Beneath the eaves lining the village path, villagers stared at the scattered Fish-Men corpses.
They stepped back instinctively, then, as realization dawned, their numb eyes gleamed like fog-wiped mirrors, sparkling with hope.
They gazed at Kuina passing the bodies, silent, afraid to break the moment. This scene—Fish-Men slain—had haunted their dreams countless times. They'd wake, thrilled, only to find it false. Now, they knew it was real, yet dared not shatter the quiet.
Genzo, caught by Kuina's lingering killing intent, flinched, tempted to retreat. Then clarity hit—she wasn't a Fish-Man, but a savior. He shook his head, staring at her, overcome.
As Kuina approached, his eyes softened. He reached out, wiping a blood drop from her face. "Kuina, you're a real hero now!"
Her icy expression melted into a radiant smile, like a field of blooming flowers. It pierced Genzo's despair and lit the villagers' hearts. They snapped awake.
Six years. Just six years—not long, yet each day dragged like a lifetime. Countless families, countless lives, lost to the Fish-Men's brutality. Now, a hero had arrived, cutting them down like fish on a board.
They'd waited too long.
Genzo trembled, a surge of indescribable excitement flooding him. "Who… who are you?"
Sora took Kuina's hand, meeting the villagers' fervent eyes. "Call us… partners of justice."
"Justice?"
"Justice?"
They'd never felt it from the navy, yet sensed it in these strangers.
When they refocused, Sora and Kuina were heading out of the village. The villagers watched their backs, hope blazing in their eyes, shouting as one:
"Please, defeat Arlong's Pirates!"
"Partners of justice…"
Their fervor echoed, a long-suppressed eruption, like a volcano unleashing pent-up passion.
Sora and Kuina felt a profound, spiritual joy. Kuina savored it, eyes narrowing. Being expected—by so many—was intoxicating. No wonder so many craved heroism.
She turned, facing the hopeful villagers, and declared solemnly, "Rest assured. On our lives, we'll slaughter Arlong's Pirates."
Her quiet voice rang clear in every ear.
The villagers stood long, watching the duo head toward Arlong's domain, etching them—especially the girl—into memory. Her beauty, her cold slaughter, her final, heartwarming smile.
They prayed for her to slay the dragon, unharmed. Even if she failed, they'd resist Arlong's yoke. The Fish-Men corpses proved they weren't invincible, unlocking their anger and breaking their chains.
On the path to Arlong Park, Kuina walked, head bowed, pensive.
Sora glanced at her, concerned. "What's wrong, Kuina?"
"Nothing. Just… things I can't figure out."
"Like what? Tell me."
"When we entered the village, I felt the villagers' fear and numbness. That apathy comes from long oppression."
She looked up, puzzled. "But I don't get it. East Blue's big, but also small. How could a pirate crew treat humans like livestock for six years in human territory?"
Her brows furrowed, eyes flashing, voice rising. "Where's the navy? The just navy?"
Sora ruffled her hair, gazing at Arlong Park, a cold glint in his eyes. "Don't overestimate the navy's brass. Their justice serves nobles, not commoners, who they barely care about. The ones who do—lowly soldiers—lack power or authority to tackle strong pirates."
"I see," Kuina nodded, enlightened.
"What about Navy Hero Garp?" she asked, anger flaring. "We grew up on his legends. Why hasn't he dealt with such a vile pirate in our homeland?"
In East Blue, Garp was near-universally admired—a local hero, pride of civilians and navy alike. But heroes have limits. They're bound by rules—Celestial Dragons, World Government. Garp, despite his title, wasn't free.
The New World needed him, Marineford demanded him, and rogue pirates required him. He was so busy he left his grandson with bandits, only for both to become pirates. Even raised by Garp, Ace and Luffy might've chosen that path.
Being a hero wasn't easy.
Without promotion to admiral, Garp wouldn't have even his annual leave to visit his grandsons. Sora didn't explain this, saying simply, "Maybe he doesn't know. He rarely returns to East Blue, right?"
"And…"
"And what?"
"I heard Arlong's Pirates collude with the local navy's 16th Branch—Colonel 'Mouse.' They block news, so justice-minded navy bases can't act."
Kuina's eyes burned, teeth clenched. "That Colonel Mouse deserves death."
Open enemies weren't the worst. Traitors—turncoats aiding foes—were crueler, more hateful. Spineless, they groveled upward, bullied downward.
"Yup," Sora said. "None will escape."
His eyes flashed red, sensing two groups at Arlong Park. Not enemies—likely allies. Colonel Mouse was probably there.
(End of Chapter)