One Piece: The Saiyan Pirate

CHAPTER 25: NAMI'S ANGUISH

Nami's heart raced as she faced the marines, the weight of the shovel heavy in her hands. Captain Nezumi, the man in charge, stepped forward, his smug grin illuminated by the torchlight. His rat-like features twisted in a condescending smirk as he looked down at her.

"What are you doing here, Nami?" he asked, the false politeness of his tone dripping with malice.

Panic surged through her veins as she tried to think of an escape, her mind frantically searching for any possible way out. "What are you doing here?" she countered, attempting to buy herself some time. Her voice was steady, but panic was written all over her face.

Nezumi chuckled, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "We received a tip that a stash of stolen treasure was hidden in these parts. And it appears you have found it for us. How convenient." He waved his hand, and his men moved forward, surrounding her completely. "Take her away, men."

The marines grabbed Nami roughly, their hands pulling her away from the hole she had dug. She kicked and screamed, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to break free from their iron grips. The thought of losing the treasure she had worked so hard for over the past eight years was unbearable. Some of the marines' hands groped her clothes, adding humiliation to her fear, but her mind was singularly focused on the chest of treasure now visible in the hole.

"Please, let me go!" she cried, her voice breaking. "I need that treasure!"

The marines ignored her pleas, their grips tightening. Captain Nezumi watched with a look of triumph as they continued digging until they unearthed the massive chest, its contents worth a hundred million berries.

***

[EIGHT YEARS AGO]

The sun was setting on a quiet evening in Cocoyashi Village. A young Nami, her face innocent and full of curiosity, sat on the floor of her small house with her adoptive sister, Nojiko. The two girls were engrossed in their respective books—Nami with a volume about maps and navigation, and Nojiko with a book about guns, her fascination evident in the way she flipped through the pages.

The dim light of the oil lamp flickered, casting a warm glow over the room. Suddenly, the door swung open, and their adoptive mother, Bellemere, walked in. Her presence filled the room with an air of confidence and warmth. Bellemere was a striking woman, wearing a seductive pink dress that revealed much of her skin, including her ample cleavage. The dress hugged her figure, enhancing her natural beauty.

Seeing Bellemere, the two girls immediately ran to her, their faces lighting up with joy. "Bellemere!" they exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable.

Bellemere smiled, her eyes twinkling with affection as she embraced them. "My girls, how have you been?"

The barrage of questions began almost immediately. "Bellemere, can we get new books?" Nami asked, her eyes wide with hope. "I want more books about maps!"

Nojiko chimed in, her enthusiasm matching Nami's. "And I want books about guns! Can we, Bellemere?"

Bellemere laughed, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she responded. "Now, now, girls. One thing at a time. Besides, books aren't cheap."

Nami's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But you're dating that man, right? He can get us books, can't he?"

Nojiko nodded eagerly. "Yeah, he can! And maybe even some new clothes!"

Bellemere's blush deepened, and she looked slightly embarrassed. "We're taking it slow," she insisted, trying to steer the conversation away from her dating life. "Besides, I'm not dating him for his money."

The girls exchanged knowing looks, giggling. "But we know you've been out with him a lot. You have slept with him multiple times in the past right?" Nojiko teased. "What's different now?"

Bellemere was taken aback, clearly surprised that her daughters had noticed her outings. She sighed, realizing there was no escaping their curiosity. "You'll understand when you're older," she said gently. "For now, let's just focus on what's important."

Their conversation shifted to more mundane topics, the girls telling Bellemere about their day and the books they had read. Bellemere listened attentively, her love for them evident in every word and gesture.

"Have you had dinner yet?" Bellemere asked, glancing at the kitchen.

The girls nodded. "We already ate," Nami replied. "We made soup from the vegetables in the garden."

Bellemere smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Good girls," she said. "You're learning so much."

Despite the normalcy of their conversation, the topic of Bellemere's date resurfaced, the girls' curiosity insatiable. Over the next few months, Bellemere continued to see Ganzo, the man she was dating. He was kind and gentle, but cautious, preferring to take things slow. Sometimes he stayed over, but they only had intimate moments at his home, maintaining a sense of decorum for the sake of the girls.

The budding relationship brought moments of joy and togetherness, as they spent more time as a family. However, Ganzo kept a respectful distance, not wanting to rush things too much.

---

Back in the present, the marines were dragging Nami away, her cries echoing through the night. She watched helplessly as they loaded the chest of treasure onto a cart, her heart breaking with every passing second. The treasure represented more than just money; it was her hope for freeing her village, her promise to herself and her family.

As she was led away, the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future pressed heavily upon her. But within her, a spark of determination remained. She would not give up. She would find a way to reclaim what was hers and save her village, no matter the cost.

---

The scene shifts back to Cocoyashi Village, years before Nami's encounter with the marines. The village was a serene place, its simplicity a stark contrast to the turmoil that would later engulf it. Bellemere, Nojiko, and Nami formed a small but happy family, their bond strong despite the hardships they faced.

One evening, Bellemere returned home, her face flushed with excitement. She had just come from another date with Ganzo, and her daughters immediately pounced on her with questions.

"How was the date?" Nami asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Bellemere laughed, a blush coloring her cheeks. "It was wonderful," she admitted. "He's a very kind man."

Nojiko grinned, her interest piqued. "Did he buy you anything?"

Bellemere shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "It's not about what he buys me. It's about the time we spend together."

The girls exchanged knowing glances, their teasing relentless. "Did you kiss him?" Nami asked boldly.

Bellemere's blush deepened, and she looked away, embarrassed. "That's not something I'm going to discuss with you two," she said, her tone firm but affectionate.

The girls giggled, their laughter filling the small house. Despite their teasing, they were genuinely happy for Bellemere, seeing her happiness as a reflection of their own.

Over the next few months, Bellemere and Ganzo's relationship grew stronger. He became a more frequent presence in their lives, bringing a sense of stability and joy. Yet, he was careful not to overstep, understanding the delicate balance of their family dynamic.

One day, as the sun set over the village, Bellemere sat with her daughters, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. "I want you girls to know that no matter what happens, we are a family," she said softly. "And nothing will ever change that."

Nami and Nojiko nodded, their hearts filled with love and gratitude. They didn't fully understand the complexities of adult relationships, but they knew that Bellemere's love for them was unwavering.

As they sat together, the future seemed bright and full of promise. Little did they know, the dark days were ahead, and the strength of their bond would be tested in ways they could never have imagined.

One particular day, Ganzo was in his little shop. He had spent the early hours dealing and arguing with the townsfolk. Even though he was just another villager, they saw him as a sort of mayor. He was glad to finally have some respite. Sitting in the store all alone, he read his favorite novel. A tale of a mysterious island the people called 'Little Garden'.

His day got better as a Bellemere suddenly showed up. Her long flowing pink hair swayed seductively with every step she took. Her slim figure oozing with sexual tension. Her face spoke of the naughty desires welling up in her. Before he could even lift a finger she slapped his book away and pulled him up like a doll.

"I want you now," she said with hurried breath. Pulling his shirt open.

Their lips met. His arms quickly started roaming her body. His earlier frustration made him even more enthusiastic about the coitus. Just as he started to unbutton her shirt, a loud scream put them both to a stop.

"Pirates are attacking the village!!" another voice added.

In a panic they both ran for the windows. They saw the villagers running and screaming in panic. They saw the pirates but this weren't normal pirates. They were bigger, stronger and with peculiar appearances. These were fishman. Standing at the front was the most powerful looking.

"Cocoyashi!!!" He roared. "Arlong is now in your village!!!!"

Ganzo quickly turned to Bellemere. He grabbed her by the shoulders with a strong grib. "Get the girls to safety!" He ordered. With no words she simply kissed him and ran out the back door.

Ganzo stood in the middle of the shop. His eyes closed as he prepared himself. The feeling of doom strong in his gut. He would do anything to protect them. They meant so much to him. With renewed determination he closed up his shirt buttons. He walked over to the storage room. it's walls lined with guns and all sorts of weapons. He grabbed as much as he could carry and walked out with determination.

---

A few minutes later Bellemere reached the end of the village. She found the girls by the steps eating ice cream. "Pirates are attacking the village!" She screamed. She grabbed them by the wrists and dragged them into the house. Shutting the door behind and locking it.

With no hesitation or rest she pulled up the carpet on the floor. She pulled open the heavy hatch with some groans. The girls knowingly ran inside. This was not the first time. The village had been attacked a few times over the years. With the girls safe and secure she closed it up and pulled the carpet over. In the closet she grabbed the shot gun.

Her fingers tightened around the shotgun's grip, her aim unwavering. Years of service with the Marines had trained her well, but the fear she felt now was something entirely different. The cacophony of screams and cries outside was a grim symphony of chaos, and she knew it was only a matter of time before the danger reached her doorstep. Ten minutes felt like an eternity, but then it happened—the door swung open with a deafening crash.

She squeezed the trigger without hesitation, the shotgun blast roaring through the room. But her target moved with inhuman speed. Arlong, the monstrous sawshark Fish-Man, reached her in a single stride, his towering form filling the doorway. He swatted the barrel of her shotgun upwards, the bullets embedding harmlessly in the ceiling. With a terrifying ease, he wrenched the weapon from her grasp, his strength overwhelming.

Two more Fish-Men entered behind him: Chew, with his sharp-toothed grin, and Kuroobi, his triangular elbows gleaming menacingly. Arlong's eyes scanned the room, settling on Bellemere with a cruel smile. "Tribute is 100,000 berries per adult and 50,000 per child," he declared.

Bellemere's heart pounded, but she kept her voice steady. "Fine," she said, reaching for her savings. But Arlong ripped the chest from her hands, opening it to count the money inside. It was just enough.

"See you next month," Arlong sneered, turning to leave. But as he stepped outside, he noticed two pairs of ice cream cones fallen on the ground. He paused, a cold realization dawning on him. He turned back inside, his gaze falling on three plates set on the table.

Bellemere's heart sank as Arlong's eyes narrowed. In an instant, he grabbed her by the neck, lifting her effortlessly to his eye level. "Do you live here alone?" he demanded.

Nami burst through the floor, desperation and fury in her eyes. "Let my mom go!" she shouted, her sister Nojiko close behind her.

Arlong's grip tightened, then he dropped Bellemere to her knees. "You owe another 100,000 berries," he said with a smirk.

Bellemere's eyes were filled with defiance and despair. "I don't have it," she whispered.

"Kill the brats," Arlong ordered coldly.

"Wait!" Bellemere cried. "How about my 100,000 for the two girls?"

Arlong paused, considering. "You know what that means," he said, his voice low and menacing.

"Yes," Bellemere replied, hugging Nami and Nojiko tightly. The girls clung to her, sobbing, trying not to let go. But Bellemere gently pushed them away and stood up to face the three Fish-Men. Arlong raised the shotgun, aiming it at her head. He squeezed the trigger, and the blast echoed through the house.

Nami and Nojiko's screams of devastation filled the air as Bellemere fell lifeless to the ground. The three Fish-Men walked out as if nothing had happened, continuing their raid on the village.

The two girls collapsed beside their mother's body, their tears mingling with the dirt on the floor. They sobbed uncontrollably, their world shattered. A few minutes later, a bloodied Ganzo stumbled into the house. He fell to his knees beside Bellemere, his own tears flowing freely as he joined the girls in their grief.

For a long time, the three of them clung to each other, their cries of sorrow echoing through the silent house. Ganzo held Nami and Nojiko close, trying to offer what little comfort he could, but the pain was too great.

---

A few days later, Nami stood before Arlong with a determined look in her eyes. "I want to make a deal with you," she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her heart.

Arlong looked at her with mild interest. "What kind of deal?"

"I'll join your crew and draw maps for you," Nami said. "In return, you'll leave my village alone. And if I gather 100 million berries, you'll free my village."

Arlong laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "You? A little girl, gather 100 million berries? That's a tall order."

"I can do it," Nami insisted, her voice firm. "Just promise me."

Arlong's smile was cruel. "Fine. You have a deal. But if you fail, your village suffers."

Nami nodded, her resolve hardening. She turned and walked away, knowing that the next few years would be the hardest of her life.

---

Over the years, Nami was shunned by the villagers. They saw her as a traitor, a thief who had joined the pirates that had ruined their lives. She stole from them, gathering the agreed-upon amount of money, her heart breaking with every act of theft. She drew maps for Arlong, using her skills to help him expand his empire, all the while saving every berry she could.

Her nights were filled with tears, her dreams haunted by the memory of her mother's death. But she never gave up. She endured the villagers' hatred and the pirates' cruelty, driven by the promise she had made.

***

Back in the present, Nami lay on the ground, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs. The marines held her down as they loaded the treasure she had painstakingly gathered into large sacks. Her cries echoed through the night, filled with anguish and despair.

As they left, Nami was left kicking and screaming on the ground, her heart shattered once more. High above, Goku hovered in the sky, watching the scene unfold. "Interesting," he said, his eyes fixed on the broken girl below.

[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead of this series available on my patreon at patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]