One Piece: Waves of Destiny

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Kalifa frowned slightly at the elderly woman's response.

This wasn't the answer she expected.

Unwilling to give up, she asked another villager. Yet, the replies she received were essentially the same.

Kalifa began to feel puzzled.

Could it be that the people of Cocoyasi Village were simply habitually expressionless?

Captain Nezumi approached Kalifa with a respectful tone, saying:

"See, Miss Kalifa, I told you the truth. The villagers here are just like this. When I first arrived, I thought I had done something wrong too."

Hearing Nezumi's words, the surrounding villagers quickly chimed in:

"No, no, that's not it! We're just like this!"

"Captain Nezumi is the best Navy officer we've ever seen!"

"If not for him, we wouldn't be living such happy lives now!"

Nezumi stood there, smugly nodding in satisfaction. His thoughts betrayed his scheming nature:

Hmph, after White Dove leaves, maybe I'll be generous and charge the villagers slightly less.

With his signature smirk and twitching whiskers, Nezumi exuded an unmistakable air of sleaziness, his mannerisms resembling that of a comic-book villain.

But just as he thought he had the situation under control, two young women emerged from the crowd.

One had short orange hair and a determined look, while the other, with short blue hair, carried a calm but resolute demeanor.

The two approached Roja, their voices unwavering as the orange-haired girl, Nami, spoke:

"Sir, he's lying! Nezumi works with Arlong and his crew to oppress us. They extort every bit of money we have, and anyone who can't pay is killed! That's how my foster mother, Bellemere, was murdered!"

Nami's voice trembled with emotion, but her eyes held steady, fixed on Roja.

Hearing this, Nezumi's expression changed instantly. His body stiffened, and cold sweat poured down his face, soaking his uniform.

"S-Sir, please don't listen to this girl!" Nezumi stammered. "She's always been a liar, causing trouble left and right. Especially this one, Nami! She's deceived me more times than I can count!"

Nezumi turned to Nami with a fake, almost condescending smile:

"Nami, lying is a bad habit. Go back home, and I'll pretend this never happened."

The atmosphere grew tense as villagers cautiously watched the unfolding scene.

Among them was a man with a mustache—Kensuke, the self-appointed sheriff of Cocoyasi Village. Though his title held no authority under Arlong's regime, his concern for the girls was evident.

Kensuke rushed to Nami and Nojiko's side, whispering urgently:

"Have you lost your minds? Go home now before you provoke Nezumi further! If you anger him, both of you…"

His voice trailed off as he bit his lip, suppressing the rage and fear in his heart.

But Nami and Nojiko exchanged knowing glances and smiled softly.

"Uncle Kensuke," Nojiko began, "you're a kind man, but this might be our only chance."

Nami turned to Roja, her voice filled with conviction.

"Please, save us. Save this village. I beg you, Admiral White Dove!"

Unlike the other villagers, Nami recognized Roja's uniform and title. Just a week prior, a newspaper bird had landed on the shore near her, injured during a storm. In a rare show of gratitude, the bird left her a copy of a recent paper. That's how she learned about the newly appointed Admirals, including Roja.

Nezumi's composure cracked further as he interrupted:

"S-Sir, you really can't believe their nonsense! They're lying to get sympathy—"

"They're not lying," Roja interjected calmly. His gaze shifted to Nami and Nojiko. "Show me the evidence."

Nami's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "I'll take you to Arlong Park right now!"

Nezumi's knees nearly gave out. Cold sweat drenched him further as he thought, It's over. If he sees Arlong and the Fishmen, I'm finished!

The group made their way toward the infamous Arlong Park. As they approached, the gates loomed tall and foreboding. Nami hesitated, her hand trembling as it hovered near the handle.

Kalifa noticed and stepped forward, pushing the gates open.

But the sight inside stunned everyone.

Children were playing on the lawns, their laughter ringing through the air. Adults sat nearby, watching over them with warm smiles. The scene looked like a peaceful paradise.

Nami and Nojiko froze in disbelief.

"This can't be… What's going on?" Nami stammered.

"It's impossible!" Nojiko added. "Arlong's crew was supposed to be here!"

Nezumi seized the moment, quickly regaining his composure. "See, sir? What did I tell you? These two girls are compulsive liars! This is just a playground. There's no Arlong here."

Kalifa's sharp eyes narrowed as she studied Nezumi's expression. Behind his forced confidence, she could see the desperation brewing.

Meanwhile, Roja remained silent, his face unreadable.

Nami clenched her fists, her voice breaking as she said:

"General Roja, I swear I'm not lying. This place—it wasn't like this before!"

Kalifa glanced at Roja, who finally spoke, his tone calm but firm:

"Kalifa, look closer. Something doesn't feel right here."

Kalifa adjusted her glasses, stepping further into the park. The truth was just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

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