"We're here."
The small boat drifted gently toward the shores of Cocoyasi Island. Ron ended his meditation, opened his eyes, and stood up to join Nami on deck.
His mental energy had fully recovered, and his control over Explosive Flame was now nearly perfect.
"Do we go straight to Arlong?" Ron asked.
Nami hesitated. "Let's go back to the village first."
Ron placed a calm hand on her shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry. Even if Arlong refuses to keep his promise, I'll help you end this."
"Arlong… isn't like humans," Nami murmured. "Those creatures aren't people. They're monsters, stronger than any human. Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks."
Her voice carried a quiet fear.
Ron could hear it clearly. Despite everything he had done - slaughtering pirates, destroying the Krieg Pirates - Arlong was still the shadow that had loomed over her for years.
From the age of eight until now, fifteen, Nami had watched Arlong crush the Marines and rival pirates alike. No matter who challenged him, he never seemed to take real damage.
A monster beyond human reach.
That was how Nami saw him.
Ron understood perfectly well how deeply that fear ran. He didn't argue or try to reassure her with empty words. He simply smiled. "Who knows? Maybe Arlong will actually keep his promise."
Nami gave a faint nod. "Maybe…"
Her eyes turned toward the island ahead. She steered the boat closer to shore, and together they disembarked, dragging along two heavy black cases.
Even though the money was all in the highest denominations, two hundred million Berries still took up a lot of space.
They soon walked into the familiar streets of Cocoyasi Village.
Villagers who saw Nami either looked away or stared coldly, pretending she didn't exist.
Everyone in the village already knew the truth, that Nami had joined the Arlong Pirates to protect them, but they all acted as though they didn't. Their indifference was their kindness.
Because if Nami ever reached the breaking point, if she ever chose to run away, she wouldn't feel tied down by guilt or attachment.
A simple, kindhearted village.
Compared to the cruelty of the Grand Line, the East Blue really was the gentlest sea in the world.
"Welcome back. Huh? And this is…?"
A woman with blue hair stepped forward, Nojiko, Nami's older sister. She greeted her with a smile, then noticed Ron beside her. "Don't tell me this is the boyfriend you found while traveling?"
"You're overthinking it," Nami muttered, pouting. "He's just a companion."
Nojiko studied her sister's face and smirked. "Your expression says otherwise, Nami."
"Don't make fun of me!" Nami snapped, cheeks flushing.
Nojiko chuckled softly, then turned to Ron. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. You must be Ron, right? Nami mentioned you last time. Thank you for everything you've done."
Ron smiled politely. "You don't have to thank me. Without Nami, I'd probably have been killed by the Fishmen already."
Nojiko laughed and gestured for them to come inside. "Please, have a seat."
Meanwhile, in Arlong Park, a Fishman hurried toward the lounging Arlong, who was idly resting on his chair.
"Arlong boss, Nami's back."
"Oh?"
Arlong sat up, his sharp teeth glinting in the light as a grin stretched across his face. "Back already, huh? Looks like she's finally gathered the hundred million Berries."
Last time Nami had returned, his crew had secretly reported that she brought back around fifty million. He hadn't asked how she'd earned it, but it was impressive. And now she was back so soon, with even more.
"She was carrying two big black cases," the Fishman said. "Not sure how much she's brought this time."
"Two cases?" Arlong's grin widened. "Then it's almost certain. I don't know how she did it, but that girl is unexpectedly capable. Hahaha!"
"What are you going to do, boss?"
"No matter what, I can't let such a talented navigator go," Arlong replied, eyes gleaming coldly. "But breaking a promise outright isn't good for business. Let me think… there's always a way."
Inside Nojiko's house, Nami carefully counted and organized one hundred million Berries, stacking them neatly into a single case. After checking it twice, she finally let out a deep breath and closed it.
Nojiko watched, worry flickering in her eyes. "Nami… even if Arlong refuses to honor the deal, it's okay. You've already done more than enough."
"Don't worry."
Nami forced a smile. "Arlong might be cruel, but he's always followed his rules. He'll keep his promise."
She gave her sister a reassuring look, then stood up. Together with Ron, she left the house. But the moment they stepped outside, the forced smile faded from her face.
Ron said nothing.
He could feel the tension building in her, the unease in every step as they approached Arlong Park. The closer they got, the tighter she clutched the case, her palms slick with sweat.
Before long, they reached the gate of the Park.
Two Fishmen stood guard.
Nami glanced at Ron, hesitated for a moment, and whispered, "Wait for me here."
Ron thought about it, then nodded.
From this distance, he could hear everything that happened inside and react instantly if needed. Arlong wouldn't dare harm Nami anyway, her maps were too valuable.
Seeing him nod, Nami exhaled shakily, steadied herself, and stepped forward, carrying the black case into Arlong Park.
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