Nami returned to Cocosia Village and informed everyone about the destruction of the Arlong Pirates and the arrest of Colonel Nezumi and his gang. The villagers were deeply grateful to the Marines.
After saying her goodbyes to Nojiko, Nami followed Finn as they boarded the warship. The two walked down the corridor of the ship, with Nami noticing that Finn had not placed any restraints on her, nor had he acted inappropriately.
"Finn, can I ask you something?" Nami spoke up, looking at the man beside her.
"What is it?" Finn kept walking, not breaking his stride.
The corridor they were on led to the ship's lower deck, where the prison was located. It held not only the pirates they had captured but also Colonel Nezumi and his gang.
"Why did you snatch me the first time you saw me?" Nami asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, didn't I mention it? I'm going to be the Marine King one day. What if there's no navigator on my warship?" Finn replied casually.
Nami glanced at him, puzzled.
Wait… didn't he say earlier that he wanted to be the Pirate King? Now he's aiming to be the Marine King?
But that wasn't the real question on her mind. She bit her lip slightly, hesitated, and then asked, "There are plenty of navigators in the Marines. Why did you choose me? Was there another reason for 'recruiting' me?"
"Another reason? Well, yes—you're good-looking!" Finn answered bluntly. "If you eventually fall for my handsome charm and throw yourself into my arms, wouldn't that be a win for me?"
Finn wasn't one to mince words. While Nami's navigation skills were top-notch, if she looked like Lola... Finn wouldn't have given her a second glance.
Of course, if he had caught a beautiful woman, he wouldn't force anything. Instead, he'd keep her around and let things develop naturally.
A slight blush crept up Nami's cheeks.
As expected, his way of speaking was just as straightforward as his actions.
But the girl in her wouldn't let him off easily. She huffed in mock annoyance, "Don't get cocky. Just because you're domineering doesn't mean people will fall for you."
Finn suddenly stopped and turned around. Caught off guard, Nami bumped right into him.
"Ouch, why did you stop?" she asked, her cheeks flushing as she realized she had collided with his chest.
Finn lowered his head slightly to meet her gaze. "Really? You really don't think you'll fall for me?"
Nami was speechless. He was absolutely shameless! But seeing the serious look on his face, she didn't want him to take her words too literally. With a playful swat, she responded, "Hmph, I'm not telling you!"
She quickly turned and walked ahead, hoping to hide her embarrassment.
Seeing Nami's flustered expression, Finn couldn't help but smile. "Hey, you're going the wrong way. The stairs to the lower deck are over here~"
"Huh? Oh, right~" Nami hurriedly turned around, looking like a startled little rabbit.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in Finn's mind.
"Ding! Please choose."
"1: Have Colonel Nezumi escorted to Enies Lobby for trial. Reward: 10,000 Berries!"
"2: Quietly let Colonel Nezumi go. Reward: 100 million Berries!"
"3: Execute Colonel Nezumi and deny him the chance to bribe the judges at Enies Lobby. Reward: 10 billion Berries!"
What? 10 billion?
Although Finn didn't care much about money, 10 billion Berries was too tempting to ignore. Besides, he had no intention of letting Colonel Nezumi go. This option seemed like free money!
"Nezumi, Nezumi, you really are a golden rat!" Finn thought to himself with a grin.
...
"Master Finn!" A Marine soldier stationed on the lower deck greeted him with a smile. Due to Garp's influence, the soldiers on his ship were generally more relaxed when not in combat.
"Where's Colonel Nezumi being held?" Finn asked.
The soldier's eyes lit up in understanding. "Master Finn, are you planning to teach that Colonel Nezumi a lesson? Don't worry, I didn't see anything~ Hehe~" The soldier chuckled and pointed to Nezumi's cell.
"Well... Actually, I wasn't planning on just teaching him a lesson. I'm here to execute him," Finn said nonchalantly.
"What?!" The soldier was startled. "Master Finn, that's not allowed! Even though Colonel Nezumi deserves the death penalty, he has to be judged at Enies Lobby. We don't have the authority to execute him without orders."
"Besides, if Vice Admiral Garp finds out, he'll scold you at most, but I'll be court-martialed!"
The soldier was visibly nervous. The last thing he wanted was to be on the wrong side of Vice Admiral Garp.
"Relax, I'll knock you out first. That way, Grandpa won't be able to blame you~"
"Huh? Master Finn, that's actually a great idea!"
"Come on, just let me know where to hit so you'll pass out."
The soldier leaned in, offering his neck.
Thwack!
With one swift motion, Finn knocked the soldier unconscious.
"You... What are you going to do? I heard everything! You're planning to kill me—this is a violation of military law!" Colonel Nezumi shrieked as he saw Finn and Nami approaching.
Having spent years in East Blue, Nezumi had amassed a fortune of two to three hundred million Berries. Although he was headed to Enies Lobby, he wasn't worried. He had connections with the judges there and knew that a bribe of 100 million Berries would easily get him off the hook.
But if he was killed before reaching Enies Lobby, all his plans would be ruined!
Bang!
Finn's Finger Pistol struck with precision, and Colonel Nezumi fell to the ground, his head exploding.
Nami watched in awe, her eyes drawn to Finn's fingers. She was becoming increasingly intrigued by his skills.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have received a reward: 10 billion Berries!"
Bingo! Finn thought to himself, feeling pleased as he retrieved 100 million Berries from his system space and piled them up in front of him.
"Whoa~!!!" Nami's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the massive pile of Berries, her small frame leaning closer.
"So... much money..." she murmured, captivated by the sight.
Ah, this little money-grubber, Finn thought, amused. She was sticking to her character perfectly.
"This is 100 million Berries. Do you want it?" Finn asked with a chuckle.
Nami's heart raced. "Yes! Will you give it to me?"
"Listen, little thief, from now on, follow me and work hard. I need you to become the best navigator in the world! If you succeed, this 100 million Berries will be your reward."
For Nami, money was the ultimate motivation.
"Alright! Master!" she replied eagerly.
See? Money always works wonders, Finn thought with satisfaction as Nami's tone shifted to a more respectful "Master."
"Don't worry, Master, I'm super capable!" Nami declared, her eyes shining with determination... and a hint of greed.
Can she do it? As long as she tries, she can!