NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Betrayal
Like my work, support me
With your support I get motivated, so please support me
[email protected]/GamerMerchant
over +30 chapters in advance
you can read +20 advanced chapters of my other works on Patreon
--------------------------
At that moment, Hector was lounging on a beach chair under a parasol, sipping tea and relaxing while Leo was savoring his Sea King steaks. His Shadow Soldiers were busy clearing out the Marine base, now dismantling it piece by piece.
The six warships they possessed were Cannibalized by Pearl, expanding her interiors to five times her original size, with rooms made larger and more luxurious, akin to Captain Nezumi's personal vessel.
By the following day, not a single stone remained where the base once stood; most of the materials had been repurposed for ammunition, cannons, furniture, and other essentials. Having completed this task, Hector decided to visit Cocoyashi Village.
He knew better than to approach the village by ship; if spotted by enemies, the Fish-Men would swiftly converge and sink it.
Hector left Pearl being guarded by his Shadow Sea Kings and swapped his attire for casual clothes pilfered from Loguetown using his Armor Creation ability. Using Moonwalk he reached a deserted part of the shore, carrying Leon and avoiding any unwanted attention.
With roughly seven days remaining to fulfill his quest, he took the opportunity to visit the island's graveyards and a particular cliffside.
-Arlong Park, Three Days Ago-
"Hey Chew, did you hear that Nami is close to her hundred million Berries?"
Hatchan asked Chew as they chatted near the pool.
"Has she now?"
Arlong interjected, approaching them between bites of his meal.
"You don't know, she might try to surprise us"
Chew suggested.
"Perhaps she's gathering as much as she can to make her escape. That wouldn't surprise me; it's what a worthless human would do,"
Kuroobi remarked.
Arlong fell silent, pondering his officer's words.
"Shahahaha."
he began to laugh.
"Yes, that would be just like our little Nami, wouldn't it?"
He turned to Kuroobi.
"Fetch Nezumi for me."
His dark laughter echoed into the night, sending chills down the spines of all the humans on the Conomi Islands.
-Cocoyashi Village-
"Chichichi... I am Captain Nezumi of Marine Branch Number Sixteen."
The man in question stood there, flanked by regular Marine sailors, all with their arms crossed behind their backs. Nezumi, of average height, had whiskers, and his coat featured a cloak with mouse ears.
"I wish to speak with Genzo of Cocoyashi."
His voice carried an arrogant tone, causing the previously hopeful villagers to shiver.
"That would be me."
Genzo stepped forward, a heavily scarred man in a maroon police uniform with short sleeves and matching shorts, his hat adorned with a pinwheel on a stick.
"How may I assist you, Captain?"
Nezumi's sleazy grin widened.
"I'm looking to speak with a young woman named Nami. She resides in this village, correct?"
The townsfolk tensed. Genzo's weathered and scarred face grew stern.
"I'm afraid Nami is unavailable for visitors at the moment; she's resting after several months at sea. She'll be able to meet with you in a few days, sir."
"Chichichi... that won't be an issue."
Nezumi replied.
"Her sister will do. Nojiko is her name, correct?"
"That's right."
Genzo, striving to keep his composure and not clench his jaw, said.
"Then lead the way, Mr. Genzo."
Following a walk, they arrived at a small, unremarkable house, distinguished only by the surrounding tangerine groves.
Genzo knocked, and the door was opened by a striking young woman with light blue hair, beautiful dark blue eyes, and tan skin, dressed in a simple white tank top and green pants.
"Genzo, what's happening?"
she inquired, eyeing the Marines with suspicion.
"I am Captain Nezumi."
the officer introduced himself, stepping forward and looking at the woman with an appreciative eye. His grin broadened as she shivered under his gaze.
"I came to speak with your sister Nami, but in her absence, you will suffice."
"Regarding what, Captain?"
Nojiko asked cautiously.
"I'm afraid this conversation won't be pleasant."
Nezumi announced, his smirk growing.
"We've received numerous complaints and reports of your sister's thievery."
Nojiko tensed, her demeanor turning guarded.
"I'm afraid I'm unaware of what you're referring to."
"Oh, but I believe you do. Your rigidity speaks louder than words."
Nezumi declared, his grin broadening triumphantly.
"You needn't worry. We won't be pressing charges against her, as all your sister's targets were Pirates. However, a thief remains a thief, and a crime remains a crime. It's only right for the government to confiscate stolen goods to ensure they are returned to their rightful owners."
He nearly salivated at the sight of sheer horror dawning in Nojiko's eyes.
"What did you say?!"
Nami burst in, slamming the door open, her eyes wide with panic.
"I'm certain you heard me the first time. Chichichi! Hand over your stolen goods at once, Miss Nami!"
With a sweep of his hand, Nezumi ordered
"Search the house and the outside!"
At his command, a Marine lunged forward, only to be met with a solid punch from Genzo, sending him to the floor, groaning.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
Genzo roared in fury.
"Don't you have more pressing matters? The Arlong Pirates are ravaging villages and taking lives! Why do nothing about that? The people here are enslaved under his tyranny! Yet you overlook this and target a mere thief!"
"Chichichi!"
Nezumi's laughter was scornful.
"A criminal dares to speak so boldly. You've just attacked a Marine. Mind that I don't start filing charges against you too."
He glared at the man, then snapped.
"What are you waiting for? Disregard them and proceed with the search!"
"The people of this island have been awaiting Marine aid for nearly a decade!"
Genzo advanced, ready to confront the intruders single-handedly if needed. He was about to continue when a Marine interrupted.
"Sir, we've discovered something suspicious among the tangerine trees!"
"Then dig them up!"
Nezumi retorted, keeping a watchful eye on Genzo.
"DON'T TOUCH MY MOTHER'S TANGERINE TREES WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS!"
Nami roared, her hands trembling taking a swing at Nezumi, but missed.
"IF YOU HAVE NO INTENTION OF SAVING THIS VILLAGE, THEN GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!"
The Marines all yanked out their rifles and pointed them at the two sisters then Nezumi regained his confidence quickly.
"Chichichi. What's taking so long? We're not here on a picnic! How hard is it to find eighty million Berrei?"
"What?"
Nami gasped. She dropped her arms in resignation and dropped to her knees
"How did you know how much money there was? DID ARLONG SEND YOU HERE?!"
Nezumi's face looked almost demented in his joy.
"Oh, I wouldn't go that far. We're just doing our natural duty of persecuting criminals."
Nami pulled out her staff and struck Nezumi in his family jewels, with an expression of sheer rage on her face.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!"
Nezumi screamed, falling to the ground and clutching his grain, and in response, the Marines opened fire at them. Seeing the Marine about to fire, Genzo jumped in grabbing both the girls he always thought of as his daughters, shielding them by taking the front of the gunfire.
By the end, Nojiko took a bullet to her shoulder and a few grasses, While Nami took a shot to her lower abdomen. The sisters went down screaming their lungs out, as Genzo was still shielding them from harm with his dead cold body.
"Dammit! We weren't supposed to kill the girl you idiots!
He roared at the Marine for firing at Nami."
"Oh well! Ignore them and find the money so we can get out of here!"
Nezumi roared angrily as they raced away.
'Damn, he really wished Arlong hadn't told him not to harm them. Why, even he didn't know.'
He clutched his aching grain, glaring hatefully at their retreating forms.
"Get me to the ship! I'll leave this to the rest of you."
He spat at his underlings.
After the Marines left, the villagers were curious about all the gunshots were about then went to investigate Nami's house. They soon discovered Nojiko and Nami were shot and Gonzo's dead body was riddled with bullets.
-Back to the present time, Cocoyashi Village-
"And that's what happened."
Said Nojiko after finishing explaining what happened two days ago.
Hector found this beautiful tan girl who appeared to be in her twenties, at her usual every morning routine. She went out to take care of the tangerine farm that she inherited from her adoptive mom, Bell-mere.
Although she tried smiling while watering the tangerine trees, she couldn't hold back her tears that she had buried her surrogate father next to her adopted mother, a day ago.
Reaching out to help her, realizing he was there trying to comfort her, she threw herself at him clinging on to him, and cried her heart out. She then began explaining what happened two days ago, Nami was healing from her gunshot that miraculously missed any vital organs and was slowed to Genzo's body. She wouldn't leave bed even though she wasn't injured that badly, but her spirit broke when she discovered Arlongs treachery.
RACE: Human■■■■■■
NAME: Hector Barbossa■■■■■■
Level: 13
Health Points: 5,480
Mana Points: 4,160
Stamina Points: 2,740
Attunement: 208
Vitality: 137
Endurance: 137
Strength: 137
Dexterity: 137
Perception: 137
Skill: 137
Safe Rewards From Daily Quest:
+Stat Points: 40
+Skill Points: 6
Skill Tree:
+Haki:
-Observation Haki: C Rank
-Armament Haki: C Rank
-Conquers Haki: S+ Rank
+Rokushiki
-Moon Step: E Rank
-Iron Body: E+ Rank
-Tempest Kick: E+ Rank
-Shave: E+ Rank
-Finger Pistol: E+ Rank
-Kami-e: E- Rank