"I can get on your bed… Bah, ship. But the treasures on the ship must be managed by me!"
Nami finished speaking with eyes that instantly turned into sparkling Berries.
Rolan couldn't help but laugh softly. Hearing such words from her fit her personality perfectly.
"Alright. From now on, you'll be our crew's navigator and financial officer."
"Great!" Nami jumped up in excitement.
Nojiko stood beside her, slightly surprised. "Hey… Nami, are you sure? Even if Rolan seems like a good person, going out to sea with Pirates is dangerous. One mistake could mean never coming home."
Now that their lives had finally stabilized, Nojiko truly didn't want her sister to take such risks.
In the world of One Piece, danger lurked everywhere. Pirates ahead, Marines and bounty hunters behind. Every day felt like sleeping on the edge of a knife.
But Nami showed no hesitation. With determined eyes, she said, "Nojiko, you know my dream… I want to draw a map of the entire world. I believe that with Rolan and the others, I can accomplish it."
"But…" Nojiko tried to object again.
"It's fine, Nojiko. I know you're worried. But I trust Rolan will protect me."
As she spoke, Nami looked toward Rolan. The sense of safety she felt from him reminded her of Belle-mère.
Rolan nodded. "As long as I'm in this world, no one will harm my companions. And I'm already among the strongest out there."
"See?" Nami smiled at Nojiko. "I told you he'll protect me."
Seeing her sister's firm resolve, Nojiko could only sigh helplessly. "If this makes you happy, then I won't hold you back."
But in her heart, she couldn't help thinking, I hope you're not following him because he's good-looking…
"Nami, you've decided?"
A calm male voice entered the scene. Everyone turned to see Genzo approaching.
Nami nodded. "Genzo-san, I'm going out to sea with Rolan."
Genzo looked at her for a long moment, then burst into laughter. "If that's your choice, then go. Just don't forget to smile."
His words touched Nami deeply. Genzo had always cared for her and Nojiko, like family.
"Hey! Rolan, come drink! These people have terrible drinking tolerance, it's boring!"
Zoro's voice echoed from a distance.
Rolan glanced over and saw Zoro sitting on a large log with a huge glass of alcohol, surrounded by villagers passed out drunk.
No wonder he sounded frustrated.
Rolan waved. "Alright, I'm coming."
He left the sisters with their moment. He knew they needed this time before their departure.
Watching Rolan walk away, Genzo nodded. "He's reliable. You won't suffer under someone like him. But a man like him will attract women."
Nami immediately flushed. "Genzo-san, what are you saying?! I'm joining to be their navigator, not the Captain's wife!"
"No matter what happens in the future, don't let yourself be hurt, understand?" Genzo replied, unable to fully hide his worry.
The sisters talked late into the night, reminiscing about their childhood.
By the time Rolan returned, only Genzo was still there.
Rolan handed him a bottle of alcohol. "Genzo-san, did Nojiko take Nami to rest?"
Genzo accepted the bottle but didn't open it. He looked at Rolan seriously. "Kid, if you ever make Nami lose her smile… I'll chase you to the ends of the world."
Rolan nodded solemnly. "I guarantee no one will take my companion's smile away."
Genzo exhaled. "Good. Nami should be at Belle-mère's grave. You should go."
With a silent nod, Rolan activated his Observation Haki. He sensed Nami's presence alone on the cliff.
Then, in an instant, he vanished.
Genzo's eyes widened. "This kid… is far more dangerous than he looks. I hope Nami made the right choice."
At Belle-mère's grave, Nami sat speaking softly to the tombstone, telling her mother everything that happened.
Rolan stood in the distance, not interrupting her.
After a while, he walked closer. "Nami, you're here alone?"
Nami turned, surprised. "Rolan, why are you here?"
He sat beside her. "I hadn't seen you for a while and wanted to check if you were alright."
Warmth spread through her expression. "This place is safe. This is Belle-mère's grave. I wanted to talk to her before leaving."
Rolan nodded.
Nami gently leaned her head on his shoulder. "Belle-mère…"
She began talking about her mother, voice gradually softening until she fell asleep on his shoulder.
"Nami, you're here."
Nojiko's voice approached. Seeing Nami asleep, she smiled softly.
"Nojiko, she just dozed off. Can you take her back?"
Morning came quickly.
On the southern shore of Cocoyasi Village, villagers gathered to see them off.
"Are you really setting sail? Nami hasn't come yet," Lina asked, worried.
"It's fine," Kuro said. "Since she said to depart now, she'll arrive."
Rolan nodded and controlled the ship as it slowly moved from the shore.
His Observation Haki covered the entire island. He sensed Nami sprinting toward them.
Soon, Nami burst from the crowd and leapt onto the ship.
As she landed, she tugged her shirt open, and a rain of wallets spilled out.
"Hehe, thanks everyone!" Nami called out proudly.
"Hey! My wallet!"
"Thief cat!!"
"Give that back!"
Nojiko shouted, "Be happy, Nami!"
Genzo's gaze fixed on Rolan. "Remember what you promised."
Rolan smiled and nodded.
[ Ding, mission progress updated. 'Find Companion' +1. Rewards: Wei Long spicy strips *1 box, Wahaha purified water *1 box, spicy two-headed instant noodles *1 box, senzu beans *1000. ]
What kind of ridiculous reward is that…? What even is 'spicy two-headed'?
Rolan sighed, then looked toward Kuro. "By the way, there's a rat on board. Handle it."
Kuro transformed into a large bird and disappeared into the sky.
_______
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