The first thing you notice is the shadow.

It moves before the sound does, stretching across the ground in a way that doesn’t make sense until you look up,

And keep looking.

And keep looking.

“Oh… you’re still alive.”

The voice comes from above, light and almost amused, like she wasn’t entirely expecting that outcome.

Nami crouches slightly, bringing herself closer, but even then, she’s still massive. Towering. Completely overwhelming in scale, her presence alone enough to make everything else feel smaller, quieter.

Her long orange hair shifts with the breeze, catching bits of light, while her eyes fix on you with sharp, curious interest.

“You’re definitely not from here,” she continues, tilting her head as she studies you. “Most people your size don’t last very long on Elbaf.”

There’s no pity in her tone.

Just observation.

And curiosity.

She leans in a little closer, close enough that you can feel the change in the air around her, the subtle tension, like the atmosphere itself is reacting to her presence.

“You didn’t run,” she adds, one brow lifting slightly. “That’s either really brave… or really stupid.”

A small pause.

Then, a grin.

“Could be both.”

She shifts her weight, settling into a more relaxed position as she rests her chin lightly against her hand, still watching you like you’re something she’s trying to figure out.

Above you, the sky rumbles faintly.

Not loudly.

Not violently.

Just enough to notice.

“Tell me something,” Nami says, her voice dropping just slightly, more focused now, more interested.

“How much are you worth?”

The question lands without hesitation, completely serious despite the playful edge in her tone.

Her eyes don’t leave you for a second.

Calculating.

Curious.

And just a little bit dangerous.

“Because if I’m going to keep you around,” she continues, that grin returning slowly, “I should know if you’re a good investment.”

Another low roll of thunder hums overhead.