In the afternoon, Nami packed her belongings from Arlong Park into a small bag, slung it over her shoulder, and stepped out the gates. She paused, casting a complex glance back at the stronghold that had caged her for years. With a long exhale, she steeled herself. After today, she vowed, she’d never return to this nauseating place.
The thought of redeeming Cocoyasi Village and breaking free from the Arlong Pirates lightened her steps. Soon, she reached her orange grove at the village’s edge. Spotting her sister Nojiko near their home, Nami waved eagerly, quickening her pace. “Nojiko! I’m back!”
“Nami?” Nojiko stopped, turning from the doorway. “When did you get here?”
“This morning,” Nami said, catching her breath. “You weren’t home.”
“Oh, sorry,” Nojiko said with an apologetic smile. “Genzo needed me for something.” Her eyes fell on Nami’s bag, hesitating. “You… went back there?”
“Yeah,” Nami replied, her smile genuine. “But it’s the last time. After today, me and our village are done with Arlong for good.”
Nojiko froze, then her eyes lit up. “You mean… you’ve…?”
Nami nodded, grinning. “I’ve got the 100 million beri. I’m heading to Arlong soon to buy back the village. No more monthly payments, no more fear of those Fishmen slaughtering us. Everyone can live like before.”
“Nami…” Nojiko’s voice cracked, her eyes brimming with pain and pride. She pulled Nami into a tight embrace. “You’ve suffered so much.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Thɪs chapter is updated by Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
Nami hugged her back, her own eyes stinging. Emotions swirled—relief, guilt, hope. After a moment, she wiped her tears and laughed. “Alright, Nojiko, enough crying. Help me dig up the money.”
Nojiko sniffled, nodding. “Okay.”
They turned to grab tools from the house, but a group approached from the distance, their Navy uniforms unmistakable. Leading them was Captain Nezumi, a scrawny man with a rat-like face, small eyes glinting with sleaze, and a smirk that oozed malice. Beside him walked Genzo, the village’s sheriff, his face grim as he trailed the Navy officer.
Nami’s stomach sank, a dark premonition gripping her.
“Who are you? What do you want?” Nojiko demanded, stepping forward warily.
Nezumi ignored her, his beady eyes locking onto Nami. “You’re Nami, the thief, right? Word is you’ve buried a fortune stolen from pirates. We’re here to confiscate it—all of it.”
His words hit like a gut punch. Nami and Nojiko’s faces paled, their hope of freedom crumbling. The joy of redeeming the village vanished, replaced by dread.
Nezumi’s smirk widened, his voice a grating squeak. “What, didn’t hear me? Stolen goods are illegal. They belong to the Navy now.”
“You… you can’t do this!” Nojiko shouted, fury in her eyes. Genzo’s expression darkened, his fists clenching.
Nami, hardened by years of navigating danger, stepped forward, forcing calm. “Quite the work ethic, Captain. Too scared to face real pirates, so you pick on a thief like me? I’m warning you—I’m a cadre of the Arlong Pirates. Touch me, and Arlong won’t let it slide.”
Nezumi’s laugh was a shrill, mocking squeak. “Threatening me, little girl? Think that makes you my equal?” He waved a hand at his men. “Search the place! Tear it apart!”
“Yes, sir!” The Marines scattered, ransacking Nami’s home and grove, digging through soil and smashing crates.
“Stop! That’s my money!” Nami’s rage erupted, a fire scorching her veins. She yanked out her short staff, a weapon she’d carried for protection, and charged. Gone was her usual caution—she was a whirlwind of fury. A Marine raised his rifle, but Nami didn’t flinch. She swung her staff, cracking it across his jaw with a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed, teeth scattering across the dirt. He collapsed, clutching his shattered face, screaming through a crimson-soaked mouth.
Another Marine lunged, bayonet gleaming. Nami ducked, her staff slamming into his knee. The joint snapped with a wet pop, bone splintering through skin. He howled, crumpling as blood pooled beneath him. Nami spun, her staff smashing into a third Marine’s chest, ribs cracking like dry twigs. He gasped, blood bubbling from his lips as he staggered back, collapsing into the orange trees, branches snapping under his weight.
Nojiko and Genzo stared, shocked by Nami’s ferocity. The remaining Marines hesitated, their rifles wavering. Nezumi’s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. “You’ll regret this, thief!” he squeaked, but his voice trembled.
Nami stood, chest heaving, staff dripping with blood. Her grove was a wreck—torn earth, broken trees, and groaning Marines writhing in the dirt. She glared at Nezumi, her voice low and deadly. “Get out. Now.”