Nami was very protective of her treasure, and Link didn't indulge her too much since they weren't truly close friends yet.
"Isn't this our loot?"
Link didn't take it forcefully. Instead, he carefully analyzed the situation from different angles.
"According to pirate rules, the treasure should be managed by the captain…"
Before he could finish, Luffy, who was grinning like an idiot, jumped in with his unreliable suggestion:
"Treasure! Hehehe! Let's use this money to buy meat! Let's throw a feast!"
"Then we can buy even more alcohol?"
Zoro looked at the pile of money with interest.
"Did you hear that?"
Link turned to Nami. "The captain wants to eat meat and throw a feast. If you're in charge of this money, how do you plan to divide it?"
Inside, Nami was screaming, Of course, I'll just stash it all in my private vault! Why would I buy meat and drinks for you guys?!
But on the outside, she clapped her hands and said with a cheerful smile, "For meat and drinks, we can just use the leftovers from the pirates' unfinished feast! Plus, we can catch some fish while sailing!"
She thought she had a great plan, nodding to herself, I'm so smart for saving money!
However, Link shook his head in disbelief. He looked at Luffy and Zoro, who were staring wide-eyed in shock.
"You want us to eat the leftovers and drink the leftover drinks from the enemies?!"
Zoro repeated, his forehead tightening with disbelief. "What are you joking about?!"
"Exactly!"
Luffy raised his arms in frustration, "What pirate eats at someone else's unfinished feast?!"
Well, for Luffy, eating others' leftovers didn't bother him much. He had a deep respect for food, so he could accept it, but using the enemies' leftovers, especially from a party they had as enemies, crossed the line for him. As captain, he shouldn't have to stoop so low!
"You really don't understand pirates, do you, Nami?"
Link shook his head. Nami's idea fit her frugal nature perfectly, but it also showed she didn't see them as true companions yet.
"We definitely need to have our own feast."
Link stated firmly, "We can take fresh supplies from their ship's storage instead of using leftovers."
"That means we can still keep this money…"
Seeing Nami about to speak, Link continued, "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't use it!"
"As pirates, we need our own ship and pirate flag in the future!"
"When the time comes, we'll need money for the ship, its facilities, and other supplies."
"Plus, our current ship is too small. Keeping this much money onboard puts unnecessary weight on it and risks losing it in a big wave."
"So, I think it's best if I hold onto the money. It'll be safer and more efficient to use."
"I'll make a list of all the expenses, so you'll see that the money won't be wasted."
Link glanced at Luffy, "What do you think, Captain?"
"A pirate ship, a pirate flag…"
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. He didn't hear much else, just those two things.
In his limited understanding, giving the money to Link meant they could have a feast and also get a pirate ship and flag!
What else could he say?
"Alright! It's decided then…"
Luffy nodded eagerly, "Let's give all the money to Link to take care of!"
"I don't mind."
Zoro supported him too.
What Link had said made sense. It considered their personal activities while also planning for the future of their pirate crew, like getting a ship and a flag.
Zoro felt confident that keeping the money with Link was the right choice, and it made him feel reassured.
Link was truly the soul of this pirate crew.
With him as the first mate, Zoro could finally feel at ease.
Without him, Zoro couldn't help but look at Luffy, who was dreaming about feasts and meat.
Zoro shook his head; it might be a rough future ahead!