The night was unbearably stuffy. Nami's forehead was slick with sweat, her cheeks flushed red, and her breathing was slightly labored.
She glanced sideways at Bahr, who was leisurely blowing smoke rings, then twisted her body to press against him, draping her arm over his. "You promised," she said firmly, "you'd hand over the treasure later—not a single coin less!"
Bahr's cigarette-laden hand twitched, and he rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Can't you be a little less mercenary? You ruined the mood the second you brought up money!"
He had been savoring the moment, but this little gold-digger cut straight to the chase without hesitation.
"This is what I deserve!" Nami puffed out her cheeks defiantly, tilting her chin up with pride. "Do you know how hard I've worked? All day helping the villagers plan the reconstruction, barely able to stand straight from exhaustion, and then at night, I still have to find ways to keep you happy!"
She sighed dramatically and rested her head on his shoulder. "Is this reward really too much to ask?"
Bahr couldn't help but laugh at her shameless audacity. This Little Cat Burglar was truly something—bold enough to outwit pirates, fierce as a warrior, yet now snuggling against him, batting her lashes and coaxing treasure out of him like a clingy kitten.
How did she switch faces so effortlessly? One moment she was all fire and fury, the next she could make a man's heart itch with just a look. No wonder she had the Straw Hat crew wrapped around her finger!
"When have I ever lied to you? At this rate, you'll bleed me dry!"
Though Arlong's plundered treasure was substantial, giving away twenty percent each time would drain even the deepest coffers.
Still, despite his grumbling, Bahr secretly relished it. By day, he strolled along the shore with Nojiko, and by night, Nami would pester him for treasure—it was worth every coin.
Money was meant to be spent, after all!
At the mention of treasure, Nami perked up instantly, her exhaustion vanishing as her eyes sparkled like stars. She counted on her fingers excitedly, "Once I get the money, first I'll build new houses for the village, then buy a big fishing boat. If there's enough, maybe we can even build a proper dock so we can dock right away when we return from sea!"
Watching her enthusiasm, Bahr couldn't help but marvel. Normally, she was stingy and stubborn as a mule, but when it came to her village, she gave everything she had. No wonder the whole village adored her.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," Bahr suddenly said.
Nami jerked her head up. "Where are you going?"
Bahr wrapped an arm around her shoulders and grinned. "Wherever the winds take me. A man's journey is the Sea of Stars!"
Nami stared at him, her emotions tangled. What had started as a mere transaction had turned into something more—this man had not only helped her drive out Arlong but had also found his way into her heart.
Sure, he was lecherous and had a sharp tongue, but despite their initial deal and the fact that he could've taken everything by force, he still bargained with her—even letting her have the upper hand sometimes.
The thought of him leaving tomorrow made her grit her teeth. She reached up and looped her arms around his neck. "Yanzu, consider this a farewell gift—free of charge!"
With that, she ducked under the covers.
Bahr froze for a moment, looking at Nami's earnest and emotional expression. He suddenly wanted to say, "Actually, my name is Bahr," but the words died on his lips.
Fine. It was just a transaction anyway. What was the point of talking about feelings? Money was the only real thing here. Since they were parting ways, they might as well forget each other in the vast sea and let the name "Yanzu" become a legend.
.....
The sky was just beginning to lighten, the sea breeze carrying a briny tang as it slapped against their faces.
On the small boat, Nojiko clutched the mast tightly, her cheeks burning red. "You're really not going to say goodbye to Nami? Just sneaking away like this?"
Bahr steadied Nojiko by the waist as the boat rocked, grinning widely. "Nah, I can't stand sentimental crap."
Nojiko pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, then turned her head to stare straight into Bahr's eyes, her voice trembling. "Then... is there really nothing you want me to tell Nami?"
"Let me think..." Bahr paused, then narrowed his eyes with a smirk. "Just tell her, 'The legend is gone—don't get hung up on me.'"
Nojiko rolled her eyes so hard she nearly choked. Just as she was about to retort, Bahr suddenly leaned in. "Hey, looking at you like that—could it be you don't want me to leave?"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Nojiko's face flamed as she turned away. "I'm just grateful you saved the village!"
Before she could finish, Bahr scooped her up, burying his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the faint scent of jasmine. "I'll remember you and your sister."
Truth be told, Bahr knew perfectly well—these past few days with the sisters had been so comfortable he almost didn't want to leave. If he stayed any longer, he'd be trapped for sure.
But Bahr was a man determined to become the "Sea Clam King." How could he let himself be tied down before even leaving the "starter village"?
Nojiko bit her lip, her eyelashes fluttering as she whispered, "Yanzu~"
The words that followed went unspoken, but Bahr understood. He simply smiled without responding. A sudden wave crashed against the hull, the wooden planks creaking as the boat lurched violently.
.....
By eight in the morning, the sunlight had scorched the beach. Nami walked along the stone path toward the shore, Bahr's words from last night—"home is wherever the sea takes me"—still echoing in her mind.
Spotting Nojiko walking back in the distance, her steps slower than usual as if she were unwell, Nami quickened her pace to catch up.
"Nojiko, what's wrong?"
Nojiko jerked her head up, her cheeks instantly tinged pink. She smoothed her hair, avoiding Nami's gaze, her voice unsteady. "It's... just the sea breeze. I'm fine."
Nami narrowed her eyes, studying Nojiko's flushed ears and unnatural demeanor. Something felt off. Remembering how she'd woken up to an empty space beside her, Bahr's words about leaving last night suddenly surfaced. She blurted out, "Did... Yanzu leave?"
Nojiko's lashes trembled violently. She stared at Nami, who was now looking down, before finally nodding softly. "He left by boat before dawn."
"Did he... say anything before he left?" Nami kicked at a pebble on the ground, her voice barely audible.
"He told me to pass on a message—said you shouldn't dwell on him."
The moment Nojiko finished speaking, Nami froze. Then, she burst out laughing.
"Who does he think he is!" Nami rolled her eyes with a laugh, tilting her chin up. "As if anyone would miss that pervert!"
But even as she said it, a pang of discomfort tugged at her heart. After all this time, shouldn't there be at least some affection? How could he just leave without a word—what did he take her for?
Nojiko sighed and reached out to hold Nami's hand, speaking earnestly, "With Arlong and his gang gone, the village is safe now. Don't go risking your life like before."
She knew all too well how Nami had once wandered into danger to save up money. She understood her sister's stubbornness, so she had pretended not to notice on the surface while silently praying for her safety.
But now, without Arlong's oppression, there was no need for Nami to keep doing those reckless things.
"Yeah, yeah, I know!" Nami shook off Nojiko's hand and turned away. "I'm not a child anymore!"
Nojiko watched her sister's retreating figure, unease settling in her heart.
She knew Nami too well—some habits were ingrained in her bones, not so easily changed. All she could do was silently plead, "Don't be foolish again…"