The familiar chime of the system rang in Loshue's mind, instantly lifting his spirits.
So it was true the new talisman had awakened.
"Open system," he commanded silently.
Within his consciousness, the dimly glowing symbols sprang to life. Among them, the Rabbit Talisman now pulsed with a soft pink radiance.
Rabbit Talisman Power: Grants the user incredible speed, capable of instantaneous movement and unmatched agility. At its ultimate level, it can transcend time itself allowing travel through the past and future. The embodiment of pure velocity.
Loshue clenched his fists, feeling the new energy coursing through him. His entire body felt light, his legs surging with boundless strength. Every muscle responded like coiled springs waiting to be released.
He couldn't help but wonder how fast was he now? Could his speed rival that of Kizaru, the very embodiment of light? The thought brought a faint smirk to his lips.
But before he could explore the limits of this new power, a trembling, tear-strained voice called from behind him.
"Loshue…" Nami's voice cracked with emotion.
He turned, his expression calm, intending to tell her it was all part of the deal just another job done. But before he could speak, something soft collided into him.
Nami had thrown herself into his arms.
For a moment, Loshue froze. Her body trembled against his chest, and he could feel the warmth of her tears soaking through his shirt. The faint fragrance of salt and citrus filled the air her scent, light and natural.
Loshue sighed quietly and lifted a hand, gently patting her back.
"Alright," he said in his usual calm tone. "That'll be one million Berries."
"Huh?"
Nami blinked up at him, completely stunned. Her arms loosened, and a faint blush rose across her cheeks. Realizing what she had just done, she quickly stepped back, wiping at her tears in embarrassment.
"R-right, of course! Don't worry, Lord Loshue! I'll get your payment right away!"
Her tone was firm despite her flustered face. She remembered their deal clearly one million Berries in exchange for the treatment of the villagers. Nami valued money more than almost anything, but she also valued her word. And after everything he'd done, she couldn't deny Loshue had more than earned it.
Yet before she could say another word, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the clinic.
"Nami!" a gruff voice shouted. "Captain Arlong wants to see you now!"
The door burst open. Standing there was Yoder, one of Arlong's crewmen, his expression dark and furious.
Since his encounter with Loshue, Yoder had been living in humiliation. Even though the ship's doctor had managed to patch him up reattaching what had been… lost his body still hadn't fully recovered.
Every breath reminded him of the man who had humiliated him.
Loshue.
The name alone ignited his fury.
That bastard would pay.
"Damn you, Loshue," Yoder muttered under his breath, gripping the handle of his cracked blade. "I'll make you regret ever crossing me. I'll tear you apart and sell what's left to the underworld's organ traders."
His voice dripped with venom.
Inside the clinic, Nami froze the moment she heard Yoder's voice. Her face went pale.
He was here.
If he found Loshue if word reached Arlong that she had brought this man into the village it wouldn't just endanger Loshue. It would doom everyone here.
"Lord Loshue, you have to hide!" she whispered urgently, tugging at his sleeve. She tried to pull him toward the back door, but his body didn't move an inch.
"Hide?" Loshue repeated flatly, glancing down at her. "Why would I hide?"
Nami stared at him, stunned.
He looked utterly unbothered, his calm gaze betraying no hint of fear.
She had told him about Yoder before that he was part of Arlong's crew. But Loshue didn't seem to care in the slightest. To him, Arlong and his gang were nothing but failed pirates who couldn't even survive the Grand Line.
And now, with the Bull, Horse, and Rabbit Talismans in his possession, he felt unstoppable.
Arlong? Just another name.
He'd fought monsters far worse.
If anything, this might even be a good opportunity to make some money and gain valuable experience.
He turned back to Nami, his eyes gleaming faintly. "Tell me, Nami. Do you want to make a deal?"
"W-What kind of deal?" she stammered, confusion flickering across her face.
"A simple one," he said. "You pay the bounty. I take down Arlong."
For a heartbeat, she just stared at him, uncomprehending.
Then her eyes went wide. "You… you want to take down Arlong!?"
Her voice cracked, disbelief painted across her face. It sounded impossible. Ridiculous.
To Nami, Arlong wasn't just another pirate. He was a nightmare made flesh the tyrant who had enslaved her home, the monster who had crushed her hope for years. Even thinking about defying him was enough to make her chest tighten with fear.
"No… no, you don't understand," she whispered. "Arlong's power is… it's not something you can fight. He's not like Yoder. You might have beaten him, but Arlong he's different. You'll be killed!"
Loshue's expression didn't change.
He took a step closer, his calm voice steady as stone. "You only need to answer one question."
"Do you want this or not?"
Nami's breath caught in her throat.
Her heart pounded wildly. She could see no hesitation in his eyes only quiet certainty.
Was he serious? Could he really…?
Loshue tilted his head slightly. "Think carefully," he said. "This might be the only chance you'll ever have."
"The only chance…?" she echoed faintly.
His words struck deep.
For so long, she had lived under Arlong's shadow, watching her village suffer, watching her dream buried beneath the weight of his cruelty. Every day, she had told herself to endure to wait, to scheme, to survive until she could buy back her village's freedom.
But freedom had always felt unreachable.
Now, standing before her, this strange man this impossibly strong, unpredictable man was offering her the one thing she had never dared to imagine.
A chance to fight back.
To end it all.
Nami's eyes trembled. Fear warred with hope inside her heart, twisting her emotions into chaos.
Could she trust him? Could she take that risk?
Then, slowly, something shifted within her. The fear began to fade, replaced by something stronger.
Resolve.
She took a breath, lifting her chin. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides.
"Do it," she said quietly.
Then louder, her voice shaking but firm. "Do it! I'll pay whatever it takes!"
A small smile curved across Loshue's lips. "Good."
Outside, Yoder's angry footsteps echoed closer to the door.
But inside the clinic, a deal had been made.
And for the first time in years, Nami dared to believe that Cocoyasi Village might finally see the light of freedom again.