These rare but poignant animal metaphors are powerful artistic expressions. Seeing the butterfly getting caught in the web, representing Nami’s hesitation to continue opposing Arlong, adds nuance to the tension of the scene. When Arlong is making his threats, as the spider launches towards the trapped insect, the audience can feel both levels of fear simultaneously, worried as much for Nami & the people of Cocoyashi as we are for the butterfly. Witnessing the winged creature escape and land on Nami’s hat foreshadows the success of the Straw Hat crew. Of course, much like Arlong & the fish people, the spider is only following its own innate nature.
Arlong licking the blood from the small cut on his face also presents a deeper metaphor. To “lick one’s wounds” means to recover strength or confidence, but is typically done in hiding after a retreat. In this case, though, Arlong is doing it while in the midst of combat, without moving away from Zoro at all, representing both a persistent confidence and also a lack of shame or fear. This action presents both a physical advantage, preventing more blood from dripping on his face, potentially inhibiting his vision or breathing, as well as a mental advantage, conveying resilience to all onlookers.
Luffy is ever present in the moment, focused on here & now instead of past or future. Upon being revived, his primary concern is for Genzo’s pinwheel hat which he covets. It was one of the first things he noticed upon arriving on the island and left a major impression on his mind. As much as Luffy knows he has to protect the lives of his friends and the entire village, he also knows he is protecting the beauty of their lives, such as an unusual headpiece. Maintaining peace & serenity in the face of danger, his choice to stretch his body before continuing the battle also offer both physical and mental advantages. Physically, of course, being limber & flexible offers greater fighting prowess, but it also demonstrates conviction to his preparedness for the battle. Instead of rushing headstrong immediately after being revived, Luffy takes a moment to get ready, regardless of looming threats.
Last note, I find the contrast between Arlong & Usopp’s noses to be rather amusing. Both are noticeably longer than most characters, summoning thoughts of Pinocchio, a fitting facial feature for 2 dishonest people. However, like his smooth & round nose, Usopp is an “honorable liar” trying to bring smoothness to the situations of himself & others, while, much like his rough & jagged nose, Arlong lies to create chaos only for his own gain, regardless of the difficulty or pain this instigates.