Chapter 19: Fight for Freedom

They both stood opposide each other. As Ryo calmly faced off against the imposing fishman, Arlong's confidence radiated through his words.

"You think you can stand against me, human?" Arlong's voice boomed with arrogance, his sharp teeth bared in a menacing grin. "I am the superior race! Fishmen reign supreme over weaklings like you! You and your kind are nothing compred to me!"

Ryo's response was silence, his expression unreadable as he regarded Arlong with a calm demeanor. He knew better than to engage in a battle of words with someone as prideful as Arlong. He didn't even had the interest to talk with someone like him. Instead, he focused his attention on analyzing Arlong's whole body and movements, searching for any weaknesses to exploit.

He knew perfectly well that Arlong was no match for him. He had apparently no knowledge of Haki. Nevertheless he wanted to improve his skills, thus he decided to play along.

Arlong lunged forward with a swift strike, aiming to test Ryo's defenses. However, Ryo effortlessly sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. He decided that this was the perfect moment to improve his Haki. Arlong's frustration grew evident as his attacks continued to miss their mark, barely grazing Ryo's skin thanks to his proficient use of Haki.

Ryo remained unfazed, his focus unwavering as he patiently waited for the opportune moment to strike. He knew that Arlong's overconfidence would be his downfall, he wanted to humiliate him and he was content to let him exhaust himself with futile attacks.

Arlong's attacks grew increasingly frantic as he realized that none of them were landing on Ryo. His disbelief turned to frustration, evident in the way his movements became more erratic and desperate with each passing moment.

"What's the matter, fishman?" Ryo taunted with a smirk, his voice laced with amusement. "Can't seem to lay a finger on me?"

Arlong seethed with anger, his pride wounded by Ryo's mocking words. "You think you're clever, human? You won't be able to dodge forever!"

But Ryo remained calm and composed, his focus unwavering as he continued to evade Arlong's attacks effortlessly. With each dodge, he refined his observation Haki, anticipating Arlong's movements with pinpoint accuracy.

As the battle raged on, Yamato watched from the sidelines, her keen observation skills allowing her to discern Ryo's true intentions. She could see that Ryo was deliberately holding back, toying with Arlong like a cat with its prey. Despite Arlong's boasts of superiority, Yamato knew perfectly well that Ryo possessed the strength and skill to emerge victorious.

She watched with growing admiration as Ryo demonstrated his mastery over Haki. She could sense the subtle fluctuations of energy around him, a testament to his growing strength and skill. With a knowing smile, she realized that Ryo was using both observation and armament Haki to outmaneuver Arlong without taking any damage.

As Arlong's frustration reached its peak, Ryo decided to end the charade. With a swift movement, he coated his finger in armament Haki and delivered a precise flick to Arlong's chest. The impact sent Arlong hurtling backward, crashing through the nearby building with a resounding thud.

The force of the blow left Arlong stunned and gasping for breath, his body aching from the unexpected attack. "How... how did you do that?!", he groaned more to himself than to Ryo. How could a weak human like him be so strong?

Meanwhile, Ryo stood tall and victorious, a wicked smile playing on his lips as he surveyed the aftermath of his strike.

Yamato couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at Ryo's display of power and skill. She knew that with his determination and mastery of Haki, he was capable of facing any challenge that came his way. With that power he could truly conquer the world.

As Arlong's continued to live out his hat, his insults aimed at both Ryo and Nami grew increasingly venomous. But amidst his hateful words, Ryo remained silent, his gaze unwavering. He listened intently, his mind focused on the task at hand.

"You think you can waltz in here and challenge me, human?" Arlong spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're nothing but a weakling, just like her." Nami's grip on Yamato's hand tightened, her face ful of concern for Ryo. Yamato however remained stoic, squeezing Namis hand back slightly to calm her down. Her eyes locked on Ryo, observing his next moves.

With a deep breath, Ryo steeled himself. He knew what he had to do. Drawing his katana, he channeled his energy, feeling the vibrations pulsating through him. Zoe's words echoed in his mind, guiding his movements as he delveddeeper in the powers of his devil fruit.

"This ends now. I think i call this... Vibro Slash" Ryo declared, his voice firm as he swung his Katana with his full power. A surge of vibrating energy erupted from his blade, a massive wave of power hurtling towards Arlong with unstoppable force. The air crackled with intensity as the Vibro Slash sliced through the space between them, aiming directly for its target.

Arlong's eyes widened in shock as the wave crashed into him, tearing through his body as if it were mere paper. The force of the attack sent him hurtling backwards, his body colliding with the central building of the Park.

As Arlong was pressed against the wall, there was a clear cut visible across his chest. It extended on both sides of his body across the building. The next thing everyone present witnessed was, that the building crumbled along the cut and Arlongs body slided in two, making the whole center building of Arlong Park collapsing into itself. Dust and debris filled the space, obscuring the aftermath of Ryo's devastating attack.

As the dust settied, all Yamato could see was that Ryo knelt on the ground. They all rushed to his side, concern etched on their faces. Nojiko and Nami knelt beside him checking for any signs of injury. "Ryo, are you okay?" Nojiko asked, her voice laced with worry

He nodded weakly, a small smile gracing his lips. "I'm fine, just exhausted", he reassured them. Ryo didn't had any stamina left. He didn't realized this attack consumed so much of his energy. As he closed his eyes he fell foward, right in Yamatos arms.

With a gentle touch, Nami brushed the hair from Ryo's forehead, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Ryo," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere.

As the last bits of consciousness slipped away, Ryo knew that he had freed Nami from the shackles of her past.