Chapter 128: I’m Here for This Purpose

"That's such a grandpa-style response," Luffy thought as he hung up, though he had expected it. Calling Garp wasn't really about getting reassurance—it was his way of signaling his intentions to Garp, subtly hinting that he was about to face the coming challenge.

The night brought the arrival of Rear Admiral Pudding Pudding's naval ship, docking quietly along the shores of Cocoyasi Village.

"Hide all the boats along the coast, and lower our Navy flag!" he ordered. "That includes the fishing boats—everything should be out of sight."

"Yes, sir!"

The soldiers hurried to follow orders, while others unloaded cannons and barrels of gunpowder.

"Officer, what's all this commotion about?" The village elder, hearing the noise, approached, concerned.

"We have word that Arlong and his pirate crew intend to raid this area. We're setting up an ambush to protect you. The Fishmen are notorious for destroying ships, so we're taking every precaution to avoid unnecessary losses," Pudding Pudding explained, the Justice emblem on his coat rippling in the night breeze.

As Luffy and Uta headed back to the ship for the night, they noticed the preparations and realized their ship had also been moved.

"Lord Luffy, I must ask that you and your friends temporarily stay within the village," Pudding Pudding said, saluting. "Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause."

"Not a problem. Luffy, why don't you stay with us at Bellemere's house tonight?" Nami suggested cheerfully, standing nearby.

"Thank you, Navy officer! Your protection fills us with a sense of safety!" said Gen, expressing his relief to the rear admiral.

Pudding Pudding gave a dignified nod. "It's simply what justice demands. We'll be setting up nearby, so don't worry about us. Just avoid going out to sea, as the Fishmen could be lurking there."

Back at Bellemere's house, the group shared the news.

"The Arlong Pirates…" Bellemere murmured, taking a puff of her cigarette, a worried frown creasing her brow. "So, it's come to a battle."

"I'll just sleep on the couch," Luffy said, cradling his sword.

"Don't be silly," Bellemere replied, her mind already calculating a way to make room. Though her house was small, she figured they could make do for one night.

She quickly made a plan, noting that Nojiko, being the oldest, could share a bed with Uta. They were getting to the age where it would be inappropriate for them to sleep with a boy. Nami, only a year older than Luffy, could share a bed with him for just one night. Bellemere herself would take the couch.

"Anyone have any objections?" Bellemere asked, mainly eyeing Uta, who was often close to Luffy, and perhaps a bit too comfortable at times.

Uta's cheeks flushed as she seemed lost in thought, but she nodded, accepting the arrangement. Nami, meanwhile, held up five fingers with a grin. "Five hundred belli!"

Seeing her charge for everything so readily was almost reassuring to Bellemere.

"Nami's always thinking about belli," Bellemere sighed.

"Luffy's next line will be, 'Put it on the Navy's tab,'" Nojiko quipped, making the girls laugh.

That night, under a sky dotted with stars, the kids took turns for their evening baths.

Nami and Luffy, dressed in loose pajamas, found themselves lying side by side in Bellemere's bed, with a large blanket covering them both. It was Nami's first time sharing a bed with a boy, and she looked over at Luffy, curious.

"This is my first time sleeping in the same bed with a boy. It's kind of strange. Is it your first time too?" she asked.

"Not really," Luffy answered, telling her about the time he first sneaked onto a pirate ship, sharing a bed with Uta to avoid detection.

"Really?" Nami giggled at his story.

"Luffy… can you hold me? The book I read said grown-ups often hug each other when they sleep. I'm curious… And since it's my idea, I won't charge you," she added with a soft laugh.

"By that logic, shouldn't you be paying me?" Luffy joked, but he obliged, pulling her into a gentle hug.

He draped an arm under her head and placed the other hand on her waist, feeling the soft, warm curve of her stomach. It was oddly comforting.

Snuggled close, Nami stared at his clean white pajama shirt, breathing in his warmth. His solid frame reminded her of the time he learned to swim, his strong arms keeping her safely afloat. Feeling his closeness, she let out a quiet sigh, allowing herself to relax.

"Is this what having a dad would feel like?" she whispered softly.

"…I wouldn't know. I just have a grandpa."

Was she missing her parents? He tightened his hold a bit, wanting to offer what little comfort he could.

"Don't dwell on sad things. Think of happy moments instead, and smile. After all, nobody knows if future you will be happy, so make the most of now."

Growing up in a world of pirates, with lost or fragmented families, was common. A whole, loving family was almost a rarity. Luffy realized that being from a broken family was practically a prerequisite for anyone involved in the pirate life.

He caught a faint whiff of Nami's scent—a mix of citrus and something akin to coins. "You smell like tangerines and money, Nami. I like it," he said, shattering her somber thoughts.

"Don't say such embarrassing things!" she mumbled, playfully thumping his chest.

"What? It's nothing shameful," he said innocently.

Turning her back to him, she muttered, "You really hold on tight…"

"Does it bother you? I'm the type who holds on tightly to things that make me happy."

"No… actually, it's kind of reassuring… like I'll never be swept away by the waves…"

Her small hand rested on top of his, feeling the comforting warmth radiating from his hand on her stomach.

"Luffy, if pirates come, will the Navy win?" she asked, her voice filled with a tinge of worry. She wanted their peaceful days to continue, untouched by the dark shadow of pirates.

"Yeah. We'll win. I promise."

He tightened his embrace, letting his chin rest on her shoulder, pressing her back against his chest. His voice was steady and confident.

"I'm here for this very purpose," he declared.

In the next room, Uta waited a while, whispering to check if Nojiko was asleep. After confirming the silence, she softly hummed a tune, feeling content before snuggling deeper under her blanket. A pair of glowing white arms emerged from beneath,

and she carefully pushed her silk nightgown to the edge of the bed, embracing the quiet night.

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