Three days later, aboard the Chris.
Inside the captain's quarters, Sweetheart Queen twirled her golden hair with a smile. "Everyone's been in high spirits these past few days—so excited!"
Bege took a slow drag from his cigar and said calmly, "For pirates, nothing is more thrilling than a bounty."
Kalina nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's billions of berries! How could anyone not be excited?"
"And we haven't even entered the Grand Line yet," she added with a playful wink. "Our bounties will only keep growing from here~"
Monet floated in the air, letting out a cold, amused chuckle.
Nami, however, had been restless these past few days, still shaken by the sheer power of Chris and his crew.
She bit her lip, looking at the other women with a mix of admiration and insecurity. "You're all so incredible… I feel so out of place."
She forced a laugh. "The East Blue is such a small pond. The pirates there are weak compared to you all."
"It's like a country bumpkin walking into a royal palace—I don't belong here at all."
Reiju crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand as she smirked at Nami. "Don't say that. I actually admire you."
"You're straightforward, honest—no hidden agendas. That's rare."
Baccarat brushed her deep red hair back and nodded. "Nami's personality is refreshing. I like it too."
Just then—
ALARM!
A mechanical voice blared from outside.
"Approaching Cocoyasi Village. Approaching—"
Nami's eyes widened.
She jumped up, her face lighting up with pure joy.
"We're here! My village!!"
She clenched her fists, trembling with excitement.
"With Chris here… the villagers are saved! No more suffering under Arlong!"
"I'm so happy!!"
The other women exchanged glances, smiling at Nami's enthusiasm.
Sweetheart Queen patted her shoulder. "That Arlong Pirates crew? They're done for."
Kalina giggled. "Right, right~ Time to show those fishmen what real pirates look like!"
Bege exhaled smoke, unbothered. "Stop celebrating. Get ready to move."
Sweetheart Queen hesitated. "Chris… you're not coming?"
The women turned to look at him.
Chris, sitting in his chair, didn't even glance up from his book.
"I don't deal with small fry."
Nami pouted. "Arlong's a big deal in the East Blue, you know!"
Chris finally looked up, his gaze piercing.
"To me, he's nothing."
The women sighed.
Sweetheart Queen shook her head. "You really don't care about anything but training, do you?"
Reiju chuckled. "Well, no matter. The rest of us can handle it."
Baccarat nodded. "Exactly. You don't have to worry."
Nami clenched her fists, grinning. "With these guys backing me up, there's no way we'll lose!"
On the deck.
Jesus Burgess cracked his knuckles, staring at the approaching island. "Heh. This place looks like a dump. Perfect for smashing!"
Doc Q coughed into his hand, grinning eerily. "Should we poison the fishmen and villagers? Just for fun~"
Law's grip tightened on Kikoku. "Do that, and I'll dissect you first."
Hawkins flipped a card, his expression unchanging. "Their lifespans… not much longer."
Lafitte twirled his cane, glancing at the dark-skinned man beside him. "If they don't put up a fight, this'll be over too quickly."
Burgess laughed. "This guy's got a big mouth, but damn, his Haki progress is insane!"
Just then—
Click-clack.
The women stepped onto the deck, their presence commanding attention.
Law glanced at them, then turned away. "Guess we don't need to wait for orders."
Hawkins tucked his cards away. "Not surprising."
"A battle with no stakes? Of course the captain wouldn't care."
Doc Q licked his lips. "If the captain's not watching… I can play as much as I want~"
Gin cracked his knuckles. "Don't kill them too fast. I want a real fight."
Baccarat smirked. "Chris said just four words: 'Make it quick.'"
Sweetheart Queen giggled. "And that was that."
To Be Continued.
Next Chapter: The Fall of Arlong!
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T/N:
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