Chapter 35: Super Stat Allocation — Lister Gets Stronger!
"Nojiko, didn't you say you were going to redeem Cocoyasi Village before? You were gone so long I was afraid something had happened, so I told everyone. People fear Arlong, but they're worried about you too, so everyone gathered together. Halfway here we heard cannon fire and panicked that something went wrong. Seeing you safe now is such a relief." Nojiko's joy spilled out as she explained why they had come.
Warmth rose in Nami's chest. Ten years of struggle felt worth it. After all, everyone cared about her.
"Sorry to make you worry. The cannon fire wasn't for a battle. It was to level that tower."
"Good. That damned tower should be destroyed. Every time I saw it, I had nightmares," Nojiko said through clenched teeth.
"Are these people really alright? They're pirates, right? Make sure we didn't slay the wolves only to let in tigers," Genzo said, stepping up and quietly pointing toward the nearby pirates. He had been terrified by pirates for too long. Gratitude or not, the villagers bristled with fear at the sight of any pirate crew.
Nami glanced around and understood. She smiled to reassure them. "Don't worry. They're all from the Money Pirates, and the captain is my man. He treats me well. They listen to me. They know Cocoyasi is my home and won't cause trouble here."
"Your man? Nami, don't tell me—" Nojiko's face changed, but Nami cut her off.
"Don't overthink it. It's not what you're imagining. I'm with him because I truly like him. I didn't sell my body to buy his help against Arlong."
"Really?" Nojiko hesitated.
"You don't believe me?" Nami frowned.
"No, I do. If it's real feelings, then I'm happy for you," Nojiko said quickly with a smile.
"What's the captain's name? Which one is he?" Genzo asked, changing the subject. The die was cast, and they were too late to object anyway. Nami was practically family to all of them. Whatever she chose, they would stand by her. Now he only wanted to take her man's measure.
"He isn't down here. Looks like he went back aboard."
Nami scanned the nearby pirates but didn't see Lister. Thinking of his attitude toward Berries, she guessed he had probably gone back to the ship to power up with cash. She turned back to them. "Come on. I'll introduce you to Lister."
She marched them toward the pirate ship.
"Move it. Don't block the way."
The few pirates in their path scuttled aside with sheepish grins. Seeing that, Nojiko and Genzo relaxed. From such a small scene, they could tell Nami held real status in this crew. It wasn't some mere transaction of flesh.
"Yulan, is Lister aboard?" Nami called from the shore to the girl on deck.
"He is, Sister Nami. The captain's on board," Yulan answered at once.
"Is he busy?"
"I'm not sure."
"Go ask. If he isn't, have him come out. There are a few people I want him to meet."
"On it."
Yulan hurried into the cabin.
After the bombardment, Lister hadn't lingered with Nami. He had carried two hundred and thirty million in cash back to the captain's quarters.
"Gold Finger, burn two hundred million."
At his command, the system devoured two hundred million Berries, leaving thirty million. The crew was growing fast, and expenses were rising. This haul had been huge, so he didn't lack for upgrade points. He deliberately kept thirty million on hand for contingencies.
Patron Lister
Physique 3.5
Spirit 4.3
Gold Index 20
"Gold Finger, add ten points to Spirit and ten points to Physique."
Allocation complete
Patron Lister
Physique 13.5
Spirit 14.3
Gold Index 0
"I feel so much stronger. I could probably drop an ox with one punch," he murmured, testing the changes in his body. "My mind is sharper too. I wonder how long I can hold Overclock now. I wonder if I can break the sound barrier at full sprint. I'll have to find a chance to test it."
A knock sounded.
"Captain."
"What is it?"
"Sister Nami asks if you're free. She has a few people she wants you to meet," Yulan's gentle voice came through the door.
The next moment, the door swung open and Lister stepped out.
"In that case, let's go say hello," he said with a faint smile, and headed outside.
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