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Thud!
On the deck of the Dream Chaser, before Goku could even utter a greeting, Nami landed a furious punch squarely on the top of his head.
"Didn't we agree you'd wait for me at the Baratie?" she yelled, her face flushed with anger. "Why did you take matters into your own hands and follow me?"
Goku rubbed the growing bump on his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Hehe, Nami, don't be mad. We were just worried you might be in danger." He beamed, gesturing to the blonde man standing nearby. "And look—Sanji has joined the crew! Once you're finished with your business, we can all head to the Grand Line together!"
Sanji was currently swaying in a rhythmic, lovesick fashion, his eyes replaced by literal hearts. "Nami-san! At last, our fated reunion!" he wailed dramatically.
Nami took a step back, her expression shifting to one of mild disdain as she crossed her arms. "I already expected Sanji to join," she muttered. "But you said you were afraid I was in danger? What danger could I possibly be in?"
"Sanji said it," Goku replied, still clutching his head. "He said the place you're going is a dangerous territory."
At this, Sanji snapped out of his trance and regained his composure. "Nami-san, if I'm not mistaken, the direction you're heading is the territory occupied by the Arlong Pirates," he said earnestly. "Are you actually heading for their base?"
Nami remained silent for a few moments before giving a slow, reluctant nod. "That's right. I'm going there."
"Nami, Sanji said the Arlong Pirates are incredibly strong," Goku added casually. "Is the secret you need to resolve related to them?"
The Nightmare of Cocoyasi
"Don't ask so many questions! I told you it's a secret!" Nami exploded, her eyes flashing with a sudden, fierce intensity. Goku quickly clamped his hands over his mouth, shaking his head to signal his silence.
"Since you know where I'm going, and I've already told you I'm fine, you two should turn this ship around and wait for me at the Baratie!" she commanded with a cold voice.
Nami was desperate to keep them away. It wasn't just the pain of her past; it was a visceral fear for her friends. She had seen Goku defeat a pirate worth 16,000,000 Berries, and logically, he might stand a chance against Arlong, who held a 20,000,000 Berry bounty. But logic failed in the face of her trauma. To her, Arlong was an invincible monster, a nightmare that had haunted her for eight years. If Goku followed her, she feared he would meet the same cruel end as Belle-Mere.
"Nami-san, since we've already followed you this far, going back is out of the question," Sanji said, his voice dropping into a low, dependable baritone. He stood with one hand in his pocket, looking every bit the protector. "I won't pry into your secrets. But Goku and I both know that where you're going is dangerous. As a man, I cannot watch a lady face such a place alone."
The next second, his cool demeanor shattered into flamboyant theatrics. "Ah! Nami-san! Are you not captivated by my chivalry? I shall be your most loyal knight to the ends of the earth!"
Nami ignored the display and turned to Goku. Before she could speak, he looked at her with pure, honest eyes. "Nami, just let us come with you. I promise I won't try to uncover your secret."
The Agreement
Nami fell silent for a long time. "No matter what I say, you're both coming, aren't you?"
Goku nodded 'obediently' while Sanji continued to twist like seaweed in a storm. Bang! Nami delivered a sharp punch to Sanji's head to quiet him.
"Fine," she said expressionlessly. "But if you insist on coming, we are making three rules."
"Three rules?" Goku asked.
"First, and most importantly: you absolutely cannot set foot on the island!" Nami held up an index finger sternly.
"Why?" Goku scratched his head.
"No 'why'! If you violate this, I will never go to the Grand Line with you!" she threatened, crossing her arms. Goku nodded frantically like a pecking chick, terrified by the thought of losing his navigator.
"Second," she continued, holding up a second finger, "once we arrive, all your actions follow my instructions. You do only what I say, and nothing else. Understood?"
"No problem!" Goku agreed without hesitation.
"That's all for now," Nami muttered. She kicked Sanji, who was lying on the deck in a blissful daze from her earlier punch. "Hey! Did you hear that?"
Sanji sprang upright in a way that defied physics. "Loud and clear, Nami-san! I am at your command!"
Arrival at the Conomi Islands
Half a day later, the silhouette of an island appeared on the horizon. This was the Conomi Islands, the site of Nami's hometown, Cocoyasi Village, and the headquarters of the Arlong Pirates: Arlong Park.
As the Dream Chaser approached the village dock, Nami spotted two Fishmen sentries guarding the pier. She immediately ushered Goku and Sanji into the ship's cabin.
"Listen carefully," she whispered urgently. "Stay in here and do not come out until I tell you it's okay. And most importantly, you must not make a single sound. No one can know there are people on this ship. Do you understand?"
"Understood!" Goku said, immediately covering his mouth with both hands.
Sanji bowed elegantly and kissed Nami's hand like a gentleman. "As you wish, my goddess."