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"Let's go."
Luffy grinned at his crew, his usual carefree confidence undimmed. They had never feared a fight, and while Arlong might be strong, he wasn't invincible. To them, this was just another obstacle to overcome.
"Okay!" the crew shouted in unison, rallying behind their captain.
The five of them set off toward Arlong Park, their resolve unwavering. Luffy strode ahead, flanked by Zoro and Usopp on one side, Lucas and Sanji on the other. Lucas knew this battle would be Luffy's true debut, a chance to prove himself as a captain worth following.
"We need to hurry," Lucas said, glancing at the distant crowd of villagers. "We have to reach Arlong before they do."
The others nodded, picking up their pace.
At the gates of Arlong Park, Johnny and Yosaku leaned against the shattered entrance, their bodies battered but their spirits unbroken. Their blades were crossed defiantly, barring the way for the armed villagers.
"We lost… by a hair's breadth," Yosaku admitted through gritted teeth.
The villagers stared in disbelief. "Move aside!" one of them demanded. "We're here to fight Arlong!"
Johnny shook his head, his voice firm. "No. We won't let you throw your lives away. Not when there's no chance of winning."
Yosaku tightened his grip on his sword. "We're waiting for someone else, men who'll come no matter what."
Just then, the Straw Hats arrived.
"They're here!" Johnny and Yosaku grinned in relief.
The five pirates stepped forward, their expressions deadly serious.
"Lucas, lend me your sword," Zoro said, holding out a hand.
Without hesitation, Lucas passed him the Kusanagi Sword. Zoro admired the blade, it was a fine weapon, one he'd gladly wield in battle, even if only temporarily.
"Who are they?" a villager whispered.
Johnny smirked. "If these five can't beat Arlong, then no one in the East Blue, hell, maybe even the whole world stands a chance."
Inside Arlong Park, the fishman warlord lounged in the sun, chuckling to himself. "Those two idiots earlier, did they really think they could challenge me?"
Kuroobi, his lieutenant, shrugged. "Pathetic. Not even worth killing."
Suddenly, the gates exploded inward.
BOOM!
Every fishman turned as dust and debris filled the air. Through the smoke, a straw-hatted figure stepped forward.
"Hey, you guys," Luffy said, his voice low and steady. "Which one of you is Arlong?"
The fishman leader sneered. "It's me. And who the hell are you?"
Luffy didn't answer. He just kept walking.
"Hey, kid," two fishman blocked his path, cracking their knuckles. "You don't just barge in here..."
"Move."
Luffy's fists lashed out faster than they could react. The two fishman crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The others gaped. "What the...?!"
Luffy didn't stop. He reached Arlong's throne and swung.
CRACK!
The punch sent Arlong flying, crashing through the wall behind him. The warlord staggered up, more annoyed than hurt.
"Who are you?" Arlong growled.
"I'm Luffy. A pirate."
Arlong scoffed. "And what does a pirate want with me?"
Luffy's eyes darkened. "I won't let you make my navigator cry."
Behind him, Zoro and Sanji stepped forward.
"Tch. Don't hog all the fun, Luffy," Sanji muttered, lighting a cigarette.
Zoro smirked, resting the Kusanagi Sword on his shoulder. "Leave some for us."
At the rear, Lucas and Usopp shuffled in nervously, watching Sanji and Zoro effortlessly knock aside the remaining fishmen.
"Uh… Sanji," Lucas stammered, "I don't mind Luffy taking the lead, but save a few for me, okay?"
Usopp forced a laugh, sweat dripping down his face. "Y-Yeah! As your brave captain, I demand a fair share!"
Zoro shot Lucas a flat look. "You're supposed to be the vice-captain. Act like it."
Lucas rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Right, right…"
Outside, the villagers stared in awe.
"Did… did he just punch Arlong through a wall?" one whispered.
Johnny crossed his arms. "Told you. If they can't win, no one can."
Nojiko, Nami's sister, frowned. "But why are they doing this?"
Yosaku grinned. "Because Arlong made Nami cry. What other reason do they need?"
Arlong dusted himself off, finally understanding. "So. You're here for Nami."
Before he could act, a hulking octopus fishman stepped forward, inflating his nose like a trumpet.
"HAHAHA! No need for Boss Arlong to dirty his hands!" he crowed. "I'll crush you myself!"
The sound echoed, and the ground trembled. From the water emerged a monstrous shadow, a colossal sea beast, its bulk dwarfing the entire park.
Lucas's jaw dropped.
"What the hell is that?!"
The creature loomed over them, its sheer size defying logic. Luffy, standing before it, looked like an ant in comparison.
Lucas swallowed hard.
'How are we supposed to fight that?!'