Chapter 44: Nami (Half) Joins

"That's how it is!"

Luffy and the others arrived on the tavern's rooftop, shocked by the sight of half the roof blown away and the remaining structure in ruins. Kaito Sakamoto explained that he had single-handedly fought against Buggy's Pirates, and judging by the current situation, it seemed he had emerged victorious.

"Hahahaha! I knew it! Kaito, you wouldn't betray us! And you did a great job! Hahaha!" Luffy exclaimed, hands on his hips, laughing as he praised Kaito.

"Tsk, I thought we'd get to have a good fight. At this rate, my sword will start rusting."

"How about we spar, Kaito? I want to see your strength!" Zoro said, pulling his hand away from his sword hilt, feeling a bit disappointed. He had hoped for a good match, but it seemed Kaito had taken care of everything.

"Hahaha, I can't compete with you."

"I'll take this 'experience pack' for now, but if you need me to fight later, I might not even bother."

Kaito replied with a grin, indicating that he wouldn't lift a finger if they came along.

Meanwhile, Nami and the mayor were still processing the sight of Buggy's crew lying defeated behind Kaito. Nami was amazed that Kaito had taken down Buggy's Pirates all by himself! What incredible strength he had!

Kaito shrugged, downplaying it.

"This is just the beginning."

The mayor was equally astonished. The pirates had occupied their town for so long, and now they had been dealt with so easily. He had been prepared to risk everything for a glimmer of hope, and now he was told the situation had been resolved—it was just…

"Thank you so much!!"

With tears in his eyes, the mayor bowed to Kaito, expressing his gratitude for protecting their town.

"It was nothing, Mayor. You don't need to be so formal."

"Now you can go call the townspeople back."

Kaito waved his hand dismissively, insisting it wasn't a big deal.

The mayor nodded repeatedly, "Right, right! I need to tell everyone! This is great news!!"

With that, the mayor bowed to the four of them and hurried down from the tavern rooftop to inform the townspeople they could return. However, halfway down, he suddenly had a question: he had never introduced himself to Kaito—how did Kaito know he was the mayor?

As the mayor left, Kaito stepped aside, revealing a table that had survived the wreckage, on which sat two steaks and cocktails.

"Looks like you guys haven't eaten yet."

Before Kaito could finish, Luffy and Zoro lunged at the food like hungry tigers.

"Food!! Meat! Meat! Meat!"

"Leave some for me, Luffy!!"

Kaito watched the two of them fighting over the food and chuckled helplessly. Meanwhile, Nami ran to the ruins, seemingly searching for something.

"Miss Nami, are you looking for treasure?" Kaito called out.

At the mention of "treasure," Nami turned around, her interest piqued. Kaito nodded towards Zoro and Luffy, who were busy with the food.

Under the table, two bulging bags were hidden—Buggy's treasure.

Nami rushed over, opened the bags, and her eyes turned into dollar signs.

Kaito also approached, placing a map of the Grand Line on the table.

Luffy finished his tiny steak in one bite.

"What's this, Kaito?"

"It's a map—the Grand Line map," Kaito replied, then turned his attention to Nami.

"I estimate Buggy's treasure to be worth a little over 10 million Berries, plus his bounty of 15 million Berries, and this Grand Line map."

"What do you think? Would you like to join our ship, Miss Nami?"

Luffy looked confused.

"Why? Nami isn't interesting at all."

"She can navigate."

"Join us, Nami!"

"Your mood swings are too fast!!!"

Nami shouted angrily, clearly annoyed by Luffy's antics. However, she realized it wouldn't hurt to make some money alongside Luffy and Kaito.

"Since you two are so persistent, I, Nami, the thief who exclusively targets pirates, will reluctantly agree to cooperate with you for now."

With that, Nami agreed to join, albeit half-heartedly. Luffy immediately raised his hands in cheer.

"Awesome!"

"The problem of having a navigator is solved!"

Since Nami had agreed to join, Luffy and the others set sail again. Pirate adventures were never confined to one place; they were meant to roam the seas.

"I'm rich! I'm rich! I'm rich!"

Kaito took Buggy to the next island to claim the bounty—15 million Berries—and exchanged Buggy's treasure for Berries as well. Now that Buggy was taken care of, it remained to be seen whether Luffy's "divine favor" would still unfold in Loguetown.

Kaito was pleased to have Nami manage the money.

On the ship, as Nami looked at the pile of cash in the trunk, her eyes again turned into dollar signs.

But soon, she noticed something was off. Her eyes acted like a cash counter, quickly assessing that the amount of money wasn't right. This ability of hers was incredible.

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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 106+ at patreon.com/Esei01.