The town was still reeling from the casual destruction of a cannonball. People whispered in awe, unsure whether Nami was a savior, a demon, or just someone too powerful to question.
She didn't care what they thought.
"Hey! Wait up!" Luffy's voice rang out like a firecracker behind her.
She didn't turn, but slowed her pace just enough to let him catch up. He practically bounced next to her, eyes gleaming.
"That was amazing! How'd you do that?"
She glanced sideways. "Practice."
He tilted his head, clearly wanting more. "You're really strong. I bet you could take down Buggy in one punch!"
She gave him a flat look. "I don't waste punches on clowns."
He burst out laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. She didn't mind that. His laughter wasn't irritating. It was… light. Easy.
Zoro caught up a few moments later, carrying a stack of swords over one shoulder. He paused as soon as he saw her.
"You're new."
"Sharp eyes," she replied dryly.
Luffy piped in, "This is Nami! She's joining the crew!"
Zoro looked her up and down, eyes narrowing. "She doesn't look like a pirate."
"I'm not," she said calmly. "I'm just here for the ride."
That raised some eyebrows, but Luffy didn't care. "As long as you're strong and don't mess with my hat, we're good."
They continued through the town toward the square where Buggy had set up his little circus of terror. Nami's Observation Haki tingled. People were hiding. Afraid. Watching.
She stayed quiet for the most part, letting Luffy do the talking. The system pinged in her mind like a subtle hum.
[Fate Tether Strengthening. Target Affinity: Luffy – 23%]
They reached the square, and there he was — Buggy the Clown, laughing loudly as he prepared to fire another cannon at a tied-up townsman.
Nami exhaled.
Time to act.
She stepped forward before Luffy could move. "Hey, Clownface."
Buggy's eyes turned to her. "Huh? Who the hell are—"
She unleashed just a sliver of Conqueror's Haki. It rolled across the square like invisible thunder.
Half of Buggy's crew dropped instantly.
Buggy staggered, blood draining from his face. "What… what the hell are you?!"
Nami flipped a stolen coin from her pocket and caught it without looking.
"A distraction," she said.
Luffy launched himself forward with a wild yell. Zoro followed a second later.
The fight was short. Buggy never stood a chance.
By the end of it, the square was wrecked, the townspeople were cheering, and Luffy had declared victory with his signature laugh.
Nami stood at the edge of the rubble, arms crossed.
[System Reward Claimed: 4x Max-Level Cards Unlocked.]
[Applied: Observation Haki – MAX, Armament Haki – MAX, Conqueror's Haki – MAX. Remaining: 1.]
[Passive Skill Activated: Enhanced Charm x10.]
She could feel the shift within herself — like gears clicking into place. Everything was easier now. Tighter. More responsive. Her senses extended farther than ever.
Luffy walked over, wiping soot from his nose. "That was awesome. You're really something, Nami."
She raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"And we're gonna be great friends!" He laughed and threw his arm around her shoulder.
She allowed it — just for a second.
Zoro gave her a long look. "You're hiding something."
She smiled — the faintest curve of her lips. "Aren't we all?"
The Straw Hat crew set sail again by nightfall. The wind picked up. The sails billowed. The world stretched out before them.
Nami stood at the prow of the ship, hair whipping in the wind. Her smile faded into calm once more.
[System Reminder: Path to Fate Integration begun. Stay near the Protagonist to continue synchronization. Remaining Max Card: 1.]
She looked out toward the stars.
"This world's not ready for me," she whispered.
And somewhere deep in the system's code, a new line appeared:
[Warning: Destiny Divergence Detected. Prepare for future anomalies.]
End of Chapter 3