Chapter 9

Feline Noir, Upper Deck

May 30, 1663

Kuro was standing stock still at the head of his ship. The salty wind was blowing through his black hair as his galleon swept through the waters of the Grand Line. He closed his eyes, picturing Kaya's face.

Before he could react, he was swept up into a bone-crushing embrace by none other than Butchie.

"Ack! Butchie! I can't breathe!" he choked, wriggling around in Butchie's grasp. The oversized crewmate dropped him, smiling sheepishly. "Django told us, you know."

Kuro rubbed his arms, "Told you what?"

"About how you've been writing letters to Kaya, and how you're going to visit her," smiled Butchie as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Kuro's eyes narrowed. "He did?"

Butchie nodded eagerly, and Kuro swept past him and walked down to the lower decks. Just before his head vanished, he spotted a flurry of feathers and leaped up to catch the carrier pigeon before it missed his boat.

"Gotcha!" he crowed, rushing into his cabin, thoughts of murdering Django forgotten. He tore open the letter, his eyes roving hungrily down the page.

Kuro,

You're really coming? I can't believe it! I'll make sure to have a spare room set up for you, okay?

I'm sorry to hear about your past, but it makes sense now. I'm glad you've come to terms with what has happened, and I hope you continue to move forward and achieve whatever you hope to achieve in life.

What are your dreams, Kuro? What do you want to do with your life (or lives, if you're a cat and have nine of them – meow)?

Listen, I'm glad to hear you're coming, but don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure you've suffered enough without you hurting yourself, okay?

I'm going to keep this letter short. I'm really tired today for some reason. It's just… I don't know… so boring without you here to keep me company. Davis never comes in to talk. He's always in and out with breakfast, tea, and other things. He's no fun.

Kuro, if you'd like, I can accept you as a butler again. I believe people can be given a second chance. You're no different. If you'd like, we can discuss details when you get here.

Love,

Kaya

Kuro locked the letter in his desk and immediately began preparing a response. When he left the cabin, Butchie noticed the smile on his Captain's face. He didn't say anything – he'd seen the same smile on Django's face when he was around the new recruit.