Chapter 22
Everyone was busy.
Arlong, bored, leaned on the railing and stared into the distance.
After some time, Nami's sweet voice called from behind.
"Big Bro Arlong."
He turned to see Nami approaching.
She had changed into her new clothes.
A cropped round-neck short-sleeve shirt—very short.
It exposed her slim waist, flat stomach, and even a glimpse of her bra. Paired with denim hot pants.
Sexy, but not overly revealing.
"Not bad."
Arlong nodded approvingly and pulled the Clima-Tact from storage.
"I had this specially prepared for you. Comes with instructions—figure it out yourself."
A staff with a manual? Already sounded promising.
Nami's eyes sparkled (???).
She thanked him, took the Clima-Tact, and started experimenting with the instructions.
"Heat Bubble."
"Cool Bubble."
"Thunder Bubble."
The three bubbles merged mid-air, forming a massive storm cloud.
Lightning flashed and thunder roared.
Beneath the cloud, on a luxury yacht, a rich playboy was proposing with a diamond ring.
"Meiya, marry me. I'll love you forever!"
"I don't believe you!"
He raised his hand dramatically. "I swear to the heavens—if I fail, may lightning strike me!"
BOOM-CRACK!
A bolt hit him square on.
Meiya: (°Д°)
Arlong grinned. "Men should swear less."
Nami stuck her tongue out guiltily.
Nami Affection +1
…
Kuroobi, finished with his tasks, approached hesitantly.
"Big Bro Arlong, everyone in town seems to be hunting for Roger's crewmate—Buggy the Clown."
Nami punched Kuroobi with the Clima-Tact.
"Don't believe every rumor. Buggy's broke and weak."
Roger's crew? Every one was a billion-berry pirate.
Kuroobi rubbed his head, looking wronged (￣∠￣)?
What did I do?
Thinking of how he had screwed over Buggy, Arlong couldn't help laughing.
"You're wrong this time, Nami."
"Clown Buggy really was on Roger's crew."
Nami's eyes turned into berry symbols.
She grabbed Arlong's arm, fawning. "Big Bro Arlong, why don't you go capture Buggy?"
She could already see mountains of gold waving at her.
"Hold on, I'm not done. Buggy was just an apprentice—he never reached the end."
Arlong's pause drove Nami crazy (?｀ω′?).
She turned away with a huff. "Big Bro Arlong, you're mean. Ignoring you."
Kuroobi slipped away at the first sign of trouble.
He was a fish—he didn't like dog food.
…
Night fell quickly. Carmen prepared a massive feast.
Hydrated and empowered by her Devil Fruit,
Carmen felt no fatigue—her face glowed with vitality.
Like a wilted plant revived, lush and green again.
"Wow, smells amazing!"
"So beautifully presented."
Everyone entering the dining hall praised it.
Carmen untied her apron and smiled. "As long as you're happy."
Arlong sat at the head of the table and raised his cup. "Everyone, welcome our new crewmate!"
Cups rose.
"Welcome, Carmen!"
"Thank you, everyone."
"Dig in!"
"Carmen, this is too delicious!"
Nojiko stuffed her cheeks like a hamster, no care for image.
Pure bliss.
"Thank you." Carmen smiled warmly.
"Nojiko, mind your table manners."
Nami said disapprovingly. "Like you haven't eaten in eight hundred years."
She had tasted Sanji's cooking. Carmen's was good, but not quite on that level.
"Mind your own business." Nojiko grumbled, too busy eating to argue.
As a woman, Carmen sensed Nami's hostility.
But she wasn't childish—she wouldn't compete for favor. She ladled seafood soup for Nami.
"Nami, this soup is great for beauty and skin."
"Wow!"
Nojiko's eyes lit up. "Carmen-san, is your amazing skin from drinking this?"
"Partly."
Carmen smiled and served Nojiko a bowl too.
"Thank you, Carmen-san."
What woman didn't care about looks? But remembering Carmen's earlier "threat,"
And Nojiko's "betrayal," Nami refused proudly. "I'm naturally beautiful. Don't need it."
"If you don't want it, I'll take it."
Nojiko pulled Nami's bowl over.
"Nojiko, you traitor!"
Nami yelled.
Chew, Kuroobi, and the others sensed danger and fled with their plates.
"Why'd everyone leave?"
Hatchan blinked in confusion, then Chew dragged him out.
Arlong finally caught on—Nami was upset!
This couldn't stand.
An unbalanced harem meant an unbalanced world!
Arlong set down his utensils, scooped up Nami and Nojiko—one under each arm.
He shot Carmen a look.
Carmen hurried after him.
The cabin had five levels—the entire second floor was Arlong's quarters.
Room for dozens.
Punishment to set an example!
Nami got "punished" the most when moody.
Afterward, Arlong asked sternly, "Will you act up again?"
"Big Bro Arlong, I'll get along with Carmen-san from now on." Nami begged.
Nojiko felt bad but stayed silent.
If Nami didn't change, the punishments would only increase.
Carmen stepped in timely. "Big Bro Arlong, it's my fault. Punish me instead!"
"Carmen-san…"
Touched that Carmen took the blame, Nami teared up.
The harmonious scene pleased Arlong greatly.
A good "beating" worked better than anything.
"Alright, let's eat!"
"This is Carmen's welcome banquet, after all."
…
The next day,
Early morning, Nami and Nojiko went shopping in Loguetown—this time with Carmen.
Yesterday they were strangers, even hostile.
One night of "bonding," and they were like sisters.
Carmen was worldly and considerate, always mindful of the younger girls' feelings, keeping them happy.
Nami suddenly stopped and looked at the clear sky.
Carmen: "What's wrong?"
"It's going to rain."
Nami pointed to a café. "Let's wait it out there."
"Why would it rain on a day like this?"
Nojiko followed.
Carmen, unaware of Nami's abilities, was curious.
But she went along.
The moment they entered the café, thunder boomed.
Clear skies turned dark as clouds rolled in—Loguetown plunged from day to night.
"Why did it suddenly get dark?"
"Run! Rain's coming!"
"Weather report didn't mention a solar eclipse!"
Chaos erupted outside.
Carmen: っ?Д?)っ
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