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Bell-mère ultimately didn''t let Noir stay in bed all night; he still went to the village feast.
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The culture of feasts in the pirate world was quite appealing. At least one or two banquets were held for every festival or harvest.
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Noir and his siblings could play to their heart''s content during these times.
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Only during such events would Bell-mère allow Noir to have a drink with the villagers.
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Nojiko and Nami, with their adorable looks, would always get plenty of treats and toys from the adults.
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Of course, due to his injuries this time, Noir couldn''t drink and enjoy himself.
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By the time the feast ended, it was already past midnight. Bell-mère and Noir each carried a tired sister home.
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Back at home, Noir decided to talk to Bell-mère.
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"What? You want to go into seclusion for two years?" Bell-mère looked at her son in surprise.
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Noir nodded; he had been thinking about this for a long time.
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Now, with the power of the Devil Fruit and his extraordinary talent in swordsmanship and Haki, it was time to focus on his growth.
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"Child, you''re already strong enough." Bell-mère held his hand, worried.
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"Don''t put so much pressure on yourself."
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Bell-mère always knew that Noir seemed to have something on his mind since she adopted him.
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He never relaxed in training, as if a burden weighed him down.
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This used to make her very upset.
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You''re my child! Do you think I can''t protect you?
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"Don''t worry, Bell-mère. Just two years, nothing will happen." Noir reassured her softly.
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Bell-mère fell silent, but Noir knew she agreed.
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She never interfered with any of her children''s decisions.
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But she would always be there for them until they succeeded or returned tired to her embrace.
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Noir''s eyes showed guilt, but quickly hid it, secretly swearing.
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Two years. After dealing with Arlong, I''ll have a good time with you.
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From then on, the villagers of Cocoyasi felt something was missing.
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That brat no longer shouted challenges, stole drinks, or practised swordsmanship in sight.
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Everyone felt a bit uneasy.
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Noir found an isolated island in the nearby sea, full of fierce beasts and a harsh natural environment. He planned to stay there for a while.
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Two years could change many things.
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Two years were enough for Luffy to become the "Fifth Emperor" of the New World from a simpleton, for Zoro to become a great swordsman with few rivals, and for Nami and Robin to grow into beautiful women.
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Everything changed with time.
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In those two years, the so-called "weakest sea," the East Blue, saw the rise of many fierce pirates.
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Though cannon fodder in the Grand Line, they still rampaged freely in East Blue.
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The Marines, enforcing justice for the World Government, couldn''t keep up with the pirates'' emergence.
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In this sense, Roger, who started the Great Pirate Era, was a menace.
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One sentence sparked countless people''s greed, sending them to seek an elusive treasure, often meeting their end at sea.
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It also led to many homes being destroyed by pirates and families torn apart.
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No matter Roger''s true intent, he indeed carried this sin.
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Though some pirates weren''t after the One Piece but just luxury, the world still blamed Roger for giving them an excuse.
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An excuse to follow the massive wave of the era.
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In the original story, the Marines opposed the protagonists, which didn''t make them villains.
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On the contrary, without the Marines'' just actions, East Blue would be in even more chaos.
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But in this world, creating evil was far more accessible than fostering good.
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So, ending this chaotic Great Pirate Era wouldn''t be easy.
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And among the Marines, not all were just peacekeepers.
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On a particular island, there was a base under the direct command of the Marine Headquarters'' G-16 branch. This was just one of many bases, as the Marines were well-established across the four seas.
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The base''s commander, a Captain, was currently receiving a special guest.
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In the office, bronze chests were opened individually, revealing glittering gold and jewels!
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The sheer quantity dazzled the Captain instantly.
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Wearing a rat hat, this Captain had a long, narrow face with a pointed nose, three disgusting whiskers on each cheek, and greedy, beady eyes.
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"Captain Nezumi, are you satisfied with my gift?"
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A rough voice sounded, and the guest before Nezumi grinned with sharp teeth.
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With blue skin, a saw-like nose, a shark-like face, webbed hands, wearing shorts and an open shirt, he sat cross-legged in front of the Captain.
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This was a Fishman, Arlong, whom Noir always dreaded!
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"Satisfied! Of course, I''m satisfied!" Captain Nezumi was almost enchanted, pressing his face into the treasure.
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He picked up a gem, kissed it hard, and asked, "You''ve already attacked over a dozen villages. Isn''t that enough?"
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Arlong laughed and shook his head, saying, "How could it be enough? My Arlong Empire is far more ambitious!"
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"Don''t worry; as long as you keep these things quiet, there''ll be plenty of money!"
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Captain Nezumi, grinning greedily, replied, "Of course, of course."
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Arlong''s eyes showed disdain. He then stood up, his tall, sturdy body looming, and said:
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"Well, I''ll be off. Good luck to both of us!"
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"Haha, safe travels!"
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Leaving the base, Arlong headed to the shore where his pirate ship was docked.
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The black pirate flag bore a red saw-shark over crossed bones; this was the "Shark Superbia," Arlong''s notorious vessel.
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Back on the Superbia, various Fishmen asked upon seeing him, "Is it done?"
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"Of course!" Arlong replied.
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Just a greedy little human. If not for worrying about alerting higher-ups, I wouldn''t bother bribing such scum!
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Arlong thought disdainfully. Ever since a sleazy vice-admiral easily defeated him on the Grand Line years ago, he had become more cunning and cautious.
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Otherwise, with someone like Captain Nezumi, Arlong could crush ten of him with one hand!
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Feeling the sting of losing money, Arlong looked at the sea chart on the table.
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His huge webbed hand slapped the chart, his fierce face hidden in shadow, grinning evilly:
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"The Arlong Empire starts here!"
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Raising his hand, the chart marked his target: Noir''s hometown, Cocoyasi Village!