What a coincidence, we also come from East Blue

"It's really hot, I can't believe you're choose to navigate the treacherous waters of the Grand Line in this boat," To be more precise, it's not just any boat, but rather a cramped lifeboat, barely accommodating the three of us.

As I reclined, my head supported by both hands, I idly gazed upon the rhythmic dance of the ocean waves. Soon enough, Zoro's voice, attempting to respond to my earlier remark, reached my ears.

"If you don't like it, you don't need to be here. From the start you were the one who asked to come with us," I had grown accustomed to such snide remarks, yet I couldn't help but feel taken aback. Typically, the men I encountered were instantly enthralled by my beauty. Zoro's enigmatic demeanor makes it incredibly difficult to anticipate his next move.

"Hey sis, check it out. Your friend is seriously lacking in empathy. He's got zero sense of honor, like a swordsman without any morals."

In moments like these, my only solace lies in the company of those around me. Thankfully, Kuina, a girl with a kind heart, was there to lend her support. With tears welling in my eyes, I confided in her, and without hesitation, she sternly scolded Zoro.

"Don't worry Nami, I will definitely take you to Arabasta, and let you, sisters meet again."

"Kuina, I'm disappointed in you, after our training all this time, you don't realize that you're being fooled by this woman," As soon as I heard the word, my heart began to race. I have to admit Zoro possesses an uncanny intuition. I am certain he sensed it right from the beginning.

"I admit that I did try to use you guys to take me to Arabasta, but I was desperate, I'm sure that right now my sister is being tortured by that cruel man!" As I observed the astonishment on Kuina and Zoro's faces in response to my sudden display of emotions, a wave of relief washed over me. In an effort to foster a deeper sense of trust between us, I decided to share a glimpse of my past experiences.

In my story, the balance between truth and falsehood leaned heavily towards the latter. Nevertheless, I recounted the harrowing account of Nojiko and myself being held against our will on a marine vessel, subjected to the deplorable fate of becoming objects of sexual exploitation. Eventually, through sheer determination, I managed to break free from our captors and sought refuge in the sanctuary of Little Garden. Just when I believed my demise was imminent, they both came like heroes.

As I wove a tale of tragedy, carefully selecting words to evoke emotion, Kuina unexpectedly embraced me with great intensity. Tears streamed down her face, a testament to the depth of her sorrow. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice a shift in Zoro's face. Annoyance was etched across his features. He avoided meeting my gaze entirely. However, I am aware that my words managed to penetrate the icy depths of his heart.

Despite their unexpected questions about my background and how Nojiko and I ended up being captured by the Marines, I found myself somewhat caught off guard. However, I simply attributed it to my traumatic experiences, and over time, their inquiries ceased. Nevertheless, I continued to maintain that I hailed from East Blue.

"What a coincidence, we also come from East Blue," Kuina exclaimed with evident excitement. I could sense a genuine joy emanating from her. Not only was I shocked, but a sense of guilt also washed over me as I realized I had deceived this kind-hearted woman. However, the memories of my difficult past quickly resurfaced, causing my heart to once again become hardened.

-***-

Meanwhile, aboard Luffy's ship, chaos reigned as splintered wood littered the deck. The vessel bore the scars of battle, with new breaches appearing in its once sturdy walls and floors. Anxiety gripped the hearts of all who beheld this sight as they pondered the fate of their beloved ship.

"The colossal goldfish before us was no ordinary sea monster. Yet, against all odds, we somehow managed to elude its clutches," Makino paused, setting aside the broom she had been wielding, and wiped away the sweat threatening to sting her eyes.

In addition to her, Uta and Luffy lent a hand in tidying up the chaos. However, despite their efforts, an inexplicable tension hung in the air, causing her unease. Despite Makino's attempts to lighten the mood, their answers remained entirely unhelpful.

"Hey, Luffy, where are you going? This problem isn't over yet," Uta's expression twisted with annoyance as she caught sight of Luffy casually dropping the broom he had been holding, clearly intending to make a swift exit. Determined not to let him forget his responsibilities, she made her move.

"I'll call Nojiko and Captain Hina to help you," Luffy responded nonchalantly before strolling away and paying no mind to Uta, who appeared eager to engage in a physical altercation with him.

"You, shameless scoundrel, bear the brunt of responsibility for this chaotic situation!"

Uta's statement was not entirely accurate. Following their altercation with Mister 3 and Miss Goldenweek, they found themselves confronted by a colossal goldfish. The ensuing chaos left everyone in a state of frenzy as they exerted their utmost efforts to emerge victorious.

Finally, Luffy fulfilled his promise and called upon Nojiko and Captain Hina. However, he remained unseen as he was currently attending to one of their prisoners, deeply intrigued by her mesmerizing abilities.

Due to the relatively small size of their marine vessel, the space available for storing these captives is quite limited. As of now, they have successfully apprehended five individuals affiliated with Baroque Works, including Vivi and Igaram. To resolve the situation, he decided to assign Mister 9 and Mister 3 to share a room while the rest of the individuals were given their separate accommodations.

He would eventually form a significant bond with the king of Arabasta. Luffy couldn't bear to witness Vivi and Igaram being subjected to harsh treatment. In order to show them the utmost respect, he made a conscious effort to treat them differently from ordinary individuals.

A loud thud resounded through the room.

He had no intention of bothering with a polite knock on the door before barging in. As he stepped inside, the woman within appeared visibly taken aback by his sudden presence. However, after casting a disdainful glance at Luffy, she redirected her attention back to her canvas.

"Hello, Miss Goldenweek. I trust you are doing well. I sincerely hope you have taken some time to consider the proposition I presented to you," Luffy's voice carried a gentle tone, which remained unchanged as he pulled up a chair and settled down beside her. His actions were not overly forceful, displaying a considerate approach.

Miss Goldenweek could sense it, the way he attempted to conceal his sly grin. Despite Luffy's appearance as a benevolent youth who showed concern for her, she remained skeptical of his sincerity.

'Here he is again, this persistent fellow. What more could he possibly want from me?'

"My hypnotic power is not as strong as you think, I am also not unique at all because there are many in the Grand Line who have the same way of fighting as me."

Luffy simply nodded in agreement, yet his curiosity remained unabated, "I understand your point, but the fact that you have become Mister 3's partner demonstrates your exceptional talent. Therefore, it is only natural for me to be intrigued by your abilities, wouldn't you agree?"