The next morning, Lucas and the others were jolted awake by the commotion outside.
"Everyone! Arlong and his crew are here!"
"What's happening? We just paid the tribute!"
A man with a small windmill on his head stepped forward. "You've all seen I'm armed. Go back inside, I'll handle this."
"Brother Genzo…" one villager called out hesitantly.
Genzo waved them off, and reluctantly, the crowd retreated into their homes. By then, Arlong had already sauntered up to him, towering over the smaller man with a mocking grin.
"Hey, you're the one with the weapon, huh?" Arlong's voice dripped with amusement. To him, Genzo was nothing more than an insect.
"Y-Yeah, I collect weapons. Got a problem with that?" Genzo's voice wavered, but his resolve was firm. He had already accepted his fate.
"Of course I do." Arlong's tone turned sharp. "Weapons breed violence. They disrupt peace, and that's unacceptable." He spoke as if he were some righteous enforcer rather than the tyrant he truly was.
Nearby, Lucas, Usopp, Zoro, and Nojiko crouched behind a house, observing the scene.
"Arlong's a monster," Lucas muttered angrily. "He's the real cancer poisoning this town."
Beside him, Usopp trembled uncontrollably. His reaction was understandable, any sane person would fear a fish-man of Arlong's size and brutality.
Zoro, however, tightened his grip on his swords. He was ready.
Along with Wado Ichimonji, he now carried Lucas's Kusanagi Sword and a standard blade Lucas had bought for 100 Emotion Points. Lucas had entrusted the Kusanagi Sword to Zoro, it was far more useful in his hands.
The night before, Lucas had briefed Zoro on the fish-men's strengths. On land, Zoro was confident he could hold his own.
"After Arlong took over, he demanded money from every one of us, adults and children alike," Nojiko whispered bitterly. "If anyone refused, they were killed. This village was once peaceful… until he came."
Her fists clenched in helpless rage.
THUD!
Before they could say more, Arlong slammed Genzo into the ground and hoisted him up effortlessly.
"Carrying a weapon is treason. For the sake of order, I'll execute you here."
As Arlong prepared to deliver the final blow, Nojiko couldn't take it anymore. She burst from hiding, shouting:
"Arlong! We pay you every time! Why do you keep tormenting us?!"
Her defiance spurred the other villagers forward, but Arlong only laughed.
"Ha! What're you gonna do, rebel? Remember, one wrong move, and you all suffer." His sneer was met with terrified silence.
"Usopp," Lucas whispered urgently, "can you hit Arlong?"
Usopp's hands shook. "I-I can… but..."
"Usopp!"
"Fine!"
Gritting his teeth, Usopp aimed his slingshot and fired.
BOOM!
Smoke erupted around Arlong. He dropped Genzo, snarling, "WHO DID THAT?!"
Through the haze, Lucas, Zoro, and Usopp stepped forward.
"Your defeat," Zoro declared.
Arlong scoffed. "You? Pathetic."
"Everyone, get back!" Lucas ordered. The villagers scattered as Nojiko dragged Genzo to safety.
Steeling himself, Lucas focused. "Overcome the fear…"
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
His arms morphed into a swarm of venomous snakes, striking a nearby fish-man.
"W-What is this?! AHH! Arlong, help...!"
The fish-man writhed as the snakes bit into him, their poison taking swift effect. Before Arlong could react, the victim collapsed, his body riddled with wounds.
Arlong's eyes narrowed. "Who the hell are you?!"
"Pirates," Zoro answered simply, blades drawn. He lunged.
"Three swords… So you're the pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro." Arlong smirked. "Did you come for my head?"
East Blue was weak, but Arlong had sailed the Grand Line. He wasn't worried.
"I told you...I'm here for that woman."
Arlong's grin turned vicious. "Too bad. Nami's mine."
He charged, his speed unnatural for his size.
CLANG!
Zoro blocked, but the sheer force sent him skidding back.
"Damn… strong," he muttered.
Arlong was equally surprised. Few in East Blue could withstand his full strength.
"Not bad, pirate hunter. But let's see how you handle this!"
Zoro adjusted his stance. "Bring it."
"Brother Arlong!" A fish-man intervened. "If we fight here, the village will be destroyed! Our wounded need treatment, we should retreat!"
Not all fish-men were cruel. Some still had conscience.
Zoro relaxed slightly. Destroying the village wasn't his goal.
Arlong hesitated, then scoffed. "Fine. Consider yourselves lucky."
As the fish-men withdrew, a lackey spat, "Enjoy your borrowed time."
Zoro ignored him, scanning the area. "Where's Lucas and Usopp?"
Nojiko approached. "They lured some fish-men away. Thank you… for everything."