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"Oi, Nami," Usopp nudged her leg, which was comfortably resting on his bed. She hummed in response, barely acknowledging him, her tongue peeking out slightly in concentration as she carefully manicured her nails. "You wanna go to the mall? Luffy wants to hang out with the crew." "I'm busy," Nami muttered, dipping the brush back into the nail polish bottle. "Besides, Luffy's just gonna make me pay for his meal again." Usopp groaned. "But it's been days since we last saw them!" Nami frowned and glanced up. "What are you talking about? We literally hung out yesterday." "Come on, Nami! I'll treat you this time." Usopp grinned, all charm and mischief. "Besides, it’s summer—there’s bound to be some kind of raffle or giveaway at the mall. Who knows? Maybe I'll win you something." She rolled her eyes. "I need money to pay off my debts, Usopp, not a—a floatie or something." "Hey, a good floatie could save your life one day." Nami scoffed, shaking her head as she admired her work. Her nails gleamed in a perfect, gorgeous orange—a shade that matched her hair. She held her hands out towards Usopp, wiggling her fingers. "What do you think?" Usopp whistled. "Looks good. Too good, actually. If you end up strangling me later, at least my ghost will appreciate the view." She smirked. "Then don’t give me a reason to." Usopp chuckled, standing up and stretching. "Alright, goddess of finance, let’s go. I have a feeling today’s gonna be lucky for me." Nami sighed but grabbed her bag anyway. "You better not make me regret this." The mall entrance buzzed with life, heat shimmering off the pavement as Usopp wheeled his old, battle-worn bicycle into the nearest rack. The thing had seen better days—its once-bright paint was chipped, the basket slightly dented, and one of the handle grips was missing—but it was his, and more importantly, it still worked. Nami swung her leg over the back and hopped off, stretching her arms above her head. "God, it’s hot." "Hey, at least we made it," Usopp said, wiping his brow dramatically. "Unlike those poor souls stuck in traffic—we, my dear Nami, are eco-friendly pioneers." She raised a brow, flicking a bead of sweat off her temple. "We also almost got run over twice and had to pedal uphill for ten minutes." "Exactly! A true test of endurance. We conquered that road like warriors." Nami just sighed, shaking her head. Truth was, she couldn't bring herself to complain. The bike ride had been… nice. Sure, it was slow compared to other transportation, but it had personality—a little piece of their past still rolling along. The same damn bicycle she used to ride with Usopp in high school, when they’d take turns pedaling to the corner store just to split a soda. Some things never changed. "Alright, I need something cold before I melt," Nami muttered, already making a beeline for a nearby stand selling lemonade. The moment she took a sip; a blissful sigh escaped her lips. Sweet, tangy, icy perfection. Before she could even turn to ask if Usopp wanted one, he was already off, wandering into a row of kiosks, dramatically trying on sunglasses and oversized sun hats like he was on some high-stakes fashion mission. "This one?" He wiggled his eyebrows from beneath a floppy beach hat that looked like it belonged to a rich divorcée. Nami smirked. "Only if you're going for ‘retired housewife vacationing in the Maldives’." Usopp gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "That is exactly what I’m going for!" He swapped it out for a pair of neon-pink shutter shades, striking a pose. "How about now?" "You look like a washed-up DJ." "Harsh, but fair." Nami chuckled, shaking her head as she took another sip of her lemonade. The coolness of the drink, the buzz of the mall, the easy banter—it all felt... good. Without looking, she extended the lemonade toward Usopp, who took a grateful sip before handing it back. Some habits die hard. As she scrolled through her phone, she fired off a message to the others: Nami: Where the hell are you guys?? You wanted to hang out, yet you’re the ones who are late. A few seconds later, her screen lit up. Sanji: I'm so sorry, Nami-swan! We got stuck in traffic 😭💔 An image popped up beneath the text. It was a selfie—Sanji, smiling charmingly in the passenger seat. Franky was driving, sunglasses on, looking like he was born to command the road. In the backseat, Zoro was scowling like he’d rather throw himself into the highway while Luffy beamed widely beside him, making a peace sign. Nami sighed, typing back. Nami: You're all useless. She was about to slide her phone back into her pocket when— A gasp from Usopp. Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist, nearly making her spill her drink. "Usopp—!" "Nami. Destiny is calling." And before she could rip herself away, he was dragging her straight into a forming crowd. At the center of it all stood a shimmering prize wheel, golden letters bold against a deep blue backdrop. A massive banner overhead read: ✨ WIN A LUXURY CRUISE ON THE SUNNY MERRY! ✨
Nami blinked. "You’ve got to be kidding me." Usopp turned to her, his eyes glowing. "Nami. Nami. This is it. This is our moment." She gave him a long, unimpressed stare. "Usopp. When have you ever won a raffle?" "That’s the genius of it!" He grinned, pointing at himself. "I’m overdue. The universe owes me a win!" Nami pinched the bridge of her nose. "I should’ve just stayed home." And yet… she didn't walk away. Because if anyone could turn something ridiculous into a miracle, it was Usopp. And if there was even a slight chance of a free luxury cruise? She wasn’t about to ignore that. "You do realize these things are rigged, right?" Nami crossed her arms, watching as a woman in a bright yellow blazer hyped up the crowd with an enthusiasm that made her teeth hurt. "They’ll probably pick some retiree who hasn’t been on vacation in decades just for the good PR." Usopp scoffed, rolling up his sleeves like he was about to perform a grand feat. "That’s where you’re wrong. This, Nami, is a game of skill." Her brow arched. "A raffle is a game of skill?" "Of course! Luck is just long-term strategy in disguise. All my years of bad luck have been leading up to this one moment of astronomical success." Nami sighed, but she couldn’t hide the slight curve of her lips. "Right. And when you inevitably lose?" "Then it means I’m building up to an even bigger win later," he said with absolute conviction. Before she could argue, the woman in the yellow blazer tapped the microphone, her voice booming through the speakers. "Alright, folks! We’re down to the final few spots—if you haven’t entered yet, now’s your last chance to win a week-long, all-expenses-paid luxury cruise aboard the Sunny Merry!" The crowd murmured with anticipation. Usopp nudged Nami. "We need to get a ticket." "We?" "You’re my good luck charm!" He grabbed her shoulders, shaking her lightly. "Think about it! A luxury cruise, Nami! Free food, ocean breeze, people mistaking us for rich socialites—" "Only one person can win, idiot," she reminded him, unimpressed. "Then I’ll put your name down, and when you win, you take me as your plus-one!" That… was actually a pretty decent plan. She sighed. "Fine. But if I win, you’re covering my bar tab." Usopp paled. "Nami, I don’t think you understand how drinks work on a—" "Deal’s already made!" She smirked, plucking a raffle slip from the stack and scribbling down her name before Usopp could protest further. A few minutes later, the woman in the yellow blazer spun the massive prize wheel. The crowd held their breath. One by one, names were called, people groaning in disappointment or gasping in excitement as they stepped forward to claim smaller prizes—gift baskets, restaurant vouchers, free spa treatments. And then— "And for our grand prize… the winner of the luxury cruise is…" The woman dug into a glass bowl filled with names, dramatically swirling her hand before pulling one out. Nami’s fingers tapped impatiently against her arm. "Nami!" For a second, she swore the world went completely silent. Then Usopp screamed, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her so hard she nearly dropped her lemonade. "OH MY GOD, YOU’RE A LIVING LEGEND!" Nami blinked, processing the words. She won? She never won these things. The crowd clapped, eyes turning toward her as the woman on stage beamed. "Nami! Congratulations! Come on up here and claim your tickets!" Usopp shoved her forward. "Go! Go claim our destiny!" Still in mild shock, she made her way to the stage, putting on her best gracious winner smile as she accepted the envelope containing the cruise package. Cameras flashed, people cheered, and all she could think was— Well. That was shockingly easy. Maybe Usopp was onto something with the whole luck as a long-term strategy thing. When she stepped off the stage, Usopp immediately slung an arm around her shoulders. "Nami, my dear, wonderful, wealthy best friend. This is gonna be the greatest vacation of our lives." She smirked, slipping the tickets into her bag. "We’ll see. First, I need to figure out what I’m packing. And second—" She grinned, eyes gleaming. "I need to make sure I’m properly funded for this trip." Usopp groaned. "Please tell me you’re not planning to rob people on the ship." She gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Usopp! Do you really think so little of me?" Usopp deadpanned. "Yes." Nami simply smiled. She couldn’t help it. A free luxury cruise? That was already a jackpot. But if she played her cards right? This trip was about to be way more profitable. Without warning, she lunged forward and wrapped Usopp in a tight hug, squeezing the life out of him. "I love you, Usopp! Thank you for your amazing luck! We’re going on a cruise!" Her chest practically smothered him, and while this was something that should have been a dream come true, Usopp was more concerned about the distinct lack of oxygen reaching his lungs. "Nami—air—breathing is—important!" he wheezed. She just laughed, finally letting go, bouncing on her heels like an excited kid. The energy was contagious, and despite the very real possibility that Nami was already plotting how to financially exploit their fellow passengers, Usopp couldn’t help but grin. They were actually doing this. The day of the cruise arrived faster than expected, and for the first time in his life, Usopp didn’t have to paddle their way to the port. Instead, the entire crew had gathered to see them off. The port was alive with movement—tourists in sunhats lugging oversized suitcases, couples arm-in-arm pointing at the grand ship in awe, families herding excited children toward the boarding gates. And in the center of it all, The Sunny Merry Cruise stood in all its luxurious glory, a floating paradise gleaming under the morning sun. Its golden hull reflected the sea, its pristine white sails stretched against the sky, and the rich scent of salt, citrus, and high-end cologne filled the air. The gangplank was lined with uniformed staff welcoming guests aboard with champagne flutes and perfectly rehearsed smiles. It was, without a doubt, the most expensive thing Usopp had ever stepped foot on. And at the docks, sending them off like proud parents— Luffy, Sanji, Zoro, and Franky. Franky was the first to break. His sunglasses did nothing to hide the tears welling in his eyes as he threw his arms open dramatically. "My boys… my dudes… my homies!" His voice cracked halfway through, but that didn’t stop him from grabbing Usopp in a suffocating bear hug, lifting him clean off the ground. "I’m just so proud!" "Franky—oxygen—!" Usopp gasped, flailing uselessly against the shipwright’s iron grip. Franky only squeezed harder, ugly-sobbing into Usopp’s shoulder. "You’re growing up so fast!" Zoro scoffed. "It’s a vacation, not a damn coming-of-age ceremony." Luffy, beaming, leaned forward with the same excitement as if he were the one going on a cruise. "You guys better bring me back something cool!" "Like what?" Usopp wheezed once he was finally released. Luffy thought for a moment before his face lit up. "A giant crab!" "I—what?" "You know, like one of those big ones with claws this long!" Luffy spread his arms wide, nearly smacking Sanji in the process. "I bet it’d be delicious!" "Yeah, I don’t think customs will let us bring back a live crab," Usopp muttered, still catching his breath. Sanji, who had been quiet up until now, turned to Nami with sudden intensity, grabbing her hands in his own. "Nami-swaaan, are you sure you’ll be alright without me? A ship full of strangers—what if some pervert tries something?! Who will protect you from their wandering hands?!" Nami rolled her eyes, easily slipping out of his grip. "Sanji, it’s a luxury cruise, not a pirate ship. I think I’ll be fine." Sanji wasn’t convinced. He whirled on Usopp instead, jabbing a finger into his chest. "And you—take care of Nami-san, you hear me?! If even one sleazeball so much as breathes in her direction—" "Yeah, yeah, I got it!" Usopp waved him off. "I’m not gonna let anything happen to her!" Sanji narrowed his eyes. "You better not." Nami smirked. "Relax, Sanji, you can trust Usopp." She leaned in with a teasing lilt in her voice. "Besides, I can handle myself~" Sanji immediately melted, hands clasped together as he sighed dreamily. "Of course you can, my strong, independent queen!" Zoro made a disgusted noise from the side. "God, you’re pathetic." Sanji snapped his head toward him. "And what exactly was that, Marimo?!" Zoro just smirked. "You heard me." Before Sanji could lunge at him, the boarding announcement rang through the speakers, signaling final call. With one last round of goodbyes— Franky dramatically blowing his nose into a tissue, Luffy waving both arms wildly, Sanji making very sure that Nami stayed within Usopp’s protective radius, and Zoro watching with his usual quiet amusement— Nami and Usopp made their way up the ramp and onto the Sunny Merry Cruise. The second they stepped onto the deck, it was like entering another world. Plush, sunlit lounge chairs were arranged around a massive infinity pool, guests in designer swimwear reclined under striped umbrellas, waiters in crisp uniforms floated past carrying trays of champagne, and somewhere in the distance, a live string quartet played soft, elegant melodies. Usopp let out a low whistle. "Nami… we made it." Nami slid her sunglasses onto her face, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. "Usopp," she said, draping an arm around his shoulders. "Let’s go make some money." Usopp shook his head, though an amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You never change, do you?" Nami just grinned, swooping a champagne over the passing waiter. It wasn’t that he approved of her antics—he didn’t. Every time she schemed up some new way to con rich idiots out of their fortunes, he made sure to remind her (fruitlessly) that stealing is bad. But Usopp knew better than anyone that trying to lecture Nami was like talking to a brick wall. His words would go in one ear and right out the other. So, like Sanji had so dramatically ordered him, Usopp would protect her—not because of chivalry. Okay, maybe that was part of it. Nami was a woman, after all. But more than that, they had a bond forged through years of shared struggles, close calls, and unwavering loyalty. If there was one thing they understood about each other, it was this: They would die for each other, no questions asked. They had all met at a time when they had no one else to lean on. Sure, Nami had Nojiko, but Usopp? He had watched his mother die with no father in sight. Luffy had grown up with Garp but never knew his real parents. Ace was gone, and the closest thing Luffy had to a mother figure, Dadan, was miles away. Zoro’s parents were a mystery, and Sanji refused to acknowledge his own. Even Franky’s family was on the other side of the world. They had no one but each other. They weren’t just friends—they were family. So, even if they didn’t say it out loud, it was common sense to protect one another. The two navigated the grand hallways of the Sunny Merry Cruise, passing by marble columns and chandeliers dripping with crystals. The sheer luxury of the ship was overwhelming—golden accents gleamed under the warm lighting, the air smelled of expensive cologne and freshly polished wood, and the floor was so spotless that Usopp swore he could see his reflection. They passed well-dressed passengers—men in tailored suits, women draped in pearls and diamonds, their laughter ringing through the halls like the clinking of expensive wine glasses. Dressed head to toe in designer brands and practically dripping in wealth, socialites, business moguls, and celebrities mingled in the hallways, sipping from crystal glasses filled with aged wine. This ship was a floating gold mine. And judging by the glint in Nami’s eyes, she was already thinking the exact same thing. "You’re already plotting something, aren’t you?" Usopp muttered, side-eyeing her. Nami hummed, pretending to look innocent as she ran her fingers over the golden accents lining the walls. "Me? Nooo. I’m just appreciating the… opportunities this ship has to offer." Usopp let out a long, suffering sigh. It was inevitable. This was who she was—it was in her bloodstream. "At least don’t get us kicked off before we even enjoy the vacation," he warned. Nami patted his back reassuringly. "Come on, have a little faith in me." He shot her a deadpan look. She laughed. "Okay, fine—some faith." When they reached their room because the suite was stunning. They’re just expecting some cramped room but damn, they’re welcome with a massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooked the endless ocean, sheer curtains billowing gently as the sea breeze filtered through the slightly open glass door leading to a private balcony. The room itself was decorated in warm, neutral tones—gold accents, plush carpeting, sleek modern furniture. The lighting was soft, ambient, the kind that made everything feel a little more expensive. But none of that was what caught Usopp’s attention first. No, that honor went to the single, king-sized bed sitting right in the middle of the room. Usopp frowned immediately, already knowing how this was going to play out. "Why does every single raffle assume the passengers are always a couple?" he grumbled, tossing his sunglasses onto the nightstand before kicking off his shoes and flopping onto the bed. The mattress was stupidly comfortable, molding perfectly to his body as he stretched out with a content sigh. Across the room, Nami was already pulling out clothes from her suitcase, inspecting each item for wrinkles before hanging them neatly in the wardrobe. She barely spared him a glance. "I dunno. Maybe because normal people don’t go on romantic luxury cruises with their best friend?" Usopp scoffed. "First of all, rude. Second of all, I bet there are tons of people who do that." Nami turned to him with a raised brow. "Name one." Usopp opened his mouth. Closed it. Thought for a second. "...Well, I don’t know them personally, but—" "Exactly." Nami smirked, returning to her task. Usopp sighed dramatically, rolling onto his stomach. "Fine. But just so you know, I already know you’re going to hog the bed and I’m gonna end up sleeping on the couch." "Correct." "At least pretend to argue with me!" "Why waste my energy?" Usopp groaned, face-planting into the pillows as Nami laughed. After unpacking and resting for a while, the two eventually made their way down to the main deck. The evening air was warm, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. The ship had come alive with music, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. Passengers lounged on deck chairs, waiters weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne, and in the distance, a live band played a soft, elegant tune. It was exactly the kind of place that attracted the rich and reckless. And exactly the kind of place where Nami thrived. "Alright," she said, adjusting the thin strap of her sundress. "Now is the time to make some money." Usopp groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can you at least wait a day before going full kleptomaniac?" "My debts' interest doesn’t decrease, Usopp. It goes up by five percent every day." Usopp rolled his eyes but let out a quiet sigh. He understood. Arlong’s debt collectors were ruthless. There had been a time when Nami was on the run from his men, desperate to stay ahead of them, but they caught up. If it hadn’t been for Zoro and Sanji stepping in, she would’ve been seriously hurt—or worse. Even Luffy had wanted to step in, but Nami stopped him. She knew it would only make things worse. Either Luffy would end up dead, or she would. It wasn’t easy. It never had been. But Nami needed the money. Belle-mère’s hospital bills had left her buried in debt, and her funeral costs only added to the weight she carried on her shoulders. It was a crushing burden, one Nami had never let go of. And this? Stealing from wealthy socialites who wouldn’t even notice if 50,000 Berries went missing? It was the easiest way to save up. And, as Nami always said—it’s for a good cause. Usopp watched as she wove through the crowd, flashing that signature charming smile, her fingers already itching for an opportunity. He sighed and plopped down onto a lounge chair near the deck railing, letting himself relax—but not too much. His muscles were tense, always on guard, ready to jump in if Nami got into trouble. He didn’t bulk up for nothing. But the view helped. The ocean stretched endlessly before him, the water shimmering under the fading golden light of the sunset. It was moments like these that made him think—about everything. About what could’ve been. Usopp had always wanted to be in the Navy when he was a kid. He’d dreamed of sailing the seas, fighting off pirates, becoming the brave warrior he always admired in stories. But dreams didn’t put food on the table. And making money these days? Damn near impossible. So, he settled. He worked as a mechanic in Franky’s workshop. The pay wasn’t great, but it was enough—enough to afford two meals a day, cover rent, and keep the water running. Electricity? Well… that was a different story. Usopp had figured out a way to jump his outlet to Franky’s shop, siphoning just enough power to keep the lights on in his place. Not exactly legal, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Franky didn’t mind, though. If anything, he called it “SUPEEER innovative!” and even praised Usopp for his genius problem-solving skills. Usopp only half-listened to the compliment—his eyes were already drifting back to Nami. She was mid-conversation with some businessman, her posture relaxed, her smile warm. Effortless. She had that way about her—charming, disarming. The kind of presence that made men lean in, made them believe they were the smartest man in the room, all while Nami quietly emptied their pockets. And the businessman? He didn’t notice a thing. Too busy being enamored by the pretty young woman in front of him. Usopp sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. This was going to be a long night. By the time the sun had fully set, the ship was alive with soft golden light, music, and the murmurs of the wealthy. The distant hum of the ocean blended seamlessly with the clinking of champagne glasses and hushed conversations of aristocrats trying to out-boast each other. And—thankfully—Nami hadn’t gotten into any trouble. Yet. Back in their suite, however, Usopp could only stare in a mix of awe, horror, and exasperation as Nami upended her bag onto the bed. Not her belongings. The passengers’ belongings. Wallets. Watches. Lighters. A silver bracelet. A set of cufflinks. Even a silk handkerchief with someone’s initials embroidered on it. And—of course—more wallets. Everything tumbled onto the mattress in a luxurious avalanche of other people’s hard-earned wealth. Usopp blinked. Rubbed his eyes. Blinked again. “…You collected all of this in one afternoon?” His voice cracked somewhere in the middle. Nami beamed, her eyes practically sparkling with pure, unfiltered pride. “Hehe, of course!” She knelt down, already flipping through the wallets like a kid unwrapping presents on their birthday. There was a giddy, almost reverent excitement in the way she inspected each one, fingers deftly plucking out crisp banknotes and tossing the empty wallets aside like they were candy wrappers. With a casual flick of her wrist, she shoved a few toward Usopp. Wordlessly ordering him to help. He sighed but complied, reluctantly picking up a sleek black wallet and flipping it open. His fingers brushed against a thick stack of neatly folded cash. Holy shit. This guy had been carrying more than his vacation budget. “…This is ridiculous,” Usopp muttered, glancing at the ridiculous sum in his hands. “Some of these people are way too rich for their own good.” “They’ll live,” Nami replied breezily, not even looking up as she continued rifling through her loot. “Besides, I was kind enough to leave their IDs. That counts as mercy, don’t you think?” Usopp shook his head but couldn’t help grinning as he pocketed his share. Damn. Some of these people were practically begging to be robbed. By the time they finished sorting, the pile of cash in front of them was—quite frankly—ridiculous. “You know,” Usopp said, fanning himself with a stack of crisp bills, “this might be our best haul in weeks.” “Correction,” Nami interjected, lifting a single bill between her fingers and appreciating the way the light reflected off it. “My best haul in weeks.” Usopp rolled his eyes but let it slide. He knew better than to argue when it came to Nami and money. “At this rate,” she mused, stacking her earnings into perfectly even piles, “we could probably live off this for a few months.” Usopp snorted. “Yeah, until we get arrested.” Nami simply laughed—the kind of carefree, rich girl laugh that should belong to the women she stole from. “Relax,” she said, flashing him a smirk. “No one even noticed. I’m that good.” He hated that she was right. With one last flick, she tossed aside the last empty wallet, now thoroughly looted and of no further use to her. Then, as if she hadn’t just committed a full-blown theft spree, she stretched her arms above her head and casually changed the subject. “So.” She turned to Usopp, eyes gleaming. “After dinner—casino?” Usopp, still holding a wad of stolen cash, blinked at her. Then he grinned, flipping through the bills like a seasoned gambler. “Oh, hell yeah.” Nami wiggled her eyebrows. “Now you’re talking.” Thirty minutes later, they stepped onto the casino floor, dressed to kill. Nami walked with the easy grace of someone who had never been denied a thing in her life. The red dress she wore clung to her like second skin, highlighting the curves that turned heads as she passed. Her hair was styled in a deliberately effortless updo, a few loose strands framing her face just enough to soften the sharp glint in her eyes. The jewelry she wore—stolen, naturally—glittered under the golden chandeliers, catching the light as if they truly belonged to her. And, in a way, they did now. She looked the part. She always did. Another wealthy socialite, another face in a crowd of people too self-absorbed to notice what was missing from their pockets. Usopp, on the other hand, had gone for something less flashy but still sharp—a black button-down, sleeves rolled up just enough to look effortless, paired with well-fitted dark slacks. He wasn’t a fan of dressing up, but he knew better than to show up to a place like this looking like some deckhand. And, well, Nami had generously lent him one of her stolen watches—just for the aesthetic, of course. It felt weirdly heavy on his wrist. The casino was buzzing with energy—somehow livelier than the infinity pool party they had passed earlier. The chandeliers here were different from the ones on the main deck. They didn’t just glow; they bathed the room in gold, reflecting off the polished marble floors and high-backed velvet chairs. The scent of cigars and expensive perfume lingered in the air, mixing with the clinking of poker chips, the shuffle of playing cards, the distant chime of a jackpot machine hitting its mark. This was a place where fortunes were made and lost in a heartbeat. And for Nami—it was the perfect hunting ground. She hooked her arm through Usopp’s, her sharp eyes already scanning the room, taking in every flashing number, every careless movement, every arrogant smirk of a man who thought he was untouchable. “So,” she murmured, tilting her head toward him, voice low with anticipation. “Where should we start?” Usopp, who had known her long enough to recognize that tone, immediately went into damage control mode. With a wide grin, he tugged her toward the rows of slot machines, their neon lights blinking hypnotically. “Slot machines, obvi.” Nami laughed, a soft, pleased giggle, and allowed herself to be led forward, her heels clicking against the floor. The mechanical chimes of the machines sang like a siren’s call, luring in eager players with flashing reels and the promise of riches. She wasn’t here to get rich. She was here to make sure someone else walked away a little poorer. They made their way to the cashier’s counter, where Nami, with the effortless charm of someone who absolutely belonged, exchanged a portion of their “earnings” for casino chips. The clerk didn’t even blink. To him, she was just another rich woman looking to indulge in the thrill of gambling. Usopp, however, felt a twinge of unease as he scooped up the neatly stacked chips. “Man, I don’t know if I feel good about this,” he muttered as they walked away. “Technically, we’re just recycling other people’s money.” Nami gave him a sidelong glance, amused. “Exactly. It’s eco-friendly.” Before Usopp could argue, she nudged him toward an open slot machine and slammed a chip onto the counter. “Here. Sit. Play.” He sighed, grabbed the chip, and fed it into the machine. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled the lever. The reels spun, flashing colors and symbols. Nami leaned in, watching closely. Nothing. A complete miss. She clicked her tongue, already annoyed. “Come on, Usopp, don’t waste my money.” “This isn’t even your money,” Usopp shot back, rolling his eyes. “And besides, relax. I got this. Like I said—I’m overdue. The universe owes me a win, just like what happened with the raffle.” Nami scoffed but couldn’t hide her smirk. She let him keep playing, arms crossed as she leaned against the machine, watching chip after chip disappear into the abyss. After a few rounds, it became painfully obvious—they weren’t gamblers, they were donors. The elderly woman at the machine beside them was on a winning streak, cackling as her coins clattered into the tray. Even the old man on Usopp’s other side was nodding smugly, rolling his shoulders like he had a strategy. Meanwhile, Nami and Usopp? Bleeding money. Nami groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "Spin," she ordered. Usopp exhaled like a man who had already accepted death, fed another chip into the machine, and pulled the lever. The reels whirred. First symbol: 7. His posture straightened. "Oh—wait, wait, wait—" Another 7. Nami gasped, gripping his shoulder. "No way. No way!" The final reel ticked forward agonizingly slowly, crawling toward the jackpot— Then clunk. A cherry. A damn cherry. A pathetic jingle played, mocking them. The machine spat out a couple of measly consolation credits. They sagged simultaneously. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” Nami slammed her hand onto the machine, face twisting in fury. Usopp, equally devastated, threw his hands up. “This thing is rigged! I thought we had it! We were so close!” “You THINK?!” Nami snapped. “You just wasted my money on this stupid machine!” "Your money?” Usopp turned to her, incredulous. “I thought this was some rich guy’s money!” “Well, now it’s mine, and you’re wasting it!” “You’re the one who told me to play!” “I told you to win!” Nami snapped, gesturing wildly at the machine. “You’re the one pulling the lever! Why didn’t you time it right?!” Usopp’s jaw dropped in sheer disbelief. “Time it right?!” He jabbed a finger at the machine. “What do you think this is, a science? You think I can just calculate the exact moment to pull a lever and magically land on a jackpot?!” Nami threw up her hands. “Yes! That’s how luck works!” Usopp let out an offended squawk. “LUCK IS LUCK, NAMI! You don’t time it—you pray, you sacrifice a little dignity to the universe, and you hope for the best!” “Oh my god, you are so useless,” Nami groaned, dragging a hand down her face. The gamblers nearby were openly entertained at this point. A few were chuckling into their drinks, watching the show unfold like it was part of the casino’s entertainment package. Frustration mounting, Usopp gritted his teeth and reeled back his foot—
WHAM.
He kicked the machine. Hard. A pause. The machine let out a pathetic beep. A few lights flickered, almost like it was offended by the assault. Usopp grimaced and took a tiny step back. “…Okay, maybe that wasn’t my smartest move.” Nami pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fantastic. Now we’re getting kicked out, all because you decided to throw a tantrum like some—”
DING!
They froze. The machine’s reels lit up. The screen flashed. A mechanical voice chirped cheerfully:
"Congratulations! Free spin awarded!"
Usopp turned to Nami, mouth hanging open. “…Did I just—?” “SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP—DON’T JINX IT!” Before he could even process what was happening, Nami yanked him back down onto the stool, practically shoving another chip into his hand. “SPIN IT AGAIN!” "Okay, okay, geez—" Usopp yanked the lever, the machine whirring back to life. Lights flashed, reels blurred, the anticipation thick enough to choke on. This was it. This was the moment.
Click. Click. Click.
Clunk.
Nothing. A losing roll. Again. The screen mocked them with a sad little chime, flashing some insulting consolation prize—a handful of credits barely worth the breath they wasted hoping. Nami dragged a hand down her face. "Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me." Usopp sank in his seat, staring blankly at the machine. “I hate this. I hate gambling. I hate life.” Nami, livid, smacked the back of his head. Hard. "Ugh. You suck." Usopp yelped. “WHY IS THIS MY FAULT?!” "You’re the one pulling the lever!" "You made me do it!" "You didn’t have to be bad at it!" They glared at each other, the slot machine blinking dumbly between them like even it was tired of their nonsense. For a moment, neither spoke. Then, as if to add insult to injury, the elderly woman at the next machine let out a delighted cackle—her reels lining up perfectly.
JACKPOT.
The screen erupted into a shower of lights and triumphant music. Coins clattered down into the tray in an obnoxious, endless stream. Nami and Usopp turned in perfect unison, watching as the woman scooped up her winnings with all the casual ease of someone who had done this a thousand times. She noticed their dead, horrified stares and gave them a sweet old lady smile. “Oh, don’t worry, dears,” she said kindly. “It’s all about timing.” Nami grabbed Usopp by the collar. “We’re leaving.” "But—but I still have—" "NOW." With a sharp yank, she dragged him away from the slot machines and toward the heart of the casino, weaving through the dimly lit tables and golden chandeliers. The scent of cigars, expensive whiskey, and recklessness hung in the air. This? This was where the real money was. Nami adjusted the thin strap of her dress, eyes scanning the room like a predator picking out its prey. The flashing slot machines were one thing—but this? This was the deep water. Poker tables. Roulette wheels. High-stakes blackjack. Wealthy men with easy smiles and heavy pockets. Her kind of people—men who mistook charm for innocence, who leaned in too close, who never noticed when their wallets disappeared into the depths of Nami’s purse. She smirked, looping her arm through Usopp’s as they strolled onto the casino floor. "Alright, time to make someone else's night worse." Usopp sighed, already resigned to his fate. "I feel like I shouldn’t stop you." "Then don’t." "Yeah, alright." And with that, they stepped into the real game. Hours passed, and Usopp was dreading every second of it. Sure, he could hold his own at blackjack—he had a few tricks up his sleeve, knew how to count cards just well enough to avoid detection—but these players weren’t just rich idiots throwing money away. They were good. And worse? The stakes were higher than he was comfortable with. Across the table, Nami was thriving. She giggled, light and effortless, as the third man of the night slid a possessive hand around her waist, treating her like a trophy he had already won. A mistake. Because just like the last two, he didn’t realize he was losing. Not just the game. His wallet, too. Usopp glanced at the pile of chips on the table. The man was hemorrhaging money, completely unaware that Nami had already bled the others dry. Her last two victims had left with empty pockets, smiling stupidly, completely oblivious. This guy? He was next. And Nami, ever the masterful con artist, was already leading him deeper into the game—leaning in just enough to keep him hooked, whispering little nothings in his ear, laughing at all the right moments. Usopp wiped a hand down his face, half-impressed, half-mortified. Nami was dangerous. He knew that. But watching her work? That was something else entirely. Still, even with all her skill, there was a rule Usopp lived by in places like this: Don’t overstay your welcome. And right now? They were pushing it. Nami tilted her head, eyes glimmering as she reached for another drink. Usopp didn’t like that look. She was getting greedy. And in a place like this, greed could get you killed. He leaned in, voice low. "Nami, maybe we should cash out." She didn’t even glance at him. "Relax." His stomach tightened. Bad sign. He tried again, sharper this time. "Nami—" And then— A new voice. Smooth. Low. Amused. "Quite the lucky streak you have there." Usopp stiffened. Nami finally looked up. And there, watching them from across the table— A new player. A woman. A gorgeous woman. She sat with effortless poise, draped in a deep purple satin dress that clung to her in all the right ways. A white faux fur rested elegantly over her arms, a touch of old-world luxury that made her stand out even in a room full of wealth. Her features were sharp, sculpted like something out of a Renaissance painting—high cheekbones, a defined jawline, lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. Her black hair framed her face in soft waves, with her fringe falling just above her eyes. And her eyes. Blue. Deep and knowing. Watching. In her left hand, she cradled a champagne flute, tilting it slightly as she idly swirled the liquid. Her right hand pushed a neat stack of chips forward, the motion slow, deliberate. Everything about her screamed control. Elegance. Power. And, more importantly—money. Nami tilted her head, intrigued. The woman caught the movement and, without looking away, took a slow sip of her drink. "Mind if I join?" Her voice was smooth, carrying a subtle challenge, like she already knew the answer. Nami blinked. Once. Twice. And then— She smiled. "Be my guest." The woman took her seat with the kind of grace Nami had only ever seen in royalty, crossing her legs effortlessly, setting her glass down beside her new pile of chips. Usopp swallowed hard. Shit. This? This was a problem. Nami could steal from idiots. From men too drunk on wealth and ego to notice their pockets getting lighter.