Nami's question caught Luffy's attention. "Is a 20 million Berry bounty really a big deal?"
Zoro nodded and explained, "Well, for context, Buggy's bounty used to be 15 million Bellies. A bounty shows how much of a threat someone is to the World Government, plus their strength and what they've done to civilians."
Nami added quietly, "It's a comprehensive assessment, but some pirates are stronger than their bounty suggests…"
Because Arlong bribed Colonel Mouse, the Navy Headquarters didn't know his full power or actions—that's why his bounty was so high.
Usopp exclaimed, "That bounty is crazy high!"
Luffy frowned, "Is it really that high?"
Lynn chuckled and poked Luffy's head. "Kuro's bounty is 16 million Bellies. After your fight, Luffy, even though you won, you were wiped out."
He grinned. "Luffy, you want to be Pirate King, right? Look at yourself—you had to struggle to fight a pirate with 16 million Bellies. What if you faced one with 1.6 billion Bellies? You'd be defeated in seconds. You just eat all day and act dumb. I'm talking to you—after all this training, have you become a dog or what?"
Luffy's face flushed with anger. "How dare you look down on me, you jerk!"
Turning to Nami, he declared, "Nami, take me to that pirate with 20 million Bellies. I'll definitely beat him—I'm going to be Pirate King!"
Nami still looked skeptical.
Lynn put a hand on her shoulder, smiling. "Nami, what's that face?"
"Huh?" Nami blinked in confusion.
Lynn sighed. "You look constipated. Just looking at you makes my stomach hurt. Honestly, even if a pirate worth 200 million Bellies showed up, I'd kill him. A 20 million Berry pirate? That's just a glare to me. If he's still standing, I'll just give him a second blow."
"Think about the coast battle just now—who in the East Blue can block my sword?"
Zoro Don Kreiged his tongue, jealous. Luffy laughed. "If it's this guy Lynn, he really could do it."
Usopp's eyes widened. "Lynn's that strong?"
Lynn rolled his eyes at Usopp, then looked at Nami, who seemed lost in thought.
She touched the tattoo on her arm with pain in her eyes, and everyone grew silent.
Nami spoke slowly, her voice heavy: "Everyone… there's something about my hometown, Cocoyasi Village. Eight years ago, a group of pirates called the Fishmen took over. Their captain was Arlong."
She swallowed hard. "They demanded we pay a life-saving tribute every year. My family couldn't afford it. My adoptive mother, Bellmère, fought Arlong to keep me and my sister safe. She died by his gun…"
Silence filled the room.
Lynn didn't stop Nami as she pinched her tattoo, tears forming.
After a moment, she continued. "Bellmère was a navy officer once. She found me and my sister during a mission. She resigned to raise us. But… she… wuwuwu…"
Her tears spilled over, and she cried on Lynn's shoulder.
After a while, she calmed down. Lynn gently said, "Is that why you love money so much? Because if you'd had enough back then, your mother might still be here. But the past is the past—you have to let go."
Nami's mind flashed back to Bellmère's final moments—the smile on her face.
"Nami, Nojiko, you're my children. Face life with a smile. I love you…"
Bang…
Gunshots echoed. Bellmère fell.
Nami trembled, reliving the pain of watching her most beloved say goodbye forever.
Lynn whispered, "Nami, the past is cruel, but you can't change it. You have many dear friends now. If you cling too tightly to the past, you risk losing your future. Be strong."
In his arms, Nami felt a warmth she hadn't known.
Meanwhile, Lynn secretly wished he could pull out Gao Feng and chop Luffy for being so loud.
"Damn it!" Luffy shouted. "Where's that Arlong guy? I'm gonna beat him up! Nami, take us to him!"
Zoro groaned. "We can't go. The ship won't be ready for days."
Luffy seemed to lose his mind. "I don't care! I'm going now!"
Usopp sighed, "Hey, anyone listening?"
Nami snapped out of her sorrow, flushed, and quickly stepped away from Lynn. "Luffy, calm down. There's something you need to know."
She took a deep breath. "I made a promise to Arlong. When I earn 100 million Bellies, I'll buy back my village."
Lynn poked Nami's head with a smirk. "You greedy girl. You want that much money, and you're giving it to the guy who killed your mom?"
Nami smacked him, face dark. "I have no choice. Arlong's no good, but he respects agreements."
Lynn stood and laughed. "Did you hit your head on a door? I'd sooner believe Luffy hates to eat than trust that trash."
Smack! Nami hit him again. "Can you stop being so annoying?"
Lynn grinned. "Just asking why you keep dreaming. Wake up."
He turned serious. "Nami, that bastard won't give you the chance to keep your promise. You said he's in cahoots with that rat colonel, right? So don't fool yourself. Trust us. When the time comes, you'll bring us to Cocoyasi Village to take down the Fishmen Pirates."
"And you risked your life to earn those Bellies from pirates. Why give them to him?"
-End Chapter-
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