It was getting dark and the crew had now gathered on the ship. Chopper was busy treating the newcomer in the cabin while the rest stayed on deck minding their own business. Luffy's stomach grumbled and broke the silence. "Man, I'm hungry. Sanji?" he bellowed. Normally, Sanji would tell to shut the hell up and wait for his dinner but Sanji wasn't there. "Sanji, where are you?"

"He's probably off with some women." Zoro replied unable to sleep with all the noise, also, something was on his mind.

"That's weird. Sanji's usually responsible when it comes to stuff like this." Nami wondered aloud. This was the first time Sanji wasn't there to make their food. It was unlike him. She knew he was strong enough to fend for himself but he was weak around women. He'd be fine. She assured herself but somehow, she couldn't it shake off. She stood up from where she was seated and made her way towards the kitchen.

"Are you gonna cook for us, Navigator-chan?"

"Yeah, someone has to feed this captain, right?"

Robin accompanied Nami to the kitchen. After all, they were the girls of the crew. This would be an interesting change too. It took them some time before they were finished. Cooking was something new to both of them. They had prepared some simple dishes that seemed safe to eat.

"Everyone, dinner is ready!" Nami announced. Everyone rushed to their seats. They were all hungry after an afternoon of exploring the town.

They all looked at their plates, doubting if they could get through this one alive. They all knew Nami had zero cooking skills whatsoever, everyone except Luffy who gobbled up his share in one gulp. It was silent. Then…

"That was AWFUL!!"

Thud. Nami's fist met Luffy's head. "Be grateful! There's a reason why I'm your navigator."

"You're right." Zoro said. "This tastes as boring as your job."

THUD! "Ingrates, you make it sound so easy."

"You should all thank Navigator-san. She had a hard time too." Came Robin's defense.

"Sworry Nami. Thwank wou." Luffy and Zoro said; both were badly injured.

The rhythmic thud of a horse's hooves could be heard at full gallop from the deck of the pirates.

"Oi, guys. Something's coming." Zoro warned.

Everyone gathered as the horse came nearer and nearer. It neighed as it stopped before the ship. Then, the rider, spoke or rather, yelled.

"Strawhat Pirates, We have your nakama. If you want him back, bring 10,000,000 Beli by sunrise. Do not try anything stupid. I will guide you there."

"Sanji got kidnapped?!" Nami was right to be worried after all.

"Nami," Luffy began full of conviction. "Do we have 10,000,000 Beli?"

"I can manage something somehow." Nami stammered. They were running short on money and they badly needed all they had. She could always steal some more. That's how she had always lived.

"That's too bad."

"Huh? Why is it too bad? We could get Sanji back with --"

"'Coz we're not paying."

"Luffy, it's too risky! Sanji got kidnapped and he's really strong. We could be in trouble if --"

"It's useless, Nami." Zoro cut her short. Once Luffy has said something, he'll really go for it.

"Wait!" shouted an unidentified voice came from inside the cabin. The door creaked open revealing a young woman, about the same age as Nami but smaller in frame. Her long jet black hair danced with the sea breeze. She clutched the door for support. She was the same woman Luffy carried to the ship earlier. "It's useless to use force. He's your nakama, right? They're going to tear him apart the moment they find out what you're planning. It's horrible..." Tears flowed down from her cheek as she continued. "It's the most horrible way to die. You'll hear his cries but you won't be able to do anything about it."

"How do you know all this?" Robin wondered.

"My crew came here three years ago. We were broke and came from a storm. My nakama and I were taken hostage. The captain had no money or men to spare but he charged at the hide out no matter. I heard his screams of agony, we all did. They spared my life because I could be profitable. Today I ran away after I helped lure your nakama and your captain saved me. I'm sorry."

"O-oi, Luffy. You heard her, right? We're paying, right?" Usopp asked. He was already shaking.

"Yeah, I heard her." Luffy said. "but we're saving Sanji."

"Once the captain says he'll do something, he won't change his mind." Chopper said almost with as much conviction as Luffy. I'm a pirate now. I must be strong like Luffy. He really looked up to Luffy.

"Please! Don't do it!" cried the newcomer.

"She's right, Luffy." Nami sided with this girl. She didn't want to see another person she cared for die. She'd seen too much of that. But she was stronger now and she knew they all were.

"At least, without a plan." she added.