"We really don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for us!"
As he watched the warship recede into the distance, Bont, who had remained silent until then, once again dropped into a textbook dogeza before Xie Wen, bowing his head to the ground in thanks.
Xie Wen sighed and shook his head. To him, this had been no more than a small favor. Captain Nezumi neither dared nor had the ability to cause trouble for him. But for the people of the Conomi Islands, this was a matter of life and death. If Captain Nezumi learned that the villagers had taken Arlong's treasure, he would certainly confiscate it all again under the pretext of seizing illicit funds...
Just like the hundred million Beli Nami had stolen in the original story.
That was why Xie Wen had taken the blame without hesitation. In the Marines' eyes, Bounty Hunters were a bunch of profit-grubbers anyway. Once Xie Wen admitted to it, Nezumi believed him without the slightest suspicion and left with his men without hesitation.
"This is all I can do for you." Xie Wen pulled Bont to his feet, then warned him, "But I don't think Captain Nezumi will leave it at that. Working with Arlong gave him a taste of the profits. With his greedy nature, there's a very good chance he'll find another pirate crew to work with and have them take Arlong's place in oppressing you."
Although Captain Nezumi had done no such thing after Luffy defeated Arlong in the original story, once explanations like "the plot required it" were ruled out, the only explanation was Nami's threat before she left. Until the Straw Hat Pirates were captured, he would not dare touch Cocoyasi Village again.
It was just like Whitebeard's hometown. Originally, neither pirates