NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: He Is the Challenger
However, Nojiko could see that Nami had already made up her mind.
So she didn't bother trying to dissuade her further—she knew it would be useless.
It was just like when they were kids, when Nami decided to join Arlong's crew.
No matter how much she tried to talk her out of it, it would be nearly impossible to change Nami's choice.
After a moment of contemplation, Nojiko spoke slowly:
"A few days ago, when the fish-man Arlong saw that Gosa Town couldn't afford to pay his exorbitant 'tribute,'"
"He led his underlings and a massive sea beast to completely destroy the town."
"Now, the surviving townsfolk are hiding all over the island, too terrified to show themselves, afraid of being caught by those ruthless fish-men."
"And for the past two days, Arlong and his crew have remained in Arlong Park, seemingly celebrating something with a feast."
At this point, Nojiko couldn't help but glance at Will and offered him a cautious warning:
"I don't know why you're so confident about challenging Arlong."
"But I still hope you'll reconsider—he's not an opponent to be taken lightly."
Nojiko's words came from a place of genuine concern, but Will had no intention of wasting time convincing her with words.
Arlong? Just a mere fish-man, and not even someone like Jinbei. He wasn't worth the effort.
Finishing the last orange in his hand, Will turned and walked westward.
As he passed by Nojiko, he suddenly paused and spoke:
"You've got one thing wrong."
"Hm?" Nojiko turned her head, puzzled.
"Between Arlong and me, he's the challenger."
With that, Will paid no attention to Nojiko's reaction and continued toward his destination.
He had already learned the location of Arlong Park from Nami, and with his own keen perception, he had no need for a guide.
"Nami, I'll leave the villagers to you."
"Karina, stay behind and help her."
"Once I've dealt with all the fish-men, you can come find me."
As his words echoed in the air, Will's figure swiftly disappeared from their sight.
"Will!"
Nami reacted immediately, preparing to chase after him.
But just then, Karina reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head slightly:
"Since we've already made our decision, we should trust Will."
"We need to focus on what we should be doing—like warning the villagers."
"If, by any chance, Will doesn't defeat Arlong, at least you'll be able to lead the villagers to safety."
"But personally, I have no doubt—Will is going to win."
Hearing Karina's words, Nami was reminded of the decision she had made on the ship. Her gaze grew more resolute.
"Nojiko, take Karina to the village and explain the situation to everyone."
"I'm going to Arlong Park to be ready to assist Will at any moment."
Deep down, Nami knew very well that, in the eyes of the villagers, she didn't have a great reputation.
If she went to warn them, things might only get worse.
More importantly, she could never just hide and wait for the battle's outcome while Will fought alone against Arlong.
"What did you say?!" Nojiko gasped in shock.
Karina, too, looked equally surprised.
Ignoring their reactions, Nami pulled out her three-section staff from her waist, gripping it firmly.
"Don't worry. I know Arlong Park's layout like the back of my hand."
"I'll stay hidden in the shadows. I won't interfere with Will or become a burden."
"But I have to be there. If Will ends up exhausted fighting so many fish-men, he could be in real danger."
"No matter what, Will is helping me save my village."
"Even if he doesn't succeed, I will never abandon him to escape on my own."
"Nami…"
Nojiko's expression turned complicated. She wanted to stop Nami but didn't know how.
She trusted Nami's judgment, but she simply couldn't believe that a man named Will could truly defeat Arlong.
She had seen too many people die at Arlong's hands.
But Nami had always been independent—once she made a decision, there was no turning back.
Nojiko knew there was no stopping her, and that only made her feel even more troubled.
At that moment, Karina sighed and rolled her eyes before smiling wryly:
"Sigh… Looks like I've got no choice. I'll go with you."
"After all, Will is my captain now."
"If even you, 'Little Thieving Cat,' aren't afraid, then what excuse do I have to back down?"
"If anything unexpected happens, the two of us working together is better than you fighting alone."
"Karina…" Nami felt deeply moved. After all, fighting Arlong had nothing to do with Karina.
But she didn't refuse the gesture. She simply accepted this act of kindness in silence.
Meanwhile, Nojiko sighed, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"Fine, I'll handle the villagers. You two go help your captain."
"Mm!"
Nami and Karina nodded and wasted no time, quickly heading west.
--
At that moment, inside Arlong Park—
A group of fish-men were leisurely swimming in two large pools in the courtyard.
Beside the pool, in front of a massive tower, a towering fish-man with purple skin and the appearance of a great white shark sat grinning on a lounge chair.
Two other fish-men stood beside him, equally tall and imposing.
The one on the left was muscular, with grayish-white skin, two small braids on his head, and fins protruding from his elbows.
The one on the right was slimmer, with greenish-blue skin, one hand tucked into his pocket, and lips that jutted outward, giving him a lazy demeanor.
Just then, a large fish-man with six arms and a trumpet-like mouth came rushing in from the sea-facing south gate.
Once ashore, he hurried to the lounge chair, his face full of anxiety as he reported something urgently.
"What did you say? Mohmoo isn't responding to your call?"
The fish-man with the jagged saw-like nose—Arlong—raised a brow in surprise after hearing Hatchan's report.
"Yeah, Boss Arlong."
"I blew the horn at the shore, calling Mohmoo to come eat."
"But it's been so long, and he still hasn't returned."
Hatchan looked equally puzzled, unable to understand why Mohmoo would ignore mealtime.
"Maybe it fell asleep in the sea," Croobi, the muscular fish-man, crossed his arms and said coldly.
The other fish-man, Chu, rubbed his chin and speculated,
"Or maybe it's just not hungry. Tsk."
Arlong didn't seem too bothered, laughing loudly and waving dismissively.
"Bwahaha! Whether it's sleeping or just not hungry, let it be."
Though he acted indifferent, he knew Hatchan cared deeply about that sea beast.
So Arlong reassured him, "Don't worry, Hatchan."
"Mohmoo is a vicious sea beast. No one in the East Blue could possibly harm it."
"Maybe it got bored and wandered off to wreck some human ships. It'll come back once it's tired."
Hatchan blinked in thought, then nodded in agreement.
"Alright, Boss Arlong."
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