Chapter 19: NAMI
Waves crashed fiercely across the sea. Kai, now fully grown back to the height and appearance of a thirteen-year-old, had the Phantom idling motionless on the water's surface. He flipped through a stack of wanted posters one by one, murmuring to himself.
Compared to a year ago, Kai looked noticeably more mature. A sharp, intimidating aura surrounded him—tempered by the killing intent he had accumulated. His features had become even more striking, leaving a strong, unforgettable impression on anyone who saw him.
"After I catch this pirate, I'll head to Foosha Village and see how Luffy's doing right now…"
Kai gave a light chuckle. It was finally time to meet some of the original story's characters—get to know them in person. Especially Nami and Kaya!
"I wonder how Kuina's doing…"
Kai continued softly, longing to return and see her. But he knew going back now would only disrupt her training. Last time had been fine, but if he showed up without taking her with him, Kuina wouldn't be able to focus on serious sword practice anymore. For her sake, Kai decided he would only return when he was ready to raise his pirate flag and set sail for the Grand Line—then he'd bring her along.
Most importantly… he was afraid that seeing Kuina again would make him lose control. Last year, when she was still fourteen, he had barely held himself back. Now, at fifteen, who knew how much more she had developed? And with his body fully matured again—possibly even enhanced by training—his desires had grown much stronger. The next time he held her, he wasn't sure he could restrain himself!
Feeling the pink satellite in his consciousness universe glowing brighter and brighter, Kai knew Kuina missed him more every day—thinking of him constantly. That alone was enough for now.
"But this can't go on forever. My body was reverted by transmigration, and now it's maturing again. Because of training, just seeing a beautiful woman sets my desires ablaze. I can't touch Kuina until she's eighteen and fully grown. I'll have to find other women first…"
Kai sighed inwardly at his situation. He was only thirteen and already struggling like this—what would it be like in a few more years?
At the same time, a secret thrill ran through him. Who wouldn't want that kind of stamina and desire to be stronger?
"Who should I go for first?" "Robin? Hancock? No—right now I'm not even in the Grand Line, and even if I went, my strength isn't enough yet…"
Kai indulged in colorful fantasies while accelerating the Phantom across the sea, leaving massive waves in his wake. First, he'd head to an island to gather information on the Gatt Pirates' location!
Whether the Gatt Pirates were unlucky or Kai was fortunate, within half an hour—before he even reached any island town—he spotted their ship!
This was the first time Kai had immediately encountered a target right after deciding to hunt them. Usually, it took ten days or half a month just to track someone down!
"Strange… they don't seem to have noticed me at all…"
Kai frowned, watching the Gatt Pirates' ship bob gently with the wind—no sign of turning to flee.
Half a year ago, whenever he hunted a crew, they would spot him from afar and scatter in terror. Could this group really not fear the "Maple Leaf Hunter"?
Curious, Kai raised the binoculars from inside the Phantom. Immediately, he saw the entire crew—including his target, Captain Gatt—gathered on the deck in a tight circle. In the center, tied up, was an orange-haired little girl!
"That's…"
The moment Kai saw the girl's figure, his heart jolted. He recognized her instantly—the terrified, bound orange-haired girl was none other than—
"Nami…"
Kai murmured in shock, excitement flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected to encounter Nami here. He had known she began stealing from pirate crews across the East Blue at age ten—but he'd never crossed paths with her until now!
Seeing Nami brought back memories of her tragic childhood. Starting at ten, she had spent eight years infiltrating pirate crews, stealing to save up 100 million Berries to buy back her village from Arlong. It wasn't until she was eighteen and met Luffy that her fate finally changed—she gained true comrades and the freedom to chase her dream.
"Nami! You dare steal from your captain? You don't want to live anymore, do you?"
Gatt—a young man with a scarred, bald head—sneered coldly at the bound Nami. Rage burned in his eyes.
"N-no… I… I didn't…"
Nami trembled all over, looking fearfully at the menacing Gatt. She spoke in a pitiful, shaking voice. She hadn't expected to be caught just as she was about to escape with the stolen goods!
"What do I do? What do I do? I can't die… the people in the village are waiting for me… Mom's injury still needs money for treatment…"
Terrified, Nami muttered desperately in her heart while staring at Gatt.
"Didn't do it? Hmph! Then what's this?!"
Gatt roared in anger and slammed a bag of stolen goods onto the deck with a loud bang!
"Boss… kill her! She dared steal from us…" "Yeah… finish her off…" "Throw her into the sea to feed the fish…" "So disgusting… sneaking into the Gatt Pirates just to rob us…"
As soon as Gatt spoke, the rest of the crew erupted in furious shouts, demanding Nami's death! Nami's whole body shook even harder. She was only twelve years old right now!
"Quiet!"
After a moment, Gatt shouted for silence. The crew immediately shut up.
"Nami! Do you have anything else to say?"
Gatt glared at the trembling girl without a shred of pity.
"You… you're going to kill me…?"
Nami looked up at him in terror.
"Hmph! Stealing from us means only one fate—death!"
Gatt snorted coldly. He grabbed a gleaming large knife from one of his crewmen and pointed the blade at Nami!
"Ah… y-you can't kill me… I'm with the Arlong Pirates…"
Nami cried out desperately. In the past, whenever she was caught, simply mentioning Arlong's name had made other crews hesitate and release her! She had been stealing since she was ten—eight years of it—and had never been truly cornered like this!
"Look at my arm—you'll see! I… I'm part of the Arlong Pirates…"
Though she hated the Arlong Pirates with all her heart, right now Nami had no choice but to use their reputation to save herself!
Sure enough! Hearing the name "Arlong Pirates," Gatt's expression changed dramatically as he looked at the tattoo on Nami's arm!
"Phew… thank goodness! They're scared of Arlong too…"
Seeing the shift on Gatt's face, Nami let out a quiet breath of relief. A faint, relieved smile unconsciously curled at the corner of her lips!
"Hmph! So what if you're with the Arlong Pirates? I'd even kill Arlong himself—let alone a little brat like you!"
But when Gatt caught that fleeting smile on Nami's face, he immediately felt mocked. Even if she really was one of Arlong's crew—so what?! He snorted furiously!
"Yeah, yeah! Kill her, boss!" "Finish her!" "Boss—kill her!"
The crew roared again, egging him on!
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