39. Nami's Request, Carina On Board!

The mood started to get more serious.

Spike asked, "What's your take on this, Tom?"

Tom took a large bite of chicken thigh and replied, "Just eat and observe."

Spike: "..."

Right at the moment when Nami pondered what secrets Carina and Al might be hiding.

Carina then recounted how she and Nami ventured to steal from the Treasure Pirates.

During that moment, the two were apprehended by them, and Carina abandoned Nami.

Her main intention was to divert attention, ensuring Nami's smooth escape.

Upon learning the truth, Nami clenched her fists and exclaimed, "Why didn't you tell me the truth back then!"

Carina embraced Nami gently and whispered, "Fool, if I had told you then, would you have let me go alone?"

Upon hearing these words, Nami couldn't hold back her tears and hugged Carina tightly, crying bitterly.

Through her tears, she muttered "Idiot" repeatedly.

Carina allowed Nami to vent her frustration by pounding her back.

While she acknowledged that the incident was indeed her fault, she felt helpless in that moment.

Nami's burden seemed too heavy to bear.

If given the choice again, Carina would still opt to divert the attention of the treasure hunters alone, ensuring Nami's safety.

"Fool, it's all in the past now. Look, I'm still here, aren't I?"

Carina tenderly wiped the tears from the corners of Nami's eyes, her gentle smile instantly warming the hearts of Tom and Spike.

A cat and a dog embraced each other tightly, shedding tears as they channeled their sorrow and frustration into their appetites, devouring the chicken legs voraciously.

Al, who observed from the sidelines, couldn't help but smirk at the scene.

"What in the world is going on with these two lively treasures!" he wondered.

Witnessing the reconciliation between the two, Al's expression softened into a satisfied smile. He quietly made his way to the Baratie and called out:

"Chef Zeff, bring me the finest wine and dishes you have!"

"To all gathered here tonight, everything on my tab!"

"I am throwing a lavish feast!" Al declared.

Upon hearing Al's announcement, Luffy, on the verge of departure, dashed in without hesitation, pulling Usopp and Zoro along with him.

Ignoring Zoro and Usopp's reactions, he simply found a seat and settled down, eagerly anticipating the start of the feast.

Zeff was taken aback for a moment and inquired, "Young man, has something good happened?"

Al hummed softly and replied with a smile, "My crewmate and her best friend have reconciled."

"I reckon a banquet should be lively, don't you agree?" Al suggested.

Zeff chuckled, "There aren't many captains like you."

With that, he instructed his subordinates to begin preparing the ingredients.

The diners who remained in the Baratie cheered excitedly upon learning of the upcoming banquet.

"What a great captain!"

"It's no surprise that someone as strong as Tom would choose to follow him."

"Captain Al, do you still recruit for your crew?"

"How can you call someone with such a low bounty a waste? Captain Al, with my bounty of 2 million, would you consider recruiting me?"

"..."

Suddenly, the Baratie came alive with activity.

Meanwhile, the two main characters remained seated at the bow of the boat, sharing laughter and recounting the interesting experiences they had encountered since their separation.

Upon hearing about the upcoming banquet, Tom and Spike grew excited and immediately set to work decorating the Baratie.

Initially, everything seemed fairly typical, with a stage constructed at the far end of the restaurant.

However, as the preparations progressed, things became increasingly extravagant!

If Al hadn't intervened promptly, those two lively characters would have completely disrupted the setting!

As night descended gradually, the restaurant, adorned by Tom and Spike, glowed warmly under the bright lights.

However, what left Al utterly speechless were the wedding candies that Tom and Spike had placed on every table.

But Al didn't bother too much about these minor details, as long as they didn't go overboard.

Approaching the boat and seeing the two still engrossed in their conversation, Al smiled helplessly and cleared his throat.

"Hey, you two, the banquet is about to begin. It won't be the same without you, the main characters."

Seeing Al approaching, Nami and Carina exchanged smiles.

"Captain Al, we're grateful," Nami said, approaching Al and bowing deeply.

Al patted Nami on the shoulder and grinned.

"You're my partner, so save the thanks for when we really need it," he said.

Nami nodded slightly, but still didn't lift his head, as if there was more he wanted to express.

Even Carina beside them lowered her head in embarrassment.

Observing their peculiar behavior, Al assumed they had something to ask for help with. So, he spoke generously, "If there's anything on your mind, just say it. If it's something I can assist with, I'm all ears."

Upon hearing Al's invitation, Nami wasted no time in asking, "Captain Al, could you allow Carina to come aboard?"

Before Al could respond, Carina pleaded with a pitiful expression, "Captain Al, could you please allow me to come aboard your ship?"

"This..."

Al hesitated, recalling his impressions of Carina.

In his mind, Carina was someone with a flexible mindset and acted as a valuable member of the team, often contributing with strategic thinking.

While her combat prowess might not be exceptional, Al didn't see it as a significant issue.

At that moment, Al pondered potential solutions, considering whether to search for a more suitable Devil Fruit or to train in the Marine Rokushiki to compensate for any shortcomings.

After weighing his options, Al extended his hand with a smile and warmly welcomed her, "Welcome aboard the Cowboy Pirates."

"Yes, Captain Al!" Carina replied, her eyes shining with determination.

Carina grasped Al's hand firmly and exchanged a high five with Nami, a triumphant smile gracing her face as she lifted her head proudly.

"Hmph, I told you I'd make it onto this boat!"

"Are you joking? Without my help, you wouldn't have stood a chance," Nami retorted playfully.

"Captain Al, are you accepting me because of my skills, or because of Nami?" Carina inquired.

"Does it even need to be said? It's obviously because of me," Nami interjected confidently. "Captain Al, it's my charismatic charm that's earning her a spot on board!"

Nami and Carina each held onto one of Al's arms, eagerly awaiting his response.

Witnessing the inexplicable quarrel between the two, Al was momentarily stunned, unsure of what to say.

"Let's deal with this later," he finally remarked with a grin.

Then, he raised his voice and declared, "Alright, everyone, let's get this party started!"

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