Chapter 42: Smoker Arrives

Nami asked, "What will you do if I refuse?"

Luo Ning shook his head. "I don't know how to force you. Think of it as charity, some might say a bitter melon isn't sweet, but it quenches thirst. As a person, I have my own principles. I know what's right and wrong."

"I see," Nami conceded. "Let's talk salary then. How much are you offering for my services as a navigator?"

Luo Ning was speechless. "I've helped you so much, and you're still asking for a salary?"

He understood her mercenary nature. Most people wouldn't have mentioned money after his help, but Nami valued it highly. He couldn't help but find it endearing.

"Of course I need a salary," Nami countered. "Think about it. As your navigator, I'll need food, water, daily supplies, and there are miscellaneous expenses. Where else would I get the money for these?"

Nami snapped her fingers, ticking off the places where Luo Ning would need money. Nami, being Nami.

"Hahahaha! Now, about your salary – every month!"

Luo Ning burst out laughing at Nami's words. That's it! This kind of behavior was quintessential "Little Thieving Cat Nami," his favorite Nami.

In response, Luo Ning tossed a small box towards Nami. It felt heavy in her hands as it landed with a thud.

"It's heavy," Nami said, her curiosity piqued. "What's inside?"

She opened the box, her eyes lighting up at the sight of a chest full of gold bars. No wonder it was so heavy!

These gold bars were Luo Ning's creation. He'd used the free points earned from those pirates to modify fantasy gold while traveling. Now, any gold he imagined wouldn't disappear. While not particularly rare in the Pirate World, gold still held value. This box alone could keep Nami comfortable for a long time.

"Looks like this will be yours every month from now on"

Nami clutched the box like a money fanatic. The thought of receiving a similar box of gold every month, all for the safe and easy job of being a navigator, filled her with visions of a bright future.

Luo Ning simply nodded in agreement. After some further conversation, Nami left. She had to discuss things with Nojiko and pack her belongings before setting off with Luo Ning.

The night in Cocoyashi Village flew by. The villagers reveled until midnight before finally turning in for the night.

Early the next morning, another warship appeared off the coast of Cocoyashi Village.

Leading the vessel was Smoker, two cigars firmly clamped between his teeth. Two? Was the man such a heavy smoker he couldn't manage with just one?

"Mr. Luo Ning, I presume?" Smoker asked, his voice gruff. "Headquarters dispatched me to collect the prisoners. Is this all of them?"

He gestured towards the group of pirates assembled on deck.

"There are more in the brig below," Luo Ning replied. "The high-value targets will be transported to Impel Down. You're welcome to take the rest."

Smoker nodded and shouted orders to his subordinates, who swiftly began processing the captured criminals.

"One more thing," Luo Ning began, ushering Smoker towards Cocoyashi Village. "There's something the villagers here need to tell you about Nezumi."

Nami, well aware of Nezumi's collusion with Arlong, stepped forward to explain the situation. As Nami listened to the details of the incident, a vein throbbed Smoker's forehead. While not exactly management material – one could even call him a bit aloof – Smoker possessed a strong sense of justice. The revelation of a fellow Marine's corruption clearly rankled him.

Smoker growled, "Colonel Nezumi will answer for this. If what you say is true, he won't escape punishment. But why haven't you reported the situation here to Marine HQ or other divisions in all these years?"

His bewilderment was clear. Ten years of enslavement under the nose of the Marines? Even with a corrupt Colonel Nezumi, why hadn't they sought help elsewhere?

"How could I know there were still good Marines left?" Nami recounted the disillusioning experiences she'd had at sea over the years. Smoker's worldview was shattered.

He could barely believe his ears. How deeply entrenched was corruption in the East Blue Marines if it had caused this young woman to lose all faith after five years of wandering the sea? Her perspective painted a bleak picture – one where good Marines were virtually nonexistent in the entire East Blue.

"No wonder HQ suddenly formed an inspection team for a clean-up," Smoker muttered, connecting the dots. "Damn it, this is my negligence too. I apologize."

News he'd received earlier about a headquarters-led clean-up plan and the existence of an inspection team suddenly took on new meaning.