Navigation: The Intuition is Against Heaven, and the Deduction of the Start is a Cremation

Chapter 22: Syrup Village—Kaya!

“Huff! Huff!”

“Oi! Captain! Do you have the heart to let a helpless woman row all by herself?!”

Nami shot a frustrated glare at Ace, who was currently fast asleep beside her. Their journey had begun shortly after their farewell feast on the merchant ship. Just as they were about to set sail, a Marine patrol vessel spotted the wreckage of the Bone-Blade Pirates. The merchant captain and sailors quickly helped Ace and Nami escape, gifting them a lifeboat filled with supplies, fresh water, and even beer. The entire experience left Nami perplexed. After spending years hating pirates due to Arlong, she had never imagined a day when pirates would be thanked and protected by civilians.

“Hah!”

Ace stretched lazily, rubbing his nose. “Relax, Nami. You’re a navigator, aren’t you?” He grinned. “Besides, you refused to share my raft.” “Yes, I’m a navigator, but that doesn’t mean I’m a helmsman!” Nami gritted her teeth. This captain is unbelievably unreliable.

As for Ace’s tiny raft— It was barely big enough for one person to lie down on. And Nami’s boat had sunk alongside the Bone-Blade Pirates’ ship.

“Captain, I have a question.” Nami’s eyes narrowed as she studied Ace. “Hmm? What is it?” Ace grabbed a piece of bread, casually biting into it. “Where did you get all that money?” Nami hesitated for a moment before finally asking. She had been bothered by this ever since the merchant ship. If he hasn’t stolen it, then…where did it come from?

“Oh, that?” Ace casually unzipped his backpack, revealing stacks of cash. He grinned. “This? It’s all dirty money.”

He began listing them off: “Some came from pirates I defeated; Some were taken from crooked criminals; Some were borrowed from noble scumbags who abused their slaves.”

Nami froze. Her lips pressed tightly together. Not even a single coin from an innocent person…?

Ace wasn’t just strong. There was no reason for him to lie.

So… should I still steal it…? Nami clenched her fist, uncertain. For years, she had only stolen from pirates and villains. Would taking money from Ace be… wrong? I need more time to think… She sighed, shaking her head. Let’s see where this journey leads first.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

“Alright, Captain,” Nami exhaled. “So, where are we heading next?” Ace smirked. “The next step? Recruiting more crewmates.”

“You need more people?” Nami raised an eyebrow. “Of course. We still need a doctor.” Ace’s grin widened. “A doctor?” Nami looked puzzled.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

With Nami’s expert navigation, their journey went smoothly. Within a few days, they arrived at Syrup Village. “Nami, I’m so glad you’re my navigator!” Ace laughed, stretching his arms as they docked. “I-It’s nothing, really…” Nami felt oddly pleased. Her dream was to map the entire world. So hearing praise for her navigation skills made her genuinely happy.

“How do you even know there’s a doctor here?” She watched as Ace secured the boat. Ace grinned knowingly. “Intuition.” Then, with a wink, he added, “Just like I knew you were destined to be my navigator.”

“D-Don’t say things that sound weird!” Nami’s face turned red.

“Let’s go. My doctor seems to be in trouble.” Ace’s expression shifted—his Observation Haki expanding.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Syrup Village – Kaya’s Mansion

Inside a grand estate, a frail blonde girl lay half-reclined on her bed. Her pale skin and weary expression revealed her weak health.

Creak.

The door slowly opened. A tall man in a suit, glasses glinting under the dim light, stepped inside. Kaya’s eyes lifted weakly. “Ah… Klahadore.” Her voice was soft—filled with exhaustion.

Little did she know that her trusted butler was actually Captain Kuro, the notorious leader of the Black Cat Pirates. “Kaya-sama, the funeral has concluded.” Klahadore adjusted his glasses, his voice smooth.

“I see…” Kaya let out a soft cough, her body trembling slightly. “Leave me alone for a while.”

“You should eat something first, Kaya-sama.” Klahadore pushed a food cart forward. “I said… I want to be alone!” Kaya’s voice trembled, her grief still raw.

“Understood.”

Klahadore simply bowed and left. As he walked away, his glasses gleamed ominously. Inside, his mind calculated every move. Kaya’s parents were already dead by his hands. His ultimate goal was to gain complete control over her fortune.

“All that’s left… is time,” Kuro smirked.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

BANG!

The door shut. Kaya turned towards the window, gazing at the cloudy sky. Her heart ached with loneliness. What will happen to me now?

Suddenly, the window unlocked by itself.

Swoosh!

Two figures slipped inside. A voice—warm and confident—spoke.

“Young lady, you look like you’re in trouble,” Ace smirked, tilting his hat. “Need a little help?”

Beside him, Nami’s face twitched, “Why does he always make it sound like we’re burglars…?“