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"Please take this. It's three million Berries."
At the entrance of the local Marine branch, Nami walked out carrying a briefcase of cash, her head spinning as if she were caught in a dream. she stared blankly at the money and couldn't help but murmur, "Three million Berries? Just like that?"
In her past as a solo thief, stealing this amount would have required weeks of planning, intense mental strain, and several near-death escapes from pirate ships. Now, the process was simplified: Sun Wukong would knock a pirate captain unconscious, she would tie him up, and they would trade him in for a briefcase. The difference was like night and day.
"Yo! Nami, you're out!" Under a distant tree, Sun Wukong was enjoying the shade and gnawing on a massive roasted meat leg. Seeing her, he waved a greasy hand with a wide grin. Nami looked at him with a complex expression. This boy was a force of nature—a gold mine with the heart of a saint. She finally smiled sweetly, gripped the handle of the briefcase, and walked lightly toward him. "Sun Wukong, we got the money!"
The sky was as clear as a freshly washed canvas, and white clouds drifted lazily over the horizon. On the vast ocean, a warship with a giant dog's head prow cut through the waves.
"Vice Admiral Garp, we have news of Sun Wukong!" Lanza ran out of the cabin, his face flushed with excitement as he reached Garp. "A male and female pirate hunter duo has appeared in the East Blue. In just half a month, they've captured nearly a dozen pirate crews. The boy's name is Sun Wukong, and the description matches perfectly!"
Lanza was immensely relieved. Ever since Goku had "swum" away, Lanza had been terrified the boy would be swallowed by a Sea King or lost in a storm. Garp, however, didn't seem surprised at all. He crossed his arms and let out a thunderous laugh.
"Hahahahaha! See? I told you! The brat wouldn't get into trouble! He's out there earning his keep!" Garp slapped Lanza's shoulder with enough force to make the younger man's arm go numb.
"But Vice Admiral," Lanza winced, rubbing his shoulder, "why is he a pirate hunter? And why is he partnering with a known thief?"
"It's simple," Garp grinned. "The kid eats enough to bankrupt a small nation. He needs money for food, and regular jobs don't pay enough. Being a hunter is free, easy for someone with his strength, and gives him great experience for when he eventually joins the Marines! As for the girl—if Sun Wukong trusts her, that's good enough for me. The boy has a sharp instinct for people."
Lanza nodded, realizing his worries were indeed unnecessary. "Then, shall we return to the Grand Line? Our mission here is essentially over."
Garp's gaze suddenly deepened as he stared at the horizon. "No... let's stay a little longer." He seemed to be sensing something in the wind, something that kept him anchored to the East Blue for just a few more days.
On another island nearby, Nami swung her wooden staff, knocking out the last standing pirate with a sharp crack. She exhaled and raised a fist in triumph. "Sun Wukong, we've taken care of another group!"
In front of her, Goku—who had already incapacitated the Captain and twenty other men—smiled warmly. "Hehe, Nami, you've gotten a little stronger!"
"Of course I have!" Nami stood with her hands on her hips. Ever since they had captured Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates, their partnership had become a well-oiled machine. Nami handled the intelligence, navigation, and strategy, while Goku handled the "heavy lifting." To lighten his load, Nami had even asked him to teach her staff techniques so she could handle the weaker grunts herself.
As they tied up the captain to head toward the nearest Marine branch, Nami's expression turned solemn.
"Hey, Sun Wukong, I've been thinking," she said seriously. "We've searched a dozen islands and haven't heard a single word about the World Martial Arts Tournament. If an event with such a grand name existed here, someone would know."
"Then where is it?" Goku asked, tilting his head.
Nami took a deep breath. "Think about the name. The 'World's' tournament. There is only one place in this world where the truly powerful and famous gather. If your friends are looking for the best in the world, they wouldn't stay in a remote place like the East Blue." She paused, looking at the distant horizon where the sky met the sea. "They must be in the Grand Line!"