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Chapter 11: Arlong Bribe
Chapter 11: Arlong Bribe
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Bell-mère ultimately didn't let Noir stay in bed all night; he still went to the village feast.
The culture of feasts in the pirate world was quite appealing. At least one or two banquets were held for every festival or harvest.
Noir and his siblings could play to their heart's content during these times.
Only during such events would Bell-mère allow Noir to have a drink with the villagers.
Nojiko and Nami, with their adorable looks, would always get plenty of treats and toys from the adults.
Of course, due to his injuries this time, Noir couldn't drink and enjoy himself.
By the time the feast ended, it was already past midnight. Bell-mère and Noir each carried a tired sister home.
Back at home, Noir decided to talk to Bell-mère.
"What? You want to go into seclusion for two years?" Bell-mère looked at her son in surprise.
Noir nodded; he had been thinking about this for a long time.
Now, with the power of the Devil Fruit and his extraordinary talent in swordsmanship and Haki, it was time to focus on his growth.
"Child, you're already strong enough." Bell-mère held his hand, worried.
"Don't put so much pressure on yourself."
Bell-mère always knew that Noir seemed to have something on his mind since she adopted him.
He never relaxed in training, as if a burden weighed him down.
This used to make her very upset.
You're my child! Do you think I can't protect you?
"Don't worry, Bell-mère. Just two years, nothing will happen." Noir reassured her softly.
Bell-mère fell silent, but Noir knew she agreed.
She never interfered with any of her children's decisions.
But she would always be there for them until they succeeded or returned tired to her embrace.
Noir's eyes showed guilt, but quickly hid it, secretly swearing.
Two years. After dealing with Arlong, I'll have a good time with you.
From then on, the villagers of Cocoyasi felt something was missing.
That brat no longer shouted challenges, stole drinks, or practised swordsmanship in sight.
Everyone felt a bit uneasy.
Noir found an isolated island in the nearby sea, full of fierce beasts and a harsh natural environment. He planned to stay there for a while.
Two years could change many things.
Two years were enough for Luffy to become the "Fifth Emperor" of the New World from a simpleton, for Zoro to become a great swordsman with few rivals, and for Nami and Robin to grow into beautiful women.
Everything changed with time.
In those two years, the so-called "weakest sea," the East Blue, saw the rise of many fierce pirates.
Though cannon fodder in the Grand Line, they still rampaged freely in East Blue.
The Marines, enforcing justice for the World Government, couldn't keep up with the pirates' emergence.
In this sense, Roger, who started the Great Pirate Era, was a menace.
One sentence sparked countless people's greed, sending them to seek an elusive treasure, often meeting their end at sea.
It also led to many homes being destroyed by pirates and families torn apart.
No matter Roger's true intent, he indeed carried this sin.
Though some pirates weren't after the One Piece but just luxury, the world still blamed Roger for giving them an excuse.
An excuse to follow the massive wave of the era.
In the original story, the Marines opposed the protagonists, which didn't make them villains.
On the contrary, without the Marines' just actions, East Blue would be in even more chaos.
But in this world, creating evil was far more accessible than fostering good.
So, ending this chaotic Great Pirate Era wouldn't be easy.
And among the Marines, not all were just peacekeepers.
On a particular island, there was a base under the direct command of the Marine Headquarters' G-16 branch. This was just one of many bases, as the Marines were well-established across the four seas.
The base's commander, a Captain, was currently receiving a special guest.
In the office, bronze chests were opened individually, revealing glittering gold and jewels!
The sheer quantity dazzled the Captain instantly.
Wearing a rat hat, this Captain had a long, narrow face with a pointed nose, three disgusting whiskers on each cheek, and greedy, beady eyes.
"Captain Nezumi, are you satisfied with my gift?"
A rough voice sounded, and the guest before Nezumi grinned with sharp teeth.
With blue skin, a saw-like nose, a shark-like face, webbed hands, wearing shorts and an open shirt, he sat cross-legged in front of the Captain.
This was a Fishman, Arlong, whom Noir always dreaded!
"Satisfied! Of course, I'm satisfied!" Captain Nezumi was almost enchanted, pressing his face into the treasure.
He picked up a gem, kissed it hard, and asked, "You've already attacked over a dozen villages. Isn't that enough?"
Arlong laughed and shook his head, saying, "How could it be enough? My Arlong Empire is far more ambitious!"
"Don't worry; as long as you keep these things quiet, there'll be plenty of money!"
Captain Nezumi, grinning greedily, replied, "Of course, of course."
Arlong's eyes showed disdain. He then stood up, his tall, sturdy body looming, and said:
"Well, I'll be off. Good luck to both of us!"
"Haha, safe travels!"
Leaving the base, Arlong headed to the shore where his pirate ship was docked.
The black pirate flag bore a red saw-shark over crossed bones; this was the "Shark Superbia," Arlong's notorious vessel.
Back on the Superbia, various Fishmen asked upon seeing him, "Is it done?"
"Of course!" Arlong replied.
Just a greedy little human. If not for worrying about alerting higher-ups, I wouldn't bother bribing such scum!
Arlong thought disdainfully. Ever since a sleazy vice-admiral easily defeated him on the Grand Line years ago, he had become more cunning and cautious.
Otherwise, with someone like Captain Nezumi, Arlong could crush ten of him with one hand!
Feeling the sting of losing money, Arlong looked at the sea chart on the table.
His huge webbed hand slapped the chart, his fierce face hidden in shadow, grinning evilly:
"The Arlong Empire starts here!"
Raising his hand, the chart marked his target: Noir's hometown, Cocoyasi Village!
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