LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 149: Look what we found here, a little thief?
As Zoro and Karoo clashed, their heads colliding in a display of escalating tension, Kuina, desiring to avoid any trouble, quickly intervened to restore harmony to the surroundings.
"I know how you feel, Zoro, but they are aiming for Arabasta like us. They also turn out to be members of Baroque Works... if we want to be bounty hunters in this organization, we have to start by helping others, don't you agree?"
"craukkk..."
In their departure from Little Garden, a fortuitous encounter unfolded as they crossed paths with none other than Miss Monday and Karoo. It was evident that the duo was in a great rush, seemingly bound for Arabasta. In a dire predicament, they sought assistance as their conditions had dwindled to worse. However, amidst the trio, Zoro stood as the sole dissenter.
In the final moments, Zoro found himself once again rendered helpless as their small, overcrowded boat docked, welcoming two additional passengers. Among them was a restless duck and a remarkably muscular woman whose voice possessed an unexpected touch of femininity.
As the tension of the fight consumed everyone's attention, Nami, relieved to have solid ground beneath her feet once more, quietly walked away. With a radiant smile and a heart brimming with joy, she gracefully made her way through the bustling crowd. Her movements are a testament to her exceptional skill as she effortlessly weaves through the bustling streets of the market.
She paused in a tranquil alleyway, taking a moment to collect herself. With a deliberate motion, she retrieved an item from her pocket. A broad grin stretched across her face as she laid eyes on the wallets she had pocketed.
"This is why I like bustling cities. Look how easy it is for me to earn money."
In that very instant, Nami's delicate frame was engulfed by the looming shadows of multiple individuals. Their rough and unfamiliar voices escaped their lips, instilling a sense of dread within her.
"Look what we found here, a little thief?"
"Hahahaha, how dare she steal from an area under the protection of Baroque Works."
"Look at the big bag on her back. I'm sure she has harmed many people. As justice enforcers, we will confiscate your stolen money."
Nami's fear intensified as one of the men made a brazen attempt to snatch the bag containing her precious treasure. With swift dexterity, she retrieved her small baton, eliciting laughter from them. However, as the baton magically extended and made contact with one of them, their laugh quickly transformed into solemnity.
As the agonized cries of their fellow comrade pierced the air, it became undeniable that the seemingly innocuous baton clutched in Nami's hand was no mere plaything but a genuine weapon. And she didn't cease her actions there, for once more, she brandished her baton.
"hehh, I won't let you hit us again... argkkk_" The man who had just spoken let out a piercing scream, his body convulsing in agony as the electric current surged through him. Moments later, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
A pungent odor wafted through the air, causing the three remaining men to pause, their senses on high alert. Little did they anticipate that a seemingly unremarkable baton possessed the capacity to unleash a devastating assault.
Meanwhile, Nami, who managed to paralyze two of her enemies, immediately regained her confidence. However, an inexplicable weariness washed over her, leaving her breathless and fatigued. The surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins compels her to expend unnecessary energy.
The three remaining members of Baroque Works came to a realization, prompting them to launch another attack, this time in perfect synchrony. As one of them reached out to grasp Nami's hand from the right side, he was met with a powerful electric shock. However, his two companions were able to take advantage of the distraction.
Without hesitation, the man positioned on the left swiftly grasped Nami's hand, forcefully retracting it. Simultaneously, the man approaching from the front swiftly launched a powerful kick aimed directly at her abdomen, causing Nami to collapse onto the ground.
As her vision grew hazy, she couldn't ignore the sharp ache coursing through her body. The weight of one of them pressing down on her back made it all too real. To make matters worse, her so-called enemies snatched her bag away with a forceful tug.
"No, don't take my money... Aghhkk... I put in so much effort to earn it... Ahh.."
With each try, Nami made to part her lips, and a relentless barrage of kicks pummeled her side ribs. As she observed their actions, they couldn't help but be taken aback by the contents revealed upon opening the bag - a treasure of all things!
"hahahahaha, look at this. I didn't expect we would get this much money from this pathetic thief."
"Should we report it to Mr. 0"
Their gazes briefly flickered towards Nami, whose worsening condition was impossible to ignore. However, instead of offering sympathy, their smiles twisted into something sinister, hinting at a hidden agenda.
"In the end, I ended up like this, huh… I think this is payback because I tried to be a traitor even to a good girl like Kuina who treated me well…"
Nami's final memory before succumbing to unconsciousness was of the Baroque Works members hoisting her limp body and transporting her to an unknown destination. Upon hearing the name Mr. 0, she realized in an instant that she really fucked up this time.
Returning to the port, the storm of Zoro's anger began to subside under the soothing influence of Kuina. However, their relief was short-lived, as they soon discovered that Nami had disappeared without a trace. Despite their diligent efforts, they scoured the area, but alas, no clues were to be found.
"That girl really can't be trusted. Are you satisfied now, Kuina?"
As Zoro's icy remarks reached her ears, Kuina found herself rendered speechless. Her concern for Nami's predicament outweighs any remorse she feels for her act of betrayal, as Kuina ultimately maintains her trust in her.
"I'm sorry to leave you like this, but I also have to go," Miss Monday expressed, having determined that her personal matters took importance over the search for Nami, with whom she had only a limited acquaintance. However, she made a solemn promise to repay their kindness at a later time.
"Craukk..."
Just as Miss Monday left, Karoo abruptly caressed his head against Kuina's, followed by a courteous salutation using his wings. Despite not having a particularly close relationship with Zoro, this duck possesses the intellect and perceptiveness to comprehend the concept of debts.
"I know you're a shitty duck, just go away."
"Craukk..."
"Don't talk to him like that. I'm sure we'll meet again because he promised to accompany me around Arabasta," Kuina's heart grew heavy as she watched the people around her left one by one.
She sensed that they were not inherently bad people in the fleeting moments of their chance encounter. Each carried the weight of their own profound struggles, demanding resolution. Despite Kuina's inability to assist them, she held onto the hope of crossing paths with them once more.
"Since when did you make a promise like that with this shitty duck? You guys-" Without allowing him to complete his sentence, Karoo swiftly accelerated, propelling sand into Zoro's face and eliciting a fit of coughing from the swordsman. In a fit of rage, Zoro roared with great intensity.