Episode 7 of One Piece kicks off with the crew eagerly embarking on a mission to rescue Nami and Arlong. Buggy's mocking voice echoes across the deck, taunting each member of the crew until Zoro swiftly silences him by dunking him into a bucket. Fortunately, they arrive at their destination, the scenic Conomi Island, which holds deep personal significance for Nami.
This island, specifically Coco Village, was where Nami grew up, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of her childhood. Her guardian, however, is not pleased to discover that the orphaned Nami, whom she had taken under her wing, has stolen a book. Nami retaliates, expressing her resentment towards the poverty she faces and the humiliation of wearing Nojiko's cast-off clothes. She lashes out, insisting that they are not a real family and that her guardian is not her true mother.
Her guardian counters, reminding Nami that she had taken responsibility for both her and Nojiko after finding them amidst a violent altercation on the island. She had sacrificed her life as a Marine to care for them. Despite their differences, Nami reluctantly returns the book to the local authorities. But their peace is shattered when Arlong and his brutal Fishmen arrive, demanding that the villagers comply with their demands.
They make an example of a few villagers, even toppling houses to demonstrate their ruthlessness. Nojiko and Nami hide in their mother's home, but Arlong soon discovers their hiding place and breaks down the door. He demands a tribute payment of 100,000 Berrys per adult from their mother. When it's revealed that she is harboring two daughters, she is nearly killed as a result.
Just in time, Nami steps in to save her mother, sacrificing the only 100,000 Berrys she has in her name. Back in the present, Nami plays cards with the Fishmen, but her cheating angers them, given the strict rules within Arlong's crew. However, Arlong lets her off lightly, realizing how valuable she is to their operations.
She has single-handedly helped them map out the locations of every Marine base and pirate stronghold. While none of this information belongs to her, she and Arlong have a clear understanding: he intends to eliminate all humans and rise as the king of the seas.
For now, Nami is assigned a dangerous task - heading to the nearby Coco Village to collect the overdue tribute payment. It's a mission that will force her to confront her past and face the consequences of her choices.
Garp and his fellow Marines arrive at Baratie, intent on uncovering the mysteries lurking beneath the surface. Zeff strides in, declaring his retirement from the pirating life with a resolute air. He emphasizes that his sole command now lies in the bustling restaurant they find themselves in.
Garp eagerly seeks information regarding Luffy, but Zeff plays the role of an oblivious innocent, feigning ignorance about the young pirate and his crew. Instead, he offers a sumptuous steak and a hearty meal as a distraction, hoping to sidestep any probing questions.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Luffy and his companions arrive at Coco Village, only to discover that Nami is already there. From afar, they witness her demanding tribute payments from the villagers with a steely gaze.
Luffy approaches Nami after she collects the tributes, noting that the villagers still fall short of their quota. He tries to reason with her, but she brushes him off, declaring that she wants nothing more to do with them and never was part of their crew. However, her face betrays her, revealing the painful truth beneath her harsh words.
As she turns to leave, Luffy and the others seek the advice of Officer Genzo, the one who had accepted the book from Nami in the past. He encourages them to speak with Nojiko, leading them to her humble abode. There, Luffy confesses that Nami is indeed a member of their crew and they are determined to help her turn a new leaf.
Despite the gun pointed at their heads, it is Sanji's calming presence and promise of a delicious meal that manages to persuade Nami to lower her guard.
Nami boldly returned to Arlong's lair, ready to negotiate their deal amidst Coco Village's struggling tribute payments. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside, drawing their attention. Captain Nezumi and his marine compatriots emerged, revealing a deeper hierarchy than anyone had anticipated. It was clear that Nezumi was the true power behind the throne, while Arlong merely served as a middleman.
Arlong was pressed for more money, but he quickly asserted his independence and ambition. Nezumi, keen to avoid a confrontation, reluctantly agreed to maintain their current arrangement.
Afterward, Nami intervened, revealing that she had actually amassed a staggering 100 million Berrys as per their agreement. Arlong was stunned and agreed to consider this new information at their meeting the following sunrise, sealing their deal.
As Nami departed, Arlong confided in Nezumi, secretly rearranging their deal to take advantage of Nami's newfound wealth. Meanwhile, Luffy and his crew learned the truth about Nami's tragic past, igniting Luffy's determination to protect his friend. While Zoro believed she had made her own choices, Luffy saw a good person beneath the surface, deserving of redemption from her shady past.
At the Baratie, the Vice Admiral and Zeff shared a meal, but their conversation soon turned tense. Zeff refused to disclose the whereabouts of Luffy and his crew, but he couldn't help but mention that Monkey D. Luffy reminded him of Gold D. Roger, hinting at his uniqueness.
Elsewhere, Koby and Helmeppo engaged in a heartfelt conversation about their wavering loyalties and the connection between Garp and Luffy. Over a few drinks at the bar, the bartender was swayed to share what he knew. Koby and Helmeppo returned to the Vice Admiral, revealing everything they had learned. Deciding on a course of action, they set their sights on Conomi Island, ready to face whatever awaited them there.
In the gloomy graveyard, Nami's frantic hands dug feverishly, unearthing the stash of money she had cunningly stolen. Suddenly, Nojiko emerged from the shadows, her eyes wide in disbelief as she witnessed her sister's clandestine actions.
"You don't understand," Nami gasped, her past unfolding before their eyes. It revealed how she had approached Arlong and offered to join his crew, surrendering a map of the region. Her bargain was to aid him in his schemes, with the ultimate goal of redeeming Coco Village and granting its residents their freedom—all for the price of 100 million Berry.
In the present, Nami apologized to her sister, her voice trembling. She explained that she had kept the truth hidden to safeguard Nojiko's life, enduring her sister's hatred silently. But fate intervened, and Nezumi appeared, his greedy eyes fixated on the pile of stolen money. It was all part of Arlong's cunning plan to betray her.
As Nami was forced to the ground and the money was snatched away, her heart sank. All her efforts, all her sacrifices, seemed to crumble into dust. The anger and despair that surged through her were indescribable.
Just then, the horizon was illuminated by an ominous glow. Arlong had rallied his troops, and Coco Village was about to be consumed by flames. Nami's eyes widened in horror as she watched the distant blaze, her desperation reaching its peak. She grasped a knife and viciously stabbed her arm, but Luffy intervened, his voice firm.
"Stop," he commanded, his gaze steely. "I'll help you." He placed the straw hat on her head, his jaw set in determination. The battle was looming, and it was down to them to stand against Arlong and his crew. The stakes were high, and the fate of Coco Village hung in the balance.
