"Dragon's Nest?" Luffy muttered, surprised.
Apis nodded slightly. "They say Thousand-Year Dragons are born there and return to die. Ryu-ji's old, barely moves. He can't get back alone."
"He's dying?" Luffy asked.
"Don't know. But he says he wants to go home," Apis said.
Luffy recalled her Whisper-Whisper Fruit power, letting her talk to animals, including Ryu-ji. That's why she needed help. But why wait so long? A dragon could've been moved earlier.
"Why not take him sooner? He wanted to go, right?" Luffy asked.
"We took time building a big raft. Everyone on the island knows Ryu-ji, so we worked together. But when it was ready, they came," Apis said.
"Who?" Luffy asked.
"The Navy. Their base is far, but they came for Ryu-ji," Apis said.
"'Cause he's rare?" Luffy said.
"Not just that," Apis said, her eyes hardening. "Legend says Thousand-Year Dragon bones make an elixir for longer life. They heard somehow and came to capture him. I lied, said I'd reveal his location, got on their ship, and escaped at the first chance."
"So you were drifting," Luffy said.
"I gave a fake destination, but they'll figure it out and come back. Maybe for me. We need to move Ryu-ji fast," Apis said.
"That's rough," Luffy said, meeting her gaze, serious. "Why go so far to protect him? You almost died. And how'd you become friends?"
"No reason," Apis said, a faint smile returning. "Ryu-ji's guarded this island for a thousand years. He's like a parent, family, to everyone here."
Her expression softened, recalling childhood. Her grandfather introduced her to Ryu-ji—majestic, strong, with kind eyes. She admired him instantly. The island's guardian, he fended off enemies, predicted storms, yet avoided conflict. The island's peace was his doing.
Now, sensing death, Ryu-ji wanted to leave for his homeland. Apis was determined. "I ate the Whisper-Whisper Fruit to talk to him. I studied the Devil Fruit encyclopedia and chose it. He always listened to me. Now it's my turn to take him to the Dragon's Nest."
"Got it," Luffy said.
"There's no ship big enough here. Luffy, help me get him there," Apis pleaded.
"Sure," Luffy nodded.
"Really!?" Apis's eyes widened.
"I wanna see the Dragon's Nest. But it's your job to get him there," Luffy said.
"Right," Apis said.
"We've got a great navigator, so don't worry," Luffy said, approaching Ryu-ji, placing a hand on his snout. No reaction, just a blink. Luffy smiled, sensing something wordless. "You wanna go home, right?"
"Yeah. He's been away from his kind, staying here," Apis said, watching Luffy cautiously.
"You understand him?" she asked.
"Nah, just a feeling," Luffy said.
"How?"
"Dunno. Just do," Luffy grinned.
Apis laughed, her fears easing. Somehow, Luffy felt trustworthy. She renewed her resolve to get Ryu-ji home. Luffy sat on a rock, looking at her. "Tell me about Ryu-ji."
"Sure. Three years ago, he did something awesome…" Apis began, sitting beside him.
They talked—Ryu-ji's deeds, their bond, not just the legend. Their voices echoed in the silent cave as Ryu-ji watched.
Back at Bokuden's house, he returned with a worn wooden box, placing it before Nami. It didn't look valuable, leaving her puzzled.
"What's this?" Nami asked.
"No gold, but take this," Bokuden said.
"Doesn't look like treasure," Nami said.
"Sorry, no offense…" Silk said.
"It's fine. It's all we have," Bokuden said.
Nami opened the box, her expression shifting to shock. Inside was a strange, aqua-colored fruit with spiral patterns—clearly a Devil Fruit. Rumors said one could fetch billions of Berries, but in peaceful East Blue, selling it meant risky, high-profile deals. As a low-profile pirate thief, fame was the last thing she wanted.
Silk's eyes widened. "Is that…?"
"A Devil Fruit," Nami said. "They're everywhere, huh?"
"A pirate had it years ago. We kept it, knowing it's rare. Will it do?" Bokuden said.
"You fought for it?" Silk asked.
"Not us," Bokuden said.
Nami pondered selling it, maybe to the Navy, but trust was an issue. Noticing Silk's intense stare, she grew wary. "Don't tell me…"
"Nami, can I have it?" Silk asked.
"Are you crazy? Eating that makes you a swimmer's nightmare forever. With two non-swimmers on our ship already, you're useful as is," Nami said.
"I know," Silk said.
"Being a pirate's not worth that. They're just criminals," Nami said.
Silk nodded, eyes on the fruit, thinking of her crew. "It's not just being a pirate. I want to be valuable to them. I'm not scared of being a non-swimmer."
"They're just pirates," Nami snapped.
"I know you hate pirates. I admired them, but I joined because of Luffy and Kiri. If I'd met others, I wouldn't be here," Silk said, glaring. "Hate pirates, fine. But don't badmouth my crew."
Nami faltered. Silk's anger was unexpected. Silk lifted the fruit. "Luffy aims for Pirate King, Zoro for greatest swordsman, Kiri bets his life on Luffy. I need to match them. Kiri said Devil Fruits don't weaken you. Luffy said non-swimmers can be pirates who don't fall. It's all their words, but I want to be stronger."
"Wait—" Nami started.
Silk smiled, resolute. "Sorry, Nami. I'm taking it."
She bit the fruit. The taste was vile, indescribable. Grimacing, she chewed and swallowed, coughing. Setting the fruit down, she examined her hands—no change. She flexed her fingers, but nothing felt different.
Nami sighed, exasperated. "You're all insane. Fine, I had no way to sell it anyway. But I gave it to you, so you owe me."
"Sure. I'll figure it out," Silk said.
"Your honesty's disarming," Nami groaned. "Maybe teaming up was a mistake."
Nami shook her head. Silk and Luffy's straightforwardness was harder to handle than Kiri or Zoro's scheming. With no pirates to rob here, she'd need to find targets later. Bokuden's topic—Ryu-ji—felt ominous.
"Ready to talk?" Bokuden asked.
"Wait, Luffy and Apis aren't back. Tea's taking too long," Nami said.
"They're likely gone. Apis dodges my talks," Bokuden said.
"Why not chase them?" Nami asked.
"You'll tell them. Can I start?" Bokuden said.
Nami grimaced, but Silk listened intently. Bokuden began. "We need you to take Ryu-ji, our island's guardian, to the Dragon's Nest. First, know the Thousand-Year Dragon."
"That's…?" Silk started.
"The fairy tale creature? Strong and kind?" Nami said.
"It's real," Bokuden said.
The legend was famous—tales of a girl and a dragon adventuring together, known even in East Blue. Nami recalled her mother reading it; Silk knew the name. A real dragon piqued their interest.
"Thousand-Year Dragons are the sea's mightiest creatures—flying, running, swimming. Gentle, but if angered, they'd slay Sea Kings," Bokuden said.
"Sounds fake. Sea Kings aren't weak," Nami said.
"Exactly. That's how strong they are," Bokuden said.
"Amazing," Silk said, enthralled.
"You believe this? Dragons are myths. If real, they'd cause chaos," Nami said.
Silk, now possibly a Devil Fruit user, leaned in, captivated. Nami sighed at her naivety. Bokuden continued. "They live a thousand years, born and dying at the Dragon's Nest on Lost Island."
"Ryu-ji's going there to die?" Silk asked.
"Yes. He seeks his birthplace," Bokuden said.
"How do you know? If it's real," Nami challenged.
"Wall paintings. Our ancestors' words tell of Ryu-ji guarding this island for a millennium, proving he's no enemy," Bokuden said.
"Why guard so long?" Silk asked.
"We don't know. He doesn't speak, except to Apis. Only he knows why," Bokuden said.
"She talks to dragons? That fruit's wild," Nami said, glancing at Silk, who refocused on the story.
Bokuden grew animated. "When they live out their lifespan, Thousand-Year Dragons return to Lost Island and…" His tale dragged on, veering into tangents, exhausting Nami and Silk. They realized why Apis fled—his lecture lasted hours, unrelenting even as they tired.