At the edge of the village, the golden light of sunset fell softly on the two of them.
"Umm… well…"
Nami glanced shyly at Ron, her cheeks tinged with pink.
"They were just teasing you earlier. Don't take it seriously."
Ron raised an eyebrow, feigning disappointment.
"Oh? Just a joke? And here I was, almost taking it to heart."
He drew out his words dramatically.
"I was even going to compliment your hometown— how everyone here clearly has great taste. They could tell at a glance that—"
"You…!"
Nami's face turned crimson, as if the sunset itself had set her on fire.
She quickly cut him off, changing the subject in a flustered tone.
"L-look, that's my house up ahead!"
"Yeah," Ron said with a warm smile. "Feels good to finally come back, doesn't it?"
"If Nojiko sees me, she'll be so happy…" Nami murmured softly.
In her heart, she repeated the same hope she'd clung to for years:
Once I pay Arlong his hundred million Berries, the village will finally be free.
Just a little longer. Just a little more.
"Welcome home, Nami."
A tall young woman with short blue hair and sun-kissed skin stepped out from the doorway— Nojiko.
But instead of joy, her expression was tense, almost nervous.
She tugged at her sleeve, as if trying to hide something.
"This is…?" she asked quickly, trying to mask her unease.
"He's Ron," Nami introduced brightly. "A bounty hunter— and my captain!"
Ron smiled and nodded politely.
But as Nojiko looked back at her sister, her gaze turned heavy and conflicted.
"Nami… there's something we need your help with," she began carefully.
"Whatever it is, can it wait?" Nami interrupted, eyes shining with excitement.
"Nojiko, I did it! I finally saved enough— one hundred million Berries! I can buy the village back from Arlong!"
Her voice trembled with relief, joy, and years of pent-up emotion.
She threw her arms around her sister, laughing.
But Nojiko froze.
She had planned to tell Nami the truth gently— maybe even send her away before she found out.
But now… it was too late.
The truth would cut deeper than any blade.
"Nojiko? What's wrong?" Nami asked, her smile fading.
Nojiko bit her lip, unable to speak.
"Go," she whispered finally. "Go to the orange grove."
Nami's heart skipped a beat.
She didn't say another word— she just ran.
Her footsteps echoed against the dirt path, faster and faster, until she vanished into the distance.
Ron watched her go, brows furrowing slightly.
"So… Nezumi got here first, huh?" he muttered under his breath.
"Seems the rats are running the show again."
Nojiko sighed deeply, the sound filled with helplessness.
"I should have known… Arlong would never keep his word."
Her voice trembled with anger.
"I didn't think he'd stoop so low— to collude with the Marines itself."
She clenched her fists, tears glistening in her eyes.
She couldn't bear the thought of seeing Nami's face when she reached the grove— the heartbreak, the despair.
Eight years of suffering and sacrifice… turned to ashes overnight.
After a long silence, Nojiko turned toward Ron.
She remembered how Nami's eyes had shone when she introduced him— that rare, genuine happiness.
Nojiko made up her mind.
"Ron," she said, voice trembling, "when she comes back… take her and leave."
"Leave this island— and never come back."
Ron's expression hardened.
"Why?" he asked flatly.
Nojiko took a deep breath.
"Didn't Nami tell you?"
And so, she told him everything.
About the Arlong Pirates' rule.
About the killings.
About Bellemere— their mother— murdered before Nami's eyes.
About the deal Arlong made to "sell" them their own freedom.
And how, for eight long years, Nami had slaved away, drawing maps, stealing treasure— all to save her village.
And now, all of it— every single Berry— had been stolen by Nezumi's Marines.
"Arlong's deal was a lie from the very beginning!" Nojiko cried.
"He never meant to let her go. He just wanted to break her— to make her believe she had no choice but to serve him forever!"
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"We've all decided, Ron. We can't keep being her burden anymore. So please… take her away. Keep her safe. Far from this cursed place."
She bowed deeply, her voice trembling with desperation.
But Ron only sighed softly and shook his head.
"Sorry," he said quietly. "I can't do that."
Nojiko blinked, stunned.
Ron's eyes gleamed with calm confidence.
"I don't run from trouble. And I don't make decisions for others— especially not for a woman like Nami."
He straightened his collar, smirking faintly.
"You want me to take her away? What kind of man do you think I am? She's got unfinished business here. And so do I."
Nojiko's eyes filled with frustration and fear.
"You don't understand! The deal was fake! Arlong's already betrayed her!"
"She's going to get herself killed!"
She grabbed Ron's arm, pleading.
"Please— take her and go. Leave East Blue. Don't ever come back!"
Ron smiled faintly, his tone calm but firm.
"Nojiko," he said, "I think you misunderstand something."
"Arlong may be a monster… but he's a monster with principles."
Nojiko froze. "What are you saying?"
Ron turned away, walking toward the orange grove where Nami had gone.
He didn't explain further.
But in his heart, he knew:
In Arlong's world, even the cruel obeyed a code.
Those who broke their word didn't live long enough to regret it.
Still, that didn't mean he would stand by and watch.
By the time he reached the grove, Nami was gone.
Only the faint scent of oranges remained.
He sighed. "That girl… not even a note for her captain, huh?"
Moments later, Nojiko came running after him, panic written all over her face.
"She's gone, isn't she?!"
Ron nodded.
"She's headed for Arlong Park."
Nojiko's face went pale. "No…"
Across the sea, at the far end of the island, the imposing silhouette of Arlong Park loomed over the water.
By the poolside, Arlong lay lazily in a beach chair, basking in the sun.
Around him stood his lieutenants—
the six-armed octopus swordsman Hatchan,
the Fishman Karate master Kuroobi,
and the iron-lipped shooter Chew.
"Boss," Hatchan reported, his voice uncertain, "Nami brought a man back to the village."
"With her smarts, I'd bet she's already figured out we were the ones who told Captain Nezumi to take her money."
Arlong's mouth curled into a slow, cruel smile.