Nine Snake Pirates

Nami's First Command

Nami's excitement was palpable. Leading 100 female warriors aboard the assault ship, she charged ahead with a fiery determination.

Robin, with the elegance of Marine Six Styles, leaped onto the deck, landing softly beside her. She had long since mastered Moonwalk, and her agility was unparalleled.

"Miss Robin, the Master—he's underestimating me!" Nami huffed, her frustration evident.

Robin smiled knowingly. "I wouldn't say that. Finn is simply worried about you. He doesn't want you to take unnecessary risks, so he asked me to watch over you."

Hearing this, Nami felt a flutter of warmth in her chest.

Robin patted Nami's head gently. "Give it a few more months of training. Once you've solidified your strength, Finn won't worry as much. By then, you'll be handling pirates without any trouble."

Nami hugged Robin's arm, smiling brightly. "Miss Robin, you're so kind."

Robin's expression softened. "Am I? Back in the day, I was far from kind. Years in the underground world hardened me—nearly turned me into stone. But meeting Finn changed that. He melted my heart in ways I didn't think possible."

Nami tilted her head, curious. "Miss Robin, are you saying I could be like you?"

Robin chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Like me? Perhaps. What do you think about my relationship with Finn?"

"Your relationship?" Nami furrowed her brows, genuinely puzzled. "What do you mean? Should I start calling him a stinky brother like you do?"

Robin burst into laughter, her slender hand playfully tapping Nami's head. She leaned in, whispering into Nami's ear. "I mean the way you sneak glances at him when you think no one's watching."

Nami's eyes widened in shock. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she stammered, "Y-you knew?! Since when?"

Robin grinned slyly. "Since the beginning, my dear."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Nami's embarrassment deepened, her voice barely audible.

Robin shrugged. "Why would I? I didn't want to embarrass you. Besides, it's quite endearing."

Nami covered her face with her hands, groaning softly. "At least the Master doesn't know, right? That would be mortifying!"

Robin's silence spoke volumes. Her teasing smile grew wider as she stared at Nami.

Nami's heart sank. "Wait… does he…?"

Robin nodded. "Of course. Observation Haki, remember? Finn knows more than you think."

Nami gasped, her hands flying to her head. "Oh no… oh no… This is too embarrassing!"

Robin patted her reassuringly. "Relax. Finn respects the people close to him deeply. He's considerate to those he cares about, even if he doesn't always show it openly."

Nami hesitated, her voice trembling. "Do you think he… likes me?"

Robin smirked, scratching Nami's nose affectionately. "What do you think? Finn has always treated you with special care. He's just waiting for the right moment."

Blushing furiously, Nami buried her face in Robin's shoulder. "Miss Robin… you're teasing me again!"

Robin laughed, her voice warm and sisterly. "Nami, I'll make sure you get your chance. Just trust me."

Before Nami could respond, a female warrior interrupted. "Lady Nami, Lady Robin! A pirate ship is approaching! They're attacking a merchant vessel. Should we open fire?"

Both women snapped to attention, their playful moment forgotten. Ahead, smoke rose from a merchant ship, flames licking at its sails.

Blocking its path was a distinct pirate ship, its flag bearing a circle surrounded by nine serpents.

Robin's eyes narrowed. "The Kuzu Pirates…"

Nami's jaw tightened. "Their captain is Boa Hancock. Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."

The two women exchanged a determined glance before stepping forward, ready to face the legendary pirate queen.