Chapter 50: Nami`s Pain
Meanwhile Nami was heading to Cocoyasi Village with the Going Merry, she stole from the Strawhats. She was not proud but she had to do it to save her village. Nami held her arm where the tattoo of the Arlong Pirates was.
"I will save you all," she said. As she approached Cocoyasi Village, she docked near Arlong Park. She dropped anchor and got off the ship. She was initially going to head towards her home and see her sister and get the cash, however she saw Nezumi running with fear in his face towards Arlong Park.
She thought about following him and seeing what was going on. Nami had stealthily followed Nezumi back to Arlong Park. She could hear some shouting from the wall.
"What do you mean you failed to steal the money?" he shouted and added, "Shioyaki was defeated by two women. You are truly pathetic."
Nami knew the voice belonged to Arlong. She thought about why Arlong would tell Nezumi to steal money and not her. Unless Arlong wanted Nezumi to steal her money.
"But?" Nezumi said.
Arlong looked up and inhaled some air. He smelt someone nearby. "I know you are there Nami," Arlong said.
Nami knew about the fishman`s better nose but got caught by it. Nami walked from the wall around to the main gate and walked towards Arlong.
"You are a naughty girl for spying on us," Arlong said.
"Our deal," Nami said in tears.
Arlong got up and grabbed her face,lifting her up from her feet and said, "I thought this worthless human would mess up so I sent Kaneshiro and Take to steal your money."
"But we had a deal," Nami said still with tears.
"The deal was you bring the money to me and that still stands. I am such a generous Captain," Arlong said. He dropped Nami while laughing.
"Yeah, I just need to give you the money. It won't take me too long to get it again," Nami said while getting up. She was still shaking. "I will get the money again," she said again and again.
Arlong and his crew were laughing. Nami walked away from Arlong Park. She headed towards the Cocoyasi Village. She was in a state of shock. She bumped into someone. She was about to fall to the ground when someone caught her. "Hey, long time no see," Ben said.
Ben had caught Nami as she was falling. Her eyes were red. Nojiko saw Nami and ran towards her. "Nami, are you okay?" she said.
"Nojiko, sis I am sorry. I failed," she said, bursting into tears.
Nojiko took Nami from Ben and hugged her. "It's okay, we will beat them," Nojiko said, trying to reassure her.
"They sent Nezumi and the marines, Kaneshiro and Take after the money." Nami said in tears.
"I will work twice as hard and get the money to buy our village so it can be saved," Nami said.
"Nami, Ben, my captain protected us from them both," Nojiko said and added, "He defeated them." Nojiko was also in tears. Kaya and Alvida were saddened hearing this.
"No-one makes my navigator cry and her sister cry," Ben declared. "Nojiko take care of Nami," Ben said.
The group walked towards Arlong Park. At the fork road they met Belo Betty and Honey leading a group of villagers armed with ordinary items such as a leg chair or some pipes.
"You have gathered a force," Ben said.
"Scum with purpose are useful," Belo Betty said.
"Sharp tongue as always." Ben said.
"Nojiko has joined our crew," Ben said to Honey and Belo Betty. They both acknowledged.
Genzo and the villagers saw Nami and Nojiko. "Nami, we know the truth and we want to help and liberate our village," Genzo said.
"I am sorry," Nami said in tears.
The villagers saw Nami's tears got more enraged and their resolve got stronger.
"No-one hurts our village darlings and gets away with it," Genzo yelled. The villagers cheered.
Ben thought it was nice to see this enthusiasm. He thought despite Luffy and the crew not being here, events are playing broadly in the same way. The villagers know the truth and want to help Nami out. He thought it best to keep to the main story as much as possible for these events so he can predict and plan outcomes.
"Honey, are you okay?" Ben asked.
"I am," she replied. Ben could feel something bugging her.
Belo Betty explained that she and the villagers had dealt with the corrupt marines and one of the fishman. She said their captain had run away during the chaos.
"Nezumi is at Arlong Park right now," Nami said.
She added, "With Arlong and the remaining crew."
"Perfect, we can take them all out in one go," Ben said with a smile.
He approached Nami and said, "I know you are scared and hurt. These pirates are absolute scum to hurt you, your sister, your adopted mother and this village. I will make them all pay. I want you to watch Arlong be defeated with his minions."
Nami didn't know what to say so she nodded.
"Another one you pervert," Kaya said.
Alvida, Honey and Belo Betty giggled.
"Dont ruin my hero moment." Ben said.
"I think you ruined it when you opened your mouth, Captain," Kaya said then sticked her tongue out.
"Why you?" Ben said and he was about to approach Kaya when Belo Betty cleared her throat and pointed to the villagers.
Ben saw that and stopped himself and said, "Okay, you lot stay here and make sure no one gets near the main fight. My crew will take them on."
Genzo wanted to help and voice his opinion. "We want to help. They have caused us much suffering," he said.
"I know but this is dangerous. Trust me, stay back and protect others. You will get in our way," Ben said. Genzo understood and nodded, although it did not look too happy.
"Okay girls, let's head to Arlong park," Ben declared.