The shore near Cocoyasi Village buzzed with restless villagers.
The Going Merry had been moved to the coast, loaded with supplies and ready to sail, but it lingered, motionless. The crew wasn't complete yet.
Nami was missing. After visiting Bellemere's grave, she hadn't shown up. Genzo and Nojiko had already arrived to see the crew off, but Nami was nowhere to be seen.
The villagers seemed uneasy, their whispers tinged with worry.
Was she not coming?
Murmurs grew, voices wondering aloud if she'd changed her mind.
"Where's Nami? Everything's ready, isn't it?"
"We've been waiting forever. She's not bailing, is she…?"
"No way. They saved her. She wouldn't turn her back on them now."
"Where the hell did she go?"
A faint unease hung in the air, the villagers' chatter growing louder.
Even Genzo and Nojiko's expressions began to shift, concern creeping in.
On the Going Merry, though, the mood was far less tense.
The crew trusted Nami would show. She probably had something to take care of, they figured, and carried on chatting casually, unfazed. Only Usopp seemed rattled, but not about Nami's absence—his worry was something else entirely.
Arlong's crew would be joining them for the journey ahead. But there was no guarantee they wouldn't betray the Straw Hats. In fact, an attack from the sea was a real possibility, especially mid-voyage.
Usopp glanced at his crewmates, voicing his fears, but they brushed him off.
Kiri, grinning, deflected his concerns with ease.
"Are we sure about those guys? Fishmen can breathe underwater, right? If they attack us mid-voyage, we're screwed! It's too risky!"
"I put some pressure on them. They can't claim fishmen are the superior race unless they beat Luffy on land. So we're probably fine," Kiri said.
"They're pirates too, you know! They could just ignore that and attack anyway!"
"Then we're out of luck."
"What?! No plan?!"
"Nope. Can't swim."
"What about gear for this?!"
"Never crossed my mind."
"Mines, something, anything! I don't know if the village has them, but still!"
"Oh, that's a good idea. Too late now, though."
Usopp's panic was met with Kiri's casual shrugs and laughter. No one else seemed particularly on edge. Usopp was the only one fretting.
His anxiety spiked, and he grew twitchy, scanning the horizon for an attack that might never come.
Arlong's ship had already moved offshore, idling in view of the Merry.
They'd join up later and travel together, at least until the Grand Line. Kiri had suggested it, Luffy had decided it, and Arlong had no say.
Staring at their ship, Usopp muttered, legs trembling.
"Seriously, are we sure about this? I'm not responsible for what happens next!"
"When it goes down, we're counting on you, Usopp. You took out one of their big shots, so you've got this, right?" Kiri teased.
"What?! Don't underestimate me, Kiri! I'm not bragging, but I'm super weak! I'm only good for support! No way I'm fighting one-on-one again!"
"Really? You were so brave back there."
"Brave?! I can't keep pulling that off! I'm the storyteller, I gotta survive!"
Usopp's bizarre confidence in his fear made Kiri shrug.
There was probably no immediate danger, but telling Usopp that wouldn't calm him down. So Kiri let it slide, offering no real solutions.
Usopp kept venting, but Kiri ignored him, strolling to the ship's stern to look at the gathered villagers. Among them were Yosaku and Johnny.
It was time to part ways. Their time together had been brief, but they'd shared the seas and owed each other.
Luffy, Sanji, and Silk said their goodbyes nearby.
"Big bros, this is our stop. We'd love to keep sailing with you, but we'd just hold you back. We don't wanna be dead weight," Yosaku said.
"At least from the East Blue, we'll be rooting for you. But don't forget—even if we part here, we're your number-one lackeys!" Johnny added.
"Thanks, you two. You helped us out a ton," Luffy said.
"Gonna miss you guys. Let's meet again," Sanji added.
"It's not goodbye forever. See ya," Silk said.
"Yeah!" they replied in unison.
Silk's warm words brought tears to their eyes, and they burst out crying in sync.
Parting was tough, but the thought of reuniting someday felt hopeful.
Zoro, standing apart from the group, called out to them.
He'd spent the most time with them. They weren't just lackeys but close friends, and though they'd be apart for a while, he had words for them.
"Do what you want, but we'll meet again. Don't slack on your training. Next time we see you, I'll be the world's greatest swordsman. At least be able to land one hit by then."
"You got it, big bro!" Yosaku shouted.
"No matter where we go or what we do, we'll never abandon our swords!" Johnny added.
"Heh, I know. Stay sharp," Zoro said.
"Big bro!" they wailed.
"Become the greatest swordsman, and we'll meet again!"
Zoro's rare, unguarded smile left a mark as Yosaku and Johnny sobbed.
The crew mourned the parting but vowed to reunite in the distant future.
Nami still hadn't shown, and the ship remained docked.
Even if they weren't worried, Sanji couldn't help but wonder.
"Nami-san's taking her time. We've loaded all the essentials, right? Even part of her tangerine grove is on board. Is something missing?"
"No rush. It's not that kind of trip," Luffy said.
"If she needs help carrying anything, I'm happy to assist! Silk-chan, heard anything?" Sanji asked.
"Nope. Everything we need should be here," Silk replied.
Nami's absence stretched on, and the villagers' murmurs grew louder.
Some voiced discontent.
They'd heard Nami was leaving behind nearly a hundred million berries for the village. No matter why she'd gathered it, that money was earned through her blood, sweat, and tears. Saving the village was enough; accepting her money felt like too much.
With Nami still missing, their complaints naturally turned to Nojiko.
"Nojiko, is it true Nami's leaving the money?"
"It's hers, isn't it? We can't just take it—"
"We've told her that a million times, but she won't listen. Even if Bellemere herself begged, she'd leave it," Nojiko said.
As Nojiko turned to answer, Nami appeared across the street.
Nojiko smiled, ready to point her out, but Nami's head was down, her voice sharp, her demeanor tense.
"Get the ship ready!"
"She's here! Nami-san!" Sanji called.
"But something's off. 'Get the ship ready'?" Zoro noted.
Nami broke into a run, ignoring the villagers gathered to see her off, heading straight for the ship.
It was strange, but Luffy turned to the crew.
"Let's sail. She's got something in mind."
"Aye, aye, Captain! Everyone, get the ship moving!" Usopp shouted.
"Is this really how we're leaving?" Sanji asked.
"It's her call. We don't get a say," Luffy replied.
The villagers gasped, trying to stop her, but the Merry began to move.
Nami didn't slow, weaving through the crowd.
Genzo's panic grew.
"She's not even gonna thank us or say goodbye?!"
Everyone felt the same. They rushed to stop her, but her fluid, swift movements slipped past them.
"Wait, Nami! We've got things to say!" one villager shouted.
"Nacchan, stop! Just one word!" another pleaded.
"This is no way to part!" a third cried.
"Nami!"
They called out, reaching for her, but she didn't stop.
She reached the dock and leaped.
Hands stretched toward her retreating figure, but none reached her. Grief struck them. Was this really how they'd part? Their love for her made the loneliness sting.
Nami landed on the Merry without falling into the sea. Then, inexplicably, she lifted her T-shirt.
Her back to the village, she revealed her skin.
As the villagers stared, confused, wallets spilled from her shirt. Even from a distance, there was no mistaking it—those were their wallets, now on the ship.
"Huh?! Mine's gone!" one shouted.
"Mine too!" another added.
"And mine!" an older man cried.
"Me too!" a woman said.
"Same here!" another echoed.
Villagers checked their pockets, bags, and jackets, but their wallets were gone.
In disbelief, they looked at the ship.
Nami let her shirt drop, a single bill pinched between her fingers, and slowly turned.
That familiar, heartfelt smile—but now with a mischievous glint.
Grinning triumphantly, she finally bid them farewell.
"Take care, everyone! ♡"
"You little…!"
She'd done it. They remembered now—she'd been a notorious troublemaker as a kid.
The villagers roared in unison.
"That little brat pulled it off!"
Worrying had been a waste. She hadn't changed a bit.
Just like old times, they shouted at her, their anger laced with affection, like parents scolding a beloved child. Soon, the anger over stolen wallets faded, replaced by calls to come back anytime.
The crew sighed, half-exasperated, half-amused.
"She hasn't changed at all," Zoro muttered.
"Who knows when she'll betray us next…" Usopp grumbled.
"Nami-san, you're incredible!" Sanji swooned.
"Hahaha!" Luffy laughed.
"Pretty great exit. Maximum hype," Kiri said.
"Haha, it's proof they're tight, right? It's good," Silk added.
The villagers' warm voices followed as the ship pulled away, their calls echoing.
"Come back anytime, you thieving cat!"
"Stay strong!"
"Don't catch a cold, you little punk!"
"We're grateful for you all!"
Their voices pushed them forward, filling them with strange strength.
"Kid! Sorry for everything… Take care of Nami!" Genzo shouted.
"You got it!" Luffy replied.
Nami took a deep breath and flashed her brightest smile.
"See ya, everyone! I'm off!"
Waving wildly, she answered their calls as the Going Merry quietly left the village.
Many collapsed, stunned by her stunt.
Some still shouted after her, but Nojiko, at the forefront, gave a wry smile.
"She got us. My little sister never fails to deliver. That laugh… just have fun out there."
The shadow of her earlier gloom was gone. She looked purely happy, carefree.
Nojiko waved her sister off, thrilled to see her go.
Genzo, equally stunned, slumped down.
He couldn't help but think of the past.
Back then, he was always scolding Nami, out of love and care. He realized it'd been a while since he'd had to. He was probably the only one left who'd chew her out. Next time they met, he'd have to give her an earful, he decided.
"What a troublemaker… This doesn't bode well," he muttered.
"Here, Genzo," Nako said, handing him a small piece of paper.
It bore an unfamiliar mark.
Genzo tilted his head, puzzled. Nako explained.
"She got rid of Arlong's tattoo and got a new one. She designed it herself."
"Oh? What's it mean?"
"Can't tell? It's a tangerine and a windmill."
Genzo blinked, then smiled.
He held the paper carefully, gazing at the fading Merry.
"Hey, speaking of, Gen-san, what happened to your windmill? Drop it?" Nojiko asked.
"Heh, don't need it anymore," he said.
The windmill was gone from his hat.
It now spun in the breeze before Bellemere's grave, watching the Merry sail away.
He'd first worn it to win over baby Nami, who'd cry at his scary face. The windmill made her laugh when nothing else would. The villagers thought it was ridiculous, but it worked.
Now, it wasn't needed. Nami could smile from the heart without it.
She'd never lose that smile, not with the crew she trusted by her side.
They all watched the ship go, hearts light, as the tiny pirate vessel aimed for the sea's horizon.
"Hurry, hurry!" Nami called.
"We're meeting up soon, so move it!" Silk added.
"Aye, Nami-san!" Sanji replied. "C'mon, Marimo, pick up the pace! Don't make Nami-san and Silk-chan do all the work. You're so clueless!"
"I'm working, damn it! Quit yapping, Swirly-Brows!" Zoro snapped.
"No fighting, you two. And Kiri, stop slacking," Nami said.
"I'm not slacking. Look, my puppets are helping," Kiri replied.
"Man, Kiri's ability is so handy. I want one like that!" Usopp said.
The Going Merry's deck was chaos as they prepared to meet Arlong's crew.
All seven pitched in, hauling tables, chairs, and barrels of booze. Sanji and Zoro darted between the kitchen and deck, carrying plates of food.
It was hectic but lively, like they were gearing up for something big.
This wasn't about goodwill. For Nami, Arlong's crew was an enemy she'd never forgive. But they'd have to work together, using each other to navigate the seas ahead.
It was a resolve, proof of her commitment to life as a pirate.
Nami had proposed it, and her suggestion set things in motion.
The Merry drew closer to Arlong's ship.
Noticing, their ship moved too, not attacking but sailing alongside.
Luffy called out to the other ship, shouting Arlong's name.
"Hey, Arlong! Get ready! Bring mugs and barrels!"
"Huh? Ready? Arlong-san, they're saying something," Hachi said.
"It's a party! Hurry up!" Luffy shouted, fist raised.
Arlong, arms crossed, scowled, clearly not taking orders.
As expected.
Hachi took charge, rallying the others.
"You heard 'em! It's a party. Let's get ready."
"Hachi! You're taking orders from humans?!" Arlong barked.
"It's not orders, Arlong-san. They're forgiving us, inviting us to join. Stop being stubborn—"
"Who's stubborn?! I don't accept those punks! Do whatever you want!" Arlong snapped, storming into the cabin.
The others looked lost, unsure what to do. Sensing the awkward vibe, Hachi took the lead, suggesting they drink to lighten the mood.
"Maybe sharing some booze will change his mind. Sorry, Arlong-san, but we gotta try. Everyone, let's prep!"
Hachi's good nature—or maybe just his push—got them moving, albeit reluctantly.
They hauled out barrels and filled mugs, preparing as the ships sailed on.
Soon, everything was ready, the moment at hand.
The ships aligned, Arlong's crew flying two flags: their shark emblem and a straw-hat-wearing skull. They had their reasons for sailing together.
The Merry was smaller, but with the crews leaning over the rails, faces were clear. The Straw Hats grinned, while Arlong's crew showed hesitation and doubt.
The party was about to begin.
Usopp hopped onto the rail, steady as ever, and launched into a speech, Luffy at his side, buzzing with excitement.
"Ahem! Today, we celebrate our navigator Nami officially joining the Straw Hats, and—despite some complicated history, not exactly a warm reunion—Arlong's crew coming under our flag. It's a modest gathering, but let's kick off this pirate party!"
Usopp's grand tone passed the baton to Luffy.
"Captain Luffy, your words."
"Got it."
Luffy, mug in hand, scanned the fishmen. He didn't care about the details.
"You guys, we've been through a lot, and I still don't like you. But a pirate party doesn't care about that. Human, fishman—doesn't matter. Eat, drink, and raise hell!"
His words stunned the fishmen.
Some, caught off guard, dropped their hostility, staring at Luffy.
Unable to hold back, Luffy grinned, coiled, and shouted.
"Forget the small stuff! It's party time! Cheers!"
The Straw Hats roared, clinking mugs. A few seconds later, the fishmen hurriedly joined in, tilting their drinks.
Chaos erupted.
Luffy, Kiri, and Usopp boarded Arlong's ship, clinking mugs with everyone, toasting repeatedly to fire them up. In a drinking setting, refusal was tough, and the fishmen, hesitant at first, started joining the vibe.
The walls came down fast.
Sharing drinks, devouring Sanji's cooking, laughing for no reason—it was enough to feel like pirates. The awkwardness vanished.
None of it mattered now.
Eat, drink, make noise—that's what made them pirates.
Laughter echoed across both ships, carefree smiles everywhere.
Nami, in the thick of it, laughed from the heart.
Luffy pulled her along, Silk's kindness soothed her, Kiri's smarts earned her thanks, Zoro's resolve protected her, Usopp's cheer lifted her, and Sanji's flirting lightened the mood.
With them, even fishmen weren't scary.
Now, with her crew, she could laugh in Arlong's face.
Bottled-up feelings? Laugh them away. That's how they lived.
Human, fishman—different species, but sharing a meal erased the gap. They were just creatures in the vast sea, small in the grand scheme.
They laughed, savoring the moment.
The pirate party, under a clear sky, rang with voices.
The first step was here.
With enough strength to challenge the Grand Line, they sailed forward.
The real adventure was just beginning.
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