บท 31: 30. Nojiko

Half an hour later, on the horizon, finally, the outlines of the village of Cocoyashi appeared. Moreover, due to the fact that I was driving from the inner part of the island, the first thing that caught my eye was a tangerine grove located on a hill, and a small neat house located nearby.

As you can see, this was Nami and Nojiko's home. And if my memory serves me right, then somewhere in this grove are buried treasures that Nami has been saving up for the past few years in order to buy her village from Arlong.

I think by this point, there should have been about 50 million, but to be honest, I'm not interested in this money. I didn't fall low enough to take the money Nami worked so hard for.

And although, in fact, it was pointless, especially now that Arlong will soon come to an end, this money will be useful to the inhabitants of this island. I don't think Nami would mind donating them to the restoration.

Now this amount means little to me, given my business, so I didn't even have thoughts to take this money. Moreover, visiting this island has already paid off a hundredfold when I got the devil fruit. Something that I did not expect was to find something similar here, but I'm not complaining.

Later, I planned to visit the sisters to get to know them (knowledge of navigation and cartography by Nami would not hurt me), but now was not the time. First, I had to finish the job. So I was going to bypass the village and head straight for Arlong Park, which was located nearby, on the coast, but this was prevented by a girl who jumped out onto the road and blocked my path.

Fortunately, I have excellent reflexes and managed to slow down in time and not knock it down. Because of this, however, the fishmen tied with a rope flew off the trunk and fell to the ground with a terrible sound, rolling a little head over heels. Well, nothing, they are the superior race, so this should not have harmed them. Probably...

- Don't do that again. - I said sternly to the tanned blue-haired girl.

- Sorry… - the girl, who had already managed to say goodbye to her life, said with difficulty, because she thought that I would crash into her.

- How can I help you? - I asked, dismounting the motorcycle and looking curiously at the nearly eighteen-year-old Nojiko.

To be honest, I always liked her, even more than Nami, not only in appearance, but also in character, but in real life she is much more attractive. Wasp waist, large breasts, lush lips, expressive blue eyes and short hair make her an unwritten beauty. And her tattoo gives her an unusual charm. She is officially the most beautiful girl I have ever met. And it seems that I sunk...

While I was examining the girl, she did the same and I think what she saw she liked. At least that was understandable from the look of approval and desire that I noticed.

I decided not to use telepathy on a girl that I sincerely liked (and who does not pose a threat to me), since even I have some principles, so only by such signs it was left to guess what the girl standing in front of me was thinking.

True, this did not last long, and apparently remembering that now is not the time for such things, she quickly exclaimed: - You're the Diamond Hunter?

Involuntarily twitching, hearing this stupid tasteless nickname again, I answered: - That's what they called me in the newspaper, yes.

- And Grandma Umaru sent you, right? - Nojiko asked hopefully, looking at me with her big eyes.

- You can say that. Did she manage to announce my arrival? - I asked, not expecting such a move from the old woman.

- Yes, she called me on den den mushi and told me about everything that happened in Kakei village and asked me to help you find Arlong Park. - With a share of determination in her voice, Nojiko said.

- Is that how? Well, I would appreciate your help. - I said with a smile, and thought to myself: 'But granny is not a mistake. Knows how to please a young guy. Although, to me, she's just trying too hard to increase my desire to compete for this island, I'm already motivated enough. Really, I don't mind it….'

Seeing my smile, Nojiko, who obviously had no experience with guys (probably because her head had been preoccupied with worrying about Nami all these years), blushed slightly and looked away.

But again quickly pulling herself together, she looked at me and said: - Then let's go, I'll take you to Arlong. He just returned to the island today.

- Okay, let's go. - I said as I returned the bike to the lottery inventory.

- You can leave Kuroobi and Shioyaki at my house. - the girl suggested, completely ignoring my little trick, since it was absolutely not important to her now.

Nodding my head, I picked up the fishmen and, accompanied by Nojiko, walked around the tangerine farm, on the edge of which I left the pirates, after making sure that they would not wake up for the next couple of days.

After Nojiko kicked each fishman in the head a couple of times, which I myself suggested doing so that she could let go of her anger a little, we headed north to Arlong's base, while avoiding the village, apparently so as not to attract the attention of local residents.

After a couple of minutes of walking in complete silence, during which Nojiko constantly cast various looks at me, the meaning of which I did not really understand, I nevertheless decided to ask her: - Did you want to ask something?

- …Can you really defeat Arlong? - Nojiko asked after a little hesitation, looking very carefully at my face.

- Well, what do you think about this? - I asked with a smirk, looking into the beautiful eyes of the girl.

- If it wasn't for Granny Umaru's words, I wouldn't have believed it and would have told you to get off the island as soon as possible if you value your life. But I understand very well just like that, she wouldn't trust you. She is not that kind of person. And since you're here, at least there is a chance to win. - the girl said honestly.

- I take it she's some kind of authority on this island? - I asked curiously.

- Mm, you could say that. Despite the fact that we are from different villages, she is very respected on the island and everyone listens to her opinion, although I do not quite know why. When Arlong arrived on the island, many men wanted to go to war against his team, knowing full well that it was deadly, but it was Grandma Umaru who dissuaded everyone from this crazy idea, as she understood that it would be senseless deaths and they would leave their families to their own devices fate. - Nojiko said, sharply sad, apparently remembering her mother.

- The right decision, in your situation. She is clearly a very wise and strong woman. - I said, and when I saw Nojiko's sad face, I again began to get angry at both Arlong and the Watch, who had done nothing for so many years. Defenders of justice, yeah...

- Yes, although she is very stubborn, as she refused to accept help when the ore in Kakei Village ran out, not wanting to involve others in her problems. But, her words are still enough for me to trust you and help you too. Although, it scares me… - the girl said sincerely.

- Are you afraid that this is an empty hope and everything will end badly again? - I asked.

- Yeah. You know, after Arlong killed my mother, I stopped having hope. It became the main thing for me that my sister and the people in the villages survived, and I no longer dared to count on anything more. - The blue-haired girl said sadly.

- Expect disappointment and you will never be disappointed, yes? - I quoted a smart idea.

- Exactly. And now, I don't know what to feel. On the one hand, there is a huge chance that all this will end, but the fear that I have experienced all these years does not want to go away. So please don't give me senseless hope. If you're not sure you can beat Arlong, then just leave. I, and all of us, simply cannot survive another setback. - Stopping me, and taking my hand, seriously, Nojiko said, looking into my eyes.

- Do not worry. I understand how important this is. I may not look like this, but I have enough skills to deal with your problem. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come here. - I said with a smile, stroking the girl's hair.

The girl did not answer and just continued to stare into my eyes, apparently trying to find something that would allow her to trust me. After a couple of minutes, she lowered her head with a heavy sigh and said: - Okay, I'll trust you. Don't let me down.

- When such a beautiful girl asks for such a thing, it is simply impossible. - I said with a smirk, causing the girl to blush.

- Fool (Baka). Now is not up to it. - Hitting my shoulder, Nojiko said, but then she added a little quieter: - But, thanks anyway. You're the only one who volunteered to help us over the past few years.

Deciding not to embarrass the girl anymore, I'll have time for that in the future, I changed the subject, asking: - So, I take it you own that tangerine farm. Can I expect something tasty when it's all over?

Showing a beautiful smile, the girl said with a ringing laugh: - Ha ha ha, no problem. I just made jam today, so you can eat the whole pot, I don't mind.

- Now, I motivated at the most do not indulge. - I said expressively, raising my hand up to cheer up the girl.

- Ha ha ha, stop making me laugh. & Wiping her tears, Nojiko said, holding back her laughter with difficulty.

- I didn't laugh, I'm completely serious. An award from a beautiful girl, that's all a real man needs. And, especially if it's something sweet. - I said as seriously as possible, trying to save face.

- Ha ha ha ha, stop it. I understand what you're doing. No more. - Nojiko said laughing heartily as she hit me on the shoulder again.

- The main thing is that it worked out. Now you are in a good mood and you are no longer so pessimistic. - I said with a thumbs up.

- I can't disagree with you. Okay thank you. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. - The girl said with a smile, wiping away the last of her tears.

- My pleasure. I'm glad you feel better. And I like your smile. - I said, thinking to myself: 'Damn, I can't help it. Words come out of my mouth and I can't stop flirting with her to make the best possible impression. I act like a teenager in love... Although, I am a teenager anyway, but that's not the point. I didn't think this would happen to me…'

- Ugum. - Nojiko said somehow muffled, looking away, and then, to change the subject, she said, pointing his finger forward: - Here's Arlong Park. We're almost there.

- Mm, not bad. This guy has good taste for a fishman. - I said honestly, looking around the five-story pagoda-like building.

- Honestly, I don't care about this place as long as Arlong and his gang disappear, but my sister hates it. It became a prison for her. - Nojiko said with a frown.

- Then, I will completely destroy it. For you. - I said, again unable to restrain myself.

- Thanks. - With sincere gratitude, the girl said, looking at me.

'It's worth it...' - I thought instantly when I saw Nojiko's smile. I'm definitely gone, and it seems like forever...

- Khm, anyway, let's go. Let's approach the park from the back side. - I said as I started down the hill and into the little forest that surrounded the park.

- Okey. You better know. - said the girl, and followed me.

In a few minutes, I decided to bring it up anyway, and asked: - So, what about your sister?

Clearly worried about my reaction, Nojiko hesitated for a moment, but answered honestly: - She's on Arlong's team. She agreed to be the team's cartographer and made a deal with Arlong that when she raised the required amount, she would buy our village.

- And she believed him? Pirate?

- I also think that Arlong will never keep his word, but this is the anchor that gives hope to Nami. I just can't get her to give up, not after everything she's been through. All I can do is support her and stop the villagers from doing stupid things so that Nami's actions don't turn out to be pointless. I don't want her to come back one day and our village destroyed. - girl poured out her soul to me.

- You are a good sister. You are doing great. - in order to cheer up the sad girl again, I said, patting her on the head again.

- Huh… - Nojiko said, lowering her head, who had also been having a hard time all these years and also needed support.

- Don't worry, even though I'm a pirate hunter, I won't touch your sister. And since she has no reward, then the Marines will not hunt for her. Moreover, no one would believe that a fishman, especially a racist like Arlong, took an ordinary person into his team. Your sister will be free soon. - I said as I continued stroke Nojiko, who clearly enjoyed it.

- She will obviously be surprised when she returns. Can't wait to see her face. - the girl said with a laugh.

- Well, I'm sure her reaction will be unrepeatable. - I said with a smile, not even imagining how Nami would react.

On the one hand, she will gain freedom, on the other hand, all her efforts were in vain, since I interfered... She will have all the money, but it will have to be given to the restoration of the island... I probably shouldn't be here when she returns...

- Okay, we'll continue later, and now it's time to get down to business. - I said just as we got to the fence at the rear of the park.

- What's next? - Nojiko asked, looking at the three-meter stone fence.

- You have completed your task, so stay here. I'll call you when it's over. It won't be good if you get noticed. - I said, pulling explosives from my bracers. It will come in handy to get attention...

- Okay, I understand. Good luck. - said the girl, not even thinking of disobeying me.

- Don't worry, it'll all be over soon. - I said confidently, about to throw the explosives on the other side of the fence. But me stopped when Nojiko called out.

- Stop. You never told me your name. - said the girl, looking at me with her big eyes.

- I'm Nemo. - I said with a grin.

- And I'm Nojiko. Nice to meet you, Nemo -. the girl said with a smile.

- Me too, Nojiko, me too. - I said sincerely, and then added: - And now, you should cover your ears.

When the girl did as I said, I threw explosives over the fence, which detonated as soon as I started on the detonator. There were screams, which means that I attracted attention and gave myself a rather pretentious appearance. Now, I can start...