MTLNOVEL Chapter 5: CHAPTER 5
c5: You Are Too Noisy
"Lieutenant Colonel Kertz, what kind of person is Mr. Admiral?"
Nami stole glances at Luo Ye, who sat with his eyes closed, exuding an air of indifference. She turned to the warship's adjutant and whispered.
Kertz's chest swelled with pride at the question.
"He's the youngest Admiral in Marine history and already stands on equal footing with the other three Admirals. His strength is unquestionable."
He paused, then added with a smirk, "But if you're asking about his personality, well… aside from being ridiculously handsome, he acts just like an ordinary guy."
"Is that so..."
Nami murmured, her gaze shifting back to Luo Ye.
At first glance, he really didn't seem like an Admiral. There was none of the overwhelming pressure she expected from a figure of such power. He looked more like a laid-back traveler than a high-ranking Marine.
Still, how could a real Admiral be so easygoing? He had casually agreed to help her take back Cocoyashi Village, just because she asked.
If Luo Ye knew what she was thinking, he would have scoffed.
Agreeing to go to Cocoyashi Village was only an excuse to rid the Marines of that corrupt rat, Nezumi.
---
Cocoyashi Village
The moment they set foot in the village, the oppressive atmosphere was undeniable.
No one dared to walk the streets. Every door was shut tight, windows boarded up. The weight of fear hung over the entire village like a thick fog.
It was all because of the Arlong Pirates.
Their presence turned the usually lively fishing town into a ghost village. The sight made Luo Ye frown slightly.
"Where are the pirates? Take me there," he ordered.
Nami hesitated. "You're… going alone?"
Luo Ye didn't bother answering.
A mere East Blue pirate crew wasn't even worth a warm-up. If he needed help dealing with them, then he had no right to call himself an Admiral.
Realizing her question was unnecessary, Nami fell silent and led the way.
As they neared Arlong Park the fortress built by Arlong and his crew she felt a lump form in her throat.
This place had haunted her for years.
The stone gates towered over them, carved with the Jolly Roger of the Arlong Pirates a grotesque fish-skull symbol.
Seeing Nami hesitate, Luo Ye spoke without looking at her.
"Go in. After today, there will be no such thing as the Arlong Pirates."
There was no doubt in his voice. No hesitation.
It wasn't a promise. It was a fact.
Nami swallowed hard.
With renewed determination, she pushed open the gates and stepped inside.
---
Inside Arlong Park
Laughter filled the air as Arlong and his crew reveled in their latest extortion haul.
Their festivities came to a screeching halt when they spotted Nami standing at the entrance.
Arlong grinned, showing off his serrated teeth.
"Nami! Back already? You must have made quite a haul this time!"
Normally, those words would have filled her with dread.
But today, standing next to Luo Ye, she felt a sense of security she hadn't known in years.
Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward.
"Arlong, you damn bastard! Give Cocoyashi Village back to us!"
The room fell silent.
Then, laughter erupted.
Arlong's underling, Kuroobi, stepped forward, his webbed hands flexing.
"Nami, have you lost your damn mind?" he sneered. "If you weren't useful to Arlong, we would've drowned you long ago."
Nami clenched her fists.
Kuroobi's eyes flickered to Luo Ye, sizing him up. A smirk played on his lips.
"Oh, I get it. You brought a new boy-toy along, huh?" he laughed. "You really think this guy can stand against us? You must be desperate!"
Nami stiffened.
"You—"
Before she could respond, Luo Ye stepped forward.
His voice was calm. Too calm.
"You lot were too afraid to survive in the Grand Line, so you came here to terrorize weak villagers instead." He scoffed. "Pathetic."
The amusement vanished from Kuroobi's face.
"What did you just say?"
He cracked his knuckles, his sharp teeth grinding together.
"You're dead, human!"
---
The Battle Begins
With a furious roar, Kuroobi lunged forward.
BANG!
Luo Ye didn't even bother drawing his sword.
A single kick sent Kuroobi flying across the room, crashing into the stone wall. Blood splattered across the floor as his body slumped lifelessly.
The room fell into stunned silence.
The other fish-men exchanged uneasy glances. Kuroobi wasn't just some grunt he was one of Arlong's strongest officers. And yet, this man had killed him with a single kick.
"K-Kuroobi...!"
Arlong's rage flared. He grabbed his massive saw-toothed sword, Kiribachi, his webbed hands tightening around the hilt.
"You bastard… how dare you?!"
With a bellow, he pointed at Luo Ye.
"Kill him! Rip him apart!"
The remaining fish-men charged.
They never stood a chance.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
One by one, they were sent flying some crashing through walls, others crumpling to the ground in twisted heaps.
Luo Ye moved like a specter of death, his strikes merciless, his precision inhuman.
When the dust settled, only Arlong remained.
---
The End of Arlong
Arlong struggled to his feet, blood trickling from his mouth. His vision blurred, his grip on Kiribachi unsteady.
He spat out a mouthful of blood and glared at Luo Ye.
"Who the hell are you?!"
Luo Ye slowly stepped forward, boots crunching over the rubble.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he placed his foot on Arlong's head and pressed down.
"I'm the one who kills pirates like you."
Arlong's eyes widened in horror.
"Stop—!"
---
Author's Note
This story follows an alternate Marine timeline.
The inspiration came from an illustration of Luffy, Ace, and Sabo as Marine Admirals. I wondered what if their paths had been different?
For Ace, this is redemption. For Sabo, an alternative fate. For Luffy, a completely new journey.
I don't know if this concept will resonate with people, but if you enjoy it, consider supporting the story!
Also, I haven't finalized Luo Ye's Admiral title yet. Right now, I'm leaning toward Silver Blade since he primarily fights with a sword. But if anyone has better suggestions, leave a comment!
Daily Update Schedule:
50,000 words minimum per day.
+1 extra chapter per 2,000 flowers.
+1 extra chapter per 300 evaluation votes.
+1 extra chapter per 20 monthly passes.
+1 extra chapter per 5 rewards.
If you dare to vote, I dare to update!