I need such a great companion!

On this journey, Nami started to figure out what this trio was all about.

They were just two new pirates who wanted to be the Pirate King, chasing unrealistic dreams. And then there was a cowardly loser who accidentally became a pirate and then accidentally left, wanting to join the Navy.

Luffy seemed fine. Besides the last two days, Nami's ears felt like they were going to get calloused from hearing about his dream of becoming the Pirate King. She didn't see any real danger from him.

As for that guy named Coby, she didn't take him seriously either.

But that really handsome man…

Nami observed Link the most over the last couple of days.

When she thought about it, he seemed like an ordinary guy. He probably wasn't even as skilled as she was.

But somehow, when he held that sword that looked like a toy, he became so strong.

And~

Nami still couldn't figure out where he hid that sword.

Along with it, her treasure from the Arietta ship had disappeared!

She couldn't forget how that big bag of treasure just vanished right before her eyes—her expression back then had been priceless.

"Where did he hide it?"

Nami kept muttering in her mind.

No one could hide treasure in a place where even she, the "Little Thief Cat," couldn't find it!

Her strange competitive spirit was rising.

"Come on, don't say that~"

Luffy laughed, completely unbothered by Nami's harsh words. He put his hands behind his head and cheerfully said, "Going on adventures as pirates is super fun!!"

Fun my ass!

Nami secretly rolled her eyes and ignored him.

She directed Coby to steer the ship into the dock at Shells Town.

"So, this is Shells Town?"

Link looked out at the village in the distance, and the massive Navy base ahead was simply breathtaking!

Shells Town, home to the Navy's East Blue Division, the 153rd branch.

This used to be a peaceful little town, quiet and calm.

But ever since a certain Navy Colonel, Morgan, took charge, he turned it into a complete mess with his brutal rule.

Two or three years ago, Morgan was just a sergeant. He became the sole survivor of an incident involving the Black Cat Pirates and their captain, Kuro.

After capturing Kuro (the fake one), he was rewarded and promoted to lieutenant and then quickly rose to become a colonel in the 153rd branch.

Once he arrived, he became the most powerful person in town, free to do whatever he wanted.

But after he became colonel, his personality changed completely. He became cruel and dictatorial, and no one could defy him.

With his power and terrifying presence, he cast a shadow over the whole town, making everyone afraid to speak out.

Not just Morgan, but his arrogant son, Helmeppo, also took advantage of his father's power to bully others in town.

Not long ago, he even threatened a bounty hunter in a restaurant, and now that hunter was tied up in the Navy base.

"So, the target we're looking for should be in the Navy base," Link explained the situation in Shells Town.

Coby looked confused, and Nami glanced at Link, surprised.

She didn't expect him to gather such detailed information. He was not only mysterious but surprisingly reliable.

"I see!!"

Luffy punched his palm with excitement. "Then let's head straight to the Navy base!!"

He seemed ready to jump into action.

"Wait, wait, wait!!"

Seeing Luffy's determination, Nami hurriedly said, "You're not joking, right?! That guy is a famous bounty hunter known as the 'Pirate Hunter'!!"

On the way, she learned that this seemingly silly captain wanted to invite that person to join them. But she thought it was a joke.

But now…

"So, that means he's strong!" Luffy said, his spirits high. "I really need a powerful companion like that!!"

Nami exclaimed, "Are you even listening?!"

She was pulling her hair out in frustration. "That guy is a bounty hunter who catches pirates. How could he ever join you as a pirate?!"

"Once he sets his mind on something, not even a team of horses can drag him back~"

Link patted her shoulder as he passed by. "So, Miss Navigator Nami, you might as well stop resisting for no reason."

He comforted her gently, "Since you're on our pirate ship now, you can't leave. Just be our navigator, okay?"

Nami thought, "..."

I take back what I said about him being reliable; he's a devil!!

With a defeated look, Nami sighed in frustration and followed behind Luffy and Link.

Before long, they arrived at the gate of the Navy base.