The Days of Being the Richest Man in the Ninja World

[V3] - Chapter 24. A Little Mere Marine

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Very soon.

With the help of the genius navigator, the group arrived at Cocomi Islands.

Of course, while on the ship, Kuzan also briefly talked about the Arlong Pirates. When he heard Nami angrily say that the local Marine, Captain Nezumi, had been colluding with the Arlong Pirates and started cursing the Marines, he pulled down his eye mask and said nothing more.

However—

The people from the Yuto Group could tell… this Marine Admiral was already very angry inside.

After all, for something like this to happen was simply a disgrace to the Marines!

Especially since the reason the Arlong Pirates came to the East Blue was related to the Warlord of the Sea—Jinbe. So this tragedy was essentially caused by the former Warlord policy, and ultimately, by the World Government.

After disembarking—

Nami looked helplessly at the group that acted like they were here on a sightseeing trip.

Especially that man—he had promised to behave on the ship, but now… he had clearly forgotten all of that!

He was even happily taking his kids around to explore!

She had specifically brought them here to hide them at Nojiko's place.

Then she'd let that stupid father go talk to Arlong himself—sacrificing him would be better than the entire group getting caught!

She really didn't understand!

The store had already been smashed, and that so-called Yuto Group still thought the Arlong Pirates would negotiate with them? They'd be lucky not to get eaten!

At this moment—

Seeing that guy picking oranges in front of her house with his kids, Nami's face darkened, "Didn't I tell you to follow my instructions? Do you think this is some picnic?!" Her voice carried a threatening tone, "The Arlong Pirates are extremely dangerous!"

"Got it, got it!"

"Damn it! If you got it, then why aren't you hiding?!"

"Hahaha!" Beside her, Nojiko, with short blue hair, was also smiling at the scene. She then looked at the lazy man lying nearby, the curious white-haired man pacing around, and the three adorable girls. "What cute kids! But…" She turned her head toward Nami. "Why did you bring them to such a dangerous place?"

"You think I wanted to?!" Nami snapped. "If I didn't, that guy would've lost his job and wouldn't be able to support his kids!"

"Ah? Really?" Nojiko was stunned and sighed, "Sounds tough…" Then, looking serious, she thought for a moment. "I'll talk to the villagers! Tell everyone not to reveal this place—and make sure they don't wander around!"

"I know!" Nami nodded helplessly, muttering, "This two million isn't easy to earn…"

As she spoke, she glanced again at the four people happily picking oranges.

Kids might not know better, but shouldn't the adults understand?

She hurried over, "Damn it! Do you know how dangerous it is here? Hurry up and hide! Are you trying to get discovered by the Arlong Pirates? If that happens, I won't be able to protect you! Finish your business and get out!"

However—

Just as she finished speaking—

Suddenly.

A scarred man with a brown hat came rushing over. When he saw the strangers outside Nojiko's home, his face froze—especially when he noticed the three very young girls. As if he understood something, his face turned even darker. He quickly stepped forward and said to Nami, "Why did you bring outsiders here?"

"I didn't want to!"

"What's wrong, Genzo?"

"Forget it! This isn't the time!" said Genzo, the sheriff at Cocomi Islands, with a serious and rushed expression. "It looks like that ship hidden on the coast belongs to them, right? Damn it! The fish-men have found it—hide everyone, quick!"

Upon hearing this—

Nami and Nojiko's expressions changed.

"I clearly hid the ship—how did they find it so fast?"

"Now's not the time for that!" Nojiko turned to Nami. "Hide the people and the children! Otherwise, it'll be too late!"

"Yes, yes!" Nami nodded quickly. Then she picked up Karin and angrily snapped, "It's your fault! We've been found! Hurry up! Hide with me behind the house! No, forget it! You probably won't live much longer anyway!" she said with a venomous tongue. "Those kids might end up fatherless!"

"…"

What kind of talk was that?

Yuto looked speechless as Nami carried the child into the house. Since the pirates had shown up, then… it was time for the Marine Admiral to act. Just as he was about to turn his head—

"So scary~" Kuzan pulled down his eye mask with a frightened look. "I'd better go hide too!"

With that, he was about to follow them inside.

"…"

Is this guy getting addicted to acting this much?

Just finish this up and leave already!

However—

At that moment.

Just as Nami was about to hide the kids—

"Hahaha! No need to hide!" A loud, arrogant voice came from outside. "Well done, Nami! I didn't think you'd bring so many lowly humans! As expected of a cadre of the Arlong Pirates!!"

As the words fell—

Too late?!

Everyone was shocked and turned around suddenly—only to see a group of fish-men already arriving.

And leading them… was none other than Arlong of the Arlong Pirates!

...

Let's rewind a bit.

Shortly after Yuto's group landed, they were spotted by fish-men patrolling the coast. The patrol rushed back to Arlong Park to report to Brother Arlong!

"Brother Arlong! Brother Arlong!"

"What's the fuss, Pisaro? Why are you panicked?" Arlong, sitting on his throne, looked displeased at his underling. "Remember, we are noble fish-men! Noble! Don't be so flustered—what if the lowly humans see us like this?"

"Sorry, sorry, Brother Arlong! I forgot!" Pisaro scratched his head in embarrassment. Then, remembering his news, he quickly said, "Nami is back! I just saw her in the sea! She returned with a very luxurious ship and brought a bunch of people!"

"That little girl Nami?" Arlong blinked, then grinned fiercely, exposing his sharp teeth. He laughed wildly, "Hahaha! So that girl finally came back? And she dares to bring people with her?!"

"Should we…" Pisaro, watching his boss laugh, grinned as well and made a slicing motion, "Get rid of them?"

"Get rid of them? Heh!" Arlong narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly, "That depends on what our member Nami chooses!" He stood up and walked outside. "I hear she's saved up quite a bit of money! Let's go welcome our dear Nami! And while we're at it… rob them all blind! Also…" he sneered, "make sure to bring that ship back to me!"

As he finished—

The fish-men also grinned fiercely and followed Brother Arlong outside.

After all—

They were the noble fish-men race!

Having lowly humans dedicate everything to them was the honor of those inferior creatures.

Didn't you see?

As they walked out, all the pathetic creatures on Cocomi Islands closed their doors in terror?

Humans should be ruled by fish-men!

When the Arlong Pirates are on the move, lowly humans should step aside!

Arlong's lips curled into a smirk, but he ignored the townsfolk and instead walked toward the home of his beloved crew member.

Save up 100 million Berries just to buy Cocomi Islands' freedom?

Dream on!

Not long after—

With nothing blocking their way, the group soon arrived at Nami's house. Seeing the people gathered at the door, Arlong laughed.

"One! Two! Three! Three little kids! And three adults! Hahaha! Worthless humans!" Then, looking at Nami standing protectively in front of the children, his expression turned cruel. "Our beloved crewmate—Nami! You should know the rules of the Arlong Pirates! Otherwise, Cocomi Islands might just…"

Before he could finish—

Nami trembled, lowered her head, and said flatly, "I know! Children are 50,000! Adults 100,000! That's 450,000 total! I'll pay you later!"

However—

"No, no! It's not 450,000!" Arlong shook his head, grinning menacingly. "It's 45 million!"

"You…" Nami was stunned, then glared angrily at Arlong. "You're going back on your word?!"

"If you can afford such a luxurious ship, I doubt you're short on cash!"

"I… I'll give you the ship!"

"That's my ship!"

"Shut up!"

"Now that you're here—the ship is mine! The money is mine too!" Arlong bared his teeth, raised his pistol, and aimed it at Yuto. "You've got money, right? If not, I'll just start killing!"

"I…" Nami's eyes widened. She remembered all the money she had saved—45 million was nearly everything. That money was supposed to save Cocomi Islands!

Damn it.

Why did she bring them here?!

So what if he lost his job? What did that have to do with her?!

But at that moment, Nami seemed to realize something, and looked grimly at Arlong.

This guy never intended to let her save up 100 million!

However.

At this moment.

Arlong had already run out of patience. "Looks like you've already made your choice! In that case…"

He cocked his pistol and was just about to pull the trigger when—

"Wait a minute!" Nami suddenly stopped him. With a gloomy face, she glanced at the three little girls behind her, bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, her eyes turning red as if she'd made an important decision. "Forty… forty-five million… I'll give it to you!"

"Hahaha! That's more like it!" Arlong burst into laughter and lowered his gun. "Hurry up and bring out the money! As expected of our good partner…"

Before he could finish—

At that moment.

Suddenly.

A voice full of sincerity rang out, "Actually, Miss Nami came this time to discuss changing jobs with the Arlong Pirates. She's no longer a member of the Arlong Pirates! She's now a specially hired navigator for our Yuto Group. I heard that the Arlong Pirates don't pay much, cause a lot of trouble, are harsh to their employees, and there's severe racial discrimination within the company. As for our Yuto Group… high salary! Great benefits! Easy work!"

As everyone stood dumbfounded—

"So," Yuto stepped forward directly, "she came to discuss her resignation with you! She's no longer your crew member!"

Once he said that—

"…"

Nami, Nojiko, and all the fish-men stared blankly at the human in front of them.

This idiot!

However.

Upon hearing that Nami was planning to betray him, Arlong's face turned grim as he stared at her. "Are you planning to betray the Arlong Pirates, Nami?!"

"I didn't! I'm not! He's talking nonsense!" Nami immediately shook her head three times, then glared fiercely at Yuto. [You idiot, what are you doing? Hurry up and hide!]

"Haha! That's right! You're our partner! The one saving money for us!" Arlong laughed again upon hearing Nami's words, then raised his gun and pointed it at Uchiha Yuto. "Yuto Group? I smashed a store called Yuto Milk Tea some time ago—don't tell me that was yours?" He sneered. "Trying to stir up trouble between our crew? Looks like I'll have to kill you!"

"No, please! Arlong! I'll give you the forty-five million!"

"Make it one hundred million! Since Nami is our partner, I'll spare his life for just one hundred million!"

"I…"

Before Nami could finish her sentence, Yuto said with a trembling voice, "Too much? Can it be less?"

"Too much? That's thanks to you, idiot! Hahaha!" Arlong sneered coldly. "One hundred million! Not a single Berry less!"

"So there's no room to negotiate?"

"That's right! Lowly creatures have no right to negotiate with the Fish-Man Pirates!"

Just as Arlong finished his disdainful words—

Suddenly.

Yuto gave him a slight smile.

Then.

All of a sudden.

Just as Arlong was about to pull the trigger, the man in front of him vanished in the blink of an eye!

How is this guy so fast?!

Even Nami was stunned!

Before anyone could react—

"Kuzan-sama! So scary!" came a lazy voice. "Too terrifying! As expected of a pirate worth 20 million Berries! Help me!"

"?!"

Everyone instinctively looked back and saw a messy-haired man being pushed out.

That face…

Was looking speechlessly at the man who had just vanished.

Can't you just take care of it already?

At this moment.

Arlong also looked closely at the man in front of him, and his pupils suddenly contracted, as if recalling something.

You see, back in the day, he was one of the fish-men who followed Boss Tiger on big missions!

This guy…

"You… who are you?"

It must be fake! Definitely fake!

How could a Marine Admiral be here?!

"Me?" Kuzan lazily stretched and was just about to speak—

When Yuto jumped out again and proudly declared, "A mere nobody not worth mentioning! Even though you're a pirate worth 20 million Berries, Kuzan-sama, a mere little marine, didn't flinch upon hearing of you! Even though he's just a little marine, he bravely chose to come alone and bring you all to justice!" He pointed at the Arlong Pirates like a petty villain getting cocky. "So, are you scared now?!"

"…"

Kuzan stared at him speechlessly.

You do it then! You go!

However.

Yuto's words made Arlong and the others breathe a sigh of relief. They grinned wickedly again. "True! How could a big shot like that come here?! A lone little marine, huh? In that case…" He raised his gun at Yuto. "Go to hell!"

As he spoke.

Amid the terrified expressions of the onlookers, he pulled the trigger. Just when Nami and the others thought it was too late—

They saw—

A sudden burst of cold air.

At that moment.

"?!"

Nami and the others widened their eyes in shock.

In the blink of an eye—

The bullet in front of them was instantly frozen.

And that wasn't all!

The cold air swept toward the Arlong Pirates. Even Arlong and the others widened their eyes—those once arrogant and proud fish-men… in that moment, Nami and the rest seemed to see true fear in their eyes.

"You're the Marine Admiral… Aok—"

Before the words could finish—

Amid the group's fear—

Not a single fish-man escaped. All of them were frozen. And… the terror on their faces remained vivid and lifelike!