Shark·oN·dARtS—Arlong's signature technique.
Especially deadly underwater, where its speed and force were multiplied.
And most crucially…
When both combatants were submerged, if the enemy wasn't a fish-man, it was nearly impossible for them to dodge.
Because…
Humans were severely limited when moving underwater.
But Luo Lan made no attempt to dodge. He faced the incoming strike head-on.
The next moment, the two collided with a thunderous crash.
Yet—something strange happened.
Arlong didn't manage to send Luo Lan flying. Instead, he was the one left dizzy and dazed, seeing stars.
Taking advantage of Arlong's stunned state, Luo Lan reached out with his right hand and locked an arm around Arlong's neck.
Then, with his left hand, he drew a black pistol and pressed it firmly against Arlong's heart—
And pulled the trigger.
Yes, underwater the effective range of a gun was less than a meter.
But at point-blank range?
That was more than enough.
Simple, brutal logic.
What followed was a massive hole, as wide as a rice bowl, blown clean through Arlong's chest.
Hachi and Chew had no idea what had just happened.
Why did Big Brother Arlong's ultimate technique, which clearly landed, end up dazing himself instead?
Was that man's body… made of steel?
Well, if Ian were here, he would have immediately recognized that Luo Lan had just used "Tekkai" — one of the Rokushiki techniques of the Marines.
And not just the standard form.
It was a variant, developed and refined by Luo Lan himself.
Even more shocking, Luo Lan had mastered it and developed his own version in just a single month.
But no matter how you looked at it—
Arlong was dead.
Completely, irrevocably dead.
No chance of revival.
Hachi and Chew snapped. They burst out from their hiding spots and charged toward Luo Lan in a frenzy.
One thought consumed their minds—
Avenge Arlong!!
---
Two minutes later.
A figure burst from the water's surface.
No—two figures.
One was carrying the other in his grip.
It was Luo Lan and Ace.
"Colonel, what about Arlong and the others?" Ian asked.
"Dead. Get a team down there to retrieve the bodies. They've all got bounties—let's not let that go to waste."
"Yes, Colonel!"
Ian nodded, but he wore an awkward expression, as if unsure how to ask something.
"Spit it out. Don't go all shy on me."
"Colonel, I… I wanted to ask… what about the cow?"
Luo Lan raised a hand to his forehead with a sigh.
Seriously? That's what he's concerned about?
"That Sea King's not dead. Just knocked it out. The rest is your problem."
"Yes, sir!"
Ian was thrilled.
Roast beef dinner—secured!
Luo Lan himself was curious.
If you eat that thing… does it taste like fish?
Or beef?
Or maybe something else entirely?
Guess we'll find out soon.
With the cleanup handled by the other marines, Luo Lan headed toward the exit of Arlong Park.
He didn't stop until he reached a large tree.
"…You've been watching for a while. Not coming down?"
"…Is Arlong… really dead?"
A figure leapt down from the branches—it was none other than Nami.
"He's dead."
"Really… dead… He's really dead!! Hahaha… Bellemère, did you see that? Arlong is dead… He's finally dead…!"
Nami burst into laughter—wild, unrestrained laughter.
Then, she cried.
Once she started, she couldn't stop.
Luo Lan had no idea what to do. Whether in his past life or present, he had never been good at comforting people—especially…
Women.
For a while, he just stood there, completely flustered.
After what felt like forever, he finally managed to choke out a single sentence.
"…Want to borrow my shoulder?"
"Waaaah!"
Without hesitation, Nami threw herself onto Luo Lan's right shoulder and cried even harder.
Luo Lan could only stand there, helpless, and let her sob her heart out.
For over ten minutes, she wept.
Finally, she calmed down a little.
"…Thank you."
"No need. After all, you did pay a price."
"You mean… joining the Marines?"
"No. Joining my Unit 157."
"…Is there a difference?"
"Of course. Because first, we're heading to the 16th branch."
At the mention of the 16th branch…
Nami's expression immediately twisted with disgust.
"We're going to clean out some of the corruption in the Marines. So—want to come?"
"Absolutely!"
Her eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
She knew very well—killing Arlong wasn't enough.
As long as that rat of a commander still held power, it wouldn't be long before another Arlong came along. Or a second. Or a third.
And Cocoyasi Village…
Would fall into darkness once more.
"Alright then. We leave in an hour. Go pack your things."
"Because after today… I won't be able to come back here for a long time."
Luo Lan gave Nami's shoulder a reassuring pat, then turned and walked back toward Arlong Park.
Yes…
This was the deal they made.
Cocoyasi Village—the place where she had grown up—
It was time to say goodbye, for now.
"…I should go say goodbye to Nojiko."
Nami glanced once more at Luo Lan's retreating back, then turned and began walking toward the village.
But just then…
Luo Lan's voice rang out again.
"Oh, right! Don't forget to bring your little treasure chest!"
"That 60 million beli…"
"…is part of the price too!"