Conqueror’s Desire

The fierce wind lashed against Blue Horizon, making the ship tremble violently as towering waves crashed around it. Lightning illuminated the dark sky, briefly revealing the tense expressions of MC and Nami.

"Hold onto that rope tighter!" Nami shouted, her voice barely audible over the howling wind and crashing waves.

Gritting his teeth, MC pulled the sail's rope with all his strength, trying to keep the ship stable. Seawater soaked his clothes, but he didn't care. The only thing that mattered was surviving the storm.

Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the ship broke through the worst of the tempest. The wind began to subside, and the rain softened into a gentle drizzle. Nami let out a deep breath, wiping her wet face with her arm.

MC collapsed onto the deck, breathing heavily. "That… was close."

Nami nodded, then gave him a faint smile. "You did well."

MC chuckled weakly, still exhausted. "Of course. No way I'd let this ship sink before we reach our destination."

Nami let out a small laugh and stepped closer. Casually, she sat beside him, her body still trembling slightly from the struggle they had just endured. "Tonight, we should rest. There's nothing more we can do until dawn."

MC nodded in agreement. But just as he was about to stand, Nami suddenly leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"You know," she whispered softly, her voice nearly drowned out by the lingering roar of the waves. "I rarely feel this calm after a storm."

MC froze for a moment, feeling his heartbeat quicken. "Are you sure it's not just because you're exhausted?" he teased, trying to mask his nervousness.

Nami chuckled, then turned her gaze toward him with a playful smirk. "Maybe. Or maybe I just want to warm up a little?"

MC swallowed hard, realizing that the storm they had just faced was nothing compared to the small storm stirring within him. "In that case… don't blame me if I need some warmth too," he replied in a low voice.

Nami raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening. "Hmm… I don't mind, as long as you don't start thinking weird things."

MC let out a small laugh. "It's hard not to think weird things when you're this close."

Nami pretended to consider his words before leaning in even more. "Well, maybe I just want to see how long you can hold out."

MC sighed, shaking his head. "You're truly dangerous, Nami."

Nami laughed softly. "And you like that, don't you?"

MC didn't answer, merely offering a small smile as he gazed at the now-calming sea. They may have survived the storm tonight, but another storm—one far more complicated—was beginning to form between them.