Chapter 5: We'll Deal With Arlong, You Come Be the Navigator
Nami really hadn't expected that the target she chose this time would be a pirate with an \(800,000,000\) Berries bounty.
Arlong, who ruled Cocoyasi Village, only had a \(20,000,000\) Berries bounty, and Nami's forehead was covered in cold sweat.
"Really, Rozi? There are really Devil Fruits in your suitcase?"
Luffy tilted his head curiously and looked at the suitcase Nami was sitting on.
"That's right." Rozi nodded. He supported Nami by the waist with one hand, pulled the suitcase out from under her, and opened it in front of both Nami and Luffy.
The stacks of Berries inside instantly made Nami's eyes shine, even briefly suppressing the fear she felt after learning how terrifying Rozi's bounty was.
"This suitcase has a hidden compartment. Inside are Devil Fruits I once snatched from a World Government ship."
"One is a Paramecia-type Bubble-Bubble Fruit. The other is a Zoan-type Ox-Ox Fruit, Model Giraffe."
"I didn't tell you, did I, Luffy? I used to work for the World Government. Later, I left because I couldn't stand the Celestial Dragons."
"I happened to get these two fruits when I left."
As Rozi spoke, he opened the suitcase's hidden compartment.
Luffy propped himself up and took a look, and sure enough, he saw two oddly shaped fruits.
"So cool. They really look like the Gum-Gum Fruit I ate."
"Rozi, there are two Devil Fruits here. Then are you a Devil Fruit user too?"
Luffy asked.
"No, I'm not. Those two fruits are too ordinary. I'm not giving up the fun of swimming for that."
Rozi shook his head, then looked at Nami, who was getting more and more excited over the two Devil Fruits, and said teasingly:
"Back when I worked for the World Government, I heard some interesting intelligence."
"On a certain island in the East Blue, a group of fish-men formed the Arlong Pirates and took control of the place."
"And within that fish-man pirate crew, there's a human girl."
"It seems she reached some kind of deal with the Arlong Pirates, and she's been stealing for years."
"Am I right, Ms. Nami?"
At those words, Nami immediately recoiled to the side in fear.
Even the Berries in the suitcase couldn't draw her eyes anymore.
What Rozi said was detailed and coherent, and he even called her by name.
For a moment, Nami didn't even know how to argue back.
Of course, she had no idea that even though Rozi had worked inside the World Government, everything he said about the Arlong Pirates was actually because he knew the story.
"Don't worry, Ms. Nami."
"Just because I have an \(800,000,000\) Berries bounty doesn't mean I'm a bad person."
"I'm not here to do anything to you. On the contrary, I can help you."
Rozi beckoned to Nami, signaling her to sit beside him.
Nami frowned slightly. Even though she was uneasy, Rozi's outrageous bounty and Luffy's strange ability made her obediently sit down next to Rozi.
"Ms. Nami, I know you're an excellent navigator."
"I'm guessing the reason you've stayed with the Arlong Pirates is also because they value your navigation talent."
"And as for why you've been running around everywhere, stealing—he must have named a price and told you to buy back your hometown with Berries, right?"
Rozi smiled, ignored Nami's shocked expression, and continued:
"Don't be too surprised. I learned those details because of my former work."
"Then I combined that intelligence with what I've observed and analyzed, and it's easy to guess what's going on over there."
"I can tell you clearly: even if you gather enough Berries and go to the Arlong Pirates, you still won't be able to achieve your goal."
"Since they're keeping you because of your talent, they will never let you leave."
"Also, I know the Arlong Pirates have ties with Captain Nezumi in the East Blue."
"Pirates and Marines working together—do you really think you can escape the Arlong Pirates' grasp?"
As he spoke, Rozi slapped away Luffy's hand reaching toward the Devil Fruits and closed the suitcase.
Unable to look at the Devil Fruits anymore, Luffy simply shifted his attention back to the food.
But his eyes kept drifting toward Nami, clearly thinking something.
"Then why tell me all this?"
"And what 'cooperation' are you talking about?"
At that moment, Nami slumped back in her chair like a deflated balloon.
Rozi being able to say so much about the Arlong Pirates was enough to prove he understood them deeply.
At this point, hiding her identity would only backfire.
She felt it was better to admit it honestly and figure out what Rozi wanted to do.
"Simple. I'll help you settle the Arlong Pirates problem."
"And you join my and Luffy's pirate crew and become my navigator."
Rozi raised one finger and said with a smile.
...