30. Cocoyashi Village

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With the Pigeon anchored securely, the Hurricane Pirates gathered for a quick strategy meeting.

As planned, five crew members remained on the ship. Not only to guard it while the main team faced Arlong but also to restock supplies, fetch freshwater, and begin basic repairs.

Protecting the ship was crucial. Without it, they'd have no way back out to sea.

The five weren't elite fighters, but they were no rookies either. Solid enough for East Blue. And now, they had another purpose:

Training in Rokushiki.

Thanks to Bugsy's political maneuvering, Aero had obtained complete training scrolls for all six Navy techniques:

[Soru]

[Geppo]

[Tekkai]

[Kami-e]

[Rankyaku]

[Shigan]

Two for speed and evasion, two for defense, and two for raw attack.

Aero's goal: every crew member would master at least two of these. That would give them a real shot at survival in the Grand Line.

But the path wasn't easy. For those without talent, mastering even one technique could take years.

He recalled how Luffy had mimicked [Soru] mid-battle, learning it through raw instinct and experience. Then there was Sanji, who had forced himself to master [Geppo] on Kamabakka Island, driven by sheer desperation and survival instinct.

Not everyone had that kind of potential.

So, Aero had higher standards for his officers.

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Training Choices:

Eddie chose:

[Geppo] (mobility)

[Shigan] (close-range damage)

[Kami-e] (evasion)

As a sniper without a gun, he relied on throwing projectiles and rapid movement. These techniques compensated for his mid-range limits and enhanced his evasive ability in close quarters.

Dylan chose:

[Rankyaku] (ranged blade kicks)

[Soru] (burst movement)

[Kami-e] (evasion)

With his signature weapon, a bladed glove inspired by Captain Kuro, he focused on overwhelming offense. [Soru] wasn't for retreating; it was to close the distance faster. [Kami-e] added precision to his counterattacks.

Mastery was uncertain. But they'd try.

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Aero took his eight strongest fighters ashore, leaving the rest to guard and resupply. Three split off to head into town for provisions. That left Aero, Eddie, Dylan, and five others heading inland.

Their destination: Arlong's stronghold.

They moved through thick forest until the scent of the sea was replaced by dry roads and distant cooking smoke.

Buildings came into view.

They didn't sneak in. They walked straight into the village.

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As they entered, Aero glanced around, uncertain. "Is this Cocoyashi Village?"

He called out to a passerby but the villager, spotting strangers in strange black cloaks, turned and walked away.

Other residents did the same. Doors slammed shut. Curtains pulled tight.

The village recoiled like a wounded animal.

To them, strangers, especially ones that looked like pirates, meant trouble. Fear had become a way of life here.

Eddie frowned, pulling down his hood and removing his sunglasses. He stepped forward and knocked gently on a door.

No answer.

He noticed a nearby window still open, but as he approached, it snapped shut in his face.

He tapped the glass lightly. "Hello? We're not here to hurt anyone. Anyone home?"

After a pause, a gruff voice replied from inside, "There's no one here! Go away!"

Eddie sighed and stepped back. "Captain, something's off. There are people here but they're hiding."

Aero nodded. "This is Cocoyashi Village. I'm sure of it."

He turned to the others. "The people here live under Arlong's tax system. Every adult pays 100,000 Berries. Children pay 50,000. Every single month."

Gasps echoed from the crew.

"What?! That's insane!" Eddie burst out.

The others were equally horrified. That much? Every month?

"And if they don't pay?" one crewmate asked.

"They're killed," Aero replied coldly.

A long silence followed.

"…The Navy doesn't do anything?" another asked.

Eddie and Dylan lowered their heads.

Only the inner circle had been told the truth during the meeting on the ship.

Aero faced his crew and told them directly:

"The Navy is corrupt. The local Marine commander is in on it. Arlong pays them off in exchange for silence and protection."

Murmurs died down.

The realization was sinking in.

This wasn't just another mission. This wasn't just another pirate to beat.

This was a symbol of everything wrong with East Blue.

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