Chapter 18: Chapter 18 Next Island
Namor's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry and his chest heavy with pain. The sound of waves gently lapping against the shore greeted him, along with the faint crackle of residual electricity in the air. He groaned, trying to sit up, his body protesting every movement.
As his vision cleared, he saw Enel sprawled a few feet away, leaning against a jagged rock. The self-proclaimed god's body was battered and bruised, his once pristine skin marred by burns and cuts. Despite his injuries, Enel was still conscious, his piercing eyes watching the horizon as if waiting for the next challenge.
Namor winced as he shifted into a sitting position, taking in his surroundings. The so-called "island" was nothing more than a small rock jutting out of the sea, with a patch of sand barely large enough for the two of them to rest on. It was barren and desolate, with no food, water, or shade in sight.
"How... how long have I been out?" Namor croaked, his voice hoarse.
"Not long," Enel replied, his tone uncharacteristically subdued. "We've been here since I dragged you away from that monster and his dogs. You were out cold."
Namor leaned back against the rock, letting out a frustrated sigh. The battle replayed in his mind: the crushing blows, the overwhelming power of the Marine Hero, and the shame of being defeated. But then his eyes fell on Enel, still alive despite the odds, and a flicker of pride swelled within him.
"You did well, Enel," Namor said, his voice carrying a rare note of respect. "Not many could have faced someone like that guy and walked away. You're proving to be a valuable ally."
Enel smirked, though the effort seemed to strain him. "Of course. I'm god, after all. I don't lose."
Namor let out a dry chuckle but quickly stopped as pain shot through his ribs. "God or not, you're as mortal as the rest of us. But I'll admit, having someone like you at my side... I couldn't have asked for better."
For a moment, there was a rare silence between them, a mutual understanding shared without words. But as Namor looked around, his pride gave way to a sinking realization.
"Where's Arlong?" Namor asked, his voice sharper now.
Enel raised an eyebrow. "The fishman? He didn't make it. That big guy took him. You were unconscious, and I couldn't save both of you."
Namor clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "Damn it... He had the log pose," he muttered, his frustration mounting.
Enel frowned. "Log pose? What's that?"
Namor waved him off, his mind racing. Without the log pose, they were stranded in the middle of the Grand Line with no sense of direction. The vast ocean stretched endlessly around them, and the tiny rock they sat on offered no reprieve from the blistering sun overhead.
"Arlong was the key to navigating these waters," Namor said bitterly. "Now we're lost. And to make things worse, this pathetic excuse for an island can't sustain us for long."
Enel didn't seem fazed by the predicament. "You're the king of the sea, aren't you? Summon your beasts and let them carry us to the next island."
Namor sighed, "You're right," He then closed his eyes and let the ocean's presence envelop him. The waves lapping against the rock were comforting in their familiarity, a reminder of where his strength truly lay. Though battered and bruised, he was still the king of the seas.
Without another word to Enel, he reached out with his will, the sea responding immediately to his call. The water churned and roiled as dark shapes began to emerge beneath the surface, growing larger and larger until several enormous Sea Kings rose around the rock.
Enel's eyes widened in disbelief as the monstrous creatures circled them, their massive forms casting long shadows over the two men. Despite their terrifying size and power, their demeanor was entirely different from what one might expect. The Sea Kings hovered near Namor, their glowing eyes wide with anticipation, as if they were eager to please him.
One of them—a serpent-like creature with shimmering scales—lowered its massive head, almost nuzzling Namor. Another, resembling a colossal turtle, spun in place, splashing water everywhere as though it were trying to perform a trick.
Namor's stern expression softened into a smirk. "Good," he muttered, standing tall despite the pain coursing through his body. "Even now, you all know who rules these waters."
The Sea Kings let out low, rumbling sounds, almost like purrs of contentment. One of them rolled onto its back, exposing its vulnerable belly, while another leapt from the water and dove back in, causing a massive wave.
Enel, still slouched against the rock, raised an eyebrow. "Are they... playing?"
"They're showing off," Namor said simply, crossing his arms. "Even the mightiest beasts crave acknowledgment from their king."
The serpent-like Sea King nudged Namor gently with its snout, prompting him to place a hand on its scales. "You've done well to answer my call," Namor said, his voice firm but calm. "Now I have a task for you. Take me to the nearest island. Do this, and I may call upon you again."
The Sea King let out a deep, resonant cry, and the others followed suit, their combined voices echoing across the vast ocean. Without hesitation, the serpent lowered itself further, allowing Namor to step onto its back.
He turned to Enel, who was watching the entire scene with an amused expression. "Are you coming, or would you prefer to stay here and wait for Garp to catch up?"
Enel let out a huff of laughter. "I suppose I'll join you, 'king.'" He staggered to his feet, wincing as he moved, and climbed onto the Sea King's back behind Namor.
The serpent began to move, gliding through the water with effortless grace. The other Sea Kings swam alongside it, still performing playful tricks as they escorted their ruler. Namor remained silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon, though a small smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.
For all the chaos and setbacks he had faced, the sea had not abandoned him. It was his domain, his ally, and his ultimate weapon. As long as he commanded the respect of its denizens, he would never truly be lost.
"Next island," Namor muttered, "Hopefully there's a strong man here that could teach me haki… that way I could go and help Arlong."
The Sea King carrying Namor and Enel cut through the still waters like a blade. The ocean around them was eerily calm, almost unnervingly so. Namor, standing tall at the head of the creature, observed his surroundings with a critical eye.
"No waves. No wind. No current," Namor muttered. His voice was low, but Enel heard the edge of suspicion in it.
Enel glanced at the water, his expression blank. "Isn't that normal for you? The ocean bending to your will and all?"
"This is different," Namor replied, his gaze narrowing. "It's not submission—it's stagnation. The sea is completely lifeless here. It's just like the Calm Belt."
Enel's smirk faltered. "The Calm Belt, huh? Doesn't that place have those monsters you're so cozy with?"
Namor ignored the jab, his eyes focused on the horizon. His instincts were rarely wrong, and something about this stretch of ocean felt strange, almost unnatural. Yet, just as his thoughts began to churn, a dark shape emerged on the distant skyline.
"There," he said, pointing forward. "An island."
Enel turned to look, his eyebrows raising slightly. The shape grew clearer as they approached—a sprawling landmass surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. At the center of it all, a massive snake looking statue loomed over the treetops, its stone form coiled and regal.
"I've never seen anything like it," Namor admitted. His tone carried a rare hint of awe, though his expression remained stoic.
Enel crossed his arms and leaned back slightly. "That statue... It's a snake," he remarked, tilting his head. "A giant one. Looks like the people here worship it."
Namor nodded, his eyes fixed on the imposing monument. "If they do, it means they revere strength. I may find something worthwhile here after all."
As the Sea Kings slowed their approach, Namor's mind raced with possibilities. This island, with its strange calm seas and grandiose symbol of power, felt different from anywhere else he'd been.
"What do you think, Enel?" Namor asked, glancing back at his companion.
Enel's lips curved into a small, confident grin. "I think this place is hiding something interesting."
Namor smirked. "Good. Let's find out."
Namor and Enel touched down gracefully on the lush surface of the island, Namor cast one last look at the Sea King as it swam off into the horizon, its massive form leaving ripples across the tranquil waters.
"Go in peace, loyal creature," Namor said, his voice tinged with genuine respect.
Even Enel, for all his aloofness, offered a curt nod. "Thank you, beast."
Namor shot him a look but said nothing as they turned their attention to the terrain ahead. They began walking through dense jungle foliage, the air thick and humid, making Namor feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Towering trees loomed overhead, their canopy barely letting sunlight touch the forest floor. Every step they took was accompanied by the distant cries of birds and the rustling of unseen creatures in the underbrush.
Namor's sharp eyes roamed the area, taking in every detail. His senses remained on edge. "This island... It feels alive," he muttered.
"And yet, I see nothing worth my attention," Enel replied, his hands tucked behind his head as he strolled casually. "No people, no structures—nothing. Perhaps this place isn't as grand as you imagined."
"Patience," Namor said curtly.
As they pressed on, the jungle seemed to grow quieter, the sounds of birds and insects fading into an eerie silence. The air felt heavier, the stillness almost oppressive.
"This is getting tiresome," Enel said with a dramatic sigh. "Are we just going to wander aimlessly until—"
A faint whistling sound interrupted him—a sound both men recognized immediately.
Namor's reflexes took over, his body tensing as an arrow streaked through the air. It shot cleanly through Enel's torso, the force of the impact sending the projectile clattering to the ground behind him.
Namor spun to face the direction the arrow had come from, taking his trident off his back and held it in his hand with a faint turquoise glow. His stance was sharp and commanding, his eyes scanning the treeline for any sign of movement.
Enel, meanwhile, glanced down at the hole in his chest with a look of mild irritation. Electricity crackled around the wound as it sealed itself instantly. He sighed, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. "Really? Arrows? How primitive."
Namor ignored him, his voice low and commanding. "We're not alone."
"No kidding," Enel said dryly.
Before Namor could respond, more arrows rained down from the shadows of the jungle. Namor deflected one with a sweep of his trident, the shaft splintering on impact. Another arrow zipped toward Enel, passing harmlessly through his intangible form as he smirked.
"Enough of this nonsense," Namor growled. He slammed the butt of his trident into the ground, the impact sending a shockwave through the earth. Leaves rustled, and the ground trembled as the air seemed to vibrate with his authority. "Show yourselves!"
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, from the shadows, figures began to emerge.
One by one, women stepped into view, their faces painted with intricate patterns and their bodies clad in warrior garb. Each held a weapon—a bow, a spear, or a curved blade—and their expressions were fierce, their eyes burning with resolve.
Namor's gaze sharpened as he took in their formation. "So, this island isn't empty after all."
Enel's smirk widened as he looked over the warriors. "Well, well... Now this is more like it."
The women moved with practiced precision, surrounding the two men in a tight semi-circle. One of them, taller and more elaborately dressed than the others, stepped forward. She pointed her spear at them, her voice firm.
"You trespass on the sacred land of the Kuja. State your purpose, or face the consequences."
Namor straightened, his trident glinting faintly in the dappled sunlight. "Kuja? I see. This land belongs to you, then."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "Answer the question."
Namor's lips curled into a slight smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "We seek no quarrel with your people. We came here by chance, nothing more."
Enel let out a soft laugh. "Speak for yourself, Namor. I wouldn't mind a little entertainment."
The tension in the air was palpable as the Kuja warriors tightened their grips on their weapons. The leader's voice grew colder. "If you mean no harm, leave now. This is your only warning."
Namor tilted his head, his expression calm but unreadable. "And if I refuse?"
Before the Kuja could respond, Enel took a step forward, electricity crackling around him. "Oh, let's not waste time with threats. Let's see what these women can do."
The Kuja warriors tensed, readying themselves for battle.
Namor, gripping his trident, met the leader's gaze. "If you wish to test your might, then so be it."
A/N : current travel path