Cocosia Village.
A quiet and peaceful little village.
The local security officer was fair and kind, and the doctor practiced with a gentle heart.
Nearby lay a large Marine base.
Close to the sea, the fishing industry thrived. Fertile land supported productive farms.
Food, clothing, and basic needs were never lacking.
In the chaotic "Great Pirate Era," being born in such a peaceful village was already a blessing.
Yet, fate rarely allows complete happiness.
The sun hung high in the sky, and waves rolled in from the horizon, crashing against the rocks, sending sprays of water like scattered gems—foreshadowing unrest.
Far across the horizon, faint shadows moved—no one could have guessed that a dark omen was approaching.
At the home of Officer Aken in Cocosia Village…
Little Nami, dressed in a light summer dress, with short orange hair, looked like a plump little tangerine from a distance.
Kicking her tiny feet, she sat on a stool, her head lowered. "I ran away from home…" she whispered softly.
Opposite her stood Aken, a middle-aged man in an old-style police uniform.
Strangely, a small windmill was pinned to his cap, spinning "whoosh" as his head moved.
Hearing Nami's words, Aken gritted his teeth, his face flushing red until he could no longer hold back.
"Hahaha…" he slapped the table, laughing loudly. "So that's why you came here?"
He raised his head, mouth opening wider. "Running from outside the village to here—so that's what you call running away! Simple enough! Hahaha…"
Nami buried her face deeper into her hands at his laughter.
After a moment, she murmured, "Maybe Aunt Bellemere would be happier without us."
"Huh? Why would you say that?" Aken's smile disappeared, and the windmill atop his head stopped spinning.
Realizing she had said something unintended, Nami turned away, unable to meet his eyes. "Because if we're here, she's poor… and maybe people in the village dislike me."
Since Bellemere had to care for two children, her work hours were short and income limited.
And Nami loved reading books about navigation and sailing, which were expensive—so she sometimes stole money or books from the village.
Some villagers began murmuring about Nami, though not to the point of outright dislike.
Nami had long felt that her presence brought poverty and disfavor to Bellemere.
Hearing her explanation, Aken's mouth twitched into a smile, and the small windmill spun again.
"Hahaha… little Nami's reached the age where she starts worrying about these things…" Aken reminisced, thinking back to when he first met Nami, still a tiny infant. "Don't worry! Bellemere was also famous as a mischievous child at your age."
"Ah?… Aunt Bellemere too…"
"Don't be surprised. Compared to Bellemere, you're not that bad."
Aken turned to the window, gazing at the village. "But when Bellemere left and returned as a skilled Marine, the whole village was stunned!"
"A Marine?"
"Yes. I'll never forget that day…"
"During a storm, Bellemere returned aboard a battered ship, carrying two children, bloodied, shouting: 'Someone help these children! They have high fevers! Please, call a doctor!'
Those two children were three-year-old Nojiko and infant Nami."
"But… she said she found me under a bridge."
"That was just Bellemere trying to protect you…"
Meanwhile, on the coast of the island where Cocosia Village sat, a large ship had anchored.
Tall figures disembarked, their presence ominous.
The villagers had no idea what was unfolding along the shore.
"Nami!"
A door at Aken's home swung open.
A slightly taller girl with wavy purple hair stood there—Nojiko, Nami's older sister by three years, wearing a worn pinafore.
"You really are here, Nami," Nojiko said.
Aken patted Nami's head. "Come on, someone's here for you. Let's go home."
"Pirates!!!"
Just as Nami prepared to leave with Nojiko, shouts rang from outside.
Aken's expression darkened. "Quick! It's dangerous! Into the forest!"
"But Aunt Bellemere—" Nami began, but Nojiko, being older and wiser, pulled her into the trees. Their small frames were instantly hidden among the dense foliage.
"One adult, 100,000 Berries. One child, 50,000 Berries," Fishman Arlong announced to the villagers, his long shark-like nose pointing as he surveyed the homes.
Other Fishmen checked each house for anyone hiding.
"How much collected, Black Belt?" Arlong asked a muscular Fishman with a human torso and fish-like face.
"About 250 million," he replied.
Villagers clenched their fists, gritting their teeth.
"All right, everyone, that's enough for today."
Arlong waved his hand, but a stout Fishman pointed ahead.
"There!"
Following the smoke, Arlong scowled. "Almost missed it."
The Evil Dragon Pirates approached Bellemere's home.
Aken and some villagers quietly followed.
Inside, Bellemere was focused on preparing lunch.
After an argument with Nami that morning, she wanted to make a hearty meal to mend the mood with little Nami.
"Hmm… should I open a bottle of wine for them?" she thought with a smile.
"Knock… knock…"
A heavy rap at the door made her turn. "Are they back?"
Arlong stood outside, waiting for her to answer.
"The door's unlocked. Come in," she called.
Arlong pushed the door.
At that moment, Bellemere leapt forward with her long staff, flipping into a high kick.
Her momentum sent her leg slamming against Arlong's neck.
Arlong crashed to the ground. Bellemere shoved the staff into his mouth, asserting control.
"Didn't expect a Marine here. Why come to little Cocosia Village, pirates of the Grand Line?"
Bellemere, reminiscent of her Marine days, radiated authority, a cigarette still smoldering at her lips.
"Hahaha…"
The Fishmen pirates laughed mockingly at her display.
Bellemere pressed the staff downward. "What's so funny?!"
"Click!"
Her staff was snapped by Arlong.
"I'm laughing at your incompetence!" Arlong sneered, grabbing her and slamming her to the ground.
Nami and Nojiko, trying to run home to help, witnessed this.
Nakedly screaming, Nami was silenced by Nojiko, shaking her head.
"Crack…"
Arlong stepped on Bellemere's shoulder. A dull snap echoed.
He raised his foot toward her head.
"Fool Bellemere! Don't throw away your life for meaningless justice! Some battles are pointless! Some problems can be solved with money!"
Aken shouted, rushing to support Bellemere.
Arlong slowly withdrew his foot. "Yes… one adult, 100,000 Berries; one child, 50,000. Female Marine, pay or…"
Aken helped the injured Bellemere upright.
"How much do you have at home?" he whispered.
"Not enough… together we have just 100,000 Berries," she gasped.
"100,000 Berries… that's enough," Aken said, standing. "Bellemere's family has 100,000 Berries. I'll bring it to you."
Meanwhile, the octopus Fishman Hatchachi noted, "Boss, seems like three meals are prepared inside."
Aken replied, "Bellemere invited me and the doctor for lunch. We'll bring the 100,000 Berries."
He helped Bellemere back inside to retrieve the money.
A short while later, he handed it to Arlong. "Perfect. Everyone has paid. The village is safe."
Arlong nodded. "All right… let's go back, fellows."
Bellemere, supporting her injured shoulder, stood up. "Two children, 100,000 Berries… just enough for the kids. My share isn't enough."
Aken shouted in anger, "Bellemere, you…"
"I'm sorry, Aken… I couldn't say it," she whispered through tears.
"You… have children?" Arlong demanded.
Bellemere wiped her tears, unwilling to leave her daughters' side.
"Even if I can only say it… they are my children, right?"
"Bellemere!"
"Bellemere!"
Nojiko and Nami, unable to contain themselves, ran to Bellemere. The three embraced tightly.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Nojiko, Nami. I wanted to buy you many things… new clothes… books… everything… I failed to do what a good mother should…"
Bellemere cried, speaking words she might never say again.
"Are these your daughters?"
Bellemere looked at Arlong. "Yes. You won't harm them, right?"
"Of course, if you obey, you're fine."
"Damn it!" Aken grabbed his sidearm, aiming at Arlong.
At that moment, Black Belt swung a sword, slashing across Aken's face and chest.
"Hahaha, lowly humans. Just teach him a lesson, no need to kill," Arlong laughed.
He pressed his pistol against Bellemere's forehead.
"You are the first… to be punished… for foolish love."
"Nojiko, Nami… I love you."
Bellemere closed her eyes, bracing herself.
"Whoosh."
A pebble flew through the air, striking Arlong's gun, shattering it.
"Phew, that was close."
Luffy, watching the gathered Fishmen, smiled.