Chapter 34: Helmsman and Sniper!  

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The next day, at Nami and Nojiko's home.

"What?! Nojiko, you want to come with us?!"

Nami's eyes widened in shock as she looked at a slightly embarrassed Nojiko.

"Hey! Ace, what did you say to trick Nojiko into coming aboard?!"

Nami turned towards Ace, raising her voice.

"It wasn't Ace! This is my own decision."

Before Nami could rush towards Ace, Nojiko quickly held her back and spoke up in a hurry.

"But why, Nojiko? I thought you wanted to stay here and take care of Bell-mère's orange grove?"

Nami asked, her voice soft with confusion.

"I've thought it through. If I were to stay here and take care of the orange grove just for Bell-mère's sake, she wouldn't be happy about that."

Nojiko smiled brightly, then glanced towards Ace.

"You're being dishonest, Nojiko. Why act so shy? Didn't you mean to—mmph!"

Before Ace could finish his sentence, Nojiko, blushing deeply, hurriedly covered his mouth.

"Ace!"

Nojiko's face was flushed red with embarrassment.

"Mmmmph..."

Ace raised his hands in surrender, but his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"What on earth is going on between you two?!"

Nami yelled, feeling increasingly anxious.

"Since Nojiko is feeling shy, I guess you'll find out the rest over time."

Ace said with a playful shrug.

"Alright, Nojiko, it's time for me to fulfill my promise. Do you remember everything I told you?"

Ace looked at Nojiko seriously.

"Yes!"

Nojiko nodded with a determined expression.

"Then, here we go."

Ace slowly extended his right hand, and mysterious energy filled the air.

Nami bit her lip and watched quietly. Maybe now she would understand why Nojiko had decided to go to sea with them.

Kaya's eyes gleamed with nostalgia as she watched. It was through this ability of Ace's that she had been freed from her illness, and found companions...

She gazed fondly at Ace's back and smiled sweetly.

"The Realm of Enlightenment!"

The mysterious energy enveloped Nojiko.

Nojiko closed her eyes and thoughts of Nami's dream—the moments they'd shared—flashed through her mind.

Nami, your dream is to map the entire world. But how can you achieve that with only navigation skills? You need a skilled helmsman as well.

After Bell-mère passed away, you became my only family.

Ace promised to help me become an excellent helmsman. I want to support your dream, Nami. I want to sail alongside you, with Bell-mère's oranges onboard.

As these thoughts flowed, Nojiko felt as if she had already mastered the skills of an expert helmsman. No matter the ship or the storm, she could handle it effortlessly.

Bell-mère, as Nami's big sister, I will help make her dream come true. Don't worry.

A soft smile appeared on Nojiko's lips as the memory of Bell-mère standing protectively in front of her and Nami, facing Arlong's crew, resurfaced.

A single tear slid down Nojiko's cheek.

"Let's see if this power can attract a Devil Fruit ability..."

Ace murmured to himself with a slight smile. But then, something unexpected happened.

In the Realm of Enlightenment, Nojiko's intense emotions for Bell-mère had awakened a hidden talent—the talent of a sniper.

A line of text appeared in Ace's mind, confirming this.

"S-Sniper…?"

After an unknown amount of time, Nojiko opened her eyes, staring at her hands in disbelief.

"What happened?! Nojiko, are you alright?"

Nami asked in alarm, worried for her sister.

"I'm fine. It's just that... I think I've truly inherited everything from Bell-mère."

Tears still streaked Nojiko's cheeks, but her smile was as radiant as the brightest rose, leaving Nami and Kaya speechless.

"Congratulations, Nojiko. Welcome aboard, my helmsman and sniper."

Ace greeted her warmly.

"Yes, Captain! Please guide me from now on."

Nojiko replied, her laugh light and joyful.

"But why…?" Nami stammered, emotional as she realized the gravity of Nojiko's decision.

——

Later, Nami and Nojiko said their farewells to the villagers.

Genzo promised them that the orange grove would be even more lush when they returned.

After bidding their goodbyes, Nojiko and Nami returned home, touching everything around them, their eyes full of nostalgia.

Ace and Kaya quietly observed from a distance.

"Alright, Nojiko. It's time for us to go."

Nami slung her bag over her shoulder, smiling.

"Yes, Nami."

Nojiko smiled and nodded.

"Welcome aboard, Nojiko. And welcome back, Nami."

Kaya waved at them, grinning.

"Thank you."

Nojiko and Nami smiled back at Kaya.

Together with Ace and Kaya, the sisters stepped out of the house, leaving behind the warmth of their shared home with Bell-mère.

Suddenly, as Nami and Nojiko were the last to step out, they both felt as though they had been gently pushed by someone. They paused and turned around slowly, gazing at their cozy home where Bell-mère had once lived.

"Heh, heheh..."

Nami and Nojiko looked at each other, sharing a soft laugh.

"Mom, we're off to find our own path!"

Ace smiled as he watched the scene unfold. The pirate world truly was full of mysteries, with powers and energies beyond explanation.

But before they set sail, there was one more thing Ace had to take care of.

His eyes gleamed with purpose as he led the three women away.