Chapter 24: Hidden in Plain Sight
Usopp always tried to hide his fear from Kaya whenever he went to see her, she was his first friend on Syrup Island. His mother Bachina, had wanted her son to have friends his own age, and so through her and Kaya's parents; the two children became friends. Yet, when Klahadore arrived he banished Usopp from the house, making the boy sneak in the window whenever he wanted to see her.
And so from beneath the window, the young man called to the girl.
"Kaya! Kaya are you there?" Usopp called out looking up, trying to be quiet and caring together, the window was thrown open seconds later revealing the young woman who leaned out of the window, and smiled down at him.
"Usopp, it's been several days! I was worried you weren't going to visit me anymore." The girl called out happily. She looked behind the boy and saw the assortment of people he brought with him. "Are these your friends?" She asked, gazing at the group assembled on her lawn below.
"They are, and soon to be my new crew mates..." Usopp said, "your setting sail?" Kaya interrupted, "yeah, I am" Usopp replied trying to remain positive. As he recounted the day's events and all the things he learned about his father, his father's gift, how his friend's needed ship modifications and how he intended to set sail to become a great warrior. Kaya listened to every word and her smile grew as Usopp became more excited and animated in his story telling. "I'll bring back medicine for you" he stated, holding her hands in his.
Luffy and Nami watched the exchange silently, trying to not interrupt Usopp and Kaya's emotional talk. In the end it was the bedroom door swinging open, an unimpressed voice, that ruined the moment. "What the hell is going on here? Who are you ruffians? And why are you trespassing on this estate?" Klahadore demanded in an authoritatively. "Mistress please return to bed I will get rid of these scoundrels at once." Kaya tried to soothe her butlers overprotective anger but unfortunately he remained steadfast in his disproval, deeming them "thieves" trying to "con and innocent young lady out of her possessions". "Please Klahadore. Their friends" Kaya spoke, only for him to usher her back towards her bed.
Klahadore looked over the teenagers in the room. Wrinkling his nose and scowling, he shook his head. "You may say that mistress, but vagrants are still vagrants. It's bad enough that the son of a filthy pirate is here, I won't allow any more trash to linger on this estate." Usopp ground his teeth and clenched his fists together, "what did you say about my father?" He snarled. He was about to approach the butler when Zoro walked forwards; a hand to his face, in concentration. Silence lingered until Zoro, further examining Klahadore, spoke. The black suited butler remained expressionless but turned to confront him. "I want all of you to leave immediately, and what the hell are you looking at?" Zoro didn't break eye contact, continuing to regard the man before him. "I know you…" Zoro announced calmly, causing all the colour to drain from Klahadore's face. 'There's no way he could know, I faked my death years ago. Who would remember me?' Recomposing himself, Klahadore spoke; "I highly doubt we've ever met, I don' t associate with scum". Suddenly, Zoro drew a sword from his waist and aimed it straight at Klahadore. "Your Captain Kuro, I would recognise face anywhere". And just like that Zoro pulled a wanted poster from his trouser pocket; unfolded it as gave it to Nami. "Wanted Dead or Alive - Captain Kuro, 'of a thousand plans', 20 million berries" Nami read before holding out the poster to Kaya and Usopp. The image being a perfect match for Klahadore.
"Is this true Klahadore?" Kaya asked in a hushed toned as she felt tears trickle down her face. To her he was considered family, as he'd been with her since her parents. But now, looking at the poster it broke her heart to think it was a lie all along. Kuro growled dangerously, as he removed his glasses and looked at the aloft sword in Zoro's hand. "You just had to meddle, didn't you! I had planned elaborately steal the girls fortune for myself, whilst presenting myself as the honourable butler". Kaya sank to her knees, tears now flowing from her eyes, "I've been poisoning her over the last year, but I probably should have simply faked the will and killed her along with her parents on that ship". "My parents…?" Kaya whispered, "You killed my parents?"
Usopp having heard enough, was now royally pissed off. "You killed Kaya's parents and poisoned her as well! You bastard!" He yelled drawing his rifle and before anyone could stop him, opened fire. Kuro didn't feel anything to begin with but then, looking down at his chest, he saw blood. Before he could even try to escape he felt the butte of the rifle smash into his face. "You son of bitch! You've ruined Kaya's life!" Usopp yelled, continuously pummelling Kuro with his fists. "Usopp stop!" Kaya yelled, trying to get to her feet but too weak and being helped by Nami. When Usopp turned back to Kaya, the rage he felt towards Kuro vanished, as he saw the fear reflected in Kaya's eyes. 'Is she afraid of me?' He thought, he desperately didn't want that to be the case, but as he let Kuro drop unconscious to the floor with a dull thud he didn't miss seeing her flinch. And it tore at his heart. Slowly he placed a hand on her face and embraced her. "Kaya..." he began but was interrupted by Kaya's lips on his.