ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: K
ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢs: Nami, T Law (Little snippets of LuNa, ZoNa and SaNa if you just take a spyglass)
sᴛᴀᴛᴜs: Complete
sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: The Straw Hats have just removed Nami from the crew as they have found a better navigator. How would she take it upon herself to make herself feel valuable again?
𓆝 𓆜 ––––———–––––———–⁀
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"Come on, Nami! We can't leave without you!" Yelled Usopp who had been running ahead the ginger. Both were running away from Doflamingo who so happen to make an appearance this afternoon. Dressrosa wasn't far off so it probably was that he was out looking for prey.
"I'm tired! I...can't" She was out of breath. Her legs had practically begged for rest yet this weren't the time to slack off as the main villain was mere feet apart. Her brain was spinning wildly with no sense of what was going on, her vision also becoming hazy. But the moment the pink feathered coat man had gained up on her, Zoro had come to the rescue and slowed him down. She might have to thank him later. "Nami, go. The Sunny is setting sail" The swordsman told. Usopp was still waiting for her at the docks so there was no time to even think about arguing with him.
The Sunny was just out of reach, far off into the distance. And yet again, she kept on running, losing her breath more and more and her vision becoming worse.
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.
And there the Sunny was, already anchored away from the dock and setting sail. She saw the crew calling her over and telling her to hurry. But before she could reach it, she had collapsed.
"𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵"
"𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘢 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬"
"𝘖𝘩, 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦"
"𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧𝘧, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴"
"𝘞𝘩𝘰'𝘥 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘧 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘪'𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵?"
"𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥. 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘱 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴"
"𝘠𝘰𝘴𝘩! 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘸!"
"𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳!"
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘡𝘰𝘳𝘰! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘫𝘪! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵!"
"𝘖𝘩, 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬! 𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱! "
The ginger's eyes began fluttering open slightly, she tried adjusting to the bright light as well.
"Nami, stay down. You need to rest" Told the small voice of the reindeer doctor, Chopper. She obeyed as she couldn't speak nor move her body. Her eyes were the only things that functioned besides her organs.
"Nami, darling. If you need help, just ring me over. I'll be here not a minute later. But I'll not be able to stay here as I have business to do in both the kitchen and in battle so I'm leaving Brook to handle your care" Explained Sanji with his poetic sing song voice. She grew to like this side of him. His care and affection had grown onto her to the point she had at least looked at him with a little hope in her eyes.
"Hey, hey. Calm down, love cook. She just needs a few days to heal and then we have her back" explained the green haired swordsman. Although they bicker and fight a lot, they still held a special sort of bond. He'd be there to save her in any situation there is and then she'd have to somehow pay him back with a thank you which she hates to do. So she lowers his dept by at least 5%. He'd also spot her little changes, unlike Sanji, and talk to her about it.
"Nami, please get better soon! We need to get to an island as fast as possible so that we could get more food!" Then there was her captain. The goofiest and most stupidest person she's ever met. Yet she cared for him deeply. He'd always pester her about upcoming islands that may appear, or about his strive to become the King of Pirates. She didn't believe him at first when they met in East Blue, but over time, she grew to support him. She'll stand next to him with whatever choice he chooses. "Get better, Nami" He told once more before putting his straw hat on her chest.
The rest of the crew was sprawled about, in the medical room. Zoro and Sanji had bandaids wrapped around their torso. While Luffy and Usopp had them around their heads. The rest seemed decent with little to no scars.
"Alright, let's leave Nami to rest. Brook, care for her while we're out" Chopper ordered and hopped down his stool and out the door. The others following behind after saying their farewells to the navigator. "Yohoho! I shall play some tunes for you as you try and take a rest! I see that you seem tired... Oh wait! I don't have eyes! Yohoho!" The skeleton took out his violin and started to tune a melody. It was nice and peaceful. She couldn't help but feel the heaviness on her eyelids. It was tempting but the darkness soon took over her vision as she drifted off.
The navigator soon opened her eyes once more. The surroundings seemed a bit too odd, as if it didn't look like how it used to be. Where was Chopper anyways?
She got up from the bed, only to receive a headache on the way. She put her palm onto her head got out the covers. As she opened the door, she was met with most the straw hats sprawled across the boat. Her feet took her around the Sunny to look at the route they have taken and by the looks of it, they were on the right track. The members hadn't even batted an eye on her figure at all which she found kind of odd. She figured they were too occupied or busy to even look their surroundings.
"My darling, Robin! You make my heart flutter with joy!" The familiar voice of Sanji rang from the gallery. She made her way towards the noise and saw Zoro, Luffy, Usopp, Robin, Sanji and Brook sitting at the table. They were all having a nice time without her.
"Huh? Nami? You're awake already" Voiced Usopp. The others had instinctively looked at her direction too. "Yeah... What happened?" She tried asking, stumbling her way towards her crew members. Thankfully, Usopp was there to catch her when she'd slip. "You were out for six months. So we let Robin take your place as navigator instead" explained Luffy with his signature grin. She missed seeing that smile. "She can do navigation pretty well! I must say, she's gotten better than you!" Commented the skeleton. "She also draws maps faster with her devil fruit powers. Not only that but she could basically do anything at once. My darling is the best" Everyone had agreed and chattered about Robin. She had felt like a burden.
"Then what about me?"
The room fell silent after she had spoken. It was as they were in deep thoughts. "Nami, we... " "While you were out, we had thought about letting you go" Letting her go? "What do you guys mean?" She demanded. She knew they were pulling a joke. They wouldn't dare tell her such lie. "You're being replaced" Answered Zoro, leaning into his chair. His hands were propped behind his head for support. "No way! Luffy, say something! Tell them to stop joking around! It isn't funny!" The rubber man had stayed quiet the majority of the time. His back facing her so she couldn't really tell what he was thinking about. "Nami... " His voice sounded hollow and empty. His head had also hung low. "It was my choice. You're officially off the crew. Once we anchor at a nearby town, we'll wave our goodbye" Her knees had felt like jelly. Had they really thought so low of her now? "Luffy..., don't do this. I'm your friend-" "Once you step foot on the island, we're done for. You can live your life as a civilian so that Marines won't bother to go after you anymore"
"The nearest town is thirteen hours away, you should start packing"
She basically ran her way out the gallery and into the women's room. Her stuff had already been packed the moment she stepped in. They were already prepared.
Was Robin really better than her?
They all agreed on her being the best. No doubt in their eyes as they spoke. Even Sanji and Zoro who had smirks on their faces. They were content with what they chose. And Luffy. He didn't even think twice before settling her with being a civilian. She loved the crew so much. It was like her family. Her only family she had left besides Nojiko. Yet they're turning her away as if she was never really needed or a good asset to begin with.
She headed towards her bed, where a suitcase had been placed with all her belongings neatly stuffed inside. The bitter tears ran down her cheeks as she lifted the suitcase and placed it on the floor to gain access to her bed. This'll be the last time that she'll feel the soft mattress pressing onto her skin. Sleeping was the only best option there was for her to do.
But she couldn't.
Twists and turns were all that was made. The constant tears running down her cheeks and sobbing had made it more difficult for her to sleep.
She ultimately decided to get up and have fresh air. It was currently around midnight and she still had several hours left before her departure. Saying goodbye to the waves and Sunny would probably help her get through it all.
She walked towards the deck of the ship. It was pitch black around and the only light source there was, was the gallery and crow's nest. Her tangerines were still in tact though. She might have to ask Franky to take it down and at least put the sapling into a pot, she'll have her own farm, just like Belle-mere.
It was a peaceful and quiet night. It was barely ever quiet in the Sunny. But the sudden drop of temperature and the swaying of the ocean had suddenly changed her mind. The ship had now swayed harder, water clearly getting onto the ship by just smashing hard enough. Before the ginger could yell out any warning, the voice of Robin had made an entrance. "Strong storm ahead! Everyone, get up!"
The men had all gathered outside and looked in confusion. There wasn't supposed to be a storm today as it was all clear skies. They all had jumped across from rope to rope, trying to sail as smoothly as possible. The ship, however, was having a hard time staying still as the waves kept on crashing again and again. The only option there was is to hold on tight and bare the storm till it lasted. There was no use in getting through it with a lot of trouble to sail it.
Nami was having troubles holding onto the railing. With the dizziness she still had after waking up, it didn't even help at all. As she tried walking back towards the women's room, she stumbled on a patch of water that found its way in and slipped. The boat rocked towards the right, making her slip off the edge, barely holding onto the railing. It dawned on her that the others wouldn't save her as they themselves were busy watching the others and themselves. She was out of it, for sure. She tried pulling up and onto the hard wood but failed as the boat had tipped again, letting her feet touch the ocean water. It was cold, it danced through her body and sent goosebumps onto her skin. This is it. Her fingers had felt numb from holding on for so long. She didn't want to give up, she had a whole life to live on and share. The railing she kept a hold onto had started cracking under her fingers. The wind and tide had kicked the ship once more, making the cracks much clearer to hear. The railing couldn't hold on much longer now, and so did she. Strike after strike, she felt herself get accepted into the the ocean. And then with one final tug, the railing cracked apart and threw her down into the cold depth of the waters.
"𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦? "
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯"
"𝘈𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵"
The cat burglar awoke once more but more confused than last.
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘮 𝘐?
Her first instinct was to get up and look around but the sudden pain in her head had made her lay back down an instant.
"Stay down. You haven't fully healed yet" spoke an unfamiliar voice. She glanced in the direction the voice came from and saw a rather long figure. He faced his back towards her so she couldn't really tell who he was. He wore a long black cloak, blue jeans and a white fluffy hat. It looked like a mushroom.
"My apologies, but who are you? What are you doing to me?" She asked. The mysterious man still hadn't turned around. "I'm Law... Trafalgar Law. And I'm trying to heal you" he simply answered. Trafalgar Law? That name sounded familiar but she had no clue as to how or where she got it from. But the moment he finally turned, it dawned on her. It was the Heart Surgeon. Captain of the Heart Pirates. His name was written all over wanted posters and his bounty was much larger than hers. She remembered seeing his posters around Thriller Bark. It took her interest so she somehow kept that name in mind.
"What happened to you, if I may ask?" She looked at him, fear written in her hazel eyes. "My crew found you washed up next to our ship. And if I do recall, you're Cat Burglar Nami, navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates. What're you doing so far from the ship?" He was genuinely curious as to why she drifted so far. She was alive too on her ride. "Well... You could just remove the Straw Hat Pirate title. It's no use anymore" she replied, her voice being very soft and mixed with more than one emotion. Law had felt a little bit of pity build up inside him. "He kicked you off, didn't he?" The girl nodded her head, tears spilling down her cheek as she did so. "Take a rest, then. I'll be back with your lunch" He told and walked towards the door.
"Captain! Did you ask her?" Asked a pinguin hatted pirate. There followed another crew member but with a hat that resembled a killer whale. "No, it's far useless" Answered Law, who walked past them and onto the deck of his ship. Had Luffy really kicked out his navigator? It seemed really out of character for the rubber man to kick out his friends. He cared for them for all he knew. "Then how long would she be staying here?" Asked Penguin. Law needed answers. Why did Luffy do such thing? "Three days. Our log pose needs to be filled within three days as well"
The day had gone by quite nicely if the Heart Captain may say. He hadn't allowed any visitors inside the medical care room, even Shachi and Penguin who desperately tried making their way in. Bepo on the other hand, was an exception as Nami had loved the bear. He wasn't upset about it, at least she had a smile on her face.
"Thank you" Nami thanked and put the tray that lay on her lap onto the bedside table. "Is Bepo going to keep me company again?" Law shook his head as he took the tray. "He'll be drawing a map of this island, although he does end up drawing something unlike the actual thing" It's true that Bepo has little experience in drawing charts and maps, but that bear had an achievement in his mind. "I could help. I'm a navigator too" "Nami, stay in bed. Tomorrow's a new day and I take that you probably don't have clothing with you so I'm taking you out to buy new clothes" Right, her luggage was still in the room.
A new day has arrived for the Straw Hat Pirates. It was a jolly day with mostly clear skies as Robin had navigated.
"I see an Island up ahead!" Usopp yelled from the crow's nest. Luffy was the first to jump out the crows Nest and onto the deck to see. The Island looked huge, and it seemed the town was much larger than he expected. "Finally, after a week of sailing we've finally found another island" "We should wake up Nami" suggested Zoro. Chopper insisted on going to wake up the former navigator since he hadn't had much to do today.
"Nami, we've reached the island" the small reindeer pulled the door open to see a darkly lit room. It was hard to see anything and the light outside wasn't any help at all. With a quick jump, he jumped up to where the switch was and turned the lights on, only to find the room to be empty.
"Everyone! Nami is gone! Everyone!" The crew stopped in their tracks to see Chopper running full speed towards them in panic. "What do you mean, Chopper?" asked the swordsman confused. There would be no way that Nami would have left before reaching an island. "Help me find her! She's not in her room!" The whole crew had scathered around the ship to find the orange haired burglar. They looked at tiny cracks she could fit in, secret spots she may hide in, but it was all in vain as she was nowhere in the ship at all. "Where could she possibly be? I just don't get it, her luggage is perfectly fine in her room" Usopp commented, rubbing his fingers on his chin.
Franky, though, he looked at every detail on the ship. He looked at the wheel, the Sunny, even the top of the galley. But what he noticed after, was that the railing on the deck had been chomped off. As if someone had put their entire strength into it and ripped it off. "Everyone! Come look at this!"
"So you're saying she might have fallen in the water while there was a storm!" Sanji practically screamed out in horror. He recalled the storm being horrendous and scary, pitch black and the rain hitting your skin as bullets. "She must still be in the water somewhere behind!" "Luffy, Brook, Robin and Chopper, you guys should stay here as your devil fruits don't allow you to swim. You guys could keep a lookout if there are any signs of any body drifting above the water and also, find your way to the island, she might have stopped there. Franky, Usopp, build us a boat as fast as possible. Me and Zoro will check under water" Sanji ordered. They all agreed and went into their positions.
𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘪, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶...
"No, that's not how you draw maps. Here's an easier way to draw these" Law had passed the door that led to the navigation room. He was sure that Bepo was in it but he had not expected any female to be in it. Not to mention that it sounded like Nami. "I'm sorry, I'll try-" "What are you doing out of bed?" The door suddenly busted open to reveal the cat burglar and his bear navigator drawing maps. "I'm so sorry, captain" Bepo apologized and bowed. The bear was too sensitive. "Staying in bed made my bones ache, and I also couldn't wait to get out and shop!" Answered Nami with a glint of joy in her eyes. The thought of buying clothes and jewelries had suddenly stirred her up to her feet. Law hummed and walked over the map to see that it indeed looked better than the childishly drawn ones from Bepo.
"Let's go, we're going out. Bepo, you're keeping watch with the others while I take Penguin, Shachi and Nami out. I'm counting on you" The bear nodded and went out to the crow's nest.
"It's too expensive" "But I like it" The Heart Captain sighed once more and took out his wallet to get the last few berries out of it. This girl will really rob him poor one day. "Shachi, here's another bag" Law delicately handed the bag over to his underling, who had multiple boxes and bags slung over him so well as his partner, and walked next to the Cat Burglar. "This is enough for today. The rest of the crew are already awaiting us for dinner" Law told, the others had agreed and followed him back towards the ship.
"What's awaiting us tomorrow?" Asked Nami, taking a bite out of her dinner. "Well, for you, you have to stay in bed while we head out to find supplies" Law answered. She sighed, "But I was fine today" But Law had only wanted what was best for her. He heard how wicked the Straw Hat Pirates were and it'd be no surprise if the Cat Burglar was as wild as a tiger. "It doesn't matter, we can't risk getting you out of bed as we don't know your current condition yet. Bepo, keep the lady save while we're out tomorrow morning" "What a bummer. Why can't I be the one to care for her?" Complained the Penguin hatted underling. "It's because you guys aren't reliable" Answered the bear as a matter of factly. "Mind your business, you wicked beast!" "I'm so sorry" "You're too sensitive!"
"Law" The ginger called out. Said man had turned to face her as he was about to exit the medical care room. "I'm fine, really. There's no need to care for me anymore-" "Do as I say or I'll rip your heart out just like my other patients!" Law interrupted with a harsh tone. She was scared. Scared of him just like when she first saw him. Unable to speak out of fear, she nodded her head. "I expect to see you tomorrow in bed already asleep once I arrive. I will not repeat myself" With that, he walked out without a single glance.
It's not that he's being cold towards her, it's just that he doesn't want anything to happen to her again. He had grown fond of this girl who he just met two days ago. He doesn't normally trust anyone who he meets on the way, yet, there he is, accepting her in his crew the moment she stepped foot on the boat, he treated her as if she was no rival to begin with. He wanted to protect her, the need to be there for her very being. This woman... This woman had her charms, her beauty, her determination, her charisma, just everything. It attracted him. He had not shown any signs of any feelings as he had abandoned those after the death of Corazon. He was sure that he'd never have to smile, to laugh or to be angry at things and then here he is, smiling at everything she does, laughing at how clumsy she is, angry that she wouldn't co-orporate with him. She brought out the old him that he wanted to keep out. But she had melted her way inside him and he does not know how she managed to do that.
The next day had arrived and the Heart Pirates had stepped foot on the island once more to get more supplies. Only a bear and an orange haired lady had stayed to accompany the ship
Or that's what anyone thought.
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
Nami had somehow slipped out the ship and onto the island where she had ran off into the town. It was packed full with people so it wasn't much to hide. The Heart Pirates have already left early morning so it was less of a chance to bump into them on the way as they probably have split up already. But she wasn't taking any chances. Although she doesn't have any berries on her, she must find a place to stay in. Just like Luffy had planned for her.
With a little help of pick pocketing, she grabbed in total of five wallets that had more than enough to let her survive on this land. But first, she needed to find a place to stay. There weren't many available apartments to buy from so the only option for her was to find a hotel and stay there for a while.
On the other hand, though, Law had already packed enough stuff for the next adventure. As for his crew, they too had stocked their supplies faster than usual. "Alright, are you guys ready?" Asked Law towards his crew. They all roared in reply. All of them were ready to set sail again but the only thing that were to stop them was that damned log pose that still needed five days to fill up.
Law was eager to go back to the ship again. He wanted to see her.
As they arrived on board, he was surprised to see all their belongings thrown across. It was a mess, really. In the far corner stood Bepo, he had a crate in his arms which he soon later threw on the floor, making it explode with the remaining items inside. "Bepo! What's the meaning of this!" Demanded Law. It was out of character for the bear to be careless. "I'm sorry, captain. But I'm afraid the Cat Burglar had ran away as I can not find her on the ship" replied the bear, bowing his head in shame. He knew that the girl had a special spot for his captain. He tried his best, to find any clues on how she escaped, or where she could hide, but it was in vain as he searched thoroughly. "I have searched every crack, every hiding spot and even the upper areas but she wasn't anywhere there" "Everyone, head back in town and search for her" Law had ordered with a cold expression on his.
He will find her.
"We made it to the island! Luffy, what do you suggest?" Asked the archeologists. He hadn't need to say a word as he instantly stretched out his arms and flew off into the higher buildings. Chopper had followed after, transforming into his four legged version. As for brook and Robin, they both took their time to search thoroughly as they knew the others wouldn't pay much attention.
Usopp and Franky, who were stranded on one boat which they had built, were busy looking around for any bodies. Zoro and Sanji had both went underwater to at least check if she were still below, if her body were stuck in between rocks or hasn't removed any air yet. "There's no sign of any life here. The ocean is quite big and the usual water streams go all different ways" Usopp commented. He let go of the binoculars and pulled the strings that held onto both crew members that were below. "Not to mention that there are multiple islands that she could have stopped at. It's possible someone had found her body that was drifted ashore and took her in" replied Franky. He was right. At least the others had went onto the island that was close by so that they could at least check if she were there.
Both Zoro and Sanji had both resurfaced from the ocean water, and instantly jumped back up onto the boat. "No sign of any body down below. We checked the water beds, streams and cracks yet nothing showed up" explained Zoro. They have stayed a while, to check if the tides would eventually bring something which it did not, so they went ahead towards the island to meet up with the rest of the crew.
Atop a tall building stood the Straw Hat Captain, with his arms outstretched to swing towards another building. But the familiar color of orange had caught his eyes.
In the town below ran a girl with the same signature hairstyles like his navigator. No doubt that the girl was Nami. But the one thing ticking him off was the outfit she wore. It wasn't the one that Nami was fond of wearing. A big shirt and baggy pants, when would she ever wear such stuff?
Without a second to lose, Luffy had dropped down the building and ran after the orange haired girl. She was rather running quite recklessly. As if she was being chased, yet no sign of anyone tailing her besides himself. Just what is the matter with this girl?
It had been minutes of chasing her and the rubber man had grown tired of running. There was no way to keep up with her speed so on a final decision, he let her go. It'd be a waste of he wasted his energy to run after someone who in actuality was not the person he was looking for. But her hair, it was the same length, same color as Nami. Her build was also the same but woman now all have the same physics. He would have to inform the others about this.
"Gee, are there no better places to take a stop at" argued the Cat Burglar. She had ran several miles around this big town only to find broken down inns, over priced hotels and whatever that was out of her league. Her money wasn't that much to begin with so it was a struggle to find a decent place to stay for the night. The sun had already touched the horizon by now and it won't be long till Law and his underlings will make it back to the ship. She needed to stay away as fast as possible. And luckily, she finally found the place she'd been looking for.
"Your room number is 32. Thank you for staying!" Told the reception with a wide smile. She only shyly waved her goodbye and instantly ran towards her room. The room was very neat and cozy. A big bed over to the right, a big window that overlooked outside the streets and a bathroom that was placed across the bed. 'It's just a couple of days that I'll stay here. After that, I'll be going my own way' She thought and went over to the bathroom to wash out all the sweat that came from running around.
However, even after taking a relaxing bath, she still felt uneasy. Although this place was very high quality with locks and cameras. She still couldn't shake off the feeling of being anxious. Was it because of Law's threat? Was it because the crew wasn't with her anymore? She did not know.
She stepped out the tub and began dressing to go to bed. But this time, she was sure something was up.
Her feelings were never wrong when it came to weather and instincts and here she stood, unaware of what was happening. There was nothing out the ordinary but there was just this odd feeling.
"Get out" She suddenly ordered.
A low chuckle erupted from a dark corner of the room. Her heart skipped a beat as she knew now who the threat was.
"You sure know your surroundings, Nami" The deep voice of this man told. "What are you doing here? It's late and the others are probably out looking for you" His golden eyes trailed her as he inched closer and closer till he came out the darkness. She was surprised to find him here after thinking she got away with escaping.
"I've told you that you had to be in bed already asleep when I arrive. You weren't there nor asleep" Law spoke.
"I don't care. I'm not something you can keep forever. Besides, Luffy had planned out that I stay here, like a normal civilian. I don't want to be with pirates anymore. After all, I hate pirates.
Just because I'm out of the Straw Hats means you could do whatever you want. You're not my captain and I don't have to obey to you. Although I may not have been a good asset to them anymore, I still take my pride in being one of the former Straw Hat member.
There's nothing for you to find here. I have no treasures nor money for you to take. Your threats are nothing to me so it's best to leave me be. I already have my life planned out"
They both stood in silence as each of them processed the words that had been spoken.
So that's why she was kicked out. Of course, he was able to put two and two together to which lead him to this very answer. But if she were the navigator of The Straw Hats, then who was the one who had taken her title? He's seen her charts and maps when she helped Bepo. It was truly spectacular and a talented gift which was only rare for one to have as a skill.
"Truth be told..."
She looked up from her spot and directly at him.
"I'm not here for your treasures or Berries. I have enough of those at the Polar Tang. But I want you. Although you probably still have a sore spot after what happened with your previous crew, I will still take my chance to ask you to join the Heart Pirates in our adventures.
I've seen your skills, Nami. And it was amazing. We need you on our ship to help us lead the way. Sure, we got Bepo. But he could learn a thing or two in order for him to reach his dreams. And you're the one who could teach him.
I know you hate pirates, but think about it. You've sailed with pirates for years, called them your comrades and friends, took care of them and loved them to your hearts extend. We may not be them, but we are also like them. We call each other family.
We're leaving by tomorrow morning around eight. Please, consider your choice. I understand if you don't want to come with us but trust me, it's better than living alone most the time" Law informed. He considered using his devil fruit powers to teleport them both back on the ship, but he had to take a piece of mind on how she felt at that moment. He wouldn't forgive himself if she was upset with him.
He walked past her and towards the door, where he'd leave his stay. Although he wanted to stay longer, he had to leave the ginger with her own problems. As she said, he wasn't her captain and he can't do anything. He's already taken most her time by making her stay at the Polar Tang.
The door clicked loudly indicating that the surgeon had left. Nami let out a puff of air from her lips and sulked into the bed.
Whatever it was, she had to choose fast.
In all honesty, she's grown fond of that man. He had taken care of her while she layed unconscious after her fall. He even let her stay aboard the ship for a few days as well.
But what kept her from going was the mere thought of her former crew. She loved them. They had a big role in her life and she was forever grateful that they made so many memories together. She owed them a lot for saving her from the darkest pit she was in.
It hadn't mattered now as they had already found a better navigator on the ship. She knew she stood no chance besides Robin as she was a very smart woman. So what better did it do to stay on the ship anyway if she was no longer needed?
She sighed once more and pulled the covers over her body. It was a long and tiring day so it was best to rest for the time being and just trust herself the next morning.
"Morning, Captain! We're already packed and ready for sail!" Shachi happily chirped. Penguin was next to him carrying extra baggages from yesterday's shopping.
It seemed they were ready to set sail once again. But the Heart Captain felt something was missing.
He knew she wouldn't take his offer into sailing the seas. She was tired of it, for sure. But he kept a little hope in him to at least see her run towards them with open arms.
Thinking about that, he walked over towards the ship's deck. He'll have a better chance to see her this way after all.
But instead of expecting the ginger, he stumbled up in a ship that anchored right across from them. It took only a few seconds to realize that it was the familiar Straw Hat Ship. What are they doing here?
"No sign of her anywhere here" Franky informed. They all gathered back on the Sunny to inform the others about the whereabouts of their crew mate.
"Not in the waters either" Zoro spoke. "Luffy, what do you have?"
"I saw this girl that looked like Nami"
All their attention had snapped towards the rubber boy. Could it be that they have found her?
"It looked like her. Orange hair that was long and a body like hers. But... At the same time it was not Nami at all. She was different" He continued. The others stood, puzzling the information together but lead to nothing. "Are you sure? How different was she?" Sanji interrupted their thoughts.
He had hoped that it was her. His beloved Nami was still out there and cold to death. Who knew what she was going through without them at this point and that's what scared him. He was going to lose her if he weren't about to move fast. He only wished she'd be here again, sitting at the deck, sunbathing and reading her magazines. And he'd bring her some snacks or desserts.
"She wore clothes far different from what Nami wears. I remember seeing that girl wear a big shirt and big pants. I suppose slippers as well, just like mine" Luffy answered with all honesty. "Clothes are clothes. Are you implying that a change of outfit would simply mean it's someone else? No! We're not taking things easy at the moment! Nami or not, either way, we will find her" Usopp was right. If they were on a mission to find their crew mate, then they have to do the best they could.
"Luffy, we have company" Robin spoke from the crow's nest. All the Straw Hats looked around and spotted the ship Robin was talking about. Gee, what are they doing here? "Do you suggest we go there to introduce ourselves?" Without a minute to lose, Luffy swung himself onto the Sunny and pointed straight ahead where the ship had anchored.
"Look, they're headed towards us" Shachi mumbled, holding onto a binocular. "Maybe they're planning on asking where their doll is"
The Sunny came up right besides them, with most of the crew already standing at the deck to greet anyone.
"Good day to you, Straw Hat. What is it that you need from us?" Asked Law who appeared in front of them. He knew damn well what they came for but decided to act clueless. "I'm looking for my friend. Since you've docked around the shore, I'm sure you've kept an eye around here" Luffy replied. The boy didn't look happy at all. Far from what people have told him. All giddy and happy, helping whoever was in need of help. But it's only reasonable as he's just lost one of his precious friends. Who wouldn't be sad about it? "Which friend, may I ask?" "Our navigator... Or former navigator. She got washed up from a storm and landed in water. She has long and wavy orange hair and smells like tangerines. If you're close to her, then you'd smell it. That's basically how we know when she's around" That's Nami for sure.
He could tell the truth about her whereabouts. It'd surely make the Straw Hat happy knowing she was around here on this very island, walking around. Or lie so that he was able to keep her for himself. Luffy did kick her out so it wasn't like he could do or say anything to the Cat Burglar.
However, as much as he wanted to talk about her, he had to be interrupted, of course. But he didn't mind the interruption at all as the voice that called his name was the person he long expected.
"Law!"
All heads turned towards a female figure that made it's way up the Polar Tang.
"Nami! I'm- You're alive! ...And here?" Luffy questionably looked at her. Why was she here and how does she know this guy's name at all?
Zoro, who saw the whole scene from the corner of his eye, couldn't believe that the woman was still alive. After that much trouble, they did manage to find her. "Oi, Nami. Don't scare us like that anymore!" The swordsman argued towards her but she didn't seem to budge at all. She didn't even spare him a glance either.
"Nami, my love! You're alright! Oh, how much I missed you so much!" But the cook too, received nothing but a cold shoulder.
The burglar steadily and slowly walked up towards the surgeon. She even passed Luffy who was still confused at the whole situation before him.
"I take your offer on joining you, The Heart Pirates, in on your adventures. I shall take my place as navigator of the ship. I'll try my best to be active and loyal towards my new crew" Everyone stood quietly. None of them could form any words out their mouths. Law, however, he merely chuckled. "Very well, Nami. You're now an official member of the Heart Pirates. Please make yourself at home"
The surgeon was content. She finally came back, and as a member of his pirate crew. The gods surely made his dream come true.
Luffy finally snapped from the shock. "Nami, why are you joining him?" She stared back at him, but now with nothing more than a despised stare. "You said it yourself that once I step on this island, we're done being friends and crew mates. And I've done just that" She was right. "But I wasn't there! I wasn't there to make it official. You can't just join another crew and forget about us!" "Save it, Luffy. You kicked me out so I'm only doing what you asked me to"
Law who watched them both quarrel, stepped in on them. "You know she's right, Straw Hat. I heard what happened and I must say that it's mostly you in the wrong. The moment she washed up on the shore, she knew she had to move on.
You don't have to worry about her anymore. She's in save hands with a crew that will make better use of her than to replace.
Now that you've found your friend, it's time to leave. Marines will show up in about a few hours so it's best to give you guys a head start"
Zoro merely scoffed at the surgeon. He dares to speak about their current situation? "You have no say in this, moron. Nami, why the hell are you joining that sketchy guy? If anything, he sure knows how to tick people off!"
"It's because he's saved me from my supposed death, and I'm willing to pay him back with my trust and loyalty to be in his crew. I will forever be grateful for you guy's help and rescue back then and I'll never forget it. However, things must end unexpectedly and we must force to separate our way here. I hereby thank you all Straw Hats by giving me loving memories to think about every day and I hope to eventually see you guys achieve your dreams. Bye bye!" The Sunny had suddenly started moving on it's own as it drifted away from the Polar Tang. Bepo sure was useful when dealing with bigger stuff.
The two ships separated moments later with Luffy promising to meet them again at the end of their goals. It was heartwarming and sad at the same time to see them part ways but it is what it is.
"I expected you to come back" Law spoke from behind her. She was startled for a moment as she had forgotten her surroundings but gave hima lighthearted smile. "I didn't plan on coming but I just had a gut feeling to come back here"
"We're ready to set sail!"
Both of them watched as the crew had surrounded them, waiting for their orders.
"Lead us to the right way, Nami!"
She once again felt happy.
Happy to be on a ship and in a crew again.
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