“Do you have any more of these?
Give me a few extra!” Nami stuck out her tongue as she spoke.
“This stuff is incredibly useful for me.” After all, whenever she infiltrated other pirate crews, getting injured was practically unavoidable.
“What?
You’re still planning to sneak into pirate crews?” Kain asked.
“So you already know.” Nami sat down on a nearby chair.
“Nojiko told you, didn’t she?” ‘Seriously, that worrywart sister of hers!’ Still, she had expected Nojiko to figure it out eventually.
After all, they lived under the same roof.
Kain didn’t reply, silently admitting it.
Nami didn’t mind and instead began recounting her past in a gloomy voice.
This included the story of how her adoptive mother, Bellemere, had been killed by Arlong.
“Because of the two of us, Bellemere couldn’t afford an adult’s share, and Arlong killed her.
If Bellemere hadn’t picked me up back then, things would’ve been better.” Nami clenched her fists tightly.
“That’s why I want to save up one hundred million Belly.
Once I do, I’ll be able to buy the village back!
I only need to go out one more time, and I’ll finally have enough!” “I…” Kain stepped forward and gently pulled the fragile girl into his embrace, softly patting her back.
“I’ll help you.
Don’t think of yourself as an unnecessary burden.
I’m sure your mother never regretted her decision.
You’re the continuation of her life.” Hearing these words, Nami’s heart trembled.
‘Bellemere… Is that really how you felt?’ Tears shimmered in Nami’s eyes.
At that moment, she missed Bellemere more than ever.
“You…” Nami opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a chaotic commotion outside.
“What’s going on?” Nami frowned as she looked towards the source of the noise.
Kain released his grip on her and helped her up.
“Come on, Let’s go and see what’s happening.” Once outside, Kain immediately recognized the iconic appearance of a Marine and instantly understood what was going on.
This Marine had come to confiscate Nami’s treasure.
‘Heh.’ ‘How amusing.’ There was a group of pirates running rampant here, yet instead of eliminating them, the Marines had come to bully a little girl.
What a disgusting way of doing things!
“You’re the thief called Nami, right?” Captain Nezumi let out a rat-like laugh.
“Kekekeke!” “According to our investigation, the treasure you stole from the pirates is hidden somewhere in this tangerine grove, isn’t it?!” Although he phrased it as a question, Captain Nezumi was extremely certain.
It was as if he had already received precise information.
The moment she heard those words, Nami’s pupils shrank and her face turned pale instantly.
‘How did he know?!’ Captain Nezumi was extremely satisfied with Nami’s reaction and smugly continued, “Since the victims were pirates, I won’t blame you.
But a thief is still a thief.
Therefore, the stolen goods you took should naturally be confiscated by us!” “Now then, hand over all the stolen treasure!” Making money this way was easy.
Although he was irritated by having to split some of it with Arlong, it was necessary for long-term cooperation.
Looking at Captain Nezumi’s revolting expression, Kain stepped forward.
Nami should finally understand the truth by now, shouldn’t she?
‘He was going to blow this bastard up.’ Nami quickly stretched out a hand to stop him, signaling that he shouldn’t act rashly.
Then she forced herself to remain calm and looked at Captain Nezumi.
“What a surprise.
You really are passionate about your work.
Too scared to fight pirates directly, so you’re coming after a thief to earn yourself some merit?” “How impressive.” However, Captain Nezumi paid no attention whatsoever to Nami’s sarcasm.
‘Would he really care about something so trivial?’ Money was what mattered most!
Seeing that the man still had no intention of backing down, Nami finally revealed her identity.
“Let me give you a warning first.
I’m an officer in Arlong’s crew!
If you dare touch me, Arlong won’t just stand by and watch.” Nami believed that this guy absolutely wouldn’t dare attack her.
At the same time, however, she was puzzled.
‘How had this Marine managed to get here?’ The previous Marines had all been slaughtered by the Fish-Men.
Otherwise, Arlong wouldn’t have remained in control of this island for so long.
“Do you think that gives you the right to negotiate with me on equal terms?” Captain Nezumi sneered at Nami.
“What a naïve little girl.” “Search for the stolen goods!” The moment the order was given, all the Marines began moving.
At that instant, Nami truly panicked.
Especially when they started heading directly towards where she had hidden her treasure.
She immediately drew her weapon and knocked two Marines to the ground.
“Is this really what Marines are supposed to be doing?!” She shouted furiously at Captain Nezumi.
“Arlong’s crew murdered people and destroyed an entire town!” “You know that, don’t you?!” “They’re still ruling this island, trampling over innocent lives!
And yet, instead of dealing with that huge problem, you’re here extorting stolen money from a thief!” “Is this truly the justice of the Marines?!” At that moment, Nami was utterly disappointed in them.
“Hmph.
Such righteous-sounding nonsense.” Captain Nezumi ignored her completely and continued directing his men to search for the treasure.
The moment they discovered its exact location, Nami rushed over and knocked them down again.
“I’m not giving you my money!” “That money is…” “That money is!” “That child’s money is meant to save Cocoyasi Village!” Genzo roared furiously.
“Do you still think you have the right to take it, Marine?” “What did you say?” Captain Nezumi glanced sideways at Genzo.
“A mere village sheriff dares lecture a Marine captain?” “How much did Arlong give you?” Kain suddenly asked calmly.
“Fifty percent!” Captain Nezumi answered instinctively before his expression immediately darkened.
“Brat, were you tricking me into talking?” “Tired of living, are you?!” Captain Nezumi glanced at the three people in front of him, considering whether he should simply kill them all.
“That’s why I said you were too naive, Nami.” Kain sighed and casually tossed a tiny robotic bomb from his pocket.
“Arlong was never going to let you go.” Nami collapsed weakly onto the ground.
At that moment, she truly had no idea what to do anymore.
Kain raised his head and looked at Captain Nezumi, revealing a “kind” smile.
“Hopefully you’ll still be standing once this is over.” (End Of This Chapter)