Ep. 44

Summary

Source-backed · Version: v1 · Original

Cocoyashi Village holds a long celebration after Arlong's defeat, and the Straw Hats rest while their wounds heal. Nami decides to return to sea as the Going Merry's navigator, but she avoids a formal goodbye because she fears the villagers will try to stop her. Nojiko understands her decision, and Genzo warns Luffy never to take away Nami's smile. When the crew prepares to depart, Nami tells everyone to leave immediately and runs through the crowd without embracing anyone. The villagers discover why when she leaps aboard and reveals the wallets she stole from them during her farewell sprint. Their outrage turns into laughter, a final reminder that she remains the same mischievous thief they love. Nami leaves part of her money behind and carries Bellemere's memory with her. At sea, she officially takes charge of navigation and scolds the crew for handling the ship carelessly. The Going Merry now carries five committed members: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. Their East Blue journey is no longer a collection of temporary alliances. With Nami choosing adventure freely, the crew begins moving toward Loguetown and the entrance to the Grand Line.