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Despite his arrogance, Arlong was no fool. He recognized that Ikki's combat ability completely surpassed his own—perhaps even stronger than some pirates in the Grand Line. Challenging Ikki directly would be suicidal.
"You should have heard what I just said," Ikki stated firmly. "I want to train Nami and Nojiko, and you—Arlong's crew—are the stepping stones for their training! In two or three days, they will come here to fight you. If you can defeat Nami and Nojiko, I'll let you go. But if you fail..." Ikki's mouth curved into a slight smile as he partially unsheathed Zangetsu. The threat was clearly conveyed to Arlong's heart.
"Let me fight Nami and Nojiko?" Arlong opened his mouth with a sinister smile. "Human, don't regret it!"
Arlong knew Nami's capabilities well. He was also familiar with Nojiko. Both women were ordinary humans in his eyes, and there was no way they could defeat any fishman—let alone his entire crew. Arlong felt confident of victory.
"Don't worry, I keep my word," Ikki assured him. "As long as you win, I won't take action against you. Of course, during these two or three days, you need to stay here obediently without leaving even a step. Don't even think about causing trouble in other villages. I'll be watching you."
Ikki smiled, turned around, and pulled Genzo aside.
Arlong gave Ikki a long, calculating look. Even though Ikki had his back turned, Arlong had no intention of attempting escape. Someone who could defeat him instantly and quickly subdue his entire crew would not be easy to escape from.
With this in mind, Arlong took a deep breath and walked toward the other members of his crew to discuss their plans. Though he felt disdain for Nami and Nojiko, he knew he had to be cautious about Ikki.
Time passed quickly, and two days flew by in the blink of an eye.
In the training room of the ship Adventure...
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
BOOM!
Two golden lightning bolts passed each other and stopped at opposite ends of the arena.
"Did you win?" Outside the arena, Nojiko clasped her hands together and looked nervously at the sword shadows of Nami and Zenitsu in the arena.
Although after two days of practice their physical fitness had greatly improved, and both of them could vaguely feel their abilities entering the next stage, Nojiko still felt quite nervous when she heard that Nami was challenging Zenitsu's sword shadow.
But soon, Nojiko breathed a sigh of relief. She saw Zenitsu's form disintegrate into streaks of golden lightning that merged into Nami's body.
"It's done," Nojiko smiled, stepping toward the arena.
At the same time, in Arlong Park, Ikki received confirmation of Nami's advancement in swordsmanship.
"So you defeated my Zenitsu?" Ikki mused. "Now, Arlong's crew is going to suffer."
Standing in the room specially prepared by Arlong for Nami in Arlong Park, Ikki looked through the window at Arlong and his crew eating with serious expressions below, a sardonic smile on his face.
[Name: Nami]
[Age: 18 years old]
[Weapon: Gonryomaru]
[Life Force: 500, level C]
[Swordsmanship Realm: Entry Level]
[Special ability: none]
[Sword Style: Thunder Breathing, First Form]
[Name: Nojiko]
[Age: 20 years old]
[Weapon: None]
[Life Force: 500, level C]
[Swordsmanship Realm: None]
[Special ability: none]
[Sword Style: Water Breathing, Third Form]
"Both Nami and Nojiko have reached Life Force level C," Ikki murmured. "I wonder how he will react."
"Genzo, why are you here?" Nami jumped off the deck of the ship and looked at Genzo with curiosity.
"Did Captain Ikki tell you we were coming?" Nojiko followed Nami and asked.
"Yes, Mr. Ikki informed us," Genzo replied with a smile, looking happily at the two young women who were like daughters to him. "Nami, Nojiko, just as Mr. Ikki predicted, you both shine with a new light."
Though not a warrior himself, Genzo could clearly feel that Nami and Nojiko were different from before—especially Nami. It was no exaggeration to say that Nami now gave off the impression of a sharp knife being drawn from its sheath, exuding a dangerous edge.
What he didn't know was that this was because Nami had just defeated Zenitsu's sword shadow and entered the swordsmanship realm. Nami had not yet learned to control her newfound power.
"Genzo, do you know where Captain Ikki is?" Nojiko asked.
"Mr. Ikki asked me to tell you not to worry about him. Go directly to Arlong Park to deal with Arlong's crew."
"I understand," Nojiko nodded slightly and turned to look at Nami.
The two exchanged a knowing smile, placed their hands on the swords at their waists, and walked toward Arlong Park.
"Finally, it's coming to an end," Genzo sighed, watching them leave.
He trusted Ikki's judgment that Nami and Nojiko now possessed the power to defeat Arlong and his crew.
After gathering his thoughts, Genzo stepped forward, intending to follow them to Arlong Park. But after taking just two steps, his attention was drawn to a warship on the distant horizon.
"Marines?" Genzo frowned, turning toward the coast. "They really came?"