You treat your so-called 'nakama' like this, and now you have the nerve to invite me to be one?!
Vivi glared fiercely at Luffy. Never compromise!
Besides, she was the Princess of Alabasta. How could she possibly become a pirate?
"Hey now, you're making this really difficult for me," Luffy scratched his head.
"Luffy, do you need my help?"
Merry, who had been obediently covering her eyes, spoke up now.
Although she had listened to Luffy and kept her eyes covered, he never said she had to cover them completely!
So Merry had secretly opened a tiny gap, taking in everything that happened.
"You have an idea, Merry?"
"Like this, and then like this..."
Vivi's eyes widened as she watched the two whispering to each other. Fear made her waist writhe, her long, pale legs beneath her skirt kicking out futilely.
What people fear most is the unknown.
The most harmless-looking people can be the most terrifying.
Seeing Merry, this seemingly adorable little girl, only made Vivi more afraid. Goosebumps rose all over her delicate, flawless skin.
"Mmph!! Mmmph!!"
Even her muffled cries carried a tone of fear.
"My patience is limited." Luffy's voice turned cold, his expression matching.
This was the so-called "Cold Effect" Merry had suggested.
To make someone afraid, and thus compel them to compromise.
Although Luffy felt this wasn't quite his usual style, he couldn't think of any other way.
With guys like Zoro or Sanji, you could be more forceful and just drag them along.
But dealing with women? Luffy had little experience.
Like when Uta refused him, Luffy had been at a loss too.
Nami was different...
Seeing no progress—if Vivi agreed, there should have been a notification about recruiting a nakama by now...
Well, no choice. Proceed to the next step as Merry suggested. "Close your eyes again," Luffy said.
Vivi: "???"
She watched as Merry obediently closed her eyes again, only for the little girl's fingers to part slightly, revealing a thin slit. A bad feeling washed over Vivi.
"Enemies and nakama are two different things in my eyes. Towards enemies, I show no mercy!"
Luffy raised his hand again, this time without holding back.
"Yaaaah!!"
Vivi cried out in pain, sweat flying. Her white shirt was soaked with sweat, clinging tightly to her back and revealing her delicate skin.
"Does this really work?"
"It should..."
Luffy and Merry, peeking through the gap in her fingers, exchanged a look.
Merry wasn't sure either. She'd actually read about it in one of the books on Nami's shelf.
They were already this far in; they couldn't stop now. So Luffy raised his arm and brought it down again.
"Awwgh!" Vivi's body twisted violently in Luffy's grasp. Her feet kicked out in pain, her body trembling. When had she ever suffered such torture?
A dual assault of physical and psychological torment, and she couldn't even die if she wanted to.
Struck again, the light seemed to fade from Vivi's eyes. In her daze, her muscles spasmed in agony, saliva trickling from the corner of her mouth.
After who knows how many times, even Luffy felt a twinge of respect for Vivi. This kind of personality only made him want to recruit her as a nakama even more.
He liked this kind of personality!
What had started as a recruitment driven by Nika's passive effect now had Luffy looking at Vivi with a bit of a sparkle in his eyes.
"Hey, you're so stubborn, you must have something you really want to accomplish, right?"
Luffy looked at Vivi, whose consciousness seemed hazy. He withdrew his hand and spoke.
"Something so important you'd risk your life for it? I admire that. Become my nakama. I can help you."
Hearing these words, a faint glimmer returned to Vivi's eyes.
It was true. She had important things to do.
But...
"Y-you...? Just... you?" Vivi looked at Luffy.
In response, Luffy said, "Hey, I'm a pretty strong pirate, you know. I'm the man who's going to be King of the Pirates."
"There weren't many strong ones among the East Blue pirates. That's why I came to the Grand Line."
"My bounty's already fifty million Berries. Honestly, I think the Marines are still underestimating me."
"Y-you said how much?" Vivi's gaze fixed intently on Luffy. "Fifty million Berries?"
Could such a high bounty come from a place like the East Blue?
That was higher than some of the senior agents in Baroque Works.
Vivi was torn.
The closer she got to the core of Baroque Works, the more she realized how terrifying it was.
This person in front of her had effortlessly defeated the Unlucky Duo. His strength was evident.
But if she became a pirate...
"I..."
Smack.
"I accept! Just let me go now!"
[Notification: Nakama Nefertari D. Vivi recruited. Nakama Daytime remaining: Less than three hours...]
"Nice to meet you. I'm Monkey D. Luffy, a pirate."
The restraints binding her body loosened.
Luffy swiftly changed his expression, gently setting Vivi down. But the moment her bottom touched the ground, Vivi flinched as if stung. She could only sit in a seiza-like position, using her hands to prop herself up weakly.
She watched Luffy's rapid change in demeanor, gritting her teeth, a flash of humiliation in her eyes. She wasn't actually injured, just feeling weak. The most severe pain came from a burning sensation, but it was bearable if she didn't touch it.
"My name is Miss Wednesday." Vivi struggled for a moment before shakily getting to her feet, her pale, smooth thighs trembling slightly. She didn't give her real name.
But...
"Is that a codename? Aren't you Nefertari D. Vivi... I'll call you Vivi from now on."
"How do you know my name?!" A pang of alarm shot through Vivi. In a panic, she grabbed the front of Luffy's shirt. "Just who are you?"
Just then, Laboon began its daily ramming ritual again. In the shaking, Vivi nearly fell. Luffy simply tucked her under his arm. "I'll explain that later."
"Let me introduce you to the nakama on my ship. Also, how old is this giant whale? And it's still crying?"
Luffy could clearly hear a sound like wailing sobs in its voice.
Was the whale crying?
You're not a whale. Have you ever been a whale? Don't talk nonsense.
Vivi had no time to ponder this. Luffy suddenly took off as if flying. She could only instinctively wrap her arms around his waist.
On the other side:
Nami had started to think they'd been eaten by the whale. But looking up, this place seemed like a hidden paradise, with what looked like an island in the distance.
Was she dreaming?
The next second, a massive figure emerged from the sea.
A Giant Squid!
"Gomu Gomu no... Giant Rifle!"
A voice came from above. The Giant Squid looked up only to be sent flying by a giant's fist.
Nami, who had been worried about Luffy, immediately broke into a relieved smile.
"Luffy..."
She took two steps forward, then stopped.
Luffy landed on the deck. Merry sat on his shoulder—that seemed normal.
But who was that woman tucked under his arm?!
And she was holding onto his waist?!
Nami crossed her arms, her expression completely blank.
***
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