It wasn't long before the warship gradually slowed down and came to a steady halt near the south gate of Arlong Park.
A large number of Marines disembarked, rowing ashore in small boats. They landed beside the seawater-connected pool in the courtyard, forming orderly ranks as they stepped onto land.
At the center of nearly a hundred armed Marines stood their commanding officer, protected by his men.
He wore a hooded cap adorned with two mouse ears, and his face bore whiskers resembling those of a rat. His eyes and expression carried an unmistakable air of treachery.
Captain Nezumi chuckled lowly, his gaze discreetly sweeping across the surroundings. A flicker of shock flashed through his eyes.
Judging by the state of Arlong Park, it was obvious that Arlong and his crew had suffered a crushing defeat. And if even the infamous Fish-Men had been dealt with so thoroughly, there was no way he could stand a chance against the one who defeated them.
However, despite this realization, Captain Nezumi remained utterly composed. He was certain that the person who took down Arlong was either one of those pesky bounty hunters or some foolish villagers who had managed to find themselves a strong ally.
One thing was for sure: the victor could not be a pirate. Otherwise, how could these villagers still be standing here, unharmed?
And as long as they weren't pirates, they wouldn't dare lay a hand on a Marine captain like him.
After all, the Marines were the true rulers of these seas!
With this in mind, Captain Nezumi felt little concern for his safety. In fact, he had originally come here expecting to collect his usual tribute from Arlong. So upon discovering that Arlong had been defeated, his first reaction was irritation.
But then a thought struck him—perhaps he could use this opportunity to claim all of Arlong's leftover treasure for himself.
After all, Arlong and his crew had plundered this region for years. The wealth they had accumulated must be unimaginable.
As greed flickered in his eyes, Captain Nezumi couldn't suppress a sinister laugh.
Without acknowledging the villagers, he shifted his focus to the most imposing figure among the gathered crowd—the man who was most likely responsible for Arlong's defeat.
Assuming he had everything under control, Nezumi smirked and spoke with a condescending air:
"So, it looks like you're the one who took down Arlong and his crew."
"Alright, this no longer concerns you. Take these villagers and leave at once.
"From here on, the Marines will handle everything."
Nami's expression shifted as a thought crossed her mind. She quickly interrupted, "Wait a minute! He defeated Arlong, who had a bounty on his head. Shouldn't he receive a reward?"
Captain Nezumi's eye twitched. He shot a displeased glance at the meddlesome woman before responding indifferently:
"Of course. Naturally, there's a bounty."
"Arlong's bounty... if I recall correctly, it was one thousand—uh, no, five million Berries."
Hearing this, the Marine sergeant standing beside him immediately caught on and chimed in:
"Yes, Captain! Arlong's bounty was indeed five million Berries."
"Ji-hihihihi, looks like my memory serves me well."
Captain Nezumi grinned slyly, then waved a dismissive hand toward Will.
"Alright, you can collect the five million Berries from Marine Branch 16 in a few days."
"What?! Just five million Berries?!"
Nami's eyes widened in shock. She knew Arlong's bounty by heart—there was no way she could forget it.
Frowning, she retorted, "Arlong's bounty has always been twenty million Berries. When did it suddenly drop to five million?"
"That's right, five million Berries. The bounty was lowered recently—you all probably just hadn't heard about it yet."
"If you don't believe me, ask them."
Captain Nezumi showed not the slightest hint of nervousness. Instead, he smirked and turned to the Marine soldiers beside him.
"Well? Tell her—how much is Arlong's bounty?"
The armed Marines understood his intent immediately. Smirking coldly, they responded in unison:
"Five million Berries!"
"Ji-hihihi. See? I told you."
Captain Nezumi crossed his arms and sneered at Nami.
"Damn it... This bastard is doing this on purpose. He's trying to pocket Arlong's bounty for himself!"
Nami's mind raced with anger and frustration. She had heard of bounties being increased, but never reduced.
It was clear now—these Marines were no allies. They were as corrupt as they came.
And that realization sent a wave of unease through her heart.
Meanwhile, Captain Nezumi, growing impatient, scowled and barked:
"Enough! Why are you all still standing here?!
"Leave immediately! Do not interfere with our Marine operation to eliminate the remaining pirates!"
But despite his words, no one moved.
Captain Nezumi's face darkened. He glared menacingly and spat out a threat:
"If you don't leave, I'll treat you all as accomplices of the Arlong Pirates and arrest every last one of you!"
At that moment, Will, who had been silently watching this farce unfold, finally spoke, his expression cold and devoid of emotion:
"A Marine officer threatening innocent civilians... Quite the display of authority."
Nezumi, now eager to seize Arlong's treasure, had long lost interest in maintaining any pretense.
Lifting his chin arrogantly, he sneered, "Ji-hihihi. Kid, don't think you're all that just because you took down Arlong."
"You should know that in these waters, the 16th Marine Branch is in charge!"
Casting a disdainful glance at Will, he added mockingly, "What? Are you actually thinking of attacking a Marine captain?"
"If you so much as lay a finger on me, you'll be branded a wanted criminal!"
"The entire East Blue will become a place where you have no refuge!"
Will's eyes turned ice-cold. Hands in his pockets, he stepped forward, his killing intent laid bare.
"You have chosen the path to death."
Captain Nezumi's face twisted in fear.
He hadn't expected Will to actually make a move. In a panic, he waved his hands and shouted frantically:
"How dare you defy the Marines?! Soldiers, seize him!"
"Arrest him immediately! If he resists, shoot him on the spot!"
The Marine soldiers responded in unison.
A dozen or so troops nearest to Will raised their weapons and charged forward, some already aiming their guns.
But Will's gaze remained locked onto Captain Nezumi. He didn't even bother dodging.
In an instant, Will's figure vanished from sight.
In the next moment, he reappeared as a blur of movement, weaving through the approaching soldiers like a deadly phantom.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
One after another, the Marines were sent flying, their bodies crashing to the ground.
Their pained groans lasted mere seconds before their heads lolled to the side, unconscious and unmoving.
Karina, Nami, and the others gasped in astonishment.
None of them had expected Will to show the same ruthless decisiveness even when facing the Marines.
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