Set Sail

Calming herself and thinking it over carefully, ever since she had fought the Buggy Pirates in Orange Town and encountered Rayson again, she truly had felt a long-lost sense of joy~

Especially when Rayson declared that she could rely on him anytime and unhesitatingly shielded her behind him through every danger... Nami's heart would naturally fill with a long-lost sense of security~

Ever since Bell-mère died and she had been forced to embark on a wandering journey as a thief to gather one hundred million Beli, she had never again experienced the feeling of having someone to rely on~

It was as though... she had finally found a harbor where she could shelter from the wind and rain~

Looking at the new ship before her, Nami had already unconsciously begun making plans as its navigator, seemingly having completely forgotten the "temporary partner" status she had insisted upon earlier~

But... could such wonderful times truly last?

At that thought, Nami could not help feeling anxious about gains and losses~

"No matter what hardships and obstacles lie ahead, don't forget the promise I made to you before, Nami~" Rayson said softly, gently placing a hand on her smooth shoulder, as naturally as he had in Orange Town~

"If you ever feel like you can't hold on... rely on me anytime~ Let me share some of that burden. I'm very strong, you know~" Rayson smiled as he looked into Nami's eyes~

No matter how independent and decisive Nami usually seemed, she was ultimately only an eighteen-year-old girl~

Her hometown had been shrouded beneath the shadow of the Arlong Pirates, and her adoptive mother, Bell-mère, had been brutally killed before her eyes~

For the lives of everyone in her village, she had endured humiliation and joined the Arlong Pirates, drawing sea charts day after day while drifting from place to place to steal treasure, all to save up one hundred million Beli and buy back her village~

Since the age of ten, she had struggled bitterly in that nightmare-like mire~

Thinking of this, Rayson's gaze inevitably revealed a measure of pity and protectiveness~

"Mm..." Nami felt her nose sting. She bit her lip tightly and gently rested her forehead against the large hand on her shoulder~

Just as they had understood each other in Orange Town~

Watching this scene from nearby, the blonde girl inexplicably felt a trace of envy and loneliness rise in her heart~

However, when she lowered her head and saw her little finger, remembering the pinky promise she had made with Rayson last night, a smile bloomed on her face once more~

She had already received enough care. She could not be too greedy~

"We're setting sail! Rayson! Nami! What are you two dawdling around on shore for?!" Luffy's booming voice suddenly rang out~

"Luffy~" Watching Nami hurriedly board the ship, Rayson turned around and gave Luffy an exceptionally radiant smile~

"I think it's time I made you a complete physical training plan~ As captain, you can't afford to be so lax~" Rayson smiled warmly, almost dazzlingly so~

"Huh?!" Luffy had no idea what was going on. Rayson had never been this strict with him before!

Only Nami, already aboard the ship, felt the blush on her pretty face deepen a little further~

"Goodbye, Miss!" Usopp called loudly from the deck~

"Usopp! Be careful on your journey! Go fulfill your dream and become a brave warrior of the sea!" The girl waved her slender hand, smiling as she cheered him on~

"Oh! Just watch me!" Usopp puffed out his chest and replied confidently~

"Um... Rayson, I wish you fair winds~" Turning her gaze toward Rayson, the girl lightly bit her lip and murmured shyly~

A tentative step forward... this was affection~

"Mm, then we're leaving, Miss~" Rayson turned around and waved goodbye to her with a smile~

Rayson was not an insensitive man. Naturally, he could sense the girl's feelings~

But there was no way he could take her to sea with him~ Her constitution was far too frail to endure the raging winds, towering waves, and instability of life at sea~

More importantly, her gentle and obedient nature simply could not adapt to the law of the jungle on the Grand Line~

Even if he now had a way to improve her physical condition, she still was not suited to venture into that cruel sea~

Without a warrior's resolve, nor Nami's determination to cast everything aside for an obsession, even the strongest means could not make up for the shortcomings of one's character~

Not everyone belonged to the magnificent, turbulent sea~

Besides, Rayson's foremost consideration at present remained the same: growing stronger!

That was the firmest foundation for him to stand in this world~

Otherwise, all the care and promises he had received would be nothing more than an illusory mirage~

Only letting go and persevering were the necessary path to reaching the pinnacle of strength~

Besides, this was far from a final farewell~ The day he stood at the summit of the world, he would naturally return here and take her away~

On deck, Nami looked at the Miss's reluctant expression and seemed to understand something. An inexplicable sourness rose in her heart~

Realizing that this strange emotion was not right, she pursed her lips awkwardly~

She had thought her reliance on Rayson was merely the bond of comrades sharing the same boat... but this sour feeling was reminding her that something had quietly changed...

"Raise the sails! Let's go!" Luffy shouted at the top of his lungs, sitting boldly atop the ship's iconic sheep figurehead~

"Yeah!!" Rayson and the others raised their right hands in unison, smiling as they answered together~

Under Nami's skillful direction, the Going Merry slowly sailed away from its berth~

Leaning against the railing, Rayson looked at the slender figure on shore gradually blurring into the distance. He smiled and raised his little finger once again~

"!!!" Seeing that gesture, the girl pursed her lips and slowly raised her own hand, extending her little finger as well~

Recalling the warm promise she had made in Rayson's room last night, the girl smiled especially sweetly~

I'll wait for you forever, Rayson~

Her eyes shone with unwavering determination~

This was the vow she and Rayson would uphold together~

"Have you decided?!" Onion Head, Carrot Head, and Pepper Head huddled together~

"Of course! Let's go! We must inherit the captain's unfinished great cause!" Onion Head declared solemnly~

Carrot Head turned back to look at Syrup Village behind him~

"Pirates are coming!!"

The three shouted in unison and took off running through the village streets~

On the distant horizon, the Going Merry carried everyone's dreams as it rode the wind and waves toward the distance~

Only the frail blonde figure at the dock remained standing there, gazing after them, unwilling to leave for a long time~