It was another bright, sunny day. On the Going Merry, Reno continued his role as helmsman. Under Nami's constant scolding, he adjusted the ship's course.
Kaya was training to strengthen her body. To fully develop the Healing Fruit's potential, physical fitness was key. She didn't want to hold the others back.
Makino handled daily meals and, in her free time, brewed wine. Both Reno and Nami loved her brews, giving her a strong sense of accomplishment and joy in her work.
Watching the girls each fulfill their roles, Reno's mood soared. Beautiful ladies really brighten the day. Teasing them when bored, diving into "navigation technique discussions" at night—life was perfect.
With Kaya's addition, the trio that once played cards could now enjoy mahjong. Plus, the Healing Fruit's ability to remove negative effects meant Reno could "ride freely" without restraint. Life was sweet, and his happiness knew no bounds.
Lying on a deck chair, Nami idly sensed the surrounding weather, casually asking, "Reno, where's our next destination?" "I'll chart the course ahead of time."
Reno answered without hesitation. "Cocoyasi Village."
"Cocoyasi Village?! I know that place, I…" Nami's response was instinctive, but her face darkened as she realized what he said. She stood, looking at Reno, her voice trembling. "Can we go somewhere else? There are plenty of islands in the East Blue. I can take us—"
"Nami!" Reno's tone turned serious, cutting her off.
"Reno, we really can't go there," Nami said, her voice breaking.
Her time with Reno had been some of the happiest moments in years. No worries, no burdens. Sure, he "exhausted" her every night, but aside from that quirk, he treated her impeccably.
Having mingled with merchants and pirates for years, Nami could tell who was genuine and who was fake. Reno was undeniably the former. That's why she couldn't let him go to Cocoyasi Village. If Arlong saw Reno, he wouldn't let him live.
If Reno insisted on going, she'd have to part ways with him early. But she wasn't ready to leave him yet.
Seeing the pain on Nami's face, Reno sighed inwardly. Eight years under Arlong's shadow had made him a nightmare in her mind. The mere mention of Cocoyasi Village unleashed a flood of painful memories, tormenting her.
Reno locked eyes with her, his voice firm. "Nami, listen to me. You're my woman now. I'll make everyone who's ever hurt you pay, Arlong included."
From his gaze, Nami saw unwavering resolve. Her heart stirred with emotion. But the more he cared, the less she could let him risk himself.
Her emotions spiraled, her voice nearly a scream. "Reno, you don't understand!" "That's Arlong! You can't beat them. Please, don't go there, I'm begging you!" "I don't care about the 100 million Berries anymore!"
Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed to the deck, overwhelmed. Memories flashed through her mind like a reel of torment. Every villager who defied Arlong had been killed, including her foster mother, Bellmer. Eight years had ingrained in her that Arlong was invincible. Submission was the only option—rebellion meant death.
"Nami, what's wrong?!"
Hearing the commotion, Kaya and Makino rushed over, helping Nami back to her seat, their faces full of concern. They'd never seen her so broken. What had happened?
Reno knelt beside Nami, gently stroking her forehead, his voice soft. "Nami, I know you're terrified of Arlong, but he's not invincible."
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Nami slowly looked up, her emotions calming.
"You might not know this, but Arlong's just a reject from the New World, lording over the East Blue. Plenty of people are stronger than him." "And yes, Fishmen are ten times stronger than humans—but compared to ordinary humans. Do you think I'm ordinary?"
Reno flexed his arm muscles with a grin.
Nami let out a small laugh despite herself. Even now, he was teasing her.
"Nami, you have to trust big brother Reno. He beat Kuro, didn't he?" Kaya said, clenching her fist and mimicking a punch.
"Yeah, Nami-chan, after all this time together, don't you believe in the captain's strength?" Makino added, encouraging her. "If he says he can beat Arlong, he can."
"Really?" Nami's heart wavered under their collective reassurance.
Thinking it over, Reno was pretty impressive. If nothing else, his speed was likely beyond even Arlong's reach.
"Nami, this trip to Cocoyasi Village isn't just about defeating Arlong—you're going to take him down yourself," Reno said.
Nami stared at him, stunned. Did I hear that right?
Under her shocked gaze, Reno flipped his hand, revealing a peculiar fruit with multicolored patterns.
Makino recognized it instantly, gasping. "A Devil Fruit?!" She remembered Luffy becoming a rubber man after eating one. To think Reno had one too.
Kaya was equally surprised. "Huh?! Big brother Reno, you have another one?!"
"They're different," Reno said, shaking his head. "Nami, eat this fruit, and you'll have the power to defeat Arlong."
His voice carried a magnetic confidence, making Nami's eyes light up with hope.
…