The dressing room curtain wasn't fully closed, leaving a narrow gap. The three women squeezed into the cramped space filled with clothes, all craning their necks to peek outside.
Perona blinked her large, round eyes curiously, her pink curls brushing against Miss Valentine's backless dress. She tugged at the other woman's sash and whispered, "Hey, who's that orange-haired girl? She seems really familiar with the boss."
"Right, right!" Porche adjusted her epaulet-adorned coat, her voice dripping with sweetness. "The boss looks at her differently~ Have they known each other for years?"
Miss Valentine glanced at the two chatting happily outside, her lips curling into a mocking smile as she tightened her loosened sash, making the backless cut even more eye-catching. Her tone was thick with jealousy: "Who else could it be? Just the boss's little mistress outside."
She deliberately straightened her posture, the slit in her mermaid dress revealing a stretch of pale thigh, as if silently declaring her claim.
Perona wrinkled her nose skeptically. "Really? That girl seems too sharp to be that type!"
Porche waved her hand dismissively, her voice still syrupy sweet. "Oh come on, that's just how the boss is~ Aren't we the same~"
She winked at Miss Valentine, who flushed slightly at being called out but stubbornly huffed in response.
The three fell silent, continuing to watch through the narrow gap.
The clothes on the racks fluttered in the breeze, obscuring half their view but adding an inexplicable nuance to the conversation outside.
On the sofa, Bahr listened to Nami chatter about their adventures.
As he'd guessed, the Judicial Island incident involved rescuing Usopp and incidentally recruiting the cyborg Franky into the Straw Hat crew.
Though Moria had been defeated by Enel, he'd escaped. After they left, he'd returned to that eerie ship and ultimately faced the Straw Hat Boy, ending up defeated again while also taking in Brook. Even the pre-island encounter matched surprisingly—meeting the mermaid Camie and helping her with some minor troubles.
Though Nico Robin, Perona, and that Octopus Hatchan weren't present, events still unfolded as they should.
No matter who was missing or added, the outcome remained unchanged, as if some unseen hand was orchestrating it all—inescapable and unavoidable.
This so-called "predetermined fate" in the island's traditions was truly mysterious.
But Bahr didn't care. Fate or not, what did it matter to him? As long as he was living well, that was enough.
Nami glanced toward the dressing room, then scanned the dazzling array of clothes before leaning closer to Bahr. She blinked and asked in a sweet, wheedling tone, "You came to this clothing store to buy them clothes, right?"
"Yeah, they wanted to shop, so I came along," Bahr replied without much thought.
Nami's eyes instantly lit up, her face taking on a shrewd expression though her voice grew even sweeter, with a hint of coquetry. "Aww, they all get new clothes. I want some too. You can't just buy for them, can you?"
Seeing her like this, Bahr immediately understood her scheme—using this chance to get new clothes without spending her own money.
He felt somewhat speechless. This Little Cat Burglar only acknowledged him when there were benefits to be had. So shrewd.
But complaints aside, Bahr waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Pick whatever you like. It's on me."
"Really?" Nami's eyes widened further, her smile blooming like a flower in full bloom.
"What do I gain from lying?" Bahr rolled his eyes.
Nami immediately jumped for joy, hugging his arm and giving his cheek a loud "mwah" before darting toward the racks, shouting, "I knew you were the best!"
Bahr touched the kissed spot, watching the orange ponytail weave nimbly through the racks. He shook his head helplessly, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a smile.
This shrewd Little Cat Burglar never took a loss. But then... who could resist Nami's charm?
However, not long after, Bahr's face darkened as he surveyed the nearly half-empty store. The racks hung askew, the once-lavish selection now gaping like locusts had swept through.
Nami cradled seven or eight garments, a shimmering silk shawl draped over her arm. Seeing Bahr's expression, she immediately tiptoed over, clasping her hands pleadingly, her voice honeyed enough to draw silk. "Oh come on~ With all your treasures, you wouldn't begrudge me this little bit, would you?"
She distinctly remembered the Golden Bell of Sky Island sitting in his Space. This was mere pocket change.
When Bahr remained silent, Nami's eyes darted, her face instantly falling into pitiful misery, eyes nearly welling up. "We've had it so rough lately... Our ship's broken, repair costs are piling up, we're almost out of food money..."
Bahr raised a brow at her seamless expression shifts, fully aware of the Little Cat Burglar's tactics—first flattery, then poverty, finally trapping him into paying.
He sighed, resignation in his tone. "Fine, fine. It's all on me."
"You're the absolute best!" Nami nearly jumped for joy again, looping her arm through his and nuzzling his shoulder.
"Meeting you was my misfortune," Bahr grumbled, swatting her hand away.
Knowing she'd gone overboard, Nami stuck out her pink tongue before suddenly leaning close to his ear, her voice soft and sultry. "Don't be mad~ Next time you need anything, I'll cooperate fully~"
Bahr narrowed his eyes, deliberately leaning in until his nose almost touched her cheek. "How about now?"
"Ah! I just remembered Chopper's waiting for me!" Nami sprang back as if scalded, shoving her mountain of clothes into the clerk's bubble bag. "Gotta go~"
Before the words faded, she'd already vanished with the bulging bag.
Bahr watched her fleeing figure, unable to suppress a laugh.
Truthfully, he didn't care about the Berries. Watching the Little Cat Burglar scheme was far more entertaining.
As they say, happiness is priceless.
"Wait." Suddenly, Bahr called out.
The orange figure halted abruptly. Nami turned, clutching the bag defensively, brows furrowed in suspicion. "What now? I'm not giving these back!"
Her protective stance amused him. He waved dismissively. "Who wants them back? I recall your green-haired crewmate uses Three-Sword Style. How are his blades?"
Relieved it wasn't about the clothes, Nami relaxed her grip. "Oh, Zoro? One broke at Judicial Island. The other two are still usable."
Bahr reached into the air beside him, withdrawing a sword and tossing it over. "Give this to him. Tell him not to disgrace it."
Nami caught it reflexively, surprised by its weight. Glancing at the intricate cherry blossom pattern, her eyes sparkled. Hugging the sword, she waved enthusiastically. "Thanks!"
This time, she ran even faster, her orange ponytail disappearing among the mangrove roots.
Bahr watched the empty street corner, lips curving slightly.
That sword was one of Golden Lion's. Having promised to find it a worthy owner, he wouldn't go back on his word. The green-haired swordsman wouldn't disgrace it.
Besides, since he'd taken Autumn Water—which should've gone to Zoro—giving him a famous blade was fair compensation.
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