Chapter -43 Captain Nezumi.

In Cocoyasi Village, a group of people dressed in navy uniforms strolled down the streets. The villagers, who had suffered under the oppression of the Arlong Pirates for a long time, initially believed that the navy had come to rid them of the pirates.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the village, catching the attention of the leading naval officer. He furrowed his brow and turned his gaze in the direction of the explosion.

"That came from the Arlong Park. Did Arlong set off some fireworks?" he mumbled. "Never mind, I should attend to my orders first and then check on him."

Captain Nezumi, the leader of the 16th branch of the Navy, shook his head and muttered under his breath as he proceeded towards Nami and Nojiko's residence.

As Captain Nezumi and his naval contingent reached the home of Nojiko, the actors were engaged in conversations, awaiting Li Fan's return. The arrival of the navy, particularly Tashigi, did not go unnoticed.

"The navy? Have they finally taken notice of this place?" Tashigi wondered, his relief evident. When she learned that this island had been ruled by the Arlong Pirates for eight years and received no help from the navy, as a naval officer, Tashigi had felt profound regret. Even though the navy's arrival was belated, Tashigi still felt a sense of relief.

"Navy, what brings you here?" Nojiko, the homeowner, approached Captain Nezumi and inquired.

"This is Nami's home, correct?" Captain Nezumi stroked his beard, observing the people in the yard with interest.

Nojiko's furrowed his brow. "What business do you have with Nami, Marine?"

"Yes, this is Nami's home, of course." Colonel Mouse replied, "I received intelligence that Nami is a thief who stole 100 million Beli's financial report."

"I'm here to recover this stolen financial report."

The people in the yard were left in stunned silence upon hearing Captain Nezumi's words, their disbelief evident.

"Wait a minute!" Tashigi approached Captain Nezumi. "Aren't you here to deal with the Arlong Pirates?"

"I'm not here to address the Arlong Pirates' matters this time. Dealing with the thief Nami is my responsibility." Captain Nezumi waved Tashigi aside. "Regular citizens, please step aside. I'm here to locate the money that Nami has hidden."

"That thief must have hidden the stolen money in this yard," Captain Nezumi insisted. He then ordered his soldiers to begin searching for the money.

Zoro, still hanging from the beam, couldn't resist taunting Captain Nezumi. "Oh, is this the Navy? Ignoring the pirates and coming here to apprehend thieves! How impressive. Hey, you, the one who looks like a rat, you must be in cahoots with the Arlong Pirates, right?"

"Rat?! You dare to call me a rat?" Captain Nezumi retorted, clearly offended by the comparison.

Despite his name, he had no desire to be associated with a mouse.

"Soldiers, apprehend him, and I will teach him a lesson."

Two additional soldiers moved forward at Captain Nezumi's command, approaching Zoro. Zoro however, remained calm and composed, facing the approaching marines with a mocking expression.

"You guys, step back!" Suddenly, Medusa appeared in front of the two marines. Unfazed, Zoro directed a contemptuous look at the soldiers.

"You should be the ones stepping back!" One of the marines aimed his gun at Medusa, warning her not to interfere with their work.

Medusa raised her head slightly and was about to disarm the marine when Tashigi intervened. Tashigi swiftly disarmed the marine and in the next moment, found himself surrounded by armed marines.

"What a brave woman, daring to disarm a navy officer!" Captain Nezumi smiled as he approached Tashigi. "For such an offense, even if I were to execute you, it wouldn't be a problem."

"Woman, I suggest you lower your weapon."

Tashigi fixed his gaze on Captain Nezumi, standing tall and firm. "I am Navy Sergeant Tashigi of the Navy Headquarters stationed in Loguetown. Captain Nezumi of the Navy Branch, kindly address my inquiry: Why have you chosen to apprehend a thief here instead of addressing the Arlong Pirates? Are you implying that capturing a thief takes precedence over capturing pirates? Moreover, why do you suspect Miss Nami of being the thief?"

"Although Tashigi's military rank is only that of a staff sergeant, as a member of the navy from the Navy Headquarters, her staff sergeant rank can be compared to that of a navy branch captain.

Strictly speaking, she and Captain Nezumi belong to the same level in the navy.

"Huh?!" Captain Nezumi was obviously stunned when he heard what Tashigi said. The next moment, he raised his finger and pointed at Tashigi, "You there, do you know what it means to pretend to be in the navy?"

"If you doubt my identity, you can call Captain Smoker, who is stationed in Loguetown. He will vouch for my identity!" Before Captain Nezumi could finish speaking, Tashigi interrupted him.

Upon hearing Smoker's name, Captain Nezumi's body froze completely.

Because, he suddenly remembered that Captain Smoker in Loguetown did have an assistant named Tashigi by his side.

Captain Nezumi, who has served as branch captain in East Blue Sea for many years, still knows this.

'If this woman is really Sergeant Tashigi from the Navy Headquarters...' Before he knew it, Captain Nezumi was sweating profusely.

Not only Captain Nezumi, but also the other marines who pointed guns at Tashigi were also trembling.

If the Navy Headquarters found out that they were colluding with Captain Nezumi, they would definitely be put in jail.

All the navy personnel looked to Captain Nezumi, hoping he would make a decision.

"Aren't you willing to make the call? In that case, let me make the call." Tashigi took out her den-den mushi and planned to call Smoker.

"Asshole, shoot, all of you, shoot for me!" Seeing Tashigi's actions, Captain Nezumi finally couldn't suppress the fear in his heart and ordered the soldiers to shoot.

The navy soldiers looked left and right, and finally raised the guns in their hands and pointed them at Tashigi.

"Projection, start!"

Ding ding ding——

Suddenly, dozens of two-meter-high swords fell from the sky and trapped each soldier together.

.....