Chapter - 9

Luffy could only laugh at the duos antics. Shaking his head he realized how late it had already gotten. Darkness now covered the sky. One crew member left, and here he was outside making a big deal of it. Maybe he should play it stupid and say he forgot and fell asleep. No, never that, what the hell was wrong with him. Gaining resolve he made his way slowly but surely to the library. With each step he took he could feel his heart thump against his chest it felt as if he was entering a second gear on its own. Less than a minute later he was standing below the hatch staring up at it debating to go in. A few moments later he began to ascend slowly but surely. He paused before releasing a series of light knocks.

There was a silence. Maybe she fell asleep. Before he could make a move he heard her voice offer a "Come in" Luffy slowly lifted the hatch climbing in shutting it lightly behind him.

"Luffy hey perfect timing, I just finished the chart, come see it." Luffy got closer so he could see Nami clearly. She looked a little tired from constantly working, her hair slightly wet. She smelled sweet like she just bathed. Shaking the thoughts out of his head he quickly looked over to map detailing Totto Land.

Nami broke it down so her captain could understand. She'd drawn in a red pen the first route they used to enter Whole Cake Island. She explained that that route was obviously a trap into the forest and they didn't want to have to deal with that again. There best chance was to bypass Germa Kingdom to the north of the island and head directly the west towards the castle. It would add a week to the trip but it was well worth it. He could see the detail she went to analyze the safest way to get there. The raven haired boy couldn't take his eyes off the orange haired girl as she was busy explaining away.

"I'm sure this will work, so you have nothing to worry about Captain." Nami said smiling slightly.

"Yeah I trust you completely Nami, your the navigator, you lead we follow." Luffy didn't know where those words came

from.

Those words pleased Nami to hear. Luffy always had complete faith in her as she had in him.

"Hey Luffy there's something else I want to show you." Nami spoke rolling up the map before placing it in a large drawer. The navigator went up to the top shelf pulling out a large map, she began to unravel it slowly. She gestured for him to approach the desk asking him to hold the edges of the map grabbing his hands, showing them where to go. The instant contact made both them feel a pulse of electricity flow through their bodies.

Nami couldn't help glancing over at Luffy as he took in her treasure. His eyes raking over every section of the map with a curious intrigue. The original map she was working on since they started their journey. He could see all the places they've been. Foosha Village, Cocoyoshi Village, Alabasta, Thriller Bark, Water 7, Enies Lobby, Fishman Island, Punk Hazard, Zou, Gran Tesoro, finally Wano.

Luffy was speechless. "Nami.. this is amazing." Luffy examining the map one more time noticing a peculiar place in the center.

Nami was happy to be showing Luffy one of her most prized possessions it was something very near to her heart. It was a map that had been worked on for nearly 4 years and was finally getting near its completion. Glancing over she could see the curious look Luffy was paying attention to the center of the map.

"Nami, what's this place?" Luffy asked with such curiosity it nearly made her melt.

"This here!" She pointed to the map excitedly "is the capitol city. It's where the Five Elders who control the World Government live." Luffy thought it would be nice to take those guys down and over throw their corruption.

"And here!?" Luffy asked pointing to a not so distant blank spot. It's space unoccupied. Nami smirked before answering. "I know the last island of Ratfael is somewhere there or it could be he-" Nami froze when she noticed her hand crawled on top of Luffy's and she hadn't dared move it away. The electricity they felt when they grazed hands was back but tenfold.

Both of them gave a quick glance to the other and an even quicker apology. Before Luffy rubbed the back of head sheepishly. "Thanks again Nami, for showing me, it was great." He flashed that smile that made Nami want to run into his arms again and be comforted.

When he was away in Dressrosa all she could do was worry about his safety. She was only able to see a glimpse of the destructive power of a warlord. Remembering the ease in which Doflamingo was able to defeat Sanji and Law. Remembering the joy she felt hearing his voice break through the transponder snail!

"Oi! Sanji it's me!"

"Luffy!" Nami smiled warmly before placing Momonosuki in her lap. All she needed was to hear his voice. To know he was out there—safe.

When she found out he and the others were in Zou she was relieved. It had only been 11 days but to her it felt like years. She couldn't wait for Luffy to return to her. Every time she saw him, she knew it would be okay. He worked tirelessly to save his friends and it was the thing she loved most about him. Luffy was really the only true good person she'd ever known.

Whole Cake Island was something completely different then she anticipated.

Luffy and her dove into a situation headfirst in which they were extremely out of their depth. They just wanted their friend back. Nami remembered the painful memories of Luffy suffering throughout the ordeal the most. It made her realize no matter how much physical beatings either of them took their spirits would never break. In order to save her life Luffy was willing to sacrifice his arms not willing to let her die. It truly bored on extreme bravery and idiocy but she couldn't be more thankful for Luffy being him. It all came full circle when they came face to face with Capone Bege and his crew. Being by Luffy's side while he argued with Bege about taking down Big Mom. It was a microcosm of their relationship. Luffy would always protect and provide, while Nami would nurture and educate.

Nami began to seal the large map in plastic again before rolling it back and reaching for the top shelf. She couldn't quite reach. Noticing quickly Luffy stretches his arm to gently place the map back In it's designated place.

"Thanks" Nami offers simply only to be waved off.

"Ah not a problem, why do you keep it where you can't reach shishi silly navigator." Luffy laughs lightly clutching his sides in mock laughter.

A vein appearing on the Mikan loving navigator's face. "I do it too keep it away from my idiot captain." Luffy felt a strike come down as his head sending his face towards the floor.

"Ow! Hey! I did not deserve that!" The two soon broke out into chuckles at their antics. It wasn't even a question anymore. The captain didn't even bother to ask why he was hit anymore. The best answer he was going to get was a knockout or a "just going with the flow." Answer. He didn't mind, he actually liked it. If there was one thing he appreciated greatly, it was that she kept him grounded in reality literally. Never afraid to give him orders, or call him out on his BS when he's reckless. He needed that in his life.

Nami wasn't afraid of anything really. Except ghosts. Luffy began to chuckle causing Nami to wonder what he was thinking.