After Peter finished introducing himself, Kaya and the others were stunned.
Kaya was surprised that Nami had joined another pirate crew.
As for Merry, after hearing Peter introduce himself, he finally remembered where he had seen that face before!
In an instant, Merry's heart filled with fear, and a chill spread to his hands and feet. He didn't even dare open his mouth.
'No… I can't reveal his identity. A man this dangerous—if all he wants is some money and supplies, then let him have them. But if we anger him, it will be a disaster!'
It had to be said, Merry was truly a competent servant, able to quickly and calmly think of the least dangerous solution.
Kaya, on the other hand, didn't immediately recall Peter's identity.
When she heard that Nami had left her previous crew, she was so shocked she forgot all the manners her tutors had drilled into her, opening her mouth in surprise and saying:
"Ah! Miss Nami, aren't you sailing with Mr. Luffy and his companions?"
"Mhm, yes. Basically, I was only a temporary member of the crew, and I hadn't become an official member before I left for certain reasons. Later, for other reasons, I chose to join Peter's crew."
Nami said this with a perfectly natural expression. She wasn't lying.
From the very first time she met Luffy, she had made it clear she was joining him temporarily for her own benefit. Even by the time they parted ways at the Baratie, she was not yet an official member of the Straw Hats.
But Luffy, with his well-known stubbornness, had considered her his companion from the very start.
If Peter hadn't intervened, and Luffy had defeated the Arlong Pirates as in the original story, Nami would have officially joined after being freed from her shackles.
Now, she saw Luffy and Zoro only as temporary travel companions—pleasant friends along the journey of life.
As for Usopp, who had only recently joined, her bond with him was even weaker.
That's why Nami didn't mind coming with Peter to Usopp's hometown… to steal the heart of the girl he liked.
"I see. Sorry, I misunderstood."
When Kaya understood, she felt a void in her heart. She had thought she would hear news of Usopp from Nami, but she hadn't expected they had parted ways long ago.
"Well then, Mr. Peter, what is it you came here for? If it's something I can help with, I will."
To her, even if Nami had left, she had helped her in the past and was still her friend.
And friends don't refuse to help.
"This…" Nami felt embarrassed. In front of such a pure and kind girl, she couldn't bring herself to say that Peter had taken a liking to her and wanted her on his ship!
But Peter didn't care for such niceties.
He simply said, "We're lacking a doctor on the ship, and I know you've been studying medicine recently, right? Reading alone isn't enough—what do you say to joining us and gaining some practical experience?"
"Huh?! You… want me to sail with you?"
Kaya had never expected the day would come when she would be invited to a sea adventure.
Although she was puzzled as to how he knew she had begun studying medicine, for a moment she felt tempted, eager for the adventures she had always heard about.
"But… my medical knowledge is basic, I don't know anything about life at sea… and my health is weak. Could I really go on an adventure?"
Faced with those bright eyes full of innocence and longing, Peter felt like a thief trying to lure an unsuspecting girl (which he was)… but he smiled gently and said:
"You can learn—no one is born knowing everything.
Good doctors combine theory with experience. As for your health, that's not a problem."
Then he sat beside her and lowered his voice: "Kaya… this world is full of miracles. Take Devil Fruits for example—the greatest treasures in the world. They've changed the destinies of many people and etched their names into legend."
He began to explain Devil Fruits to her, then told thrilling tales of adventure, painting vivid pictures of the enchanting seas.
Kaya listened, enraptured, her heart soaring away into dreams of adventure.
Meanwhile, Nami watched him with disdain:
"What a lowlife, tricking a girl like this."
And Merry, who was watching his lady nearly get swept away by Peter's words, grew anxious: "Please calm yourself, Miss Kaya, the outside world is extremely dangerous!"
But Peter kept talking until he had exhausted every story he could think of. Then he took a sip of tea and continued: "What I've told you is only a small part of this world. Even I don't know everything… but nothing compares to experiencing it yourself."
Peter's words were enough to make Kaya's heart race. She finally understood why so many dreamed of setting sail.
Even so, she hesitated, worried her meager medical skills and poor health would make her a burden.
But Peter smiled and pointed to Merry: "You don't need to worry— with my strength, no one will be harmed. You can handle the minor ailments."
"Are you… truly a great pirate?" she asked in surprise, turning to Merry, who cautiously replied:
"My lady… don't you remember? Just days ago, the newspaper reported Mr. Peter's feats."
Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock:
"You're… Peter, known as the God of Destruction, the first to have a divine title on his bounty, said to have the power to destroy the world?!"
Peter sat proudly and replied calmly, "Yes, that's me."
Her admiration only grew, and she sat beside him eagerly asking about his battles, prompting him to recount his most glorious moments with pride.
Nami, however, thought sadly of Usopp: Poor guy… he doesn't know the girl he loves will be leaving with Peter.
And Merry could only sigh bitterly.
Kaya had made her decision, and no matter what he thought, he wouldn't dare oppose a man with a bounty of ten digits.
After a full hour of this "fan meeting," Kaya had completely changed her opinion of him and decided to accept the invitation.
When she learned they were leaving today, she hurried to her room with Merry to pack her things, while Merry trudged along in sorrow.
Peter remained alone on the couch, smiling smugly, until Nami said mockingly:
"Truly low… how did I ever find you appealing?"
"Haha, that's called charisma."
Nami chuckled derisively, while he proudly looked down at his crossed legs, thinking: I finally managed to win over a girl with just my words… the first time in my life!