Conqueror’s Desire

The sea breeze carried its distinct salty aroma as their small boat approached the docks of Bluehaven City. This place was far busier than Cocoyasi Village, with a harbor teeming with merchant ships from all across the seas. Tall buildings with brightly colored rooftops lined the shore, while traders enthusiastically called out to sell their goods.

The MC glanced around with keen interest. "This place is lively. I can smell money in the air."

Nami smirked knowingly. "And that means… good business opportunities."

As soon as their boat docked, Nami swiftly jumped onto the pier, followed closely by the MC. The moment his feet touched solid ground, he moved closer to her, lowering his voice. "Are you sure you don't want to explore the city alone with me? Maybe while looking for a restaurant with a romantic atmosphere?"

Nami shot him a glare, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "We're here for important business, not for a date, you idiot."

The MC shrugged, flashing a teasing grin. "Who said anything about a date? I just think you deserve a break after everything that's happened."

Nami let out a deep sigh before turning to him with a challenging look. "If you can help me get a better ship, maybe I'll consider a free dinner."

The MC's lips curled into a triumphant smile. "Sounds like a deal."

With eager steps, they entered the bustling heart of the city, where the sounds of trade grew even louder. Merchants displayed rare maps, exotic jewelry, and unique weapons. Nami was instantly drawn to a stall selling various navigation tools.

"This sextant looks really good… but the price is a little too high," she muttered, weighing the instrument in her hands.

Standing beside her, the MC leaned in slightly closer. "Maybe you could bargain with your charm?" he whispered near her ear.

Nami turned to him swiftly, her face slightly red. "I'm not like that! I have smarter ways to negotiate!"

The MC chuckled, enjoying how she always tried to hide her natural reactions.

As they continued their search, an elderly man with a long white beard observed them from inside a second-hand ship shop. Stepping out, he called out to them.

"Looking for a ship?" he asked in a deep voice.

Nami nodded. "Yes, we need something bigger and sturdier than the small boat we have now."

The old man smiled. "I might have something that would interest you. Follow me."

Curiosity growing, the MC and Nami followed him into his warehouse, where several small to mid-sized ships were neatly docked. One particular ship in the corner stood out—it looked sturdier than the rest, with reinforced wooden hulls and deep blue sails.

Nami ran her fingers over the ship's surface in admiration. "This is perfect…"

The MC crossed his arms and looked at the old man. "How much?"

The old man chuckled. "Ah, that's the real question, isn't it? But I'm not just selling this for money. I want to see if you're truly worthy of owning it."

Nami and the MC exchanged glances before Nami raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

The old man smiled mysteriously. "There's a small test you must pass. If you can prove you're clever and tough enough to survive the seas, this ship will be yours."

The MC laughed, glancing at Nami. "Sounds like an interesting challenge."

Nami let out a sigh. "I have a feeling this will be more troublesome than I expected… but fine, we accept."

And so, their new adventure in Bluehaven City began—with a test that would determine whether they were truly worthy of the ship that would carry them across the world.