As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

Dawn painted the horizon in hues of gold and crimson as the merchant vessel Dawn Trader approached the small trading island near Conomi.

Leon stood at the bow, eyes scanning the shoreline. The salt-laden breeze ruffled his blonde hair as he mentally cataloged every detail of the approaching landscape.

Captain Jorgen's weathered boots announced his arrival before he appeared at Leon's side, spyglass in hand.

"We'll dock for one day only," Jorgen stated, extending his spyglass to survey the harbor. "Just long enough for trade and resupply. Back at sea by noon tomorrow."

Leon nodded, noting the tension in the captain's voice. "This isn't your usual trading stop."

"No," Jorgen admitted, collapsing his spyglass. "But the profits make the risk worthwhile. Just remember where we are - this close to Arlong's territory, caution is essential."

"Arlong," Leon repeated, keeping his tone casual. "The fishman pirate controls these waters completely?"

Jorgen's eyes darted across the horizon before answering. "Eight years now. These smaller islands pay him for 'protection,' but Conomi Islands got the worst of it. His base is there - Arlong Park." He gestured vaguely eastward. "Best avoided entirely."

"I've heard rumors about a Marine base nearby," Leon commented.

The captain's bitter laugh held no humor. "Captain Nezumi's outfit. Useless. Either incompetent or corrupt - probably both."

He clapped Leon's shoulder. "Stay on this trading island, understand? No heroics, Marine recruit. We leave at noon tomorrow, with or without you."

"Understood, Captain."

As the Dawn Trader docked, Leon observed the harbor's atmosphere.

Despite the early hour, the trading post bustled with activity, yet conversation remained oddly muted. Merchants exchanged goods without wasting any time, eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.

"Nervous place," Henson commented, appearing beside Leon as they disembarked. "Everyone's always looking over their shoulder here."

"Wonder why," Leon replied dryly.

The first mate's weathered face creased with concern. "Just be careful. Captain's right about this area."

Leon nodded and made his way into the trading post. He moved unhurriedly through the stalls, pausing occasionally to examine goods while his ears captured fragments of hushed conversations.

"...tribute day tomorrow..."

"...barely scraped enough together..."

"...what happens if someone can't pay..."

He approached a fish vendor whose callused hands betrayed his profession. The man's weather-beaten face bore the permanent creases of someone who squinted against the sun reflecting off water.

"Fresh catch?" Leon inquired, examining the display.

"Best you'll find," the vendor replied automatically, though his attention seemed divided. "Just brought in this morning."

Leon selected a fish. "From Conomi?"

The vendor's hands stilled momentarily. "Just local catch," he answered evasively, wrapping the purchase.

"Good fishing around here?" Leon asked casually, counting coins.

"Good enough," the vendor replied, eyes darting nervously as a shadow fell across the stall.

The vendor's face drained of color as he lowered his gaze. A tall fishman with elongated lips sauntered past, radiating arrogance.

"Morning, Chew-san," the vendor managed, voice barely audible.

The fishman barely acknowledged the greeting. "Remember tomorrow's collection, chu."

"Y-yes, of course."

Leon maintained a neutral expression as the fishman continued through the market, leaving a wake of silence.

When Chew was safely distant, the vendor quickly finished the transaction, clearly unwilling to speak further.

Leon nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for the fish."

----------------------

By late afternoon, Leon returned to the Dawn Trader. He found Captain Jorgen reviewing cargo manifests near the gangplank.

"Captain," he said, "I need to visit Conomi Islands."

Jorgen's head snapped up, manifest forgotten. "Absolutely not. Did you miss everything I told you this morning?"

"I heard you," Leon replied calmly. "But I need to see the situation firsthand."

"Why? What business could a Marine recruit possibly have there?"

"Information gathering. If Arlong's territory is as lawless as described, Loguetown's Marine command should know."

The captain's expression darkened. "This isn't your responsibility, boy. We leave at noon tomorrow - with or without you."

"I'll return before then," Leon promised. "I won't involve your ship or crew in any trouble."

Jorgen studied him with narrowed eyes. "You're determined to do this regardless of what I say."

"Yes."

The captain sighed heavily. "Your funeral," he muttered. "But I meant what I said - noon tomorrow, we sail."

As Leon prepared minimal gear, Henson approached with something wrapped in cloth.

"Take this," the first mate said quietly, revealing a small, well-crafted dagger. "Just in case."

Leon accepted the weapon with a nod of thanks. "I'll return it tomorrow."

"See that you do," Henson replied. "And bring yourself back with it."

-----------------------

Dusk shrouded Leon's departure as he navigated a small rowboat across the channel toward Conomi Islands.

The silhouette of Arlong Park loomed in the distance, its distinctive shape unmistakable against the darkening sky. He steered toward a secluded cove well away from established harbors.

After concealing the boat, Leon moved inland stealthly, avoiding paths that showed usage from footprints and the like. The forest provided ample cover as he navigated by starlight, senses alert for patrols.

Voices ahead made him freeze. Two fishmen emerged from the trees, conversing casually.

"...humans always pay. Too scared not to, chu," one remarked.

"Tomorrow should be entertaining," the other replied. "Arlong-san enjoys making examples."

Leon remained motionless until they passed, then continued his approach to Cocoyashi Village. From a vantage point in the trees, he observed the settlement.

Despite the early evening hour, streets were nearly deserted. Two fishmen guards stood at the main entrance, occasionally harassing the few villagers still outside.

Leon circled the perimeter, identifying a blind spot in the patrol pattern. He slipped between buildings, moving from shadow to shadow.

The village itself felt like a living organism holding its breath - windows shuttered, doors locked, an atmosphere of frozen terror.

A door unexpectedly opened just ahead, spilling light across his path. Leon ducked into the nearest shelter - a small storage shed - as footsteps approached.

The door closed behind him, plunging the space into darkness. Before his eyes could adjust, something hard pressed against his throat.

"Move and you're dead," a female voice hissed.

Leon remained perfectly still, assessing the situation. The pressure against his throat came from what felt like a gardening tool, not a blade.

It couldn't hurt him with how strong he was, but he had no intention of escalating the situation.

'Still, getting into this situation is embarressing. I really should've focused more on training my Observation Haki, to keep it on at all times and not only in battle...'

'Well, can't blame myself much for it, observation can only be trained well by experiencing danger, and getting a better sense for it.'

"I'm not with Arlong," he said quietly.

"Then who are you?" the voice demanded. "Why are you skulking around after curfew?"

"My name is Leon. I'm gathering information about Arlong's operation."

A match struck, illuminating the face of a woman with distinctive blue hair. She studied him suspiciously, garden hoe still pressed against his throat.

"Information for who?" she demanded.

"The Marines," he answered honestly.

The woman's bitter laugh held no humor. "Marines? Like Nezumi? You're wasting your time."

"Not all Marines are corrupt."

She lowered the tool slightly, examining him with narrowed eyes. "I'm Nojiko. And you're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid."

"I've been called both, I think I'm only the former though," Leon admitted.

Nojiko's posture remained guarded. "What exactly do you want to know?"

"Everything. How long Arlong's been here. How the tribute system works. Why the Marines haven't intervened."

She studied him for another moment, recognizing that he really wasn't lying - having become experienced with them with her sister being a good one, and the many corrupt liars around here - before lowering the hoe completely.

"I'm gathering supplies for a family. They're short on tribute money this month."

"Can I help?" Leon offered, recognizing an opportunity to build trust.

Nojiko's surprise was evident. "Carry these," she decided, handing him a heavy sack. "But if you betray us to the fishmen, I'll kill you myself."

'Like you could, but I'll give an A for the threat, real killing intent there,' Leon thought to himself, a bit internally amused.

Leon nodded, accepting both the sack.

They moved through back alleys, avoiding patrol routes Nojiko knew by heart. She led him to a small house where an elderly couple lived in visible poverty.

Their terror at seeing a stranger quickly transformed to tearful gratitude when Nojiko explained Leon's assistance with the supplies - food hidden beneath layers of worthless items that would bulk up their tribute offering.

"Bless you both," the old woman whispered, hands trembling as she accepted the package.

-----------------------

Outside again, Nojiko answered Leon's questions as they walked. "Eight years of this hell. Arlong arrived and declared himself our new 'leader.' Anyone who resisted..." She trailed off, eyes distant. "The tribute is monthly. Every man, woman, and child must pay to live. Can't pay? You die."

"And Nezumi?"

"Takes his cut to look the other way. Files false reports. Intercepts any legitimate Marine patrols."

"Where exactly is the Marine base around here?"

Their conversation halted as footsteps approached. Nojiko pulled Leon into a narrow space between buildings, holding her breath as fishmen passed nearby.

When they were alone again, she continued in a whisper. "The Marine base is northeast of here. Minimal security - they're not expecting trouble."

"Tomorrow is tribute collection?"

Nojiko nodded grimly. "At Arlong Park. Everyone brings payment directly to Arlong himself."

Leon nodded. After a long moment where they looked at each other, trying to better understand the other - in Nojiko's case, he said, "I should go. Thank you for your help."

Nojiko pointed toward a path behind the village. "That way avoids the patrols. And Leon? Whatever you're planning... be careful. Arlong doesn't leave witnesses."

-----------------------

The Marine base stood as a mockery of justice - Marine flags flying proudly over what Leon now knew was a monument to corruption.

He observed from concealment as a skeleton crew manned the facility. Many appeared to be off-duty, some visibly intoxicated despite the hour.

Security was laughably minimal. Leon slipped past the perimeter without difficulty, using shadows and timing to avoid the few guards patrolling with halfhearted attention.

The contrast between this and properly maintained Marine bases he'd heard described by his Gramps was stark.

Inside, corridors stood mostly deserted. Leon navigated through it, moving as if he belonged there while avoiding contact. The records room was unlocked - another breach of protocol that in this case actually served him well.

He began searching through filing cabinets, building a comprehensive picture of eight years of corruption.

Falsified patrol reports declared "no pirate activity" in areas clearly under Arlong's control. Financial records showed regular payments to Captain Nezumi, thinly disguised as "regional security funds."

Most damning was correspondence between Nezumi and Arlong - evidence of their arrangement detailed in black and white. A map marked "approved zones" for Arlong's operations covered the entire archipelago.

'Well, this shit will be really useful later down the line to actually prove the Marine corruption and not let it be swept under the rug... Can't have that. Won't have that. Both cause it wouldn't serve my purposes and because I won't accept the suffering of these innocent people by being failed by the system that should've protected them to be hidden away and denied...'

Leon himself has always been a guy about justice. In his past life and in his current life. 

These were real people. They weren't a story anymore. Their suffering and sacrifices were REAL.

Yes, he can be selfish, yes, he can choose his family over others, but never would he tolerate the suffering of the innocents when he can do something about it.

He won't.

He can't.

Leon discovered a file containing photographs of villagers labeled "troublemakers," with notes on family members to target if they caused problems.

He recognized Genzo among them.

In a separate folder, he found detailed information on Nami - her navigational skills, her agreement with Arlong, her village ransom arrangement.

Notes from Nezumi acknowledged her maps were being used for pirate navigation while officially declaring her "not a threat to regional security."

Voices in the corridor interrupted his search. Leon silently positioned himself behind the door as two Marines passed by.

"-double the usual take tomorrow," one slurred. "Tribute day always means bonuses."

"Nezumi says Arlong's feeling generous," the other replied. "Something about map sales being profitable."

Their footsteps and voices faded. Leon waited until silence returned before continuing his search. He selected key documents as evidence, taking only what was necessary to prove the corruption.

Dawn approached as Leon completed his infiltration of Nezumi's office, securing final pieces of evidence.

He exited through a rear window, leaving the base as undetected as he'd entered.

------------------------

Morning - he hadn't slept - found Leon - who is wearing his marine officer outfit, having stealthly went back to get it and put it on - reviewing the stolen documents in a secluded spot overlooking Cocoyashi Village.

The evidence painted a completely clear picture of the systematic oppression maintained through corruption and fear.

Below, villagers began reluctantly preparing for tribute collection. The atmosphere of dread was palpable even from a distance. Children were kept indoors while adults gathered whatever valuables they possessed.

Leon positioned himself to observe without being noticed.

Genzo - the Sherriff of Cocoyashi village - moved among the villagers, offering encouragement despite his own obvious despair.

"Stand tall today," the scarred man told a young fisherman. "Whatever happens, remember who you are."

Near the village well, Leon spotted Nojiko engaged in heated conversation with another woman.

Her orange hair made him immediately know that she's Nami.

"You shouldn't be here," Nojiko insisted. "Not today."

"I'm fine," Nami replied sharply. "This is just business."

"Business? Is that what you call watching them suffer?"

Nami's composure slipped momentarily. "Seven more months, Nojiko. That's all."

By mid-morning, villagers formed a solemn procession toward Arlong Park. Leon followed at a distance, keeping to cover while maintaining visual.

As they walked, fishmen escorts appeared at intervals, their presence causing visible changes in the humans - eyes down, shoulders hunched, voices silenced.

Arlong Park loomed ahead. The massive gates swung open as the procession approached, revealing a courtyard where Arlong himself sat on a throne-like chair.

Leon studied the fishman pirate. Arlong was physically imposing, his sharply dressed appearance contrasting with the cruelty in his eyes.

His officers - Kuroobi, Hatchan, and Chew - arranged themselves around him.

Nami stood slightly apart, her face carefully composed into a mask of indifference.

"Welcome, citizens of Cocoyashi," Arlong called, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Tribute day is my favorite day. It reminds us all of our proper places in the natural order."

One by one, villagers approached, presenting their payments with trembling hands. Arlong inspected each amount precisely, occasionally commenting on its adequacy.

"Acceptable," he declared repeatedly, his smile never reaching his eyes. "You may continue living."

The elderly couple Leon had met with Nojiko approached, their terror palpable as they offered their payment. Arlong counted methodically, his expression darkening.

"This is insufficient," he stated coldly.

'Seriously?' Leon thought, eyes wide. 'Even after what Nojiko and I gave them, that twisted fuck still finds it not enough?'

"Please," the old man whispered. "It's everything we have."

Arlong's smile turned predatory. "Then everything you have is not enough. There are consequences for failing to meet tribute requirements."

Kuroobi stepped forward menacingly. "Shall I demonstrate those consequences, Arlong-san?"

Nami moved slightly. "Perhaps an extension-"

"Our arrangement," Arlong interrupted, eyes never leaving the elderly couple, "concerns your village's freedom, Nami. Not exceptions to my rules."

Nojiko rushed forward. "They've paid tribute faithfully for eight years! One shortage doesn't-"

Chew grabbed her roughly. "Know your place, human."

"Release her!" Genzo demanded, only to be struck down by Kuroobi's fist.

"This is becoming tiresome," Arlong sighed theatrically. "Perhaps a reminder of the consequences is needed."

The old man positioned himself protectively before his wife. "Take me," he pleaded. "Leave her be."

"Enough," Leon's voice interjected.

He had seen enough. He stepped out from where he hid moving toward the gathering.

Villagers noticed him first, confusion spreading through the crowd.

Nojiko's eyes widened as she recognized him

The fishmen turned as Leon approached, Arlong raising a hand to halt Kuroobi's advance.

"Who dares interrupt tribute collection?" Arlong demanded, irritation evident in his voice.

Leon walked calmly into the center of the gathering, standing tall at his full two-meter height. His golden eyes fixed directly on Arlong.

"Aurelius Leon, Marine recruit," he stated, pulling out his recruitment papers. "I'm placing you under arrest, Arlong."

A collective gasp rose from the villagers. Disbelieving looks were exchanged as silence fell over the gathering.

Arlong's laughter shattered the quiet. "A recruit? Not even a full Marine? Shahahahaha!"

Leon remained unmoved, eyes never leaving Arlong's face. "Your bounty is 20 million berries. Your crimes include piracy, extortion, and murder."

The fishmen began moving into attack positions as Arlong continued laughing.

"I've eaten Marine officers for breakfast, boy," Arlong declared. "What makes you think you'll fare any better?"

Nami - not knowing who the hell this was, not wanting him to make it worse, and ruining everything she'd done, and getting himself killed too - stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "You're making a mistake."

"The only mistake," Leon - without looking at her - replied calmly, "was allowing this to continue for eight years." He produced the evidence of Nezumi's corruption. "The proper authorities have failed these people."

Arlong's expression darkened from amusement to rage as he rose from his chair.

"Kill him," he commanded.

--------------------------

Aboard the Dawn Trader, Captain Jorgen paced the deck, periodically checking the sun's position.

"He should have been back by now," the captain muttered.

Henson nodded grimly. "Some of the crew are getting nervous. They want to leave."

"We wait," Jorgen decided. "Until noon, as agreed."

"And if he doesn't return?"

The captain stared toward Conomi Islands, his expression troubled. "Then we'll have to accept that he made his choice."

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(Author note: Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

So, next chapter Leon vs Arlong.

How do think it will go? Do you think Leon will have trouble? Easily win? Or even lose?

I'm interested in your thoughts.

Hope to see you all later,

Bye!)