Chapter 32: Disclosure

Chapter 32: Disclosure

While Nami, Zoro, and Usopp seemed interested in what Thomas had to say, Lucy's expression immediately formed into a frown. Adventures were supposed to be things you experienced directly, not something you knew about in advance, so, before Thomas could continue, she shouted, "Stop it!"

With everyone directing their attention to her, Lucy adopted a serious expression as she said, "The past is one thing, but I don't want to know about the future! If I know how things will end from the very beginning, what's the point in going on a journey!?"

As he had been hoping Lucy would interrupt him, Thomas maintained a smile as he replied, "As I said a few seconds ago, every action we take changes the future. Nothing is set in stone. But don't worry. I just wanted to mention this now, so you guys don't become suspicious when I share random tidbits of knowledge about various people and places. I have no intention of 'spoiling' anything."

Losing her edge, Lucy replied, "Oh, that's okay then," before regaining her smile and adding, "Still, you shouldn't expose things about a person's past without their permission. It should be up to them to decide if they want to share. That's how people express their trust in others."

Nodding in approval, Thomas replied, "You're right..." before shifting his attention to Zoro and adding, "Sorry if I said something I shouldn't have. In exchange, I'll help you find some decent swords in the future."

Shrugging his shoulders, Zoro replied, "It's no big deal. I was just a little surprised, that's all. If you insist on apologizing, hurry up and tell me how to awaken this mysterious energy known as Haki. I want to start training it as soon as possible."

"Sure, no problem," replied Thomas. However, before he could begin his explanation, Nami interjected, saying, "Wait a minute. I need to speak with Thomas in private. It won't take long."

Though Zoro and Caenis exhibited mild annoyance, neither said anything as Nami practically dragged Thomas into the interior of the Going Merry. More specifically, she brought him into a section of the ship that served as the galley, meeting room, and helm.

Seeing the internal steering column, Thomas took a moment to stare at the tiny circular port behind him, asking, "How the hell are you meant to steer the ship from inside? Don't you need to be able to see where you're going...?"

Waving her hand dismissively, Nami said, "That isn't important right now." Then, with a serious expression, she added, "I was speaking with Astolfo earlier, and she seemed to be aware of who I was, even though it was our first time speaking in private. When I pointed it out, both she and Caenis began acting suspiciously..."

Though he knew Astolfo was terrible at keeping secrets, Thomas didn't believe she would blather so soon after meeting Nami and the rest of the Straw Hats. He also knew Nami could be fairly manipulative, but instead of calling her out on it, he replied, "I imagine so. After all, It's not exactly a coincidence our paths crossed at the Baratie."

Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, Nami asked, "And what about Arlong...?" This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

As he had initially planned to deal with Arlong much later, Thomas wasn't lying as he replied, "That was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Shortly after we entered the East Blue, Musashi suggested eliminating him. I was eager to test the results of my training, so I accepted."

Furrowing her brows, Nami asked, "And what about the villagers and the people of the Conomi Islands? Did you interact with any of them...?"

Shaking his head, Thomas responded, "No," before explaining, "Shortly after destroying Arlong's base and capturing his crew, a group of Marine ships showed up, led by a man calling himself Captain Nezumi. Drake wanted to sink them, but I was against it. Instead, Caenis tore off their rudders and damaged their keels before we used the cover of a storm to flee."

Though she got the impression Thomas's response was rehearsed, Nami didn't think he was lying outright. She also trusted Lucy's 'intuition' when it came to people, so instead of pressing Thomas for details about Arlong and the Conomi Islands, she asked, "Why are you here? You said it wasn't a coincidence we met at the Baratie, and everything that's happened since then has made it pretty obvious you were aiming to join Lucy's crew from the start..."

Meeting Nami's gaze, Thomas's expression became uncharacteristically serious as he answered, "I'm not trying to obtain anything concrete. I just want to be powerful enough to take charge of my life and live without the fear of others deciding my fate..."

Though he understood that he could never escape the influence of a being like Zelretch, Thomas could accept an afterlife of servitude so long as he was allowed to live free and unfettered in his current life. With that in mind, he should probably be doing everything in his power to make the most of the opportunity he had been given...

Adopting a wry smile, Thomas added, "Beyond that, I want to ensure that you, Lucy, and everyone who joins the Straw Hats can attain your dreams. Before I set out with the Wild Hunt, I lived vicariously through the 'visions' I witnessed throughout my life. Now that I've been given the opportunity to experience one of those journeys directly, I plan to do everything I can to ensure a happy ending for as many people as possible..."

Taken aback by Thomas's sincerity, Nami found herself at a complete and total loss for words. She now understood Lucy's comment about Thomas wanting to help them. She was still unsettled by his intimate knowledge of her past and a potential future, but, at the very least, he didn't appear to have any malicious intentions. If he did, he could completely shatter their dreams on a whim...

Forcing a smile, Nami replied, "Then it looks like I'll be relying on you in the future. I'm planning to accept Lucy's invitation to join her crew as a Navigator, so I'll need all your information about the Grand Line and its unique weather patterns."

Nodding in affirmation, Thomas revealed, "Drake left me a copy of the map Astolfo made of the first half of the Grand Line. It's nowhere near complete, but it includes the location of several Marine Bases and a few islands that most consider legends. Astolfo has the unique ability to find anything she's looking for, so the two of you will be working together a lot in the future."

Blinking in surprise, Nami asked, "Seriously? You have a swordswoman who can split the sky, a doctor that can heal severe injuries in minutes, a child-like Oni that can tell if a person's lying, and now someone who can locate anything? What other abilities do your Spirits possess...?"

Smiling wryly, Thomas revealed, "Drake's ship can fly and submerge, Caenis can breathe underwater and manipulate the sea, Chiron can teach pretty much any skill, Atalanta can snipe people from several kilometers away, and Beethoven's music can immobilize enemies while strengthening her allies..."

"..."

Massaging her forehead, Nami attempted to process everything Thomas had just revealed. If he was telling the truth, there wasn't much his Spirits 'couldn't' do...

Shaking her head free of thoughts, Nami replied, "Forget it. We'll discuss this in greater detail later. For now, you should return to the deck and tell Zoro about that Haki thing. I need to talk to Lucy."

Nodding his head, Thomas responded with a curt, "Sure, no problem," before turning around with the intention to depart. Nami looked like she still had something to say but ultimately stopped herself. She wanted to thank him for saving her village, but until she confirmed it for herself, she couldn't quite believe Arlong was gone and that her nightmare had come to an end...

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..

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(A/N: Since when did Thomas have a brain? Our boy is over here playing 4-D Chess...)