"Hmph." Gawain smirked.
He was confident in Nami's navigation skills.
Though not yet at her Straw Hat prime, her ability to predict weather down to the minute showed absolute certainty.
Recalling her feats in the original story, Gawain had no doubt he'd win.
Explaining this to Kuro, though, would likely fall on deaf ears. Better to let him learn the hard way.
It wasn't about wanting to see him wash socks!
Gin glanced between Gawain and Kuro, thinking, Whoever wins, someone's washing my socks. I'm the real winner.
He leaned toward Gawain, still sore from losing to Kuro at Raven Port and knowing he couldn't beat him yet.
But this bet? He'd milk it forever.
A faint smile crept onto Gin's face.
Gawain shot him a suspicious look but let it go.
He ordered the crew to load food and water, moved the ship to a safer spot, reinforced it, and rested.
…
A day passed quickly.
By nightfall, Dia Port remained calm—no storm, just a gentle sea breeze, almost warm.
Gawain, Kuro, and Gin stood on the deck, awaiting Nami's predicted time.
Kuro scanned the horizon, then turned to Gawain, teasing, "Captain, how about you concede now? I'll go easy—wash just my socks."
"Concede?" Gawain retorted. "Start thinking about how you'll wash the ship's socks."
He glanced at the calm sea, a flicker of doubt rising.
What if Nami's skills only matured later under Arlong? This could be a big mistake.
No.
Most of Nami's later years were spent gathering money for Cocoyasi, not honing navigation. Her skills likely peaked early, charting for Arlong.
Calming himself, Gawain leaned against the deck, watching the sea.
Time ticked by.
At 11:20 PM, as Gawain grew restless, a mist rolled in from the sea.
Clouds gathered at a staggering pace, blocking the stars and moon. Lightning flashed in thick, leaden clouds.
The warm breeze turned cold, carrying the sea's chill, making the pirate flag dance wildly.
Whoosh!
Rain hit Kuro's face as lightning lit up his shocked expression.
"It's that precise?!" Kuro checked his watch—the minute hand hit 11:30 exactly.
Right on cue, the port's sirens blared: "Alert! Storm approaching! All ships, take cover!"
…
On the deck, Gawain patted Kuro's shoulder. "What do you think now?"
Kuro's lips twitched, ignoring the bet. "She's our navigator!"
"Also, I'm feeling dizzy. Gonna rest in my cabin."
He vanished before Gawain could reply, locking his door and plugging his ears.
If I can't hear it, it didn't happen!
Wash a ship full of men's socks? Just kill me!
But Gawain and Gin weren't letting him off.
They exchanged smirks. "Heh heh heh~"
…
The next day, Kuro cautiously opened his door. A pungent stench hit him—hundreds of socks piled outside, reeking of sweat and foot odor, bringing tears to his eyes.
A note on the handle read: "Real men keep their word!"
Kuro's lips twitched, his composure shattering. "Gawain!!!"
…
On the deck, directing the ship's departure, Gawain grinned at the shout from the cabin. Gin stifled a wicked laugh.
They locked eyes: "Heh heh heh~"
…
The storm lasted two days, fierce but brief, wreaking havoc.
A fifth of the port's ships sank, the rest heavily damaged.
Without Gawain's precautions—moving and securing the ship—it wouldn't have survived.
Even Kuro marveled at the port's devastation. "That woman's navigation breaks all logic. But…"
"What's so great about that damn movie?!"
Gawain glanced at him subtly.
He had the crew inspect the ship, confirming no structural damage, then set sail for Cocoyasi.
…
At the port, two figures watched the departing ship, sweating.
"Joseph, you saw it, right?" Johnny stammered. "That flag, that man on the deck—it's Knight Gawain!"
"The East Blue's top swordsman these past two months!"
Johnny, trembling, adjusted his sunglasses.
Joseph, with his dead-fish eyes, looked horrified. "No doubt. But a big shot like him in Dia Port? That route… it's Arlong's territory."
"Are the East Blue's top two pirates about to clash?!"
"What are you looking at?" A green-haired figure with three swords at his waist appeared, hands on their shoulders, pushing between them.
"Big Bro Zoro?!" Johnny jumped, silencing Joseph before he could speak. "Nothing! Just… admiring the view~"
Johnny shot Joseph a look, who nodded, thinking, That was close.
If Zoro learned of Gawain, he'd challenge him instantly.
An 85-million-Berry pirate, twice breaking the East Blue's bounty record in two months—a Grand Line heavyweight. Challenging him was suicide.
"Really?" Zoro eyed them suspiciously.
"Totally! Let me buy you a drink," Johnny offered.
"Deal!" Joseph winced at the cost, but compared to their lives, it was nothing.
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