She was about to say something else—something soft, something she wouldn't have admitted to herself a few hours ago—when a voice cut through the silence behind them.
"Well, well, well."
Nami froze.
She turned slowly. Robin, Vivi, and Mira were standing at the edge of the deck, arms crossed, identical smiles on their faces.
Behind them, in the distance, she could see the rest of the group—Sanji frozen mid-step, Zoro leaning against a wall with a smirk, Usopp trying to hide behind a barrel, Chopper's eyes wide, and Luffy... Luffy was staring at a cloud, completely oblivious.
"What are you all doing here?" Nami's voice was high, strained, barely above a squeak.
Robin tilted her head, her smile serene. "You took too long to 'change.' We were worried. Especially when Takuya was with you helping you 'change'."
Mira bounced forward, her grin wide and unapologetic. "Then I thought that maybe you guys were having sex!" She clapped her hands together.
"We were curious if Takuya actually managed to bring you to the bed right now. And look at the scene!" Vivi gestured between them. "You were actually on the verge of being on his bed.
If we hadn't made any sound, in just a few minutes we would've definitely heard moans from some orange-haired tsundere lady who was alone with a womanizing man who already has two wives who get attention from almost every male around us." said Robin with an amused smile on his face.
Nami's face went from red to crimson to a shade that shouldn't exist on a human being. "We were NOT—I was NOT—there was HEALING happening!"
Robin's smile didn't waver. "Healing. Of course. Sex is a nice form of healing, ask Vivi and me. We both had a nice long healing session on the first night of our marriage."
Vivi stepped forward, her voice warm but her eyes sharp. "You know, Nami, you've changed a lot. From being the tsundere who couldn't admit she liked him, to this—"
She gestured at the space between Nami and Takuya. "—in a matter of hours. I'm impressed. I thought I was the only one who needed to come out of her shell, but apparently you needed to do it more than me."
Nami sputtered. "That's not—I haven't—"
Mira nodded enthusiastically. "You were definitely about to kiss him again. I saw it. Your face was all soft and your eyes were all—" She made a gooey expression. "—and he was holding you, and you were leaning in, and we wanted to make sure master took you to new heights of pleasure."
"OKAY!" Nami threw her hands up. "Okay! I get it! You were all watching!"
"We were concerned," Robin said smoothly.
"Concerned?!"
"Very concerned," Vivi added, her voice dripping with amusement. She was enjoying this—teasing Nami, watching her squirm. It was almost like watching a mirror of herself from weeks ago, before she'd fully embraced who she was becoming. The thought flickered through her mind: 'I'm turning into Robin. And I am having a lot of fun.'
Mira grinned. "We wanted to make sure you were okay. And if you were doing more than just being okay, we wanted to watch."
Nami buried her face in her hands. "This is the worst day of my life."
"Worse than the cookie chaos on Jaya?" Mira asked.
"That wasn't a worse day. I actually enjoyed that chaos."
"Worse than almost dying in Upper Yard?" Robin added.
"The day isn't over yet. So I'm not answering that."
"Worse than having to admit you love him?" Vivi asked sweetly.
Nami dropped her hands. She opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.
"No," she said finally, her voice small. "That one's still the worst."
Takuya spoke for the first time, his voice calm and teasing. "She's lying. She loved every second of it."
Nami whipped around. "I DID NOT—"
"Your face says otherwise."
"My face doesn't say anything!"
"It says everything. It's very expressive."
She glared at him. It lasted about three seconds this time.
"Fine," she muttered. "Maybe I loved some of it. Not all of it. Some."
Robin's smile widened. "That's progress."
Vivi nodded. "Definitely progress."
Mira bounced. "Does this mean you're officially part of the harem now?"
Nami opened her mouth. Closed it. She looked at Takuya. He was watching her, his expression unreadable, but his eyes were warm.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "I guess it does."
The group stared at her.
Then Mira screeched with joy. Vivi clapped her hands together. Robin's smile softened into something genuine.
Even Zoro cracked a small smirk. Not because of the confession—he couldn't care less about mushy crap—but because Takuya had officially become the crew's most reliable source of entertainment.
'Tch. Look at that. Curly-brow's on cigarette number seven. Dude's gonna light his own eyebrows on fire if he keeps that up. And Nami? The witch actually blushed. Blushed.
I've seen her haggle a Marine admiral down to his underwear without flinching, and this guy makes her go red in ten seconds flat. That's not just a chick magnet—that's a walking catastrophe for Sanji's fragile ego.'
He shifted his weight against the mast, arms crossed, one eye cracked open just enough to watch the show.
'And the best part? I've got material for years. Years. Every time Sanji starts yapping about being a "gentleman," I'm just gonna remind him of the time his 'Nami-swan' got completely outplayed by the new guy. The look on his face right now? Priceless. I could bottle that and sell it to the marines as a weapon.'
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, barely audible.
'You know what? I gotta hand it to Luffy. For a captain who eats like a pig and thinks with his stomach, he actually did one thing right. Dragging Takuya into our chaos was the best accident since we found Chopper.
Haven't had a boring second since that bastard showed up. Even my naps feel more satisfying knowing I'll wake up to some fresh circus act.'
He let his eye drift shut again, but the smirk stayed.
'Thanks, Captain. For once, your stupidity paid off.'
Sanji had turned away, his shoulders stiff. He didn't say anything. He just lit another cigarette—his seventh of the day.
Nami watched him go, her expression unreadable. She didn't owe him anything. Her focus was on Takuya and how to make him pay for the embarrassment she'd just endured.
She looked around, mentally scanning her options.
'Okay. Let's be real here. Payback? Not happening. Vivi and Mira? Maybe—if I dangle some shopping money or promise to help them with their hair. I could probably twist their arms. But Robin?'
Her gaze landed on the archaeologist.
Robin was standing serenely beside Takuya, her shoulder brushing against his arm like she was tethered to him by an invisible string. Her head was tilted just slightly, angled toward him in that way that made it clear her entire attention belonged to him.
And her face—'that' face—wore a soft, utterly content smile that Nami had rarely seen on anyone, let alone on the woman who had survived assassination attempts, government conspiracies, and a childhood of betrayal.
But it wasn't just the smile.
It was the 'way' she moved.
Robin had one hand loosely wrapped around Takuya's sleeve, her fingers toying with the fabric like a little girl holding onto her father's coat in a crowded market.
Every few seconds, she would glance up at him through her lashes, her eyes wide and warm, waiting—'actually waiting'—for him to notice her. And when he did? When he casually glanced down at her or said something mundane?
She 'beamed'.
Not a smirk. Not a mysterious archaeologist's knowing smile. A genuine, radiant, almost childlike beam that made her look ten years younger. She even did that little thing where she swayed on her heels, rocking back and forth like she was suppressing the urge to hug him right there on the deck.
And then—'dear gods'—she reached up and gently smoothed a wrinkle on his collar, patting it down with exaggerated care, as if she were presenting her favorite person to the world and needed him to look perfect.
Nami's eye twitched.
'Okay. What in the actual hell am I watching?'
She blinked, half-convinced she was hallucinating from too much sun.
'That is Nico Robin. The woman who can crack a Marine's spine with a glance. The woman who's been hunted by everyone since she was eight years old.
The woman who reads ancient history like bedtime stories and has survived death more times than I've had hot meals. And she's... she's acting like a five-year-old who just got praised for coloring inside the lines.'
Nami watched Robin tilt her head and murmur something soft to Takuya, her voice so gentle and affectionate that it practically had heart emojis floating above her head.
'Look at her. She's literally preening. Preening! Like a kitten getting chin scratches. She's doing that little sway again. I've seen her dismantle a government agent without blinking, and now she's swaying like a schoolgirl who just got asked to the dance. What is this? What has he done to her?'
She studied Robin's expression more closely—the way her lips curved into a sweet, guileless pout when Takuya looked away for a second, as if she'd been deprived of his attention for too long.
Absolutely not. That woman is a lost cause. If the gods themselves came down and ordered her to betray him, she'd smile, thank them for their time, apologize for the inconvenience, and then ask them to kindly fuck off while she continued being his most devoted follower.
Nami ran a hand down her face.
'And a prank? A joke? Harmless fun at his expense? Please. I'm convinced she's never even entertained a single stray thought about inconveniencing him—not even as a joke.
Not even in her sleep. I'd bet all my berries that she dreams about polishing his shoes and making him breakfast in bed. Her subconscious is probably a shrine dedicated to him.'
She watched Robin nuzzle her cheek against Takuya's shoulder for just a split second, like a cat claiming its owner, before stepping back and resuming her serene posture as if nothing had happened.
'It's like he cast some ancient, forbidden spell on her. The kind that doesn't wear off. The kind that makes you forget you were ever a cold, ruthless survivor and turns you into... into... this. A doting, devoted, ridiculously soft princess who hangs on his every word.'
Nami frowned, genuinely curious now.
'What did he even do to earn that kind of blind devotion? Feed her Poneglyphs for breakfast? Save her life a hundred times? Whisper sweet nothings in some ancient languages she doesn't know?'
She watched Takuya casually pat Robin's head—and Robin's entire face 'melted' into pure bliss, her eyes fluttering half-shut like she'd just received the greatest compliment of her existence.
Nami exhaled slowly.
'Yeah. Okay. Forget payback. I'm not touching that man with a ten-foot pole. Robin would probably sprout a hundred arms just to block my way, and then she'd look at me with those big, innocent eyes and say, "Nami, please don't upset him. I don't want him to get sad." And somehow, she'd make me feel like the villain of the century.'
She shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips.
'Fine. You win, Takuya. You've got the most terrifying woman on the Grand Line wrapped around your finger like a pretty little bow. And honestly? Watching her act like your good little princess is the most entertaining thing I've seen all week.'
She leaned back, crossed her arms, and decided right then—she wasn't just going to watch the chaos.
She was going to 'enjoy' it.
She shook her head, exhaling slowly.
'But honestly? Maybe that's a good thing. With Robin glued to his side like that, I never have to worry about outside betrayers sneaking close to him. She'd sniff out a threat before it even got within a mile.
And for that matter... we couldn't pull a prank on Takuya even if we planned it for a month. Robin would rat us out before we finished the first sentence of our scheme. That woman is a walking, breathing, ridiculously loyal alarm system.'
She clicked her tongue, crossing her arms.
'Fine. Score one for the mysterious stranger.'
She let out a small breath. The tension in her shoulders melted.
She looked at Takuya.
He glanced at her, his expression calm, his eyes steady before he went back to whatever he and Robin were doing.
She didn't say anything. She didn't have to. Especially after the whole making her do naked confessions about her love and everything.
But then—something shifted in her chest.
She watched Sanji stomp off. Saw Zoro's hidden smirk. Heard Luffy cackling in the background about something stupid. Felt the warm sea breeze on her skin.
And before she could stop herself, she let out a breathy laugh—quiet enough that only Vivi and Mira, who were standing nearby, could hear.
'Let's forget all those things. I'm not gonna waste my energy being petty especially when I know that I'm going to fail miserably.'
She turned her gaze back to the deck, where Takuya was now calmly helping Robin adjust her sleeve, completely unbothered by the chaos he'd just caused.
His favorite wife was busy acting like a good girl, and he was entertaining her with the same casual ease he did everything else.
'All of this,' Nami thought, gesturing vaguely at the ship, at the crew, at the ridiculous atmosphere. 'The teasing. The embarrassment. The way everyone loses their minds the second he opens his mouth.
It's chaotic. It's stupid. And honestly?' She laughed again—a real laugh, warm and unguarded. 'I haven't had this much fun in years.'
She shook her head, still smiling.
'I'm not gonna act like a bitter, stingy witch just because I got outsmarted for once. I'm gonna enjoy this. Every ridiculous second of it.'
She paused, then shot a sly look toward Takuya's back.
'...For now.'
Vivi, who had been watching her closely, tilted her head. "You're not plotting anything scary, are you? Because I saw that look—"
"I'm not plotting anything," Nami cut her off, grinning despite herself. "I'm just... finally giving up on acting like a tsundere."
She glanced at Vivi, her expression shifting. "Speaking of which—you already gave me this advice once. About not being left behind. About being more assertive." She paused. "You were right. I'm just returning the favor."
Vivi raised an eyebrow. "Returning the favor?"
"You told me to stop hiding," Nami said, her voice carrying that sharp edge she used when she wasn't going to accept excuses. She jabbed a finger toward the deck, where Robin was practically melting against Takuya's side, her hand resting on his arm like it belonged there. "To reach out. To take what I wanted." Nami turned back to Vivi, her gaze pinning the princess in place. "Now I'm telling you the same thing. You've been watching. Observing. Waiting. And I get it—you're patient, you're diplomatic, you're a damn princess. But waiting doesn't get you anywhere with someone like him. Especially when there's someone like Robin orbiting around him twenty-four-seven."
'Look at her. She sits there like a queen on her throne, watching everyone else make moves while she collects dust in the corner. I've seen her stare at Takuya like he's the last glass of water in a desert, and she still won't take a sip. Meanwhile, Robin's already building a house on that man's lap. Vivi, sweetheart, if you keep waiting, you're going to wait yourself right into irrelevance. Robin's not the type to share. She doesn't orbit—she 'colonizes'. And she's already claimed every inch of him.'
Nami crossed her arms, her expression softening just a fraction—enough to let Vivi know this came from a place of care, not cruelty. "You think I didn't notice? The way your eyes trail after him? The way you laugh a little too brightly at his jokes? You're not subtle, princess. And that's not a dig—it's a fact. Robin doesn't 'ease' into anything. She dives. Headfirst. No hesitation. No life jacket. And she doesn't look back."
Vivi was quiet, fidgeting with her sleeve. She gave a small, rueful laugh. "I know," she admitted, finally meeting Nami's eyes. Her expression wasn't defiant—just tired and a little frustrated. "I just thought I had time. That I could take it slow. Let things happen naturally." She glanced at Robin and Takuya, watching the archaeologist lean in close to whisper something that made him smile. A bitter, resigned smile crossed Vivi's face. "But Robin doesn't do slow. She doesn't wait. She doesn't hesitate. She just goes for what she wants and doesn't leave room for anyone else." She shook her head, her smile turning wry. "She's going to keep me on the sidelines forever. And the worst part? I can't even be mad at her. Because she's not trying to push me out. She's just... better at this than I am."
"Exactly." Nami nodded. "So lets stop easing. Start being."
Vivi met her eyes. "You're right. I've been too passive. Watching her carve out her space while I stood on the sidelines." She smiled, something shifting in her expression. "Thank you. For saying that."
Nami shrugged. "Someone had to."
---
Mira bounced. "So no revenge?"
Nami shot her a flat look. "Why do you even ask questions like that? You'd go running to Takuya, wagging your tail like a puppy, and tell him everything. You're a cookie junkie. He'd just have to wave a few cookies in your face and you'd sell me out without even one shred of shame."
Mira's eyes went wide. "That's—that's not—" She paused, then a sheepish grin spread across her face. "...Okay, maybe a little."
"A little?"
"Fine. A lot." She threw her hands up, her grin turning shameless. "And you know what? I'd do it again. Happily. Without a second thought. Because his cookies are that good. I'd sell my soul for those things. I'd betray every secret I know. I'd walk through fire. I'd—"
"Okay, we get it," Nami cut in, raising an eyebrow. "You're easily bribed."
"I'm appreciative," Mira corrected, crossing her arms with a proud nod. "There's a difference. And until you've tasted his chocolate chip ones fresh out of the oven, you don't get to judge me."
She paused, a wicked glint flickering in her eyes. "Besides, it's not just the cookies. Have you seen the way he handles dough? Those hands? The way he kneads? Slow. Firm. Thorough." She let out an exaggerated, dreamy sigh. "I'd let him stuff those cookies anywhere he wanted. And I mean anywhere."
Nami's face went pale, then red, then green. Her jaw dropped. "I—what—ew." She recoiled like she'd been slapped, holding up both hands defensively. "That's disgusting. I didn't need that image. I didn't ask for that. I'm going to bleach my brain."
Mira just cackled, thoroughly pleased with herself.
Nami turned to Vivi, desperate. "Are you hearing this? Aren't you grossed out? How are you just standing there like that's normal?"
Vivi blinked, completely unfazed. She shrugged. "You'll get used to it. That's just how she is."
Nami stared at her. "Get used to it? She just talked about—about stuffing —" She couldn't even finish the sentence. "How are you so calm?"
Vivi smiled serenely. "After a few weeks on this ship, nothing surprises me anymore. Trust me. You'll reach that point too. For a while she'll feel annoying, soon enough you'll be able to filter those words out automatically, other times she is a really good woman"
Mira winked at Nami. "Welcome to the crew, sweetheart."
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