"Really disappointing," Zoro muttered, glancing sideways at Luffy.
"Didn't you say I was the only member of your crew?"
Luffy didn't answer.
He was staring at the rooftop of a half-destroyed house across the street, eyes calm, posture loose — but focused.
Zoro followed his gaze.
"Then who's that?" he asked.
"I don't know," Luffy replied.
A second later, an orange-haired head slowly peeked over the edge of the roof.
Nami froze.
The street below was silent. The three pirates who had chased her earlier lay sprawled across the ground, blood pooling beneath them. Very much alive — but very much defeated.
Her eyes flicked to Luffy.
Cold. Sharp. Measuring.
A shiver ran down her spine.
"…You're strong," she said, forcing a grin as she hopped down onto the balcony below.
"Really strong. Outnumbered, swords drawn, and you still wiped them out."
Luffy's expression didn't change.
"That's a funny compliment," he said flatly, "coming from the girl who framed us."
Nami laughed awkwardly.
"Ah… about that—"
"Who are you?" Luffy interrupted.
The girl straightened, confidence snapping back into place like armor.
"I'm a thief," she said proudly. "A talented one. I only steal from pirates."
She pointed at herself with both thumbs. "Name's Nami!"
Before either man could respond, she leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
"So! How about we cooperate?"
Luffy turned away.
"No."
He walked past her, Zoro following without comment.
"Thanks for the offer," Luffy said over his shoulder, "but I don't need a thief. Especially one who's willing to get innocent people killed to save herself."
The words landed harder than a slap.
Nami stopped.
For a moment, she stared at the ground, jaw tight, fists clenched.
Then she looked up — at their backs.
Strong. Calm. Unafraid.
She grit her teeth and ran after them.
"Wait!" she shouted. "I'm not like that!"
They stopped.
"At least think about it before you decide!" she added, breathless.
Luffy turned slowly.
"Nami," he said evenly, "I won't judge you for one bad choice. But I won't work with someone useless either. If you have something valuable to offer, say it now."
She inhaled sharply.
"I'm a navigator," she said. "The best you'll ever meet."
That got his attention.
"A navigator?" Luffy smiled faintly. "That's exactly who I need."
Her smile bloomed—then vanished.
"Then join my crew," Luffy added.
"No!" she snapped.
Both men blinked.
"You are pirates, right?" she demanded.
They nodded.
Her hands trembled.
"There's nothing in this world I hate more than pirates," she shouted.
"I only like money. And oranges."
The anger wasn't fake.
Luffy studied her carefully.
"…I see."
He placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Not all pirates are the same."
Her eyes widened.
"How do you—"
"Not here," Luffy said quietly. "Buggy's men could be listening."
He turned and entered one of the abandoned houses.
Zoro followed. After a second of hesitation, so did Nami.
Inside, the house felt… lived in. Old family photos still hung on the walls. Smiling parents. Two children.
Luffy ignored them and went straight to the cabinet.
Then froze.
"…No way."
He pulled out a bottle like it was sacred.
"Suntory Yamazaki. Twelve-year single malt."
Zoro sighed.
Nami blinked. "It's just whiskey."
Luffy's head snapped toward her.
"Just whiskey?"
His voice rose.
"JUST whiskey?"
Zoro raised an eyebrow.
"This bottle costs two hundred and fifty thousand beli."
Nami's eyes instantly turned into money symbols.
Luffy narrowed his eyes. "Don't."
She sighed.
Luffy poured himself a glass and finally relaxed.
"So," Nami said quietly, leaning by the window, "how did you know?"
"Know what?"
"That pirates hurt me."
Luffy took a sip.
"Experience."
He spoke without looking at her.
"Ten years ago, pirates came to my village. We thought they'd destroy everything. Instead, they protected us. Laughed with us. Taught me how the world really works."
Nami said nothing.
"This hat," Luffy continued, lifting it slightly, "was given to me by their captain. It's my promise."
He placed it back gently.
"My treasure."
Silence filled the room.
"…So," he said finally, turning to her with a grin,
"work with us. Let's flip this world upside down."
She scoffed.
"I'll never be a pirate."
His smile faded.
"But," she added quickly, "I don't mind cooperating."
Luffy laughed.
Zoro raised his glass.
"To our navigator."
Nami rolled her eyes.
"Temporary."
Luffy stood, expression sharpening.
"Let's meet Buggy."
Nami paled.
"…Buggy?"
"Yes," Luffy said calmly. "And then we beat him."
Somewhere in Orange Town, a clown sneezed..