The ground crunches under my sprint as I close in. The fishman's glisten under the sun, his sneer widening—until my heel slams into his gut. A sickening thud echoes as he folds, the air bursting from his lungs in a wheeze. His body skids across the dirt, dust swirling around him.
Before the second fishman can react, I jump, the air whistling past my legs as I deliver a swift drop kick. His face planted on the ground with a wet, sickening smack. Crumbling sounds come from the ground as his teeth crack. I looked to the last fish man, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear.
"Do you know who you're messing with? We're Arlong's pirates," he said, his voice dripping with false confidence, the stench of his fishy breath wafting towards me.
He felt confident after saying he worked for Arlong, puffing out his chest.
"You made a big mistake. Start growing like other humans," he adds with a sneer, reaching out a webbed hand.
He tries to grab Alex's face, but Alex is faster, the movement a blur. He grabs the fishman's neck, the skin feeling rough against his fingers. The fishman struggles, his gills fluttering rapidly.
"Who is feeling scared now?" Alex said, his voice low and menacing.
"Please... rele.. ase.. me..." the fishman begs, his voice choked and gurgling.
"Oh, but I'm enjoying this feeling of power," Alex said nonchalantly, the weight of the fishman's life in his grasp.
I tighten my grip, the fishman's struggles becoming weaker. Tears stream from his bulging eyes, the salty scent mixing with the fishy odor.
But the only thing running through my thoughts was how he could even think that he could talk to me like that. These useless, good-for-nothing creatures don't contribute anything good to society.
After struggling for a longer time, his body goes limp. I toss his lifeless body aside, the wet thud echoing in the sudden silence. His body rolled down two or three times before stopping with a final, unsettling stillness.
The other villagers, who had been watching in terror, got scared and started running, their footsteps fading into the distance. I stared down at my hands, emotionless, a strange detachment settling over me. I had definitely changed. This power was dangerously addictive, a thrilling current coursing through my veins.
I sensed someone watching me. When I turned my head, I spotted a girl observing everything from a distance. She wore a simple tank top and jeans, casual. Her hair—a soft shade of lavender-blue—fell in gentle waves, brushing just past her shoulders
It's Nojiko. When she notices me staring at her, her eyes widen slightly, and she grows slightly nervous, her hand instinctively touching her arm. But she gathers herself and walks toward me, her footsteps soft on the dusty ground.
"Thank you," she says, her voice soft yet clear, a hint of relief in her tone.
"For helping the villagers. They may be scared, but they appreciate your help," she adds, her gaze sincere.
"My name is Alex. What's your name, beautiful lady?" Alex asks, offering a handshake with a smile, his hand outstretched.
Nojiko is slightly shocked. She raises her hand to shake his, her skin feeling soft against his.
"Do you know a girl named Nami?" Alex asks.
"No, I don't," Nojiko replies uncomfortably, her voice betraying a hint of hesitation.
Why does he want to know about Nami?
"Do you have business with her?" she asks.
"Yes. She tried to steal my money. I'm going to find her and make her pay. She's about to learn a valuable lesson—never mess with me.," Alex says.
I start feeling scared, a chill running down my spine despite the warm air. This guy is dangerous, the raw power radiating off him palpable. I have to distract him, somehow make sure they never cross paths. Nami is probably with the fishmen.
"So where are you gonna look for her?" Nojiko asked, trying to sound casual, her heart pounding in her chest.
"I heard she lives there," Alex replied, pointing toward Arlong's headquarters.
How does he know she's there?
My mind raced, thoughts colliding like crashing waves. If he goes there, Nami will get caught. I don't know if Arlong will help her—or if he'll turn on her instead, his cruelty well-known.
I have to do something.
"Would you like to join me for dinner at my house, Alex?" she asked with a smile on her face.
"I would love to join you. I am little hungry" He said with hand on his stomach, a genuine hint of hunger in his voice.
"Follow me," Nojiko says, turning and leading the way, her steps quick and light.
They started walking to her house, the path winding through the village.
Cocoyashi Village stretched quietly ahead, its familiar palm trees swaying lazily in the gentle breeze, their fronds rustling softly. The scent of the sea drifted inland, mingling with the earthy smell of wet soil from the recent rain and the sweet, tangy fragrance of distant citrus trees hanging heavy in the warm air.
As he walked past the small market stalls, mostly empty now in the late afternoon, a few remaining villagers nodded in cautious recognition, their eyes lingering on him with a mixture of fear and gratitude. Alex gave a polite smile, but his thoughts were elsewhere—on the soft-spoken girl with the blue hair and eyes who walked beside him.
They now stood in front of her small, humble house, paint peeling slightly on the wooden walls. Nojiko reached into her pocket, the jingle of keys breaking the quiet, and unlocked the door, the old hinges groaning slightly as she pushed it open.
"Come on in," Nojiko said with a subtle, forced smile.
They enter.
"Is there anything special you'd like me to cook?" Nojiko asked, her voice polite, trying to appear normal.
"Surprise me. And can you show me the bathroom? I need to freshen up," Alex said, a slight weariness in his tone.
"Sure. Follow me," she said, leading him through the small living area, the worn wooden floorboards creaking softly under their feet.
I shows him the bathroom, the small room smelling of soap and clean laundry, and gives him a soft, slightly faded towel.
"Thanks" Alex said with smile, accepting the towel.
I enter the kitchen. I start cooking the food.
The kitchen was filled with the soft sizzle of oil in a pan and the fragrant aroma of garlic and onions slowly browning.
Sunlight poured through the open window, dancing across the tiled counter and catching the steam rising from the pot of simmering stew. A faint breeze rustled the lace curtain and carried the scent of tangerine blossoms from outside.
The knife thunked against the cutting board in a steady rhythm, fresh herbs releasing their scent into the steam rising from the pot. Garlic sizzled in oil, its aroma mingling with the tang of citrus from the open window. Nojiko's hands moved deftly, sprinkling spices—each pinch sending a burst of color into the simmering stew
But her thoughts are elsewhere.
What should I do about Nami? If Alex finds her, nothing good will come of this. I need to warn Nami.
Then the doorbell rings. I walks over and sees Nami. My heart sinks. Before I can react, Nami steps inside.
"Why are you still standing there, Nojiko?" Nami says, her voice casual, a hint of a smile on her lips.
Panic sets in, cold and sharp.
"What are you doing here, Nami?" Nojiko asks, her voice strained, trying to sound normal.
"Can't I visit my sister?" Nami replies.
"Of course you can. But now isn't the best time," Nojiko said.
"Are you okay? Why are you saying that?" Nami asks, her concern growing, her eyes searching Nojiko's face.
What should I say to Nami to make her leave quietly?
"The villagers aren't happy right now. You should go before anyone sees you," Nojiko said, her voice urgent.
"Is the situation get that bad?" Nami asks, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced with worry.
"We'll talk later, I promise. You should go now," Nojiko urges, gently pushing Nami towards the door.
"I just came to say I've collected all the money I need to free the village. I'm going to Arlong to finalize the deal," Nami says, her voice filled with a mix of relief and determination
Relief washes over Nojiko. But now isn't the time to celebrate.
She holds Nami's hand.
"I'm very happy to hear that, Nami," Nojiko said, her voice thick with emotion.
"Let's go. We'll meet afterwards," she adds, pulling Nami towards the door.
I takes Nami to the door and says goodbye, a sense of unease lingering despite the good news. Once Nami leaves, the click of the door echoing in the sudden silence, I exhales deeply, the breath catching in my throat.
She reenters the living room and sees Alex standing there, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his gaze intense.
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