Chapter Forty: Roland's Promise

“Don’t worry. For me, Arlong is hardly a challenge at all.”
“As for those small fry in Cocoyasi Village, I won’t let a single one of them get away.”
“Whether it’s Arlong or the rest of those ordinary fishmen, none of them will survive.”

Seeing Nami still looking anxious, Roland made his promise. In his eyes, Nami’s worry was completely unnecessary. Arlong might be stronger than Krieg, the Admiral of the East Blue, but no matter how strong he was, he was still defeated by Luffy, who had barely set out to sea. At this point, Roland’s strength far surpassed Zoro’s, and Zoro, compared to Luffy, was only slightly weaker.

What could Arlong possibly use to fight him?

Moreover, he still had his dual swords, mastery of both types of Haki, and the powers of a Devil Fruit hidden up his sleeve. Even if something truly unexpected happened, he could easily resolve the fight by using any one of these abilities.

To put it arrogantly, Roland didn’t believe there was anyone in the entire East Blue who could be his opponent. Even Smoker, that Logia-type Navy Captain—if it really came to a fight, Roland was confident as well. After all, Smoker’s strength relied heavily on his Devil Fruit. For most people, Logia-types were invincible, but Roland’s Armament Haki happened to be the perfect counter.

With Roland’s assurance, Nami finally relaxed a little, but when she looked down at the newspaper in her hands, her mood was still heavy. If she had come to Roland for help sooner, would the tragedy at Gosa Town have been averted?

Watching Nami clutch the newspaper with trembling hands, Roland sighed and comforted her, “None of this is your fault. Arlong is the one to blame.”

Nami looked up, forcing a smile. “I’m not blaming myself for this.”

If her hands weren’t shaking, Roland might have believed her.

Patting Nami on the shoulder, Roland headed toward the helm. When it came to these pirates, his face turned stony. “Change course. We’re going to Cocoyasi Village to hunt down some fish.”

“Yes, sir.”

The navigators exchanged glances, puzzled by Roland’s attitude today. Over the past half month, even though they were prisoners, Roland had never treated them as such. What was going on today?

But none of them dared to ask. After all, their status was clear—they were just captives and had no right to question.

Following Roland’s instructions, they quickly plotted a new course and relayed the orders. Perhaps because of Roland’s changed demeanor, the pirates worked with unusual diligence, and in no time the ship was headed toward its new destination.

“Zoro, interested in joining me for some fish-slaying?”

Back on deck, Roland grinned at Zoro.

“Fish-slaying?” Zoro looked puzzled.

“There’s a fishman swordsman who claims to use the Six-Sword Style. I thought that might interest you,” Roland explained.

“Six-Sword Style, huh?” Zoro’s interest was piqued at once. He would never pass up a swordsman’s duel—especially not against one with an unconventional sword style like his own.

After giving a few instructions to Donna, who had just finished training, Roland let her go and keep Nami company. No matter how he tried to console her, Nami still saw the tragedy at Gosa Town as her own responsibility. Since that was the case, it was better to have Donna distract her, so she wouldn’t dwell on the newspaper.

Night soon fell. As usual, Roland stood on the deck, letting the sea breeze wash over him as he gazed out at the ocean beneath the night sky. Ever since Ajin and the others left, he had developed this habit—standing here alone after dinner, letting his thoughts wander.

The deck was empty except for Zoro, who slept leaning against the mast. Koby, exhausted from his morning training, was still recovering in the infirmary. Donna, worn out from her own training, had gone to bed early.

What happened in Gosa Town, as reported in today’s newspaper, only strengthened Roland’s resolve. This sea should never have become what it is now.

“I hope Ajin and the others are safe,” he murmured.

“Safe from what?” Nami suddenly appeared, curiosity in her eyes.

“It’s nothing,” Roland shook his head. Now was not the time to tell her everything, especially with so many pirates still aboard.

“Thank you, Roland,” Nami said with a gentle smile.

“Thank me?” Roland was a bit confused. “For what? For taking out Arlong? Isn’t that exactly what a future Marine should do?”

Nami shook her head. “It was you, wasn’t it, who asked Donna to stick with me all day?”

Roland denied it three times in quick succession. “No, it wasn’t me, you’ve got it all wrong.”

Nami looked at him, her cat-like eyes shining with a knowing light, as if she were asking, “Do I really look that easy to fool?”

But Roland kept his gaze fixed on the dark sea, refusing to look back at her.

Nami sighed in resignation, then suddenly asked, “Did you know about me from the very beginning?”

Roland fell silent. Had she figured out even that? Could it be his secret as a transmigrant had already been exposed?

“From the moment I boarded your ship, it seemed like you recognized me right away,” Nami said. “Don’t try to tell me you only let those pirates take me to a room because I was a woman. That’s too flimsy an excuse.”

“Ahaha…” Roland scratched his head, unsure what to say. Had Nami really picked up on it from the start?

“So,” Nami’s cheeks reddened, as if she’d made an important decision. She lowered her voice and said, “Roland, if you want to have me, it’s not impossible. But it’ll have to wait until after the matter with Cocoyasi Village is settled.”

“Huh?”

Roland was instantly dumbfounded. What was this about? When had he ever lusted after Nami’s body? Even in his previous life, it was Zoro’s strength he admired, not Nami’s charms.

“Ahem, Nami, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding between us.”

Roland cleared his throat, determined to set things straight. He didn’t want to leave Nami with the impression that he was some sort of lecher—he was a man of honor, after all.

“What misunderstanding?” Nami shot him a look, clearly unconvinced.

“Now’s not the time to talk about it,” Roland shook his head. “Just know this: what I want is your skills, not your body. That’s all.”

“My skills?”

Nami was momentarily stunned. What skills could she possibly have? Sleight of hand? Her knack for deception? It couldn’t be her navigation skills, could it? She’d never shown them off or mentioned them to Roland before.

But remembering that Roland hadn’t denied knowing her, Nami had to wonder if he truly did know what she could do.

“Do you know where we’re headed now?” Roland suddenly changed the subject.

“Where?” Nami was surprised. Wasn’t it Loguetown, to join the Navy? Surely not…

“Cocoyasi Village. Since you’ve already asked me for help, how could I possibly delay?”

“Besides, I don’t want those small fry to keep living even a moment longer.”

Roland nodded firmly.

“So, are you planning to show me your skills?” he asked. “After all, every minute we reach Cocoyasi earlier, the less danger there is for the people there.”