The home where Nami and her sister Nojiko lived was once their foster mother Bell-mère's house.
After Bell-mère was killed by Arlong, this place became Nami's final refuge.
So even now—despite having money, despite the house being old and worn—the sisters had never thought of renovating it.
Because every crack in the walls, every creaking floorboard, carried memories of their childhood.
Before Luo Xing even reached the house, he could already hear lively chatter inside, mixed with Nami and Nojiko's bright laughter.
Back when Nami joined Arlong's crew to save the village, she had been misunderstood by everyone.
Now that Arlong was gone, those misunderstandings had long been cleared away.
And when the villagers learned that Luo Xing and Yamato—who saved them—had been invited by Nami herself, their guilt deepened even further.
So to make up for the past, the villagers brought Nami gifts, treasure, and supplies almost every day.
True to her nature, Nami accepted everything with a cheerful grin.
Almost every night, she gathered with the village girls to eat, drink, and play until late.
These days were the happiest she had known since Bell-mère's death.
Luo Xing didn't interrupt their fun.
Instead, he stood quietly outside, watching with a faint smile.
The carefree girls didn't notice him at all.
Bare white legs beneath tight shorts, slipping shoulder straps—his eyes were treated more than enough.
Only after the gathering ended and the girls left did the house grow quiet.
That left just Nami and Nojiko.
Restless as ever, Nami ran out into the courtyard filled with orange trees.
"If Bell-mère were still alive…"
she murmured softly, gazing at the trees her mother had planted with her own hands.
Her thoughts drifted to that man.
The one who saved her.
The one who should have been terrifying—yet was strangely gentle with her.
She remembered how he'd bought her a bag of oranges.
And… those ridiculous "supportive garments" he'd left behind.
She glanced down.
She couldn't even see her toes anymore.
"…They actually work."
Nami giggled, a mischievous spark lighting her eyes.
Looking at the oranges above, she suddenly decided to climb the tree herself.
Nojiko watched helplessly, a faint smile forming.
Her little sister really was becoming playful again—just like when Bell-mère was still alive.
Just as Nojiko was about to stop her, she heard soft footsteps behind her.
Thinking it was one of the village girls returning, she turned—
And froze.
"R–Ro—"
Before she could speak, Luo Xing placed a finger to his lips.
Nojiko instantly fell silent, amusement rising instead.
So the mighty Fifth Emperor liked teasing people too?
She found it oddly funny.
Luo Xing walked straight up behind Nami and wrapped his arms around her slim waist.
"Ah!"
Nami jumped—then realized who it was.
Her eyes widened in surprise and delight.
"Ro–Luo Xing?! Why are you here?"
He smiled gently.
"I told you. When I have time, I'll come see you."
"I invented something called an Anywhere Door. Distance doesn't matter anymore."
Nami's eyes sparkled with curiosity at once.
She wanted to try it immediately.
"First," Luo Xing said,
"let's pick some oranges."
Before she could react, his hands moved to lift her by the legs—raising her effortlessly.
"So high! Hahaha!"
"Sit on my shoulders. It's easier that way."
Nami bit her lip lightly.
So he really was bad.
Of course she knew what he was thinking.
But she didn't want to refuse.
He saved her. Saved the village.
Strong. Reliable. Kind to her and Nojiko.
After everything she'd suffered, Nami couldn't help but rely on him.
Still—she wasn't the obedient type.
Her eyes flashed mischievously.
She wrapped an arm around his neck and deliberately settled herself down, smiling sweetly.
"Thank you, Luo Xing."
If you want me to sit—then I'll really sit.
To Luo Xing, it was nothing at all.
Her legs brushed against his face as she reached for the oranges above.
Suddenly, she lost her balance.
Her body tilted—and she landed squarely against him.
A rush of warmth.
A familiar scent.
Nami scrambled down at once, face burning.
"I—I'm sorry!"
No matter how bold she was, she was still a girl.
And standing before someone like Luo Xing, she couldn't help feeling flustered.
But Luo Xing only spoke gently.
"It's fine. It's late—get some rest. Staying up is bad for your skin."
"Huh?"
Before she could react, he took her hand and led her inside.
Her face burned even hotter.
She didn't resist.
Nojiko stood frozen, eyes wide.
"…When did Nami and Luo Xing…?"
Her own face heated up.
She hurried back to her room and shut the door tight.
Her heart refused to calm down.
This is Nami's choice, she told herself.
And Luo Xing… is a good man.
With him protecting her, Nami will never be hurt again.
But even so—
Nojiko couldn't sleep.
Faint sounds drifted through the night.
Were they cries for help?
Or… joyful laughter?
Her face burned red.
She buried herself under the blanket.
And stayed awake all night.
The next morning, before leaving, Luo Xing gave Nami an Anywhere Door.
So that even if she stayed in Cocoyasi Village, she could still travel the world.
After all—
Her dream was to draw a complete world map.
How could he not support his woman's dream?
He reminded her to stay safe, instructed Alvida to prioritize her protection above all else—
Then stepped through the door, returning to Wano.
After he left, Nojiko finally entered Nami's room.
Both sisters had dark circles under their eyes.
Nami giggled.
"You didn't sleep either, did you?"
Nojiko snorted.
"With the noise you made? How could I?"
"I didn't mean to…"
Nami suddenly smiled and hugged her.
"Since we're both tired—let's sleep together."
Nojiko hesitated.
She was exhausted.
The sisters lay down together.
After a while, Nami whispered softly:
"Next time… you should join me."
"What?!"
Nojiko froze—then understood.
Her face turned crimson.
"Get lost! You shameless brat!"
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