Chapter 21 Marine Base, Nami's Question

"We have arrived!"

The words echoed in the castle hall of the Book World, where Nami, Luffy, and their companions had just arrived. Despite the feeling of time passing quickly, they had spent a cheerful and chatty few hours together, sipping coffee and sharing stories.

Luffy, lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, was taken aback by their sudden arrival. "Eh? Are you there yet?" he exclaimed, glancing at the golden clock on the wall. Nami, equally surprised, commented, "It's unbelievable... only three hours have passed since we left!"

Alan, the enigmatic magician who possessed the powerful universal magic book, explained with a smile, "Well, the universal magic book may not be the fastest among flying props, but it's still much quicker than an ordinary ship. We are ready to explore!"

Following Alan's cue, a bright light enveloped them, and in an instant, they found themselves standing on the rooftop of a building, overlooking a vibrant town. The magic book, no larger than a palm, rested in Alan's hand as he introduced the place, "Welcome to Shields Town!"

Luffy, always eager for adventure, couldn't contain his excitement, "Wow, it's so lively here!" He pressed down his straw hat and jumped over the railing to get a better look around. Nami, moved by the swift journey and the bustling town, couldn't help but gaze at Alan with admiration and curiosity. The man's abilities were truly astonishing, yet he willingly joined their team led by Luffy, accepting the invitation and forming an unexpected alliance.

Alan pointed towards the horizon, indicating a large base with the seagull logo, "That's the Marine Base over there." The prospect of encountering the Marines only fueled Luffy's enthusiasm as he declared, "Let's go straight to it!"

In an impulsive move, Luffy stretched his rubbery arms and extended them for dozens of meters, grabbing onto the houses on both sides. But Alan sensed that something might go awry and promptly grabbed Nami, who was caught off guard, before retreating. Luffy's rubbery limbs intertwined and caught Kirby, who had been too slow to react. With a triumphant laugh, Luffy used his "Rubber Bazooka" technique, propelling himself and Kirby like a rocket towards the Marine Base.

The impact created a loud boom as they smashed through the base's thick wall, shrouding the area in smoke. Nami, relieved that Alan had acted quickly to avoid a potential disaster, remarked, "When he gets excited, he can be so unreliable."

Alan, understanding Luffy's unpredictable nature, reassured Nami with a smile, "Indeed, he can be erratic, but he is also reliable in crucial moments."

Nami couldn't help but feel grateful for Alan's protective embrace during the dangerous stunt. She blushed slightly at the warmth and reassurance she found in his presence, their connection growing stronger as they faced adventures together.

Curiosity got the better of Nami, and she asked Alan about his reasons for joining their relatively new and small pirate crew, especially when he could achieve anything he wanted due to his incredible abilities. She wondered why such a powerful individual would subordinate himself to Luffy, who lacked the reputation and resources of other prominent pirates.

Alan, taken aback by the question, explained that while he could indeed gain fame, wealth, and status easily, leading a pirate crew alone would be burdensome. He would have to constantly guard against external threats and navigate internal conflicts and betrayals. However, Luffy's character and his desire for freedom appealed to him. Unlike most pirates whose ambitions revolved around power and wealth, Luffy sought adventure and cherished the idea of being the freest person in the world—the Pirate King. Alan admired Luffy's simple and pure heart and appreciated the straightforward structure of the Straw Hat Pirates, devoid of unnecessary complications.

In Luffy's eyes, One Piece might be the ultimate treasure and the key to becoming the Pirate King, but he enjoyed the thrill of the adventure itself rather than solely focusing on the end goal. This carefree and genuine outlook resonated with Alan, leading him to choose the Straw Hat Pirates as his companions.

Nami listened intently, gaining a deeper understanding of Alan's perspective. She realized that Luffy's influence extended beyond sheer power; it was his philosophy and values that attracted people like Alan to join his crew. The bond between the Straw Hat Pirates grew stronger, united by their shared dreams and the thrill of sailing towards the unknown together.

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