It was another beautiful day with gentle breezes and bright sunshine.
On the going merry.
Reno continued to act as the helmsman.
He constantly adjusted the direction amidst Nami's scolding.
Kaya began to exercise her body to strengthen her physique.
To fully develop the Healing-Healing Fruit, physical fitness was the foundation.
She didn't want to hold The girls back.
Makino, on the other hand, routinely prepared three meals and started brewing wine in her spare time.
Both Reno and Nami loved her homemade wine.
This also gave Makino a great sense of accomplishment, and she greatly enjoyed this work.
Looking at the girls, each performing their duties, Reno's mood brightened considerably.
It was always the beautiful the girls that made people happy.
When bored, he would flirt a little, and at night, they would delve deeper into navigation techniques.
Kaya's addition upgraded the three who could only play 'Fight the Landlord' to playing mahjong.
Coupled with the Healing-Healing Fruit's ability to remove negative effects.
Reno could be said to be completely uninhibited.
Life was wonderful, happiness boundless.
Lying on a deck chair, the bored Nami sensed the surrounding weather conditions and casually asked, "Reno, where do you plan to go for your next destination?!"
"I'll plan the next route in advance."
Reno spoke almost without hesitation, "To Cocoyasi Village."
"Cocoyasi Village?! I'm familiar with that, I—"
Nami subconsciously replied, but after realizing, her expression turned ugly.
She got up and looked at Reno, her voice trembling, "Can we go somewhere else? Actually, there are many other islands in the East Blue, I can take—"
"Nami!" Reno's voice suddenly became serious.
"Reno, we really can't go there." Nami gradually choked up.
The time she spent with Reno during this period was one of the few happy times she had had in years.
She didn't need to think about anything.
Although Reno would torment her to death every night, apart from this little quirk, Reno was truly beyond reproach towards her.
Having spent years mingling among merchant ships and Pirate Crews, she could tell at a glance who was sincere with her and who was feigning affection.
Reno was undoubtedly the former.
It was precisely because of this that she couldn't take Reno to Cocoyasi Village.
If Arlong saw Reno, he would definitely not let him go.
If Reno insisted on going to Cocoyasi Village, she would have to bid Reno farewell in advance.
But she didn't want to leave Reno so soon.
Reno looked at the pained expression on Nami's face and sighed in his heart.
Eight years, Arlong had truly become Nami's nightmare.
As soon as anything about Cocoyasi Village was mentioned, those painful memories would surge out like a tide, tormenting her.
Reno stared at Nami, saying seriously, "Nami, listen carefully, you are my woman now, and I will make everyone who has ever caused you pain pay the price, even Arlong is no exception."
From Reno's gaze, Nami saw determination.
Immediately, her heart was filled with emotion.
But the more she felt this, the more she couldn't let Reno put himself in danger.
Trembling, Nami's emotions suddenly became uncontrollable: "Reno, you don't know anything."
"That's Arlong, you can't beat them, please don't go there, okay? I'm begging you!"
"Is it not enough if I don't want those 10 million Berries?!"
Nami almost roared these words.
As she spoke, Nami helplessly collapsed to the ground again, her face wet with tears.
Scenes from the past flashed through her mind like a memory reel.
All the villagers who tried to resist Arlong were eventually killed by Arlong, including her adoptive mother Belle-Mere.
Eight years of subtle influence had long branded Arlong as unconquerable in her mind.
She could only obey, never resist.
"Nami, what's wrong with you?!"
Hearing the commotion, Kaya and Makino quickly ran over to help Nami sit down again, asking with concern.
It was the first time they had seen Nami so distraught.
What on earth happened?!
Reno walked to Nami's side, gently stroked Nami's forehead, and said softly:
"Nami, I know you're terrified of Arlong, but he's not unconquerable."
Feeling the warmth of Reno's palm, Nami slowly looked up, her emotions gradually calming down.
"You might not know it, but Arlong only came to the East Blue to throw his weight around because he couldn't make it in the New World; there are plenty of people stronger than him."
"Also, Fishman strength is indeed ten times that of humans, but that's only compared to ordinary people. Do you think I'm an ordinary person?!"
As he spoke, Reno even flexed the muscles in his arm.
Nami burst out laughing.
Even at a time like this, he was still teasing her.
"Nami, you have to believe Reno; he defeated Kuro after all."
Kaya clenched her fist and waved it convincingly.
"That's right, Sister Nami, after spending so many days together, don't you believe in the Captain's strength?!"
"Since he said he can defeat Arlong, he definitely can." Makino also encouraged Nami.
"Is that really true?!" The continuous persuasion from everyone made Nami's heart waver slightly.
Thinking about it carefully, Reno did seem quite formidable.
At the very least, his speed was probably something even Arlong couldn't match.
"Nami, this time going to Cocoyasi Village, not only will Arlong be eliminated, but you will personally eliminate Arlong."
Nami stared at Reno; she hadn't misheard, had she?!
Under Nami's astonished gaze, Reno flipped his palm, revealing a peculiar fruit with various colorful patterns.
Makino recognized it at a glance, exclaiming in surprise: "A Devil Fruit?!"
Luffy had become a rubber man after eating this kind of fruit.
She hadn't expected Reno to have one too.
Kaya also looked surprised: "Oh?! Reno, you actually have another one?!"
"These two Devil Fruit are different." Reno shook his head and explained.
"Nami, as long as you eat this Devil Fruit, you'll have the power to defeat Arlong." Reno's voice seemed to have a magical quality, causing Nami's eyes to suddenly light up.
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