Chapter Text
Ever since she joined the crew, Nami had no doubt in her mind: she was, with minimal effort, the most stylish person to ever step foot on that ship.
Of course, Robin and Sanji gave her a run for her money, and Vivi had been a literal vision of grace during her time aboard. But let’s be honest: Robin still couldn’t settle on a hairstyle, Sanji occasionally dressed like a sleazy tourist uncle, and Vivi—well, being royalty gave her an unfair head start in the fashion game.
Unlike the rest of them, Nami could proudly say she had never committed a fashion crime egregious enough to make a stylist weep. Papag from Fish-Man Island would back her up on that.
Brook had style, sure, but it was... timeless. As in, stuck in the past. Chopper was adorable, but what could you even do with someone that small without making them look like a rebellious toddler?
Zoro and Usopp? Lost causes. They wore whatever was closest at hand, and Nami wasn’t even sure if Zoro had ever changed clothes. Ever.
And Franky—ugh. Don’t even get her started. She tried not to judge, but the man wore a speedo like it was a badge of honor. A very loud, very neon badge. Jinbe wasn’t much better. When he joined, she expected him to be more... dignified. But the man seemed to collect colorful kimonos like they were rainbow colors.
To be fair, most of their wardrobe choices had a purpose. Zoro’s haramaki helped him train and stash gear. Jinbe needed wide sleeves for his karate. Sanji wore sturdy shoes because of his kicks. Usopp was always shirtless because grease didn’t wash out easily, and he was tired of ruining his wardrobe with every new invention.
But none of them, none of them! Were the problem.
No, the real issue… was Luffy’s damn flip-flops.
Nami had no idea how those raggedy sandals had survived everything from glaciers to prison breaks, from magma pits to explosions. They were indestructible. He had never asked her for money to replace them. She doubted he even could replace them. Were there even shops on the island he trained with Rayleigh? Did he just walk through fire mostly barefoot?
And worst of all? They served no practical purpose. Luffy used his feet in combat all the time and sure, Haki protected him now, the Devil Fruit gave him some durability—but before that? She was sure she saw him block blades with his bare toes. It was insane.
Those flip-flops were more consistent than his iconic straw hat. At least he handed that off when it got in the way, gave to some of them to hold it in difficult times and etc. But those sandals? Oh, no. They stuck with him. Through every battle, every mission, even when she dressed them all in disguises, somehow, the damn flip-flops remained.
And one day, she just snapped.
Which is why she was now dragging a reluctant Zoro and a confused Usopp through the streets of whatever town they’d docked at, eyes locked onto every store window like a hawk on the hunt.
—Why are we being dragged around again?— Usopp asked, his voice somewhere between suspicious and exhausted.
Nami didn’t break stride.
— We’re finding Luffy some boots. And since I have no faith in your taste, and am physically and psychologically incapable of buying something ugly, you two get to help.
Zoro and Usopp exchanged wide-eyed glances.
—You’re spending money… on someone else… and it’s not their birthday?— Zoro asked. — Are you feeling okay? Maybe Chopper should check for a fever.
—Can we just focus? — Nami snapped — He’s a Yonko now, a legitimate emperor, and he’s out here kicking swords and demons in the face wearing flip-flops. It’s embarrassing.
—She’s got a point — Usopp muttered. — You’re lucky you sleep in your own room, Nami. He stomps often around de dorms at night, raiding the fridge, and the sound of those sandals slapping the floor wakes up everyone. It’s like he’s wearing castanets on his feet.
—I’ve never woken up to that. — Zoro shrugged.
—That’s because you’re a damn abomination— Usopp replied.
—Anyway.—Zoro continued, — He’s never going to give them up. He’s attached to them, even named them.
— He what? — claimed Usopp and Nami
—Dead serious. —Zoro said —We were cleaning up one time, and he almost dropped them overboard. He freaked out, screaming their names. Calls them something like… ‘Hawienas.’
—What the hell does that mean?
—No clue.
—Maybe it’s from that island, Hawaii?— Usopp offered. — Maybe people from there are called Hawienas?
—Oh, please. As if Luffy knows where Hawaii even is — Nami scoffed — Regardless, I don’t care. I’m putting my foot down at this point, he’s wearing proper shoes. Even if it kills me.
—Why do you always act like you’re the captain?— Zoro asked.
—Because your captain fights sea monsters and warlords in flip-flops, Zoro. That’s why.
—…She’s got another point.
Eventually, the shopping trip paid off. Zoro didn’t get lost (a miracle), and Usopp managed to find a pair of simple black leather boots that Nami almost liked. Good enough. With some smooth-talking and a generous discount, she made the purchase and returned to the ship.
That night, just before dinner—when everyone was gathered around the table waiting on Sanji—Nami placed the box in front of Luffy.
The room went quiet.
—What’s this?— Luffy asked, tilting his head like a curious puppy.
—I bought it this morning. —Nami said, arms crossed. —Usopp picked the design, so blame him if it’s ugly.
—You… bought me something?— Luffy beamed, clearly shocked. —For real? Is this a trap?
—Don’t question gifts from Nami-swan, you moron! — Sanji called from the stove. —Why him, Nami-swan? I’d be honored to receive anything from your angelic hands!
—Oh shut up, you pervy cook, it’s not about you!
—Salad head, mind your own business!
—Enough!— Nami barked. —You all act like I never do anything nice. I’m not a monster, you know?
—Awwww! Nami bein’ thoughtful is SOOOO super!— Franky cried. —Though it’s kinda crazy you actually gave up your money for it…
—It wasn’t expensive, I got a good discount —Nami said quickly. —And it’s for a cause. Go on, open it.
Luffy opened the box, and stared at the boots inside. He pulled the boots from the box, turning them in his hands like a caveman inspecting advanced technology.
— Are these shoes? — he asked.
— Yes — Nami said proudly. — Real shoes. With soles, coverage and dignity.
He sniffed them, then stuck a finger inside like he expected a trap.
— …They look heavy — he finally said, nose wrinkling.
— They’re not heavy, they’re durable! You’re a Yonko now, Luffy. You can’t keep running around in those ridiculous sandals like some half-naked beach bum.
Luffy looked at the boots again, then down at his feet.
— But my sandals are comfy.
— They’re an embarrassment!
— But they have been with me for like, forever…
Nami’s eye twitched.
— They’re footwear! You can’t be emotionally attached to rubber and string!
— I don’t know, he did name them — Zoro chimed in again
— As if I cared fot the damn Hawienas.
— …Hawienas? — Luffy echoed, confused.
Nami froze.
— Wait. That’s what they’re called, right? — she asked.
Luffy tilted his head.
— What’s a “Hawiena”? That’s not their name.
Nami turned slowly to Zoro, her voice low and dangerous.
— You told me he named them that.
— I thought he did! — Zoro shrugged. — That’s what it sounded like!
— Zoro, I spent half a day dragging your moss-for-brains self around town looking for boots slightly more worried because of your fake information.
— Not my fault you believed me.
— You are unbearable.
— Wait, wait — Usopp jumped in, holding up a hand. — If they’re not “Hawienas”… then what are they called?
Luffy perked up.
— Oh! They’re called Havaianas!
Everyone stared.
— …Havaianas? — Nami repeated.
— Thats actually very cute — Murmured Robin from across the table, always with her mischievous grim — Is the same name of the people at Hawaii.
— HA! I knew it. — Exclaimed Usopp
— Yeah! — Luffy nodded. — Everyone in my home has one of those, thry are versatile to everything! People even go out with them to important places sometimes. There are a lot of brands for them, but the most famous one hss this name, so we use it as if was common, I bet this one isnt even a true Havaiana.
Zoro stared.
— So I was one letter off?
— You were a lie off — Nami snapped. — You gave me false hope. I thought he had actual feelings for those flip-flops!
— I do have feelings for them! — Luffy protested, holding one up. — Look how squishy they are! They’ve been through everything with me: fights, storms, hot sand, ice islands, everything!
— They squeak when you walk!
— It’s a comforting squeak!
— They don’t even protect your feet!
— I’ve got Haki now!
— You didn’t before!
— It builds character!
— You have too much character!
— I’m still not wearing the boots, though.
— Yes, you are — Nami declared, pointing a finger at his face. — Even if I have to nail them to your feet myself.
Luffy pouted, hugging his sandals protectively to his chest.
— But they don’t even have little toes on them…
— That’s not a feature, Luffy!
Zoro stood up, casually strolling out of the room.
— I’m gonna go take a nap before this turns into a murder scene.
— Yeah, I should probably leave too — Usopp mumbled, already scooting his chair back.
— No one’s going anywhere, we didn't even dine yet!— Nami shouted. — We are settling this tonight!
Luffy stared at the boots again, then slowly, with the grim resignation of a man facing his execution, slid them onto his feet.
Everyone waited.
— …They’re stiff — he muttered.
— I knew I’d win! — Nami raised a victorious fist.
— They smell weird.
— Victory!
— …I still like my Havaianas better.
— You’ll get used to it.
Luffy leaned toward her with the saddest eyes possible.
— They’re gonna miss me…
— They’re inanimate objects!
— They have feelings, Nami…
— You have issues, Luffy.
But she still smiled — just a little. Because maybe it was a small win.
And tomorrow, when those boots mysteriously disappeared?
She’d be ready for round two.