Walking out of the cabin and seeing Nami approaching, Sandy asked, "Why are you here?"
Nami rolled her eyes. "Of course, I came to see you. Everyone's still celebrating, but you—why'd you run off to sleep alone on the ship?"
Sandy shrugged. "We'll be leaving tomorrow anyway. From the look of it, that feast's gonna last for days."
He sat down at the edge of the deck, gazing at the starry sky. Nami quietly sat beside him.
Following his gaze, she looked up—and for the first time, realized how beautiful the night sky was.
Nami sighed softly. "So the sky here is this beautiful…"
Sandy glanced at her. "Yeah. Didn't you know that before?"
Nami shook her head. "Before… I never had the mood to notice."
Sandy smiled faintly. "The waves roll on as always, stirring up ripples of trouble. Life really makes you think, huh…"
Nami blinked. "What are you even talking about? I don't get it."
Sandy smirked. "Who told you to slack off on your studies? All you ever cared about was Belly, Belly, Belly. Now you don't understand me—whose fault is that?"
Nami scowled. "You're so annoying! Talking like you're some scholar or something."
After a quiet pause, she said softly, "Sandy… thank you for saving Cocoyasi Village. I—"
Sandy interrupted, waving a hand. "Hold it. Everyone wanted to beat up Arlong. It wasn't just about saving you. You just happened to be collateral."
Nami's eye twitched. She lunged forward, pinning him down. "You jerk! Would it kill you to just say it was for me? You always have to ruin the moment! I'm a girl, you know—I need a little comfort sometimes!"
Sandy looked exasperated. "We're crewmates, not characters in a soap opera. Mixing feelings like that just makes things awkward later. You'll think we pity you, and then no one knows how to act!"
Nami huffed. "Who cares! Just say it already!"
Sandy asked blankly, "Say what?"
Nami pouted. "Say you defeated Arlong for me!"
"For you?" Sandy snorted. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not saying that. And if you don't get off me, I'm gonna fight back!"
Nami's lips curved into a teasing smile. "You dare hit a woman?"
Sandy flipped her in one swift move, reversing their positions and pinning her down instead.
For a moment, the two just stared at each other.
Looking at her face up close, Sandy couldn't help but remember everything Nami had gone through—a strong, brave woman… but one who'd suffered too much.
Then, his mind drifted to himself. Would he ever just stay with Nami alone?
No.
He knew himself better than that.
He stood up suddenly. "It's getting late. You should go back and get some rest."
Nami smirked. "That's not like you. Didn't you used to always try to take advantage of me? What's with this sudden restraint?"
Sandy sighed. "I'm afraid I'd hurt you. So… you going back to the village, or sleeping here?"
Nami didn't answer. Instead, she hugged him from behind, her voice soft against his back.
"Do you know? I never imagined being this free before. I was like a blade of grass about to be washed away by the tide… and you saved me."
Sandy muttered, "It was everyone. Now can you let go of me?"
He swallowed hard. Damn… she's 1.7 meters tall and a 36E…
Nami felt his breathing change and grinned proudly. "Since I'm here, I'm not going back."
Sandy raised an eyebrow. "So what is this—repaying a favor, or something else?"
Nami smirked. "Both. You've been taking advantage of me for ages anyway!"
Sandy looked into her eyes. "Since you don't regret it, then I won't hold back."
He picked her up and carried her into the cabin.
-XXXXX-
The Next Morning
Nami, half-asleep, felt at peace for the first time in years. When she finally woke, she quickly realized what had happened.
"Mmm… what time is it?" she murmured.
Sandy yawned. "Who knows? The villagers are probably still partying. Might as well enjoy the quiet while we can."
Nami sat up and sighed. "No, I have to go back and pack my things."
Sandy chuckled. "A little more time won't hurt."
Eventually, Nami glared at him and got up. "Fine. I'll go first. You come later."
Sandy saluted lazily. "Aye aye, Captain."
Back in Cocoyasi Village, the celebration was still going strong. The villagers had been singing and dancing since yesterday, with no sign of slowing down.
Usopp stood proudly on a makeshift stage, bragging to anyone who'd listen.
Luffy, meanwhile, was shoveling food into his mouth nonstop.
Sanji was surrounded by children as he cooked, their cheers echoing around him—his speed truly dazzling.
And Zoro… was drinking again.
When Sandy walked up, Zoro raised a jug and grinned. "Yo, Sandy! The sake here's great—want some?"
Sandy facepalmed. "Your wound was just treated, and you're drinking again?"
Zoro blinked. "Is that a problem?"
Sandy groaned. "Forget it. You guys are hopeless."
He pointed toward Usopp. "Has he really been shouting like that since last night? Doesn't his throat hurt?"
Zoro shrugged. "Dunno. He was already like that when I came out."
Sandy sighed. "You're all monsters. Terrifying, really."
Zoro smirked. "Says the weirdest guy here."
Ignoring the jab, Sandy glanced at the swords on Zoro's waist and said, "You know, you should practice One-Sword Style more."
Zoro frowned. "Why?"
Sandy grinned. "Because your One-Sword Style sucks."
Zoro's face darkened instantly. He hated being told he was weaker than someone. "What did you say?! You wanna go right now?!"
Sandy waved dismissively. "Sure thing, Mr. 'No Wounds on His Back.'"
Zoro turned bright red. "You bastard!! I'll—"
Before he could finish, Sandy bolted. "Nope! I haven't eaten since the party started. Starving comes first!"
He sprinted off, leaving Zoro shouting behind him.