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Chapter 63 - C61: Reunion

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In the tangerine grove, the fruit hanging from the branches—waiting for their harvest—diminished at a visible rate. Satori devoured them nearly one per second, stuffing the sweet tangerines into his mouth until the citrus scent wafted from his lips. Meanwhile, Sanji stood by the window of the house, observing the interior. He noticed the large bag of treasure Nami had brought earlier sitting in a corner, confirming this was indeed her home.

As Sanji pondered Nami's whereabouts, an angry voice echoed from outside the grove. "Nojiko" walked in, casting a wary glance at Sanji before fixing a stern gaze on Satori. "You stop right now!" she admonished. Seeing the gluttonous boy transforming the lush grove into a skeleton of bare branches and leaves, she felt a surge of protectiveness over the fruit Nami had entrusted to her.

Satori froze, a hint of panic flashing across his face at being caught, though he quickly regained his nonchalance. He realized he had already broken his promise to stay off the island; being discovered felt like a secondary concern. Sanji, however, was struck by "love at first sight" upon seeing Nojiko's short blue hair and slender figure. "My beautiful lady, how should I address you?" he asked with a lovesick expression.

Nojiko ignored his advances, focusing on his mention of her sister. "I am her older sister, Nojiko," she stated. Sanji quickly turned serious, explaining, "We are Nami's companions, and we came here to find her". Nojiko scrutinized the pair, finding it hard to believe a child was part of a crew heading for the Grand Line, but she recognized the count of two people that Nami had mentioned.

Satori trotted over, asking, "Mhm! We are Nami's companions. Do you know where she went?". Sanji added that they had an urgent matter to discuss. Trusting their sincere gaze, Nojiko led them into the house. "Nami is completing a task and cannot be disturbed," she said. "Can you tell me about your urgent matter first?".

"The Arlong Pirates have discovered us," Sanji stated concisely. Nojiko's expression changed instantly as Sanji explained that while they had hidden two unconscious Fishmen, it was only a matter of time before they were found. They needed Nami to board the ship and leave immediately.

Nojiko shook her head. "Your decision is correct, but Nami won't leave until she finishes what she must". Realizing Arlong was due to arrive soon to count the treasure, she hurried them into an inner room. "Quick! You two hide, you absolutely cannot come out!" she commanded.

Outside, Nami arrived at the grove, followed by a dawdling Hatchan. She was furious at his constant "toilet breaks," unaware he was stalling for time on Arlong's orders. Reaching the house, Nojiko whispered the news of the visitors into Nami's ear. Nami's expression stiffened with a flare of anger at her companions for breaking their promise, but she suppressed it to handle Hatchan.

She handed Hatchan a bag of treasure and instructed Nojiko to lead him to the burial spot. "I'm going to the toilet," Nami claimed as an excuse to double back. Once they were gone, she entered the house and twisted the doorknob of the inner room. Immediately, she was met by the eyes of Sanji and Satori.

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