The Winner

Hearing Carina's words.

Nami's expression gradually calmed, her tone turning somewhat low: "That's right, I really am part of the Arlong Pirates."

"That's also why I stopped you from going to Arlong Park."

"Because I know very well how strong those fish-men are, and how cruel and cold-blooded those bastards can be."

"In the eyes of those fish-men, we're nothing but a lowly inferior race..."

Saying this.

Nami seemed to find an outlet for venting and confiding.

She poured out the past experiences buried deep in her heart, along with the agreement she'd made with the fish-man Arlong to buy back her village with money.

"What did you say? Scrape together 100 million Berries?!"

Carina's pupils trembled, her expression extremely shocked:

"So the reason you've been stealing treasure everywhere was actually for this..."

She never imagined that someone around her own age had been carrying such a heavy burden all along.

Will, standing nearby, listened with a calm expression, then spoke slowly: "Everything else is fine, but you got one thing wrong, Nami."

"Huh?" Nami looked at him in surprise.

"You're not part of the Arlong Pirates anymore."

Will stared straight into Nami's eyes, his tone leaving no room for doubt:

"You only have one identity now, and that's my navigator."

Hearing this.

Nami was momentarily stunned, her gaze growing complicated.

Will didn't dwell on it, pressing straight to the point: "Also, since you already know those fish-men are cruel and cold-blooded."

"Then why do you still think Arlong will actually keep his promise to you?"

"Especially one made with someone he sees as an inferior race."

"..."

Nami's heart tightened, her eyes trembling slightly, and for a moment she couldn't find words to argue.

She wasn't stupid—how could she never have thought about this?

But Nami didn't dare to think about it, nor did she want to.

Because for her.

Fulfilling that agreement was the only thing she could do from the past to the present.

It was also the spiritual pillar that had kept her going all these years.

The only sliver of hope in her heart.

So Nami suppressed the chaotic thoughts inside, forcing calmness as she said: "Because Arlong has always kept his word when it comes to money."

"And over the years, he really has stuck to our agreement, not causing too much harm to the village."

"Now I'm very close to saving up 100 million. Once I have enough, I can buy back the village from Arlong..."

But before she could finish, Will cut her off directly: "After you buy back the village, can't he just take it from you again?"

"You need to understand, Arlong is a pirate."

"And what pirates do, I don't need to spell out."

"Besides, from what you've said, Arlong is clearly a racist."

"For someone like you, a human he sees as an inferior race."

"Do you really think he'll be kind enough to let you and the village you care about off so easily?"

These cruel words struck like lightning, instantly shattering Nami's mental defenses.

Her lips trembled uncontrollably. She wanted to argue, but somehow found herself speechless.

Lies rarely hurt—only the truth is a sharp blade.

The more real his words were, the harder they were to refute, the more fear and helplessness they stirred in her.

Will also noticed the panic in Nami's eyes. He didn't push further, instead speaking with a hint of impatience: "Forget it, I can't be bothered to say more. Those fish-men aren't worth me thinking this much."

"Whether you listen or not, believe or not, it doesn't really matter to me."

"You just need to sail the ship to Arlong Park and leave the rest to me."

"And you should know very well in your heart that you can't stop me."

"So right now, you only have one path to choose, and that's to trust me."

"..." These words, brooking no refusal, made Nami's expression incredibly complicated.

She was indeed very clear in her heart that she simply couldn't stop Will's decision.

After spending this time together, she knew that once he made a decision, he wouldn't waver at all.

But precisely because of this, Nami found herself caught in a dilemma, unable to help biting her lower lip tightly.

Seeing Nami like this.

Carina felt quite sympathetic, so she took the initiative to ask:

"Will, are you really confident you can take care of those fish-men?"

Will picked up the Sherry Wine and took a sip, speaking calmly:

"Relax, I've already been fishing in the East Blue for over two years."

"Compared to fish, those fish-men just have a few extra limbs and look a bit strange—no difference to me."

Seeing Will's complete disregard for the fish-men, Carina felt much more at ease.

Because she knew he wasn't one to boast; saying something like that clearly meant he truly didn't take the fish-men seriously.

Meanwhile, Nami, who had also heard these words, couldn't help gripping the tattoo on her left shoulder tightly with her right hand, muttering to herself:

"Can humans really win against fish-men..."

"They will win."

Will didn't bother to explain further, just replying in a tone that brooked no doubt.

He had no intention of proving anything with more words, nor did he pay attention to Nami's emotional turmoil at the moment.

No matter how much he said or how nicely he put it, it wouldn't compare to seeing it with one's own eyes.

Will turned his head to look at the waves outside the ship and continued drinking his Sherry Wine in silence.

Since she was already on his ship, whether she wanted to go or not was no longer up to her.

He thought Nami was a smart person and believed she would figure that out soon enough.

"Nami..."

Carina reached out and gently pressed Nami's shoulder, her eyes showing some concern.

Unlike Nami.

She didn't think those fish-men could stop Will.

But seeing Nami like this, she really didn't know what to do and could only comfort her quietly on the side.

After a moment.

Nami gradually calmed down, quickly wiping her eyes with her arm.

Then she looked up at the two of them and said seriously:

"I understand. The next destination is set: Arlong Park!"

With that, she immediately stood up.

Returning to the helm, she began swiftly adjusting the ship's course, her gaze growing more resolute.

"Since I can't stop it, I have no choice but to bet on it!"

The moment Nami made that decision in her heart, she stopped hesitating and panicking.

Instead, she started thinking about how to help Will defeat Arlong more effectively.

At the same time, she also needed to find a way to secretly move the villagers to a safe place before the battle began.

Just in case any unexpected situations arose.

Nami pondered silently while steering the ship's course.

Will quietly watched Nami's expression change, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes.

Carina, too, noticed Nami's shift and felt relieved.

And so, the ship gradually turned, beginning to speed toward Arlong Park at full sail.