Chapter 21 – Love Is a Storm!

Aboard the Arlong Pirates' ship.

After a bit of searching, Jin and Nami discovered a hidden compartment deep within the vessel.

Lighting a torch, they were met with a massive, reinforced steel door.

Jin pressed his hand against it and frowned. "This door's specially reinforced. Without the key, even if Luffy's grandpa came here, he'd have to pound on it a while."

(Garp: ?)

It was obvious—this had to be where Arlong stored his treasure. Maximum security.

Just as Jin was pondering how to bust it open, Nami handed him a key.

"When I was little, I stole Arlong's key while he was drunk. I thought it might be useful, so I made a copy."

Jin: "..."

Well, damn.

And they say you're not a master thief.

He inserted the key, opened the lock, and they stepped into the hidden storage room. The moment they entered, both of them instinctively shielded their eyes.

Because the entire room was glittering—overflowing with piles of gold and jewels that practically blinded them.

"Ahhh! We hit the jackpot!" Nami's eyes turned into Belly symbols. "This must be worth at least tens of millions!"

"Way more than that—two or three hundred million, easy," Jin said as he noticed the floor itself was made of gold.

But Nami wasn't listening. With a loud "woohoo," she dove headfirst into the treasure pile, tossing handfuls of coins into the air like confetti.

If there was ever a living embodiment of the word greedy, it was her.

Jin took a quick glance around, a bit disappointed that he didn't find any Devil Fruits among the loot. But he didn't dwell on it—he helped Nami haul everything over to the Going Merry.

Once the last of the treasure was on board, the two of them leaned against the railing, letting the sea breeze wash over them as they let out a long, satisfied cheer.

Jin flipped a coin casually in his hand, eyes twinkling as he looked at Nami, who was glowing with joy.

"I've decided—I'll give you a monthly allowance of 100,000 Belly."

"What? No way!"

Nami practically exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "You're way too reckless with money! How can you be in charge of the finances? That job's mine!"

Huh?

She's trying to take over?

Jin frowned, stepped forward until he had her cornered, then hooked his finger under her chin.

"You and the money are both mine. If you disagree, I'll just have to punish you."

And with that—

He bit down on her soft lips, one hand locking around her waist with enough force to mold her to him.

Feeling the pressure of his kiss and the dominance of his grip, Nami's resistance melted. Her expression shifted from indignation to reluctant frustration… and then to quiet submission.

A while later.

Powerless to fight back, Nami grit her teeth as she gave up on controlling the money.

Not like she had a choice—every time she tried to fight back, he'd spank her so hard her butt ended up swollen!

(〃＞皿＜)!

Seeing Nami behave, Jin gave a satisfied nod.

He was a man of pure love, not into that "slave girl" nonsense.

But discipline? That was essential. Otherwise, women wouldn't know who's king and who's not.

Running his fingers through her tousled hair, Jin let the strands of orange fall gently across her cheek.

He inhaled her scent greedily, then glanced at the treasure stacked aboard the ship.

Eighteen years.

From a penniless mountain kid to a billionaire at sea—he had made it.

And yet, Jin knew… the best part was still to come.

He scooped Nami up into his arms. Despite her trembling and blushing protests, he pressed his lips to hers again.

"Nami, I want you."

His eyes were full of tenderness, but his tone left no room for refusal.

Nami was flustered, nervous. She forced herself to stay calm, her voice unusually soft.

"Aren't we going a little fast? And I still haven't asked…"

"When you said you liked me the other day… did you mean it? We've only known each other for a month."

She stared into his eyes, searching for the truth.

"What reason would I have to lie to you?" Jin asked, settling into a chair and pulling her into his lap, facing him. "Nami, do you remember when I told you it was love at first sight?"

Nami blushed but held his gaze bravely.

She'd met all kinds of people over the years. Her ability to tell lies from truth was top-tier.

And Jin wasn't lying. His feelings were genuine.

But it still felt strange.

He said it was love at first sight, but when they first met… the way he looked at her wasn't like someone seeing her for the first time.

It was like he'd been in love with her for ages.

And his gaze had been intense—like he wanted to devour her whole.

"Nami, I meant it."

Jin didn't hesitate. He didn't need to prepare his lines—his words flowed straight from the heart.

"The moment I saw you, I fell for you. I even looked into your past… and when I learned the burden you carried, I couldn't bear to see you suffer."

Tears welled up in Nami's eyes.

So that's how he knew everything about her!

Jin continued:

"That's why I was willing to storm Arlong Park for you. Anyone who's hurt you—I'll make them pay."

"As for how short we've known each other…"

"Nami, time can't measure love!"

"Because love always comes like a storm!!!"

(???)

WHOOOSH——!!!

Nami felt like her heart was about to burst from her chest!

Love is like a storm. That had to be the most romantic confession ever!

It was exactly how she felt.

From the moment he smiled at her in the ruins, she had fallen for him.

Now, staring into those intense, burning eyes, Nami could no longer hold back.

Belle-mère had taught her—when you love someone, be brave.

The hand she'd placed on Jin's chest slid up to wrap around his neck.

A charming smile bloomed on her face, and her hazy gaze practically begged him.

"Jin…"

"Yeah?"

"What are you waiting for? Love me~"

[End of Chapter]

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