บท 15: 14. The Miserable Arlong
After a simple dinner, Al, as usual, relaxed on the sofa with a cup of coffee, watching Tom's performance after the meal. Meanwhile, Nami finished clearing the table and headed out to Cocoyasi Village to seek help from the villagers in building a boat.
Shortly after Nami left, there came a sudden knock on the door. Genzo's gruff voice followed, "Mr. Al, I need to talk to you."
Al set down his coffee, and Tom, being sensible, opened the door. He then removed his boxing gloves and deftly poured a cup of hot tea for Genzo.
Accepting the tea, Genzo cast a glance at Arlong and his three subordinates, who were so beaten up that they were hardly recognizable. A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Lost in thought for a moment, Al took a sip of coffee and inquired, "What's on your mind?"
Genzo shook his head, his tone turning serious. "Initially, I came here because of Arlong's gang, but seeing them like this, I don't think it's necessary anymore."
As he spoke, Genzo glanced at Arlong, who was once again using the sandbag despite being unconscious. A gasp escaped Genzo's lips.
Even though Arlong was out cold, Tom continued his actions without pause. Genzo had originally come with the intention of having Al deal with Arlong, but now, witnessing this scene...
He can sense the agony from such a distance!
Simultaneously, he realized how naive his initial thoughts had been. Simply killing Arlong and his gang like that would be too easy for them.
"Sorry for the interruption, Mr. Al," Genzo said as he placed his teacup on the table. As he began to rise to leave, Al suddenly spoke up:
"Sit down and let's chat for a bit. I have a business proposition to discuss with you," Al said.
Genzo was a bit puzzled. They were just a group of fish people who had been oppressed by Arlong for so long, so they didn't have any money. However, since Al had brought it up, Genzo felt awkward leaving and asked, "What business?"
Al then pulled out one of Arlong's teeth and placed it on the table with a smile. "I'm planning to start a jewelry business."
"Isn't it well-known that Arlong's teeth grow back quickly?" Al continued. "So why not capitalize on that and sell his teeth as ornaments all over the world?"
Genzo was completely lost. What were ornaments?
He had never heard of such a thing before. For common folk like them, the only valuable items were food and precious metals like gold, silver, and jewelry.
Upon hearing Al's ambitious plans, Genzo furrowed his brow. After a prolonged silence, he spoke solemnly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Al, but I don't quite understand..."
Al's smile faded instantly. He took a sip of his coffee in silence, lost in deep thought.
Reflecting on it, he realized it wasn't their fault. After all, in this world, no one would typically consider using shark's teeth as decorations. Furthermore, only high-ranking officials and nobles would usually wear such ornaments.
For the villagers of Cocoyasi Village, who had endured years of oppression under Arlong and his crew, simply having enough to eat was a blessing.
However, this perspective also presented Al with a business opportunity—a venture with significant potential.
Just as the two remained silent, Nami returned from outside. Upon seeing their serious expressions, she coughed lightly and inquired, "Is something wrong?"
After Al shared his thoughts with Nami, her eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
"Genzo, you have to agree to Al's proposal quickly! This is a tremendous opportunity with huge profits!" Nami exclaimed, grabbing Akin's arm excitedly.
Though Genzo didn't fully grasp why Nami was so thrilled, her endorsement was enough for him to consent.
After seeing Genzo off, Nami picked up the teeth from the table and exclaimed, "Captain, you're a genius!"
Al felt a bit bashful at Nami's praise. He cleared his throat twice before speaking:
"Nami, what about the boat?" Al inquired.
"The villagers mentioned they don't know how to construct a boat, but they can supply us with materials," Nami replied.
"That's fine, we'll have Tom handle it," Al said assuredly.
Upon hearing his name, Tom emerged from the corner, casting a suspicious glance at the two.
His expression seemed to ask, "Why do you need me?"
Al and Nami exchanged amused looks before bursting into laughter.
Tom, still puzzled, shook his head and retrieved a baseball bat from behind him, his smile taking on a mischievous edge.
"Oh, and Captain, since we can use Arlong's teeth as decorations, why not consider the three subordinates as well..." Nami interjected eagerly, rubbing her hands together and eyeing the unconscious subordinates with a gleam in her eyes, her smile turning sinister.
Al suddenly recalled that during the previous battle, Octopus had utilized an attack involving spraying ink. Nami had mentioned at the time how difficult it was to clean up that ink.
"Hehe~" Sinister laughter filled the room, causing the three unconscious subordinates to sense a looming threat, instinctively trembling.
...
Throughout the night, piercing screams echoed even in Cocoyasi Village, a kilometer away.
By dawn, Genzo stood at Nami's door, sporting a black eye from the restless night.
After waiting for a response and receiving none, Genzo cautiously pressed his ear against the door.
Through the crack, he heard Nami's voice, breathless with excitement, saying, "Tom, faster! This is truly remarkable!"
"Unlike Captain Al, who dies after a while!" Nami exclaimed. (T/N: 😏)
Genzo's expression darkened instantly. He kicked open the door and roared, "What in the world is going on here?!"
In the room, Al sat on the sofa, sweating profusely, looking exhausted.
Tom stuck out his tongue playfully and waved the baseball bat in his hand, while Nami cheered him on enthusiastically from the sidelines.
Her eyes glowing!
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