By the time Merry finished, everyone understood how serious the situation was. They also seemed to understand why Nami hated the Marines so much.
Sanji had known for a long time.
Five years ago, when Nami was only thirteen, she had visited the floating restaurant on her first voyage around the East Blue aboard a Kaya Family merchant ship.
That was when the two of them had met.
Later, as Nami's talent for navigation became known throughout the East Blue, more people sought to hire her as a navigator. She and Sanji met more often and came to know each other better.
"So what do you want me to do?"
Sanji had asked the question that mattered most.
Merry answered without hesitation.
"If possible, Mr. Sanji, I'd like you to ask Miss Reiju to help us find out what the Marines know. If Miss Bellemere and Miss Nami are all right, that would be best. But if things are serious..."
Sanji stubbed out his cigarette. After a moment's thought, he nodded.
"I understand. Wait here."
He rose and took a box from a nearby cabinet drawer.
Inside was a Den Den Mushi.
He pressed the call button, and a clear ringing sounded.
"Ring, ring. Ring, ring..."
Everyone waited tensely. Before long, a thoroughly seductive voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
"Well, this is a surprise. My Little Sanji actually remembered his big sister..."
Sanji's expression froze. He seemed to struggle to get the words out.
"I need your help with something. It's about a friend of mine... The Marines took her away..."
"Oh, that little girl named Nami?"
Everyone present started at the voice's apparent foreknowledge.
Sanji's expression changed slightly. "Have you been watching me!?"
"That hurts, Little Sanji. Do you really think so poorly of your big sister?"