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The night wind howled fiercely on the deck of the Sunny Go, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea and the whispers of waves breaking against the ship's hull. Tomorrow was the long-awaited day, the day Nami and Sanji would tie the knot on their beloved ship. A celebration that had been postponed countless times due to endless adventures and obstacles, would finally become a reality.
Nami stood tall at the bow of the ship, her fingers tightly gripping the worn but sturdy wooden railing. Her thin nightgown fluttered in the rhythm of the wind, dancing around her legs. Her bright orange hair, usually tied up, now hung freely, a few mischievous strands clinging to her face, forced by the cold night breeze. Nami closed her eyes for a moment, letting the cold sensation pierce her skin, as if wanting to fully absorb the atmosphere of her last night as a navigator.
The Sunny Go looked peaceful, its sails gently blowing in the wind, creating a soft, calming melody. Only the navigation lights cast a dim glow, along with a few bright stars shining in the dark, cloudless sky. In the distance, small islands appeared only as faint silhouettes. The silence of the night was so thick, broken only by the sound of the sea and the gentle creak of the swaying ship.
Nami slowly opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping across the deck. She looked towards the kitchen, where the light was still dimly lit; Sanji was probably still busy preparing something for tomorrow morning, or just cleaning up after dinner. A faint smile graced her lips. Then her gaze shifted to the main mast, where their Jolly Roger flag proudly flew. All the crew members were fast asleep, probably exhausted after a full day of helping prepare decorations and logistics for tomorrow's wedding.
Tomorrow was a special day. The day she had been waiting for since she first got together with her lover.
Her wedding day.
Oh, Nami couldn't help but be happy. Tomorrow, Sanji, the ship's cook, the Pirate King's left-hand man, and a man who dedicated his life to women, would pledge to live together forever. She knew very well that Sanji wouldn't lose his knightly spirit even after marriage. Nami wondered if he would still be a womanizer after they got married? She didn't know, she never liked it when Sanji did that to other women besides her. However, when the man finally proposed to her, Nami couldn't say anything but yes. They had been in a relationship for a long time, but it took Sanji a long time to express it.
Tomorrow would be a different day than usual. Once she made her vows, she couldn't turn back. She would be a wife, even a mother. After this, they would leave the Sunny Go, making them the first and second members to return home after their dreams came true. Sanji had found All Blue, and Nami had successfully drawn a world map not long after Sanji did. The rest of the crew were happy, they laughed, cried, and held a grand party for the Straw Hat Crew.
Nami's thoughts drifted, imagining life after this. Getting married, maybe settling down, meeting family again at Baratie and Cocoyashi Village, and yes... having children. The scenario made her blushed, but doubt suddenly crept in. Could she be a good wife and mother? The question swirled in her mind.
A strange sensation suddenly enveloped Nami. It wasn't the cold from the wind, but an uncomfortable feeling that spread from her stomach. Her head began to throb slowly, as if a small hammer was pounding inside. She blinked several times, hoping the sensation would disappear. But instead of subsiding, the dizziness grew stronger, making her vision slightly blurry.
Nami felt her body begin to shiver, no longer from the cold wind, but a piercing chill from within. She tried rubbing her arms, hoping the warmth would alleviate this sensation. But it was useless. Cold sweat began to flood her forehead, contrasting with the sudden hot sensation spreading up her neck. The dizziness was now overwhelming, as if all her energy had been drained.
With all her might, Nami tried to walk. Her legs felt weak and a little wobbly. She had to get inside, to a warm place, to the women's quarters. Robin must have been fast asleep, but at least there were thick blankets and silence that could calm her. With a staggering gait, Nami tried to maintain her balance. Every step felt heavy, her vision blurred, and the world around her seemed to spin. She clutched tightly at her sleeve, trying to focus on the door to the women's quarters that seemed so far at the end of the corridor.
Finally, with great difficulty, she reached the doorway. Nami extended a trembling hand, slowly opened the doorknob, and dragged her body into the darkness that promised tranquility.
---
Nami woke up with a strange feeling. Her forehead felt cold from a wet cloth, but her entire body was shivering while her face and neck were hot. The headache from last night had subsided a bit, but her head still felt heavy, as if she had just been hit by a big wave.
"Robin..." Nami's voice was hoarse, barely audible. She tried to open her eyes fully, gazing at the swaying ceiling of the room as the ship moved.
Robin, who was sitting beside the bed reading a book, immediately turned. "Oh, Nami, you're awake," she said with relief, immediately putting down her book and reaching for a small basin nearby. "How do you feel?"
"A little dizzy, but better," Nami replied, trying to get up. "Is it morning already? How are the wedding preparations? Is everything okay?"
Robin sighed softly as she wrung out the compress cloth. "Nami... your wedding is postponed for now."
Nami was startled. "What?! Postponed?! Why?" she asked, trying to remove the compress from her forehead.
"Don't move yet," Robin gently held her hand. "You're sick, Nami. All the crew are very worried, especially Sanji. He looked so sad, but now he just wants to focus on taking care of you until you recover."
Nami's face flushed. "Sanji-kun... that much? Oh my, this is so embarrassing, I feel bad for him."
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about," Robin smiled faintly. "What exactly made you so sick like this? Was something bothering you?"
Nami was silent, hesitant. "I... I was just thinking. After we get married... can I be a good wife? Or a good mother to our children?" She bit her lower lip. "All this time I've only been able to take care of myself, I'm not sure I can do all that."
"Nami, those worries are normal," Robin said in a soothing voice, stroking Nami's back. "Many women feel them. But you're not alone. Sanji loves you, and he knows you. You'll be fine. You're already a great Nami. Trust yourself."
Speaking of the devil, a knock interrupted their conversation. "Nami-swan! May I come in?!" Sanji's panicked voice came from outside.
Robin smiled amusedly. "It seems your main 'nurse' has arrived."
The cabin door opened slightly, and Sanji appeared with a worried face, followed by Chopper, Luffy, and Brook peeking behind him.
"Nami! How are you?!" Chopper immediately shouted, his eyes teary. "Does anything hurt?" He continued.
Luffy poked his head in, worried. "NAMIIII!!" Nami closed her eyes tightly when she heard the shout. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU NAMI?? ARE YOU HAVING A FEVER AGAIN?"
"Nami-san, I sympathize with your wedding, get well soon." Brook chimed in with tears streaming down his face.
Sanji, his face flushed with annoyance and embarrassment at the crowd, quickly pushed them out. "GET OUT! This isn't a show! Chopper, you know your job! Luffy, Brook, don't make a racket!" He closed the door with a bang. "Sorry, Nami-san. They are just... always like that."
"I'm going to the deck, please take care of her, Sanji." Robin stood up, giving a sweet smile.
"Leave it to me, Robin-chan."
Sanji turned, still a bit awkward in the women's quarters, though it wasn't his first time. He carried a steaming bowl of warm chicken corn soup. "Here's some soup for you, Nami-san. A special recipe to help you get well quickly."
"Thank you, Sanji-kun." Nami smiled faintly, feeling a little warmth from his attention.
Sanji sat by the bedside, looking at Nami with eyes full of concern. "I... I overheard you talking to Robin. About your worries... about our wedding... Is that what made you sick? I want to know, Nami-san."
Nami's face reddened slightly. "You were eavesdropping, Sanji-kun?! How rude!" She looked away. "I... I don't want to talk about it now. Later, after we're married."
Sanji sighed, but nodded understandingly. "Alright, if that's what you want. I'll wait until you're ready." He leaned closer, bending down, and gently kissed Nami's lips. The kiss, as always, never made her bored, it always made her stomach feel filled with fluttering butterflies.
---
Sanji couldn't hide his anxiety. Ever since Chopper announced that Nami had a fever and needed complete rest, his entire focus had shifted. The word "wedding," which should have been the peak of his happiness tomorrow morning, had vanished from his head, replaced by the image of Nami's pale face. Panic enveloped his heart, followed by waves of responsibility that felt so heavy on his shoulders. The most important thing now was for Nami to be alright, to fully recover, as quickly as possible. He paced back and forth in the kitchen, his hands clenched in his pockets, while cigarette smoke plumed from his lips.
The kitchen, usually filled with Sanji's cheerful melodies, was now silent, only the faint clatter of plates as Sanji rearranged cooking utensils aimlessly. He paused for a moment in front of the window, staring blankly at the dark sea. The image of Nami's pained face was still clear in his mind.
As Sanji was lost in his mixed thoughts, the kitchen door opened and Zoro walked in casually, heading straight for the cabinet to grab a bottle of booze. Sanji, who would usually hurl insults the moment he saw Zoro, was silent this time. He even opened the bottle for Zoro without a word.
Zoro, accustomed to Sanji's sneers, felt something was off. He took a swig of his booze, then glanced at Sanji who looked sluggish, his cigarette unlit between his fingers.
"What's wrong with you?" Zoro asked, his voice a little hoarse. "You're quiet for once. Dont tell me you're caught it too?"
Sanji sighed heavily, his gaze blank. "I'm not in the mood to fight with you, Moss Head." He slowly exhaled a puff of smoke. "I... I'm just thinking about Nami-san."
Zoro frowned. "Are you talking about her condition? She's fast asleep. Chopper said she's just a little tired. Not a fatal disease."
"It's not just about her being sick!" Sanji snapped slightly, then lowered his voice. "I heard... she told Robin she was worried about the wedding."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"And?" Sanji repeated in frustration. "What if she got a headache from thinking too much about me? What if she needs time to process all this?" Sanji started pacing restlessly again, his voice filled with anxiety. "What if she actually doesn't like me but still went through with it until today? What if Nami-san felt pressured to be in a serious relationship with me all this time?"
Zoro snorted, taking another gulp of his booze. "You overthink too much, Swirly Brows." He looked at Sanji with a flat gaze. "Listen. Women are complicated. But Nami, you don't need to worry. If she didn't like you, she would never agree to marry you." Zoro touched the hilt of his sword. "She's not the type to beat around the bush, nor is she the type to do something out of compulsion. If she doesn't want to, she'll say no."
Sanji was surprised to hear such wise words coming from Zoro's mouth. He stared at Zoro with wide eyes, as if seeing a ghost. "What did you just say? Did I hear that right?"
"Shut up!" Zoro glared, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm just stating the truth. You use your brain too much for unnecessary things. Instead of making foolish assumptions, just ask her directly. Don't keep it to yourself."
Zoro's words, somehow, struck Sanji. He was right. Sanji was making too many assumptions, creating too many worst-case scenarios in his head. Nami was an honest and straightforward woman. If something was bothering her, she would definitely say it. Or at least, show clear signs. Nami's worries about becoming a wife and mother... that was a human thing, it didn't mean she didn't love him.
Sanji put out his cigarette in the ashtray, then looked at Zoro with a clearer gaze. "You're... right. I need to talk to her."
"Of course, I'm right," Zoro sneered. "Now go. Don't you get sick too from overthinking foolishly."
Sanji didn't return the sneer. A new determination appeared in his eyes. He had to talk to Nami.
Directly, without hiding behind worries and assumptions. He had to clear this up. This wasn't just about Nami, but also about their trust. Sanji left the kitchen with a more determined stride, leaving Zoro alone to sip his booze, muttering about how troublesome men in love could be.
---
A few days later, the Sunny Go sailed calmly again over the vast ocean. Nami had fully recovered. Her face was no longer pale, and her spirit had returned. She was seen sitting at the navigation table, meticulously examining a map.
Unexpectedly, their captain, Luffy, entered the library, munching on a large piece of meat. He saw Nami, who was already back to her usual activities.
"Nami, you're completely well now," Luffy said, his voice a little softer than usual, but still with his usual eating habits. "So, when's your wedding party? Still tomorrow, or do you want to postpone it again?"
Nami turned, looking at Luffy who was standing in the doorway. "We've been planning this for a long time, Luffy." She sighed, remembering how her fever and worries had almost messed everything up. "I don't want yesterday's incident to happen again."
Luffy nodded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Are you sure? Don't push yourself." There was a hint of understanding in his voice, though he continued to chew heartily.
Nami smiled faintly. "I'm sure. I've thought about it carefully." She looked at Luffy with a firm gaze. "Sanji-kun and I will still have the wedding tomorrow."
Luffy grinned widely, his characteristic smile showing genuine happiness, no longer overly childish. "Alright then. In that case, I'll make sure everyone's ready for the party." He then turned and left, perhaps heading to the kitchen to tell Sanji, or maybe already planning a big feast for the celebration. Nami just shook her head, amused at Luffy's continued enthusiasm, but she knew her decision was final.
---
Night again crept over the Sunny Go, enveloping the ship in a shroud of darkness adorned with scattered stars. Nami stood on the deck, in the same spot as a few nights ago when her body began to waver. This time, however, the night wind felt soothing, carrying with it the familiar scent of the sea. Tomorrow was her wedding day. This time, she knew, it was truly going to happen. Her heart was filled with a mix of anticipation and a pleasant nervousness.
She took a deep breath, letting the cool night air fill her lungs. Her thoughts drifted to everything they had been through. Crazy adventures, life-or-death battles, endless laughter, and flowing tears. Amidst it all, Sanji was always there, serving her warm tea, delicious meals, and never-ending attention. That man would be her husband tomorrow. A faint smile graced her lips.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence. "Nami-san, you're not asleep yet?"
Nami turned. Sanji stood behind her, carrying two steaming cups of warm tea. The calming aroma of chamomile wafted through the air.
"You remember why you got sick yesterday, right?" Sanji continued, approaching slowly. "Maybe it's because you breathed the night air for too long. Come on, go inside. You might get a fever again." He handed one of the cups to Nami.
Nami took the cup, feeling the warmth spread to her hands. "It wasn't, Sanji-kun," she said softly, shaking her head. "I know it wasn't because of the night air." She looked into Sanji's blue eyes, which radiated concern. "I... I want to tell you something."
Sanji lowered his head slightly, his gaze shifting to the cup of tea in his hand. "What is it, Nami-san? Are you still thinking about yesterday?" His tone was cautious, as if afraid of hearing something bad.
Nami took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Yes. I want to be honest with you." She looked at Sanji intently. "While I was sick yesterday, and even before that, I kept thinking about this. I'm scared, Sanji-kun. I'm scared I won't be a good wife to you. I'm scared I won't be a good mother to our children later." Her voice trembled slightly. "I have no experience with those things. What if I disappoint you? What if I can't meet your expectations?"
Nami waited for Sanji's reaction. She was worried Sanji would laugh, or perhaps be disappointed. However, Sanji was silent for a moment, looking at her with a gentle gaze. Then, a small, warm laugh escaped his lips. It wasn't a laugh of ridicule, but a laugh full of understanding and affection, as if Nami's worries were the sweetest thing he had ever heard.
"Oh... my love..." Sanji approached, taking both of Nami's hands that held the cup. He placed the cups on the ship's railing, then tightly clasped both of Nami's hands. "You really do overthink things, don't you?" He smiled, a genuine smile that always melted Nami's heart. "Listen to me. You don't need to be anyone other than yourself."
Nami felt warmth spread from Sanji's grip to her entire body.
"I love you because you are Nami-san," Sanji continued, his voice now deeper and full of conviction. "The intelligent navigator, who bravely faces storms, who can be fierce too," he chuckled softly, Nami only pouted her lips. "but has a very kind heart, the most beautiful in all the seas." His eyes sparkled. "I never ask for more than that from you. I don't need a perfect wife. I just need you, Nami-san, because you are perfect enough in my eyes."
Nami's eyes began to well up. Her heart warmed at every sincere word from Sanji. "But... what about being a wife? Or being a mother?" Nami still tried to hold back tears, but her voice was choked. "I'm really not sure, Sanji-kun."
Sanji then did something unexpected. He released her hands, and with a graceful but firm movement, he knelt before Nami. The starlight above their heads seemed to bear silent witness.
Nami's eyes widened in surprise. That man, who always acted like a 'prince', was now kneeling before her, in the middle of the ship's deck.
"Nami-san..." Sanji began, looking at Nami with all the love in his eyes. "You know, I've proposed to you before," A faint smile touched his lips. "But tonight, I want to do it again, in a slightly different way."
Nami held her breath, feeling her heart pound. The tears in her eyes grew larger.
"I, Sanji," Sanji continued, his voice clear and firm, "swear to love Nami-san, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in richness and in poverty, till death do us apart. I promise to always be by your side, to be your support, to protect you, to cook you the most delicious food every day, and to always accompany you in learning to be the wife and mother you wish to be. We will learn together, Nami-san. Every step, every day. I will never leave you."
Every word from Sanji thrilled Nami's heart. That promise, uttered earlier than it should have been, felt so real and deep. It wasn't just a proposal, but a vow that bound their souls. Nami's tears finally fell, flowing down her cheeks. She couldn't contain the overwhelming emotion. Sanji didn't need to propose to her again, but this promise, this profound promise, removed every doubt in her heart.
"So, Nami-san..." Sanji looked at her hopefully. "Will you... be my wife, and the mother of our children in the future?"
Nami couldn't speak. She just nodded, repeatedly, tears still streaming down her face. She couldn't hold back her feelings. With an overflowing heart, Nami helped Sanji stand from his kneeling position, then cupped Sanji's face and kissed him. A kiss full of love, gratitude, and an unspoken reciprocal promise.
Sanji was surprised for a moment, his eyes widening. But the next second, he passionately returned Nami's kiss, wrapping his arms around Nami's waist, pulling her closer. Beneath the scattered stars, on their ship, a promise had been etched, not just on their lips, but also in their souls.
Unbeknownst to Nami, from behind the ship's main mast, Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jinbei were peeking. Wide smiles and grins adorned their faces, witnessing the sweet moment of their cook and navigator. They knew, tomorrow would be an extraordinary day.
---
The next day, the sun shone gently, bathing the deck of the Sunny Go in golden light. The ship, usually bustling with activity, was now elegantly decorated: colorful tropical flower garlands wrapped around the main mast, white and gold ribbons fluttered softly with the breeze, and a simple but beautiful altar stood at the bow, facing the horizon. The scent of flowers mixed with the savory aroma of Sanji's cooking wafting from the kitchen, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
The entire Straw Hat crew, usually disheveled, looked neat and excited that day. Luffy, though wearing a slightly oversized suit, couldn't hide his wide grin. Zoro looked a bit awkward in his suit, occasionally adjusting his collar that felt like it was choking him. Usopp and Chopper were busy making sure the stingray-shaped balloons didn't fly too far, while Franky, in his red suit—at least he wasn't wearing underwear as usual, today he was wearing shorts—was crying as usual. Robin and Brook, with their elegant and dandy appearances. And Jinbei stood beside Luffy, a warm smile radiating from his face.
Soft music began to play, accompanying Nami's steps as she emerged from behind the women's cabin. All eyes turned to her. Nami wore a simple yet stunning white gown, made of light fabric, falling gracefully to the deck. Her bright orange hair was adorned with a tiny crown of dried flowers, and in her hand, she held a bouquet of flowers picked by Chopper and Robin. Sunlight reflected off her gown, making her appear to glow, as if an aura of happiness emanated from her.
Sanji, waiting at the altar, couldn't help but gasp. His eyes widened, his cheeks immediately turning crimson. To Sanji, Nami didn't just look beautiful, she was the embodiment of all the beauty he had ever imagined. In that white gown, with a faint smile on her lips and sparkling eyes, Nami looked like a goddess descended from heaven. All his worries and anxieties from the night before vanished instantly, replaced by awe and overflowing love. This was his Nami-san, who would soon become his wife.
With tear-filled eyes, Sanji extended his hand. Nami walked slowly, each step accompanied by the whispers of the waves that bore silent witness. When Nami finally stood before him, Sanji was unable to utter a single word. He could only stare at her, completely captivated, his heart filled with indescribable happiness. This was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, a promise that would bind these two adventurous souls forever.