The Breaking Sky sailed across the Grand Line, lifted by a drifting white cloud.
Nami stood alone on the deck, the wind teasing her orange hair. She pouted slightly, muttering to herself, "That irritating Rolan… I'm a beauty, yet he doesn't even come to accompany me. I wonder what he's tinkering with in the cabin."
She had been excited to spend time alone with him, yet here he was, seemingly indifferent, leaving her behind with only a brief instruction before disappearing into the cabin. And she was dressed in a skimpy bikini for the occasion.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, its golden glow fading from the sea, footsteps echoed behind her.
Nami already knew it was Rolan, yet she did not turn.
"Rolan here, it's time to eat," came his calm, nonchalant voice.
Her heart skipped a beat. So he had been busy preparing all this time?
Still, she refused to turn.
Rolan saw her expression and guessed correctly: she was angry. He gave a small, amused shrug; women were unpredictable, prone to sudden, inexplicable fits of emotion. He walked behind her and lightly rested his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong? Hard to leave Sky Nation behind?"
Nami shrugged him off, her shoulder twitching. "It's nothing. I'm not hungry."
Rolan forced a wry smile, realizing his "ancestor" was genuinely displeased. "Cute, beautiful, clever Nami, it's time to eat," he coaxed, though lightly.
"Hmph!" Nami turned, pouting, yet her gaze deliberately avoided him.
With a casual wave of his hand across the deck, Rolan summoned a dining table and two chairs. A spread of exquisite dishes and two glasses of fine red wine appeared. A snap of his fingers brought flickering candles to life, their soft light casting a romantic glow.
Seeing this, Nami's anger softened. It was clear he had been preparing this all along.
"Nami, happy birthday," Rolan said, producing a cake from his system space. It was shaped like a giant orange, adorned with delicate segments, topped with a single candle shaped like the number 16.
Nami froze. "Ah… what?"
Rolan gestured politely, "Please, sit down. Today is your sixteenth birthday."
Tears pricked at her eyes. For years, she had never celebrated a birthday properly—except for the occasional small event with Belle-Mere as a child. Most birthdays had been overshadowed by fear or conflict. Yet here, Rolan had remembered.
"R-Rolan, thank you," she whispered, throwing her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.
Rolan wrapped his arms around her, inhaling her faint fragrance, feeling his mind blank for a moment. "No matter what happened before, I'll be by your side for every birthday from now on," he said softly.
Nami nodded, sniffling.
"Alright, everything here is prepared carefully. Sit, enjoy," Rolan said.
Slowly, Nami seated herself, the sunset casting a soft red glow across her face, highlighting the joy of the moment. Since Rolan had first handed her 100 million Berries, her admiration had grown into a deep, unwavering affection. His later actions—defeating Arlong, freeing Cocoyashi Village, and spending time together—had only strengthened it.
She felt her heart bloom with love, uncontrollable and vibrant, like bamboo shoots after spring rain.
Rolan's feelings mirrored hers, spanning two lifetimes—his affection for Nami transcended existence itself. If not for her age, he might have already indulged in the thrill of winning her heart.
"Make a wish," he said, gesturing toward the candle.
Nami clasped her hands. I wish for Rolan and my companions' safety, for Sky Nation to prosper, and for me to marry Rolan and bear him ten children.
She blew out the candle in one breath.
"Done. I made my wish. Wow, Rolan… did you make all of this?"
Nami marveled at the meal before her. She had never imagined Rolan cooking. Yet here he had, preparing a feast worthy of her coming-of-age celebration.
Rolan nodded calmly. "Of course. I made this for your sixteenth birthday. Try it."
Nami carefully sampled a piece of wild boar rib, her lips glistening with oil. She froze, pupils dilating. "Wow… it's delicious!"
---
Later, Rolan walked to the bow, the white clouds gliding beneath the ship. Night stars began to emerge as Nami followed, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Rolan," she murmured.
He felt her pressing softly against him. Turning, he asked, "What is it, Nami?"
Looking up at him, her eyes reflected the starlight, dreamy and full of gratitude. "Thank you for preparing this birthday dinner. It's the happiest birthday I've ever had."
Rolan stroked her head gently. "I'll be here from now on. Every birthday, I'll be by your side."
Nami nodded. "Thank you… for saving me. Without you, I might not have reached sixteen, and Cocoyashi Village would have fallen."
Rolan smirked. "Fate brought us together, that's all."
"To repay you… I'll be yours."
Rolan raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused.
Nami pouted, slightly resentful. "Why are you acting dense when it's my turn."
Before he could respond, she pressed her lips to his, and Rolan lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the cabin.
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