When the distance between us grows shorter, I am stunned to recognize the person in the other boat. She wears a breezy skirt and a simple white T-shirt that clings slightly to her body in the sea breeze. But what catches my eye most is her bright, fiery orange hair, gleaming in the sunlight. The wind tousles it, making her look even more striking.
She is Nami. I can't believe I am seeing her already. She waves casually, her bracelets jangling softly with the motion.
I can't believe I get to meet her so soon.
"Hello, Mister. Are you also going to Shell Island?" she asks, her voice bright and curious.
"Yeah… kinda lost, actually," I said with a sheepish grin, scratching the back of my neck.
The wind stings my face, sharp with salt.
It would be better to get help from Nami—otherwise, this vast ocean might just become my graveyard. Also, I am starving; my belly aches and feels like a hollow pit.
"Can you help me find the way to Shell Island?" I asked.
"Sure thing! Stick close, I know the way," she said, paddling over with ease.
"And what will I get in return?" she asked with a playful glint in her eye.
I knew she likes money—that's why she is so eager. She is probably desperate to help her village. I have nearly forgotten, but I had a bag full of money sitting in the corner of the boat.
I think it has four million berrys.
"If you help me find Shell Island, I'll give you money," I said.
Her eyes light up with interest. "How much are you going to give me?" she asked.
I walked over the creaky wooden floorboards to the far corner of the boat and picked up my bag. The leather feels warm from the sun, and the weight of it pulled against my arm. As I opened it, the sun hits the coins, making them glint and sparkle like tiny golden suns. Nami gasps, her lips parting slightly in awe.
A look of desire flickeres across her face.
"I'll give you twenty thousand berries," I said.
"You got a deal," she replied, grinning and giving me a thumbs-up.
"Follow me," she said.
"Okay," I agreed.
We both begin to paddle.
The oars sliced through the water with a steady splash-swish rhythm.
The sea shimmeres around us, a field of endless blue that swallowed the horizon.
The sun beats down, warming my back, while the salty spray cooled my face.
After two hours of paddling, Nami's movements grow sluggish. Sweat drips down her temple, and her arms trembled slightly with each stroke—though I didn't even break a sweat, which she didn't notice.
She turns toward me, breathless. "We should take a rest. We've been paddling for a long time."
"Sure," I said. Her eyes look glassy, and she sinks back into her boat, exhaling deeply.
"The island isn't far. We'll reach it in no time. Once we've rested, we can resume our journey," she said.
"Thank you for being so helpful," I said.
"No problem," she replied with a tired smile.
We lie down, letting the boats drift slightly. The sun still painted golden rays across the water, but shadows stretched longer, casting a peaceful gloom. The air had a cooler softness now, laced with the scent of salt and seaweed.
Nami's thoughts:
I hope he'll fall asleep quickly—otherwise, it would be hard to get his money. His money would bring me one step closer to my goal.
Half an hour passes. I open one eye and glance over. He seems to be sleeping, his chest rising and falling evenly. This is my chance.
She rises slowly, careful not to make a sound. Each creak of the wood sounds deafening. Her heart pounds like a drum as she crept to the corner of her boat and silently crossed over to mine. Her bare feet touch the other deck, and she pauses, breath held, ears straining for any sign he is awake.
I just have to take his money without waking him. Come on, Nami, you can do it.
She tiptoes to my bag. Her fingertips brushed the worn leather, and her heart raced. Her pulse thuds in her ears. She reaches to open it—
"What are you doing, miss?" Alex said.
Her heart nearly stopped at the sound of my voice. She freezes, then slowly turns her head. I am still lying there, my eyes wide open, calmly watching her.
Terrified, she grabs a stick from the side of the boat and swing it at my head, hoping to knock me out.
But I raise a hand and caught it mid-air.
"Miss, aren't you being very impolite?" I said.
I twist her wrist gently but firmly, disarming her. The stick clatters into the ocean with a splash and disappeared.
"Do you mind explaining what you were trying to do?" I asked.
"I'm— I'm sorry. I'll do anything you want. I'll give you my money—please let this slide," she stammers.
"Okay. Sit here," I said, nodding to the space beside me.
She hesitates but obeys, sitting with her hands clenche tightly in her lap.
I place a foot on her thigh. Her body stiffened.
"What are you doing?" she snapped, glaring at me.
I smirk, flipping my sword lazily in my hand. "I think a little foot massage will make us even. What do you say?"
She blinked, then forced a grin. "You're lucky I'm good at it."
"Why are you getting so serious, boss? I'm joking. I'll give you the best massage," she said quickly.
She presses her soft hands against my foot. Her touch is warm and skilled, her thumbs kneading in slow circles. I closed my eyes, letting out a quiet breath. It feels mesmerizing—like a spell winding down my leg.
Her thigh, where my foot rested, is smooth and slightly warm. It had a soft bounce to it that made me smirk. You're going to be mine.
Nami's thoughts:
Why did I choose this target to steal money from? Today is my unlucky day. I hope it ends soon.
I pinch her thigh lightly with my toe.
"Aaaa!" she cries.
She glares at me, her cheeks red with anger, but takes a deep breath to calm herself.
"We'll arrive in a little while if we paddle very fast," she said, standing up and grabbing her oar again. Her strokes are fast, splashing water in short bursts.
I resume paddling too, the rhythm syncing between us again.
Fifteen minutes later, the island comes into view—a stretch of green trees and white sand against the setting sun.
"Look, we're near the island!" she said happily, eyes wide with excitement.
"Does that make you that happy?" I asked.
"Yes. Now I won't have to see y… I mean, we'll be able to eat. I'm very hungry," she said, clutching her stomach with a dramatic groan.
Five minutes later, we stepped off the boat. The sand was cool underfoot, soft and powdery.
"It was nice meeting you, boss. I'll be on my way," she said, then quickly walk away, her pace faster than ever.
"We'll meet again soon, Nami," I said, watching her vanish into the trees.