One Piece: Waves of Destiny

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"How could this happen?!"

"Impossible!"

"He must have informed Arlong in advance, had him leave, and then staged this entire scene!"

"Roja, you have to believe us! He's lying to you!"

Tears welled up in Nami's eyes, streaming down her cheeks.

Next to her, Nojiko gently tugged on Nami's sleeve, her expression tinged with reluctance and worry.

"Lord Roja," Nojiko said softly, trying to keep her voice steady, "can you check Nezumi office? He must have the beli he extorted from us stored there!"

"That's enough. Do you really think you can treat a Navy officer as a plaything for your lies?" Nezumi snarled, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Stop," Roja interrupted softly, his calm tone silencing the commotion.

He knelt in front of Nami and Nojiko, placing a warm hand on their heads. His kind yet steady gaze met theirs.

Nami, feeling the warmth of Roja's touch, blinked through her tears. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Please believe us! We're not lying! If even you can't see through Nezumi's facade, then Cocosia Village will truly—"

Before she could finish, Nezumi cut her off, snarling, "Do you think anyone would believe you two little liars?!"

Ignoring Nezumi, Roja leaned closer to Nami and whispered something, moving his lips without making a sound. The words weren't audible, but the intent was clear to her.

Before either of the girls could fully process the gesture, Roja stood up. Turning to Kensuke, he said firmly, "You know these girls, don't you? Take them home. Teach them that lying is a bad habit."

Kensuke, startled, nodded immediately. "Yes, sir. I'll take them back right now."

He stepped forward, gently taking Nami and Nojiko's hands, and led them back toward the village.

As they walked, Nami's mind raced, replaying the silent words Roja had mouthed. She glanced at "Kensuke" with curiosity. Something about him felt… off.

Meanwhile, Nezumi stood stiffly, sweat dripping down his face as he watched. A cold chill ran through him as a troubling thought entered his mind: When did Kensuke even get here? Why didn't I notice? Or have I been too distracted?

His unease was interrupted by the loud ringing of his Den Den Mushi.

"Buru-buru-buru!"

Answering the call, Nezumi said, "Sir, the supplies have been fully replenished."

"Good," Roja responded coolly. "Then it's time for us to leave."

Kalifa, standing nearby, nodded and followed Roja back toward the warship.

Watching the ship sail away, Nezumi burst into laughter, relief pouring out of him. "Hahaha! They're finally gone. They nearly scared me to death!"

However, recalling Nami and Nojiko's bold accusations, his relief quickly turned into fury. Picking up the Den Den Mushi again, he contacted Arlong.

"Arlong, you were quick on your feet this time! I didn't expect you to actually pack up your crew and clear out temporarily. And even setting up that fake paradise? Impressive, I'll admit!"

Arlong's voice crackled through the receiver, filled with venom. "Don't get cocky, Nezumi. They've left, haven't they?"

Nezumi didn't bother pushing the issue, instead detailing everything that had transpired.

After hearing Nezumi's report, Arlong growled angrily, "Wait there. I'll come to you immediately, and when I find those two brats, I'll crush them under my foot!"

On the Warship

Kalifa turned to Roja; her brows furrowed. "Roja, do you really believe Nezumi's story? There's something very wrong with Cocosia Village—it's obvious."

"Of course I don't believe him," Roja replied, his expression calm but firm. "From what those girls said, the Arlong Pirates are still on the island. They likely fled when they saw our ship approaching. That's why we need to give them space—to lure them out."

"So, you're saying this is a trap?" Kalifa asked, her concern evident.

"Exactly. If we only deal with Nezumi, it'll be like cutting a weed at the surface. We need to dig out the root."

"But won't those girls be in danger if we leave now?"

Roja turned to Kalifa, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's why I'm leaving the warship in your hands."

Before Kalifa could question him further, Roja's figure shimmered and dissolved into a phantom, vanishing from sight.

Kalifa stared at the empty space where he stood, stunned. Then she shook her head with a sigh. "Just how many abilities does he have? He's becoming harder and harder to understand."

Back in the Village

Nami, walking beside "Kensuke," suddenly remembered the words Roja had silently mouthed to her. Her eyes widened in realization.

"Hey! Are you… are you Roja?" she asked hesitantly, her voice trembling with hope and uncertainty.

Nojiko turned to her, startled. "Nami, what are you saying? This is clearly Uncle Kensuke!"

But Nami's gaze was unwavering. "You have powers, don't you?!"

"Kensuke" paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. In the next moment, his form shimmered and melted away, revealing Roja's true appearance.

Nami gasped, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Without hesitation, she leaped onto Roja, clinging to his waist like a pendant.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy.

Nojiko, more reserved, quickly bowed. "Lord Roja, forgive Nami's lack of manners!"

Roja waved off her concern with a slight shake of his head. "It's fine. Listen carefully. My reason for coming here is to deal with both Nezumi and the Arlong Pirates."

Nami's face brightened. "So, you believed us from the start!"

"Of course," Roja confirmed. "What I didn't expect was that Arlong wouldn't be at Arlong Park when we arrived."

Nami's sharp mind quickly connected the dots. "So, you left a decoy—your phantom?"

"Exactly," Roja said with a nod. "But for now, let's head to your house and wait. The prey will come to us soon enough."

Nami clutched Roja's hand tightly, her heart swelling with hope and gratitude. For the first time in years, she felt truly safe.

Meanwhile, Nezumi and Arlong, having regrouped, stormed toward Nami and Nojiko's residence, rage burning in their eyes.

The trap was set, and the game was about to begin.

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