Chapter 16
After taking a phone call, the vice admiral made the final decision.
"120 million berries."
"That much?"
Everyone present was stunned. Even the Four Emperors didn't start with bounties that high!
"It's the World Government's decision!" The vice admiral shrugged.
…
"Just 120 million!"
The next day, Arlong lounged on a beach chair, counting the long string of zeros on his new bounty poster with dissatisfaction.
"Big Bro Arlong, that's 120 million!"
Nami's eyes turned into berry symbols as she sidled up fawningly. "Big Bro Arlong, could you maybe…"
"No."
Arlong cut her off before she could finish.
Her little scheme was written all over her face.
Nami: Σ(⊙▽⊙"a
She pouted coquettishly. "Big Bro Arlong, I haven't even said what it is yet!"
"You're practically drowning in money thoughts—anyone could guess what you want!"
Nojiko walked over carrying afternoon tea, looking disdainful.
Nami shot her a glare, then shook Arlong's arm with a whiny tone. (/ω＼)
"Big Bro Arloooong~"
"Marine bases can't hold you anyway. Get it done and I'll give you 10 million."
"As if I'm short your 10 million?" Arlong gave her an annoyed look.
Nojiko set the tray down, full of contempt. "Have you no shame saying that out loud? Big Bro Arlong is risking his life—you want the lion's share."
"Mind your own business."
Nami rolled her eyes, then held up three fingers.
"30 million…"
"Not going."
Arlong drained his juice in one gulp.
"Big Bro Arlong, try the tangerine candy I made."
Nojiko picked up a piece and fed it to his mouth. Arlong took it—candy and finger together.
He sucked gently a couple times before releasing it. "So sweet."
(σ°?°)σ..:*☆
Nojiko blushed.
"Nojiko!"
Nami's eyes blazed. She was discussing serious business—this girl kept interfering.
Nojiko glanced at Nami, picked up another piece, and held it to Arlong's lips. "Ah~"
Nami gritted her teeth and finally stated her bottom line. "70 million—no, 100 million. That's my final offer."
"I'm not short on cash."
Arlong pulled out a key and slipped it into Nami's cleavage. "From now on, you manage all the money."
Nami's eyes lit up. She planted a quick kiss on his cheek and bolted to the cabin.
Soon a scream echoed out.
"Ah~~~"
…
Arlong's dissatisfaction with his bounty caused massive waves in the New World.
Moby Dick
"Gurararara~"
Edward Newgate laughed heartily at Arlong's poster.
"Another incredible fishman has emerged!"
"Dad, you're not thinking of making him a son, are you?!"
Marco's eyes widened. Arlong hated humans—he'd be a terrible fit!
"Arlong has big ambitions. Someone like that would disrupt family harmony."
Whitebeard shook his head slightly. "I'm just curious how far he'll go."
After eight years of silence, why the sudden high-profile return to the New World? What kind of opportunity did he stumble upon?
…
An unnamed island
The Red Hair Pirates were camped here. Mihawk had visited twice this month—for the same reason.
The crew was in the middle of a party when Mihawk arrived again.
Red Hair paused, then grinned at the bounty poster in Mihawk's hand.
"Mihawk, don't tell me Luffy's bounty went up again!"
"The guy I have my eye on is different, alright! Hahaha~ Everyone, drink!"
"Cheers~"
Over a dozen massive mugs clinked together amid cheers.
"This is Arlong's bounty—120 million. Luffy lost to him before."
Mihawk slapped the poster onto Shanks.
He felt it was a waste—Shanks had bet an arm on a kid who couldn't even beat Arlong.
Shanks paused mid-drink for half a second, then finished his mug.
He slung his arm over Mihawk's shoulder with a goofy grin. "Relax, relax. I'm not worried—why are you?"
"Growth requires setbacks."
"Red Hair, you spilled booze on me. Don't think I'll go easy just because you're missing an arm."
…
Somewhere at sea
Jinbe received the news and gazed toward Fish-Man Island with worry. "This is reckless… I hope nothing goes wrong."
Relations between fishmen and humans were delicate. One wrong move could spark massive chaos.
After some thought, he decided to return to Fish-Man Island.
…
Fish-Man Island – Fish-Man District
Arlong, nearly forgotten, suddenly became the hot topic.
"No way! That coward Arlong? How could his bounty be that high?"
"If he was that strong, he never would've left the Sun Pirates and hidden in some East Blue backwater."
"The World Bulletin doesn't lie."
"Senior Arlong is amazing! We should follow his example!"
Some scoffed, others admired.
As the news spread, the delinquents of Fish-Man District grew restless—many dreamed of venturing out into the world.
Fortunately, Aladine received Jinbe's message and arrived in time to suppress the unrest. Things calmed down for now.
…
Loguetown
The holy land of pirates—symbolizing both beginning and end.
As the final supply stop before the Grand Line, Loguetown's docks handled staggering traffic.
All kinds of people from every walk of life passed through.
Locals were numb to pirates, but the arrival of the Shark Sparb still caused a huge stir.
In the East Blue, where the average bounty was 3 million, 120 million was astronomical.
After assigning tasks, Arlong leaped from the ship.
"Skwahahaha~ Loguetown, Arlong has arrived!"
A few bounds later, he vanished from sight.
"That's big-pirate speed?"
Onlookers at the dock exclaimed in awe.
…
On the bustling streets, Nojiko looked around like a country bumpkin entering the Grand View Garden.
"Wow, so this is Loguetown?"
"So many people!"
"So much food for sale!"
…
Raised in Coc equipo yasi Village, she had never seen a town this lively—at least not in her memory.
"Can you stop acting like you've never seen the world?"
The strange looks from passersby made Nami want to die of embarrassment.
Nojiko had promised to behave, but every new sight made her gasp and point.
"Nami…"
No response. Nojiko turned—Nami was three or four meters away.
Nojiko: ⊙▃⊙
Nami grabbed her arm. "Come on, we're going clothes shopping."
Their figures had filled out lately—especially Nojiko's.
Arlong was possessive and forbade revealing outfits.
…
Meanwhile, Arlong arrived in a rundown district.
Dilapidated buildings, dark, damp, decaying—this was a criminal paradise.
Along the way he passed at least ten fights.
"Really brings back memories."
The familiar atmosphere stirred deep recollections. It was so much like where he grew up.
Unknowingly, he stopped in front of a three-story building. Old structure, but the sign above the door was new.
Five clear characters were visible.
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