Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
After Nami finished her story, Zoro turned to Bai Ye, seeking answers. "Bai Ye, did you know about this all along?" Nami was curious too, sensing Bai Ye might have known about her past for quite some time.
Bai Ye simply smiled, offering no clear yes or no. "It was more of a guess," he clarified. "You don't think I'm some sort of fortune-teller, right?" Of course, Bai Ye had information from the anime, but that was a secret he'd never share.
He flicked his wrist, producing a bounty poster, explaining, "While I was in Shells Town, I collected the high bounty posters from East Blue. Naturally, Arlong's was among them." He added, "After meeting Nami, I noticed her tattoo. It matches the mark of the Arlong Pirates."
Usopp, puzzled, asked, "But how did you know Nami wasn't joining them willingly?"
Bai Ye shrugged, elaborating, "The Arlong Pirates are all fish-men, notorious for their hatred towards humans. It didn't make sense for them to have a human girl as an ally." His logic was sound, and even those who weren't quick on the uptake grasped the implication.
Everyone sighed, hearts heavy with the realization of the burdens Nami had shouldered. To save her village, she needed to amass a staggering 100 million Bellys, a colossal weight for such young shoulders.
Bai Ye, empathetic, ruffled Nami's hair, expressing his admiration for her strength. "I can't imagine how you've managed to endure this all by yourself." He thanked her sincerely, and those simple words broke the dam of Nami's emotions.
She knew the pain she had hidden: the villagers' misunderstanding, the relentless humiliation from Arlong and his crew, and the overwhelming task of saving 100 million Bellys. It had stretched her resilience thin. Overcome, she hugged Bai Ye tightly, tears flooding freely.
"Bai Ye, you jerk!" Sanji yelled. He shot Bai Ye a fierce glare before his expression softened towards Nami. "Don't worry, Nami-san. We're here for you."
Bai Ye interjected, "Wait, it's not my call to make. We need to decide this together." He emphasized that while they all cared for each other deeply, major decisions rested with their captain. This was how pirate or adventure crews typically operated.
With that, he looked towards Luffy, stating that technically, Nami was only their hired navigator, then prompted, "So, Captain, what's your decision?"
Nami looked up at Luffy, apprehensive. Sanji was smoking nervously, Usopp was trying to control his shaking, and Zoro was staring impassively.
After what felt like an eternity, Luffy stood, gripping his straw hat, and declared, "I don't need to know what happened to Nami." A flicker of despair crossed Nami's features, fearing rejection.
However, Luffy continued, "All I know is Nami's my friend. I want her as my navigator." He turned to Nami, fists clenched, resolve in his eyes. "Nami! I'll take down Arlong! You're going to sail with us!"
The mood shifted instantly. Zoro, arms crossed, mentioned the opportunity to spar with fish-men swordsmen. Sanji, though disheartened they weren't actual fish, offered his culinary services, and Usopp, despite his visible fear, pledged his support.
Tears welled up in Nami's eyes once more. "Everyone..." she started, but her voice trailed off.
Bai Ye reassured her with a warm smile, "You see? You're our friend." "You're not alone anymore, Nami."
She looked around at her crew - Bai Ye, Luffy, Sanji, Usopp, and Zoro. A smile broke through her tears, and she nodded, her heart light. "Yes!" she agreed.
She wasn't alone anymore.
-----
After reaching a decision, the group huddled together to hash out their strategy. However, it quickly became apparent that planning wasn't everyone's cup of tea.
Luffy's strategy was straightforward: "I just need to launch Arlong into the sky." Zoro shared a similar sentiment: "Isn't slicing them all up enough?"
Witnessing their nonchalant attitudes, Sanji swiveled towards Bai Ye, a sympathetic look in his eyes. "You've got your work cut out for you, dealing with these two on board."
Bai Ye's mouth twitched involuntarily at the comment, the absurdity of his crewmates' attitudes never ceasing to amaze him. Just then, Nami intervened with impeccable timing.
BANG! BANG!
Her "love taps" landed with precision, and the next thing they knew, Luffy and Zoro were nursing their heads, slumped in their chairs, casting Bai Ye resentful glances.
Bai Ye was perplexed... Nami was the one who hit you, why are you looking at me like that? - he thought.
Shifting his attention from the sulking duo, Bai Ye addressed Nami, "By the way, Nami, did you actually believe in that 100 million Belly promise?"
Nami didn't hesitate, "I did when I was younger. But after spending time with various pirate crews, I realized there's no way Arlong and his gang would ever set me free." Her voice dimmed as she continued, "They need my navigation skills to maintain control over their territory. If they ever find a replacement, I'm likely as good as dead."
Comparing the likelihood of villains honoring their word to Luffy passing on a meaty meal? Not a chance.
"Ah," Bai Ye acknowledged, adding with a pointed look, "You're quite sharp, definitely more so than a certain green-haired, three-sword-wielding swordsman."
Zoro was left baffled, ? ? ?
Sensing imminent danger in Zoro's gaze, Bai Ye swiftly steered the conversation in a new direction: "If you did manage to save up 100 million Bellys, how do you think Arlong would react? Pirates are notorious for their lack of a permanent base, constantly on the move. Only the Sea Emperors manage to stake claim to their own territories."
He continued passionately, "So, how did Arlong manage to dominate dozens of villages in these navy-patrolled waters?"
Zoro, having had a run-in with the navy in Shells Town, was the first to catch on. "The navy?"
"Considering the dynamics in these waters, who else but the navy could allow pirates such free rein?" he questioned.
"Exactly," Bai Ye agreed, then turned to Nami with a sly grin, "So, how about we engage in a little game together?"