39. Don’t Even Think About Leaving

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Dylan looked down at the blood-soaked Fishman collapsed beneath him. The creature's body twitched slightly as it coughed up more blood but it wasn't moving. Relief washed over Dylan just before the fatigue crashed in. His legs buckled—

—But before he could hit the ground, the villagers of Coco Village rushed forward, dropping their makeshift weapons and catching him.

A few of them took ropes and tied up Kuroobi, just in case.

Aero stood nearby, watching the battered Fishman. Though Kuroobi had finally fallen unconscious, Aero had a hunch it wouldn't be long before he died.

Even so, he couldn't help but respect the monster's tenacity. Not a single spot on Kuroobi's skin was intact. His gi soaked in blood, his chest pierced by Dylan's blades, and even after Eddie blew part of his head open, he still clung to life.

"Damn tough," Aero muttered.

But his focus quickly shifted. He sensed movement.

The battle was over. Night had fallen. The wind howled across the wheat fields, rustling through the stalks with eerie rhythm.

Looking at Dylan and Eddie, both now lying on makeshift stretchers, Aero gave the order without hesitation:

"We're pulling out. They need rest. We'll camp tonight."

"Yes, Captain!"

The five remaining pirates from their ship gathered up their gear and each took hold of a stretcher, helping move Dylan and Eddie out.

Genzo hesitated, watching Aero with concern. "Captain, wait… you're leaving now?"

"My crew is injured," Aero said flatly. "I'm not abandoning them just to chase down Arlong."

"We can help take care of them!" Nojiko cut in behind Ken, earnest and firm.

"No need," Aero brushed past her. "We're pirates."

Just as Genzo tried to stop him, a rustle echoed across the field.

From the edges of the wheat emerged a hundred uniformed figures, dressed in white shirts and navy trousers, caps emblazoned with the Marine insignia. Guns raised, they surrounded the villagers and the pirates alike.

"Pirates, freeze!" barked a man stepping forward, cloaked in a Justice-issued coat, puffing out his chest.

Aero stopped in his tracks, turning to face the speaker.

The man had a ridiculous mustache three symmetrical tufts on either side of his face.

The five crewmen didn't stop. They continued carrying the wounded, trusting that their captain could handle this alone.

Aero gave the Marines a sideways glance. "What's the issue?"

The officer smirked. "So cocky, huh? You know who I am? You better remember this name, pirate! I'm Captain Nezumi of the 16th Marine Branch! Hahaha! Scared yet?"

Aero casually picked his ear. "Never heard of you."

"What?! You—!" Nezumi sputtered. "You dare mock me?! Marines, fire at will!"

"Wait—sir! There are civilians near the pirates!" one of the Marines hesitated, trying to reason with him.

"They're holding weapons, aren't they? Probably pirates too!" Nezumi snapped, slapping the Marine. "Shoot! That's an order!"

This time, the Marines didn't hesitate. They raised their guns, ready to fire.

"Hold on! We're villagers! We helped fight off the pirates!" Genzo stepped forward, hands raised.

Nezumi squinted, then motioned for a pause. "Then why are you standing with them?"

Genzo opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say a word—

"They didn't have a choice," said a voice behind Nezumi.

Aero was suddenly right there, standing beside him.

"Wha—AHHHH!! What do you want?!" Nezumi leapt back in panic, nearly tripping over himself. He fumbled for his pistol and aimed it at Aero.

All the surrounding Marines immediately turned their guns toward Aero as well.

"You people have no authority to interfere," Nezumi barked, flailing. "Step aside or be arrested!"

Genzo stepped back, vanishing into the crowd.

He turned to the villagers and whispered, "That pirate helped us. We can't just stand by. Everyone, cover your faces. We'll stall the Marines long enough for them to escape."

The villagers nodded in unison.

He might be a pirate but he'd saved their home. That made him family.

These Marines? They were only here to get in the way.

The villagers tightened their grips on sticks and bricks, then slowly started walking back disappearing into the shadows of the fields.

Nezumi watched them go and spat on the ground. "Cowards. Running from just one pirate? With me here, what's there to fear?"

Aero, feeling the wind shift, could tell the villagers hadn't actually left. They were hiding in the fields, preparing a counterattack.

"Heh. Good people," he said under his breath.

"What are you laughing at?! You think this is funny, pirate?! This is the end for you!" Nezumi screeched, waving his hand. "Get him!"

Thwack!

A stone flew from the field and nailed one Marine in the head.

Chaos erupted.

"We're under attack! Pirates ambush!!" the Marines shouted, scattering as villagers charged from the wheat with clubs and rocks.

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