True Purpose, Trap!

G-10 Branch, base commander's office.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in."

After receiving permission, Dorte pushed open the door. He saluted, then reported, "Sir, every member of the Straw Hat Pirates has been arrested!"

"Good work, Dorte."

Ron nodded, raised a brow around the cigar clenched between his teeth, and asked, "And?"

"She said she wanted to see you, Vice Admiral!"

Dorte answered, stepping aside to reveal Nami behind him, head lowered in silence as she clutched her straw hat.

The base commander's office was imposing. To accommodate the heights of all manner of nonhuman beings and ensure G-10 Base would not lose face before its peers, Ron had claimed the entire top floor and lavishly renovated it.

Now, aside from essential storage rooms and fire exits, the floor contained nothing else.

Nami sat on the sofa in the middle, more than ten meters away from Ron behind his desk. It was remarkably spacious.

"Tea or juice?"

"I... either is fine."

Ron nodded and waved a hand. A silver tray moved without wind, and a full glass of juice floated over to Nami.

"Then juice it is. It's hard to replenish vitamins while sailing at sea. Drink more; it's good for your skin."

"Speaking of which, Koby will be here soon too. You can stay here a little longer and explain to him why you left in the first place."

At the mention of that name, Nami's expression darkened.

Why had she left?

She could originally have answered without shame that pirates had tricked her and dragged her aboard their ship.

But after spending these past few months with them, she realized she could no longer find an excuse to deceive herself.

She longed for the sea and enjoyed the thrill of sailing... especially the days she had spent with them.