58. Nami: I'm Going To Ask Whitebeard For Debt!

"Never mind, this time it's due to the side effects of the gadgets, so I won't blame you guys."

Al let out a gentle sigh, then glanced at Spike, about to speak.

Suddenly, Spike clutched his own throat, stuck out his tongue, and collapsed to the ground.

Nami and Carina sensed something amiss with Spike and rushed to investigate.

Al and Tom could only watch Spike's dramatic performance with stunned silence.

"Alright, Spike, it's just the side effects. No hard feelings. Get up."

As Al spoke, Spike promptly rose to his feet, wagging his tail. He then produced a chicken leg from behind and offered it to Al.

Nami and Carina were taken aback, freezing in place, glaring at Spike.

"Captain Al, what just happened to us?" Nami asked, examining her hands, trying to make sense of the strange events that felt more like a dream.

Destroying a ship with a single punch? That seems like something out of a dream!

Even Carina finds it hard to believe as she recalls the recent events.

At most, she merely utilized the powers of the Barrier-Barrier Fruit to create a path on the sea surface and sink the ship, relying solely on her own strength.

After a brief moment of reflection, Al shared his insights into the peculiar fitness equipment from the past few minutes.

In these few minutes, Al gained a new perspective on that fitness equipment.

Considering the number of people currently present, its usage limit isn't restricted to just three uses; rather, each person can undergo three upgrades.

Additionally, there's a time constraint; each person can only utilize it once every half month.

Moreover, if all the equipment is utilized by one individual at once, the current side effects we're experiencing will occur.

The body will indeed be impacted!

Despite the noticeable side effects, the strength demonstrated in those ten minutes is remarkably impressive!

Once the side effects wear off, a residual force will linger in the body, but it won't surpass the body's current limits.

However, upon the next usage, it will push your physical fitness to its current limit, showcasing a substantial improvement effect.

After Al finished speaking, Nami deliberately tested her strength and was shocked to discover it had significantly increased compared to before!

Carina, too, found herself pleasantly surprised; not only had her physical fitness improved, but her mastery over the fruit's power had also become smoother.

"Nami-chan~hehe~" Carina smirked mischievously, observing Nami's apprehension, sensing impending trouble.

"Let's go, we need to leave. We've spent enough time here," Al urged, signaling for Tom to steer the boat onward.

As Al and the others prepared to depart, Miss Wednesday on the sidelines bit her lower lip tightly. After wrestling with her emotions, she suddenly opened her arms and positioned herself in front of Al.

Crystal clear teardrops welled up in her eyes, and she pleaded with a slightly desperate tone, "Masters, could I implore you to grant me a favor?"

"I'm willing to offer a billion Berries as a reward!"

Al gazed at the blue-haired girl, her voice tinged with tears, unsure of how to respond.

Before Al could respond, Nami and Carina perked up at the mention of a one billion reward, their eyes gleaming with greed. However, they quickly realized that a bounty hunter from Baroque Works couldn't possibly possess such wealth.

One billion Berries was a substantial sum!

Under the pressure from Nami and Carina, Miss Wednesday finally confessed her true identity as Princess Vivi of Arabasta.

Upon learning their true identities, the two women's eyes sparked with determination as they inquired, "What can we do to assist you?"

"Send me back to Arabasta!" Vivi pleaded, eager to strike a deal.

"Deal!" Nami and Carina chimed in unison, their agreement resolute.

Al remained silent, his lack of objection signaling his tacit approval.

The other party stuffed money into your pocket, is that okay?" 

Vivi was taken aback by this straightforward gesture, which surpassed her expectations.

Without needing to contemplate, they simply agreed?

Nami and Carina, unaware of Vivi's thoughts, eagerly ushered her back to the boat.

In their eyes, Vivi was a walking cash cow.

Al shook his head helplessly, letting out a soft sigh as he guided Tom and Spike back to the boat.

As for the members of Baroque Works, Al didn't pay them any mind. They were clearly ensnared in their own schemes, dancing selflessly even after the music had stopped.

"By the way, Tom, do you still recall the slash technique you learned during your battle with Hawkeye?" Al asked suddenly.

After a moment of reflection, Tom nodded, recalling that such a technique did exist.

Seeing Tom's puzzled expression, as if questioning, "What's the matter?"

Al didn't beat around the bush and instructed Tom to demonstrate immediately. 

His main aim was to test whether he could learn it with his remarkable talent.

Tom hesitated for a moment, then retrieved a sword from behind and casually swung it, sending a sword energy towards the sea.

Al simply glanced at Tom's demonstration, then drew his western sword, mimicking Tom's movements as he waved it lightly towards the sea.

In the next moment, to Tom's utter disbelief, a faint sword energy pierced the sea surface, creating ripples.

Although it appeared somewhat inferior compared to Tom's, there was no denying it—

With just a single glance, Al had learned how to execute a sword energy slash!

"Amazing!" Nami praised.

Carina felt a pang of shame and couldn't help but recall Al's earlier words. She murmured, "Captain Al...are you truly not human?"

Vivi's pupils narrowed, her gaze on Al becoming more nuanced as ten bold thoughts raced through her mind.

Al smiled, quite satisfied with his accomplishment.

"Captain Al, how did you manage that?" Nami inquired.

"I want to learn that too!" Carina exclaimed eagerly.

"Amazing!" Tom chimed in, impressed by Al's feat.

"The aroma of this barbecue is simply divine. If only we had some wine to go with it."

Just as the three of them showered Al with praise, a sudden male voice interjected, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

On the deck, a man sporting an orange cowboy hat adorned with the "Whitebeard Pirates" emblem tattooed on his back, held a piece of barbecue in hand, greeting everyone with a friendly smile.

He appeared entirely at ease.

"Hey, who are you, and why are you here on our boat stealing food?" Nami scolded.

The man bowed in a gentlemanly manner, his face displaying a sincere apology.

"Apologies for interrupting your gathering," he said politely.

"I couldn't resist following the scent of food," Ace explained with a grin. "My name is Portgas D. Ace Pleasure to meet you."

Al regarded Ace with a perplexed expression, unsure of where to begin.

Nami, unconcerned with Ace's identity, approached him directly, placing her left hand on her hip and extending her right hand.

"A piece of barbecue costs 300,000 Berries," she declared, "and installment payments are accepted, but with a 10% interest charge."

"Sorry, I don't have any money on me right now," Ace admitted sheepishly.

"No money? Are you going to dine and run?" Nami retorted, her tone teasing.

"Can I owe you for now? I'll pay you back as soon as I have the money," Ace proposed.

Watching the two haggle, Al's mouth twitched slightly.

Carina, noticing Al's unusual reaction, inquired, "Captain Al, do you know that guy?"

Al hummed lightly, nodding in confirmation. "Portgas D. Ace, or you can call him Fire Fist Ace."

Upon hearing the term "Fire Fist," Vivi instinctively took two steps back, murmuring the phrase repeatedly as if it were a menacing name.

Just as Carina was perplexed, Ace, upon hearing Al call out his full name, couldn't help but ask, "Brother, do you know me?"

Al nodded, a recognition shared by anyone who has watched Summit War.

Indeed, "Fire Fist" Ace was a name known to all.

Seeing that someone recognized him, Ace quickly approached Al and asked, "Could you lend me some money for the meal? I'll pay you back as soon as I have the funds. What do you say?"

Al: ??? 

Nami: ???

Carina: ???

Al's expression was nothing short of remarkable. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Observing Al's silence, Ace reached into his pocket and withdrew a half Vivre card, handing it to Al. He then said:

"Since you're not saying anything, I'll take that as a yes," Ace remarked casually. "Don't worry, I'm not one to freeload off others."

Nami, infuriated, snatched the vivre card from Al's hand and demanded angrily, "What's the deal with you?"

But before Nami could finish speaking, Ace had already vanished.

When I looked again, I saw Ace squatting in front of Spike, gently stroking its head as he said, "What a cute dog. Can you jump through fire hoops?"

Upon hearing this, Tom immediately perked up, pulling out a few steel rings from his back and placing them in front of Spike.

Observing this, Ace praised Tom for his quick response, then snapped his fingers lightly, causing flames to burst out from the steel rings.

Both Tom and Ace looked at Spike expectantly.

This scene left everyone speechless, and Nami's anger only grew.

"This guy... Is that Devil Fruit power?!" Carina couldn't help but show a wary expression on her face.

As Spike shook his head, Tom grinned brightly. But then, out of nowhere, Spike kicked Tom, sending him flying right through the ring of fire!

Just as Tom was about to hit the ground, Spike transformed into a white blur, whooshing forward and kicking Tom back again.

However, Tom wasn't one to tolerate being bullied by Spike indefinitely.

As he landed from the next kick, Tom raised his tail and exerted pressure to suspend his entire body mid-air.

When Spike's kick missed, Tom swiftly counterattacked, kicking Spike out.

The cat and dog engaged in a playful back-and-forth, resembling a game of football as they took turns kicking each other into the ring of fire.

Upon witnessing this spectacle, Ace couldn't help but burst into laughter, tears streaming down his face as he applauded the entertainment.

Just as Ace was laughing heartily, Tom and Spike exchanged a knowing glance.

Without hesitation, Spike scooped up Ace and initiated a new round of football.

However, to Tom's astonishment, at the game's climax, Spike unexpectedly betrayed him, teaming up with Ace to kick Tom around like a ball.

Eventually, Tom resigned himself to the situation. With a sullen expression, he crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hands, floating mid-air in defeat.

After witnessing this spectacle, Al and the others couldn't help but involuntarily twitch the corners of their mouths.

Just as Spike delivered a powerful blow, knocking Tom away, Ace suddenly fell asleep!

With a resounding thud, Tom struck Ace like a cannonball.

However, despite the violent impact, Ace showed no signs of waking up. Instead, a large snot bubble formed at the tip of his nose, steadily growing bigger and bigger.

"Captain Al, what's the deal with this guy?" Carina asked, looking at Ace lying sound asleep on the deck with a puzzled expression, her mind swirling with questions.

At that moment, Vivi, who had been silent for a while, snapped out of her shock, pointing at Ace tremblingly. "Fire Fist Ace!"

"Your reaction is too slow!" Nami scolded angrily.

Panicked, Vivi looked at the others, mustering her courage before finally speaking up. "He's the captain of Whitebeard's second division!"

"Then what does that have to do with us?" Al inquired.

"The money for that feast he enjoyed earlier, and the money for bullying Tom, adds up to... 8 million Berries," Nami calculated, a pleased expression spreading across her face. "I don't care who he is, but now he owes me 8 million Berries and he must pay up!"

As Nami counted the figures on her fingers, her mood lifted considerably.

However, Vivi, with a fearful expression, grabbed Nami's shoulder, reminding her of Ace's formidable reputation.

Affected by Vivi's fear, Carina asked with puzzlement, "Captain Al, what does she mean?"

"Why is she so terrified? Is this guy some kind of murderous demon?" she wondered aloud.

Facing Carina's inquiry, Al didn't mince words. "It's quite simple. Ace's captain is Whitebeard," he explained earnestly.

"He's recognized as the strongest pirate around today. It's only natural for some people to fear them," Al continued, his tone carrying a hint of longing for battle.

And that's precisely what Al contemplated.

"If Tom and Spike were to use the gym equipment and then engage in battle against Whitebeard, what sort of chemical reaction would occur?" he mused aloud.

"Huh~" Nami and Carina exchanged glances, each displaying a different expression in response to Al's words.

"The strongest pirate in the world, doesn't he have countless gold and silver treasures?" Nami's eyes instantly widened into the shape of Berries.

Meanwhile, Carina was gripped by panic, grabbing Nami's shoulders and shaking her wildly as she shouted, "Nami, snap out of it, hey!"

"That's the strongest pirate in the world! Do you want to get yourself killed?" she exclaimed.

Nami paused for a moment, then replied, "Tom has fought with the world's number one swordsman before. Don't worry."

At that moment, Ace abruptly woke up, casually munching on chicken legs as he asked, "Do you know my dad?"

"That's fantastic. If all else fails, you can always ask him for money," he suggested, a nonchalant tone in his voice. "Just mention my name."

Al interjected, "Asking Whitebeard for money, you've got some nerve."

Nami chimed in eagerly, "Please tell me where to find him. I'll go right away. By the way, you've eaten another chicken leg, adding up to a total of 10 million Berries!"

Vivi, still shaken by the mention of Whitebeard, murmured, "Will I reach my home alive?"

Carina:"....."

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