Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Liberation
The soft morning air felt heavy as Xander stood near the edge of Cocoyashi Village. The cries of Nami still echoed faintly in his ears, her pleas for help lingering in his mind. The once-quiet village seemed gripped by despair, but Xander's crimson eyes burned with purpose. He had seen enough.
The system's chime rang in his mind.
---
[New Mission: Liberate Cocoyashi Village!]
Objective: Defeat Arlong and his crew.
Rewards:
Strength +5
Agility +5
Armament Haki: Level 60
Swordsmanship: Intermediate
Additional Harem Points upon significant progress with Nami and Nojiko.
---
Xander closed his eyes, his fists tightening at his sides. "Time to end this," he muttered to himself, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
---
At Arlong Park
The looming fortress of Arlong Park stood like a black stain against the vibrant blue of the sea. Its gates were open, but the atmosphere reeked of menace.
Arlong sat upon his stone throne, his shark-like grin stretched wide as his crew cheered and jeered around him. News of Nami's failure had only emboldened their arrogance.
"What a fool," Arlong boomed, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Did she really think I'd keep my word?" His crew erupted into laughter, slamming tables and clapping each other's backs.
"Captain! There's someone outside!" a fishman scout suddenly called out, his voice breaking through the ruckus.
Arlong's grin faded. "Who?"
The gates of Arlong Park groaned and shuddered as they were pushed open. Heavy, measured footsteps echoed, growing louder with every second. The laughter died.
Xander stepped through the gates.
His crimson eyes swept across the courtyard filled with fishmen. His black hair swayed gently in the breeze, his posture relaxed but imposing.
"I'm here for you, Arlong," Xander said calmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
The fishmen stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"And who are you supposed to be? Another fool trying to play hero?" one fishman cackled.
"Human trash," another spat, cracking his knuckles.
Arlong rose from his throne, towering over the courtyard. His sharp teeth glinted as he grinned at Xander. "You've got guts coming here alone, human. But guts won't save you from me."
Xander smirked, rolling his shoulders as he drew his sword—a sleek, well-crafted blade. His grip on the hilt was steady, and the air around him seemed to shift.
"I didn't come to talk. Let's get this over with."
---
The Battle Begins
The first wave came immediately. A dozen fishmen, some armed with clubs and others with spears, rushed Xander with bloodlust in their eyes.
Xander exhaled slowly, his senses sharpening. Observation Haki activated as the fishmen's movements slowed in his mind.
The first attacker swung his club.
Clang!
Xander sidestepped effortlessly, his sword slicing through the air. Blood sprayed as the fishman dropped to the ground, clutching his chest.
"Next."
Two more charged from either side. Xander ducked low, pivoting on his heel. His blade hummed as it cut through one attacker's legs, while his free hand clenched into a fist coated in Armament Haki. He struck the second fishman square in the gut, sending him flying into a stone wall with a deafening crash.
The ground trembled under the force of the impact. Dust rose into the air, obscuring the battlefield for a moment.
"Who the hell is this guy?!" one of the fishmen shouted in panic.
Arlong's eyes narrowed as he observed the carnage unfolding before him. "Hmph. He's got some skill."
Xander didn't stop. He moved like a storm—fluid and unstoppable. His swordsmanship was sharp and precise, every swing cutting down an enemy. His Armament Haki strengthened each strike, leaving his foes broken and bloody.
Within minutes, the courtyard was littered with defeated fishmen.
Xander turned to Arlong, pointing his blade at the towering fishman. "Your crew is done. You're next."
Arlong's grin turned feral, his sharp teeth glinting dangerously. "You're a cocky bastard, aren't you?"
He cracked his knuckles as he stepped down from his throne. The ground shuddered under his weight. "Let's see if you can back that up!"
---
Xander vs. Arlong
Arlong lunged forward with blinding speed, his massive fist crashing toward Xander.
BOOM!
Xander barely dodged, leaping back as the ground where he stood exploded into rubble. Arlong's strength was monstrous, but Xander didn't flinch.
He charged in, his sword flashing.
Clang!
The blade met Arlong's thick skin, but the fishman's natural durability absorbed the blow. Arlong's laughter echoed as he swung a fist, catching Xander in the side and sending him skidding across the ground.
"You're strong for a human, but you'll never beat me!" Arlong roared.
Xander coughed, wiping blood from his mouth. His body ached, but his resolve remained unshaken. "I'm just getting started."
He focused, channeling Armament Haki into his sword. The blade turned jet-black, humming with power.
Arlong's eyes widened slightly. "Haki?!"
Xander dashed forward, his speed increasing. He appeared before Arlong in a blur, his sword slashing upward.
SHING!
Blood sprayed as a deep gash opened across Arlong's chest. The fishman howled in pain and fury.
"You bastard!" Arlong swung wildly, but Xander weaved around his attacks, his movements fluid and precise. His Observation Haki allowed him to anticipate every strike.
He pressed the attack, his blade dancing through the air. Each strike was calculated, chipping away at Arlong's defenses.
Finally, Xander leaped high into the air, his sword raised.
"This ends now!"
Arlong looked up, his eyes wide with panic as Xander brought the blade down.
SLASH!
The ground shook as Xander's final strike connected, carving a deep wound into Arlong's shoulder. The fishman staggered, blood pouring from his wounds.
Xander landed softly, his sword resting at his side. He looked at Arlong, his crimson eyes calm.
Arlong collapsed to his knees, his body broken.
"You… you can't… beat me…" he sputtered, his voice weak.
Xander pointed his sword at Arlong's neck. "Your reign is over."
With one swift motion, Xander knocked Arlong unconscious.
The courtyard fell silent.
---
The battle had ended, and Cocoyashi Village stood silent. Arlong Park, the once-dreaded fortress, now lay in ruins—its walls shattered, its waters stained with the memories of battle. The towering Fish-Man pirate lay defeated, sprawled across the debris, while Xander stood tall amidst the wreckage.
His crimson eyes glowed with a quiet fire, his breathing steady despite the intense fight that had unfolded moments ago. Blood stained the edge of his sword, but his expression was calm as he slid the blade back into its scabbard.
Nami and Nojiko stood a few paces away, staring in awe at the man who had single-handedly crushed Arlong and his crew. Their nightmare was over.
---
Back in Cocoyashi Village
The villagers crowded around Xander, cheering and crying tears of joy. The nightmare that had enslaved them for years was finally gone. Genzo and the others patted Xander's back with gratitude, their relief palpable.
"Thank you… Thank you for saving us," Genzo said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Xander simply nodded. "You're free now. That's what matters."
Nami approached him, clutching her arm and looking down. For years, she had carried the burden alone, sacrificing her own happiness to protect the village. Now, for the first time, she felt like a weight had been lifted.
"Xander…" she began softly, her voice hesitant. She looked up, her brown eyes glimmering with emotion. "Thank you."
Xander smiled faintly, but before he could respond, Nojiko's voice cut through the crowd.
"Hold on," Nojiko said, stepping closer. Her arms were crossed, and she gave Xander a sharp look. "You're not just some 'traveler,' are you? Who are you really?"
Xander blinked, turning his gaze to her. "What do you mean?"
"You just took down an entire pirate crew," Nojiko replied, raising an eyebrow. "That's not something a normal person does. Are you a pirate?"
The villagers murmured at her words, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. Nami's gaze sharpened, waiting for his answer.
Xander didn't hesitate. He stood tall, his crimson eyes unwavering. "Yes, I'm a pirate."
The crowd gasped slightly, but Xander's calm demeanor kept them from panicking. Instead, he looked straight at Nojiko and Nami.
"I'm not the kind of pirate Arlong was," Xander continued firmly. "I sail for freedom—to live life on my own terms. And I want people with me who share that dream."
Nami stared at him, surprised. "What are you saying?"
Xander turned to her, his voice steady. "I want you to join my crew, Nami. As my navigator. And Nojiko… I want you to come, too."
Nojiko blinked, stunned. "You want us… to join your crew?"
Mari, who had been standing quietly at Xander's side, smiled and spoke up. "I'm already part of his crew as the cook. He's not a bad captain, you know."
"You're already sailing with him?" Nami asked, shocked.
Mari grinned. "That's right. Xander's different—he doesn't take anything from anyone. He gives people freedom."
Xander stepped closer to Nami and Nojiko, his crimson eyes holding their gaze. "You've both been trapped here your whole lives. Arlong might be gone, but there's an entire world out there waiting for you. Nami, your skills as a navigator are unmatched, and Nojiko, you're stronger than you realize."
Nami looked down, her fists clenching as she thought about his words. "I don't know…"
"You're free now," Xander said softly. "What do you want to do?"
---
The sun dipped lower as Nami and Nojiko sat outside their home, staring at the horizon. Xander leaned against a nearby wall, giving them time to think.
Mari stood beside him, whispering with a grin. "You've got a way with words, you know that?"
Xander smirked faintly. " I think you need punishment these days." mari look at him with mischievous smile looking his lips "maybe" she said
After a long silence, Nami finally stood up. She turned to Xander, her expression resolute.
"Alright," she said. "I'll join your crew. I want to see the world—and I want to be the drew map for the whole world."
Xander nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
Nojiko stood as well, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "If Nami's going, then I'm going, too. I don't want to be left behind."
Xander's smile widened, warmth in his gaze. "Then welcome aboard."
---
As they prepared to leave, Nojiko approached Xander quietly, her expression shy. "You really changed everything for us," she murmured.
Xander turned to her, surprised as she leaned up on her toes and kissed him softly on the cheek. Her face turned crimson, but she smiled. "Thank you, Captain."
Mari snickered from the side. "Oh, come on. That's all?"
Before Xander could say anything, Mari stepped up, grabbed him by the collar, and kissed him squarely on the lips. When she pulled back, she winked. "Just a little encouragement."
Xander chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "You're all going to keep me on my toes, aren't you?"
---
As they approached the ship, the system's voice chimed in Xander's mind.
[Mission Completed!]
Liberate Cocoyashi Village: Success
Gain the trust of Nami and Nojiko: Success
Rewards:
Strength: +5
Agility: +5
Armament Haki: Level 60
Swordsmanship: Intermediate
Harem Progress:
Nami: 40% Affection (+30 HP)
Nojiko: 40% Affection (+30 HP)
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