The new arrivals—Yosaku, Johnny, Coby, and Helmeppo—exchanged confused looks. Even Usopp, seeing a different side of Nami from the ship, tilted his head. No one could pinpoint what was wrong.
Usopp voiced the doubt.
"What's with her? Something bad happen?" he asked.
"Dunno. I'm hungry! Let's eat!" Luffy said, shifting gears.
"Hey, Luffy!" Usopp called.
Luffy strode off, his serious face replaced by a grin, already anticipating food.
His usual carefree self.
Usopp followed, exasperated, chatting as they left. Yosaku and Johnny hurried ahead, calling to Nami.
Left behind were the two Marines and the crew's veterans—Kiri, Zoro, and Silk.
Kiri smiled at the confused pair.
"You two, go ahead. Luffy's reckless, but Usopp'll keep him in check," she said.
"Huh? What about you guys?" Helmeppo asked.
"Let's go, Helmeppo-san. Some things we don't get," Coby said, pulling him along.
"Okay," Helmeppo agreed.
They hurried off.
The three remaining glanced at the bulletin board.
Nami had focused on one poster—Arlong's, no doubt. Silk's concern had tipped them off, and all three noticed.
Saw-Tooth Arlong, East Blue's highest bounty.
They stared at the poster in silence.
Kiri smiled faintly, Zoro stayed expressionless, and Silk frowned with worry.
Each with different expressions, they spoke without looking at each other.
"Things are getting clearer. I thought she was good at lying, but maybe she's more emotional than I expected," Kiri said.
"Yeah… her hating pirates has a reason," Silk murmured.
"What's the plan? Gonna save her? We're the pirates she hates," Zoro said.
"What do you think, Zoro? Still don't trust her?" Kiri asked.
"Hmph. If she's not crew, I don't trust her. But her navigation's solid," Zoro admitted.
"True. Luffy wants her, at least," Kiri said.
"I want to help her. I don't know what happened or what's in her heart, but… I feel like deep down, she's screaming for help. I'm tired of seeing her lie," Silk said, looking down.
"Tricky issue," Kiri mused.
Silk's point was valid, but the captain wasn't here.
His absence spoke volumes—he'd likely made up his mind.
Kiri, arms crossed, frowned thoughtfully.
"Luffy probably feels the same, but he's not moving yet," Kiri said.
"Why? He seems to get it," Silk asked.
"Who knows? Only the captain knows his mind. Maybe it's because Nami hasn't said anything," Kiri suggested.
"Huh?" Silk blinked.
"It's all our guesses. Maybe Arlong's nothing to her—just someone she knows about. She might be crying for help, or maybe not," Kiri explained.
"No way…" Silk protested.
"She hasn't approached us. That's why he's not acting," Kiri said.
Smiling philosophically, Kiri's words sent Silk staring at the ground, deep in thought. Zoro stayed silent, pondering.
Talking here led only to guesses—no real answers.
Kiri sighed, slipping her hands into her pockets, relaxing.
For now, they'd go with the flow.
Luffy's silence likely meant the same. Kiri let go of the thought—it was just another guess, and guessing was all they could do for now.
"Let's keep things as they are. Until she speaks, we say nothing," Kiri said.
"But, Kiri…" Silk protested.
"It's on our minds, though. Even without words, we can care. Silk, you're closest to her—please," Kiri said.
"Huh?" Silk asked.
"Support her. Or, well, keep an eye on her. We can't do it," Kiri clarified.
"…Got it," Silk nodded.
Kiri's smile felt like something settled in Silk's heart.
She nodded quietly, her eyes resolute, conviction overtaking doubt.
"Keep watch. She's unpredictable right now," Kiri added.
"I will. I'll stay close to her," Silk vowed.
Zoro glanced at them.
Meddling to a fault.
Pirates, yet acting like philanthropists, helping without gain.
Then he remembered—Silk aimed to be a "Peacemain," a pirate who defeats threats to citizens.
Almost like heroes.
But they likely didn't see it that way, which made it amusing.
Sighing, Zoro turned and walked off to catch Luffy's group. He wasn't fond of overthinking but felt it necessary.
For now, he just wanted a drink and sleep.
"Zoro, that way'll get you lost," Kiri called.
Zoro froze, turning back reluctantly, imagining Kiri's smirk. Gritting his teeth, he glanced—sure enough, Kiri was grinning.
Correction: sleep wasn't enough.
It was time to put this guy in his place. Following Kiri, who beckoned like calling a pet, Zoro began plotting how to challenge him.
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