As for why he had knocked Chopper out, it was because he was afraid Chopper might let something slip. After all, judging by the original story, no one aboard the Straw Hat Pirates was particularly reliable except Robin and Sanji.
Chopper, God Usopp, and Luffy were the worst of the lot!
Watching Loa fly into the distance, Simon turned to calm the panicked crowd and shouted, "Stay calm! Vice Admiral Loa is here. Everything will be fine!"
The mayor of Cocoa Weet Town hobbled up to Simon on his cane and asked cautiously, "Excuse me, sir. Did you just say Kureha has gone missing?"
Simon stared in shock at the old man, whose head was the only part of him still above the earth. "You heard that?"
Flying through the air, Loa slowed down, pulled out a Den Den Mushi, and made a call.
Jones picked up almost immediately.
"Hey, are you sure this plan will work? Turtle Island has never dived before!"
"I trust Ratchet's skills!" Jones laughed, understanding Loa's concern. "All the residents and slaves are inside the waterproof chambers carved into the island. Once we surface and drain the water, we'll be fine."
"I hope so." Loa clicked his tongue, unsure what else to say.
After a pause, he added, "I'm about to launch a test attack. Have the Island Turtle dive faster so I don't hit it by accident."
"Got it." Remembering the vast icefield Loa had created on Kuriswia Island, Jones answered with lingering dread. "No, we'd better speed up!"
Jones made a series of sounds in his throat to communicate with the Island Turtle. It rumbled softly and picked up speed, clearly annoyed.
*I've spent who knows how many years floating on the surface. At least let me get used to the water pressure!