Thud!
Nami's fist connected with Lucas's face, her voice a raw snarl. "What the hell do you know?!"
She hadn't expected him to figure out so much. Had he been watching her this whole time? But the punch did little real damage. Lucas wiped the corner of his mouth, unfazed. "I don't know anything. I just want to help you."
"Cut the naive crap! I'm part of the Arlong Pirates. I only got close to you for the treasure, and now that I've stolen it, you're useless to me. That's all."
Arlong's shadow loomed too large in her mind. To Nami, Lucas and his rookie crew stood no chance against the fish-man's brutality. Better to push them away now than watch them die. Betrayal was second nature to her anyway.
Her eyes narrowed. She needed to get him off this ship.
"Nami, you're trying to figure out how to throw me overboard, aren't you?"
This time, she didn't bother lying. In one swift motion, she drew a collapsible staff from her chest, the segments snapping into a solid pole. "So what? Either leave now, or I'll make you." She leveled the weapon, stance ready.
"Just let me come with you. Luffy and the others will beat Arlong," Lucas insisted.
"Stop joking."
The staff whistled through the air, but Lucas's palm shot out, chakra flaring. Crack! The wood slammed into his grip, held firm.
"Nami, we're stronger than you think."
'Damn it, how is a girl this strong?' His hand throbbed, but he kept his expression steady.
Yet the intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
Finally, Nami exhaled, retracting the staff. There was no fooling him. Unlike Luffy, Lucas saw right through her.
"Fine. You can follow me. But you do exactly as I say from here on. Got it?"
"Deal."
...
"Secret Technique: Three Thousand Worlds!"
Schink!
The clash between Zoro and Mihawk ended in an instant. Luffy watched, fists clenched, as Zoro's blades shattered. Blood streaked his torso, yet he sheathed Wado Ichimonji and turned, arms spread.
Mihawk frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Scars on the back are a swordsman's shame."
For the first time, the world's greatest swordsman looked impressed. "Remarkable." His next slash was deliberate, sparing Zoro's life.
Luffy had seen enough. With a roar, he launched himself at Mihawk, rubber limbs snapping forward. The warlord sidestepped effortlessly.
"You're that boy's captain? I appreciate you not interfering earlier. He'll live."
Luffy grinned. Mihawk's gaze flicked back to Zoro, then hardened.
"Death would be too merciful for you. I am Dracule Mihawk. Measure your weakness, see the world, and grow stronger. I'll wait at the top, whether it takes one year or ten. Surpass this blade. Surpass me, Roronoa Zoro."
Then, to Luffy: "And you? What's your ambition?"
"King of the Pirates."
Mihawk's brow arched. "A harder path than surpassing me."
Luffy stuck out his tongue. "Don't care. I'll do it anyway."
Zoro forced himself upright, raising his sword. "I will be the world's greatest swordsman. I won't lose again… not until I beat him. Got a problem with that, Pirate King?"
Luffy chuckled. "Nope."
Mihawk's lips quirked. "Fine partners. I'll see you on the Grand Line." He turned to leave, Krieg's existence already forgotten.
But the warlord's dismissal ignited Krieg's rage. "Ignoring me?! I'm the strongest in the East Blue!" He armed his arsenal, barrels priming.
"DIE!!!"
Mihawk didn't glance back. A single swing of Yoru split the sea itself, the shockwave hurling Krieg's fleet into chaos. By the time the waves settled, the warlord was gone.
Luffy scratched his head. "Hey, old man. If we beat this guy, does that mean we're even?"
Zeff snorted. "Do what you want."
And with that, the battle erupted, Luffy and Sanji against Krieg's remnants.
Meanwhile, the shoreline of Arlong Park crept into view.
Nami's grip tightened on the helm. "That's it. My hometown… and Arlong's domain."
Since she couldn't shake Lucas, she'd have to keep him alive. "Stick close. Fish-men are monsters in strength. One wrong move, and you're dead."
"Got it. But if they hurt me… can I kill Arlong?"
She rolled her eyes. 'As if.'
Still, she added quietly, "When things go south, run. I'll cover you."
A plan formed: if she played Lucas off as her lackey, maybe Arlong would spare him.
As the Going Merry drifted toward the dock, Nami's chest grew heavier with every breath.