Chapter 40: Conflict in Arlong Park .

"Hey, isn't this our navigator? You're finally back."

"I assume your journey this time has been quite fruitful."

"You've brought quite a number of humans with you. Boss Arlong doesn't seem pleased with your actions, and he's summoned you to the Arlong Park."

The two fishmen swaggered toward Nami and spoke.

"Is this the fish-man? Though I was mentally prepared, they do have an unusual appearance," Li Fan commented, stroking his chin as he scrutinized the two fish-man.

Upon hearing this, the two fishmen abruptly halted their advance.

"What?! How dare you call us ugly! We won't stand for such insults!"

"Haha, it appears that outsiders still underestimate the fearsomeness of fish-man. We don't know your connection with Nami, but for openly calling fish-men ugly, you will have to face the consequences."

"The consequences? Perhaps you won't get the chance." Li Fan's lips curled into a sly smile, and he swiftly vanished from the sight of the two fishmen.

"Where's the human? What's happening? Where did that human go?!" The fishman widened his eyes and looked around, attempting to spot Li Fan.

"You can't even track my movements. Why should I pay the price? Do you agree?" Li Fan's voice came from behind the two fishmen.

Simultaneously, Li Fan placed his hands on either side of the fishmen's heads.

"Boom—"

Li Fan pressed their heads together forcefully, causing their skulls to collide with a sickening crack.

The sound of breaking bones reverberated, and the two fishmen stared blankly before collapsing to the ground.

"Are they... dead?" Nojiko's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed the sunken heads of the two fishmen, along with the blood flowing from their mouths and noses.

"Let's go, Nami. Since Arlong has come to invite you, we should head there quickly," Li Fan said, raising his hand and patting Nami, who was also surprised, signaling her to lead the way.

"Wait, Li Fan, are you really going alone?" Nami asked, her gaze fixed on Li Fan. "Though I know you're very strong, it might be safer to bring Miss Medusa with you."

"Arlong is a ruthless pirate who's known to possess extraordinary strength. He can practically uproot a house."

"Hmm... Is it really possible to uproot a house with bare hands?" Li Fan smiled, placing his hand on Nami's waist. "Never mind, I'll carry you. Just give me directions."

Li Fan pressed his feet firmly into the ground and dashed off at an incredibly high speed, with Nami in tow.

As Li Fan's disappearing figure left, Nojiko turned to Tashigi with a hint of concern.

"Um, Director Li Fan, is it safe for him to go alone?"

"Nami has made up her mind to confront Arlong, but why don't I gather the villagers to accompany us?"

Tashigi shook his head and replied, "It's not necessary. Don't underestimate Li Fan. He's someone who can hold his own against the legendary naval hero, Garp. If he goes, he can surely deal with the pirates."

"Miss Nojiko, can you provide me with detailed information about this pirate group?" Tashigi inquired. "I'd like to understand why there are pirates stationed on this island, yet the Navy hasn't made any attempts to capture them."

"It's quite a complex tale," Nojiko responded, gazing up at the sky and letting out a deep sigh.

...

On the other side, Li Fan and Nami arrived at the outskirts of the Arlong Park in no time, thanks to Li Fan's rapid pace.

"Oh, the Arlong Pirates certainly know how to indulge themselves. They've turned their territory into quite a luxurious place."

Li Fan gazed at the Arlong Park before him, unable to help but express his amazement.

"They've accumulated a lot of wealth from the island's inhabitants over the years. It's no surprise they could construct such opulent structures," Nami remarked, her eyes filled with strong disdain as she observed the Arlong Park.

Li Fan placed a hand on Nami's shoulder and spoke reassuringly, "You've worked hard for many years, but from now on, you can choose the life you desire."

With that, Li Fan proceeded directly towards the gate of the Arlong Park, simultaneously summoning a long knife into his hand.

"Shuisha—"

Li Fan raised his hand and swiftly slashed the long knife, easily slicing through the solid gate as if it were made of paper.

"Boom!"

The crash of the gate collapsing drew the attention of Arlong's group within the park.

They turned their heads and set their eyes on Li Fan, also noticing Nami following closely behind him.

"Hey, Nami, you've returned." The officer of the Arlong Pirates stood before Li Fan and Nami as they entered the park. "Can you explain why you've brought this man here?"

"Destroying our gate is a grave offense."

"N... Kuroobi!" Nami clutched Li Fan's sleeve, her gaze nervously fixed on Kuroobi.

Nami was familiar with Kuroobi, the officer of the Arlong Pirates. She had witnessed Kuroobi single-handedly destroying an entire village. Despite knowing Li Fan's strength, facing the fear she'd carried since childhood still made her anxious.

"Speaking of offenses, you've forced Nami to work for you for many years, occupied this island, and extorted money from the island's people every month. That is your offense," Li Fan remarked with a wry smile.

"Huh? Are you here to pass judgment on us..."

Swish—

A cold glint streaked across Kuroobi's neck, abruptly silencing his unfinished words.

*Shing!*—

Blood splattered as Kuroobi's head was sent soaring high into the sky, leaving a gruesome scene.

....