One Piece Fic (CH17) (Patreon)

At some point, Chopper quietly left the room, having finished Jack’s treatment. Only Nami remained, sitting on a chair next to his bed.

“…why did you fight with Ace? You should apologize to him. I’m sure you were in the wrong.”

Seeing her accusatory expression, Jack’s lip twitched.

“I’m not going to comment on that last part. But we were just sparring. It’s not a big deal.”

“’Just sparring’? Of all the irresponsible-…!”

On the verge of a rant, Nami took a deep breath to calm herself.

“…you look like you belong in an emergency room! Nobody knew what you two were doing. What if something went wrong?”

Jack raised his hands apologetically, about to say something. She didn’t let him.

“That’s not the end of it. We’re in the middle of enemy territory, surrounded by Baroque Works agents. Now we can’t rely on your help, and if we’re attacked, we’ll have to protect you!”

“I’d like to point out that certain other people were in similar situations in the past-…”

“So you’re telling me to shut up, is that it? That I’m being hypocritical?”

“C-Come on, don’t take it that way… In any case, I’m not in a state where I need you guys to take care of me.”

Nami huffed, tucking her short hair behind her ear.

“Oh, is that so? Who treated your burn wounds? Did you do it yourself? I must’ve seen wrongly.”

“…”

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Could it be, that wasn’t actually the case?”

About to pinch the bridge of his nose, the pain stopped Jack midway.

“Look, I’m still more than capable of fighting if I have to. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”

“I show some concern for you, and that’s how you react? Sigh, I already knew I was wasting my breath…”

Uncharacteristic for him, Jack suddenly felt a little embarrassed. He scratched the back of his head.

“It was for a good cause, okay? I had a reason for doing what I did.”

“I doubt it, but let’s hear it anyway.”

Under Nami’s scolding gaze, he told her a little of what he knew about Blackbeard, emphasizing that Ace wasn’t the other pirate’s match.

When he was done, she raised an eyebrow.

“According to my understanding, the two of them were members of the same crew for years. Do you think you have a better estimate of that person’s strength than Ace?”

“Yes.”

“That makes no sense. How would you even know-… Forget it. That isn’t the problem.”

Crossing her legs, she tapped one foot against the floor.

“Jack… are we really that unreliable to you?”

Jack’s expression was confused.

“What do you mean?”

“If you were worried for Luffy’s brother, why didn’t you tell us? The rest of us are third parties—yourself included—but that’s not the case for him. If Blackbeard is so dangerous, to the point even you act like this, doesn’t Luffy deserve to know? If something happens to Ace, it’s going to affect him more than anyone else.”

Jack’s lips moved, but nothing came out. She was… right. With Luffy’s confidence in Ace, he doubted the warning would be taken seriously, but ultimately there was no reason to have kept it to himself.

Seeing his reaction, Nami frowned.

“You didn’t even think about it, did you?”

Jack at least had the decency to look sheepish.

“That’s… I’m sorry. I guess there was no harm in telling you.”

Nami shook her head, sighing.

“’You guess’, huh…? Well, getting an apology was already more than I expected.”

She looked at him quietly.

“While you’re at it, isn’t there… something else you should say sorry for?”

Jack locked eyes with her, admiring her beautiful features. His eyes travelled downward, taking in the sight of her long legs, slim waist and generous bust.

“…no. Because I’d do it again.”

Nami snorted, twirling her hair with one finger. Her cheeks were a little pink.

“What a scumbag… I don’t know what I expected.”

A strange silence lingered between them before she spoke again, having quickly regained her composure.

“So? Did it work?”

“…hmm?”

“Luffy’s brother—did you beat some sense into him?”

Jack blinked.

“Oh. I’m not really sure. We didn’t talk much on the way here. But I doubt he’ll take my advice.”

Nami didn’t look surprised.

“He’s just as stubborn as Luffy… I suppose that’s to be expected. What are you going to do now?”

Relaxing into his pillow, Jack sighed.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think belaboring the issue will accomplish much.”

“And you’re completely sure he’ll lose to this ‘Blackbeard’ guy?”

“Yes… even if Ace somehow does beat him, there’s still his crew to deal with. They’re a bunch of psychopaths, one more dangerous than the other. They don’t give a crap about honor. If their captain looks like he’s going to lose, they’ll involve themselves. Ace doesn’t stand a chance by himself.”

Nami appeared in thought..

“I don’t get it. Why would he blindly rush into a life-threatening situation?”

Jack hesitated.

“…I’ve only heard about Ace. I don’t know him personally, and I’m not going to guess his reasons.”

“He didn’t tell you, then? Well, you are basically strangers…”

Getting up slowly, Nami walked to the door. She spoke over her shoulder.

“Your handling of the situation was terrible, but… he won’t be going anywhere soon with those injuries. At least you didn’t get beat up for nothing.”

Jack chuckled dryly.

“I wouldn’t be so sure. If I hadn’t stopped him after the fight, he’d be long gone. And people like… well, him, myself, Luffy, the rest-…”

“All the monsters.”

“If you want to put it that way. Point is, healing a few broken bones won’t take longer than a week. Ace will be out of here first chance he gets.”

Reaching for the doorknob, Nami halted.

“That doesn’t even make any sense… Sigh, so you’re saying we need to find a way to keep him here.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll see what I can do. But you really should discuss this with Luffy.”

When she was about to exit, Jack spoke again.

“You’re… leaving already?”

“Yes, why? You don’t want me to?”

“Maybe.”

Nami snorted, rolling her eyes.

“Unlike some people, I don’t have the luxury of lazing around. If I’m not there to keep an eye on things, this ship will end up at the bottom of the ocean. But I guess I can stop by later. You know. Just to make sure you aren’t dead.”

Jack smiled.

“I’d appreciate it.”

-------------------------

It took about two days for the Going Merry to reach Erumalu. The town was situated between Nanohana and Yuba oasis. Within that time, Jack and Ace’s injuries healed at lighting speed, leaving their resident doctor speechless.

“It c-can’t be…”

Eyes wide, Chopper carefully felt Ace’s chest and ribs. The bones already started fusing together. It would only be a few more days until he was completely healed.

Jack sat nearby, having already received his check up. His skin looked a lot better.

“I guess that reaction makes sense. Drum Island is, well… full of normal people.”

Chopper nodded. His gaze, directed at the other two guys, was a little fearful.

Ace chuckled, flexing his bicep.

“Thanks for the help, everyone. It was a bit embarrassing, coming back after making such a grand exit, but I’ll be leaving for real this time-…”

“Not so fast!”

Standing with her hands on her hips, Nami looked down at him. She’d been observing their treatment since the beginning.

“Do you think we helped you for free? Don’t joke around! You better pay up, or you’re not going anywhere.”

Ace’s expression was a little awkward.

“Well… I don’t have any money on me. But I’m sure we’ll meet again at the pirates’ summit. I’ll definitely pay you back-…”

“You think that excuse is going to work? Fork over the cash, or don’t even think of getting off this boat!”

Helpless, Ace looked to Jack and Chopper, but they were ignoring him. He sighed.

“Then… how much do I owe you guys?”

“One-hundred-thousand berries!”

“W-What…? That’s too much!”

Nami huffed.

“Why not? If it weren’t for us saving and treating you, you’d be captured by the marines, bleeding out in a cell somewhere.”

“There’s no way. Even if I’m injured, those guys couldn’t touch a single hair on my head!”

“Then prove it.”

Ace was momentarily stunned.

“I know, let’s call Luffy over. We can make some kind of deal-…!”

“Keep dreaming. He may be the captain, but I’m in charge of the ship’s purse.”

Nami gave him a slow once-over before snorting dissatisfiedly.

“But since you’re his brother, I guess I can make an exception-…”

“Thank you so much!”

“Let me finish. I’m not letting you off for free. I’ll work you to the bone until your debts are repaid, or you save up the difference.”

Ace lowered his head, his hair hanging over his face.

“I’m really sorry, but… there’s no way I can stick around that long. My mission-…”

“Yes, you already told us. But it’s not like you have to be in such a hurry, right? Blackbeard doesn’t sound like the type to keep a low profile. I’m sure it won’t be hard to track him down again.”

After considering her words, Ace nodded. He lifted his hand, raising a single finger.

“…I can stay until your business here in Alabasta is finished. No longer than that.”

Nami grinned self-satisfiedly, smacking him on the shoulder.

“Then it’s settled. Don’t even think about going back on your words!”

Her agreeing so easily had Ace’s expression a little stiff. He seemed to realize he’d been fooled.

When the room grew quiet, the conversation having come to an end, the door suddenly opened. Luffy was standing there, his eyes going from person-to-person.

“You guys… I don’t think I like this plan. Once we saved Vivi’s kingdom, we can just go with Ace, right? We’ll beat up those pirates together. Isn’t that better?”

“…”

Nami and Jack exchanged glances. The urge to face-palm was evident in their eyes.

“Luffy, you… idiot.”

“Hah, why am I not surprised? Looks like I was right, being careful about telling him.”

Ace blinked. Realization slowly dawned on his face.

“You were trying to keep me here. Because you’re… worried about me.”

Nami sighed, shaking her head.

“I guess it doesn’t matter, since you already promised. I doubt Luffy’s older brother is the type to go back on his word, right…?”

Getting to his feet, Ace strode over to Luffy. He put one hand on his head, ruffling his hair.

“It’s far too soon for my troublesome little brother to be worried about me. Besides, the Blackbeard pirates aren’t something you can deal with. But…”

He glanced at Nami.

“…I did promise. To hang around for a while, at least.”

Luffy’s face twisted unhappily.

“Huh? You don’t think I can beat them? Then let’s fight right now, I’ll show you how strong I’ve become!”

Jack coughed into his fist, cutting off Ace before he could speak. Nami had done good work until now, so he’d remained silent.

“I hate to rain on your parade, captain, but he’s right. You guys-… we don’t stand a chance against them. They’re pretty dastardly individuals too. If they ended up taking any one of us hostage—something they’d certainly try—we’d only get in Ace’s way.”

“That’s playing dirty! Can’t we ask them to fight fair?”

“…no.”

Luffy rubbed his chin. It was clear he understood Jack’s point, but he wasn’t willing to let the matter go so easily.

Nami clapped her hands, breaking his concentration.

“Don’t think so hard Luffy, you’ll hurt yourself. Besides, we still have time until Ace leaves. We’ll think of something before then.”

Nodding reluctantly, Luffy swatted Ace’s hand away, putting his hat back on his head.

“Fine. But Ace—don’t think you’ll get rid of me. I already made up my mind!”

Ace chuckled.

“You really are a handful. I feel sorry for your crew.”

“What did you say?!”

“It was just a joke. Calm down.”

“Damn it, I’ll knock you out-…! Hey Jack, let go of me. I said let go…!”

---------------------