Chapter 23 The Routine's Nami

With tears streaming down her face, Nami gazed at the strong and resolute man standing before her. She was in disbelief that he had gone through so much in his life.

He had endured hardships and fought ruthless pirates to protect the kind villagers who once helped him. There were times when he almost lost his life and was reduced to a state of despair. But he never gave up; he sharpened himself and faced dangerous adversaries, even those with high bounties on their heads.

Alan's life had been filled with countless dangers, and he had miraculously survived wounds that would leave most people paralyzed with fear. Nami was deeply moved by his resilience and determination.

"I didn't share all of this to gain sympathy," Alan said gently, reaching out to wipe away Nami's tears. "I wanted to show you that nobody's path in this world is easy. Our starting points may not be of our choosing, but it doesn't mean our ending points have to be worse than those who were born with advantages."

Nami's eyes were still red as she clenched her fist, looking defiantly at Alan. "Are you trying to sympathize with me?" she asked through gritted teeth.

Alan smiled, assuring her that his intention wasn't merely to sympathize. He valued her for her excellent sailing ability, which he believed was crucial for the Straw Hat Pirates. He pointed out that many people in this cruel world suffer injustices daily, and compared to them, their struggles were nothing to be pitied.

Though Nami felt a little uneasy with his blunt honesty, she knew deep down that she couldn't escape her fate as part of the Straw Hat Pirates. Alan's presence in her life was a constant reminder of that fact. Instead of resisting, she chose to embrace her role and believed it was better than the life she had with the oppressive Arlong and his gang.

Alan revealed that he had originally planned to join the Marines and take down the Evil Dragon Pirates to earn recognition and have an excellent navigator under his command. However, fate had other plans, and he ended up becoming a pirate due to the meddling of the murloc Arlong.

Surprised by this revelation, Nami couldn't believe that Alan had intended to take on the Dragon Pirates from the start. She found herself feeling drawn to him, as though destiny had brought them together.

They shared a tender moment, with Alan caressing Nami's forehead and looking deeply into her eyes, vowing to protect her and be part of her life.

As the atmosphere softened, Nami's emotions overwhelmed her, and she whispered his name affectionately. Alan, basking in the moment, cheekily admitted that he could never get tired of touching her.

This playful exchange led to a bet. Nami demanded 100 million Baileys in exchange for his touch, and Alan readily agreed. But he insisted that he should be the only one allowed to touch her, claiming it was to protect her from casual advances.

Feisty as ever, Nami challenged him and questioned whether he saw her as someone who would give herself away easily. She grabbed his face playfully, determined not to let herself fall for his charm so easily.

Alan good-naturedly accepted her challenge, and they continued to banter. He informed Nami about their employment contract, teasing her with the clause that he, as the deputy captain, had the final say. Any attempt to cancel the contract unilaterally would result in a hefty fine of 10 billion Baileys, leaving her stunned.

Unable to contain her frustration, Nami pounced on Alan in mock fury, declaring that she would fight him. Their friendly exchange further solidified the bond between them, and they both knew that their lives had become intertwined in a way neither of them could escape.

Their conversation continued late into the night, with laughter and affection filling the rooftop. Alan and Nami shared their dreams and aspirations, finding solace and strength in each other's presence. The stars above seemed to witness the blossoming of a special connection, one that would shape their destinies and take them on extraordinary adventures together.

As dawn approached, Nami found herself gazing at the man before her with newfound admiration and respect. Alan's determination to reach the top of the strong, his unwavering belief in himself, and his willingness to protect and care for others ignited a fire within her heart.

"You're not alone, Nami," Alan said softly, looking at her with affection. "We'll face whatever challenges come our way, together. And one day, we'll stand at the top, side by side."

A mix of emotions filled Nami's heart as she realized that she had found not just a captain but a friend, a confidant, and someone she could rely on. The rooftop became a symbol of their bond, a place where they had bared their souls and found comfort in each other's presence.

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