Bell-mère, who has only 100,000 Berries saved, is faced with a heartbreaking choice. While she could have potentially hidden the children's existence to save herself, her refusal to deny that she is a mother leads to the ultimate sacrifice for her daughters' safety.
: Nojiko acts as the responsible elder sister, helping Bell-mère on the farm and keeping a watchful eye on the mischievous and ambitious Nami. The Arrival of the Arlong Pirates
Inspired by their will to survive, Bell-mère decides to retire from the Marines and returns to her home, , to raise them as her own daughters. Life in Cocoyashi Village
The peaceful life of the family is shattered when the Arlong Pirates , a group of powerful Fishmen, invade the island. Arlong imposes a brutal "life tax" on every resident: per adult and 50,000 Berries per child.