Just as Ronan and Zoro turned to leave, ready to activate "tough-guy shopping" mode—
"Wait."
A sweet yet smug voice froze their steps midair like a paralysis spell.
Nami turned around, folded her arms across her chest, and wore a chillingly "wicked" grin.
"Hey, Ronan. Zoro."
Nami sized them up and down teasingly. "If I remember correctly... aren't you two broke right now?"
"..."
"..."
A cold breeze swept past, sending a few withered leaves swirling through the air.
Ronan and Zoro stood frozen in place like two stone statues, their expressions instantly stiffening.
That was true.
Although they had seized the enormous fortune Arlong had amassed over eight years during the battle at Arlong Park,
that money had been "life-buying money" Arlong had extorted from Cocoyasi Village and more than twenty surrounding villages, stained with the villagers' blood and tears.
When they left, Nami had "stolen" everyone's wallets, but that had only been to put everyone at ease.
As for Arlong's real treasure, they had not taken a single Belly. They had left all of it to Nojiko and Gen to rebuild their ruined home.
So Ronan's pockets were now cleaner than his face.
And on top of that...
Ronan suddenly remembered something even more terrifying—he still owed Nami five thousand Belly for forging that iron spear in Syrup Village!
"Oh no..." A drop of cold sweat appeared on Ronan's forehead.
Just as Ronan and Zoro stared at each other, so embarrassed they wanted to claw out a three-bedroom apartment with their toes, a red figure suddenly moved.
"I'm going to see the Execution Platform!!!"
Luffy paid no attention to the financial crisis over here. Like an overexcited husky let off its leash, he shouted gleefully and sprinted toward the center of town.
"Hey! Luffy!" Usopp shouted after him.