Chapter 6

After successfully running to the two vessels, we noticed that Nami's boat was significantly larger than our own. It featured a compact cabin for storing food and water, and a striking black sail adorned with a clown-like Jolly Roger - a symbol of her previous theft from the notorious Buggy Pirates.

As we were preparing to embark on the ships, with the villagers still in pursuit, three of the Buggy pirates we had rescued at sea emerged from their stolen vessel, swords in hand and pointed in our direction. They shouted towards Nami, "We told you that you would pay for stealing our ship," they exclaimed loudly, raising their weapons menacingly into the air.

As the trio of Buggy Pirates prepared to confront Nami, their words faltered as they recognized Zoro and myself running alongside her. Memories of the thorough beating we had inflicted upon them during our last encounter flooded back to them, and their expressions shifted from aggression to fear. The pirates quickly changed their attitudes, turning on their heels and running away with their tails between their legs, clearly intimidated by the prospect of another encounter with us.

Ignoring the disheveled trio of pirates, we quickly boarded the two small ships, taking care to tie them together to create a larger vessel out of the two. With a sense of urgency, we set sail, the wind filling the sails and the waves crashing against the hull as we made our way out to sea. Ignoring the disheveled trio of pirates, we quickly boarded the two small ships, taking care to tie them together to create a larger vessel out of the two. With a sense of urgency, we set sail, the wind filling the sails and the waves crashing against the hull as we made our way out to sea.

As the ships glided smoothly across the water, we each found a spot to rest on the deck. Nami, however, looked particularly fatigued, her exhaustion evident in the way she slumped against the railings. The full treasure bag she carried on her back during the escape was weighing heavily on her, and her breathing was labored as she tried to catch her breath. The gentle swaying of the ship and the sound of the waves provided a soothing lullaby as we all lay there, letting the sea's rhythm rock us into a state of calm.

"Alright, let's divide the loot," Nami said, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to catch her breath. She dragged the heavy bag to the center of the ship, the sound of gold and jewelry clanking together echoed through the air as she opened it. The contents of the bag spilled out onto the deck, glittering in the sunlight like a cascade of precious gems.

Nami meticulously divided the loot into two halves, taking into account that I had officially joined Luffy's crew, and was no longer considered an outsider. This meant that the split was between her and the captain. As she sorted through the glittering pile of gold coins, precious gems, and sparkling jewelry, she carefully counted and separated the treasure, her fingers deftly moving through the pile. After the division was completed, she estimated the haul to be a total of 10 million belly, with half going to her and the other half to the rest of the crew.

The rest of the crew, however, were not as captivated by the treasures as Nami was. Zoro was more absorbed in his bottle of alcohol, relishing the taste and aroma of each sip as he sat on the deck, his eyes half-closed in pleasure. Luffy, on the other hand, was devouring a barrel of apples he had found in the cabin with ravenous hunger, the juice running down his chin as he ate. While I was sitting on the deck, cleaning my revolvers with a loincloth, carefully wiping away any dirt or grime that had accumulated during the heist. Nami, however, had eyes only for the treasure, as she lay among the glittering pile of gold coins and precious gems, her face alight with delight and satisfaction. She seemed to be in her own little world, embracing the wealth as if it were a long-lost love. It was clear that for Nami, the treasure was the ultimate reward for our efforts, and she was eager to bask in the glory of her success.

As the sun finally set, casting a warm orange glow over the sea, each crew member found a spot on the ships to rest. I found myself a quiet corner to lay on, placing my cowboy hat on my chest, and let out a deep sigh as I gazed at the starry night. Nights like these were a rarity in my previous world, where industrialization and light pollution obscured the beauty of the night sky. But out here, on the open sea, the sky seemed to glitter with an enormous number of stars, like a diamond-studded canopy stretched out above us. As I lay there, lost in its beauty, Nami approached me and asked, "Are you sleeping?" I turned my head to look at her and smiled, "No, just enjoying the view."

Taking a comfortable position opposite to my corner, Nami settled down gracefully, her body language exuding a sense of relaxation. While her eyes scanned the vast expanse of stars above, taking in its beauty.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I remarked, as I looked up at the sky.

"Mm," she murmured in agreement, her gaze fixated on the starry sky, her eyes drinking in the beauty of the twinkling stars above.

"Hey Nami, why do you like treasures so much?" I asked, curious about her motivations.

"I have my reasons," She replied, her face tinged with a hint of sadness, clearly reluctant to reveal more.

"We can give you our share if you want? I'm sure the other guys won't mind. How much do you need anyway?" I said nonchalantly, offering to help her with whatever she needed.

Nami seemed taken aback by my offer, her shocked expression betraying her surprise. She seemed to be considering taking our share for herself. "Hahaha, that's ridiculous, aren't you guys pirates?" She asked with a chuckle.

"Mm," I confirmed, "But aren't you our friend?" I asked, surprising the orange-haired young woman even more.

As I waited for her response, I turned my eyes from the night sky to stare at her, only to find her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling rhythmically as she slept comfortably. The sound of her peaceful breathing was the only noise that broke the serene silence of the night.

With a slight chuckle, I took the hat that was resting on my chest and covered my eyes with it. The brim of the hat shielded my eyes from the bright starlight and created a comfortable darkness that helped me relax. "Guess I'll hit the hay," I said to no one in particular as I closed my eyes, letting the gentle sway of the ship and the sound of the waves lull me into a peaceful sleep.