Nami Joins the Crew

The next morning.

The all-night feast had just ended, and the deck of the Merry was already bustling with activity.

Several crates filled with cured meat, fresh water, flour, and daily necessities were being enthusiastically carried onto the ship by the villagers.

This was their simplest way of thanking their benefactors.

"Be careful! Go easy!"

Sanji directed a few villagers, treating them like precious treasures as they carefully transplanted three lush orange trees to the stern of the Merry's deck.

These were the three best-growing trees from Bellemere's orange grove.

The soil was tamped down, the fresh scent of oranges filled the deck, and the green leaves swayed in the sea breeze.

Each golden fruit was like a small sun, adding a warm vitality to the Merry.

"Yo, these trees are pretty interesting!"

Luffy scampered over like a monkey, circling the orange trees several times. His thieving hands couldn't resist reaching for a plump orange:

"They look delicious..."

"Slap!"

Before Luffy's hand could touch the orange, it was forcefully kicked away by a shiny black leather shoe.

"Don't touch! These are Nami's!"

Sanji retracted his foot, a smile so gentle it could drip water on his face. He lightly brushed the dust off a tree trunk:

"These are Nami's most treasured possessions, a memento from her mother. Luffy, if you dare to steal one, I'll turn you into rubber sashimi!"

"Stingy Sanji!"

Luffy clutched the back of his hand. While Sanji wasn't looking, he snatched an orange and stuffed it into his mouth, exclaiming indistinctly, "Mmm! So sweet!!"

With the supplies loaded, everyone sat down on the deck.

However, one figure had yet to appear.

The sea breeze ruffled Ronan's clothes. He carried his iron spear on his back, gazing quietly in the direction of the village entrance, his expression calm.

He knew this was the final farewell before parting, and it required a little time.

"Why isn't Nami here yet?"

Luffy pushed his straw hat back, sat cross-legged on the deck, and impatiently tapped his fingers. "Everyone's ready."

"Is she not coming?"

Zoro leaned against the mast, holding the Wado Ichimonji, his eyes closed as he rested. His tone was as calm as ever, with a hint of provocation:

"After all, her goal has been achieved, and the village is free. For someone who already hated Pirates, staying here might be the best outcome."

"Huh? What nonsense are you spouting, moss-head!"

Sanji instantly exploded, grabbing Zoro's collar in anger. "Did you say something to Nami? You must have angered her with your foul mouth!"

"Ha? Why would I do that! You perverted cook, do you want to fight?"

"Stop arguing..." Usopp mumbled pessimistically from a corner.

"Zoro has a point. She'd be happier staying here, wouldn't she? After all, she has her sister and everyone in the village here..."

Cocoyasi Village, by the coast.

The beach was filled with villagers who had come to see them off. Gen and Nojiko stood at the front, watching the Merry prepare to set sail.

"That girl Nami..."

"She left all the money behind." Nojiko's eyes were filled with tears and a smile. "She said the money should be used for the village's reconstruction, not her adventures."

"What? That's all the money she painstakingly saved since she was a child, enduring humiliation..."

Gen's eyes welled up, and he shook his head helplessly. "That idiot, we owe her another favor..."

Just then, hurried footsteps could be heard from the direction of the village.

"Hey--!! Everyone--!!"

Everyone turned around.

They saw Nami, carrying a small backpack, sprinting towards the coast at full speed.

Her orange hair flew in the wind, and her face was adorned with a wild, mischievous smile.

Luffy on the ship's deck's eyes lit up, and he immediately jumped to the bow. "Nami!!"

"Luffy! Set sail quickly!!"

Nami shouted as she ran, her voice urgent. "Full speed ahead! Hurry!"

"Huh? But the villagers are still--" Luffy scratched his head, looking confused.

"Stop the nonsense! Start the ship, quick!!"

Ronan smiled slightly, having anticipated this scene.

He signaled to Zoro and Sanji: "Weigh anchor! Set sail!"

The Merry slowly began to pull away from the shore.

Nami rushed into the crowd of well-wishers.

She didn't slow down; instead, she weaved through the villagers like a gust of wind, her hands dancing like butterflies among flowers wherever she went.

"Nami?!" Nojiko exclaimed.

Approaching the shore, Nami pushed off with her feet.

"Hah!"

She leaped, her body tracing a beautiful arc through the air. Her orange hair sparkled in the sunlight, like a nimble swallow, as she landed steadily on the Merry's deck.

She turned around, leaning against the gathered villagers, a signature smirk belonging to the "little thief cat" gracing her face.

"Swish--"

She abruptly lifted the hem of her top, and countless bulging coin purses tumbled out from her embrace, piling up on the deck like a small mountain.

Nami placed her hands on her hips and shouted loudly at the dumbfounded villagers on shore:

"Everyone!! Take care of yourselves!!!"

The shore fell into silence.

Gen patted his pocket—empty.

Nojiko patted her pocket—empty.

All the villagers patted their pockets—all empty!

The next second, roars echoed through the sky, though without a hint of true anger:

"My wallet is gone!!"

"Nami!! You thief!!"

"You're leaving and you still stole our money!!"

"You little brat! Be careful on your journey!!"

The scolding gradually turned into laughter, laughter mixed with tears.

They waved their arms, watching the ship carrying their most beloved "bad girl" sail further and further away.

The Merry rode the waves, heading towards the deep blue sea.

On deck, Luffy was rolling on the ground, laughing: "Hee hee hee! Nami, you're amazing!"

Zoro looked at the pile of coin purses, his mouth twitching: "Who was it that said she'd turned over a new leaf? Old habits die hard."

"As expected of Miss Nami! Even her thieving is charming!" Sanji continued to swoon.

Nami ignored her rowdy crewmates.

She leaned against the railing at the stern of the ship alone, watching Cocoyasi Village gradually disappear over the horizon, the sea breeze ruffling her hair.

She reached out her left hand and gently stroked the new tattoo on her left shoulder.

The mark that originally belonged to the Arlong Pirates had been completely erased, replaced by a pinwheel and an orange.

The pinwheel represented Gen, who was like a father.

The orange represented Bellemere, who was like a mother.

The pinwheel spun, the scent of oranges filled the air.

Nami lowered her head and gently kissed the design, her eyes shining with an unprecedented light:

"Goodbye, my hometown."

"From today on, I am... the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, Nami!"