It was another fine and sunny day.
On the Going Merry.
Reno continued to act as the helmsman.
He constantly adjusted the course amidst Nami's shouts.
Kaya began to exercise to strengthen her physique.
To fully develop the Healing-Healing Fruit, physical fitness was the foundation.
She didn't want to hold everyone back.
Makino, on the other hand, prepared their three daily meals and started brewing wine in her spare time.
Both Reno and Nami loved the wine she brewed.
This gave Makino a sense of accomplishment, and she greatly enjoyed this work.
Looking at the girls, each performing their duties, Reno was in a great mood.
Pretty girls make one happy.
He could flirt with them when he was bored, and at night, they would have in-depth discussions about navigation techniques.
Kaya's arrival upgraded their trio to a foursome.
Plus, with the Healing-Healing Fruit removing any negative effects...
Reno could go all out without restraint.
Life was sweet, and his bliss was endless.
On her deck chair, a bored Nami was sensing the surrounding weather and casually asked, "Reno, where are we heading next?!"
"I need to set the course in advance."
Reno answered almost without hesitation: "To Cocoyasi Village."
"Cocoyasi Village?! I'm familiar with that place, I..."
Nami answered subconsciously, but after realizing what she'd said, her expression turned ugly.
She turned to Reno, her voice trembling, "Can we go somewhere else? There are actually many islands in the East Blue, I can take you..."
"Nami!" Reno's voice suddenly became serious.
"Reno, we really can't go there." Nami's voice began to choke up.
The time she spent with Reno was one of the few happy periods she'd had in years.
She didn't want it to end.
Although Reno exhausted her every night, aside from that little quirk, Reno was truly good to her.
Having spent years among merchant ships and pirate crews, she could tell at a glance who was sincere and who was feigning kindness.
Reno was undoubtedly the former.
It was precisely because of this that she couldn't take Reno to Cocoyasi Village.
If Arlong saw Reno, he would definitely not let him go.
If Reno insisted on going to Cocoyasi Village, she would have no choice but to say goodbye to him beforehand.
But she didn't want to leave Reno so soon.
Reno looked at the pained expression on Nami's face and sighed inwardly.
In eight years, Arlong had truly become a nightmare in Nami's heart.
Whenever Cocoyasi Village was mentioned, those painful memories would flood back like a tide, tormenting her.
Reno stared at Nami and said seriously, "Nami, listen to me. You are my woman now. I will make everyone who has ever brought you pain pay the price, and Arlong is no exception."
From Reno's gaze, Nami saw determination.
She was instantly moved.
But the more it was like this, the more she couldn't let Reno put himself in danger.
Trembling, Nami's emotions suddenly spun out of control. "Reno, you don't understand at all."
"That Arlong... he's unbeatable! Please don't go there, I'm begging you!!"
"That 10 million Beri... I don't want it anymore, okay?!!"
Nami almost roared these words.
As she spoke, Nami collapsed helplessly onto the ground, tears streaming down her face.
Scenes from the past flashed through her mind like a movie.
All the villagers who tried to resist Arlong were ultimately killed by him, including her adoptive mother, Belle-mère.
After eight years of this, she had long since branded Arlong as "invincible."
She could only obey, never resist.
"Nami, what's wrong?!"
Hearing the commotion, Kaya and Makino rushed over, helped Nami back to her seat, and asked with concern.
It was the first time they had seen Nami so broken.
What on earth had happened?!
Reno walked to Nami's side, gently stroked her forehead, and said softly:
"Nami, I know you fear Arlong, but he is not invincible."
Feeling the warmth of Reno's hand, Nami slowly looked up, her emotions gradually calming down.
"You may not know this, but Arlong only came to the East Blue to throw his weight around because he couldn't make it in the New World. There are many people stronger than him."
"Yes, a Fishman's strength is indeed ten times that of a human, but that's only compared to ordinary people. Do you think I'm an ordinary person?!"
As he spoke, Reno flexed his biceps.
Nami let out a "pfft" and laughed.
He was still joking at a time like this.
"Nami, you have to believe in Brother Reno. He defeated Kuro, you know."
Kaya clenched her fist and waved it convincingly.
"Yes, little sister Nami, after spending so many days together, don't you believe in the captain's strength?!"
"If he says he can defeat Arlong, then he definitely can." Makino also encouraged Nami.
"Is that really true?!" The continuous persuasion from everyone made Nami's resolve waver slightly.
Thinking about it carefully, Reno did seem to be quite strong.
If nothing else, his speed alone was probably something even Arlong couldn't keep up with.
"Nami, this time we go to Cocoyasi Village, not only will we get rid of Arlong, but you will be the one to do it."
Nami stared at Reno. Did I hear that right?!
Under Nami's stunned gaze, Reno flipped his palm, and a strange fruit with multicolored patterns appeared in it.
Makino recognized it at a glance and exclaimed in surprise, "A Devil Fruit?!"
Luffy once ate this kind of fruit and became a rubber man.
She didn't expect Reno to have one too.
Kaya was also surprised. "Huh?! Brother Reno, you have one?!"
"These two Devil Fruits are different," Reno explained, shaking his head.
"Nami, as long as you eat this Devil Fruit, you will have the power to defeat Arlong." Reno's voice seemed to have a magical quality, causing Nami's eyes to suddenly light up.
...