19: Confronting the Thief

At that very moment, Nami had already reached the port.

She was drenched in sweat, clearly exhausted. At only about 13 or 14 years old, and with a small frame, carrying 100 million Berries and Tony's sword was incredibly difficult for her.

But she didn't stop for a second, even though she was running out of breath.

"Huff... huff..."

"I did it! 100 million Berries! I can't believe I really did it today! Now everyone can be saved! We can go back to the way things were before..."

"None of us will die anymore! I will definitely return to Cocoyasi Village."

Nami had already forgotten her fatigue and kept running toward the boat she had docked at the port. She tossed the money and the sword onto the boat, tying them down securely.

The boat slowly began to drift away from Loguetown's port. Nami collapsed onto the boat, gasping for air.

"everyone... wait for me to come back!"

Tears had already fallen from the corners of her eyes. Nami had finally done what she had always dreamed of. Now...

Only one final step remained. She needed to safely deliver the money to Arlong.

Naïve as ever, Nami had begun to fantasize about the bright future waiting for her in Cocoyasi Village.

Tony chased all the way to the port, but by the time he arrived, Nami's small boat had already vanished from sight in the sea.

He activated his Sharingan and enhanced his Observation Haki, sensing the faint aura of Ryūjin Jakka from far away on the ocean near Loguetown.

Without hesitation, Tony jumped onto his small motorboat and began chasing in the direction of the weak aura.

Three hours later, Tony finally caught up to Nami's small sailing boat. Nami, seeing him approach, immediately became tense, her face filled with fear. She drew a small knife from her waist, her palms sweating profusely.

On the vast ocean, Nami had nowhere to retreat. Just hours ago, she had seen Tony's strength when he easily knocked out two bounty hunters.

Against someone like him, she had no chance of winning.

Yet, she still had to protect the money at all costs, as it was her only means of survival.

"Don't come any closer! If you do, I'll throw the money and the sword into the sea!"

Thinking quickly, Nami trembled as she raised the black leather case and sword, aiming to throw them into the ocean. Once she let go, they would fall into the sea.

Tony was quite good at thinking on his feet. He quickly analyzed the situation in his mind.

Nami would never throw away the money—it was her lifeline. But the sword? That was another matter. She might throw it away.

The thought of losing his sword gave Tony a massive headache. The money didn't matter that much, but if he lost the sword, things would get serious.

Remaining as calm as possible, Tony sat at the bow of his boat, trying to negotiate with Nami.

"I say, Miss Thief, let's talk this through. My name is Tony."

"You've taken my money and my sword, and now you're threatening me not to make a move?"

"Do you really think you have the right to set terms with me? Out here on the vast sea, I could kill you, and no one would ever know."

Nami's breathing became more rapid as Tony's words sank in.

In reality, Nami knew she had no right to negotiate. But if she just handed everything back to Tony, she would feel unsatisfied.

She was also afraid that even if she returned the items, Tony might still kill her to cover his tracks.

So, she held onto the two items, trying her best to resist.

"Hmph! You look like a decent person, but your heart is as rotten as they come. Anyway, I'm as good as dead, so why should I give it back to you?"

As she spoke, Nami was about to throw the sword into the sea, thinking that Tony only cared about the money.

"Wait, wait, wait... hold on! OK! You win!"

Tony immediately stopped her.

"Just give me back the sword, and I'll let you keep the money. How does that sound?"

Tony was no longer calm. He kept trying to placate Nami, stepping back. He couldn't take any chances with the sword. If it was lost, no amount of money would help.

In that instant, Nami seemed to realize something. A wicked smile spread across her face as she looked at Tony.

"So that's it... It's not the money you care about, it's the sword, huh? Looks like this sword is worth much more than 100 million Berries."

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T/N:

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