"Don't be so quick to turn me down, Miss Nami."
"You need money, and we need your... navigation skills."
"We can work together to make money. It's just a partnership, not joining forces. What do you think?"
Now it was Kaito Sakamoto's turn to ask Nami for her opinion.
His sudden words made Nami's face flush slightly.
"You guys?"
"Yes, us. I have two companions. We got separated, but I don't think it'll be long before they catch up."
Kaito explained casually.
What a coincidence—he had gotten separated from Luffy twice in two trips. It was hard not to feel amused.
"A partnership, huh..."
Nami pondered for a moment, a sly smile creeping onto her face as a mischievous idea formed. She quickly suppressed the smile.
"Alright."
"But first, I need to see if you're trustworthy."
"You'll come with me to see Buggy. As for everything else, you don't have to worry about it. If you can handle that, I'll agree to the partnership."
Kaito kept smiling. "Sure, let's go. I'd love to meet this Clown Buggy."
...
"At the end of this road is the bar where Buggy and his crew are holed up."
Nami deliberately slowed her pace, falling behind Kaito to explain.
But just as she picked up a rope, Kaito dashed ahead, not even looking back.
"Is that so?"
"Then let's get going quickly!"
Nami stumbled, failing to catch him.
She got back up and watched Kaito's retreating figure, thinking to herself, Something's not right here!
"Wait!"
"This isn't right!"
"Hold up! Don't just run ahead like that!"
No matter how Nami shouted, Kaito had already made it to the roof of the bar.
Seeing this, Nami turned around immediately—no way was she going to march into danger.
But after walking some distance, she subconsciously patted her waist.
It was still there! Safe and sound.
"Huh?"
"Huh!?!?"
"The map's gone! That jerk!!!"
Nami's mind instantly flashed to Kaito's face. Who else could have taken it but him?
Clenching her teeth, Nami turned back. She really needed the money right now.
...
"What!? That map-stealing thief escaped!?"
"You three men couldn't stop her!?"
On the roof of the bar, Buggy yelled furiously at three men bandaged from head to toe—these were the guys Kaito had beaten up.
"We're so sorry, Captain Buggy!"
"But that thieving woman had backup. Her partner's shooting was so fast that we got hit before we even saw him!"
The three hurried to explain, hoping to avoid getting blasted by a cannon.
"Shot so fast you couldn't even see the gun?"
"Since when did such a person show up?"
"What did they look like? Describe them."
Buggy's background was no small matter. With his experiences, few on the seas today could match him.
"Um... he had a black ponytail."
"Wearing a white tank top with black jeans."
"Hello there."
"Huh? Yeah, just like that—wait, no, exactly like that! It's him! It's exactly him!"
The three began describing Kaito, but he had already snuck in without them noticing.
"Ah!!!"
"It's him! Captain Buggy, it's him!!"
"He's that thief's accomplice!"
Realizing who he was, the three immediately hid behind Buggy, pointing at Kaito.
"Hmm? You're the thief's accomplice!?"
"And you still have the guts to walk right in!?"
Buggy glared at Kaito as he spoke.
Kaito's smiling face suddenly lit up with excitement, the kind you get when meeting an idol. His acting was flawless.
"Buggy! Are you the legendary 'Buggy the Clown'!?"
Hearing that name, Buggy was so startled he split apart, with a hand quickly covering Kaito's mouth.
His head flew over, pulling Kaito into a corner.
"Shhhh!!!!"
"You brat! How do you know that old name of mine!?"
Being a former trainee on the Pirate King's ship should have been an honor, but with the Pirate King dead, Buggy feared that revealing this fact would attract unwanted attention from the Navy, so he was extremely cautious.
"I heard about it from Shanks."
Kaito answered honestly.
"Shanks! That idiot's still alive!? What are you to him? His illegitimate son?"
Hearing the name Shanks only made Buggy angrier.
Kaito shook his head, denying it quickly—don't just assign me a father out of nowhere!
"No, I just met Shanks when I was a kid."
"He mentioned you and how incredible you were!"
"I was originally with my boss, but when I heard her mention your name, I couldn't resist. I've remembered your legend ever since."
"So, I ran straight here to join you."
"Look, I even brought the map with me."
Buggy stared suspiciously at Kaito, but a second later, he burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!!"
"You've got good taste, kid! Hahaha!"
"Alright, since you're so sincere, I'll take you in."
As he spoke, Buggy reached out for the map, but Kaito dodged.
"Huh?"
"Brother Buggy, I think it's best if I hold onto this map."
"You see, leaving it lying around is how it got stolen."
"I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. I can take it back without anyone noticing. Trust me, I'll keep it safe, and besides, I'm right under your nose, aren't I?"
Kaito smoothly stashed the map in his pocket as he spoke.
"Hmm! You're a smart one, kid! Hahaha."
Buggy bought it, no surprise there, and led Kaito out of the corner.
"Everyone, welcome our new crewmate! Hahaha!"