Although I used Usopp's name…
Do I even look like a Fish-Man???
Maude stared speechlessly at Nojiko, who was sitting on the ground.
She's scared out of her wits, isn't she… this woman…
Maude glanced at the shovel in his hand. It had already been reduced to a stick attached to a small iron ball.
Thinking for a moment, Maude used both hands, pressing the small iron ball with one hand and the other end of the stick with the other.
With a little force, it was flattened like an aluminum can, the entire stick and ball compressing into a flat iron disc as his hands closed together.
This wasn't something that could be done with brute strength alone.
Releasing his grip, Maude let the flattened shovel disc drop to the ground, stirring up a small puff of dust.
Nojiko, who realized she had said something foolish, now stared blankly at the flattened shovel.
The boy before her was clearly human, yet how could he possess such strength?
She had witnessed Fish-Men uproot houses with raw power and destroy five naval battleships with ease.
No matter how many Marines had come, they all seemed as fragile as oranges crushed under the grip of those monstrous Fish-Men.
Over time, Nojiko—and every villager on the island—came to believe that Fish-Men were invincible to humans, that no human strength could surpass theirs.
The blood-soaked defeats of countless Marines at the hands of the Fish-Men were proof enough.
So… what exactly was this boy?
If human strength could truly reach such heights, why had all the Marines who came to challenge Arlong and his crew failed so miserably?
Maude observed Nojiko's dazed expression.
It seemed the flattened shovel had further rattled her, but it also served his purpose.
Demonstrating strength was one of the most direct ways to bolster credibility.
This was exactly why Maude had done it.
Seeing Nojiko fixated on the shovel disc, Maude bent down, picked it up, and drew her gaze toward him.
"I don't mean anything by it. I just wanted you to understand one thing: I'm quite strong."
Holding the flattened shovel, Maude walked past Nojiko and toward the house.
"If you calm down, come find me inside."
Leaving Nojiko sitting there, Maude stepped up to the house, pushed the door open, and went inside.
The interior wasn't large but had a cozy setup that showed the owner's thoughtful care.
It was likely meant to create a warm, homely atmosphere for Nami to return to and heal.
From the arrangements alone, Maude could easily infer Nojiko's intentions.
After a cursory glance around, Maude sat down at the dining table, propping his chin with one hand as he gazed at the slightly ajar door ahead.
He was waiting for Nojiko to come in.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open.
Nojiko stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
She had calmed down.
This mysterious boy hadn't shown any malice.
If he had, things wouldn't be as they were now.
Still, the sight of him compressing the shovel into a flat disc lingered vividly in her mind.
Maude gestured to the seat across from him, signaling for Nojiko to sit down.
Nojiko bit her lip lightly. This was her house, yet…
Circumstances being what they were, she had no time to dwell on such things.
Nojiko walked over and sat across from Maude.
Her compliance pleased Maude.
"What's your name?"
"Nojiko."
"When will Nami be back?"
Hearing Maude mention Nami, Nojiko fell silent.
This boy knows Nami's name…
Could it be because Nami stole his money?
Is that why he's here?
As she pondered, Nojiko said nothing, unwilling to reveal any information about Nami.
"No answer?"
Maude tapped the table lightly with his finger.
The dull sound made Nojiko flinch.
Still, she remained silent.
Maude's imposing presence was enough to suppress Nojiko's usual boldness, but when it came to Nami, she refused to yield.
Maude could see her resolve.
It was clear that brute force alone wouldn't make Nojiko act as a bridge between him and Nami.
To maximize the benefits, he needed detailed intelligence from Nami.
Until then, he couldn't afford to encounter anyone from the Arlong Pirates.
If he did, he'd have no choice but to kill them.
But that would mean losing several walking experience points.
He couldn't let that happen.
In the East Blue, there were only so many valuable targets to gain experience from.
Every one of them mattered.
Straightening his posture, Maude clasped his hands on the table.
"Actually, I'm a Marine."
"…?"
Hearing this, Nojiko's face filled with surprise.
Before she could speak, Maude continued, "I'm here to bring down the Arlong Pirates."
Her eyes lit up but dimmed almost instantly.
Every time she saw a Navy ship, hope flared—only to be crushed by despair.
She had been disappointed too many times.
Maude said, "As you've seen, I'm pretty strong."
Her eyes brightened again.
"But you should also know, the Arlong Pirates are exceptionally powerful."
Her eyes dimmed once more.
Maude said, "Even so, I'm quite confident."
Her eyes lit up yet again.
Maude sighed. "That said… even with confidence, I can't guarantee I'll defeat them alone."
Her eyes darkened once more.
Maude smiled at her now bewildered expression.
"So, to ensure success, I need Nami to provide detailed intelligence on the Arlong Pirates' overall strength.
"With that information, I can easily eliminate them. That's why I'm looking for Nami."
With that, Maude stood, extended his hand toward Nojiko, and said seriously, "Let's properly introduce ourselves. I'm Captain Wolfrat of the Marine Headquarters."
"You're really… a Marine?"
"Absolutely."
Maude confirmed without hesitation.
Nojiko felt hope rekindle in her heart. Slowly, she rose and reached for Maude's outstretched hand.
Suddenly.
Maude turned toward the door, sensing something.
So, she's back.
"Looks like the main act has arrived."
Retracting his hand abruptly, Maude left Nojiko in stunned confusion.
Before she could process what had happened, she heard hurried footsteps outside the door.
It's Nami…
Creak.
The door opened, revealing a battered Nami, clutching a dagger in one hand and a bulging bag in the other.
She froze upon seeing Maude.
"Nojiko, who is he?"
Her swollen face bore a sharp glint of hostility.
Nojiko tried to respond, but Maude spoke first.
"Nami, how about a deal?"
Maude sat back down, propping his cheek on one hand, his gaze calm as he looked at Nami.
"I'll kill Arlong and all his Fish-Men for you. In return, I want the money buried in the orange grove—and that bag in your hand."
"What?!"
Hearing him mention the money in the grove, Nami's face twisted in shock.
Enraged, she dropped the bag and lunged at Maude with her dagger.
"Don't—!"
Nojiko shouted to stop her, but it was too late.
Ignoring her injuries, Nami leaped onto the table, aiming the dagger at Maude's throat.
But her vision blurred.
When she regained focus, the dagger was already in Maude's hand.
Her body froze mid-motion.
Holding the dagger, Maude flicked his thumb across its blade.
Clink!
The tip snapped off.
Piece by piece, Maude flicked the dagger apart, sending fragments scattering onto the table like raindrops.
"Ting, ting, ting…"
"In this world, nothing comes free. To get something, you must give something in return."
"Ting, ting, ting…"
"You give me money and intel, I'll kill all the Fish-Men for you."
"Ting, ting, ting…"
"Well?"
When Maude spoke his final word, the dagger was reduced to dozens of fragments scattered across the table.
A bead of sweat rolled down Nami's pale face, dripping onto the table.
"Who… are you?"
"Captain Wolfrat of the Marine Headquarters."
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