"Soru!"
Arlong released Nojiko and vanished into an afterimage, charging straight at Usopp.
He'd noticed the little sniper hiding in the shadows ages ago; he just couldn't be bothered with small fry when he had more important business.
Since the guy decided to attack, Arlong wasn't going to play nice.
BOOM!
The Gunpowder Star missed and exploded against a wall, flames bursting out.
"Wha—!?"
┌(.Д.)┐
Usopp couldn't believe his sneak attack failed.
His mind reeled, but his hands didn't stop. He instantly loaded a smoke pellet.
"Certain-Kill… Smoke Star!"
The pellet detonated, thick black smoke filling the air. Usopp turned and bolted.
A monster like this needed their captain!
"Heh."
A cold sneer came from within the smoke.
Arlong's massive frame burst out, grabbed Usopp by the skull, and slammed him face-first into the dirt.
THUD!
Usopp let out a muffled groan and passed out instantly.
Arlong raised his foot to finish him off, but suddenly felt a chill—like the stare of a predator.
An illusion?
After a quick cost-benefit calculation, he lowered his foot and muttered under his breath.
"Damn second-gen protagonist halo…"
He turned, walked back, scooped up Nojiko, and left.
"Gen-san!"
As soon as Arlong was gone, villagers rushed out of their houses and frantically dug through the rubble to save Gen-san.
…
Back at Nojiko's house
Arlong got straight to the point.
"Be my woman. From now on, I'll protect Cocoyasi Village."
Same threat he used on the sisters.
0ДQ
Nojiko's body trembled slightly. She forced a smile. "Big Bro Arlong… don't you hate humans?"
"I'm a good guy. I don't like forcing people—especially women."
"If you're not willing, that's fine. I'll just go have a little chat with Nami."
He turned as if to leave.
(??_?)
"No…!"
Nojiko instantly blocked his path. "Big Bro Arlong, I agree."
Her voice carried a trace of resolve.
It's going to hurt… being with the man who killed Aunt Bellmere is going to hurt so much…
Nami had already sacrificed enough. As the older sister, she absolutely could not let her get hurt again.
Works every time!
Arlong's lips curled into a faint smirk. He ruffled her hair. "What a good big sister."
"Big Bro Arlong, wait just a moment. I'm going to take a quick shower."
Nojiko gave him a placating smile.
"Go ahead. Don't keep me waiting too long."
Arlong waved her off.
He stepped into Nojiko's bedroom.
A faint, pleasant scent greeted him. The room was simple—no girly pink decorations anywhere.
The bed was made perfectly. Clearly the owner was someone who paid attention to detail.
Arlong sat on the bed. His eyes were drawn to a photo on the nightstand: Bellmere with little Nami and Nojiko.
Bellmere was gorgeous—mature, heroic, battle-hardened. Absolute top-tier.
"Tch tch tch… killing a beauty like that without a second thought."
He looked away and mentally pulled up his status panel.
Host: Arlong Age: 41 (Sawshark Fishman) Techniques: Navy Rokushiki, Iron Teeth Technique, Shark On Darts, Shark On Gears Quest: Overthrow the World Government → Establish Divine Dragon Empire Items: Zanba (sword), Slip-Slip Fruit Beauties Collected: Nami
Not much had changed—just Nami's name added to the list.
Curious, Arlong checked her detailed stats.
Beauty: Nami (Child of Weather) Skills: Meteorology, Geography, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Art, Public Relations, Literature, Navigation, Close Combat, Thievery, Gambling, Acting, Appraisal, Bottomless Alcohol Tolerance Weapon: Three-Section Staff Affection: -50
A total academic genius!
If she'd been born in a better place, she'd be world-famous by now.
Arlong marveled at the skill list—then saw the affection score and nearly popped a vein.
"System, did you embezzle my affection points? It was clearly going up earlier!"
[Ding! Dear Host, please don't slander a law-abiding system. Nami's starting affection was -100.]
Arlong: ((′--)--)-_-)
Didn't have to wait long.
Nojiko walked in wrapped in only a bath towel.
Arlong's eyes locked onto her instantly.
She gave a shy nod and a timid smile.
The towel was short—barely covering anything—and with every step, the view teased.
Everything below was nothing but long, flawless legs.
Twenty years old and still untouched.
She stood in front of Arlong, hands behind her back, visibly nervous.
Then she suddenly yanked the towel off to distract him—and lunged with a hidden dagger straight at his chest.
"Tekkai!"
CLANG!
Metal on metal.
What!?
o(?Д?)っ!
Shock and deep despair filled Nojiko's face.
She finally understood: a normal human had zero chance against Arlong.
"Nojiko, is this some kind of special service?"
Arlong asked with playful mockery.
He'd seen through her plan from the start. He just let it play out to crush her hope completely.
"Y-yes… exactly. Special service."
Nojiko forced a dazzling smile. "The dagger was for shaving your head, Big Bro. Makes it easier…"
If she couldn't kill him, her only choice was submission.
Otherwise Nami, Gen-san, and the entire village would face insane retaliation.
"Skwahahaha~"
Arlong burst out laughing.
"I'll give you a chance to perform."
Nojiko: (○o○)
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Successful bonding with Nojiko. Reward: 1 Bronze Treasure Chest.]
"Open it."
This time Arlong checked the rewards immediately.
[Ding! Congratulations! Obtained 100 million berries.]
[Ding! Congratulations! Obtained Treasure Tree Adam ×1.]
Money again. Seems like cash is a fixed reward.
Arlong rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
One girl = 100 million berries. Ten girls = 1 billion. A thousand girls = a trillion…
Getting rich just by collecting beauties? This system is way too good.
And considerate too—knows my ship sucks and even sends premium shipbuilding material.