Ten days later...
Albert was completely disoriented. He had followed the sea map's route, yet he found himself lost once again. While being lost wasn't particularly frightening, the real terror lay in the vastness of the ocean, which left him completely alone. It was mind-numbingly dull, and he really needed a companion.
With time to kill, Albert lounged on the bow of his ship, fishing. The reason for fishing? Well, he had eaten all the food, and it was his only option now. What? Why not search for an island to replenish his supplies? Haha, that's because he had no money—no funds at all!
However, catching fish wasn't straightforward either. Why, you ask? Because he didn't have any bait to begin with! Nothing was attached to the hook.
With a mindset reminiscent of luffy, Albert fished with high hopes and great enthusiasm, waiting for a willing fish to bite.
"Come on, little fish, take the bait! I'll turn you into a fantastic dish and enjoy eating you! Think how happy you'll be in my stomach!"
...
An hour later, Albert's enthusiasm had dwindled.
'Why won't any fish bite? Even a Sea King would do!' Sometimes life surprises you when you least expect it, and just as Albert hoped, a Sea King suddenly appeared.
Roar!!!
Albert's excitement surged at the sight of the enormous Sea King, and he couldn't help but drool.
"Haha, it's always good fortune that brings opportunity. Such a massive Sea King means meals for days!"
Licking his lips, Albert drew his wooden sword, swinging it with force; a tremendous sword aura blasted forth, cleaving the Sea King in two.
"Haha, I'm going to feast!"
He jumped into the water, dragging the Sea King's carcass back to the ship. After butchering it, he divided the meat into three portions: one for the fridge, one for cooked food storage, and one he intended to eat right away.
With a ravenous appetite, Albert devoured the Sea King meat in generous bites. If he weren't worried about overeating, he would have finished it all in one sitting.
But the taste was extraordinary; Sea King meat was delightful and packed with energy that could fortify his body.
Fortunately, these creatures didn't dwell in the flowering Nation; otherwise, Albert knew they'd soon be on the brink of extinction.
After a satisfying meal, Albert reclined on the deck, allowing the currents to guide his ship. Regarding Nami, he decided to let fate take its course—after all, he was notoriously bad at navigating.
'Isn't it peculiar how life works? The more you chase something, the more elusive it becomes, yet when you stop trying, it lands in your lap.'
Just as Albert began to doze, a scream echoed above him, and he quickly activated his Observation Haki. To his surprise, he spotted a large, pig-like woman soaring overhead.
"Wait a moment, isn't that Alvida? She got blasted away by Luffy... Huh? Isn't she the one Nami met when Luffy stole her treasure? Haha, optimistic people tend to attract luck!"
"Where's Nami now? Oh, wait, there's Nami!"
Through his Observation Haki, Albert noticed a small boat nearby, and on it sat a girl with short orange hair—none other than Nami.
Albert adjusted his outfit, leaned against the ship's railing, and flashed a grin he believed to be charming, waving to Nami: "Hello, beautiful lady! Care to join me on my ship for a drink?"
Nami, glancing at the large vessel that had appeared before her and at Albert's invitation, quickly scrutinized him. 'Hmm, he has a ship, is single, and looks wealthy. Her eyes turned into dollar signs.'
"Alright, as a lovely lady, I suppose I'll accept a gentleman's invitation." Grinning, Albert watched as Nami tied her small boat to his ship and came aboard.
"Is it just you here?" Nami surveyed the large ship and couldn't help but ask.
Albert confirmed, saying, "Yep, it's just me right now. But soon there'll be more people."
Nami waved her hand dismissively, asking, "So, what are we having to eat? You're not planning to cook for me, are you?"
"Absolutely! I'm a fantastic cook."
Despite Albert's claims, Nami seemed skeptical. But to her surprise, he prepared a lavish spread of dishes.
"Wow, you really can cook!" Nami gazed incredulously at the table overflowing with food.
Albert stood tall and said with pride, "That's right!"
"I underestimated you! But even if it looks wonderful, I have no idea how it tastes!" Nami gave the braised Sea King meat a try, and before long, she lost control and devoured most of the delicious offerings.
Albert grinned as he watched Nami's belly expand. Hmph, it doesn't matter if you doubt me; you can't deny the culinary delights from my great Flowering Nation. I'm not exaggerating when I say you could eat here for three years and never have the same meal twice.
"By the way, lovely lady, I'm Albert. What's your name?"
Nami, sipping her juice, replied, "I'm Nami. And what does Mr. Albert do?"
"I'm an adventurer—sometimes an explorer as well."
"Adventurer, explorer? What does that entail?"
"Adventurers explore ancient ruins and seek treasures while sailing the seas."
Nami's expression soured a bit. "Isn't that what pirates do?"
Albert shook his head vigorously. "No, no, pirates are merely ruthless people who burn and plunder. Adventurers seek adventure without harming others."
"Oh, I see. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Mr. Albert."
Seeing Nami smile again, Albert felt a sense of relief—it seemed he had won her favor, at least for now.
"Since you're an adventurer, you must be wealthy," Nami said, her eyes lighting up with dollar signs.
"Uh..." Albert rubbed his nose awkwardly. To impress Nami, he decided to tell a little white lie: "Yes, very wealthy."
Nami moved closer, visibly excited. "So, Mr. Albert, what prompted your invitation?"
Looking at Nami's alluring form, Albert felt a rush of courage: "Honestly, you're beautiful, and I'd like you to be my wife!"
'Oh no, did I really just say that?'
But Nami didn't seem put off. Instead, she perched on his lap, teasingly playing with her collar while revealing her smooth shoulders. "Oh, how annoying. But if you truly like me, how about giving me 20 million Belis as a token of your sincerity?"
"Ah?" Albert was taken aback. Typical Nami, always after money. The problem was he didn't have any! He had to keep playing along.
"Ahem, no problem, but my funds were pilfered by pirates just a few days ago."
"So you're broke?"
Seeing the threat in Nami's gaze made Albert break out in a sweat. "Uh, you could say that."
In an instant, Nami hopped off Albert and straightened her clothes, coldly stating, "Hmph! A poor guy trying to chase me? You owe me compensation for emotional distress."
"What amount are you asking for?" Albert stammered.
"20 million Belis."
"But I'm flat broke! Look, even my sword is made of wood!"
"Then go earn money or sell your ship."
The mere suggestion of selling his ship made Albert leap up in protest. "No way! I earned this vessel with my blood, sweat, and tears. How could I part with it?"
Nami, relishing in his discomfort, smirked. "You'll have to earn money for me, or else I'll sell your ship."
Albert tried to reason with her, "Actually, Nami, I'm quite strong. I could capture some pirates to get your money."
Nami gave him a skeptical look. "You? A guy who just got robbed by pirates wants to catch them? Are you joking?"
Albert realized he had made a mistake admitting he was robbed.
"Nami, you must believe me! I was a victim because I was sleeping that day!"
Nami shot him a look that clearly said, "Don't think you can fool me."
"Really, Nami! I promise I'm not lying. It's just 20 million. I heard the Evil Dragon Pirates' captain, Evil Dragon, is worth 20 million Belis. If I catch him, I can get the money for you."
The mention of "Evil Dragon" darkened Nami's expression. "Albert, you absolutely must not pursue the Evil Dragon. You have no idea how dangerous he is. You'll end up dead."
Albert touched his nose, recognizing that the Evil Dragon clearly had a significant effect on Nami. Don't worry, Nami—I'll save you.