Conqueror’s Desire

The jungle on the island felt damp and eerily silent. Only the rustling leaves and the group's footsteps disturbed the stillness. MC walked behind Nami, his eyes constantly watching the pirates, who now seemed more focused on the promise of treasure than on killing them.

Still, MC did not let his guard down.

Nami could not be trusted.

She walked with confidence, as if she truly knew where she was going. Every so often, she glanced back at MC, flashing a subtle smile, as if reassuring him that she was in control.

But MC wasn't convinced.

"You really have that map?" MC asked quietly.

Nami turned to him, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Of course."

MC scoffed. "If you're lying, we're both dead."

Nami leaned in, whispering in a teasing voice, "Then you'd better stay close and protect me, right?"

MC clenched his fists. This woman truly knew how to manipulate a situation.

They continued walking for several minutes until Nami finally stopped in front of a large moss-covered rock. She crouched down, running her hands over its surface as if searching for something.

The pirates watched warily. "Don't waste our time," one of them growled.

Nami merely smiled, then pressed a specific spot on the rock.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled slightly, and a narrow opening appeared beside the rock.

The pirates' eyes widened in shock.

"Damn… So there really is something here?"

Nami stood up and dusted off her hands. "You almost killed the one person who could lead you here. Lucky for you, I'm generous."

MC narrowed his eyes at the opening. From within, a set of stone stairs descended into darkness.

An underground cave?

Nami turned to the bald pirate. "Alright, as agreed, you can go first. But if there are traps, don't blame me."

The pirate spat on the ground. "I'm not that stupid. You go first."

Nami chuckled, then glanced at MC. "How about him?"

MC felt his anger flare. "You really have no shame, do you?"

Nami giggled. "Not at all. You're a man, aren't you? Stronger than me, right?"

MC knew this was just her way of using him as a human shield. But he had no other choice. With an annoyed huff, he stepped into the cave.

As the darkness swallowed him, one thought refused to leave his mind:

Is this a trap?

And more importantly…

Can he really trust Nami?