Reciprocity of courtesy, hundreds of tricks
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Roja smiled calmly at Arlong, his expression seemingly unbothered by the fishman's growing rage.
The sight of Roja's confidence made Arlong even angrier. He couldn't stand being looked down upon by a human.
Landing heavily on the ground, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Roja, Arlong charged with a ferocious spin.
"Shark ON Gear Car!"
Arlong intended to use his powerful jaws to shred Roja into pieces.
Roja shook his head slightly and murmured, "The fun ends now."
With those words, Roja thrust the drawing pen in his hand forward.
Instantly, the air spiraled around the tip of the pen, releasing a deadly slash that roared straight toward Arlong's chest.
The immense sword intent of a master swordsman in his prime was unleashed fully in that single attack.
But Arlong, in his blinding arrogance, did not flinch.
He charged forward, ignoring the imminent threat, as though willing to sacrifice his life to drag Roja down with him.
The slash, however, was merciless.
"Pfft!"
It was over in an instant.
Arlong's body froze mid-motion, his strength fading as darkness consumed him.
"Five-Turn Phantom," Roja muttered softly. Five ethereal figures materialized and began tidying the battlefield, ensuring nothing was amiss.
Peace returned to Cocoyashi Village at last.
At that moment, Kensuke arrived with the villagers, who had heard the commotion and come to investigate.
They were stunned by the sight before them but soon erupted into cheers of joy.
The weight of tyranny that had loomed over their hearts was finally lifted.
Though Arlong and the corrupt Marine Captain Nezumi were mere fodder by Grand Line standards, in the East Blue, they were forces of fear. For the helpless villagers, their defeat was nothing short of a miracle.
Kensuke approached Roja, bowing deeply on behalf of the villagers.
"Thank you, sir. Truly, we cannot express our gratitude enough. If not for you, we shudder to think what our lives would have been like."
Roja gestured toward Nami and Nojiko, stepping aside to reveal the two sisters.
"It's not me you should thank. It's them."
Kensuke immediately understood Roja's point.
These two brave girls had done what none of the adults had the courage to do—stand up to injustice and seek help.
Nami crossed her arms, a confident smile spread across her face, while Nojiko looked on, pride gleaming in her eyes.
Kalifa arrived shortly after, holding bundles of beli taken from Captain Nezumi's office.
"Everyone, this is the money that Nezumi extorted from you. Take back what was stolen!" she announced, handing out the stolen wealth.
While the villagers reclaimed their earnings, Nami and Nojiko led Roja to the back of the house, where a small courtyard brimming with orange trees awaited.
Suddenly, a system notification rang in Roja's mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, for checking into the Orange Grove. Reward: Nautical Encyclopedia.]
Seeing the system's reward, Roja glanced at Nami. He knew it was not a treasure for himself but something invaluable to someone who loved the sea.
The sisters gathered ripe oranges, placing them in a woven basket before handing it to Roja.
"Roja, these are for you. It's just a little gesture, so please accept them," Nami said, her smile playful.
Nojiko nudged Nami gently and added, "We don't have much to offer, but these oranges are the result of our hard work. We hope you like them."
Roja smiled warmly. "How could I dislike them? I treasure them already."
With a wave of his hand, Roja produced the Nautical Encyclopedia from beneath his cloak.
"Here," he said, handing the book to Nami. "I didn't carry much when I set out to sea, but this is something I think you'll enjoy."
Nami's eyes sparkled as she opened the book, filled with maps and notes about navigation.
"I love it! Thank you, Roja!"
Roja chuckled. "As long as you like it. Remember, if you wish to sail freely on the seas, you must grow stronger."
After saying his goodbyes, Roja and Kalifa reunited at the ship. The warship set sail, leaving Cocoyashi Village behind.
Nami and Nojiko stood at the port, watching the ship disappear over the horizon.
Clutching the navigation book to her chest, Nami whispered to herself, "One day, I'll become Roja's navigator!"
Aboard the Warship
Under the sunlit skies, Roja and Kalifa lounged on the deck.
A newspaper bird flew overhead, and Kalifa exchanged 100 beli for the latest paper.
"Roja, you're in the headlines again," Kalifa teased.
"Oh? What do they say this time?"
"What else? Praising your brilliance and strength, of course," she replied with a playful wink.
Unbothered, Roja closed his eyes, basking in the warmth of the sun.
Suddenly, his Den Den Mushi began to ring.
The tone carried urgency, and Roja answered swiftly.
"This is the G-53 Marine Branch near Syrup Village! Requesting immediate support! Hundreds of warriors are attacking our fleet—any available personnel, please assist!"
Hearing the chaotic cries through the receiver, Roja immediately understood the situation.
In the original story, he recalled Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates launching his infamous "hypnotic massacre" strategy.
Turning to Kalifa, Roja commanded, "Prepare the ship. We're heading there immediately!"
Near Syrup Village
Captain Kuro stood amidst a field of fallen Marines; a sinister grin stretched across his face.
"Jango, is the hypnosis complete?"
The hypnotist shook his head nervously. "Morgan's willpower is stronger than expected. I need five more minutes for a deep trance!"
"Hurry up! We don't have time to waste!" Kuro snapped, his sharp claws gleaming in the sunlight.
As another Marine soldier tried to sneak up on him, Kuro effortlessly slashed them down with a single swipe of his Ten-Bladed Cat Claws.
"Fools," he muttered, preparing for the next assault.
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