Chapter 145: Nami, Help Me

"Eh? What are you saying, Nami?"

In Nojiko's room, she looked at Nami in shock.

When Nami had something on her mind, she'd always confide in Nojiko—they were the same age and could talk about anything. So, after making a decision, Nami went straight to Nojiko to explain her intentions, leaving Nojiko stunned.

She gazed at Nami in disbelief but saw only resolution in her eyes.

Nami was a determined girl who fiercely pursued what she wanted. Nojiko knew that well.

Being exceptionally clever, Nami always had her own perspective on things and would often go against the adults' wishes to get what she wanted.

Nami was a girl full of ambition.

Once she made up her mind, no one could change it unless they could convince her otherwise. It was like when she would sneak books to read. Outsiders might think Bell-mère was lenient with Nami, ignoring her behavior, but Nojiko knew better.

Bell-mère would defend Nami in front of others, never scolding her publicly. But behind closed doors, she'd give her a stern talking-to. Though Bell-mère had a rebellious past, she didn't want her daughters to follow that path. She was a mother who tried her best to raise her daughters right.

But Nami wouldn't listen—she'd always smile and shrug off Bell-mère's scolding.

"I want to be with Luffy, as his wife!"

Nami declared, sitting on Nojiko's bed.

"Nojiko, help me!" She pumped her little fists, pleading with her sister.

"Uh… how do you even do that? We're just kids!"

Nojiko was completely at a loss. Marriage was a grown-up thing, way too advanced and bold for kids like them.

She had never considered something like that.

"If I prepare now, I won't lose. I'll succeed!" Nami said confidently.

"Navigating is adult knowledge, too, but I'm mastering it! Marriage is the same. If I don't understand, I'll learn! I love reading, so it's fine!"

To Nami, there wasn't much difference between children and adults. Adults were just grown-up kids, that's all.

"If I start learning now, Luffy will be mine. Bell-mère is also great at dealing with men."

"…" Nojiko looked at her sister, concerned.

"If Bell-mère hears you, she'll be furious, you know."

"I just have to learn in secret. As long as I don't get caught, I'll be fine!" Nami said.

"Nami's always like this," Nojiko sighed.

"What can I do? I want something, but it's forbidden, so I have to do it secretly." Nami spoke as if it was the most natural thing.

"I'll help you, but what do we do?" Nojiko scratched her head.

As her sister, she would protect Nami, even now.

"Hmm… first, let's find out his favorite food! Nojiko, you're the cook on board, so this should be easy!"

"Does Luffy even have a favorite food?"

"If you want to know… he eats whatever tastes good. You know, he has a huge appetite and eats everything. But if I had to choose, he especially loves meat…" Nojiko thought.

Nami let out a small "oh." "Nojiko, help me find out Luffy's favorite foods, then teach me to cook. I'll ask Uta about Luffy…" she plotted, looking to her sister.

"Do you think this will work?" Nojiko hesitated.

"It'll work because it's not for now, it's for the future!" Nami said with conviction.

"Bell-mère said our bodies are our strengths. First, I'll become a mature woman like her!" Nami dug into her drawer and pulled out a colorful candy.

She picked out a rainbow-colored lollipop, admiring its bright hues with sparkling eyes.

She dashed out and found Uta practicing her dance on the deck. Uta was on her toes, arms outstretched, spinning gracefully.

So amazing…

Nami watched in awe.

When Uta finished her routine, Nami approached.

"Uta, want some candy?" Nami offered the rainbow lollipop, and Uta's mood visibly brightened.

The two girls sat together, happily sharing their treats.

"Uta, tell me about your adventures with Shanks!" Nami tilted her head, smiling.

"Of course!"

Uta's rabbit-like ears perked up as she excitedly began recounting her adventures with Shanks. She kept praising his bravery and charisma, and Nami listened patiently to all the tales of the great pirate, Shanks.

Nami rested her head on Uta's shoulder, the two young girls sitting together under the warm sunlight, creating a scene that felt like poetry in motion.

Luffy, sweating from his training, saw the peaceful scene and felt a sense of calm. Today was another beautiful day.

…

The peace didn't last long before a small boat, belching smoke, approached them.

"Help us, Marines!"

A few wounded men frantically waved towards the ship.

"Who are you?" Luffy asked, looking down.

"We… we're fishermen being chased by pirates!"

The men exchanged glances, stammering. They looked at Luffy strangely, surprised to see a child on a Marine vessel.

Looking closer, the ship itself seemed odd. Although it flew a Marine flag, it lacked enough sails to maintain regular speed.

"Please help us! The pirates are almost here!"

As they spoke, a pirate ship appeared on the horizon, clearly in pursuit and moving swiftly.

"Something's off; you don't look like ordinary folk," Bell-mère, slinging her rifle, scrutinized them.

"We… we're bounty hunters!" They quickly corrected.

"If you're bounty hunters, then why didn't you say so from the start?" Bell-mère tilted her head, teasing them.

"Bell-mère, Luffy! I see the pirate ship!" Nojiko, holding a telescope, looked out and called back.

A sudden beam of light shot toward them.

Luffy drew his sword and swung to deflect it. Having never blocked a light attack before, he used his full strength. His fiery slash met the light beam, resulting in a massive explosion.

Boom!

Thick smoke rose over the ocean.

"It's a Devil Fruit user! Moo Moo, pull the ship back!"

Luffy shouted.

Not knowing the source of the laser, he chose to retreat first, putting distance between them and the enemy's firing range.

From beneath the ship's shadow, a massive creature surfaced, its huge body nudging the boat, lifting it and the smaller vessel beside it, then backing away, creating sp

ace.

The newcomers finally noticed that the Marine vessel was being pulled by a giant sea beast, and they clung to each other in fear.

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