35. The Battle Begins
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Kuroobi, the gray-skinned Fish-Man, swiftly leapt backward, putting a good ten meters between himself and the group.
Tossing Genzo's katana aside like trash, he scowled. "Looks like I underestimated you, human pirates."
His eyes flicked toward Eddie, then back to Aero.
"I heard one of your crew say your bounty's ten million. That's big for the East Blue. But don't get cocky. We're not like you bottom-feeders we came from the Grand Line. We've crushed plenty of pirates like you."
Aero tilted his head slightly and replied coldly, "And now you're just dogs who crawled back from it."
That struck a nerve.
Kuroobi's expression darkened. He clenched his fists, dropping into a fighter's stance.
"You want a name to put on your tombstone? I'm Kuroobi, officer of the Arlong Pirates, 40th degree black belt in Fish-Man Karate. I'll show you what happens when you mock us."
Without waiting, he launched himself toward Aero—fast.
But Dylan and Eddie moved even faster.
One from the left, the other from the right.
"If you want our captain," Dylan growled, "you'll have to go through us!"
---
Dylan's claws slashed toward Kuroobi's chest with deadly precision.
The Fish-Man jumped just in time, flipping over the attack.
But as he hovered mid-air briefly vulnerable Eddie saw his chance.
One gloved finger twitched.
Bang!
A lead bullet whistled through the air.
It struck Kuroobi clean in the chest.
"Gah!"
The bullet tore through his muscle and sent him hurtling backward, slamming to the ground with a heavy thud.
Blood dripped from his wound, seeping through his gi, splashing onto the dirt.
The villagers gasped.
Nojiko clutched her mouth in disbelief.
Genzo clenched his fists, stunned and silent.
And from behind them, the villagers began to cheer.
"Kill him!"
"Down with the Fish-Man!"
Kuroobi sat up, teeth gritted, pressing a gray hand to his chest. Blood trickled through his fingers.
"It's been a long time…" he growled, "since a human actually hurt me."
---
Eddie, walking forward with a smirk, muttered, "Damn tough bastard."
Beside him, Dylan didn't speak. He charged.
But Kuroobi was ready this time.
He bent low, one bloodstained hand planted on the ground.
"Fish-Man Karate One-Thousand Tile Punch!"
Just as Dylan's claws slashed toward him again, a concussive shockwave blasted out from Kuroobi's fist, hitting Dylan square in the chest.
The air cracked.
Dylan was launched backward like a missile, skidding through the dirt, flames sparking from his claws as he dug them into the ground to slow himself down.
---
But Kuroobi wasn't finished.
He shot forward again, aiming for Dylan.
"Too fast—!" Dylan cursed. "I can't dodge—!"
He raised his claws to defend.
Boom!
Another shockwave-punch slammed into Dylan, sending him flying off the road, deep into the fields.
Grain flew everywhere. A crater was formed where he hit.
---
Kuroobi turned toward Eddie.
"You're next."
Before Eddie could react, the hulking Fish-Man was on him.
One-Thousand Tile Punch.
The blow connected.
Eddie flew backward, hitting the ground so hard he carved a groove into the road.
Smoke and dust filled the air. The villagers stared, stunned.
Nojiko tried to look for signs of movement but neither Dylan nor Eddie stirred.
---
Kuroobi approached Aero, towering over him.
"Your crew's down. You're next"
Aero didn't flinch.
Not because he didn't care, but because he had to wait.
This fight belonged to Dylan and Eddie.
They chose this opponent. They needed this.
If they couldn't even take down a lieutenant… then the road to the Grand Line would end here for them.
He wouldn't rob them of that.
Not yet.
If they stayed down?
Then he'd act.
But if they stood back up?
Then they'd earn their place not just in his crew but in his future.
Because this world doesn't forgive weakness.
And in this sea?
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