"All right, line up. Have your money ready, and come forward one at a time."
Arlong nodded and waved them forward.
No one wanted to do it, but these ordinary villagers had no way to resist. Pay with money or pay with their lives—anyone would choose the former.
Under Obi and Octopus Hachi's direction, they lined up and handed Arlong the money they had prepared to buy their lives.
Bellemere's face had gone pale, and her hands were trembling. Ye Chen knew she had only a hundred thousand Beli. Save herself or save her two daughters? The choice had to be tearing her apart.
"Yours?"
When Bellemere's turn came, Arlong took the money she offered and counted it. Exactly a hundred thousand Beli. He shook his head in displeasure and pointed at her.
"It's not for me. It's for my two daughters. I couldn't come up with my share."
Bellemere pulled both girls into her arms without hesitation. Her gaze was steady. She had never needed to think about the answer.
"So you can't pay for your own life."
Arlong's face darkened. He started to raise his blade, then thought better of it and lowered it. She was a woman, and he would rather avoid a bloody scene. He drew a pistol from his waist instead.
The dark muzzle pointed straight at Bellemere.
"Bellemere! Bellemere..."
Nami and Nojiko clung to Bellemere, crying out desperately.
"Hey, wait! I'll pay her share."
Arlong was about to pull the trigger when Ye Chen stepped forward.
"You...?"
Arlong paused, then broke into a grin. "That's fine by me." He held out his hand to Ye Chen.
Bellemere and her daughters stared at Ye Chen in confusion. Where would he get the money? This was absurd.
Ye Chen bent forward and offered up his head.