Betaread and final touches done by The Patient One! My first update of 2018! Enjoy ;)

Chapter 22. Let the Sea Set You Free

Zoro wasn't sure what exactly he felt about Luffy's fight with Arlong.

At first, he didn't even know what to think because Luffy was clearly toying with his opponent. It didn't mean that he wasn't serious; the rubber boy always took fights seriously, despite his goofy grins and heedless attitude giving evidence to the contrary. Even in their occasional spar sessions, Luffy approached training with all the intense seriousness of a seasoned combatant who went through countless death-and-life battles.

The confrontation between the fishman and his captain was strange at first. But then, there was a shift. Just a subtle change in Luffy's demeanor that caused Zoro's grip on the handle of his katana to unconsciously tighten until it threatened to shatter. A sudden surge of adrenaline pumped through his veins and overwhelming excitement made him giddy.

And then the fight ended in a matter of seconds.

Disappointment swept over Zoro from the anticlimax of it. Not disappointment in his chosen captain, no. He was dissatisfied that Arlong was beaten so quickly, that the fishman wasn't strong enough to give Luffy a real challenge, that he, Zoro, couldn't witness his captain go all out.

Villagers were cheering around him, but Zoro paid them no mind. He squinted through the dust particles still hovering in the air, searching the area for a familiar red shirt. Movement near the wall that framed the sea gate caught his attention, and Zoro turned his head just in time to see Luffy vault himself over it.

Surprised and curious, Zoro nodded dispassionately at some villagers' seemingly unending words of gratitude, slowly moving to the edge of the crowd. With a last pat on some random guy's shoulder, he finally slipped away and walked toward the spot where his captain disappeared.

Zoro climbed on a pillar to reach the top and peeked down. Luffy was squatting by the water, feverishly scrubbing his hands in it. Thinking that the boy's mystery power already informed him about his presence, the swordsman quietly heaved himself up and over the wall, landing behind his captain on the cobbled floor with a click of his boots.

Luffy was on his feet and facing him with his stance ready and arms raised for an attack so fast that for a brief moment Zoro thought that he was going to punch him.

Of course, that didn't happen. As soon as Luffy saw who it was, the tension immediately seeped out of his posture, his arms dropped with a silent sigh of relief, and he lowered himself down to the water to continue rubbing his hands raw, though they were already thoroughly clean.

Zoro observed the boy with a small frown on his face. It seemed that Luffy wasn't unaffected by his own actions – taking two lives in a row. Some part of him relaxed at that fact, knowing that he didn't conscript himself into the crew under an extremely ruthless and bloodthirsty captain who didn't have any kind of regard for human lives.

When even after a few minutes Luffy didn't stop scrubbing his hands, Zoro finally spoke up. "Luffy," he began tentatively.

"Arlong deserved to die," Luffy stated in a quiet voice, his frantic movements not stopping in the slightest. "He's like them." After a short moment, he started to mutter angrily, "…Calling themselves gods, enslaving people, branding them, using them for their own entertainment…"

The feverish muttering reached Zoro's ears, and his mind flew as it connected the pieces to what he already knew.

He's like them. Zoro's eyes flickered to the dagger that was attached to the lower part of the teen's back.

Enslaving people. 'If I ever feel my freedom threatened… I'd rather kill myself than lose it again.'

Branding them. Then to the spot where he saw that strange mark burned into his flesh.

Using them for their own entertainment. 'In death matches, every strike can kill you, and you learn to avoid it if you want to survive.'

Zoro felt his stomach churn in disgust at the picture all the clues revealed. "You aren't talking about Nami anymore, are you?" he asked softly, keeping his tone carefully steady.

Luffy instantly stiffened and his hands stilled. He didn't reply, but he didn't need to; his body language told more than enough.

The silence that hung between them was truly uncomfortable, the loud cheering in the background and splashing waves with occasional seagulls screams failing to relieve it a whit.

Zoro's mind worked a mile a minute, trying to find a way to defuse this situation, not wanting to push Luffy even further if his guess turned out to be correct—and he was sure it was. Ultimately, however, relief came from another source:

"Luffy! Zoro! What are you two doing there?!"

Nami was glowing with pure joy. She met every villager's bright grin with an equally bright smile of her own. She wanted to laugh like there was no tomorrow, and she did burst into elated laughter the moment that thought crossed her mind.

Because Nami knew that tomorrow would come now, full of hope and dreams that were waiting to be chased across the seas. She was absolutely certain of that.

Arlong was dead and he wasn't coming back. His crew lay defeated and they didn't pose any threat to Cocoyashi or its people anymore. Even if they tried, Luffy and the boys were still here.

Nami looked around. Usopp was not far from her, enthusiastically recalling his grand battle with the fishman to the eager crowd with Johnny and Yosaku in the front rows, cheering for their aniki. A small frown settled on her features when she failed to spot the others, especially Luffy. Instantly, worry pushed any other thoughts away as the thief realized that she didn't see him after Arlong Park's destruction. She quickly glanced around one more time.

This time, Nami noticed Sanji leaning against the wall that separated the inner yard and the sea. He had his head up, staring at the sky, smoldering cigarette hanging loosely between his lips.

The navigator slipped away from the crowd and walked toward him. "Sanji-kun," she called softly, not wanting to startle the man. "What are you doing here? Are you feeling okay?"

The cook flashed a quick smile. "It melts my heart that you're worried about me, but I'm fine, Nami-san."

Nami scowled skeptically at him, her eyes sweeping over his body, searching for any obvious injuries. Sanji was sent flying straight through the stone fence after all. However, he really looked fine. "Have you seen Luffy? Or Zoro, for that matter?"

The blond blew out a cloud of smoke before tipping his head toward the wall and answering, "They're on the other side."

Nami blinked. "Why?" she asked, but Sanji just shrugged. "Luffy! Zoro! What are you two doing there?!"

No reply came. Then Luffy suddenly appeared in the air, using his rubber power to spring himself over the wall. He landed a few steps away from Nami.

A moment later, Zoro's green mop also popped over the edge as he pulled himself up. He grumbled a curse under his breath when his chest wound got aggravated by that kind of activity. Ignoring a slight tinge of pain, he also jumped down.

"Oh, there you all are!" Usopp exclaimed as he joined their little group. His eyes fleetly scanned each of his nakama, gauging the mood. "What are you guys doing here?"

With his brow furrowed, Luffy also looked at each of his crewmembers. "About Arlong," he started, his gaze stopping at Nami. "I don't regret killing him. Or Krieg."

Such bold and unprompted statement brought surprise and confusion on the faces of four pirates.

"But it's still a killing," the young captain continued, his expression shifting from determined into guarded. "I guess that makes me similar to those guys…" He grimaced, clearly appalled by that idea himself. "So, I understand if you want to leav—"

"Shut up."

Nami's voice wasn't loud and no action accompanied her words, but Luffy's mouth clamped up immediately. He stared intently at the female.

The straw hat shadowed Nami's eyes, her lips were pursed, fists balled at her sides, and her whole posture screamed anxiety and anger. "Do you want to take over some random island where you could go on and on how your blood is superior?" she asked.

The rubber boy scowled at her. "Of course not."

"Do you want to kill everyone in your way who dares to speak against you?"

"No!" The answer was out even before she could finish her question.

Nami looked up and met his gaze, a volatile current running beneath her voice as she put forward another question, "Will you kill your nakama to save yourself just because they are expendable to you?"

Luffy's eyes widened and his face blanched, evidently horrified by the mere thought of that. "No! Never! Not after—" He clenched his teeth, biting down on whatever sentence wanted to escape his mouth. "I would never," he finally said.

"Then." The thief moved forward, her hand reaching for the straw hat. "Stop talking nonsense, Captain," she ordered gently, putting the hat back on his head with a warm smile. "It's not like you."

The boy stared at her face for one long moment, searching for something. When he glanced at the others, Nami hoped that he did find what he was looking for.

"I was a bounty hunter," Zoro was the first one to speak. "None of the bounties wanted to go willingly so that I could collect money for their heads. Some resisted more than the others."

"I was raised by the pirate who had a reputation for kicks of ridiculous strength and brutality, leaving his shoes covered in the blood of his enemies," Sanji informed casually.

Usopp's eyes almost jumped out of their sockets. "Whoa, the old cook was that powerful?" he asked, and everyone's eyes were suddenly on him. The liar gulped. Right now, he realized that all in all he had a pretty good, peaceful life compared to the rest of his crew. He didn't have to kill anyone, he wasn't an ex-bounty hunter or raised by an infamous pirate.

"Well, don't get surprised once you hear it," Usopp began, a fictional story already miles long in his head, "but I'm the King of the Snipers from the super-secret Sniper's Island!" A cocky grin slid on his lips. "I gained that title then I was five years old due to my awe-inspiring skills during the war between the tribe of little people and the evil throne usurper. For I, the Great Capt– Uh… For I, the Great King of the Snipers Usopp, single-handedly eliminated the tyrant's forces..." He made a dramatic pause before shoving his fist forward with his little finger outstretched. "…with only my pinky."

Nami crossed her arms over her chest, staring at the long-nosed teen unimpressed. "Wouldn't that mean that your sniper skills were useless?"

The liar blinked. "Eh?"

"Yeah, Usopp," Sanji chimed in, "don't be a mindless brute like some Cactus-head."

Zoro twitched. "Oi, cook, what did you call me?!"

"Who said I was talking about you?" The blond turned to him with a sly smirk. "But if you want to be called that…"

The green-haired man flicked his katana out of its sheath. "Wanna fight, you pervert?"

"Don't call me that, you shitty swordsman!"

As they got into each other's faces, Nami appeared beside them. "Settle down, you two!" she yelled, smacking them both upside their heads. "We're having a serious conversation here."

"Ahhh! Nami-swan is so beautiful when she's angry!"

Zoro rubbed the offended spot, glaring at the thief. "What the hell, witch?!"

"Oi, Cactus-head, don't insult the lady!"

As they both went at it again, Nami heaved a suffering sigh. "I said…" she began softly, raising her fists. "SETTLE DOWN!"

This time, her double punch left them lying on the ground.

Usopp paled as he watched Nami subduing two monsters so easily. "Nami's scary!" he yelped.

The navigator's fiery eyes were instantly on him. "You said something, Usopp?"

The sniper shook his head so fast that it made him dizzy. "No, ma'am!"

Meanwhile, Luffy just watched his nakama, a smile growing on his lips with every passing second until it reached its peak, bright and powerful, taking a shape of a perfect D. "Shishishishi." His quiet laugh got his crew's attention. "Yosh!" Luffy fixed his straw hat more firmly on his head and announced, "Next stop – the Grand Line!"

The four pirate's faces lightened up. "Aye, Captain!"

Genzo was skeptical. It came with the territory really – they just spent the last eight years oppressed by the tyrannical pirate crew, merely allowed to exist underneath them, just like Arlong had claimed so many times.

Not anymore, for they were saved by another pirate crew. Irony at its best.

But there was no such thing as heroic pirates, so, of course, Genzo was not convinced that these kids didn't have any hidden agenda for their actions. He kept a close eye on them as they walked towards Cocoyashi Village, worried and unhappy that it was only he, Nami, and Nojiko accompanying the pirates. Being locals, the three of them led the way with the swordsman and the suit-guy in the middle, the captain and the long-nosed teen bringing up the rear.

The green-haired pirate was subtly shooting heated glares at the back of Nami's head while the blond not so subtly ogled at the two sisters. That didn't help put Genzo's mind at ease. At least the captain wasn't making any concerning moves, too busy listening to the other boy narrating his many grandiose adventures alongside wild gestures and mocking laughter at his supposed adversaries.

And that kid with a straw hat was the biggest mystery of this group. Sporting a broad smile and with eyes twinkling in amusement, he truly gave an impression of being simply an innocent kid, nothing like the ruthless and experienced fighter Genzo had witnessed. That kind of criminal was the most dangerous. There was no way to know what exactly they were planning.

While the ex-soldier pondered, the two men in the middle were drawn into the long-nosed one's story when they challenged whatever the latter had proclaimed. He also noticed Nami slowly gravitating to join them, and he couldn't let that happen.

Heroes or not, they were still pirates.

Genzo grabbed Nami by her arm, causing her to look at him in confusion. He leaned closer and whispered, "Can we trust those pirates?"

"Of course," she replied instantly without a shred of doubt in her tone.

"They're pirates. That boy not only killed Arlong, but ripped his heart out," the ex-soldier argued.

"And that monster deserved that," Nojiko chimed in from Nami's other side, scowling disapprovingly at Genzo. "Just how many humans he had killed during all these years?"

"I know that, but… pirates are always up to no good."

Nami furrowed her brow too, her dislike of his animosity towards her nakama written all over her face. After a moment, she abruptly stopped walking, yanked her arm out of his grip, put it on her waist and declared proudly, "I'm a pirate, too."

The four male pirates flanked her, looking puzzled at what was going on.

"You were forced to be a pirate!" Genzo countered. "Now that Arlong is gone, you're free from it!"

"True, but I wasn't talking about Arlong Pirates," the thief said, a mischievous smirk curling on her lips and her brown orbs gleaming with joy. "I'll be leaving with Luffy as a member of his crew!"

The man's eyes widened. "Whaaat?!" he cried out in surprise.

"Shishishishi!"

"Yeah, Nami-san! Let's go together!"

After opening and closing his mouth a few times without any sound leaving him, Genzo finally managed to gather his wits. "Have you lost your mind, girl?" he hissed. "Bellemere would never—!"

"She wouldn't be against it," Nojiko cut him off with certainty.

"Nojiko!"

"And even if she said 'No'," the blue-haired woman continued, ignoring the old man's rebuke, "would you listen, Nami?"

The navigator grinned. "No way!"

Both sisters were staring at Genzo now as if challenging to contradict that statement. He tried to find any valid arguments to make these stubborn girls understand the consequences of that decision, but came up empty.

"Don't worry, Pinwheel-ossan," Luffy said. "Nami is nakama, we'll keep her safe."

The gaze of those sharp black eyes was unnerving, but Genzo could see only honesty and conviction shining in their depths. And it was impossible to miss how Nami's expression lit up from hearing those words. He frowned. "Being a pirate… No, being a member of your crew, it will be a dangerous endeavor. Can you vow on your life that you'll protect her?" the man challenged.

"Gen-san! What are you—?"

"Yes."

There was no pause, no doubt, no buts or ifs. The young captain delivered his answer with the same strength he used for his punches. The kid continued to pin him in place with that unwavering stare, and Genzo felt the fight draining out of him. "Alright," he sighed. "I guess I have no other choice but believe you."

Luffy's smile flared to an incredible level.

"But first, you need to show that shoulder to the doctor," the man reminded as he regarded the pirate with a more caring attitude. The latter scrunched his face in a displeased grimace.

"Our resident algae also needs a check-up from a professional," the suit-guy spoke nonchalantly.

Genzo only blinked, his mind drawing a blank. The long-nosed teen sniggered, but was silenced by the swordsman's glare. "You bastard," the latter growled as he turned to the blond again. "You're really asking for it..."

His threat was brought up short when Nami slapped a palm on his chest, making him clench his teeth and cringe. "Zoro," she said sternly. "No fighting, no sparring, no training, and no drinking until you get that gash taken care of."

"What—you can't just—"

"I'll show you to Dr. Nako's clinic," Nami cut him off with finality.

"That reminds me of that time when I battled the evil doctor. Armed with only my wits, I faced his thousand men zombie army!"

"Shishishishi! That's amazing, Usopp!"

"Luffy. You're coming too."

"But, Namiiiii~! I don't like doctors!"

"…Just imagining Nami-san in the nurse's costu—"

"Don't put me in the middle of your perverted dreams!"

Genzo was startled out of his shocked stupor when Nojiko chuckled. "I don't think you need to worry about them hurting Nami, Gen-san," she said, amused by the scene in front of her. "It most likely will be her bossing them around."

The ex-soldier couldn't help but laugh at that. "Without a doubt, you two are Bellemere's daughters. Strong, hard-headed women, just doing whatever you want or feel is right." He paused, his eyes wandering from the lively pirates to the direction of one special grave. "She would be proud."

Luffy pouted. This was his last shirt and they had to cut its sleeve so that the doctor could access the bite wound Arlong had left on his shoulder. They tried to make him take it off, but there was no way Luffy would have allowed some strangers see that thing on his back, so that was the only acceptable compromise for both parties.

The straw-hatted teen sat on the ground, leaning against the wall of the clinic with his hands behind his head. The people, going in and out of the building, did a double take as they passed him. They easily recognized him as a pirate captain who defeated Arlong and killed him in a pretty gory way (although seemingly nobody had seen him doing it, so there was a lot of speculation going around). The sight of him so obviously pouting like a perturbed child caught everyone off guard.

Sanji and Usopp lounged on the nearby round bench in the shade of the umbrella, listening to moans and groans of pain, coming through the nearby window. The cook held the smoldering cigarette near his mouth, but didn't appear to be in a hurry to finish it, his eyes following a random cloud in the sky.

Usopp shifted as yet another muffled scream escaped from the clinic. "They're still working on him?"

"Well, of course. That was a serious injury," Sanji replied. "Alain might have checked Zoro, but he's a cook, not a doctor."

The sniper hummed in agreement. Then he glanced at his captain. "What's up, Luffy?"

"This is my last shirt…"

"You should have just taken it off when they asked you to," Sanji chided. "You gave so much trouble to Nami-san."

Luffy pouted even more. "I would have been fine... I'm a rubber, I heal fast."

"Stop complaining," Nami ordered as she walked out of the clinic and heard her captain's last words. They stared at each other before her hands went up in surrender. "Fine! I'll see if I can find you a replacement. I can do at least this much." The new wave of Zoro's groans made her wince. "We really should recruit a doctor as soon as possible."

Luffy frowned. "But I want a fluffy one and a musician first."

The thief shook her head, her lips curling into a fond curve, and murmured, "You and your fluffy one..."

Occupied with the current state of her crewmates, Nami didn't notice the lone fishman who had escaped the carnage coming from behind her. When she finally took notice of his presence, she flinched visibly.

Hachi offered a sad, tight smile, backing up a bit to give the girl more space between them. Bandages covered most of his body and his every move was stiff and measured. "I'm sorry, Nami," the octopus said quietly.

The navigator's expression twisted into a scowl. "It's not like I'll forgive you for everything your crew did to me and this island if you apologize," she responded coldly. Hachi shrunk away from her harsh tone, and after a moment Nami heaved a defeated sigh. "But you helped us when it mattered, so you're heading in the right direction."

The fishman beamed at her. "Nyu! Thank you, Nami!"

"What will you do now, Hachi?" Usopp inquired.

"I did enough bad things, I'm done being a pirate," Hachi declared bitterly. "Mohmoo and I will go back home to the Fishman Island and…" He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. "I always dreamed of owning a takoyaki stand."

Sanji perked up. "Takoyaki stand?"

"Yeah! I'm pretty good at cooking takoyaki!" the octopus exclaimed proudly. "You're going to the Grand Line, right?" He brightened up even more as the pirates nodded. "Once you arrive at the Fishman Island I'll feed you as much takoyaki as you'll be able to eat!"

Nami grimaced. "Fishman Island, huh?" she muttered.

"Fishman Island is the halfway point," Luffy said, standing up and dusting himself off. "It's still a long way for us."

Usopp cocked his head to the side. "Halfway point?"

"Tooki told me that if pirates wanted to go to the second half of the Grand Line, they had to travel through the Fishman Island." The boy put a hand on his straw hat, a grin stretching from one ear to another. "One Piece is somewhere out there and I can't become the Pirate King without finding it. We're definitely gonna pass it eventually, so I'll hold you to your word, Hachi."

Nami leaned closer to the octopus and whispered to him conspiratorially, "From my personal experience, I must advise you against making promises of feeding Luffy until you see what kind of bottomless pit he is."

"No problem! I'll be prepared for you all!"

The navigator shrugged. "Don't cry later that I didn't warn you."

"Ne, Hachi?" When the fishman looked at him, Luffy asked, "Is there any chance that you'll see Jinbe?"

"Nyu… Probably," Hachi replied, scratching his head in thought. "Since Boss Jinbe became a Warlord, he usually stays on the Fishman Island."

"Can you tell him that I have a message from Tooki and will want to meet with him?"

"Sure."

Luffy grinned. "Thanks!"

The party went far into the night and nobody seemed to even have a thought to stop. The whole island gathered in the Cocoyashi Village as soon as they heard the news to celebrate the defeat of the Arlong Pirates and their newly found freedom.

Nami was walking through the crowd, looking around. She squeezed her right upper arm where her new tattoo was hidden under the bandages. The thief was excited to share the news that she got rid of Arlong's mark with her nakama, especially with Luffy. If she could find them in this chaos.

Finally, Nami caught a glimpse of that familiar straw hat. She was about to call her captain's name when a laugh nearby made her blood run cold.

"Chichichi!"

Her head snapped towards the direction he heard it, the joy of her new tattoo all but forgotten. People were clustering into a big group, surrounding a few Marines in the middle. And captain Nezumi was in the front, a smug look adorning his face as he stared at the people like they were just dirt beneath him.

"What a lucky day indeed. I would never have thought that those disgusting fishmen could be defeated by some random passing pirates," Nezumi spoke, lazily scanning upset villagers around him. No one dared to move against him because of his subordinates aiming their guns at them. "But thanks to them, Arlong's bounty, as well as all his treasures, belongs to me. You can be thankful that I, Captain Nezumi, of the Marine's 16th Battalion, arrived just in time for—"

"Don't joke around, you scum!"

Nezumi sneered at Nami who pushed her way through to the front and now was glaring furiously at him, clenching her teeth.

"And, pray tell me, what I am joking about?" the Marine scoffed. "Everything of pirates belongs to the Marines. If you people won't return what you stole from there, I will be forced to take action."

"Stole?!" Nami screamed, seeing red. "You almost killed Nojiko and Gen-san! You stole my money and did nothing against Arlong for so many years! You have no right to do anything now!"

"Che, stupid girl," Nezumi spat before a malicious grin distorted his features. "And what can you do? You're alone, and if any of you would dare to go against me, you would go against the World Government! Hahahaha!" he finished with a loud bellow of laughter. "Now, where is my treasure?"

Nami bit her lip. Her mind whirred with possible solutions to this situation, but none of them was good enough. She didn't want to put the people of Cocoyashi into any unnecessary danger. They had been through enough already. She really had no other choice but to give—

"Going against the World Government? Count me in." A voice full of amusement drew everyone's attention to the side where civilians parted, letting Luffy step through. His eyes shone with dark delight, strengthened by a sharp, predatory grin on his face. He stopped in front of the Marine and cracked his knuckles. "And I can start with you."

Nezumi's eyes bulged out and his jaw dropped. "W-W-Who the hell are you?!"

A few muffled screams together with a sound of flesh hitting flesh rang from behind him. As a gust of wind ruffled his clothes, Nezumi swiveled around, almost tripping over his own feet in a rush. His escort of Marines was down for the count with three strangers standing in their places.

"Gobbling all the fun for yourself again, Luffy?" Zoro inquired with a smirk and his hand casually resting on the handle of his katana.

Sanji flicked an ash from his cigarette. "Seriously, it's my job to save the lady in trouble."

"I-I don't mind!" Usopp stuttered out.

Happiness swelled in Nami's chest, filling her being to the brim and threatening to spill over. She was far from being alone. Her nakama were here with her. "Guys, this one's mine," she said, motioning at shell-shocked Marine Captain. "Can I borrow your staff, Luffy?"

The rubber pirate blinked at her, and then with a shrug reached behind his back. In a second, the metal Bo staff was assembled and offered to Nami.

It was so much heavier than the thief was used to. Its weight pulled her arms down, but at the same time, it was reassuring. Because she knew that whatever happened, her crew had her back.

Nami pushed everything into that swing, every ounce of negative emotions she accumulated during these long eight years: her despair, sadness, grief, anger, disappointment, pain, resentment, fear, helplessness. She couldn't hit Arlong with all that anymore, so this pathetic Marine would have to do.

The staff collided with Nezumi's ugly mug, knocking out a few teeth and sending him skidding backward. The inertia of the metal Bo staff was much stronger than Nami anticipated and she stumbled herself.

Sanji was suddenly there, his arms steadying her before she could face plant onto the ground. "Careful, Nami-san," he cautioned gently.

The thief flashed him a smile and muttered a quick thank-you. Then she gripped the staff more firmly and strode towards the collapsed Marine. It wasn't a fast gait, but it was strong and full of purpose.

Nezumi twitched as Nami neared him. "Y-You can't do this to me!" he yelled, glaring up at her. "I'm the captain of the Mariiiiiiiiii—!" He squealed when a high-heeled sandal stomped on his crotch.

All present males winced in sympathy—enemy or not, that was cruel.

"We're pirates. We don't care about some measly rotten Marine," Nami stated, a hint of steel in her voice, her brown orbs cold like the surface of a winter puddle. "You see that young man with a straw hat? That's our captain. That random passing pirate who dealt with Arlong? That's him." She leaned closer and added quietly, "Ripped that monster's heart out with his bare hands." She paused, letting those words sink in. "I heard he isn't very fond of corrupt Marines… I wonder what he would do to you if I let him."

Nami smiled darkly at the sheer terror on Nezumi's face. She felt a bit bad using Luffy like that, but it worked so well!

"Now," the navigator said, putting a bit more weight on her leg that pressured the Marine's manhood. The latter squeaked in alarm. "You guys will take care of cleaning up after the fishmen and help reconstruct Gosa Village. You won't touch even the slightest bit of Arlong's money. All of it belongs to the people of this island! And you will return everything you stole from me. Till. The last. Beli. Understand?" She flicked the stray strand of hair out of her eyes. "Or should I call Luffy here to have a talk with you first?"

Nezumi paled. "N-No! I understand! I-I'll do as you say…"

"Good, because if you don't, we're gonna hunt you down."

"O-Okay…!"

Nami glared down at him for a bit longer, then, with the last press on his sensitive parts, she walked away.

"He seems so scared. What did you tell him?" Usopp wondered curiously as the navigator rejoined them.

A laugh welled in Nami's throat, and she couldn't stop it. After calming down, she grinned at her bewildered nakama, wide and bright, and said, "I told him just how cool we are."

The party resumed all night and into the next day. People were too rejoiced to end it so soon, so after some rest, the celebration continued in full force.

Nezumi kept his word and delivered Nami's stolen money, giving other pirates a wide berth. Before leaving though, he did yell to Luffy that he was going to regret going against him. The moment the young captain turned around to look at the Marine from the other side of the square, the man was already fleeing from his sight.

It confused Luffy, but he just shrugged it off and continued to devour free food around him.

Later that day, the pirates gathered at the shore to bid farewell to Hachi and Mohmoo. The octopus fishman didn't want to stay longer than was absolutely necessary, not wanting to antagonize the villagers with his presence. Both parties confirmed the promise to meet again at Fishman Island and cheerfully parted ways.

Because of more Marines coming, the crew agreed to leave as quickly as possible. The next morning, few hours after the sunrise, Nojiko accompanied Nami to where Going Merry was anchored to see the pirates off.

Luffy jumped down onto the land to meet two sisters while others stayed on the ship. "Ready, Nami?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied, moving forward to the ship. Suddenly she froze, their departure from Syrup Village coming to her mind. 'I thought it was a normal way to say goodbye to a female.' Nami's eyes widened and she whipped her head to look at Luffy. He was staring at his sister with a wide grin, an—

"No kissing!" the thief suddenly screamed causing everyone to blink at her, completely stumped.

"Kissing?" Sanji's blond mop poked from the galley. "Someone said something about kissing?"

Nojiko smiled slyly. "Getting possessive, eh, Nami?"

"No! Just…" The navigator rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "Luffy's understanding of saying goodbyes to females is a bit strange."

"Hey! Shanks did that all the time!" Luffy bristled. "And Makino always was so happy after it! I don't see how's that a bad thing!"

Nami rolled her eyes. "Of course, you wouldn't get it. Just how old are you, anyway? Fifteen? Thirteen?"

The straw-hatted pirate frowned. "I'm seventeen."

"You're seventeen?!" Nami and Usopp shrieked in unison, and even Zoro looked surprised. "But you're so…" the navigator paused. "…short!"

"So?" Luffy seemed even more confused. "I can still kick ass!"

Nojiko chuckled. "Well, he's of the right age," she commented smugly. "And quite cute."

Nobody gave the slightest attention to a sudden wail of 'Noooooooooo!' in the background.

Still shocked that Luffy was actually only a year younger than her, Nami couldn't even react to what her sister said. "…Huh?" was her eloquent respond.

With the same sly smirk on her features, Nojiko darted past her and planted a quick kiss on Luffy's cheek. "I'm entrusting my sister to you. Keep her safe," she whispered into his ear and then backed off with a grin.

The straw-hatted pirate flashed a thumb up to her and then turned to Nami, looking so smug that the latter instantly wanted to facepalm. "See? Shanks was right," he stated as if it was she who was slow on the uptake.

Nami gave in to her urge to facepalm, Sanji grumbled something about lucky bastards, and the rest of them burst out laughing.

Nami exited Merry's storage room and stretched her arms with a pleased groan.

It was a very early morning – the sun was yet to rise – on the second day after their departure from Conomi Islands. With her sails rolled up and anchor dropped for the night, Going Merry was lightly rocking under the still, dark, starry sky.

Nami looked around the ship, her gaze stopping briefly at silhouettes of the three Bellemere's mikan trees. They were among the few trees that survived the destruction of the groove, and Nojiko had insisted that she would take them on her voyage so that she could always remember her home. Now, the navigator was really happy that she didn't fight her sister.

An appetizing smell tickled her nose, wafting out of the kitchen area where Nami could hear Sanji cluttering the dishes in breakfast preparation for the crew. If she pricked her ears, she could also hear a faint muttering from the back of the ship.

"—two hundred seventeen… two hundred eighteen… two hundred—"

Nami sighed. Stupid Neanderthal was already training, despite the doctor's orders to rest for at least a few more days.

The thief's eyes moved towards Merry's front and she wasn't surprised to find Luffy sitting on the figurehead, watching the sea. It was a common sight, especially when his nightmares and night terrors got too intense even for Zoro's presence to soothe them.

Usopp was not around, so Nami knew that he was most likely sleeping. The sniper took it upon himself to cheer their captain up on these occasions by telling stories, each one more daring than the last. And it worked – Luffy always listened with rapt attention, instead of spending time with whatever ghosts were haunting him.

However, every time the faraway sky filled with blended reddish golden tones, Luffy's attention would flitter away and Usopp would quiet down, both of them observing the sun breaching the horizon in an awed silence.

Nami never understood what was so fascinating about the sunrise.

The navigator slowly walked to the bow. "Luffy, I…" she started as she approached the motionless captain, unsure of what exactly she wanted to say. "I'm sorry for slapping you," she blurted out without thinking.

The straw-hatted boy looked at her with a small, baffled furrow on his brow. "It's okay."

"Still. I feel so bad…"

"You're nakama. You're among those I promised to protect."

And there it was – the words conveyed in that matter-of-fact tone, that lit her up inside and granted the feeling of belonging she didn't know that she could ever feel again. The tears stung Nami's eyes again, but this time they didn't arise from her sadness and despair. She laughed unexpectedly, brushing her hand across her face to wipe them away.

"Look, Nami. The sun is rising."

The first brilliant rays appeared on the skyline, a breathtaking display of radiant colors. Bright streaks of red, pink, orange, and yellow slowly overcame the dark blue and purple of the twilight sky, splashing the clouds with an endless palette of vivid and vibrant hues. The sea was no longer an abyss of black, glistening as the occasional spear of light danced over the surface.

All the bitter moments of those bad times Nami had just been through seemed to wash away with the soft lullaby the waves sang along the dawn. A herald of a new day, full of hopes and dreams, a day of carefree freedom she never believed to witness again.

Suddenly, it was crystal clear why Luffy loved it so much.

An easy salty breeze picked up, caressing Luffy's skin and ruffling his black hair. He lifted his hand towards the horizon, letting the soft amber glow of the sunrise pour through his fingers and onto his peaceful face. "It's great, isn't it?" he said. "To be free."

Watching Luffy smile at this moment was like watching the sun rise the second time.

Next Chapter: The Stranger on the Dawn Island (Part I)