Arlong Park.
BANG!
Nami stormed in, fury blazing in her eyes as she grabbed Arlong by the collar.
"Oh? Nami... you're back?"
Arlong looked down at her tear-streaked face and gave a cruel, toothy grin.
"Why?! Why didn't you keep your promise?! Why did you send the Marines to steal the money I was using to buy back the village?!"
Her voice cracked as she shouted, her tears spilling freely.
"Oh? You got robbed? That's unfortunate. But... do you have any proof it was me?"
Arlong sneered and brushed off her hand with casual disdain.
"..."
Nami stared daggers into him.
"No evidence, right? Nami, I don't know anything about it. I told you already—bring me 100 million Berries, and I'll sell you back Cocoyasi Village. Shahahahaha!"
Arlong burst into raucous laughter.
The Fish-Men around him joined in, their mocking laughter echoing through the air.
"..."
Nami's grip tightened around her Clima-Tact, her knuckles white with rage as their laughter rang in her ears.
"ARLONG!!!"
She raised her head, eyes locked on him with burning hatred.
"Hm? Nami, are you going to fight me? Relax. Even if you do attack, I won't kill you. But the people of Cocoyasi Village... that's another matter."
Arlong eyed the strange staff in her hand, his lip curling with derision.
"..."
Nami bit down on her lip until blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
"I get it... I just have to find another hundred million, right?"
She spoke flatly, her voice hollow.
She wanted to fight him—gods, she wanted to fight him. Even if it meant dying.
But... the villagers.
"Exactly. Bring me another 100 million Berries, and the village is yours. I, Arlong, always keep my promises. Shahahahaha!"
Arlong laughed maniacally.
Nami said nothing. She turned and walked silently toward the village.
Promises?
The only pirate whose promises she still believed in... was Ace.
Sorry, Ace... I messed up. They took all your money too.
I guess... in your eyes now, I'm just a worthless little thief.
Tears clung to the corners of her eyes as she walked, Ace's face flickering in her thoughts.
"Alright! Then let's go—under this guy's lead—and drag Nami back from hell!"
When Nami stumbled back into the village, dazed and hollow, she found the villagers stirred into a storm of defiance.
And standing among them—was the very person she'd just been thinking of.
"Ace?! Everyone?!"
As she listened to the murmuring voices, realization dawned.
They'd known. They had always known about her deal with Arlong. They hadn't told her—not because they didn't care, but because they didn't want to burden her with their hope.
Now... they were ready to risk everything against Arlong and his crew.
"No—it's okay, really. It's just 100 million Berries. I've grown up now. I've gotten stronger. I can save up again—I promise I can..."
Nami forced a crooked smile, desperately trying to talk them down.
Fighting Arlong head-on... they'd all die.
"Nami. That's enough."
Genzo stepped forward, his voice low.
"...!"
Nami's eyes widened.
"You know it too, don't you? Talking won't change anything."
Genzo's expression was heavy.
"No! I won't let you go! You'll be killed!"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pointed her Clima-Tact at them.
"We know."
Genzo gently pressed the weapon down, his smile soft and forgiving.
"Nami, don't try to stop us. We've already made up our minds."
A villager stepped forward, gripping a shovel.
"Nami, you've suffered enough all these years. Now it's our turn to fight for you. And besides... don't you still have your dreams?"
Nojiko met her sister's gaze, unwavering.
"Even if we can't win... we'll show those Fish-Men our resolve! Anyone who dared to toy with Nami's kindness—we'll never forgive them!"
Genzo raised his blade high.
"CHARGE!!"
A roar of voices rose as the villagers surged past Nami, racing toward the Arlong Park.
Nami stood frozen, trying to hold them back—but anyone she touched gently moved her hand aside, giving her a look of quiet apology.
You've suffered enough.
That's what their expressions said.
"Why...? Why are you doing this?"
Tears streamed down Nami's face as she looked at Ace.
"Why did you come? Why are you interfering in this mess? I'm a bad, terrible thief—I stole from you—I—"
Tap.
Before she could finish, Ace reached out and pressed his sunhat firmly down on her tangerine hair.
"...!"
Nami looked up, stunned.
"All these years... living without relying on anyone... it must've been so hard, huh, Nami?"
Ace's smile was radiant, warm like a small sun.
"...!"
"Ugh... ahhh... ahhhhhh..."
The dam broke. Nami collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Nami..."
Even Kaya had tears in her eyes as she looked on.
"Help me, Ace... please..."
Nami looked up at him again—on her face, a fragile vulnerability that hadn't been seen since Bellemère's death.
"Anyone who made you cry... is going to pay."
Ace ruffled her hair hard—this time, with enough strength that she could feel the weight of his promise.
And just like that...
She finally felt safe.
---
TL/N:
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