Davy Jones, Alvida, and Kuro walked single file along the muddy path into Cocoyasi Village. They quickly noticed how eerily quiet it was—there wasn't a soul on the streets between the houses.

But with their sharp senses, all three soon realized that people were peeking out from behind shutters or hiding just beyond doorways.

The villagers were clearly avoiding them.

Just as it seemed they might not meet a single person face-to-face, two figures appeared ahead—a man and a woman.

The man was older, with a mustache, dressed in a brown constable's uniform. A strange toy windmill was stuck on the top of his cap. His clothes were stitched up in many places, and he stared at them with a somber expression.

The woman was much younger, with short blue hair tied in a red scarf. She wore lipstick, had a visible tattoo, and looked visibly nervous.

These two were Genzo, the village constable of Cocoyasi, and Nojiko, one of the villagers.

"We already paid our protection fee on time. What more do you want now?" Genzo said angrily.

He found it strange that two humans were walking behind what he assumed to be a fish-man, but he didn't dwell on it. His tone was more frustrated than suspicious.

Normally, anyone seeing Davy Jones for the first time would be startled by his appearance. But Genzo and Nojiko lived near Arlong Park—they'd long since grown numb to the sight of fish-men.

Protection fee?

Davy Jones immediately understood: this man mistook him for a member of the Arlong Pirates.

"Wait, Genzo," Nojiko said, stepping forward. "I don't think they're with Arlong. I've never seen them before."

"I haven't either," Genzo replied, frowning and adjusting his cap nervously. "But that one's clearly a fish-man. No doubt about that. And fish-men are Arlong's kin—they're all in this together."

"That may be true…" Nojiko hesitated, unable to come up with a counterargument.

After all, ever since the Arlong Pirates took over Cocoyasi Village eight years ago, everything had changed.

They tirelessly promoted the idea that fish-men were a superior race, and humans were inferior—fit only to be ruled.

Arlong also spread the message that all fish-men were brothers. Harm one, and the rest would take revenge.

So it was hard for Genzo and Nojiko not to suspect that the fish-man in front of them was also part of that brotherhood.

Davy Jones, however, paid no attention to their assumptions. He asked directly, "Where is Arlong Park? What's the fastest route there?"

Both Genzo and Nojiko tensed, exchanging a knowing glance.

So they were with Arlong after all!

Cocoyasi was isolated. Not only were reports hard to send out, but newspapers were difficult to bring in. And even if they arrived, they were usually months out of date.

As such, Genzo and Nojiko didn't recognize the three newcomers—each of whom had already gained a fearsome reputation in the East Blue.

Genzo exhaled and gestured toward the road ahead.

"If you want to get to Arlong Park, just follow this road straight through the village. Once you're out, walk a bit farther—you'll see it."

Davy Jones nodded and walked past the two, followed by Alvida and Kuro.

Genzo and Nojiko didn't dare stop them.

At that moment, a young boy suddenly darted out from around a corner.

He held a long sword—who knows where he'd found it—and, with tear-reddened eyes, he charged straight at Davy Jones.

"You killed my father!" the boy screamed, his eyes bloodshot and burning with hatred. But his grip on the sword made it clear—he was an amateur, swinging without any real skill. "I'll avenge him!"

Alvida silently reached for her spiked mace, and Kuro slipped a hand into his briefcase, gripping his razor-sharp cat claws.

Then—bam!—the boy was sent flying backward.

The one who struck him was Nojiko.

She had snatched the sword from his hands and tossed it aside.

The boy struggled to get up, but she slapped him hard across the face, leaving him stunned.

Genzo rushed forward, placing himself between the boy and Davy Jones, shielding them both.

"I'm sorry!" Genzo dropped to his knees without hesitation. "He's just a child. I couldn't control him. Please… give him a chance!"

Seeing Genzo kneel to protect both her and the child, Nojiko's heart ached. She quickly wrapped her arms around the boy and whispered in his ear:

"Chabo, I understand your pain. My own mother was killed by them, too. But I beg you—keep enduring. If you live, there will still be hope. Please… endure."

The boy—Chabo—finally froze. He covered his face with his arms and began to sob, silent tears rolling down his cheeks.

Nojiko held him close, gently patting his back.

Davy Jones gave them just one glance and moved on. He wasn't the type to slaughter someone just because of a misunderstanding. He wasn't obsessed with honor or racial pride as a fish-man.

In fact, he wasn't a fish-man at all—others had simply assumed as much.

He walked forward without another word, paying no mind to the kneeling Genzo or the pair embracing behind him.

Alvida and Kuro exchanged glances. They couldn't guess what their captain was thinking, but they said nothing and put away their weapons, silently following him.

After the three had walked away, Genzo stood back up, staring at their retreating backs in surprise.

"That's it?" Nojiko was equally stunned. "They just let us go?"

"I thought I'd be losing an arm," Genzo muttered, shaken. "They're definitely not with Arlong. But who knows what they're here for."

As soon as the strange fish-man was gone, doors across the village slowly creaked open. Villagers peeked out cautiously.

"Genzo? Nojiko? Chabo? Are you okay?"

"We're fine," Genzo said, waving them off. "Just get back to what you were doing. Right now is a crucial time for Nami—we can't drag her down."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

If it weren't for Nami's deal with Arlong—the one hundred million Berries to buy back Cocoyasi Village—they would've fought back long ago, no matter the cost.

Nami and Nojiko were both orphans. They weren't related by blood, but they were as close as real sisters.

They shared a foster mother, who had been killed by Arlong and his men eight years ago.

Nami had swallowed her grief, enduring everything for the villagers' sake. Even when branded as a "witch" or "Cat Burglar," she never explained herself.

Nojiko, Genzo, and the others eventually learned the truth. So they endured too, doing all they could not to sabotage Nami's efforts.

Finally, Genzo knelt before Chabo, the toy windmill on his cap spinning in the breeze.

"Chabo, I know Shell Town was destroyed and your father was killed. You're angry—I understand. But your mother is still alive, isn't she? If something happens to you… what will she do?"

Still crying, Chabo couldn't hold it in anymore. He threw himself into Genzo's arms and wept loudly.

What would she do?

Meanwhile, Davy Jones and the others had already left Cocoyasi Village.

After walking a while, they came across a tall building with multiple levels. Hanging from the top was a pirate flag—bold and unmistakable.

It was the Jolly Roger of the Arlong Pirates. Like most, it had a black background, but the skull was replaced by a sawshark, a design unique to Arlong's crew.

This had to be Arlong Park.

Just then, a muffled cannon blast echoed from the distance. Alvida and Kuro immediately turned toward the direction it came from.

It sounded like it came from the harbor—where the Terror Ghost had docked.

Was Buggy in trouble?

They looked at Davy Jones—but the captain's face remained perfectly calm. He didn't even glance in that direction.

Seeing that, they said nothing more.

---

Meanwhile, inside Arlong Park—

A few minutes earlier…

"Sha-hahaha—" Arlong let out his distinct laugh, lounging comfortably on a deck chair, his long saw-like nose pointed skyward. "I hate humans, but that ratty little Navy captain sure is useful for covering things up."

Standing nearby was Kuroobi, with hard bone-like blades protruding from his arms. He stood with his arms crossed and agreed:

"Indeed. I'd love to see Nami's face when she finds out even the Marines are in our pocket."

"Sha-hahaha—" Arlong burst into laughter again. "That'll be a treat. I can't wait to see her look of utter despair. She's already saved up over ninety million Berries, hasn't she?"

"Yes," said Hatchan, the octopus fish-man with six arms and a puckered mouth, scratching the back of his head. "You asked me to keep an eye on her and her sister, Nojiko. I saw her bury the money in the tangerine grove."

"Heh." Arlong sneered. "She's a resourceful girl. It'd be a shame to just let her go…"

He smirked.

"Next time, I'll have Captain Nezumi confiscate her money—claiming it was stolen and seizing it in the name of the Navy."

Kuroobi and the others were stunned for a moment, then broke into knowing laughter.

Hatchan, a bit slow on the uptake, still looked confused as to why everyone was laughing.

"I did keep my word," Arlong said with mock innocence, shrugging at them. "Who knew her one hundred million Berries were stolen, and the Marines just happened to find them?"

"Hahaha! That's right!" Kuroobi laughed heartily.

The Arlong Pirates were about to continue their mockery—when suddenly, distant cannon fire thundered through the air.

The next moment, the main gate of Arlong Park creaked open.

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