Chapter 48 Reliable Companions!

"It doesn't matter," Zoro said calmly. "We're pirates. The Navy is our natural enemy, so why worry? If they come, we'll just cut them down."

"Well said. It's just the Navy, after all," Sanji said, taking a puff of his cigarette, smoke swirling around him.

"Hey, hey, hey! You two, can you not act like it's no big deal? That's the Navy we're talking about! I've never heard of anyone going head-to-head with the Navy and winning!" Usopp exclaimed, wide-eyed at their nonchalance.

"The Navy isn't worth fearing, but they are troublesome. If we're going to the Grand Line, we can't waste any more time here," Moonlight said calmly.

"You guys…" Nojiko's eyes filled with tears. Who are these people? Are they really pirates?

"Alright, let's go!" Luffy said, waving his hand. He was full from food and well-rested. As Moonlight had said, their goal was the Grand Line; there was no point staying here any longer.

"Wait, where's Nami?" As the crew reached the ship, they realized Nami hadn't arrived yet.

"Could she have decided not to come after hearing what we said to Nojiko?" Joseph and Johnny immediately recalled their conversation with Nojiko. Anyone would have second thoughts after hearing that.

"No way. I believe in Nami. She'll definitely come," Luffy said confidently.

"Nami-swan, please come!" Sanji lit another cigarette, feeling a bit down.

"Nami…" Usopp murmured.

"Whoosh!" Suddenly, Moonlight's figure vanished, dashing back toward the village.

"Moonlight, what are you doing?"

"Hey, hey, hey, where are you going?" Usopp and the others were shocked, not understanding why Moonlight had jumped off the ship so suddenly.

"I'm going to get Nami. If she doesn't come, I'll drag her back by force," Moonlight said plainly, his voice carrying to everyone's ears.

"What?"

"Drag her back by force?" Usopp was stunned.

A flicker of something crossed Zoro's eyes.

Sanji's freshly lit cigarette fell from his mouth.

Joseph and Johnny were frozen in place. Moonlight truly was domineering!

Only Luffy nodded, a smile forming on his lips. He understood exactly what Moonlight meant. They were pirates; there was no need to overthink things!

"Mom, everyone else, don't worry. The village has been freed, thanks to my wonderful companions. Everyone is happy and safe now—Nojiko, Grandpa Genzo, everyone. Rest in peace."

At that moment, Nami knelt in front of a grave in Cocoyasi Village, speaking softly.

Behind her, Genzo and the villagers of Cocoyasi bowed their heads in silence, mourning those lost to Arlong. They had all lived together for years, familiar faces now gone. The sight of the gravestones, knowing the young lives buried beneath them, brought tears to their eyes.

"Nami, are you really going to become a pirate?" After a long pause, Genzo finally asked.

"Yes. My dream is to map all the seas of the world and become the greatest navigator. I've always dreamed of this since I was little," Nami said, wiping away her tears and smiling brightly.

"Those guys truly are trustworthy companions. I feel at ease knowing you're going with them," Genzo said, nodding. He had a high opinion of Luffy and his crew.

"Indeed, Nami. Those guys are something else. They might be unknown now, but one day they'll be famous worldwide. I'm glad you're with them," Nojiko agreed, having quickly seen through the nature of Luffy and his crew. If they weren't worth trusting, then no one was.

"Nami, go ahead. We support you this time!"

"Yes, we support you. There's nothing wrong with being a pirate. The sea is vast and free."

"To be free and unrestrained… If I weren't so old, I'd want to sail the seas too!"

"Go, Nami, fulfill your dreams and make a name for yourself with them!"

All the villagers smiled at Nami, encouraging her.

"Yeah." Nami nodded firmly, her face beaming with joy.

"Don't worry. Now that Nami is on our ship, we won't let her be mistreated. If anyone dares to, they'll have to deal with my sword first!"

At that moment, a cold voice echoed. Moonlight had appeared among them, unnoticed by anyone until now. Startled, everyone turned to look at him with admiration.

"It's Moonlight-sama!"

Whether it was Genzo, Nojiko, or the villagers, they all looked up to Moonlight with awe. He was the one who single-handedly defeated Arlong and made even the Navy bow before him. In the world of the seas, nothing commanded more respect than a powerful warrior.

"Moonlight! You came to get me?" Nami asked, surprised and overjoyed. She hadn't expected to be so important to them.

"It's not just me. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp are all waiting for you to join us!" Moonlight pointed behind him. Luffy and the others had followed, disembarking the ship and rushing to join them.

"Everyone!" Tears sparkled in Nami's eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey, Moonlight! That's sneaky of you, coming alone to find Nami! Are you trying to win her heart and make her fall for you? Too sly!" Sanji accused, eyeing Moonlight suspiciously.

"Hey, hey, hey, the only one with those thoughts is you!" Zoro immediately called Sanji out on his true intentions.

"Damn you, moss-head! I'll kick you to death!" Sanji growled in embarrassment.

"Bring it on, curly-brow! I'll slice you up!" Zoro shot back. The two instantly began bickering.

"These two… geez…" Usopp sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

"Nami, come back with us. We can't continue without you," Luffy said, smiling at her.

"I…" Nami's emotions were in turmoil. She hadn't expected them to really come for her. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words got stuck in her throat.

"Luffy, do it!" Moonlight suddenly called out to Luffy.

"Got it." Luffy nodded, grinning as if his plan had succeeded. His arm stretched out, grabbing Nami. Without a word, he turned and ran!

"Run! We've got Nami!"

Seeing this, Zoro and Sanji stopped fighting and dashed off, while Moonlight grabbed Usopp. They all raced back to the ship and set sail like the wind!

"They… they just took Nami?"

"Hey, what kind of people are they? Kidnapping?"

"Wasn't Nami already set on leaving with them? Why did they do that?"

"Who knows? Maybe they were afraid she'd change her mind. What reliable companions!"

"Hahahaha…"