Through a Canine's Eyes

Chapter 12

were perked up to alert me to any sounds. I was currently inside Nojiko's house; she had left me here and gone into town for a while. Something about this whole place, the town and all, made me uncomfortable. I was worried about Nami too, although I knew that Luffy and the others would help her. Hearing something from outside the house, I jumped up to my feet, my tail stiff in alertness. I slowly crept up to the front door, pushing myself against the wall next to the door so I could pounce on whoever came in if I didn't know them. I watched intently as the door handle began to turn and the door swung inwards. But what came through had me reeling back in shock with my eyes wide. Nojiko walked through the door, dragging Usopp in with her and a little boy following behind her.

It took me a few seconds to react but I quickly scampered over to Nojiko as she dropped Usopp roughly on the ground. I reached out and gently sniffed at his cheek, nudging him gently with my nose. I couldn't smell any blood, so he couldn't be that badly injured and he looked to be alright. I wonder what happened, as I didn't remember this bit. The only thing I remembered was fact that everyone eventually met up at Arlong Park and a huge fight went down.

Nojiko walked back in the room with a blanket and a wet cloth and she threw the blanket over Usopp. She glanced down to me and I looked curiously up to her.

"He's fine, he's just been knocked out," she said as if she felt the need to explain herself to a dog.

She then knelt down and placed the wet cloth on Usopp's forehead before standing up and walking over to the young boy who had been standing awkwardly and watching us.

I stared at Usopp for a few seconds longer before laying down against his side and laying my head on his shoulder so I could watch and see if he woke up. I listened quietly as Nojiko got the boy a cup of tea before tuning them out and lettings my thoughts wander.

What did I remember about this saga? This didn't seem to ring any bells, so I must have forgotten a few things. I do remember the part where Zoro got tied to the boat. I also remember Luffy in the flying boat and Nami stabbing herself. I could recall some parts of the fight at Arlong park and the tower collapsing. I couldn't remember any more than those flashes of parts, I hope that was enough.

"AHHHH!" Usopp screamed loudly as he jumped into a sitting position and I scrambled back, my eyes wide in shock at the sudden noise. Usopp's eye immediately darted to Nojiko and the boy that were sitting at the table on the other side of the room. "Th-this place is…?"

"So you woke up?" Nojiko observed dryly. "You are in my home."

"You're that woman from earlier… Who are you? And what about that fishman!" Usopp stuttered nervously before his eyes landed on me. "Mamori is here as well!"

"Don't worry, we lost him," she said casually. "My name is Nojiko and I grow tangerines here."

Figuring that this talk between could go for a while, I sat backwards on my haunches so that my head could flick in between that people that talked.

"Wait a second! You're the one who knocked me out!" Usopp shouted. Well, that was news to me. Why would she do that? "Are you the fishmen's lackey? Hmph, after I was going to save you too…"

"The one that did the saving was me!" Nojiko defended herself with a dismissive wave of her arm. "This is why outsiders are so much trouble." She then turned her attention to the young boy that sat across the table from her. "But you're from Gosa village right? If so then you should understand that attacking the fishmen will only get you killed. You of all people should be more then well aware…"

"I know! But… But they killed my dad! I won't forgive them even if I die!" the boy said with clenched fists as he cast his gaze to the table. "They brought along that huge monster I've never seen before and pillaged and destroyed my entire town! They killed so many people! That's why I have sworn revenge!"