"Huh? Really?"
Nojiko froze, unable to process it at first.
The Arlong Pirates had been the nightmare of Cocoyasi Village—
a nightmare that had lasted eight long years.
Even the Marines stationed here turned a blind eye and let the villagers suffer.
"Mm. Lucky Drake helped us."
"Lucky Drake… he's a pirate."
"But Lucky Drake and his people are good pirates. Not like Arlong's."
Nami hurried to explain, clearly scared Nojiko might misunderstand.
But instead, Nojiko began crying in relief.
"I understand…"
"Thank you, Mr. Lucky Drake!"
"Also… Mr. Lucky Drake, can I ask you for a favor?" Nojiko asked softly, her voice full of emotion.
"Of course. I already consider you all my family," Lucky Drake replied sincerely.
"Thank you…"
Nojiko felt warmth welling up in her chest.
It was like heaven had sent Nami a good man.
And she knew—Nami probably wanted to leave with Lucky Drake.
After all, as a pirate, Lucky Drake would certainly leave the East Blue someday and head to wider, more wondrous seas.
To ensure Nami wouldn't regret anything, Nojiko continued:
"Mr. Lucky Drake, I want you to take my sister Nami with you. Since she was little, her dream has been to become a great navigator and sail freely across the endless sea. Could you?"
"Of course. I'll protect her."
Lucky Drake nodded. He admired Nojiko—what a good sister.
"Nojiko, w-what are you saying?! I'm not leaving!"
Nami immediately burst into tears.
"It's okay. I'm here in the village."
"And don't worry—I'll take good care of Belle-mère's tangerines. They're our shared memory, right?"
Nojiko gently stroked Nami's head.
"Waaah…"
Nami broke down again, crying like a child.
After a long while, Nojiko spoke:
"Alright… I'll pack your things. Before you leave, you should go visit Belle-mère, right?"
"Mm."
Nami nodded, finally making up her mind.
Becoming a great navigator had been her promise to Belle-mère.
She had to fulfill it.
Nojiko left to pack for her, while Nami entered the tangerine grove.
Belle-mère was buried there.
Before leaving, Lucky Drake asked Nojiko if he could take one tangerine tree—
so Nami could have something to hold onto emotionally.
Hearing this, Nojiko felt even more grateful.
Lucky Drake was gentle and considerate.
Nami would surely be happy with him.
Lucky Drake carried the tangerine tree; Nami brought her belongings.
The two left Orange Village reluctantly.
"Whoa, Vice-Captain—why're you carrying a tangerine tree?"
The Thunder Pirates stared in confusion.
"Ahem, this is something important to my woman. Don't mess with it," Lucky Drake said seriously.
"Ohhhh."
"Got it—sentimental value!"
"Good. Then stop asking."
Lucky Drake casually brushed them off and planted the tree on their ship.
Nami stepped up with a gentle smile. "Lucky Drake… thank you."
"Haha, you saved my life once. I said I'd protect you."
Nami blushed and huffed shyly, "Lucky Drake… I-I'm actually pretty fierce, you know! Once we get closer, you'll see. You still have time to regret this!"
Lucky Drake pinched her cheek. "I'm not scared. I treat you so well—Nami will definitely be gentle."
Nami wanted to groan.
This guy was too good at talking.
And his charm kept increasing.
She could feel herself falling for him more and more.
"Hmph! Fine… as long as you don't regret it!"
She puffed her cheeks, then asked softly,
"Lucky Drake… can I hug you?"
"Huh?"
Lucky Drake blinked, then grinned. "Sure. Come on."
Nami threw her arms around him.
"Lucky Drake… you're like my savior. You came from the sky to rescue me. Being with you makes me feel… safe."
"Thank you for trusting me."
Lucky Drake held her, feeling warmth fill him as well.
"Vice-Captain! Marines spotted again! Captain says he needs to discuss something important with you!"
Awei ran over, clearly unwilling to interrupt such a moment.
"I'm coming!"
Nami let go, smiling shyly. "Go ahead. I'll head back to the cabin."
"Wait for me."
Just that one line made her blush again—
that cabin was… their room.
Soon, Lucky Drake stepped onto the former Arlong ship, now renamed Thunderbolt No. 2.
"Captain, what's the big matter?"
"Lucky Drake, the guys feel unsatisfied," Red said seriously.
"We only took Arlong's ship. The treasure inside Arlong Park got scooped up by the Marines."
"The boys want to rob those two Marine ships and take back the treasure."
"What do you think?"
Lucky Drake grinned.
"Do it."
"Hahaha! As expected of us—we all think alike!"
"Then I declare—let's hit the Marines!"
At Red's shout, the crew roared with excitement.
Thunderbolt No. 1 and No. 2 sailed straight toward the Marine vessels.
"Captain! Those pirates didn't flee—they're heading straight for us!" a Marine soldier reported.
"Hmph. Overestimating themselves."
"Fire!"
"Yes, sir!"
…
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