The morning sun shimmered across the open sea.
The Going Merry sliced through the gentle waves, her sails full of wind.
The Straw Hat Pirates now joined by Shiro, the mysterious swordsman from another world were enjoying the calm before their next adventure.
Sanji hummed while cooking breakfast, Zoro dozed against the railing, and Luffy hung from the mast laughing as always.
Shiro sat quietly on the deck, polishing his blade. The reflection of the sun danced on the edge of his sword.
> Mihawk's words still echo in my mind… "There's a strong swordsman here in the weakest sea."
I'll make those words true someday.
At the helm, Nami guided the ship, her smile hiding something heavier beneath.
The Calm Before the Storm
"Land ahead!" Luffy shouted, stretching his rubber arm to point.
A small, peaceful island appeared on the horizon thick forests, calm beaches, and a few wooden huts near the shore.
Usopp leaned forward. "Looks like a quiet place. Maybe we can rest here before our next stop!"
Sanji nodded. "A perfect chance to restock ingredients."
Luffy grinned. "Let's stop! I'm hungry again!"
As they approached, Shiro glanced toward Nami. Her hands tightened on the wheel.
> I know this part… before Arlong Park, they stop at a small island to rest.
If the story continues as I remember, this will be our last peaceful moment before everything changes.
The Rest Stop
They anchored the Merry beside the shore.
The island was quiet just a few fishermen and kids running by.
Luffy and Usopp went off exploring for food, while Sanji negotiated with local traders for supplies.
Zoro immediately fell asleep under a tree.
Shiro walked along the beach, waves lapping at his boots.
> This world feels so real the scent of the sea, the heat of the sand… I'm not just dreaming anymore.
He turned and saw Nami sitting alone on a rock, staring at the horizon.
"Can't sleep either?" he asked.
Nami flinched slightly but managed a smile. "Just… thinking about where we'll go next."
Shiro nodded slowly. "The Grand Line, right? That's what Luffy wants."
She looked away. "Yeah… the Grand Line."
He could see the sadness behind her smile.
> She's already decided to leave.
But Shiro didn't stop her. Not yet.
> If this world really follows the anime… she has her own pain to face first.
The Sudden Betrayal
That night, while the crew celebrated around a small campfire, Nami sat quietly apart.
The moonlight shimmered on the waves, and her eyes reflected the guilt she carried.
"I'm sorry… everyone."
When the others fell asleep, she slipped away returning to the ship alone.
She untied the ropes, adjusted the sails, and guided the Going Merry silently away from shore.
By the time the first light of dawn touched the sea, Nami and the Merry were gone.
The Discovery
Usopp woke up and stretched. "Ahh… what a nice wait… where's the ship?"
Luffy jumped up. "HUH!? THE MERRY'S GONE?!"
Zoro's eyes shot open. "What did you just say?"
They all ran to the shore nothing but waves and sand.
Sanji clenched his fists. "She took it… didn't she?"
Usopp pointed to a small ribbon caught on a branch near the camp. "This belongs to Nami."
Luffy's expression darkened. "Why would she do that…?"
Shiro closed his eyes. "Because she has no choice."
Zoro turned toward him. "You know something."
Shiro nodded. "There's a place east of here ruled by fishmen. A pirate named Arlong controls it."
The name made Zeff, who had joined them briefly to deliver supplies, tense up. "Arlong? That monster's still breathing?"
Shiro's hand gripped his sword. "That's where she's headed. And that's where we're going next."
Journey to Arlong Park
The crew borrowed a small fishing boat from the islanders and set out after her.
Sanji rowed hard. "If she's in trouble, I'll rescue her myself!"
Zoro smirked. "You just want to impress her."
Luffy shouted from the front, "We're getting Nami back no matter what!"
Shiro sat silently at the bow, scanning the waves.
Arlong Park… the story I once loved watching.
But now it's my reality.
He opened his glowing status window, hidden from the others.
Name: Shiro
Level: 2,700
Class: Swordsman
Mellee: MAX
Health: MAX
Defense: MAX
Fruit: None
He clenched his fist.
I know what's coming Nami's tears, her pain, her plea for help.
But this time, I'll be there to change it.
To the East Blue's Darkest Waters
Dark clouds rolled across the sky as the island of Arlong Park came into view.
A giant shark emblem loomed over stone walls.
Usopp swallowed hard. "That's it… Arlong's place."
Luffy's eyes narrowed. "Then that's where Nami is."
Sanji lit a cigarette. "No one makes a lady cry and walks away alive."
Shiro stood beside them, his coat whipping in the wind. "Get ready. This won't be easy."
As thunder cracked and waves crashed against their small boat, the Straw Hat Pirates sailed toward the most dangerous place in the East Blue.
And far ahead, behind the walls of Arlong Park, Nami stood on the balcony, the sea breeze hiding her tears.
"Luffy… Shiro… please… don't come here."