Navigation: The Intuition is Against Heaven, and the Deduction of the Start is a Cremation

Chapter 20: The Little Thief Cat, Nami!

One Month After Ace’s Departure…

A grand merchant vessel sailed through calm waters of the East Blue.  Onboard, an extravagant high-society banquet was underway. Men in elegant suits and noblewomen adorned in luxurious gowns mingled, their conversations blending into a chorus of laughter and clinking glasses. In the centre of the ballroom, couples danced gracefully under the warm glow of golden chandeliers. But the elegance did not last.

BANG!

A gunshot echoed through the hall. Instantly, the banquet descended into chaos.

“Nobody move! This ship now belongs to the Bone-Blade Pirates!” A group of pirates leapt onto the banquet tables, their faces twisted into cruel smiles. Beyond the merchant vessel, a pirate ship was drawing closer. Amidst the chaos, a slender figure with vibrant orange hair darted through the shadows. Her footsteps were light and calculated, slipping unnoticed through the confusion towards the deck.

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Just a little longer… Once all the pirates are aboard, I can make my move. Hiding in the shadows, the orange-haired girl peered at the approaching pirate ship. As she watched pirates swarm onto the merchant vessel, her eyes gleamed with opportunity.

“Now’s my chance!” The ship was completely empty. With a smirk, she pulled out a hooked rope and expertly latched it onto the pirate ship’s railing. Moments later—she slid across with fluid ease.

With all those pirates distracted, the treasure on this ship is as good as mine!

Suppressing a gleeful chuckle, Nami dashed towards the storage room. But—

“Clever plan, young lady.”

A deep chuckle broke the silence.

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Nami’s body tensed. A cold sweat formed on the back of her neck. Slowly, she turned her gaze upwards. asually on the railing, a young man with black hair and light freckles smirked down at her. A wide-brimmed hat cast a shadow over his piercing golden eyes. “You… Who are you?” Nami instinctively stepped back, her mind racing. Something about him felt strangely familiar.

I know I’ve seen him somewhere before… But where…?

“A little thief cat from Arlong’s crew, if I remember correctly?” The man’s smirk widened. “You were harder to find than I expected, Nami.”

Nami’s pupils shrank. Her mind snapped to a memory from two weeks ago. A disaster struck one of Arlong’s raiding parties. Six of his Fish-Men had gone out to plunder. Only one had survived. The survivor returned, spreading tales of a single human who had massacred five Fish-Men with ease. Arlong had issued a bounty on his head, swearing vengeance.

That single human was standing right in front of her.

“You—you’re…!” Her breath hitched. He hunts Arlong’s crew?! For a split second, Nami’s instincts screamed at her to run—but she knew it was useless. If he could kill five Fish-Men, he can kill me in an instant.

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“I was forced to join Arlong’s crew! Don’t kill me!” Nami’s eyes welled with tears, her voice shaking with fear. If he really has a grudge against Arlong, I have to convince him I’m not his enemy…! Ace chuckled, watching her reaction with amusement. “Kill you? After searching for you for a whole month? That’d be a waste.” He hopped down from the railing, landing gracefully in front of her.

“You were looking for me…?” Nami’s voice was filled with confusion. She had never met him before. Why is he after me?

“Let’s make this simple—” Ace’s smile remained as he introduced himself. “My name is Portgas D. Ace. I’m a pirate.” His golden eyes flickered with intensity. “And my crew is in need of a navigator.” Then, with a grin, he extended his hand— “Join me, Nami.”

“A… A pirate?” For the briefest moment, Nami’s hatred flickered in her eyes. But she quickly suppressed it, shaking her head. “I—I don’t know anything about navigation! You’ve got the wrong person!” She forced a laugh, waving her hands. “But the Fish-Men I interrogated say otherwise.” Ace’s smirk remained unchanged.

Nami’s heart sank. He interrogated them?! Then… He knows the truth…

“I know you’re part of Arlong’s crew.” Ace’s calm voice carried a weight that left no room for deception. “And I also know that you’re the best navigator in these waters.” Nami bit her lip, struggling to find an escape.

“I—I can’t join you!” She blurted out, trying to shift the conversation. “If I leave, Arlong will come after you! You don’t know how dangerous he is!” Her words were firm, but her reason for refusal was not what Ace had expected. She isn’t worried about herself… She’s worried about what will happen to her village if she leaves.

Ace sighed, rubbing his chin. “You really don’t want to join my crew, huh?” His tone was laced with amusement as he turned to leave. “Well, that’s a shame—”

Fwoosh.

As he moved, his bag accidentally fell open, revealing a glimpse of its contents.

“!!!”

Nami’s eyes widened—her pupils turning into Berries. “Wait! Wait!” She shouted suddenly. “Hmm?” Ace hid his smirk, then turned to her with a curious expression. “I—I changed my mind!” Nami declared boldly. She had caught a glimpse of what was inside his bag. One. Hundred. Million. Berries. If I can steal that money while he sleeps…Cocoyasi Village will finally be free!

Meanwhile, Ace’s grin widened ever so slightly. Just as planned.