The next morning, inside Nami and Nojiko's home…
"What?! Nojiko, you're coming with us?!"
Nami's eyes went wide in disbelief as she looked at Nojiko, who scratched her cheek awkwardly, clearly a little embarrassed.
"Hey! Ace, what the hell did you say to trick Nojiko into joining us?!"
Nami turned and pointed at Ace, her voice sharp with accusation.
"It wasn't Ace's doing—it was my decision," Nojiko interrupted quickly, grabbing Nami's arm just as she was about to lunge at Ace.
"B-But why? Nojiko, haven't you always wanted to keep Bellmère's mikan grove alive?"
Nami's voice dropped to a soft murmur, eyes filled with confusion and hurt.
"Well, I thought about it a lot," Nojiko said with a carefree smile. "If I just stay here clinging to the orchard for Bellmère's sake, she wouldn't be happy. That's not what she would've wanted."
Then she turned toward Ace.
"You're not being honest, Nojiko," Ace teased with a grin. "Why are you embarrassed? Isn't it because you wa—mmph!"
Before he could finish, Nojiko, face burning bright red, clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Ace!" she hissed, flustered.
"Mmm-mm!" Ace raised both hands in mock surrender, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"What is going on with you two?!" Nami yelled, clearly at her limit.
"Well, if Nojiko's feeling shy, you'll just have to figure it out for yourself in time," Ace said, shrugging with a grin.
"Alright, Nojiko—it's time to fulfill my promise. You remember everything I told you?"
Ace's tone turned serious as he looked her in the eyes.
Nojiko nodded, her expression equally earnest. "Yeah!"
Ace slowly raised his right hand, a strange energy beginning to ripple through the air.
Nami bit her lip and watched silently. She wanted to see—maybe within this mysterious act lay the answer to why Nojiko had suddenly decided to join them at sea.
Nearby, Kaya's eyes shimmered with nostalgia.
It was this exact technique—Ace's mysterious power—that had freed her from the chains of illness. Thanks to him, she had gained her health, her confidence… and her place among true friends.
She smiled sweetly, her gaze fixed on Ace's back.
"Domain of Comprehension."
The energy enveloped Nojiko completely, crackling with invisible force.
Nojiko closed her eyes, her mind drifting to Nami's dream—and the memories they'd shared growing up.
Nami… you've always dreamed of drawing a complete map of the world. But no matter how skilled a navigator you are, without a capable helmswoman… your dream will always be missing something.
Ever since Bellmère-san passed away, you're the only family I have left.
Ace said he could help me master the art of steering a ship. And I want to be that support for you. I want to sail alongside you, carrying Bellmère-san's mikan across the world you'll one day map out.
In that moment of yearning, something inside Nojiko awakened.
She could feel it—as if she'd already become a masterful helmswoman. No matter the vessel, no matter the storm, her hands would know how to guide it true.
Bellmère-san… I promise, as Nami's neesan, I'll help her reach her dream. You can count on me.
A soft smile spread across Nojiko's lips.
The memory of Bellmère standing between them and the Arlong Pirates, shotgun in hand, filled her mind. That brave, defiant figure was etched into her soul.
A single tear rolled silently down Nojiko's cheek.
"She's ready. I wonder if this'll be enough to attract a Devil Fruit…" Ace murmured, observing the process with satisfaction—until something unexpected caught him off guard.
A message echoed in his mind:
[Within the Domain of Comprehension, due to Nojiko's intense emotional bond with Bellmère, Sharpshooting Aptitude has awakened.]
"…What?" Ace blinked in surprise.
No one knew how much time had passed before Nojiko finally opened her eyes. She stared down at her hands in disbelief.
"What's wrong, Nojiko?" Nami asked, instantly worried.
To her, Nojiko wasn't just a sister figure—she was her oneesan, in every way that mattered.
"No, it's nothing… I just… I think I've really inherited everything Bellmère stood for," Nojiko said, smiling through the last remnants of her tears.
It was a radiant smile—like the first rose blooming in spring—and it left both Nami and Kaya momentarily stunned.
"Congrats, Nojiko. Welcome aboard—our helmswoman and sharpshooter."
Ace's voice was warm and proud.
Nojiko grinned. "Aye, Captain. I'll be counting on you."
"Huh?!"
Nami blinked, caught off guard. But then something dawned on her, and she looked at Nojiko with teary eyes, her heart swelling with emotion.
Soon after, Nami and Nojiko made their rounds through the village, saying heartfelt goodbyes.
Genzo assured them that by the time they returned, Bellmère's orchard would be more vibrant than ever.
Once farewells were finished, the sisters returned home, running their fingers over the walls, the furniture—every piece of their childhood. Their eyes shimmered with nostalgia.
Ace and Kaya stood nearby, watching them in silence.
"Well, it's time to go, Nojiko," Nami said brightly, slinging her pack over her shoulder.
"Yeah, Nami," Nojiko replied, smiling.
"Welcome to the crew, Nojiko. And welcome back, Nami," Kaya said cheerfully, waving as she stood beside Ace.
"Thanks!"
Both Nami and Nojiko nodded to her warmly.
Then the three girls followed Ace out the door, step by step, toward their new future.
Clack.
As the last ones to step outside, Nami and Nojiko suddenly felt something—or someone—gently push them forward.
They paused, then turned around slowly… to look once more at the cozy home where they had lived with Bellmère.
"Heh… hahaha…"
They exchanged a glance—and both laughed softly, their eyes wet but shining.
Mama… we're off to find our own life now.
Ace watched the scene quietly, smiling to himself.
This world of pirates really is full of miracles, he thought. That strange energy…
Well, there's still one more thing to do before we set sail.
Ace's eyes sparkled with resolve as he led the three girls away—toward whatever adventure waited next.
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TL/N:
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