Luffy casually grabbed Nika by the scruff of her neck, lifting her like a kitten as he carried her out, and closed the door behind him.
The moment she was deposited outside, Nika's white fur fluffed up slightly. She jolted upright, her heart suddenly pounding.
Oh no, oh no. This rubber idiot hasn't suddenly decided he wants me to do a backflip again, has he?
Her mind rapidly began weaving excuses to refuse. From "I'm too dizzy from drinking" to "As the embodiment of Nika's will, I must maintain dignity" — she even cycled through absurd reasons like "the weather isn't suitable for somersaults today."
"Come help me think through this awakening stuff."
That's it?
Nika blinked, then exhaled in relief. She flicked her tail irritably towards the girls' quarters. "Can't you just rest properly in the middle of the night?"
She had never met anyone so obsessed with self-improvement!
Meanwhile, inside the girls' quarters' bathroom.
The sound of rushing water filled the room as Nami sorted their soaked clothes, setting aside several delicate undergarments that needed hand-washing.
Even at sea, the girls maintained their meticulous habits and standards.
"Finally, I can take a proper bath," Nami sighed, planning to shower before soaking in the tub.
She turned and noticed Vivi still standing there, her soaked dress clinging to her skin, outlining her slender waist and elegant curves. But she seemed at a loss, her cheeks flushed with an unnatural redness, her gaze darting nervously.
"What's wrong, Vivi?" Nami walked over and naturally placed a hand on her smooth forehead. "Are you feeling unwell? Did you catch a chill from the rain?"
Her skin was warm to the touch, not feverish.
"Ah, no, no," Vivi said, startled like a young deer. She glanced at Nami anxiously, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm... I'm fine."
"Hmm?" Nami tilted her head in puzzlement, then understanding dawned. She couldn't help but laugh. "Are you embarrassed?"
She began to undress without hesitation. Her damp orange hair clung to her cheeks, making her fair skin seem even more luminous.
"What's there to be shy about? We're both girls, aren't we? See? I'm not embarrassed at all."
She set her clothes aside, revealing her well-proportioned figure, and walked to the showerhead, turning it on.
Warm water cascaded down instantly, misting the air with steam.
She turned back to Vivi, who was still hesitating, and smiled. "Trust me, change quickly. If you stay in those wet clothes, you really will catch cold."
Hearing this, Vivi glanced at Nami's relaxed composure, then down at her own soaked garments. Finally, as if making up her mind, she nodded slightly.
Imitating Nami's movements, she awkwardly and slowly removed her wet clothes, carefully folding them—especially the delicate bra, which she placed aside with particular embarrassment.
Then, almost with her eyes half-closed and cheeks burning crimson, she walked to the stool beneath the other showerhead and sat down.
Her shy demeanor made it seem less like she was about to bathe and more like she was preparing for some solemn ritual.
Between women, unless it was a romantic context, such intimate shared experiences were rare.
This was actually the first time the two of them had bathed together. Previously, they had always showered separately.
In the steam-filled bathroom, two small stools were placed side by side. With only one showerhead, Vivi and Nami took turns using it.
First, they applied shampoo to their hair, gently working it into a rich lather. The air filled with a fresh, pleasant fruity scent.
After rinsing, they applied conditioner, letting the steam make their hair silky and smooth.
Once their hair was done, they lathered their bodies with soap, creamy foam covering their youthful, beautiful forms before being washed away, revealing fair skin tinged with pink.
The entire process took nearly half an hour, during which they chatted intermittently—about Skypiea's unique Dial culture, the desert landscapes of Alabasta, and Nami's meticulous shopping experiences...
The conversation was light and casual, accompanied by the sound of running water and drifting steam.
After sharing a bath together, something seemed to fall naturally into place between the women—much like the bond formed between men who've fought side by side.
The connection they shared, forged through shared experiences and secrets, seemed to grow even stronger and more natural through this moment of mutual vulnerability.
When Vivi's gaze, with a hint of existential crisis, inadvertently swept over Nami's ample curves, barely concealed beneath foam and flowing water, Nami noticed her stare. She instinctively crossed her arms, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Hey, Vivi! Where are you looking?!"
"N-nothing!" Vivi quickly averted her gaze, but her heart inexplicably raced.
With a splash, Nami stepped into the spacious tub—large enough for two—and sighed contentedly as the warm water enveloped her body. She leaned against the edge, stretching her limbs.
Vivi slowly settled into the water as well, the clear surface rippling with her movement.
She leaned against the opposite edge, gazing at the steam-obscured ceiling. Suddenly, she let out a soft sigh.
"Nami, you have such a great figure." Vivi's voice was somewhat muffled in the mist.
Nami blushed slightly, but compared to Vivi's shyness, she was far more composed.
She looked Vivi over. Vivi's body was actually very proportionate and elegant—long limbs, slender waist, and her skin, pampered from years of comfortable living, was exceptionally smooth and fair, like fine suet jade.
"You're not bad yourself," Nami said sincerely, even reaching out with a hint of envy to touch Vivi's smooth arm. "Look at your skin, fair with a rosy glow. Truly fit for a princess."
But looking at Nami, genuine envy surfaced in Vivi's sapphire-blue eyes. Thinking this, the words inadvertently slipped out: "I'm the one who envies you."
"Envying me?" Nami looked up, puzzled. She weighed her own assets, then glanced at Vivi. "You're not lacking either. And envious of this? It's just a lump of fat. Honestly, it's sometimes more trouble than it's worth."
Having accidentally voiced her inner thoughts was already embarrassing enough; now Vivi just wanted to drown herself in the bathtub.
But the words were already out, like water spilled. She bit her lip. "I envy how everyone relies on you."
"Hmm?" Nami showed little reaction, simply tilting her head back against the tub's edge. The hot water had completely relaxed her.
"It's just my job as navigator. Everyone has their own role, their own responsibilities. That's what nakama means, right?"
***
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