Final Battle Won in one piece , System Just Activated

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"This… this is Mr. Allen, here to buy oranges! Nami, don't talk nonsense!"

Nojiko's face flashed with shy delight, then paled instantly.

Women of Cocoyasi Village—how could they dare dream of such things?

Under the fishmen's rule, dragging outsiders in only brought harm!

Nami caught the same thought, but her smile held steady. She patted Nojiko's shoulder gently.

"Don't panic, don't panic—this time we've got plenty. It might be enough!"

Glancing warily at Allen, still bent over picking oranges, Nami hoisted her big backpack and darted into the grove.

Watching Nami's retreating figure, Nojiko sighed softly and resumed helping Allen pick.

Chatting with this man was soothing, but they were worlds apart—such a shame.

As they worked, Nami burst from the grove, panting, grabbing Nojiko's hand with frantic eyes.

"Nojiko, got 400,000 Berry? We're just 400,000 short!"

Nojiko froze, grasping Nami's meaning instantly.

"But… I gave the 100,000 Berry to the fishman collector today! There's only about 30,000 left at home—should we borrow from Mr. Ken?"

For a girl tending Cocoyasi's orange orchard, 400,000 Berry wasn't pocket change!

"No! No way!"

Nami waved off Nojiko's idea. Until this was settled, she wouldn't drag the village into it!

Yet, so close to their goal—only a hair's breadth away—the sisters pouted, stumped. Allen scratched his head.

"Could I maybe cover the 400,000 Berry?"

Swish…

The girls froze, their heads snapping to Allen in unison, catching the schemer off-guard with their stares.

"What? Don't need the money?"

"Mr. Allen, you've really got 400,000 Berry? Thank you! Oh, Nojiko's never dated anyone since she was a kid!"

Nami's eyes turned to Berry symbols. She latched onto Allen's arm, smirking and nodding at Nojiko.

She wouldn't trade Nojiko for cash—this was about securing the funds first!

Plus… paying it off meant Arlong wouldn't return, saving Allen too. 400,000 Berry? A steal!

"Nami, what're you saying?!"

Nojiko's tanned face flushed faintly. She shot an awkward glance at Allen, catching his gaze, then looked away.

"Don't know what you're up to, but seeing you this desperate, take it all!"

Allen didn't hesitate, handing Nami all his cash.

He'd reclaim it from Arlong later anyway.

Nami's Berry-honed reflexes snatched the 10,000-Berry notes at inhuman speed, then she bolted back to the grove.

"Mr. Allen, I'm so sorry… we've got an urgent need for cash. I'll pay you back soon!"

Nojiko gave an embarrassed chuckle. He'd come for oranges, not to loan money on their first meeting.

"No rush, no rush!"

Allen grinned, peeling an orange and popping it in his mouth.

Maybe it was Cocoyasi's locale—these oranges were juicy and sweet, top-notch.

Meanwhile, a warship docked at Cocoyasi Village's port. Two rows of disciplined navy soldiers marched off.

"Where's Officer Kenzo of Cocoyasi Village? I'm Colonel Mouse, 16th Navy Branch. Get him here!"

"Colonel, I'm Kenzo."

Kenzo blinked, then hurried forward.

"Take me to a woman named Nami's house."

"Huh? What do you want with Nami?"

Kenzo faltered, puzzled how this navy knew Nami—or why he singled her out.

"Just lead the way!"

Colonel Mouse's lips curled into a sinister grin, eyes narrowing.

"Nojiko, is Nami home?"

As Allen helped Nojiko haul orange baskets inside, Kenzo's voice called out. They turned to see a navy squad trailing him.

Plot correction at work?

Allen had arrived a day early, yet these slimeballs still showed up!

"Kenzo, looking for me?"

Nami emerged from stashing the cash in the grove, hearing Kenzo's call.

Spotting the navy, her gut twisted—something was off.

"Chee-chee-chee…"

"You're the thief Nami! Our investigation shows you've hoarded pirate loot. That stash is now government property!"

Colonel Mouse's whiskers quivered with his wicked cackle. Nami and the others ignored the tic, fixating on the navy.

Meek before Arlong's crew, Mouse turned tyrant with Cocoyasi's villagers and Nami.

"You stole from pirates—it's ours to keep!"

Nami sighed inwardly, flashing the tattoo on her shoulder.

"I'm an Arlong Pirate cadre. Cross me, and Arlong won't let it slide!"

She missed the mockery curling Mouse's lips.

"Arlong? Chee-chee-chee…"

A bizarre laugh rasped from Colonel Mouse. He waved a hand.

"Search it—grab all her loot!"

Soldiers stepped forward, heading for the grove. Nami swung her staff from behind, dropping them.

"Is this your navy duty? Arlong's killed here, trashed the village—and you looked the other way!"

"Tch… spare me the sanctimony."

Colonel Mouse tuned out Nami, fixated on finding the treasure Arlong said this thief hid!

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