38. The Secret Between The Two?

Spike pondered for a moment, carefully considering the situation to ensure the person before him wasn't deceiving him. Once satisfied, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.

With no hesitation whatsoever, he retrieved a sack from behind him, intending to bundle up the person and return with them.

Carina, her expression fraught with panic, quickly stepped back, pointing frantically at the sack in Spike's hand as she exclaimed:

"Y-You're not seriously going to...!" Before Carina could finish her sentence, Spike swiftly bundled her up in the sack.

Simultaneously, he wore an impatient expression, seemingly conveying, "This person sure likes to chatter on."

Suddenly, Carina's expression lightened, a sly smirk playing on her lips as she silently retrieved a dagger hidden in the sole of her shoe.

She had been planning to bide her time on the boat, waiting for the opportune moment to discreetly cut open the sack and make her escape.

However, as she was about to set her plan in motion, a sudden sensation of weightlessness washed over her, causing a flicker of panic to appear on her face!

A terrifying realization struck her!

"Does this stupid dog want to throw me out?!"

Carina couldn't help but contemplate Spike's terrifying strength and his unsettling intelligence!

Carina's face instantly drained of color!

Without a moment's hesitation, he sliced open the sack.

In the next instant, propelled by the force, Carina was sent flying out of the sack.

What she hadn't anticipated was finding herself not in the air, but plummeting into the sea.

As this realization hit her, sharp pain and suffocation yanked her back to reality.

Gasping for air, Carina struggled against the pain to reach the surface.

Then, in an instant, her entire perception of the world shattered.

Watching Spike racing across the water, Carina's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Could it be... what I saw earlier wasn't a cannonball?"

"It's that idiot!" she exclaimed.

Just then, Spike, sensing something amiss, abruptly halted and created a massive wave as he came to a stop.

Remaining atop the water's surface, Spike gazed at the gaping hole in the sack with a puzzled expression. He shook his head vigorously, then cast an angry glare at Carina, who was now adrift in the sea.

Spike's legs churned like two powerful propellers as he surged towards Carina!

Caught off guard, Carina stood frozen in a daze, completely abandoning any thought of escape!

Caught by Spike, she remained in a state of surprise, unable to move.

"What sort of monster is he?" Carina repeated this question in her mind over and over, utterly baffled by the situation, as it defied all her understanding!

Had she not stolen the treasure earlier, Carina doubted she would have dared to attempt theft after witnessing the duel between Tom and Hawkeye, no matter how much courage she possessed.

At that moment, Spike's mind was consumed by memories of bullying Tom, oblivious to Carina caught in the creaking nest.

If only Spike knew that Carina perceived him as a monstrous force.

Carina would then be 'repaired' brought back.

In any case, Al only needed her alive.

The relentless waves carried lightning along their path, and within mere minutes, Spike returned to the boat with Carina in tow.

At that moment, Nami, accompanied by Tom, sought solace from grief and anger by indulging in a meal at the Baratie.

Meanwhile, Al remained on the boat, reclining in a chair and leisurely perusing the newspaper.

Upon Spike's return, Al rose from his seat with a gentle smile, patting Spike's head affectionately.

"Thank you, Spike," he murmured gratefully.

Spike stuck out his tongue, wagged his tail, and following Al's instructions, he sought out Nami and Tom.

Once Spike had departed, Al shifted his focus to Carina.

Upon seeing her, Al was slightly taken aback, for he recognized the person standing before him!

"Isn't this the [Phantom Thief] Carina?" Al thought upon recognizing her.

Upon seeing Al, Carina smiled and greeted him. "Hello, you must be Nami's captain."

Al simply hummed in acknowledgment, nodding slightly in response.

Just as Carina was about to continue speaking, Al suddenly interrupted her: "Phantom Thief Carina, I'm aware of who you are."

Carina's pupils narrowed slightly, her expression tinged with doubt. "Did Nami mention me to you?" she inquired.

Al hesitated for a moment, choosing not to answer directly. Instead, he responded in a different manner:

"How I interpret it depends on your perspective," Al replied cryptically.

Curiosity piqued, Carina's tone grew slightly excited. "So, what was Nami's reaction when she mentioned me?" she asked eagerly, seeming pleased to discover that Nami might actually discuss her with others.

"Uh... perhaps it's best if you direct that question to me," Al suggested cautiously.

Before Carina could respond, Nami's furious voice rang out from behind them.

"Carina, what are you doing here?!"

Upon spotting Nami, Carina greeted her in a casual, familiar tone. "Oh, Nami, it's been a while."

Meanwhile, Tom and Spike, munching on their sizable chicken legs, leaned against the wall, shaking their heads disapprovingly and emitting a "tsk tsk tsk" sound.

Observing Nami's evident anger, Al tactfully excused himself from the situation, joining Tom's side away from the brewing storm.

Tom reached behind him and retrieved a drumstick, handing it to Al.

With one person, one cat, and one dog, they gnawed on the drumsticks in perfect synchronization, observing the unfolding drama from the sidelines.

"You, who abandoned your comrades!"

"Don't pretend like you know me so well!"

In response, Carina waved her hands, adopting a calm demeanor as she opened her arms and spoke with a gentle smile:

"If you hate me that bad, then kill me," Carina declared calmly. "After all, I'm your captive now. If my death can ease your hatred, then so be it."

"You despicable witch!" Nami seethed in response.

Nami gritted her teeth, discarding the wooden stick with a frustrated motion. Turning her back to Carina, she spoke icily, "Just leave. I don't want to see you."

Unable to bear the tension any longer, Al intervened abruptly. "Carina, if you're unwilling to explain, allow me to do it instead."

Carina cast a puzzled glance at Al, struggling to comprehend his words.

However, moments later, realization dawned upon her. Stepping back in shock, she stared at Al with disbelief in her eyes. With a soft sigh, she shook her head in resignation and said helplessly:

"Mr. Al, I'm not sure where you heard this information," Carina began, her tone earnest.

"But allow me to clarify; ultimately, it's my responsibility."

Observing the cryptic exchange between the two, Nami couldn't help but wonder if there was a secret between them.

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