Arlong Park Arc: Part I

[we_are]

Welcome, my friends, to the Arlong Park Arc.

This is the most important arc in the East Blue stretch for several reasons.

1) We get to see our first five together, fighting and interacting with each other as they start to feel each other out. It is also where characters cement themselves in the beginning of arcs that will carry them into and through a great portion of the Grand Line.

2) It’s an arc that really shows how big of a world we’re getting into. It starts to blow the world open with references to Shichibukai and the Fishmen themselves.

3) This is the arc, that for many, sealed One Piece as a favorite. This is the gateway arc that showed that, far from being just a typical shonen, One Piece had a whole other world to offer them.
But before we begin, we’re working under two suppositions.

First, we already know what happens, so we’ll try to look deeper into the motivations of certain characters and see what’s really going on.

Second, despite Arlong saying constantly that Fishmen are the stronger species, he doesn’t believe it. And actually is fairly afraid of what humans will do. I will prove it as I go so just hang tight.



In this initial part, we will look at the power of acting, the duality of character’s natures, and the we start to get a much bigger picture of the world in general.


While we will get to Nami’s appearance back in the Baratie Arc, let’s first start off with the cast of characters we’re playing with as we’re introduced.



Firstly, I love the bait and switch we get here. As chapter 69 opens, we’re lead to believe that Sanji is still crying over his recent departure from the Baratie. It’s ridiculous, of course, which is what makes it funny.

But of course it is Yosaku, that big dork.

I love how Luffy really has no idea why Yosaku is crying. He’s even a little annoyed by it, but mostly just seems concerned like: what is wrong with you? Being a former crybaby himself, having someone crying for this long over something that’s been over for at least a little while touches a nerve, I think.

Sanji seems annoyed, too. And rightly so. It was his moment, not Yosaku’s and though he’ll never forget it, he doesn’t want Yosaku blubbering over it and making a big deal out of it. But, because Yosaku is really genuine here and can’t seem to stop, Sanji doesn’t really get mad at him, only redirects his annoyance by asking Yosaku if he’s checking on the boat’s direction. (or to use Viz’s translation: Can he even see to steer. Lol)



I also love Luffy’s enthusiasm. Who doesn’t? And the way he’s sitting on the prow of Sanji’s ship, a precursor to Merry. He’s impatient and ambitious and excited, and even though he doesn’t let the fact that he only will have five nakama deter him, he doesn’t brush aside the concern. Like, he doesn’t say, five nakama should be fine. No he’s like yeah well if it’s a problem we’ll get more! In other words, he listens to Sanji’s advice but doesn’t let it stop him from what it is he wants to do.

As for Sanji. The key line is what he says in the bottom panel. Luffy will regret it if he underestimates the seas. Sanji may be a dreamer and chasing after his dream, too. But he’s still fairly pragmatic and knows the seas well. Aside from being stuck on a rock for so long, he’s been living on the sea for 9 years on the Baratie and even in the East Blue the sea isn’t to be underestimated.




This because Luffy is freaking adorable and it’s my analysis so I do what I want. In any case, though we know, it doesn’t hurt to remember that the fact that it is also known as a graveyard makes it a pirate paradise to Luffy. He craves action and adventure and danger. He doesn’t expect anything of the Grand Line than that and so he won’t be disappointed.



Sanji, you dork.

It’s interesting, though, that Sanji is surprised that Zeff would say something like that about the Grand Line. I don’t know if he even ever asked Zeff about it, and their relationship isn’t exactly one that revolves around Zeff telling stories. As far as we know canonically, the only thing Sanji does know about the Grand Line is what he heard from Gin and that was that it is a terrible place. It’s probably never occurred to him that it could be a paradise. At this point I don’t think he even cares what it is because he is there to cook and find the All Blue.

And getting a chance to sail with Nami again is an added bonus. As we see here, and as we will see, Sanji really likes Nami.

Pause to note that while I’m not saying he’s in love with her exactly (except in his own Sanji way which is complex in and of itself which we’ll explore as we go on) she’s definitely his number one girl and becomes even moreso as the series goes on.

(I point this out because I don’t want it to be assumed I’m saying that: this is a ship! Or: This is why xy ship can’t happen. The narrative of OP isn’t about shipping. Though I love to ship myself while at the same time I’m all for people not shipping anyone. Ship and ship alike (or don’t) as I say. But I will say this is definitely a hardcore part of Sanji’s character and it will only add delicious complexity to any ship you put him in, not take it away)

At any rate, Yosaku yells at them for being much too naïve.



Interesting note, here. Inasmuch as Yosaku and Johnny call Zoro brother and traveled with him for a time, they really really don’t know him that well. As Yosaku’s “basic knowledge” amounts to saying what a terrifying guy Arlong is. It would have only encouraged Zoro.

Also, as an aside, Yosaku does know about the Grand Line, at least a little as he will go on to explain. It sort of makes me wonder if Johnny and Yosaku had made tentative plans to go themselves and then realized what horrors would be and were like nope.

Yosaku starts to talk about how dangerous the place they’re going to is and:



They don’t really care. XD And the reason why is the same for both. They’re going to rescue Nami whatever’s there. Also it’s about that time to eat and Sanji probably wants to get his hands busy—and of course Luffy is always ready for food. Of course they can always listen as they eat, but I think Yosaku is mostly trying to get them to take this vital and dangerous revelation seriously.

He tells them the reason that it is called the “Pirates Graveyard” is because three great powers rule over it and one of them is the shichibukai.



This to emphasize that while Sanji may know the sea, he really doesn’t know a whole lot about the greater world and the politics involved. He’s still very much a little frog in a well because the world is bigger than he thought and this information is pretty important for anyone going to the Grand Line.

Yosaku talks about how they’re sanctioned by the government in return for the government getting a cut of their loot. Already we’re starting to see a kind of corruption at a deeper level than just Morgan being a jerk. Though we’ll touch that when we come to it. Yosaku further says that Mihawk is a shichibukai but…



This probably isn’t the effect he’d hoped to have. Luffy is excited by it. You better believe he wants to meet them all and see how strong they are. Strength is something he’s really into and of course he’d always be interested in seeing what strong people can do. Also it’s just damn cool. Sanji is just listening attentively.



Jimbei. Who would have thought we’d see him again the capacity that we do and how awesome he’d be. Ah, One Piece. Though again the talk of Fishman does not have the gravitas Yosaku expects. Luffy is just like, that’s a new one. And Sanji, of course, has heard about Fishman Island—possibly from the Baratie cooks and/or customers. And his mind goes straight to mermaids. I love the little smoke hearts he has, too.



Now let’s pull out briefly for the long view here. When first reading this, we have no choice but to take Yosaku at his word. And, yeah, it’s not inaccurate. In part due to Jimbei’s decision, Arlong ran rampant. But remember that Yosaku’s views are just a small part of a much more complex story. That they were nakama at one point, at odds but working together under Fisher Tiger, trying to make some change in an oppressive world.

That Fisher Tiger was betrayed by humans. That Arlong, never fond of humans to begin with, was super pissed about it and ultimately ended up in prison—to be freed, perhaps, because Jimbei felt some compassion for him as the brothers that they were. And this history is very much tucked into the Arlong Park Arc.

Mostly, however, this is a case of how there are more to one thread to any story, and Yosaku only knows the surface. This is another subtle theme running throughout which we’ll pick up as we go.



It’s too late, though, because Luffy’s mind has gone off on a tangent as he tries to draw what a Fishman might look like. This is the important thing to him right now and the only important thing.

And hey, look at that! Sanji laughing! It’s pretty open and carefree, huh? We’ll look at that a little more when we reach the end of their little section here.

Poor Yosaku, though. It’s like herding cats when talking to Luffy.

Yosaku goes on to say that Arlong fought side by side with Jimbei and that he is probably even stronger than Krieg and I don’t doubt it. Can you imagine Krieg trying to take down Arlong? Ships aren’t necessarily an advantage and Arlong could, without a doubt, bite right through his armor. Arlong would have trashed Krieg.



Sanji is able to stay on task because he has an attention span bigger than a gnat and because it’s about Nami, asks how Yosaku and Johnny are so sure as to where Nami is headed. Johnny explains that she was looking at Arlong’s wanted poster and other things which we will get back to touch on when we get to Nami’s story. Luffy however:



Luffy, however, cannot stay on task and is really into what these fish guys might look like. At first, Sanji is mildly annoyed that Luffy expects him to see any difference. But in the lower left, he rages at him. Why?
Well, because Sanji imagines her as a mermaid of course! A mermaid is a sailor’s dream and Nami is gorgeous and Nami as a mermaid is everything in one blissful package of love! An ideal, in other words.

And then Luffy completely shatters that ideal by putting hair on an ugly ass fish and it’s frankly insulting to Nami’s beauty by claiming that that looks anything remotely like her or a beautiful mermaid.



Naturally, Yosaku blows up at them. But, and perhaps for the first time, we see Luffy is pretty unconcerned and that he’ll see when he gets there. Of course we see little hints of it when they talk of going to the Grand Line a few pages earlier, but this part really shows Luffy’s character in regards to dangerous situations. He hears that Arlong is strong…but well, being strong is all relative—so he takes that into account what Yosaku says, but doesn’t assume anything. Besides which, he doesn’t even know if he’s going to fight Arlong or even encounter him.

He has no idea what Nami is doing there or if it’s even related. In any case there’s no use worrying about it until what happens happens. Sanji, too, is unconcerned. I think because mostly he’s following the same pattern of Luffy, no need to worry about it til we get there. But Yosaku is freaking out over things that haven’t even happened yet.



This because it’s a nice ending point, but also a great place to discuss some changes in Sanji, ironically even as he goes into his familiar speech pattern about preferring to serve a gorgeous lady rather than these dorks. Note, however, that he still asked them what they wanted.

But changes in Sanji, you say? Yep. Go back and look through the panels and notice how relaxed he is. He’s not wearing his cook’s jacket, just a button down shirt. He’s leaning against the side of the boat, completely relaxed, laughing at Luffy’s stupid drawing openly. Even the end where he talks about wanting to serve Nami instead isn’t because he wants to preserve his image, but because he really would like to cook for her and be able to spoil her palette and see her grateful smile as she swings gracefully into his arms and~~
….

No wait I got carried away there

/coff.


In either case, yeah. He’s relaxed. Far more relaxed than we’ve ever seen him at the Baratie, even when talking to Gin. I mean, just look at the comparison:




The leaning back is the same, but on the Baratie he is closed off, hands on his legs, protecting Gin a little and kind of caged. On the right he is open, leaning back, arms on the ship, just sitting there listening with Luffy who is not someone he needs to protect or look after (at least not in the same capacity as Gin) but someone more or less his peer.

Why? Well:

Firstly, there’s no need for a dominance battle here. Sanji doesn’t have to prove himself as the top dog. He’s already decided to follow Luffy as captain, but even then Luffy’s not exactly a model of tough guy masculinity that Sanji has to compete with. Yosaku isn’t even in the crew –just a tagalong—and he’s not exactly a model of a tough guy either. Also, tying in with that, there’s no competition. Sanji’s in charge of and dominant in the kitchen—he’s not one cook among many but the cook.

Secondly, Sanji tends to reflect the attitude of those around him, as we’ve said. In the Baratie, presentation is life and so Sanji must maintain this self image. Here? Luffy and Yosaku are just authentically themselves, as weepy or as dorky as they can be. So Sanji is, too.


Now we go to Arlong.

First? His flag:



It seems pretty cut and dry. He’s a Fishman so of course he’d have a fish. But that’s exactly it. There’s a lot of pride here. Firstly, it’s not a fish skeleton or skull—but a living fish. There’s a sensation of movement and lethal intent. The crossbones remain bones, perhaps just to fit the pirate motif—but as we’ve seen with Shanks’ flag, you can have crossed swords, too. I think you could make an argument that the fish is living but the human bones are quite dead and promises the same. Either way, the pride is even more evident when you look at what kind of fish it is. A saw toothed shark, which is the kind of Fishman Arlong is. The flagpole is reminiscent of Arlong’s nose. This pirate crew is about Fishman, yes, but Arlong’s Fishmen. Arlong’s ideals. Arlong’s dreams. It all revolves around him.

And the very first we see of Arlong?



He’s giving a cut of his profit to this mousey bastard here.

And remember our supposition regarding Arlong? We have the first evidence of it right here.

If he really believes Fishmen are the superior species and so much stronger than humans in every regard, why is Arlong paying Nezumi? Paying Nezumi to overlook his piracy so Arlong doesn’t get in trouble with the Navy. Arlong is afraid of the Navy. Considering Arlong got his ass hauled into prison by Kizaru himself, he’s got every right to be afraid of the Navy. But it is not conducive to the idea that Fishmen are vastly superior to humans.

But yeah, you can argue, duh. It is the Navy. Arlong isn’t stupid after all so no matter how superior he may think Fishmen are, a few Fishmen aren’t going to able to take on the world’s dominant force. I can agree to that if you would argue such. But there’s still more to come (though not necessarily in this section).

Putting that to one side, to reiterate, Arlong is paying Nezumi a cut of his loot. It’s almost like he’s trying to become somewhat of a shichibukai of the East Blue.

Also I think Nezumi is sort of nervous about being there. It’s hard to read expressions accurately sometimes but he certainly doesn’t look enthralled.

There is a full page about Arlong laughing about how money makes the world go round, but since he more or less repeats himself with clarity in the next page, we’ll look at that.



Arlong is sort of a complicated character, because he’s smart because he’s scheming. He’s also very well aware his position as a Fishman in the grand scheme of things. But he’s not one to let them know what he knows.

We’ll look at more evidence of that later, but establishing that fact, let’s look at this statement. It seems fairly innocuous. But there is something fairly sinister about his expression. He is smirking. But there are lines around nose, his brows are drawn together. I think what he is doing here is testing Nezumi. Testing their long standing deal to make sure it’s still valid by trying to judge Nezumi’s reaction—which is why he’s posing the question to begin with. Along with that, he seems to be schooling his expression so that it’s menacing but not too menacing. Arlong walks a fine line always.



Nezumi agrees. And as to why I think Arlong was testing Nezumi is also here. As was said, Arlong gave him thismonth’s pay or cut, which means they have to have done it at least once before. In other words, Arlong should already know or at least guess how Nezumi feels about money. I would go so far as to say Arlong would make damn sure he knows how dedicated Nezumi is to money because the continued existence of Arlong Park relies on Nezumi staying on his side. So saying: Nothing is more reliable than money, right? Is making sure they’re both still standing on the same ground.

And once Nezmi says certainly? Arlong relaxes a little. Also note three things about Arlong’s speech here:
A) He despises humans. Is that really the case?
B) Men and women (though the viz just mentions human males. The other translations I’ve seen say men and women so that’s what I’m going off of). Also women is important here because I am sure he’s referring to Nami.
C) This is how the world works. Money makes the world work. This is how you win or lose, is what he’s saying. But if that’s the case how are Fishmen superior? Strength means little to nothing. (Though I want to emphasize I’m not arguing about Fishmen superiority or otherwise, but how Arlong feels about this statement)
Nezumi continues to look really damn uncomfortable. He is closed off, arms folded, but his legs are spread, in a way holding his ground in a dominant masculine way of sitting.



Nezumi is trying to get out of here as quick as he can, wanting as little association with the Fishmen as possible. And, as we’ll see, where his ship is docked is not entirely the reason.
But Arlong… it’s sort of weird. He says he despises humans but he really wants Nezumi to stay and have a drink with him. It’s sort of like, well I have to get along with him to keep an established business relationship—I can see that as a justification—but it’s so much more than that.

What Arlong really burns to do is to slot himself into the human world and make himself matter. As a Fishman but also on the human level. He wants to despise Nezumi, but be at least drinking buddies and friends on some level where they’re not friends at all. He wants to be acknowledged by Nezumi as someone to have a drink with. He doesn’t want to just be a Fishman Pirate paying off a Marine. That’s just a means to an end. Part of the reason I say this is because of Arlong Park itself. It’s created to look like Sabody. A place Fishmen were never allowed to go. It’s another huge indicator of how much of the human world he really wants for himself. He both wants to dominate it and associate with it. Lord over everyone and sit at the cool kids table with the cool kids saying you’re one of us.

Nezumi excuses himself and Arlong says the Captain is going back and to escort him to his ship.



And enter Hacchan!

Though that brings to the front another reason why Nezumi might be nervous. Arlong controls this entire meeting. They presumably come in Hachi’s tako pot, otherwise they’d take whatever they took there back. So if Arlong really wanted to he could strand them there. In some ways I think Nezumi mentioning his ship was anchored was to subtly remind Arlong that he would be missed.

In any case, this translation paints Hachi a little harsher than I’d call him, especially given how he is later. Not that he doesn’t dislike humans to some extent and isn’t swayed by them (which we’ll get into later) but the translation I prefer reads: “: Man, you got the funniest face. And your name is Nezumi! It's like, I coulda told you that without hearing your name in the first place!” He’s not really mocking Nezumi’s appearance so much as commenting on it and being tickled by it. He’s kind of a playful character.




Arlong! What happened to your teeth?

But seriously, Arlong doesn’t much care what Hachi says about humans and Nezumi but has to put up a front by telling Hachi to apologize. But he’s not mad about it and Hachi’s just casually apologizing. (Though again I prefer the other translation which says: “Forgive him, captain!! He's got no class!!” Which suggests he’s sometimes tactless rather than frequently insulting). While I don’t think Hachi did it on purpose exactly, Arlong is somewhat using this as a display of power. This is just how much I can get away with insulting you on my turf. Which is to say, not caring overly much about what the other Fishmen say about him.

But yeah, as much as Arlong wants to slot himself into the human world, the human world, at least in the form of Nezumi, isn’t about accepting him. He thinks Arlong and the others are freaks pretty much but is only interested in the money.




Now we come to Nami. So let’s reel back a little. First we back to where Yosaku and Johnny got creamed by Fullbody and bounty posters went flying:



She sees his poster and the first thing she does is crumple it up in one hand. It’s almost an involuntary spasm and probably a mark of how much she hates just looking at him. But also is reminded just what she has to do. Just what she has to return to eventually.

After that she goes on the Baratie at some point, laughs from her heart and enchants Sanji and then back on the Merry… after Krieg’s ship arrives but before the shit hits the fan:




Why is she staring so intently at the posters now? I think because she realizes she has the ship all to herself. This is the perfect opportunity to sneak away and to take care of what she has to. But I think in some sense she’s still waffling on the decision, staring at Arlong to remind herself what she needs to do—but at the same time not sure.


She’s understandably kind of nervous about them noticing she’s looking. If they discover her connection she’s in deep trouble. Not that there’s any reason they should know. I think though she was so deep in thought she’d sort of forgotten they were there, or at least didn’t expect them to notice her and is surprised.
And if indeed she was waffling before, Johnny and Yosaku help push the decision.



That’s a Koalaish smile if I’ve ever seen one. It’s bright alright but her eyes are haunted. She has to go back. Arlong rampaging is not a good thing. She doesn’t know why he’s rampaging but in case he decides to rampage in the direction of Cocoyashi, she has to be there to head it off.

She drags Johnny and Yosaku’s treasure on board. They say it’s their treasure and she agrees that it is. XD And they give a mild protest saying they won’t be traveling with them for long. And immediately after?



Complete subject change.

Many of the men of the OP world are ruled by their libidos and Nami will rule them if she has to. This particular aspect, I believe, stems from Bellmere, jokingly telling Genzo she’ll pay with her body. Though for Nami, at this point, it is no joke and it’s one of the strongest weapons she has. She very much uses her feminine wiles to get into situations and to get out of them. Partly because she’s opportunistic. Partly because she’s not very physically strong in comparison to those around her.

Johnny and Yosaku fall for it.



Perversion is punished as perversion often is—and they’re knocked into the water. Nami is pretty dang strong still to send them flying with just that! XD but she used the railing to her advantage and the fact that they were completely unprepared for it.

They ask her why she did:



Much like Sanji, in some ways, plays a role, so does Nami. But in her case it’s all an act. She’s laying it out, because she’s not dishonest. They knew what she was and she never said she wasn’t going to steal their ship and take off with their treasure! Oddly, though, even though she’s talking to Johnny and Yosaku…she’s not really talking to them. She knows they’re not crewmates, but she says “I never agreed to be your crewmate” She’s using them as a proxy for Luffy. What she would say to Luffy were he here. Justifying this to herself. It’s their fault for believing her, honestly!

(and it’s not dissimilar from what Arlong does to Nami a little later on)



Here again, she’s honest. Because all of what I’ve stated, and also she hates pirates and doesn’t want to become one. Still she will acknowledge their treasure is an exception. In other words, she knows they’re not pirates but bounty hunters and therefore legit, so that’s a her bad…but she’s stealing it anyway.



But here, her veneer cracks a little and she looks so damn weary. You can already tell she will miss them and that she’s not looking forward to going back to her usual life. However, the crack in her veneer is something she allowed. She’s giving herself the luxury of letting things out a little because Johnny and Yosaku don’t matter to her. At least not as much as Luffy and the others do. She can emote a little around them.



Annnd she’s right back to a kind of perky blasé character role to show she’s in control and completely okay with everything she’s doing. She’s not emotionally compromised by this at all.



This line is important. When she first met Luffy she was set against him because he was a pirate. Now she just knows that he’s a good person. And Zoro and Usopp. I don’t think she would have stolen from them if she wasn’t worried about what Arlong was doing and felt she had no choice. And it wasn’t as if she left them completely stranded either. Still she did what she felt she had to do. (And being on the Merry must feel very lonely)



And here she hopes for the future a little. Saying the next time we meet…maybe they’ll accept her again. And then even the hope fading that she’ll meet them again. And alone with no one to act for she cries because she can’t hold back the tears.




And then she can’t hold back the misery. It’s the perfect example of Nami’s character, too, both selfish and selfless. She is suffering so Cocoyashi can be free. But she wants to be free. She is stealing from good people and non-pirates to further her own goals, but those goals involve other people who have been trapped too long. She herself is trapped and miserable. Because she finally found people that she could actually be friends with, I think, besides Nojiko. People she respects and admires. But she was more or less forced to steal from them. Forced to give them up and not just for her sake or Cocoyashi’s sake, but theirs as well. As we’ll see she doesn’t think they can beat Arlong. If they came with her, they would just get trashed. And so she takes the weight of everything on her shoulders and just wants to be free of it, calling on her mother to help her and her mother’s love.

And now we’ll see her in the Arlong Park Arc as she confronts a boy named Chabo from Gosa Village.



Yeah Arlong is no one to be trifled with. Unlike Krieg who was rumored to do horrible things, here we see the direct aftermath of Arlong being a complete bastard. The direct suffering of the people who he bullies. Though even though they’re bullied and have no hope of standing up to him, this Chabo is damn well going to try, even if he has to go through Nami as he’s so overcome with rage. Nami’s face is pretty cold and she even looks disdainful.



And it carries further than just a mask of disdain because she just wails on him and it seems pretty harsh. Even for those that know the backstory it seems like overkill. But let’s take a closer look.

On one hand, she’s an Arlong Pirate, so she’s going to act as expected, harsh and brutal and saying that Arlong has no time for brats like him. Ostensibly looking down on him and saying that even his paltry revenge is beneath Arlong’s notice. Perhaps so he won’t get the wrong idea. Perhaps just in case any of Fishmen are in a position to overhear. Or maybe to push herself more into the role.

On the other hand, she’s basically saying, look, you can’t even stand up to me. Arlong is going to kill you without thinking twice about it. She’s saying that and trying to crack some sense into his skull at the same time. Trying to scare him off as well, too, probably.

But the manifestation of her will appears when she says “Go home”. She wants him to be safe. What is she doing all this for if this little brat is just going to throw his life away? She’s also pissed at having to do it, see the vein mark on her hand, but she will do it if she has to… even though she understands the pain all too well.



And, for the most part, it works. Though, note, that is not a little money. Even if we don’t know the denomination, it’s suggested it’s quite a bundle. Nami doesn’t know his situation really. He could be an orphan for all she knows. So she gives him a brick of money unasked and without hesitation so he can take care of himself. While Arlong used money to get his own way (because he really wasn’t strong enough to do it by force), Nami uses it, in this case, to provide care.

After this, Nami makes her way into Arlong Park, commenting about the lax security. Arlong just laughs and says as if anyone would dare to break in and asks how much haul Nami got.



This, of course, is an act. But it’s quite similar to Sanji in many respects. Both Sanji and Nami have to put up a strong front. For Sanji it was mostly out of pride, but for Nami it’s out of necessity. Her version of strength, is protecting her inner self so she won’t crack, while not allowing Arlong to take advantage of any kind of weakness. She’s speaking the truth, but she’s speaking jokingly. It can’t hurt her if she won’t let it.



Arlong is amused. I think he genuinely finds this funny because Nami always betrays those suckers. That’s how she gets her haul. But this level of light sarcasm from her is a new one and so he laughs. But also I think it’s a dig about her joining the Arlong Pirates and betraying Cocoyashi. Of course he knows that she didn’t. But I’m pretty sure he thinks that Cocoyashi has turned their back on Nami for betraying them and so he reminds her of this because he is at heart a raging asshole and a bully. He doesn’t have to be careful with Nami.

I feel like this is the only way Nami can reply. She can’t not reply because that might either mean that Arlong wins or she’s showing some weakness that Arlong can then pry open. Agreeing with him would also mean that Arlong wins. And she doesn’t want to recognize that as part of her identity. Stealing from pirates is one thing. But making betrayal her specialty? No. She’d rather not. So she just pseudo teases saying is that so? Since, much like Arlong has to walk a certain like with Nezumi, Nami has to walk a certain line with Arlong.



In as much as the Fishmen dislike humans, they’re all for celebrating Nami’s return. I don’t think this is out of like for her particularly. Though I don’t think they dislike her. But because it’s a party and a feast so of course they’re going to be excited.

Most important here are Arlong’s words. First, he calls her nakama. I honestly think he calls her that just to needle her—because she’s not nakama in any way and he knows what nakama are. He’s saying and reminding her that she’s his. We’ll see examples of this throughout but just important to keep in mind—while I think that Arlong likes Nami on some level, he mostly just likes to needle her and torment her. Mostly because she can’t do a damn thing about it. (and I’ll explain more about this at the end of the arc)

Second? The Fishmen are his brothers. This is not the case of Alivda, Morgan, Buggy, Kuro or Krieg. The Fishmen are not his subordinates. They are his brothers. They are his family. We’ll see more of this as the arc progresses, but in as much as Arlong is an asshole and a bastard to humans, he cares about his fellow Fishmen.



Even Nami’s clothes are significant. Remember last time we saw her she was in a t-shirt, but here she is in a tank top. Why? That mark is why. Of course it is. She’s reminding people just whose pirate group she belongs to. By people I mean both the humans (to keep up her ruse) and the Fishmen (to remind them about who she is and where she belongs in their crew). It’s also, I think, to remind herself about what she’s doing and what path she’s chosen.


As we wind down chapter 69 and open 70 we see Usopp, Johnny and Zoro floating toward Arlong Park, with Usopp and Johnny, peering at it terrified.

Johnny suggests that they first find out where Nami docked the Merry



Oh, Zoro.

First, I want to point out there are at least three different translations for Johnny’s words. Stephen’s translations say: Why are you like that?!! And the Viz says: What are you thinking?! Both of which are richer than just “as if”. Because for one thing it suggests more that Johnny knows Zoro’s mentality.
And as freaked out as they are, Usopp does have a point. While I’m sure he says it because he doesn’t want to go in and fight, they also don’t know if they even need to fight.

Zoro’s first inclination is to fight because Nami did steal the ship after all, and getting her back per Luffy’s orders isn’t going to be just some walk in and talk to her deal. Also, Zoro’s sweat drop is just hilarious. Like, what are they freaking out about? :/

Usopp finds the Going Merry through binoculars and:



Zoro was so gungho about going that they had to tie him up. Lol. Poor Zoro, though they must have had to work pretty fast.

But this chapter is called: The Great Adventure of Usopp (or Usopp’s Great Manly Adventure or the Adventure of Captain Usopp, pick your flavor) so it’s largely concerning him. Let’s look at what we have then.

In the far left, Usopp is teasing Zoro which is kind of cute and hilarious. Reminding him that he’s wounded and patting him right on the wound to remind him just how much it hurts (which he knows thank you very damn much) and how much Zoro really doesn’t want to fight, so let’s just not and say we did, alright?

And in the bottom panel? Usopp’s confidence is 1000% because he’s found something he’s sure he can do! He’d be pretty useless at Arlong Park (so he thinks) but if they’re not going there all he has to do is to find Nami and bring her back and that’s easy peasy so you can count on the Great Captain Usopp!

Though I think part of his confidence boost is tied into the fact that the Merry also looks easy to recover.



Also it’s worth noting at this point that his first and primary concern is the Merry. Granted they are right beside it and it’s easy to get to it. But it’s not just, oh the Going Merry is safe, let’s go find Nami. He has to secure the ship first. Right now the Going Merry is the second most important thing to him.

Second, this isn’t about Nami. Not really. For Usopp it’s about his own adventure and making his own story. Nami was mentioned as “that girl”, sort of filling the role of damsel in distress for the Great Captain Hero to go rescue. Keep in mind I’m not saying Usopp is being an ass or cruel again, but he is very much wrapped up in himself and his own dreams. He is still pretty selfish in those terms though we’ll see him continue to grow and change. And he’s also new at this kind of life. He hasn’t really made the transition from Exciting Pirate Game to serious life or death situation. At least in terms of himself.

Remember though how the Going Merry was the second most important thing? What is the first? Well as they go toward the dock by which Merry is moored, they spot two Fishmen lurking there who also spot them. Johnny and Usopp freak out and:



Usopp values his own life more. Not that he’s given up on the Merry but a straight conflict with Fishmen? Nuh uh. That’s for someone else that is not him by any definition of the word.



Ahaha poor Zoro. It needs to be said though that the main reason he’s so butthurt is because he wants to go fight these tough looking Fishmen. It’s connected to finding Nami, sure, but she’s not there and he doesn’t know the situation but he’s not one to run from a fight. But also, he’s going to have to get out and confront Fishmen at some point because Nami is probably involved in some way. After all, they know that Nami was looking at Arlong’s bounty so if the assumption is correct and she wants to take it, Zoro, too will have to fight Fishmen perhaps in order to help her or to rescue her from a scheme gone awry.

Usopp has not yet reached the stage where he has too much faith in Zoro’s strength… Not that he doesn’t believe that Zoro is strong, but not after being critically injured. And Usopp is pissed partly that Zoro is yelling and could attract unwanted attention, and partly because Zoro is putting such a bad light on this situation. In other words, sort of saying Usopp is doing a bad and/or stupid thing by passing by so he defends himself. Who the hell wouldn’t be scared of those guys! Zoro, if he had any sense, should be scared of these guys, too!



Johnny admits defeat in a sense. There is no help going up against Arlong. But he defers to Usopp as Usopp and by extension Luffy is pretty much the only reason he’s here. Other than perhaps his own treasure. And now that Usopp figures it’s hopeless himself? He’s already given up. Nami has become Nami again and not a girl for him to rescue. Zoro, of course, is frustrated because I don’t think he cares if they run or not, but he promised Luffy to bring Nami back so he’ll do it himself if he has to.

They are spotted by Fishmen, however, who go out to investigate but before they can reach the ship:



They panic, jump ship, and leave him there. Again, like I said, Zoro doesn’t care about them running away but he’d like to be untied first. They likely knotted the ropes pretty tight and it’s only been at most a day and a half since he was cut up by Mihawk. And now he’s stuck because of them. Zoro’s pissed face in the bottom panel just cracks me up. He’s so mad he’s kind of shaking with it, and also in deep shit, too. But more to the point, he doesn’t give Usopp and Johnny up. He very well could say they jumped ship and maybe get a distraction or at least put them all in the same boat (as it were). But he’s a noble, self sacrificing kind of guy so of course he wouldn’t. Besides which, I imagine, he considers himself strong enough to handle it.
Somehow.

But, also important? As much as the “I’m going to kill them” thought passes through his mind, he never even says anything to them about it. Never brings it up. Zoro is not one to hold grudges over unimportant things and, after the initial anger, it’s unimportant.




For Johnny and Usopp, though, it’s bad enough that they abandon him—they don’t even really feel bad about it. It’s really kind of harsh. Though I think on some level they are fairly sure that Zoro can handle it, because he is Zoro. But I don’t think it really occurs to either of them what the consequences of that are. Zoro could die for all they know. But they are self-centered and care more for their own hides and continued existence. Also you see that Usopp still doesn’t have a really clear idea of what nakama are. He easily thinks he can leave Zoro and then return to Luffy and speak of his bravery and that’ll be that. But, of course, it wouldn’t be.

At any rate they swim to the island, coming up on Gosa village.



And, man, is that village wrecked. Now we know that the flipped houses are largely due to Arlong, and think of how petty that is. He doesn’t destroy the houses, though he’s strong enough to. He just flips them. They are still there, a reminder of his strength. But they can’t really be used and all the stuff is wrecked. And, on top of that, if they want to rebuild the town, they’ll have to destroy the houses themselves which will be a fairly dangerous task. Yes, Arlong tore up the town in a fit of rage, but it’s a fit of rage that is sort of equivalent to that kid, Nelson, in the Simpson who points and laughs.

Because, think about it, reducing everything to splinters has a certain anonymity to it. A typhoon could have done that or other kind of disaster. Arlong makes it personal. He wants to make sure they never forget exactly who did it.




Also this, in conjunction with Sanji’s comment about mermaids from earlier, puts Fishmen and Mermaids in the “other” category. Mermaids don’t get so much flack because they are beautiful and feminine. But for Fishmen? They are creepy looking and stronger than humans and other. Granted, Arlong is hardly making a case for Fishperson kind, and Johnny certainly isn’t saying they’re all terrible. But they’re definitely not “human” and maybe even sort of monstrous.



On the top right we see that Arlong’s strategy is working to a degree. Johnny gets it. This is what happens when people defy Arlong. And it’s due to Arlong they don’t want anything to do with the place. Also Arlong’s strength is certainly indicative of that you’d find on the Grand Line—but you can find that sort of strength in the East Blue, as well. But we’ll get more into that later.

Also included in this, if you abandon someone together, abandonment sort of becomes okay. Johnny flees without even warning Usopp of the looming threat. Though of course a more hidden aspect of this is, if Yosaku were there? I don’t think Johnny would have fled, or they would have fled together. If Yosaku was captured, Johnny would have likely fought for him. After all, they went after Fullbody together and we don’t see them abandon each other.

That’s because nakama are important. Comraderie is important. Johnny may like Usopp but he won’t risk his life for him. Luffy and Zoro to some extent have already risked their lives for Usopp (to some extent because Kuro wasn’t that much of a threat for them) Nami, too. And if he had remained with Zoro and untied him, there’s no doubt that Zoro could have made sashimi out of the Fishmen. But now that he’s left them behind, actions=consequences and so he faces the Fishman on his own—and linked to Zoro which will come back to bite him in the butt later.

In any case, Usopp bolts.




To emphasize the point, Johnny is treating this situation just as Johnny and Usopp did earlier. Saving his own skin and wishing Usopp luck but for the most part staying the hell out of harm’s way. Also note here the use of brother. Directly contrasting to Arlong (as we’ll see) Johnny calls Usopp brother, whom he abandoned and Zoro brother, whom he abandoned. But he does not call Yosaku brother because Yosaku means more. And also brothers here is more ‘aniki’ or ‘big brother’. In the sense that these are the people that protect them and they are the younger brothers that need protecting.



Usopp runs, but even though he can outpace the Fishman easily, he can’t run forever. Mostly due to him looking vaguely Fishman-like and Chabo being a butt and taking advantage of the situation. But actually this? This right here? Is what Arlong’s afraid of. We’ll see it later on and more clearly. But for this moment, firstly we know that Arlong rampaged and destroyed Gosa because it defied him. Johnny hints at as much. We can surmise that perhaps Chabo’s father stood up to Arlong which is why he was killed. He could mean of course that his father died in the chaos, but it’s most heavily implied that Arlong was the one that murdered him.

So setting the scene, Chabo’s father defies Arlong. Arlong wrecks Gosa in retribution. Chabo goes to confront him anyway despite seeing Arlong’s strength. He’s whaled on by Nami and goes back home but—he doesn’t give up. The first sign of what he thinks is a Fishman? He takes him on. His spirit is undefeatable. And yeah, Chabo is just a kid, but what if this spirit caught on to the adults? What if they all decided to fight back? Again, stronger examples later on, but this is the first seed of this idea.



He is all set to kill the crap out of Usopp, too, if Nojiko hadn’t stepped in to stop him.

But note what her words imply. Don’t harm the Fishmen (another translation: Don’t provoke the Fishmen). What happens if Chabo does? Well if the Fishman survives he’s gonna get hurt, but either way it’ll piss off Arlong. In contrast, Kuro is not going to give a crap if Jango gets hurt (as long as it doesn’t interfere with his plans)



And a note for Nojiko herself, full of sass as she is XD—though she whacked the Gosa boy to stop him from killing Usopp, she’s crouched at his level and talking to him—also she’s holding him. It’s an embrace, yes. Because she understands the hell he went through. But it’s also protective. She’s putting herself in front of him a little and is also half crouched, ready to move if she has to and taking Chabo with her. Though the threat I think is partly from the charging Fishman but partly from Usopp who is an unknown and just got whacked.



But this? This is where Usopp shines. This is why Usopp is ultimately a Straw Hat Pirate. Hey may run if he feels overwhelmed. But if there are two powerless people right in front of him, he’s going to stand and defend them. Zoro doesn’t really count in Usopp’s radar at this point because he is strong and much stronger than Usopp, so, hey, you’re on your own. But a woman and kid? He’s going to stop to do what he can, even if he doesn’t know what it is he can do. I also think this triggers a little Kaya /Usopp Pirates for him.

Though at the same time, Usopp is making a huge assumption here. He is assuming that because he is in trouble, so are Nojiko and Chabo, though that is not necessarily the case. It’s understandable on one hand because he knows that Gosa got destroyed because they defied Fishmen—but it’s not the last assumption about someone or a situation that he’s going to make. Why it’s important here, though, is he didn’t have to stand up. He probably could have kept running. But assuming the worst and standing up to it anyway to defend those weaker than him is what makes him a hero.



He’s not joking around about it either. It helps that the Fishman is still at a distance, but he’s going to attack.

Interestingly, we know that his attacks aren’t enough to kill at this juncture. So he’s trying to intimidate with just the name. He could make the Fishman swallow a pachinko or hot sauce ball which would give them enough space to run which I think is likely his ultimate answer, to stall the guy long enough so they can. But the ultimate goal doesn’t matter so much as:



Nojiko clobbers him a good one. Again, thinking about the continued safety of the town(s), and upholding all of Nami’s suffering and hard work.

We’ve covered quite a bit so let’s leave it at that for now.



Themes:

Concerning Beri Money is super important in the Arlong Arc and so of course we’ll be looking at it in context, how it appears, and most importantly, how it’s used. This comes in two sub-themes.

Money Makes the World Go Round For now just focusing on Arlong, money is how Arlong is even continuing to survive out in the East Blue. We know this because unlike Krieg who is hiding behind subterfuge and shields, Arlong is proud of his strength and how superior it is to humans. If he could dominate solely by strength, he would, especially since he likes money himself. We’ll touch that in his character section. But he has to give Nezumi his cut. It’s not even about power. Because he has money, but it’s not what makes him powerful. It’s what keeps the wheels greased. Money is not power but opportunity. (He also likes money but we’ll get to that later)

Money is necessity We’ll see this later on in the arc more strongly, but we’ve seen it before, too. Johnny and Yosaku protest Nami taking the money. Why? Because they need it obviously. Zoro turned bounty hunter so that he could get money to keep living after he lost home. Gin needed money to eat at the Baratie. Nami needs it to free her village. It’s a huge part in continuing to live. So the fact that Nami gives a huge brick of it to Chabo shows a great amount of generosity. Yes, she has a lot more than that, but that wasn’t a small amount and every little beri helps toward her ultimate goal.


Two Sides to Every Coin: There are multiple sides, really. But most so far show a dual nature. Yosaku is willing to swim back and be nommed by a Panda Shark in order to warn Luffy and the others of the danger, but is reluctant bordering on unwilling to go to Arlong Park himself. Sanji is pragmatic, but also a dreamer. Nami is selfish and selfless. Arlong is physically powerful but societally weak (outside of his crew). Chabo is physically weak, but brave. Usopp is mentally weak and fearful, but finds his strength in the protection of those weaker than him. The others will come in time and as we see them, but it should never be assumed that anyone is how you assume them to be.


It’s a Big World Little Frog: Though this in terms of the much larger world story. It is not so much the characters need to know this context, at least not right now. But we as readers are seeing the implications of a much larger world and deeply complex. Again we begin to get a sense of the corruption of the Navy, and not just at the asshole level of Morgan. Remember, Morgan used his power and position to get his way. Nezumi’s men are in it with him. (this is partly assuming that because Oda didn’t show they weren’t against him means they’re complicit since he’s usually good with details about this) There will always be corruption anywhere of course, but this is the first seed of it.

As for the Fishmen, wrapped up in it and around is the greater story we learn about Fishmen Island and all the things that are connected to it which informs who Arlong is, who the Arlong Pirates are, and why they are doing what they are doing. The world is bigger than the main characters are aware, and even bigger than the readers are aware (even now!) and knowing that is what makes things so exciting.


Acting is Power: Much like in the Syrup Island Arc, story is power, and in the Baratie Arc, presentation is power, in the Arlong Park Arc it is all about acting. Acting which combines story and presentation fluidly to conceal the truth. Stories are, by their very nature, never entirely true. Presentation can be used as a shield to hide more vulnerable emotions, but it’s also how (at least in the Baratie) they perceive themselves and wish to be perceived.

Acting, though is all about how you want others to perceive you. Influencing them to have them believe you’re just who you say you are, nothing more, nothing less. It’s difficult and nearly impossible for those that are authentic. Like Luffy for instance—and even Usopp who is authentically himself in the authentic I –want- to –stay –alive kind of way. (and other ways, too but this is the most prevalent here). Chabo is also too authentic and heartbroken to put on an act.

As we go through characters we’ll explore a little more of this concept.



Characters

Nami: We know who Nami is by now so I want to explore her through the idea of acting. She is a consummate actress. This is a double edged sword because while it protects her and protects others it also kills her inside. We know how Nami feels about kids. She probably didn’t want to smack the shit out of Chabo but she had no other option to get it through his head quickly. If she’d let him off easily he might have come back again and it might have been when Nami couldn’t save him. Her acting is what keeps her apart from her village and those she really loves save Nojiko. It is all done out of fear. She has to walk a fine line with Arlong, acting just as she’s expected. Not too much, not too little. If she’s too comfortable with things, you can bet Arlong would be suspicious. If she’s too uncomfortable, it’s too painful for herself and is giving in… because Nami is also a fighter. Every day, every hour, she is fighting for her village and for herself—to keep some sense of herself despite the incredible pressure of Arlong. And as the arc goes on, the pressure is only going to increase.


Arlong: Is also a study in opposites. He despises humans, but wants to be part of their world, but wants to be part of their world on his own terms, both powerful and accepted. He’s both full of himself as we’ve seen in the design of his flag and flag pole, but he also very much knows his position in the world. He’s an actor himself, though we’ve only seen a little of it here, but his acting is about power and control. He can’t outwardly threaten Nezumi, but he can make sure Nezumi realizes he’s no one to be trifled with or double crossed. He’s also the very example of a douchecanoe, even more so than Krieg. He is probably the biggest asshole out of all the assholes we’ve seen before…because he is a bully and relishes in it. Of course you can’t really see it when first coming in until you take the whole arc and Nami’s past into account. He brings up betrayal because she betrayed her village and he knows how much that hurts. He knows how much she doesn’t want to be there and how much she hates him. He has to know. But he likes stinging her. At the same time he goes easy on his brothers and has a genuine care for them which we’ll see.


Usopp: No one is more of a study in contrasts than Usopp. He really doesn’t want to die, but he will risk his life for those weaker than him; but those stronger than him, welp, he’s sure they can survive it—Even though tying up Zoro was likely in part to help him out as well since his wounds were pretty deep—yet he leaves Zoro behind to not get killed and is really super blasé about it. He’s got one foot in the real world and one foot still in the story pirate game world. Once Zoro is tied up, it is Usopp in charge, as he gives orders and Johnny defers to him. But as soon as responsibility comes in the form of Fishmen, he nopes away as quick as he can. But he’s not really self-aware of his cowardice at this point. It’s just common sense to him and the way he’s always lived his life. He can act like an adult sometimes but he’s still growing up and finding his way.

Zoro: Once again we see the basic core concepts of Zoro. He’s confident, loves the thrill of a challenge and danger, is protective and self sacrificial in a sense (in terms of not saying where Usopp and Johnny are) and really hates to look ridiculous/ be embarrassed. He really is being tied up like that and being caught by the Fishman like that. Being tied up is not who he is. He is a strong swordsman and being seen otherwise is just sort of humiliating. But while he’s strong with swords and non-verbal communication—and even understanding others to a degree—he’s not good at communication himself. All he can do when he’s tied up is to snarl at them to let him go already damnit. His acting with the Fishmen is about letting them make their own assumptions. Sometimes he does know the right thing to say (as we’ll see) but when he’s annoyed, angry or flustered, that all goes right out the damn window.


Relationships


Sanji<->Luffy: Sanji is super relaxed around Luffy. We’ve even seen it in the Baratie Arc the few times they are alone together. Luffy doesn’t expect anything from him or for Sanji to be any certain way so Sanji lets his guard down and is exactly who he is. There is really nothing he needs to hide, partly because Luffy doesn’t exactly inspire super passionate emotions—but that’s a good thing. Sanji has no need to compete with him. Has no need but to just be. And of course Luffy with Sanji is as Luffy is with everyone and that is Luffy. But Sanji is his nakama, too, so there’s something extra there that he wants Sanji’s attention in an almost child-like way, drawing fish for him—because he’s curious about it and he wants Sanji’s input on it. Not Yosaku’s whose probably already seen a Fishman. In fact Luffy has pretty much totally filtered Yosaku out, just showing Sanji hey, look what I did. What do you think?


Zoro<->Usopp: Zoro knows that Usopp is still on this path of finding courage and his inner strength. And while he won’t let Usopp get away with talking shit and stealing Luffy’s thunder as we saw in the Baratie, he’s content to let Usopp be as he is otherwise—except in tying Zoro up. All Zoro wants is to be let free and fight. He’s very willing to do all the fighting as a matter of fact. As for Usopp, well, he doesn’t really care all that much about Zoro himself yet. He does to a certain extent, but he doesn’t care about anyone but himself right now—and the Merry which is connected to Kaya. I don’t think he had any confidence in Zoro taking on those Fishmen and so basically saved Zoro from himself, so the thinks, but saved himself from Zoro, too (in terms of getting them in trouble with Fishmen)