezumi should be arriving by late afternoon for our usual meeting or compensation. We'll deal with him soon enough."
Chew acknowledged with a nod. "Nezumi is getting too expensive. We need to do something about him."
Arlong agreed. "Indeed. He's a human, after all, weak and greedy."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Nami. She walked into the room with a confident stride, her eyes sharp and wary. "What was that about all humans?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.
Arlong's expression softened slightly as he noticed her. "Well, there are exceptions, of course," he said with a smirk.
The other Fish-Men in the park acknowledged Nami's return with a mix of respect and wariness. She had earned her place among them, but they never forgot she was still human.
"How was your trip?" Arlong asked, his tone almost casual.
Nami shrugged, hiding her true feelings behind a tough facade. "Underwhelming," she replied, though Arlong noticed the sadness in her eyes.
"Join us for a drink?" Arlong offered, gesturing to a nearby table laden with bottles.
After a moment's hesitation, Nami agreed. They opened a new bottle just for her, and for the next hour, the group enjoyed themselves, drinking, dancing, and partying. The tension of their earlier conversation faded away, replaced by the camaraderie of shared indulgence.
As the party wound down, Arlong led Nami into one of the buildings in the park. Inside, she revealed some new maps she had drawn. Spreading them out on a table, she explained each one in detail. "This map shows the marine bases in the area," she said, pointing to various locations marked on the parchment. "And these indicate the strongholds of pirate crews and the major ocean currents."
Arlong examined the maps closely, impressed by her skill. "Your work is exceptional, Nami," he complimented.
Nami nodded, but her expression was serious. "Remember, we have a deal," she reminded him.
Arlong's smile faded slightly, but he nodded in agreement. "Yes, we have a deal."
Their conversation was interrupted by Kuroobi entering the room. "Nezumi has arrived," he announced.
Arlong's expression darkened. "Bring him in," he ordered.
As Nezumi entered the room, flanked by a group of marines, his rat-like appearance was immediately noticeable. His beady eyes darted around the room nervously, and his thin, twitchy frame exuded an air of constant anxiety.
"Arlong, my old friend," Nezumi greeted with a forced smile, trying to appear at ease.
"Nezumi," Arlong replied, his tone cold but cordial. "Let's get down to business."
Nezumi's eyes flicked to the stack of cash Arlong placed on the table. "This is the usual amount," Arlong said, pushing it towards him.
Nezumi glanced at the cash, but his expression was unsatisfied. "Your recent activities have increased the patrols of marine vessels in the area," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "It's made my job of keeping them out of your way more difficult. I should be compensated for my extra efforts."
Arlong's eyes narrowed. "Is that right?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.
"Yes, that's right," Nezumi stammered, his bravado faltering.
The atmosphere in the room changed instantly. The air grew thick with a deadly tension, the killing intent radiating from Arlong and his lieutenants sending chills down the spines of Nezumi and his men. Negumi audibly swallowed, his fear palpable.
Quickly, he reached out for the cash on the table. "Of course, this was just a reminder that you're making things difficult for me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
With the cash in hand, Nezumi exited the room as quickly as he could, his nervousness evident in his hurried steps. Once they were out of earshot, Arlong and his lieutenants burst into laughter, the tension dissipating as they reveled in their dominance over the terrified human.
Nami watched silently, her face betraying none of the turmoil she felt inside. She knew that her place among these Fish-Men was tenuous at best, her safety reliant on her value to Arlong. For now, she played her part, but her heart was set on a different path—a path that would one day lead to the freedom of her people and the end of Arlong's reign.
She walked to the front of the room, her steps heavy with unspoken burdens. Arlong noticed her serious expression, his eyes narrowing. "I'm going home," she said, her voice firm but tinged with exhaustion.
As she turned to leave, Arlong called her back. "It's time to collect the monthly tribute from Coco Village," he said, his tone carrying the weight of an order.
Nami's expression changed to one of sadness and distress. Without saying another word, she walked out of Arlong Park, ignoring the greetings from the Fish-Men. Her thoughts were filled with memories of the suffering she had endured over the last eight years—stealing and running from pirates and bandits alike, eventually culminating in her latest encounter with the Straw Hat Pirates and Goku. Despite everything, she hoped against all hope to see them again, especially Goku. His face remained etched in her mind, and for some reason, the thought of him being angry with her scared her more than Arlong ever did.
She made her way through a dense forest, the canopy above providing some relief from the glaring sun. Eventually, she reached a tangerine grove, the scent of the fruit bringing a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. At the end of the grove stood a quaint, secluded house. It was modest, with a thatched roof and wooden walls weathered by time and the elements. A small garden filled with tangerine trees surrounded it, their vibrant oranges adding a splash of color to the serene setting.
As Nami stood looking at the house, a brief memory flashed through her mind. Just over eight years ago, a younger version of herself sat on the steps of this very house, engrossed in a book of maps and other information. She was interrupted by a mysterious voice asking, "Where did you get that book?" Startled, young Nami quickly stood up, hiding the book behind her as she looked toward the voice.
Switching back to the present, Nami found herself standing on those same steps, looking up at the same door. Another voice broke her reverie. "Hurry up and get inside already!" her adoptive sister, Nojiko, called out, struggling with a large sack of tangerines.
Nojiko was a tall, beautiful woman with short, blue hair and a kind yet determined face. She wore a simple dress that was practical for work in the grove, her hands and arms strong from years of labor.
Nami hurried to help her, taking the heavy sack and carrying it inside. The interior of the house was cozy and well-lived in. The main room had a wooden table at the center, surrounded by chairs. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, maps, and various trinkets. A small kitchen area was off to one side, with a stove and a few cupboards. Everything had a place, and the space was filled with the comforting smell of home-cooked meals and the faint citrus scent of tangerines.
They placed the sack on the table, and Nojiko looked at Nami with concern. "You're really close, aren't you?" Nojiko asked, her voice gentle yet worried.
Nami nodded. "Yes, just a little more, and it'll be over. Arlong has to keep his word."
Nojiko's expression turned doubtful. "Do you really trust a man who killed our mother and ruined our lives?"
Nami's eyes hardened. "I can only hope he keeps his word. The last eight years have all led to this."
Nojiko sighed, looking at her sister with a mixture of frustration and concern. "I just don't want to see you get hurt again."
Nami lay down on the table, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. "I know," she murmured, slipping into unconsciousness almost immediately. Nojiko watched her sleep, a worried look on her face. "Help her out, Bellemere," she whispered, a plea to their late mother.
***
Switching back to eight years ago, a little Nami stood on the steps, looking up at her mom. Bellemere was a strong, imposing woman with a stern but loving face. Her short, dark hair framed her determined eyes, and she wore a simple dress that spoke of practicality and resilience.
"Where did you get that book?" Bellemere asked, her voice firm but curious.
Nami hid the book behind her back. "I bought it," she replied defensively.
"With what money?" Bellemere's eyes narrowed, knowing full well they had little to spare.
Nami's frustration boiled over. "I hate being poor! I hate not having anything!" she yelled, tears welling up in her eyes before she turned and ran off, crying.
Bellemere followed her, catching up quickly. "Nami, stop!" she called out, her voice carrying both authority and concern. She grabbed Nami's arm, turning her to face her. "Listen to me. It's not about having things or not having things. It's about what we have in here," she said, placing a hand over her heart. "I was once in the Marines, stationed in a foreign kingdom. I was the last survivor of my platoon, close to death. That's when I found you and Nojiko, hiding as little kids. Seeing you filled me with a primal, natural instinct to protect you. We may not have much, but we have each other, and that's more important than any treasure."
Bellemere made a pinwheel from the skin of a tangerine, giving it to Nami. "Here, take this. It's a reminder that even in the hardest times, we can find something beautiful."
Nami took the pinwheel, tears still in her eyes, but a small smile forming on her lips. Bellemere hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Nami. Never forget that."
A few hours later, Bellemere took Nami to the shop where she had stolen the book. The shopkeeper was a gruff man with cuts across his face, his eyes hard but not unkind. He was a key figure in the village, known for his fairness despite his rough exterior.
Nami handed the book back, her head bowed in shame. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
The shopkeeper nodded, accepting the book without a word. Bellemere placed a hand on Nami's shoulder. "We're all trying our best," she said softly.
Inside the shop, the atmosphere was tense. Ganzo, a middle-aged man with a scarred face and a stern demeanor, looked at Nami with a mixture of disappointment and understanding. Bellemere stood beside her, her face set in a stern but caring expression.
"Where did you get that book?" Ganzo asked, his voice gruff.
Nami swallowed hard and looked down at her feet. "I... I stole it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Bellemere placed a firm hand on Nami's shoulder. "She'll do some work around the shop to make up for it," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Ganzo nodded slowly. "Alright, kid. You can help me out around the shop, and in return, you can read any book you're interested in. Deal?"
Nami looked up, her eyes wide with surprise and gratitude. "Deal!" she said enthusiastically.
As a gesture of goodwill, Ganzo handed her a small ice cream cone. "Here, take this. But no more stealing, got it?"
Nami beamed, taking the ice cream with a grateful smile. "Got it!" She ran out of the shop, eager to share her treat with her adoptive sister, Nojiko.
With Nami gone, Bellemere and Ganzo were left alone in the shop. Ganzo broke the silence first. "She's a good kid," he said, his voice softening.
Bellemere nodded, her expression proud. "And a smart one at that."
Ganzo shifted awkwardly, then looked Bellemere in the eye. "Now, what about us?" he asked, his tone hopeful yet cautious.
Bellemere sighed, her gaze steady. "We've talked about this, Ganzo."
"I know, but I'm still here," he said, his voice pleading. "I'm okay with your lifestyle. I love Nami and Nojiko. Is it my appearance?"
Bellemere reached up, her hand resting gently on his cheek. "Your scars are not what makes this difficult. You know me better than that."
Ganzo's eyes softened. "Then let's give this a chance. My relationship with the girls won't change because of us. You're still their mother, and I can be a father figure to them. We've known each other for years, been there for each other in tough times... even to relieve some stress."
Bellemere's eyes widened slightly at his insinuation, but she didn't pull away. She looked deep into his eyes, her thoughts racing. "You're right. We've known each other for years. I've never been in such a relationship with a man, but for you, I'm willing to give it a try."
Ganzo smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "How about dinner tonight, just the two of us? No expectations, just a nice meal and a conversation."
Bellemere nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'll meet you at the restaurant tonight."
As she walked away, Bellemere felt a mix of excitement and anticipation, her heart fluttering at the thought of what could be.
***
Back in the present, in the heart of Cocoyashi Village, Nami stood before a crowd of villagers. Ganzo, now the village chief, stood at the front, his expression unreadable. Nami's face was a mask of toughness and intimidation, but beneath it, her heart ached with conflicting emotions.
"You got something for me?" Nami asked Ganzo, her voice cold and commanding.
Ganzo sighed, reaching into his coat and pulling out a small metal chest. He handed it to her without a word.
Nami opened the chest, revealing a large sum of cash. She glanced at it, her sharp eyes counting the money almost instantly. "You've done well this time," she said, her tone begrudgingly approving.
One of the villagers, unable to contain their anger, shouted, "How can you even show yourself here?"
Nami's expression hardened. "Because it's my right as part of the Arlong Pirates," she retorted.
The villager's words cut deep. "You're a disgrace to the memory of your mother."
Nami flinched as if struck, her composure wavering. She quickly regained her tough facade. "Who gives a fuck," she spat out, turning away and walking towards Arlong Park, which loomed high in the distance at the edge of the island.
Suddenly, she heard familiar voices calling out to her. Usopp and Johnny came running up, concern etched on their faces.
"Hey, Nami! Why are you taking people's money?" Usopp asked, his voice a mix of confusion and disappointment.
Nami's heart pounded, but she kept her voice steady. "It's not their money, it's mine," she replied, her words carrying a finality that left no room for argument.
And with that, she continued her path towards Arlong Park, leaving her friends and the villagers behind, each step heavy with the burden of her loyalty and the hope that one day, she could break free.
[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead of this series available on my patreon at patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]