Arlong Pirates

The fire crackled between them, casting flickering shadows on the rocky walls of their hideout.

Kuina sat cross-legged, sharpening her sword while Jacob stared into the flames, lost in thought.

Carina lay nearby, lazily tossing a small stone in the air and catching it, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Kuina broke the silence. "Alright, tell me again, Jacob. What exactly do you know about this Armament Haki?"

Jacob exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "Not much more than you do."

Kuina frowned. "You said it strengthens your attacks. That it can coat weapons and even protect the body." She glanced at her sword. "I've been training nonstop, pushing my limits, but… nothing. Observation Haki came naturally after enough battles, but this—" she gestured in frustration, "—this doesn't click."

Jacob leaned back against a crate, sighing. "You think I have it figured out? I've been punching mountains day and night with sea stone bracelets, trying to force it out. Nothing."

Carina rolled onto her side, watching them with mild amusement. "Maybe you two are just overthinking it. Haki is supposed to be a willpower. Maybe it's about intent, not just training."

Jacob considered that. He had been pushing his body to its limits, trying to force Armament Haki to manifest, but maybe raw effort wasn't enough.

Kuina looked down at her hands, flexing them. "I just… I don't like the idea that there's a limit to my strength. I won't accept that."

Jacob saw the frustration in her eyes. Kuina was more dangerous than most swordsmen in East Blue, but she wanted—no, needed—to reach greater heights.

Jacob clenched his fist, fire crackling between his fingers. "We'll figure it out. Both of us."

Kuina met his gaze, determination flashing in her eyes. "Damn right, we will."

Carina groaned, stretching. "Ugh. All this talk about punching and swords. You two are obsessed. Let's do something fun for once."

Jacob smirked. "Like what? Threesome?"

Carina's eyes rolled. "I wanna test out some new tricks with my Devil Fruit. Sound can do many things to a person's body."

Jacob and Kuina exchanged glances before sighing in unison.

"Fine," Kuina said, sheathing her sword. "But after that, back to training."

Carina grinned. "Deal."

***

The moon hung high over the secluded hideout. Jacob stood at the edge of a cliff. His flames roared beneath his feet, flickering between bright orange and the deep, searing blue he had recently mastered.

Tonight was another test—another push past his limits.

He launched into the sky with a sharp inhale, the force shattering the rocky ledge beneath him. The air screamed around him as he accelerated, faster and faster, the landscape below blurring into indistinct streaks.

Almost there…

The world trembled around him as he finally broke the sound barrier.

A sonic boom erupted in his wake, scattering the clouds as he streaked across the night sky. But this time, he wasn't just flying for himself. This time, he carried weight—a heavy boulder strapped to his back, testing his endurance.

He pushed through the strain, forcing himself to adapt. If he couldn't master this, their attack on Arlong would fail before it even began.

When Jacob landed back at their hideout, his body ached, his muscles burning from the insane exertion. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, shaking off the exhaustion as he stepped inside.

Kuina sat by the fire, methodically cleaning her sword, her mind clearly focused on the battle ahead. Meanwhile, Carina lay sprawled on a pile of stolen cushions, lazily tossing a small stone into the air.

She smirked as she saw Jacob stumble in. "So? Did you break your bones this time, or just your pride?"

Jacob chuckled, stretching his arms. "Neither. But give me time."

Kuina looked up, eyes narrowing slightly. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

Jacob rolled his shoulders. "No such thing. We must be at our absolute best if we're doing this."

Kuina nodded, but there was a flicker of something in her gaze. Concern, maybe.

Carina stretched, sitting up. "We're already set. Weapons are stocked, escape routes are planned, and disguises are ready. The only thing left is waiting for the right moment."

Jacob let out a breath, then collapsed onto the cushions. "Then we rest."

Carina grinned, crawling over and pressing herself against him, her warmth immediately seeping into his tired body. "Mm. Now, this is the best part of planning."

Kuina hesitated, but after a moment, she sighed and joined them, settling against Jacob's other side.

The three of them lay there, wrapped in each other's warmth.

Jacob glanced between them, his mind briefly drifting away from war and strategy. This world, this insane new life, had thrown him into something he'd never expected. Who would have thought that she would have a polygamous relationship with a mischievous thief and stoic, serious oriental girl?

***

Two years had passed since Jacob was reborn, a year before Luffy set sail in canon. His mastery over his fire abilities had grown exponentially, allowing him to achieve feats previously unimaginable.

Jacob soared through the skies above East Blue, flames propelling him forward with immense speed. Strapped securely to his back was a large chariot, its design reminiscent of medieval times but reinforced to withstand the journey. Inside, Carina and Kuina sat comfortably.

Carina leaned out slightly, her eyes scanning the horizon. "We're approaching the Conomi Islands," she called out, her voice clear despite the wind rushing past.

Jacob adjusted his trajectory, flames flickering but controlled, ensuring the chariot remained unscathed. "How's our heading?" he shouted back.

Closing her eyes momentarily, Carina focused her sound-based powers, emitting subtle waves that bounced off distant objects, providing her with a mental map of their surroundings. "Slightly east," she replied, pointing to their right.

Kuina fixed her gaze ahead. "Arlong Park should be visible soon," she murmured, anticipation evident in her tone.

Jacob nodded, and their destination was clear: Arlong Park, the stronghold of the notorious fish-man pirate, Arlong. Reports had detailed the atrocities committed under his rule, and Jacob, alongside his girls, had resolved to put an end to his tyranny.

As they descended towards the island, the imposing structure of Arlong Park came into view. Its grandeur was in stark contrast to Conomi Island's dilapidated villages. 

Landing discreetly on a secluded beach, Jacob extinguished his flames, allowing the chariot to settle gently on the sand. Carina and Kuina disembarked, both poised and ready.

"This is it," Jacob said, his voice firm. "We dismantle Arlong's reign tonight."

Carina adjusted her gloves, a determined smile playing on her lips. "Let's make sure he remembers this day."

Kuina fixed her gaze, determination visible on her dark brown eyes. "For the people he's oppressed."

***

Under the setting sun, the mikan grove of Cocoyashi Village stood as a testament to resilience and hope. The air was thick with the sweet scent of ripe tangerines, their vibrant hues contrasting against the lush green leaves. Among these trees, Nojiko moved with practiced grace, her fingers deftly plucking the fruits.

The soft rustling of leaves announced Nami's return. She emerged from the grove's edge, her steps heavy yet determined. Her satchel bulged with the weight of newly acquired treasures, each coin ana d jewel a step closer to their village's liberation. Sweat glistened on her brow, and dark circles underscored her weary eyes, evidence of countless sleepless nights.

Nojiko's heart tightened at the sight. Setting her basket aside, she hurried to her sister's side, her voice a gentle reprimand. "Nami, you need to rest. Pushing yourself like this will only—"

Before she could finish, Nami's knees buckled, her strength finally giving way.

Nojiko caught her, easing her to the soft grass beneath the mikan trees. She cradled Nami's head in her lap, brushing stray hair strands from her face.

"Always so stubborn," Nojiko murmured, her tone blending affection and exasperation. She could feel the rapid beathe t of Nami's heart.

As the first stars pierced the night sky, Nojiko remained in the grove, holding her sister close. The mikan trees swayed gently around them, their leaves whispering promises of a brighter future. In that serene moment, surrounded by the fruits of their mother's legacy, Nojiko vowed to stand by Nami, no matter the cost.

The night deepened, but within the mikan grove, a light of unwavering hope and sisterly love continued to shine.

***

In the dimly lit expanse of Arlong Park's main hall, the rhythmic pulse of music reverberated. Arlong reclined on his throne-like seat, sharp teeth gleaming as he enjoyed the melodies played by his fellow fishmen. Laughter and the clinking of tankards filled the air, creating camaraderie that always accompanied their gatheria ngs.

The heavy doors creaked open, drawing the attention of the room's occupants.

Captain Nezumi, the Marine officer known for his corrupt dealings, stepped inside with his characteristic smugness. His beady eyes scanned the room before settling on Arlong, who acknowledged his presence with a curt nod.

"Ah, Captain Nezumi," Arlong greeted, his voice dripping with feigned warmth. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Nezumi forced a grin, adjusting his cap nervously. "Arlong, we need to discussssssssssss our… arrangement. Perhaps in private?"

Arlong's eyes narrowed slightly, but he waved a webbed hand, signaling his brothers to continue as he exited festivities.

He rose, towering over Nezumi, and led him to a secluded chamber adjacent to the main hall.

Once inside, the door closed with a resounding thud, muffling the music from the other room. Arlong leaned against a coral-encrusted wall, arms crossed over his chest. "Speak, Nezumi. What's so urgent that you interrupt our evening?"

Nezumi cleared his throat, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "Arlong, the higher-ups are growing suspicious. It's becoming increasingly difficult to conceal your activities. The bribes… they need to be larger to keep everyone quiet."

Arlong's gaze hardened, but he remained silent, prompting Nezumi to continue.

"You see," Nezumi stammered, "while your fish-men are strong, their… intelligence isn't exactly renowned. It's only a matter of time before someone makes a mistake that even I can't cover up."

The room's temperature seemed to drop as Arlong's expression darkened. He pushed off the wall, taking a deliberate step toward Nezumi.

"Careful, Captain," Arlong hissed, his voice low and menacing. "I tolerate your greed because it serves my purposes. But insult my brethren's intelligence again, and you'll find yourself at the bottom of the sea."

Nezumi's face paled, and he took an involuntary step back. "I-I meant no offense, Arlong. Just… ensuring our mutual interests are protected."

Arlong's gaze bore into Nezumi for a moment longer before he turned away, dismissing the Marine with a wave. "Ensure the money is delivered promptly. And remember, Captain, respect is a two-way street."

Nezumi nodded hastily, retreating from the room with a sigh of relief. As he exited, Arlong's jaw tightened.

Returning to the main hall, Arlong plastered a smile back on his face, rejoining the festivities. But beneath the surface, his mind churned with thoughts of how to shut the mouse up.