Chapter 95: First Awakening of Love
Day and night turned. The banquet continued for two whole nights, right until the third morning, as the sky was just beginning to lighten with dawn.
In the ruins beneath the giant beanstalk, after two full days of feasting, hundreds of people were overcome with exhaustion, lying scattered haphazardly on the ground.
Shandians like Wiper and Laki, Skypieans like Conis and Gan Fall, and of course, the Straw Hat Pirates.
The morning light slanted obliquely through the forest, casting a pale golden glimmer upon everyone, lending a quiet serenity to the ruins.
The air was somewhat chilly. Reiner, leaning against a tree stump, slowly opened his eyelids. Sleepy-eyed, he fumbled behind him for a moment until he finally found his glasses and put them on.
"Two whole days... We really raised a ruckus."
Reiner lifted a hand to adjust his glasses, closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose, pressing gently. Feeling a warmth against his chest, he couldn't help but glance down.
Nami, wearing hot pants and a white camisole, lay curled on her side on a ground mat, her beautiful legs outstretched, her head pillowed on her hand as she slept soundly on his chest.
Starting yesterday evening, people at the banquet had gradually succumbed to exhaustion. By late night, almost everyone was utterly spent.
Perhaps out of a sense of security, a drowsy Nami had subconsciously snuggled up to Reiner, resting her head on his chest and falling fast asleep.
Reiner carefully observed Nami nestled against him. Her soft body was curled up, the morning light casting an orange-red hue on her fair face. Strands of her orange hair lay scattered across her cheeks and fair neck. The usually playful, sunny girl looked so gentle and cute when quiet.
Nami's eyelashes fluttered lightly, her brow furrowing slightly, as if his movement to find his glasses had half-awakened her, or perhaps the morning sunlight was a bit too dazzling.
His group, starting from the East Blue, had journeyed through Syrup Village to Cocoyasi Village, Loguetown, Whisky Peak, Little Garden... The original six who entered the Grand Line together had gradually met new companions like Vivi, Chopper, and Robin.
Through all their adventures and hardships, the ship's four main powerhouses had slowly become the most reassuring and reliable figures in the hearts of the others.
Among them, Reiner, whose personality and thought processes seemed more normal, had naturally become the person Nami trusted most. Of course, his own intentional and unintentional efforts to get closer to Nami played no small part.
Was it intentional or accidental? It was intentional. There's no need to hide that.
Reiner leaned his head back against the tree stump. The early morning forest air was damp; dewdrops had soaked through his shirt.
Previously, when his strength was insufficient, he hadn't much thought about anything other than improving his power. But now...
After acquiring Enel's template and fusing it into Frieren, he was practically invincible in the first half of the Grand Line... right? Probably.
Excluding, of course, Marine Headquarters, which was currently still located in Paradise, and those big shots at Marineford.
Ahem, also excluding Rayleigh at Sabaody – the old man was quite amiable, after all.
Emmm... and also excluding Mihawk and Shiki who occasionally roamed Paradise, and Aokiji who was secretly watching them...
Damn!
Forget it, I'm running out of fingers to count them all.
BUT!
Reiner's gaze became resolute. Relying on Enel's super-wide-range Observation Haki (achieved via electric fields), plus his other powerful combatant templates, and the long-distance flight capability of his hawk undead, he now at least possessed the strength for self-preservation.
Naturally, he also had the mental space to consider other aspects of life. For example...
He looked down at the gentle, tranquil Nami. Reiner's heart couldn't help but flutter. He quite liked this girl, who was at times playful and savage, and at other times kind and gentle. Moreover, Reiner wasn't the type to just wait around foolishly; if he liked someone, he would take the initiative. Could he really wait for Nami to be snatched up by someone else?
These were all necessary experiences in life. Setting aside someone like Usopp, who started with a childhood sweetheart, the others would also gradually meet their compatible partners. He couldn't possibly end up a lonely old bachelor, could he?
Reiner shook his head forcefully. No way, no way! I refuse to die alone, lingering in some red-light district!
Hm?
Actually, thinking about it... that might not be too bad either... Slurp~
"Mmm~"
Suddenly, a soft, sweet moan came from below. Nami frowned slightly, her eyes half-open, half-closed, as she pushed herself up from Reiner's chest.
"Morning, Nami."
Hearing the familiar gentle voice, Nami, still not fully awake, subconsciously replied softly.
"Morning, Reiner." Nami gently rubbed her eyes. She seemed a little cold, shivering slightly and slowly curling up, hugging herself.
"It's a bit chilly. Come here," Reiner said with a smile, extending his hands and opening his arms invitingly.
"Mmm~"
Nami's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, still somewhat drowsy. She leaned her delicate body down, resting against his chest. He could smell the tempting fragrance emanating from her skin. Her two soft, white mounds were partly visible, pressing against him, sparking endless遐想 (reverie/imagination). Her sleepy eyes emitted a soft, indistinct sound.
"So tired... We've been partying non-stop... Feels like I can never get enough sleep."
"Let me heat up some water for you first."
Feeling Nami's warm, soft body against him, Reiner, for once, didn't ruin the atmosphere with his usual inappropriate teasing.
He silently summoned several undead. One hawk undead carried a Fish-Man back to the Going Merry, while Frieren brought over a water cup.
He reached out, placing his hand on Nami's head, gently ruffling her messy hair. Nami, like a startled kitten, flinched slightly, tucking her head a little, but made no other movement, seemingly not resisting, allowing his warm palm to caress her.
But in reality, her heart was already pounding frantically.
What is this bastard Reiner doing all of a sudden!? It's a bit itchy... but... so warm... very comfortable... Her face gradually flushed red. As if not wanting to be discovered, she bent her arms, slowly burying her head further.
A subtle atmosphere filled the air. It was incredibly quiet all around, with only the soft thumping sound of Frieren pouring water.
Nami's heart beat rapidly, her thoughts surging. Nami! Nami! What's wrong with you!? Get up and punch him!
So embarrassing! If anyone saw... would they...? Ooh~~ No! Too shameful!
Thinking this, Nami's blush deepened even further, gradually spreading. Her ears burned red hot as she buried her head deeper and deeper.
This was the first time Reiner had seen Nami like this. Frieren poured a cup of water, then heated it with a small flame before crouching down and handing it over.
"Get up and drink some water," Reiner said softly, gently poking Nami's fair arm.
"Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!" Nami suddenly sat bolt upright with a start, flusteredly fidgeting with her hands.
"Ah! Water! Water!"
Blushing furiously, Nami immediately took the cup, using it to hide her face, tilted her head back, and drank in large gulps. Seeing this, Reiner couldn't help but smile.
After finishing the water, Nami put the cup down heavily on the tree stump, wiped her moist lips with her wrist, looked up at him with watery eyes, and said tentatively, "Reiner... your face is really red."
Nani!
Hearing this, Reiner immediately panicked and pulled out a mirror from who-knows-where to check. Inside, a stunningly handsome face looked back, gentle and composed as usual.
"Where!?"
"Pfft~" Nami covered her mouth, unable to stop a giggle from escaping as she saw his flustered state. "Isn't it red now?"
Tricked!
"You really are... Ai." Reiner scratched his head and sighed. He looked up, and his eyes met Nami's. After a long moment, they looked at each other and smiled.
Whoosh~
Flap~ Flap~
The hawk undead returned, flapping its wings as it landed. An undead jumped off, handing over a sable fur coat – the one Nami had bought with Vivi while shopping on Drum Island.
Reiner stood up, helped Nami put on the coat, then swept her up into a princess carry, chuckling softly. "Come with me. I'll show you something good."
"What good thing?" Nami asked, lying languidly in his arms without resisting.
Reiner flashed a cunning, sinister smile. "Hehe. Come with me, and you'll find out."
On the horizon of the White-White Sea, the sun was only half-risen, its orange-red halo not yet dazzling.
The pale golden dawn light suffused the sky, sprinkling down and illuminating the scattered island clouds. The entire white sea surface was dyed a shade of crimson, as picturesque as a painting.
The hawk soared through the sky above the sea. Nami sat in front, staring blankly at the beautiful scenery before her, hands clutching the brown fur coat, the shock in her heart hard to conceal.
"It's truly... so beautiful."
Nami was immersed in the breathtaking view. The cool breeze blowing against her face ruffled strands of her hair. She sat with her legs tucked under her (duck-sitting style), her two long, fair, and slender legs completely revealed.
"Thank you, Reiner."
Nami couldn't help but smile. She glanced back at Reiner behind her and spoke softly, "Clearly strong as a monster, yet so considerate and gentle... You'd definitely be in high demand out in the world."
Hearing this, Reiner leaned in close immediately, boldly wrapping an arm around Nami's slender waist. He leaned down, looking at Nami's slightly blushing face, and smiled gently.
"Why 'out in the world'? Am I not wanted 'in here'?"
"B-b-but..." Nami suddenly became flustered. She knew what Reiner implied. She wasn't without feelings for Reiner; quite the contrary, if she had to choose someone to spend her life with, Reiner was exactly her ideal type.
Just as she herself had said: incredibly strong, a good personality, very gentle towards people, and – very importantly – good at making money!
Reiner was wonderful, impeccable. Her future partner... if possible, she hoped it would be someone just like him.
It was just that she had never considered such things before, nor did she expect Reiner to have these kinds of feelings for her. And now...
"Reiner... when did you..." Nami actually felt a sliver of secret joy. So Reiner... he also secretly developed feelings for me?
Thinking this, Nami's face instantly flushed red all the way to her neck. She ducked her head, revealing her smooth, fragrant shoulders, not daring to meet Reiner's eyes, and whispered, "B-but... aren't we pirates? Isn't this..."
"Well~ Pirate King Roger got married and had a kid. He's a good role model, you know."
Reiner said nonchalantly. Nami seemed overly nervous. He brought up another topic to ease the atmosphere, asking with a light chuckle instead, "You've become a pirate, yet your thinking has become traditional?"
He became a pirate for freedom; how could this become his shackles? It was just a profession. Were pirates such inconvenient beings?!
There were plenty of pirates who got married and had children. If he couldn't have romance, why be a pirate at all? Might as well stay home and read newspapers.
Did Hancock stop being a pirate when she fell for Luffy? If Sanji married Pudding, would he have to leave the crew? No way. Pirates are free.
Reiner's parents in this world were pirates. After giving birth to him, they dumped him in Foosha Village and then went off to roam the world together, eventually dying together on the free seas...
"Is that so... Wait a minute! You said Pirate King Roger got married and had a son!?"
Nami suddenly realized something, her face filled with shock. The two most widely known names on the seas were undoubtedly Roger and Garp; stories about them had been told for decades, known even to three-year-olds.
"How do you know that!?"
Nami was very excited. After all, hearing this household name, and such earth-shattering news at that, instantly ignited her gossip-loving heart. "Quick, tell me!"
Your face changes so fast! Reiner couldn't help but scratch his head.
"Ahem... Just a little hint: you actually met his son after you set sail," he said, looking at Nami with interest, leaving her in suspense.
"I've met Roger's son!?" Nami gasped. As she straightened up, her impressive bust trembled. She held up her fingers and began to count.
"Roger was from the East Blue... the East Blue people I met were you guys... Luffy? No, no, Roger died over twenty years ago, Luffy's age doesn't match. Zoro and Sanji are a bit off too..."
Nami counted on her fingers one by one. Finally, her gaze fell on Reiner. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Could it be you!? No wonder you know this news!"
Reiner: "."
Crap. Just great. Now I've gained another father.
"No, no! It's Luffy's brother, Ace! We met him in Alabasta!"
"Nani!"
Nami was clearly thoroughly surprised. "Isn't he Whitebeard's son!? And! Luffy! So, our captain's brother... is Roger's son!"
"Mm. That's right."
"Then what's the relationship between Luffy's family and Roger!?"
"Well... Luffy's family connections are outrageously complicated. We can talk about that slowly in the future."
Reiner waved his hand helplessly. Luffy's network was too complex; basically, anyone incredibly awesome on the seas could be linked to him. He returned to seriousness and smiled again:
"Nami, you want to draw a map of the entire world, right? I want to travel around the entire world. We can be partners then."
"Pa-pa-partner... you mean..." Nami stammered, her voice growing softer. Before Reiner could speak, her imagination began to run wild. Could it be... ma-ma-ma...?
"It's rare to see you so shy. Unexpectedly cute," Reiner said, his fingers gently combing through her soft orange hair.
"Don't think so far ahead. Just let things flow naturally. Let your future self decide future matters."
Reiner softly interrupted Nami's thoughts, thinking secretly, Pushing too hard will only backfire. Just you wait. Eventually, you'll have no other choice.
Nami Capture Plan: Step 1 (check!), Step 2 (in progress), Step 3...
"Mm... you're right." Although Nami's heart was still pounding, she felt a sense of relief. Reiner's hand remained on her slender waist, and she could feel her tense body softening.
The atmosphere was already set, the scene specially chosen...
Looking down at the shy girl leaning silently against his chest, her glistening white legs right before his eyes, Reiner couldn't help but reach out and slowly caress them.
"Mmm~~"
Nami let out a soft, delicate moan, her watery eyes downcast. The faint, alluring girlish fragrance from her body made Reiner's heart burn even hotter. Then, his fingertips traced upwards along her tender skin towards its root. The sensitive touch instantly made Nami's delicate body arch unconsciously, her two stunning mounds trembling.
"No... any further up..." Nami's eyes were hazy, her breathing rapid. She reached out, placing her hand on his, pushing gently.
"Mm... then..." Reiner leaned down, cupped her face. Nami closed her eyes in a fluster. He brushed aside her fragrant hair and lowered his head, kissing Nami's tender, lovely lips.
"Mmm~~" Nami's eyelashes fluttered gently. Experiencing her first stirrings of romance, her hands felt awkward, unsure of what to do.
Only when Reiner tightly clasped her fingers, holding them before her chest, did she gradually calm down, immersing herself in the subtle, warm sensation.
After a long while, their lips, glistening, slowly parted. Nami felt Reiner's palm caress her skin, growing even shyer.
"Mmm~ Please... don't be like this."
Nami, face flushed red, pressed against Reiner's chest, letting out soft, whispered moans. The continuous tingling sensation made her body tremble, but she only clutched Reiner's clothes tightly, offering no resistance. She didn't want to resist this man at this moment.
Because... if the person she were to spend her life with was Reiner... it seemed like it would be really, really nice.
(End of this chapter)
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