-----
-----
Nami knew exactly what would happen if she did this.
Her sister, Makino, was definitely going to get "bullied" by Logan again.
Still, aside from that part, Logan treated his women pretty well—he was thoughtful, protective, and never let anyone hurt them.
But what really made Nami decide was Nojiko.She just couldn't leave her sister home alone.If Nojiko joined Logan too, at least they'd have each other's backs.
When Nami brought it up herself, Logan wasn't about to just stand there pretending he didn't hear.He immediately turned to Nojiko and invited her to join his crew.
With both Kaya and Makino chiming in to help convince her,Nojiko eventually gave in, though she couldn't shake off that weird feeling inside.
Was Logan really that good of a guy?Why were all three of them saying nice things about him?
That night, Cocoyasi Village was bursting with light and laughter.The crackle of fireworks echoed from one end of the village to the other.The villagers had gathered to throw a huge celebration for Arlong's defeat.
Ajian even came by personally to invite Nami and the others,insisting that she, the one who killed Arlong, should be the guest of honor.
But Nami politely turned him down.Disappointed, Ajian left.
After the festivities died down, Logan followed Nami and Nojiko to Bell-mère's grave.
The sisters wanted to tell their foster mother the good news—that Arlong was finally gone.
Logan didn't intrude. He stayed back, quietly watching from a distance,giving them the space to speak privately.
He knew they had a lot to tell Bell-mère.
The two sisters sat in front of the grave for a long time, talking softly.
At first, they cried tears of joy as they shared the news,but as they kept talking, the conversation slowly drifted elsewhere.
Logan couldn't hear what they were saying,but he noticed Nami and Nojiko sneaking glances in his direction from time to time—Nami's face flushed as she clenched her fists in frustration,and Nojiko covered her mouth in shock.
Logan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.Were they... talking about him?
A few minutes later, both sisters' smiles faded into calm relief.Nami took Logan's hand and led him up to the grave.
For the first time, her expression was peaceful."Mom, did you see? This is my man. He treats me really well."
"Arlong's dead. Your daughters have a home now. Rest easy, okay?"
Nojiko's eyes reddened.
Logan held Nami's hand tight, then reached out and took Nojiko's too."You can rest easy, ma'am," he said sincerely. "I'll take good care of Nami and Nojiko. I won't let anything hurt them."
After that emotional moment, the three of them left the graveyardand went back to Nami's house.
The atmosphere inside was… awkward.The air practically buzzed with tension—and hormones.
Nojiko sat with her head down, fingers nervously twisting together.Every now and then, she'd sneak a glance at Logan, then quickly look away, heart pounding.
Was… was what Nami said earlier really going to happen tonight?And if it did… what was she supposed to do?Go along with it?Resist a little first?Ugh—this was driving her crazy!
Kaya and Makino sat off to the side, leaning on each other, watching with amused smiles,like they were settling in for a good show.
Nami, on the other hand, didn't even know how to start.If it were anyone else, she wouldn't care.But this was her sister.
After a long silence, Logan finally coughed and spoke up."So… are you three going to the Merry tonight, or are we coming here?"
"You—you guys go!" Nami blurted out immediately.
She couldn't let Logan find what she had hidden in her room.
Kaya and Makino shrugged—either way was fine with them.
Realizing what that meant, Nojiko lowered her head even further."'You guys,'" huh? That meant her, didn't it?
Without another word, Logan took Nojiko's hand—and the two of them vanished from the room in an instant.
Every time he brought a new woman aboard, Logan always made time for "private lessons."That was just… part of his system.
Afterward, things would loosen up.The women would "study" together, discuss "techniques," and it would all get a lot more lively.
As Nami finally exhaled in relief,a firm voice echoed from the air outside—
"Nami, dig up the money in the orange grove. It'll serve as our crew's funds from now on.""Kaya, Makino—you two, make sure she does it."
Nami froze, then stomped her foot furiously."Logan! That's my money!" she shouted toward the sky.
Meanwhile, aboard the Going Merry, Nojiko was still in shock.
How had she even ended up here?!
Before she could ask, Logan had already begun teaching her navigation skills.
It wasn't until late into the night that the "lesson" finally ended.
"Get some rest," Logan said gently, tucking her into bed."We're leaving Cocoyasi Village tomorrow."
Then he turned and walked into the next room.
Just another day in Logan's "conquering beauties" routine.
"Claim," he muttered lazily. He didn't even bother saying "reward."
[Reward Issued]
[Congratulations, host! You've obtained the Golden Lion's Dual Blade Swordsmanship (current mastery)!]
""....."
