The Long Con [[ Nami x Law ]]

Ch 4 - The Game

Law traced his fingers idly over the hilt of his sword as he mulled over the information he received. Nami had just recounted her visit to the Vinsmoke Manor in great detail.

"So," Law finally spoke. "You beat Niji at pool three times straight?"

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"After everything I told you, that's your question?!"

Law ignored her and continued. "You told him you thought he let you win, but he didn't, right? How did you win?"

"You realize he snapped his brother's arm like a twig and acted like it was nothing right? You heard that part of the story?"

Law let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes. That part was clear, confirming what we already suspected. Niji has considerable strength and speed. His and the others' reactions to the event are also clear. The violent outburst directed at Yonji wasn't surprising or out of character from their perspective."

Nami folded her arms across her chest, annoyed but listening.

"Niji has enhancements. We know some of them, but there could be more. I need to know why he lost to you at pool."

Nami softened as she started to understand what he was really asking. "Same as the bar. I'm quite skilled, but I also distracted him when he started doing well. He was good, but not any better than a well practiced regular person. And if the alcohol affected him, he didn't show it."

"You don't seem too affected by the alcohol either. Maybe it wasn't as strong as you thought."

"I can drink fishmen under the table." She waved off his implication. "The scotch was strong enough."

"So strength and speed are enhanced, strong alcohol tolerance, not necessarily improved dexterity or perception though." Law hummed thoughtfully. "That's good for us."

"Yeah, until they decide to turn that strength and speed on one of us."

"I don't think we're in any danger for now. If everything you told me is true, they appear to be quite taken with you already. You were good enough at manipulating them to get all that information and an invitation for both of us to go back."

Nami crinkled her nose and pursed her lips. "Yeah, but I'd rather not have to continue that kind of manipulation. I only got him to agree to include you by kissing him and running away before he could realize what happened."

Law raised his brow and looked directly at her for the first time since their conversation began.

"On the cheek you pervert!" She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl in the kitchen and tossed it at his head.

Law caught the fruit and grinned.

"Anyway, I doubt that kind of thing would work twice... and I have no intention of going further with that kind of distraction."

"Fair enough," Law said casually as he bit into the apple. The way she grasped her own arms let him know she was serious. Even though she was unapologetic about using her looks to get what she wanted, she had limits she definitely did not want to cross, and she was worried that those limits would be tested.

"You did good tonight, you know. And I'll be with you every step of the way on Saturday."

She looked back at him, cautious but grateful.

"I bought something for you while you were gone." The amount she perked up after hearing that made him genuinely laugh. "Don't get too excited, Nami-ya. It isn't clothes or jewelry."