Authors Disclaimer: I do not own One piece! Hey everyone another update and another chapter done for the story. I decided that chapters thta don't have a lot going on or action packed and such, or might not be part of the arcs. Will be shorter than those that do take part in arcs, so it make it easier for me to edit and such but also make things go a bit faster too lol.
Also please note that even though I am not listing the girls who will be joining Luffy's crew. The girls that are being decided and such to become part of his harem, or crew in genral, are there to benefit and help Luffy and the straw hats out during their journeys. They're not going be there just to be there and be use for lemon purposes on the account them being there without nothing to do but just to make love and such doesn't sit well for me. Plus, also remember that this is a Requested story too.
Anyway the next chapter I might think of doing Sanji's backstory or probably make one more chapter before the crew arrives at the Baratie- going be thinking over that for awhile before the next chapter comes. So in the meantime, have fun and hope you all enjoy reading lol.
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Chapter 13: Welcome aboard Bellemere's family!
The party was a huge hit yesterday night, everyone cheerful, playful and joyous. Excited and relieved that they were finally free from Arlong's grasp and the island being freed from Pirates. Bellemere being reunited with her family once more and saving Nami from the Arlong pirates- it was quite the joyous occasion on the island that they made sure to party and celebrate throughout the night! They even made sure to get their hands on Nezumi and forced him to repay all the trouble and trauma he caused them on the island while working with the Arlong pirates.
Especially now they were able to call for help and get communications back, they got him arrested and sent to Impel down for cohorting with pirates and using his Marine's title as means to get riches and manipulate the people on the island. Of course he tried weasel his way out of it and tried ratting on Bellemere, telling the marines who came and pick him up about how he worked with Pirates to even trying to lie about having the islanders be force to working with the Arlong Pirates. Of course the Mayor and the villagers happily stepped in and reported to the officers about how Bellemere was also a victim in this and how she was forced to oblige Arlong into paying him to free her island and her adopted daughters.
In which they went and asked Bellemere if that is what happened and smiled when she nodded her head, informing them it's been like that for ten years- as well even going on and informing them how she couldn't really get the Marine's involved, even though she knew that could've been the best option. She didn't want to have people get hurt or injured for calling the assistance from the Marines- especially since Fishmen are known to be stronger than humans. This had NEzumi widening his eyes and then grimacing as he shifted his gaze away from the officer who were taking him in. He knew the consequences and rational thinking Bellemere just gave there- on the account she's right, if she did call the marines for help. There would've been bloodshed on the island.
He did however try one last attempt about the Straw hat pirates taking them under her wing and working with them. But the marines had gone and told him they didn't see any pirate ships on the island, making him widen his eyes and snarled out how they're anchored on the south border of said island. Only to pale and saw the officer rollinghis eyes and snapped back how the marines came from the south border- they didn't see any other ships there, minus the ones the people use here, making him stare in disbelief and turn his head over to some of the scouts of the marines.
They nodded their heads in confirmation and even stated how they saw no Pirate ships anywhere, even in the east, west and north of the borders. This had Bellemere, Nami, Nojiko and the villagers snickering and laughing to one another. As they had warned Luffy and his crew about the Marines coming to arrest Nezumi that they should try and hide the Going Merry from view and that's what the trio did early this morning, after getting out of their drunken stupor.
Thus with that and seeing there wasn't anything else wrong, the Marines happily told the villagers that hey will make sure to send some compensations to the island for the trauma and tragedy they had to suffer- even the leader bowing his head down letting out his heart to them, saying how he knows it not much they could do let alone can't offer any more than what they could offer- getting the Mayor to laugh and let the young man know he is quite alright and understands how busy the Marines were because of the pirate era.
After that was done and taken care of and Bellemere, Nami and Nojiko smugly waved goodbye to Nezumi- the man who looked over his shoulders widening his eyes and saw Luffy. Kuina and Usopp stepped out from their hiding places and they too began waving him goodbye, causing him to freak and start flailing and thrashing about in the officers hands- causing them to struggle and trying hard to keep him on track and tugging and thrusting him forward to their ships. Earning more laughter and giggles from everyone as they turn and stare at one another, then staring back to the retreating Marine officers.
After that was said and done, everyone went ahead and went back to their daily lives. Offering Luffy and his crew to stay a few more days on the island, in order to restock and get prepared for their voyage to the grandline. Having the three of them nodding their heads as Luffy, who turned to Bellemere and her girls, smiled, "Well if it wouldn't be a problem to ask if Nami could join us!" He suddenly asked the villagers, blinking their eyes in shock, including Nami who hummed.
"You see we don't have a navigator yet and when we spoke on the transponder snail? I heard rustling and ruffling about maps and papers- you even made a few cussing and shouts about how many maps you created and made for Arlong." He chuckled, getting the orange hair girl to blush softly, and sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck. "And from what Bellemere had also told us while heading here, you do an amazing job at navigating too- even solving the most incredible maps that nobody has figured out too!"
Ku8ina nodded and happily opened a palm, "Yeah- Luffy here is somewhat decent with Navigations, I…however am not good with said navigation. I don't know about Usopp?" She said and looked at him, watching the frizzy hair teen sighing and shaking his head.
"Nope, I may be from a family of pirates. But even I am not good with Navigations." He then winked. "But I am good at inventing things and creating traps and such, as well as being a great sniper." He grinned while proudly stretching out his overalls straps.
"Yeah that's true," Kuina laughed and faced Nami. "So what do you say Nami? Granted, I know your perception of not being with pirates may not be the best. No thanks to Arlong- but we could use someone with your skills." She said and crossed her arms with a smile. This had Nami blinking her eyes and then staring down at the ground, biting in her lower lips. Her eyes shifted left to right, not entirely sure how she should respond or what to even say.
Though Luffy smiled and gave the choice to her by saying, "We can give you three days if you want! We're in no hurry to leave anytime soon." He chuckled and looked at his crew. "After all, we should probably prepare Going Merry with some cannons and such, or ammunition if we set sail again." He said having Nami look up and stare at the back of his head.
"That is a great point Luffy," Usopp said, raising a finger and stretching one arm forward. "Since we're going to probably see more Marines out in the seas, or possible pirates as well. We should definitely get the Going Merry equipped and ready for the grand line." He said and then turned to Kuina as she agreed.
"Agreed," then raved a hand outwards looking at Luffy. "We still haven't explored everything the going Merry has thanks to Kaya, so we should probably inspect the ship too and see what we work with before heading out." She advised having Luffy nodding his head in agreement. They haven't really explored the Going Merry and see what kind of things it has to offer, minus a kitchenette area, some cabins and bedrooms for them, and a shower place.
"Well then you three are welcome to stay for three days then!" The Mayor exclaimed with a happy smile. "We will be able to get produce within the three days anyway, so be best if you all definitely wait for when they come and we can help ressupply you all with fresh produce, fruits and food." He exclaimed, getting Luffy to happily throw his arms up into the air and cheering.
This had Nami stare and watch the trio calculated and then soften her gaze and stare down at the ground. Alerting Bellemere to her- taking note of Nami's behavior and then facing towards Luffy and the gang, who began speaking and talking to some of the villagers and smiling and laughing with them. As they were asking different types of questions and how they were all doing now that they were free.
Even getting some of the children to laugh and smile at some of the antics Usiopp was giving, while telling them tall-tales of his adventures in the seven seas and such with made up stories. While Kuina seemed to be sheepish and somewhat bashful about some of the questions she was getting from the small girls and such, all the while even asking if she is a strong swordswoman. Definitely making Kuina feel a little sheepish and embarrassed about being asked these questions, but happily nodded and told them about how she became one and such.
Bellemere smiled and did her best not to get too emotional, on the account of how happy and delighted everyone seemed to be after finally being freed from the Arlong pirates. She even laughed when Luffy went ahead and demonstrated his Gum-Gum powers- getting awe and coos from the children and some of the adults clapping their hands and laughing at the display of show and talent. Bellemere then looked towards Nami once more and gave a smile seeing how the girl was laughing and snickering at everyone's antics, to even seeing Nojiko doing so as well. Yeah, it feels good to finally be free, she thought…
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Later that day Bellemere, Nami and Nojiko began heading towards the house that was at the top of the hill, seeing her tangerine farms looking healthy and good. Making the mother smile and squeal softly in delight, "oh wow it's still here…man I miss this little farm." She said and turned her head over her shoulders, "did you take care of them Nojiko?" She asked and saw the light purple hair girl nodding her head.
"Yup, I made sure to come here every hour or so to see how they are doing." She then happily smiled and patted Namis back, making her snicker softly. "Even Nami here had checked on them too." She said, making Bellemere widening her eyes and stood up from her crouch position and stared confusingly.
"Oh um," Nami then looked away sheepishly and folded her hands behind her back bashfully. "Hacchin actually helped me with that, getting permission from Arlong to allow me to go and check out the tangerine farm." She said and smiled, "I spoke a lot about the farm to Hacchin while I was with them and he was so interested in it that he wanted to be sure, I will be able to come and check on them." She then playfully punched Nojiko's right shoulder, getting the older girl to laugh and snicker lightly. "Though I didn't know Nojiko had a green thumb."
"Well I don't," Nojiko laughed softly and lightly scratched the top of her forehead. "I honestly was really bad at it, that I had to constantly look at Bellemere's notes on how to do it right." She then sighed and shook her head, "even then- I still am not good at farming. I can perfectly make them into delicious food and drinks. But farming…nuh uh," She said that while shaking her head. "So kind of glad that Hacchin allowed you to care for the farm."
Having Bellemere laugh and chuckle to herself seeing her daughters just bantering about but also making sure the farm was alright. "Thank you two, hey!" She then clapped her hands together. "How about we go inside and I can make my famous Tangerine pie! What do you say!" She exclaimed and saw the two girls eyes sparkling and nodding their heads rapidly, they haven't had her pies in like forever! The two hurried their way into the house and decided to go ahead and get the silverware and plates all set up.
Bellemere followed right behind them and smiled warmly and fondly at the entrance of their home, gently placing a hand against the door edges and rims. Before setting her eyes inside the house and seeing the furniture, tables and knicknacks everywhere. The place hasn't changed one bit as her memories began playing and recalling times of her spending time with the girls and comforting them in the living room during terrible thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Reading bedtime stories to the girls as they both would fall asleep on her lap and snuggle close to her. Or when they shared blankets with one another during the cold winter nights, sitting on the couch and in front of the fireplace. Her eyes got a bit teary when she began playing those memories as she slowly stepped into the house, hearing the click and clattering of silverware in the kitchen. Her eyes landed on the spot and more memories flashed through her mind, as she replaced the grown up Nami and Nojiko, in their children-like state as they happily ran about and played around the table while she herself works on the dishes and cleaning things up.
While looking over to them and seeing Nami working and drawing on maps and such, to even Nojiko showing greta skills in tending to drinks and glasses and the likes. The woman just stood there and let the tears flow freely now, as she couldn't help but reminisce the old days- before hell broke loose and Arlong came and took over the island for nearly a decade. As she stood there and let the tears fall to the floor, she saw Nojiko and Nami staring over at her worryingly and looking at one another in slight concern.
Then back to Bellemere, who just closed her eyes and sniffed softly, "sorry girls…just…just never thought I would ever see the day." She began hiccuping and hitching her breath in her throat. "That we…we would be free, free from Arlong, free from paying him and suffering from him." She hiccuped and continued gritting her teeth. "It…it just still feels surreal that we…we are finally free." She then felt her legs weakening and knelt down to the floor- alerting Nojiko and Nami, as they rushed over to her and knelt down with the woman. Placing each hand onto her shoulders and softly asking if she was alright?
The mother nodded her head and just continued hiccuping and crying as she felt the tears not stopping, doing her best to keep herself in check. "I'm just so…happy, so scared, so worried about everything and that we wouldn't be able to be a family anymore." She cried out softly and shut her eyes even tighter, scrunching up her nose and brows. "I just wished I could do better- would have protected you girls more back then, so that you would not have been taken away from me." she hiccuped and choked out getting Nami and Nojiko to feel tears running down their eyes now as they went ahead and hugged Bellemere. "I am just…happy you girls are safe, are safe and freed…freed from that hellhole." she continued saying and held their arms and buried her face into their shoulders.
Just letting it all out now and crying openly as the other two girls also began hiccuping and choking on their own tears and sadness, never realizing just how much Bellemere was hurting, how much THEY were hurting on the inside. And that they are finally free, they can finally let out all the anguish, the frustration, the sorrow and sadness that was bottled up deep inside of them and just began crying and weeping alongside Bellemere. Nami softly whispered and said to herself, "if…it wasn't for Luffy and his crew…" she softly said, making Nojiko to lift her head away from Bellemere's Right shoulder and face Nami. "IF it wasn't for the straw hats…we…we would've been here forever in this living nightmare and hell of a life."
Nojiko nodded her head and wiped her own eyes, "Yeah…we owe a lot to them, if it wasn't for them. They wouldn't bring Bellemere back to us and get all those treasures from Treasure island to repay Arlong's debt." She said and rubbed Bellemere's back. "Come on Bellemere, let's go and make those pies- this should be a day of celebration." She chuckled and saw the mother laugh softly and nodding her head, as she held onto Nojiko's hand and was lifted back to her feet, while Nami did the same before quickly wiping her own eyes and standing up with them and watch the two head over to the kitchen cabinets and sink.
Nami then looked over towards the window of the house and staring down the hilltop where the village was. She couldn't help but chuckled and recall after letting the Straw hats know about them calling the marines, she had gone out there and aboard their ship- to then help them navigate smoothly and swiftly around the island towards some coral reefs and huge mountain sides nearby, to hide the going merry from sight and view by the on coming Marines. Ships. All the while informing them and telling them how they had nothing to worry about their ship getting scratched, buffered or harmed from the rocks and such.
Letting them know ahead of time how the water and waves never get affected by storms or weathers around those parts, as there is some weird special anomaly that occurs around the four large pillars of the mountain. That prevents any ships from rocking or slamming into them. Course she had to blush at the memory of Luffy exclaiming and excitedly saying how amazing Nami's navigation skills were, to even saying how precise she is about making sure to find the right spot on the ocean waters- to not let the Going Merry get damaged. The girl smiled to herself and gently raised her hand up to her right chest and let out a soft content sigh…never feeling so happy or excited about someone admiring her skills as a navigator too.
Of course in the right sense of things, not for evil purposes and such unlike Arlong. Well minus Hacchin, she shook her head. "I keep reminding myself to exclude Hacchin out of the equation." She chuckled openly, getting Bellemere and Nojiko to look at her and then smiled brightly when she faced them and tilted her head, "cause he's been very sweet and kind to me over the decade. I realized that not all fish men are like that." She said and sighed at the whale looking down at the floor. "Even more so when Hacchin has told me how people usually treat Fishmen? I can understand some of the frustration some of them get with humans."
Nojiko nodded, "yeah- granted not everyone is like that luckily. But a good chunk of people do tend to mistreat Fish men. But I can't say for sure on the account that I never left the boat sometime." She said and leaned gently on the kitchen sink, drumming her fingers against the countertop. "But from what you told me through the transponder snail, he is quite the chipper and upbeat guy! I heard he even got some toys for you to play with?"
This had Bellemere humming, "Wait what?" She said and turned to Nami and saw her giggling. "Whenever I get you toys to play with, you never play with them!" She faints a gasp and hurt look, getting Nami to laugh harder and look away.
"I mean Bellemere…" She then stuck her tongue out and pulled an eyelid, "your version of toys was to grab some math books, some navigation tools and even some makeup." She laughed and crossed her arms. "I wouldn't really call that toys for children to play with." She then blushed and shrank her eyes when Bellemere turned around fully and leaned forward, tilting her body sideways and closed one eye with a wide smile.
"Says the girl who pretended to say utensils and items as toys, and pretending to be on a cruise ship and such making the make-up items and navigation tools as passengers and such." She laughed and then shielded herself when Nami flinched and quickly and rapidly looked around to grab something, which was a washcloth and threw it at Bellemere earning loud laughters from Nojiko.
Bellemere chuckled a couple more times and shook her head as she grabbed the cloth that was thrown to her and went back to facing the kitchen sink. "Anyway, so Nami…are you going to go?" She asked while lifting her gaze upwards to the window, hearing Nojiko grabbing some silverware and placing it onto the table. While then hearing Nami humming in confusion, "Luffy and the others will definitely benefit with your navigation skills." She continued and focuses on making the ingredients and produce of the tangerine pie*
"I…don't know." Nami said and softly looked down at the table. "I mean after being trapped and held prisoner by Arlong and his pirate gang, how can I or could I even think about joining a pirate crew?" She said and huffed lightly. "I mean…I don't know anything about these three, let alone what their behaviors are like, how they act around others, or…"
"Well that's a good thing then," Nojiko suddenly said and wrapped her arms under her breasts, pushing them upwards. Winking to Nami, "Bellemere here has spent a long time with them while out there collecting treasure and such." She then turned to the woman, who laughed softly. "And even though I just met them yesterday- they seem quite an entertaining and happy bunch." She then snickered and laughed in Nami's direction. "Especially that Luffy fellow," she suddenly said, making Nami stare and look down in thought for a brief moment. "When he exclaimed how he will become the pirate king in that boilstous tone of his- it just…I don't know." she laughed softly.
Bellemere nodded and said, "it felt like he could really achieve his dream. While making you feel confident and achieving your own dreams as well." She said and had the two girls look at her. "I know exactly what it is you felt, Nojiko." She then turned around and faced the girls. "Just being with him and sailing with Luffy, despite my situation and predicament. I never once felt gloomy, worried or even stressed out about not making it in time to repay Arlong's debt."
Nami widened her eyes, "Wait really?" She asked and saw her adoptive mother nodding her head and gently pressed herself against the counter sink, wrapping one leg over the other. "Cause…" Nami then looks down in thought recalling how yesterday morning when she tried calling Bellemere and seeing where she was or how she was doing. Had Luffy answering the transponder snail first. "When I started talking to him, he began telling me all those stories of how he first met Kuina, how the two of them met you and all the adventures you recently had. It…" she then softened her expression and raised a hand to her right chest smiling. "I…don't know why or can't explain it, but I felt so safe and secure for some reason. As if I could trust him completely and feel all my fears and woes disappear."
Nojiko laughed and playfully poke Nami's side and teasingly saying, "Maybe you have a crush on him!" She teased out and had Nami whipping her head upwards and looking towards Nojiko, "I don't blame ya- he does look handsome in some regards. Not exactly a good looker- but hey!" She then defended herself as Nami squeaked and felt ehr face turning completely red and began weakly punching and slapping Nojiko. "I won't judge! He is quite the up beat guy and easy to be around with."
She said while defending herself, while then quickly headlocking Nami who grunted out and let out a small choke, but then felt steam exiting out of her ears when Nojiko said. "And he has eaten the Gym0Gum fruit right?" She asked while her tone turned a bit sultry, making Bellemere nearly slip up and dropping the peeled Tangerines on the floor from Nojiko. "I wonder if a certain 'body' part of his also got affected by the fruit?"
"NOJIKO?!" Nami squealed out and manages to elbow her in the gut, causing her to let out a loud grunt followed by screaming out when Nami then grabbed her by the arm and overthrow her shoulders and slamming down into the floor. Making Bellemere flinch and hiss softly, though also having a huge pink face from Nojiko's implications. "You pervert! Why would you go and say something like that so randomly?!" Nami exclaimed and turned deep red as Nojiko, just had quite the coy expression and crossed her arms once more.
"What? I am at that age and so are you, to start thinking about men and the likes- especially considering our hormones will be raging." She teased out and let out a choking breath when Nami decided to sit down on her chest making her wheeze out. "Okay! Uncle, uncle!"
Nami growled out and was about ready to say something, but squealed and yelped out when Nojiko one hand reached up and grabbed her right breast. Twisting it roughly through her shirt and then rolled Nami towards the right, and getting on top of her as the two girls were now arguing and fighting one another. Making Bellemere chuckle and laugh loudly from missing these moments and seeing her girls all happy and upbeat again.
"Ah I missed this so much…" Bellemere said and then softened her expression and open them halfway. "...hmm…" then hardened her expression as she brought one hand up with the peeling knife, being very careful about where it was pointed. Starting thinking to herself "hmm, now come to think of it? I completely forgot to call the marines about Arlong's activities and getting him arrested. I…I was too caught up in finally having Nami back and safe and sound. I let…I let a criminal on the loose and give him free range of whatever he wants to do."
Bothb Nojiko and Nami who were panting and breathing heavily, with their tops and pants slightly shoveled and disoriented, with Nami's right bra cup slightly exposing out form her tank top, while Nojiko's frilly black panties can also be seen slightly with her jeans pulled down just enough to exposed her right buttock. Both look to Bellemere in slight worries and concerns seeing the woman's concerned expression being shown right now as they both ask. "Something wrong Bellemere?"
This had the woman hum and look up or down at the two on the kitchen floor, watching them adjusting and grabbing their clothes to be more presentable as she chuckled softly. "Oh um…" She then scratched the back of her ear and hummed softly. Figuring not to hide it, "actually yeah. I am worried about Arlong…" She sighed and shook her head as she turned around and resumed peeling the tangerines and got started on making the pie. "I can't believe I just let him go like that without informing the Marines about his whereabouts. I…was so caught up in finally saving everyone and you, Nami, from his hold."
"That we completely ignore the fact we just let him go." Nami finished for her as she and Nojiko got up from the floor and let out a couple of huffs and rough breaths of air. To then Nami folded her arms close to herself and shook, yeah…I honestly think we're going to regret letting him go like that." She said and then looked down with both eyes halfway open. "But…there;s nothing we can do now- we don't know where he might be or might be."
Though that is when Nami paused and her memory flashing towards the recent maps she was making, recalling one particular place he wanted to go and investigate or possibly take over. Making her lift her head in shock, "Wait…" She suddenly said, causing Nojiko and Bellemere to pause from what they were doing and look towards the girl. Who then proceeds to rush over to the stairs and heading up towards her bedroom. Making Bellemere blink her eyes and look over to her second daughter, who just shrug and shook her head not sure what was up- they then heard movements of papers coming from upstairs, followed by some of them falling and hitting the floor, "God dammit! I seriously need to learn to fold these up!" came Nami's voice, getting some snorts from the two women downstairs as they heard her moving about upstairs of the wooden house, then hearing the door opening up from her bedroom.
Then she began running down the hall and heading for the stairs, "It might sound crazy but I think I may know where Arlong is heading to." She began saying and descending down the stairs, as she hurried herself over to the table. Placing down a rather large map and unfolding it that has the entire sea of the East blue. "I was doing some calculations and coordinates reading for Arlong, right before you all came back." She began saying and grabbed a pencil that she placed on her ear and placed it onto the map, having Nojiko and Bellemere approaching the table and looking over Nami's shoulder as she bent down and began circling their island.
"Let's see…since they left yesterday and if my coordinates are right and what I was making on that day." She then trailed the pencil across the map, heading eastward then northeast, heading towards a direction of almost near the centerline of the map. "Here…" She then circled around the spot and had the two women next to her lean closer and squinted their eyes. "They are heading in this direction, around this area is a restaurant boat called the Baratie." She suddenly said and leaned away. "I believe Arlong is planning on hijacking the Baratie or possibly use it as means to get more money and such, or whatever he has planned for the place." She said and tapped her pencil on the spot.
Nojiko hummed and crossed her arm, while raising a hand to her chin. "Why would he want to try and take over a restaurant? Seems kind of counterproductive if you ask me?" She hummed out and closed her eyes. "Then again, considering I have heard about the Baratie- they are quite famous and known to serve anyone and anybody there who needs to eat or have a good time." She then waved her hand away from her chin. "It's quite a famous hot spot, right before Logue port too.
Bellemere leaned a hand against the table and hummed, looking through the distance between their home island and to the Baratie, "from the looks of it and depending how the weather is. Arlong and his crew should be arriving there in about five days tops. If they don't get sidetracked or sideways into other things." She muttered and used her right hand and lifted it towards her chin. "If anything, and considering what Nojiko said about it being a hot spot." She then tapped her one finger against the tabletop.
"IF MArines got here too- then Arlong and his crew will probably take a couple more days before attempting to take control over the restaurant." She muttered softly and saw Nami nodding her head. "Now the question is why would he want this restaurant ship?" She muttered softly and had Nami sighing and shaking her head.
"No sure, at first I figured it could just be him wanting to grab and steal the money and treasures there- on account how much business they have. But I am now having second thoughts." She muttered softly and rested both hands against the table edge. "I am worried he might do the same thing he did here and do it there. Taking it hostage and forcing the workers and chefs there, to pay up and give him any and all money they make on the restaurant itself."
Nojiko then walked away from the table and headed over to a bookshelf, drumming her fingers over each book and then found a flier within between some of them and pulled it out. She then opened it up and began scanning and looking it over," luckily there was a magazine newsprint about the restaurant. I think somebody named Zeff, who owns the restaurant and runs it till this day." She muttered softly and had Bellemere lift her head. "Isn't Zeff a infamous pirate back in the day/.;
Bellemere leaned away from the table as Nami continued looking over the map and began judging the distance between Baratie and Logue port- curiosity getting the best of her and wondering how far exactly it is to the Grandline. "Yeah," Bellemere answered, "something happened however during a raid on one of the ships ten years ago. During a terrible storm capsizing a ship or something and that he ended up into the ocean." She then rubbed her chin. "Then again…he was soon found almost about ten days later, maroon on a rock with a young boy- ever since then and what happened on those ten days. Zeff decided to use the treasure he found to go and make the Baratie, while tutoring and mentoring the boy."
Nojiko hummed and looked at the directions of the Baratie to their current location. "Let's see..it says that it's."
"Four days, twenty minutes from our home to it on normal and calm weathers, while rainy storms and thunderstorms, it will take about 10 days and twenty hours to reach there, wghle for cold weather, it will take about three weeks to reach." Nami said all in one go before Nojiko could even finish or even speak, surprising her greatly and even had Bellemere widening her eyes at how fast Nami calculated all of that. "While there to Logue port, it will be three days and ten minutes with a large sailing ship and with windy conditions, it can get there to these locations even faster." Nami said and stood up from the map and placed the pencil behind her ear. "So if anything with Arlong and his crew, they should be reaching there by two days from now- however like Bellemere said."
"With the Marines probably being around the area and the likes, Arlong will try and avoid them." Nojiko said and smiled seeing Nami nodding her head, then humming and turning her gaze at Nojiko. "Are you sure you don't want to go with Luffy Nami?" She said with a soft smile. "The way you just estimated how long it will take to reach Baratie from our home island within seconds like that." She then closed her eyes and smiled bigger. "I mean, you will definitely benefit them greatly with those kinds of skills."
Bellemere nodded and chuckled, "Indeed, I did tell Luffy how a great navigator you are too- what being able to read and understanding maps at such a young age. Along with being able to navigate through things and understanding and even calculating waves and winds?" She then gently punched Nami's left shoulder. "You could really help them out greatly in the grandline."
This had Nami looking towards the two of them as Nojiko then approached the table and happily leaned one hand against it, while pushing weight into her right leg. "Yeah and also- didn't you said you always wanted to make a huge amazing map of the Grand line as well?" She said and snorted lightly, "what better way to do so than join Luffy's crew. Who would need an amazing navigator to help them out during their travels in theGrandline."
"Um…well…uhh…" Nami stammered lightly and looked down at the map and then shook her head. "I mean, why would he even dare go into the Grandline. He doesn't even have a map for the place anyway!" She huffedlightly and crossed her arms, pushing her breasts upwards and forming a cleavage within her shirt. "I know and heard many tales about how idiots like him foolishly go into the Grandline without a map and perish as soon as they enter the Grandline, let alone get lost and die of starvation and thirst!"
Bellemere hummed softly as she thought it over and then widened her eyes. "Oh," She then stuck her tongue out, making Nojiko and Nami to hum and look at her with Nami having a bit of suspicion in her gaze, watching the woman pulling out her travel bag and unzipping it. "I think he does have one for the Grandline, Ithink we got it from Buggy." She muttered and had Nami letting out a low suspicion.
"Eh, Buggy having a map to the Grandline?" She then scoffed and shrugged her elbows and waved both hands and opened her palms. "I highly doubt it, nobody and I mean nobody could." She then opened her eyes halfway as Bellemere grabbed the folded map and placed it on the table. "Have the…" then her speech was slowing down and eyes widening ever slowly as Bellemere unfolded and rolled the map across and on top of the previous one. "The map…too…" Nami felt her voice getting caught in her throat as she eyed the new map on the table and had to double take it a couple of times. "Grandline…"
Bellemere then smiled and happily moved her hand about in a I present you the map, "Is this the map to the Grandline?" She asked with a beaming smile. "Cause I know a good amount of maps in my days, but never have I seen one like this before." She chuckled and even giggled when Nami bug eye expression got bigger and wider, as she placed her hands onto the table edges and leaned closer to get a better view of the map and looked it over.
Nami blinks her eyes as she scans over the map, making sure if it was genuine or not. The girls roam all directions of the map and let out soft hums when doing so. She then grabbed the edges of the map and lifted it off the table slightly. "Bellemere, how…where?" Nami was puzzled and amazed how she was able to grab the map…THE map for the grandline! She turned her head to her and saw Bellemere smiling.
"Lufy and I found it while taking care of the Buggy Pirates. It flew out of Buggy's pocket somehow during combat and Luffy just happened to grab it and keep it." She said and laughed as Nami's eyes were wide in shock and somewhat disbelief but looked back down at the map. No mistake about it, it is definitely the map. "So, he told me to hold onto it and wanted me to give it to you. On the account I did say how good you are with maps and such, along with being a good navigator as well." Bellemere then placed her hand onto her own hip and leaned on that side of her weight on said leg. "And…well, I know you also wanted to someday head to the Grand line and chart a map of it right? Well, here ya go!" She giggled and smiled at Nami.
Nojiko then chimed in after walking around the table and finding a chair to sit down on. Placing her elbows on the table and resting her chin on top of her folded hands. "Actually now you mention Bellemere, you say he has a first mate which is Kuina, a sniper who is Usopp, and Nami-" she paused and looked at the orange-haired girl, who looked at her. "If she accepts it of course. Will become his Navigator." Nojiko then leans back and is upright on her chair. "Does he have anyone to help with finances or probably other things that's needed for a crew?"
"Hmm, like what?" Bellemre asked as Nami went back to staring at the map and looking it over and seeing that the entrance is somewhere near and around Logue Port town. Where Gold D. Roger's execution happened. "Well, I do know he said he wants to try and get ten crew members." Bellemere hummed and raised one finger each. "First mate, Sniper, Navigator- I believe he is also probably wanting to look for a chef for his crew?" She hummed and looked up in thought. "Much as he and Kuina are okay cooks, they aren't that great. I can't say much about Usopp," she then laughed. "I ain't no chef myself, so I am out of the question there."
Nojiko grinned, "No, but you could be his intelligent agent." She winked, getting Nami and Bellemere to lift their heads and stare at Nojiko. "I know you stopped sailing and working as a Marine Bellemere, but think about it!" She then gets up sliding the chair back and leaning her hands on the table. "You have connections to the Marines and even still have a transponder snail that connects to them." The girl then lifted a finger and cock her head slightly. "You could really provide a lot of help and gather intel of certain situations or Marine workers who are positioned or currently on duty around the area. Making it less troublesome for Luffy and his crew to run into them. Or, get a jump on them when we arrive at certain islands."
Bellemere hummed and looked down in thought, while then crossing her arms and chewing on her lower lip. "I…guess that's true, but." She then shifted her eyes back to Nojiko and then laughed when she said.
"I mean sooner or later people will find out you worked with a Pirate and had them help you pay off Arlong's debt and such. No way Nezumi's words will go unnoticed by the higher ups." She then stood upright and wink. "Especially that one mariner named Smoker- didn't you say from recent calls during your travels of collecting treasure and such. That man and his partner Tashigi I think was her name?" She hummed and shook her head. "Well, didn't you say despite his demeanor and out look on things, he takes every bit of information and intel seriously?"
"Yeah I did say that and you're not wrong," Bellemere sighed and rested an open palm under her right elbow and rested her right palm against her cheek. "And he has a special weapon too that is made of sea prism that can hurt Logia users like Luffy," She then gummed and shook her head. "Wait no, he wears gloves thus why he isn't affected by the weapon." She then jumped slightly and laughed as Nojiko happily pounded the table with a huge grin on her face.
"Well there ya go! More reason to join and sail with Luffy! Knowing things like that and weapons they use too- will become great for Luffy." She then also added. "Not only that but if Kuina or Usopp are too busy defending themselves or in a battle or in a tight pinch. They won't be able to go and dive into the ocean waters if Luffy suddenly falls into it." she exclaimed and had Nami laughing and nodding her head, as she began rolling up the map and placing it down.
"Then all good reasons for him to have more than ten crew mates." Nami suddenly said and then looked at Bellemere. "I think I made my decision and will join Luffy and his crew…or I should say, become part of the Straw hat pirates." She grinned widely and happily placed her hands onto her hips. "More the merrier and honestly, when I was talking to him yesterday morning through the transponder snail, along with Kuina and Usopp." She then softly gazes down at the floor. "They sounded like they were having a lot of fun. And are quite close friends too." She then closes her eyes. "And…well, considering I was trapped forever by Arlong and forced to draw maps and locations for them in their base and all." She then lifted her head and smiled. "Well I want to head out there and see the world!"
Then her eyes began sparkling and had Bellemere sweat dropping, while Nojiko sighed and placed two fingers against her forehead. "And those beautiful treasures that Luffy and the gang found and you too- from treasure island! Just think about how many more holds and treasures await us out there in the blue sea!" She said and began cackling and giggling at the mere thought of all the treasure of the world to be found and unearthed by her. "And if Luffy is serious about becoming the Pirate king and finding the one piece! Then that means Gold D. Roger's gold will be prime for the picking!"
Bellemere chuckled nervously and began silently looking over to Nojiko, asking what the hell did she miss and what did Arlong do to Nami while she was away? Nojiko just chuckled and shook her head, "trust me- while you were away. Arlong and his crew had set sail a couple of times on their own and began robbing and stealing treasures from people and other pirates while carrying Nami with them." She then sighed and lowered her hand. "So much as Hacchin was watching over Nami and caring for her. Even he could not prevent some habits from rubbing off on a child." She laughed and had Bellemere nodding her head.
Then that brings up the last question, "What about you Nojiko?" Bellemere suddenly asked and had her humming. "You give a reason for me to probably go and continue sailing with Luffy. But that will-" She never finished her sentence as Nojiko grinned brightly and thumb to herself.
"Oh I'm coming too!" She exclaimed and had Nami whipping her head ready to say what she could offer, watching Nojiko clicking her tongue and wagging a single finger. "Tut, tut Nami- much as gathering treasures and such is important along with maintaining money. I am sure these goofballs don't know how to conserve or make profit while out on sea." She said and turned to Bellemere who laughed softly and rubbed the back of her neck. "I have no doubt Bellemer,e there was a point in time where you were handling purchases and resources for the crew?"
"Uh yeah…" Bellemere said and looked to the side. "Luffy or Kuina doesn't exactly have good knowledge about spendings. Well…they do, but they are the type of people who could easily mishandle their Berries if not careful and could go bankrupt." She said and then crossed her arms and smirked. "So, I am going to make an assumption that you want to be their bank accountancy and make sure that everyone on the ship gets equal shares?"
"Of course most of the treasure is going to me!" Nami tried saying but grunted as she felt a small fan, that Nojiko grabbed out of nowhere- whacked her on the top of her head and had her growling toward her. "HEY!"
"That's the reason why I am coming, knowing Nami and her new obsession with treasure and such. She will probably try to take 90% of the crew's treasure to herself and only give ten percent to the rest." Nojiko stated firmly while tapping the fan against her forearm. "Thus is why I will be going so that doesn't happen?" She then laughed. "Besides, Luffy's the captain- only fair for him to get all the money, at least 85% of the berries everyone manages to make while sailing in the seven seas."
"You heard Bellemere! They wouldn't know how to handle expenses let alone possibly waste a lot of money on things they probably wouldn't need." Nami then ducks when Nojiko tried swatting her again, to then stick her tongue out and blow raspberries- only to yelp and feel her eyes spinning when the fan came back and whacked her on the front of her face.
"Which is WHY, I am going." Said the light purple hair woman as she grinned and snicker. "I will be teaching them the proper etiquette way of spending their berries in a well fashioned manner." She said firmly, "granted I know Luffy probably wouldn't want this many on the crew. At least specifically wise, but I say this will benefit him greatly." She then winked. "Plus, we're all good swimmers too- if either one of us are in a pinch or too busy helping or defending."
This had Nami smiling softly and nodding her head tending to the sore on her cheek. "Luffy's lifeline will be enhanced even further, considering not all of us can fight." She said and had Nojiko nodding her head and Bellemere laughed and giggled loudly as she shook her head and then rubbed the back of her head lightly flicking her small ponytail.
"All my life never would I dare utter these words." Bellemere began saying and trying her best to calm down, getting Nami and Nojiko to smile towards her. "Seems like my career as a Marine and a mother, is now going to be a career of becoming a pirate." She laughed and smiled brightly at the two of them. "Then is it settled? You girls have convinced me, as well someone does have to keep an eye onNami here." She jokes and teases while headlocking Nami, who laughed and snicker when Bellemere began nudging her hair playfully. "As well…other things too." she whispered the last part, making Nami hum in curiosity.
Nojiko choked slightly while taking a sip of her drink and did her best not to sound surprised or knowing what Bellemere meant, making Nami to stare at her confusingly too and then tilt her head. "Huh, what other things and why does Nojiko seem to know what you're hinting at?"
Getting Bellemere to let go of Nami and snicker softly, "um, you will find out when you're older. Anyway- considering we don't know when Arlong will arrive at the baratie. I think we can already go and let Luffy and everyone know we can set sail instead of waiting three days." She informed and saw the two girls nodding their heads as Nami lifted up the map to the heGrand line and smiled.
"Then let's pack our things and head out, we have the Grand Line and Baratie to head too!" She exclaimed and had Nojiko cheering in agreement as the two girls went ahead and began heading upstairs of the cabin and towards their room to go and gather their things and clothes for the long voyage that awaits them.
Bellemere laughed as she went and grabbed the transponder snail through her shirt pocket and turned it on as it began connecting over to Luffy who had a spare. "Luffy come in, this is Bellemere," She said to the snail hearing the other end being picked up."
"Hey Bellemere, Luffy here what's up?Everything alright?" Asked the straw hat pirate on the other side, making her smile and grin widely.
"Yup, everything is fine and a-okay." She said to Luffy while turning her back against the table and resting her behind on the edge. "Just wanted to call you ahead of time and let you know that Nami has agreed to becoming your navigator." She then flinched with a happy giggle as Luffy let out a loud cheer.
"WOOHOO! That's great news, I will let Kuina and Usopp know about this!" He exclaimed and sounded really excited on the other side. "Aw man this is so cool, we now have a Navigator on our ship. And with the Grand line map too. No way we're ever going to get lost in the Grand line!"
"But wait Luffy there is more I need to tell you and I know it…"Bellemere paused and nibbled her lower lip. "I know it might be unconventional, but um…I know you had planned for certain types of pirate crew to join ya but um." She wasn't sure how to say this and hopefully it wouldn't upset Luffy when she does so.
"Hmm, is something the matter?" Luffy asked through the transponder snail, hearing his slight concern and worry over the mother. "If you're worried about us not caring-" he chuckled as Bellemere laughed and interrupted him.
"Oh no, you have nothing to worry about me mothering over Nami or be concerned about her safety. I know she's in good hands." Bellemere said and then laughed. "Don't forget she was with Arlong for ten years so I have no doubt there were some experiences she went through unlike normal kids. Though she probably won't fight a lot."
Luffy chuckled and laughed, "Ah gotcha. So if it's not Nami you're worried about?"
Bellemere sighed softly and thought it over and decided to go blunt. "Well, I was wondering if you are willing to have more members on board?" She asked and heard the boy letting out a low hum of interest. "You see I…was discussing with my daughters and Nojiko, the light purple hair girl you met yesterday morning." She said and had Luffy humming in agreement and she can feel that smile of his growing. "And she brought up a good point about me and her" She then laughed and closed her eyes as Luffy once more got excited and shouted.
"Wait! Are you really wanting to keep sailing with us, as well Nojiko wants to join!" He was about to agree but Bellemere made sure to chime in.
"NOW before you say yes, this and why Nojiko suggested this to me." She said and had Luffy paused and cleared his throat, adding more snickers from Bellemere. Hearing him apologising and chuckled out go on. "Well, since I used to be part of the marines," she began saying while crossing one leg over the other and leaning more on the table as it creaked. "Nojiko figured if I keep sailing with you and the crew I will be able to help us out to avoid any sightings of Marine whereabouts by basically using the radio transponder snail. To get reports and key locations of anyone that is part of the marines." She then looked out the window. "Especially higher up admirals and captains who have experience fighting Pirates- along with those who had devil fruit powers too."
"I see…" Luffy responded back and nodded his head. "And because of that and your connection, and what you're saying. We could evade and avoid any high ranking Marine sailors out in the seas and possible Grandline- that could spell trouble to us right?" He asked and got a yup from Bellemere, "Gotcha yeah that sounds really helpful indeed. And you're worried that it might mess up my plan of having ten crewmates right?" He wondered and got another yeah from Bellemere.
"Yeah, and the other reason is so that there is more safety in numbers. Especially for you- since you can't swim like every devil fruit user out there. And if someone like Kuina, or Usopp is too busy trying to defend themselves or the Going Merry and sees you falling off."
"Ahh," Luffy nodded his head as he then said. "With you, Namio and Nojiko- wgho might not be battling could come and save me from falling into any body of water. I see where she's coming from now." He chuckled and began going through his thoughts. "I see now, yeah if things get hectic during the course of our travels and nobody is unable to break free from a combat situation if I somehow," he then laughed.
"Though I will be sure not to, if I do somehow land in the water. I can have Nojiko or you to rely on saving me from the ocean and drowning in it. Or Nami as well." He then snicker, "Shi, Shi, Shi! I like it and I can understand where everyone is coming from." He then asked. "So, I bet Nojiko has good reasons for her coming too besides being an extra life line?"
Bellemere laughed and nodded her head, "hahaha, yeah! She said she can be the business and money provider of the crew in a sense to watch over the berries and gold we may come across. On account of Nami being forced to set sail with Arlong while I was trying to repay him. Nami…have developed a habit of wanting and keeping all treasures to herself- although her passion lies on Navigation. Nojiko is worried."
Luffy interrupts her, already catching on to why Nojiko wanted to join. "Of course! Yeah I may not be good with money let alone wouldn't really care for it during my travels. As well probably Kuina too- but considering how much you spent on those supplies back on Syrup island, despite Kaya helping us out and giving us the Going Merry. We still need to Carefully ration our supplies and make sure we have Berries to purchase anything that's necessary."
"Indeed especially tailored clothing and such, including ship repairs, cannon ammo and the likes." Bellemere said, having Luffy nodding his head and then she snicker when he said.
"Then we should probably find a shipwright in the future to help with the repairs and such for the Going Merry, but also knowing what they are doing while sailing too." He added and then wrapped one hand over his neck and continued saying. "Alright, anything else? Before we all get packed and sail out?"
"Yeah," Bellemere's tone got serious and had Luffy falter his smile briefly and then harden his eyes. "Arlong, I am afraid it might cause more trouble in another place. Called Baratie." She said and heard him humming. "It's a sea restaurant just a couple distance from Logue port- I…"
"Yeah, you don't want more people to suffer and afraid he might do the same to those there running the restaurant right?" He asked and had her softly saying yeah. "A Restaurant in the sea…" He hummed and then began feeling excitement bubbling up inside of him and could hear Bellemere laughing before he even spoke. "I wonder if I could find a chef there! With someone running a place like that, they are bound to know how to make a ton of delicious food, especially the meat variety!"
"Heh maybe! I heard it is being run by a once infamous pirate who used to terrorize the North blue before arriving to the east blue to make the restaurant. I am sure he could spare a chef for ya."
"Awesome! A pirate running a restaurant that is so cool," Luffy exclaimed as Bellemere got off the table and approached the window and looked up towards the sky. "Well then you know my answer, and Kuina will no doubt be happy and glad to have you aboard officially, along with meeting Nami and Nojiko. I definitely know Usopp will like to chat more with others too."
"Heh yeah it will be fun!" She said and shielded her eyes. "So then once me and my girls are packed up- we will immediately head on over to you guys."
"Okay! So let's get ahead before Arlong reaches the Baratie- then after that and possibly getting a chef on the crew. We head to Logue port where the entrance of the Grand line is." He exclaimed as Bellemere looked up towards the skies as the scenery pans upwards and followed a Seagull that was flying through the air and then soaring across the large vast blue ocean of the east blue. To then dive downwards towards what looks to be quite a fancy looking restaurant out in the middle of the ocean. Circling on top of it and then landing and parching itself onto the top of the jolly roger flag. "I wonder what and how the restaurant and the workers there are like?" Luffy's voice continued saying as the scene then pans downwards to the front doors of the restaurant and then bursts open as a couple of the customers went flying and soaring out of the building and into the ocean.
"Who knows, but one thing for sure," Bellemere continued as a young man wearing a black tuxedo butler-like outfit. Holding a cigar in his lips, having curly like eyebrows and blonde flat hair- went and adjusted his suit and blew out some smoke from his mouth. "If it's run by a pirate, then you hell bet it's going to be quite rowdy."
The young man then opened his eyes and stared at the two rough housing bulky men that were causing problems, splashing and sputtering out water from their mouths and flailing within the water swam to the edge and began gasping and breathing heavily. "The hell is wrong with you?! You could've made us drown!" The man on the right shouted at the whale looking at the chef.
"Yeah, you bastard cook shouldn't be treating your customers like this!" Said a thin and skinny looking man next to his friend. The blonde haired man sighed and gently grabbed his cigarette and flicked it onto the man's forehead on the right and glared at them.
"When you cause problems to our customers, especially to the ladies."
To be continued…
"Then force is necessary!"