"Oh, sea goddess! Thank you for letting me meet you today."
Sanji came to Nami holding a bright red rose. Dropping down on one knee, he stretched out his hand, wanting her to accept it.
Nami blinked at him, tilting her head back slightly with confusion as she stared at the cook in front of her.
"Love! Even if you laugh at me for this pain, I don't care!" Sanji declared dramatically. "As long as I'm with you, I'm ready to become a pirate… or even a devil for you!"
He gazed at Nami with eyes full of hearts.
Luffy and Zoro exchanged speechless glances. Lock stood nearby, sighing to himself—Sanji was far too greasy at times like this.
Then Sanji suddenly stood up, raising his fist with passion. "But it's truly tragic that such a huge obstacle stands between us!"
"The huge obstacle you're talking about… is me, Sanji."
Zeff's calm voice came from behind him.
"Stupid old man!" Sanji shouted, startled.
"This is also an opportunity," Zeff said firmly, arms folded across his chest. "They're recruiting cooks. Why don't you follow them and become a pirate? This restaurant doesn't need you anymore."
Elsewhere, on an island
"So that's what happened. A cook saved your life, and that's how you managed to return… isn't that right, Gin?"
"Y-Yes…" Gin hesitated, his eyes shadowed with guilt. "I never thought our ship would end up like this."
He clenched his fists.
"Let's head to that sea restaurant. I'll lead the way."
On the Merry
"What's wrong, Nami? You look troubled."
Lock walked over to where Nami was leaning against the railing, letting the sea breeze brush her hair.
Nami twirled a lock of hair between her fingers and smiled faintly. "It's nothing, Lock. I'm just… enjoying the wind."
Lock leaned on the railing beside her, tilting his head slightly. "Really? Then I'll pretend to believe that you're only here to feel the breeze…"
Nami turned her head away, slightly flustered. "What's that supposed to mean? You talk as if you know me too well…"
"Alright, I won't tease you," Lock said with a small laugh. "I came to give you something. It's a little rushed, but I think it turned out pretty good."
From his pocket, he pulled out a small, finely made box.
"A gift? From you?" Nami blinked in surprise. "Why so suddenly?"
Lock looked at her with gentle eyes. "Because… I like you, Nami."
Her face flushed red, like a peach blossom in spring. "Wha—so direct? We've only known each other for a few days… Isn't this way too reckless?"
Lock chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I'm not asking you to be my lover right now. I just wanted to give you this."
"You should've said that first! I was so shocked!" she exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest.
"Does that mean… You were expecting me to confess?" Lock teased.
Nami's face turned redder as she crossed her arms. "D-Don't be so full of yourself! Who would expect something like that?"
"Haha… fine. So, do you want to see the gift?"
"Hmph. It'd better be treasure," Nami sniffed, eyes flicking toward the box.
"It's not treasure," Lock said, smiling, "but I believe it's more important than any gold or jewels."
He opened the box and revealed an elegant necklace.
Nami gently lifted it into her palm, brushing her fingers across its surface.
The pendant was a clear teardrop crystal, intricately carved. The chain was woven from hair-thin strands of silver, shimmering softly, with a tiny pink gem inlaid at the end.
"This… this is beautiful…"
"What do you think?" Lock asked, watching her expression carefully.
Instead of answering, Nami held out the necklace toward him.
Lock blinked. "What's wrong? You don't like it?"
Nami shook her head quickly. "Idiot…" She pointed at him, then at her slender neck. "Do I need to explain? Put it on for me!"
Finally realizing, Lock smiled. He walked behind her, carefully fastening the delicate chain around her neck.
"There. It suits you perfectly."
Nami touched the pendant softly.
"Don't lose it," Lock said, his voice unusually serious. "That necklace will protect you from harm."
Nami almost corrected him—it was more of a blessing than real protection. But seeing his earnest expression, she stayed quiet. There was no such thing as a necklace that could protect someone in this pirate-filled world.
Instead, she smiled. "Alright. I'll treasure it."
Then, yawning, she stretched her arms. "Okay, I'm sleepy. Good night, oyasumi~"
She started toward her room.
"Oyasumi, Nami," Lock replied warmly.
Just as she reached the door, she turned back. "Hey, Lock!"
He raised his head. "What is it?"
Holding up the pendant, Nami smiled sweetly. "I like it. Thank you… Lock."
Before he could answer, she hurried inside and closed the door.
Lock looked at the shut door and chuckled. "Nami… you're so cute."
Meanwhile, leaning against her door from the other side, Nami clutched the pendant to her chest and whispered:
"Can this protect me…?"
Though she knew Lock's powers were mysterious, she couldn't believe he could defeat Arlong. She didn't dare gamble with his life.
If he lost, he would die—and Nami refused to let that happen, no matter how small the risk.
That night, she resolved to find a chance to leave for her hometown at dawn.
This necklace was the first magic accessory Lock had ever crafted. Back in the Western Fantasy Continent, he'd only focused on destructive power and healing magic, never bothering with magical tools.
But this time… this debut work was for someone he truly cared about.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San