One Piece: Starting With Flame-Flame Fruit

This left Tony in an even more awkward position.

Despite Nami's young age, she had a sharp mind and instantly saw through Tony's true objective.

With no other options, Tony shrugged.

"I told you, you give me the sword, and I'll give you 100 million. You're not losing out, right?"

"Besides, all you need is the money, isn't it? The sword is useless to you."

At that moment, Nami's devious side surfaced. Now that she was sure what Tony wanted, she no longer felt worried. She put down the black suitcase containing the 100 million Berries and placed the sword at the edge of the boat. Any sudden move from Tony, and she could kick the sword into the sea in an instant.

It was as if Nami had found Tony's weak spot, and her previous sense of danger had disappeared. She was even enjoying the sight of Tony appearing so willing to compromise.

"Sorry, but I can't give it back just yet. Once I finish what I need to do, I'll return the sword to you. But for now, it's staying with me; it's my insurance."

"What if you go back on your word? Out here on the sea, a young girl like me has no way to protect herself."

"So, until I reach my destination, let's keep things as they are."

Tony sat at the bow of his boat, feeling more frustrated than he ever had.

"Damn girl! So young, yet so calculating."

"But I'll tell you this—even if you give that 100 million to Arlong, he still won't spare Cocoyasi Village or you."

Nami's expression flickered, and she nearly kicked Ryūjin Jakka into the sea, catching it at the last second. Tony almost panicked in that moment.

With a confused look, Nami asked, "How do you know about my deal with Arlong?"

Annoyed, Tony turned his back to her, refusing to answer. He wasn't about to explain something like that.

"Hmph! Don't try to fool me. Arlong said that once he gets the 100 million Berries, he'll leave Cocoyasi Village alone."

"The people there will be able to live happily again... just like before..."

"That's right! I've finally gathered the 100 million Berries... Arlong will definitely keep his word!"

"You're just trying to trick me into giving back your sword and money. I won't fall for it!" Nami shouted defiantly.

Tony shook his head. She now believed she had fulfilled her end of the deal, and naturally, she wasn't considering what might happen afterward.

That illusion would need to be shattered completely before she would understand, before she could truly grow. Though it would hurt Nami, she needed to learn the harsh realities of this world.

"Fine, go on then. See if Arlong keeps his word like you think."

"You've seen his cruelty firsthand…"

Nami's gaze grew uncertain. As a child, she'd watched Arlong ruthlessly murder her adoptive mother, Belle-Mère, right before her eyes.

Could someone like him really be trusted to honor his promise to her? If what this man in front of her said was true, if Arlong would still harm her and the people of Cocoyasi Village even after taking the money… what would she do then?

Fear washed over Nami, her only hope resting on the chance that Arlong would keep his end of their bargain. That he would take the money, quietly leave Cocoyasi Village, and not cause any more suffering.

Three hours later, Nami reached Cocoyasi Village with a heavy heart. She clutched the 100 million Berries and the Zanpakutō, instructing Tony to stay at least 500 meters offshore, ensuring he wouldn't set foot on land or cause trouble for her.

Tony complied, making no attempt to seize the sword from her.

From his boat, Tony looked toward Cocoyasi Village, spotting the bright orange grove on the hill. He watched Nami's small figure disappearing into the distance, and a pang of emotion stirred within him.

Such a small frame, carrying burdens no one her age should have to bear.

"Though I don't usually go looking for trouble, I suppose this will be an exception."

With a determined look in his eyes, Tony's Sharingan spun into life as he watched Nami's retreating figure.

Slowly, Tony began steering his boat closer to the shore.

Nami took a deep breath, steeling herself despite her lingering hope that Arlong would keep his promise… After all, she had no other options left.

She made her way through the forest and arrived at the base of the Arlong Pirates.

Arlong was lounging on a deck chair, basking in the sunlight. Nearby, Hatchan, Kuroobi, and Chew—the three officers—were training dozens of the Arlong Pirates' underlings.

"Oh? Isn't this our brilliant navigator, Nami?" Arlong sneered.

"It was starting to look like you'd run away; it's been almost a month since we last saw you. I was even considering which villager from Cocoyasi Village I'd have to kill just to get your attention."

"ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Arlong's laugh echoed as he mocked Nami shamelessly. The rest of the pirates and his officers all burst into laughter.

"Arlong, you're too mean. Nami's been working hard to scrape together that money."

"Yeah, keep talking like that, and Nami might start crying!"

"Ha ha ha!"

Nami clenched her teeth. Every time she came here, she had to endure ridicule from these Fish-Men. Her hatred for this band of pirates who had taken over her home ran deep—she wanted nothing more than to be rid of them.

Ignoring the jeers, Nami opened the black suitcase, revealing stacks upon stacks of cash, which left the Arlong Pirates gaping in astonishment.

"Wow! I've never seen so much money at once! How much is in here?"

"Oh?"

Arlong, intrigued, picked up a few bundles of cash from the suitcase, examining them with interest.

With a cold, steady gaze, Nami spoke, "I've fulfilled my end of the deal. Here is 100 million Berries. Now leave Cocoyasi Village and never come back!"

An insidious smile crept onto Arlong's face.

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T/N:

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