"Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea, Miss Nami."
"You need money, and we need your... navigating skills."
"We can cooperate to make money—just a partnership, not you joining us. What do you say?"
Now, it was Bai Yun's turn to ask for Nami's opinion.
The dramatic pause in the middle made Nami's face flush slightly.
"You guys?"
"Yes, us. I have two companions. I got separated from them, but I estimate they'll arrive soon enough."
Bai Yun explained.
Seriously, what a situation! He's sailed out with Luffy twice and gotten separated twice. You can only call him 'quite the character'!
"Cooperation..."
Nami pondered, the corner of her mouth suddenly curling up as she thought of some wicked scheme, before she quickly suppressed the smile.
"Alright."
"But first, I need to see if you have the integrity for a partnership."
"You come with me to see Buggy. Don't worry about anything else. If you do that, I'll agree to cooperate with you."
Bai Yun maintained his smile. "Alright, let's go. I want to see this Buggy the Clown."
"...At the end of this road is the bar where Buggy the Clown and his crew are staying."
Nami deliberately lagged a step behind, standing just behind Bai Yun as she explained.
But just as she reached for her rope, Bai Yun dashed forward without looking back.
"Is that so!"
"Then let's hurry up!"
Nami missed him and stumbled.
She got up, watched Bai Yun's retreating back, and thought, 'Wait, this isn't right!'
"No!"
"Stop!!"
"Hold on! Don't just run up there like that."
But no matter how much Nami shouted, Bai Yun had already scrambled onto the bar's rooftop.
Seeing this, Nami immediately turned around. She wasn't about to walk into her death.
After walking a short distance, she subconsciously reached for her waistband.
It was gone! Flat and empty.
"Huh?"
"Wait, what???"
"Where's the map? That bastard!!!"
Bai Yun's face flashed through Nami's mind. Who else could have taken it but him?
Gritting her teeth, Nami turned back. She needed that money badly... "What! You let the thief who stole the sea chart get away!"
"What good are the three of you grown men?!"
On the bar's rooftop, Buggy roared at the three men wrapped in bandages—the ones Bai Yun had injured earlier.
"We... we deserve death, Captain Buggy!"
"But that thieving woman had a helper! Their gunmanship was so fast we were injured before we even saw them draw!"
The three quickly explained, hoping to avoid being blown up by a cannon.
"Gunmanship so fast you couldn't even see the gun?"
"When did a person like that show up?"
"What did he look like? Tell me."
Buggy had a deep background; few people on the current seas could compare to his experience.
"Uh... he had a black ponytail."
"A white vest paired with black jeans."
"Hello, everyone."
"Huh? Yes, just like... wait, no, he looks exactly like that! Identical!"
Bai Yun, however, had silently slipped onto the rooftop.
"Ah!!!"
"That's him! That's him, Captain Buggy!"
"He's the accomplice of that thieving woman!"
After realizing what happened, the three instantly hid behind Buggy, pointing accusingly at Bai Yun.
"Huh? So you're the thieving woman's accomplice!"
"And you dare to walk right into my trap!"
Buggy scrutinized Bai Yun as he spoke.
Bai Yun's smile instantly transformed into an expression of shock and delight—the kind of surprise one shows upon seeing an idol. He truly was a good actor.
"Buggy! Are you the legendary 'Thousand-Piece Clown' Buggy?!"
Hearing that title, Buggy was terrified. He instantly separated one of his hands and clapped it over Bai Yun's mouth.
His head followed suit, flying over and dragging Bai Yun into a corner.
"Shh!!!!"
"You brat! How do you know my old title?!"
While being an apprentice on the Pirate King's ship should have been an honor, the Pirate King was now dead. Buggy was terrified that if this identity was exposed, the Marines would immediately hunt him down, which is why he was so fearful.
"I heard Shanks mention it."
Bai Yun answered honestly.
"Shanks! That bastard is still alive?! Who are you to him? His illegitimate son?"
Hearing the name Shanks only made Buggy angrier.
Bai Yun shook his head in denial. Don't go pinning a father on me the moment I show up.
"No, I met Mr. Shanks when I was a child."
"I heard him talk about you, saying how incredibly formidable you are!"
"I was following my boss when I suddenly heard her mention your name. I've always remembered your great reputation."
"So, I immediately ran over to join your crew."
"Look, I even brought the sea chart with me."
Buggy stared at Bai Yun's face, appearing doubtful, but then he burst out laughing.
"Hee hahahahaha!!"
"You've got good taste, kid! Hahaha."
"Alright, since you've shown such sincerity, I'll take you in."
After speaking, Buggy reached out for the sea chart, but Bai Yun pulled back.
"Hmm?"
"Big Brother Buggy, let me hold onto this sea chart."
"Look what happened when it was left in the open."
"I have a few tricks up my sleeve; I managed to sneak in and retrieve the chart without anyone knowing. If I keep it, you can rest easy. Besides, I'm right here under your watchful eye, aren't I?'"
Bai Yun smoothly talked his way through it, simultaneously tucking the chart into his pocket.
"Hmm! You're a sharp kid! Hee hahaha."
Buggy believed him, which wasn't surprising. He then led Bai Yun out of the corner.
"Men, welcome our new partner! Hee haha!"
...
A/N: The journey continues! If you're eager to read far ahead and support this story, consider joining the Eternal Phoenix community. You can find me on Patreon by searching for "Eternal_Phoenix".
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