An eerie silence fell, as Kuro laid on the ground, not moving. The Black Cat Pirates, Usopp, Kaya were stunned as they looked at the girl and the straw hat captain who dared to go against the legendary murderous pirate. Zoro smirked.
As Kuro laid sprawled out on the ground, his glasses were completely shattered. He shot a nasty glare at the twin who was standing in front of him with a smug smirk on her face.
"I know you're awake. Quit playing possum and fight me you coward!" Aya shouted. Kaya looked at Aya still completely stunned by the girl's strength.
Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps as they ran closer. Kaya looked and saw the three boys with weapons in their hands.
"The Usopp Pirates have arrived!" The three boys exclaimed as they jumped in the air and slammed their weapons on Kuro's face. Aya's mouth dropped surprised to see them.
"Oh no!" Usopp shouted.
"Stay away!" Kaya shouted.
"No! Stop it!" Usopp shouted as he tried to get them to stop but they didn't listen. The entire black cat pirate crew went pale with a horrified look on their faces.
"Those kids what are they doing?!" Jango shouted.
"Those rugrats have a death wish!" Zoro muttered.
"You don't know what you're doing! Stop! Stop!" Usopp yelled. The three kids stopped as they panted trying to catch their breaths.
"Alright, this time will let you off without anymore brutality." Pepper said.
"This time." said Onion.
"Now, those stupid kids really done it. Captain Kuro is going to be so mad!" Jango shouted. Usopp tensed up.
"Captain!" The three boys exclaimed as they ran over to him.
I knew you were still fighting!" Carrot said.
"That was totally awesome!" Pepper shouted.
"I thought there were no secrets between us pirates. Why didn't you tell us?!" Onion shouted.
"That's right! We're supposed to tell each other everything!" Pepper shouted.
"Who cares about that! Look this is important, you guys got to get out of here!" Usopp ordered the three kids. But, they refuse to move.
"No way!" Carrot shook his head.
"Yeah!" Pepper agreed.
"We have to stay and fight with you!" Onion shouted.
Then Kuro began to stand up. The three boys froze with fear as they saw the scary look on his face. Kuro pushed up his glasses but it shattered some more. He frowned and turned to the kids with a dark look. The three boys screamed and their eyes bugged out as Kuro began walking towards them.
"Idiots! Don't scream! Run!" Usopp yelled.
The three boys continued to scream as Kuro advanced closer towards them. But, he walked past them heading towards Usopp and Aya. Usopp's whole body shook as he got closer. Then Kuro stopped right in front of Aya, glaring directly at her. Aya smirked as she stared back.
"That hurt." Kuro growled, angrily. Aya laughed. Kuro gritted his teeth seething with rage.
"How pathetic. You can't even take a hit." Aya snickered.
"I'll teach you to mock me, girl!" Kuro shouted as he swiped at the twin with his claws. Aya ducked and placed her hands on the ground and she threw her leg up as she back flipped, kicking Kuro in the face, again with much force, knocking the butler back down to the ground.
Usopp gaped up at Aya until something shiny gleamed in his eye. He looked down and saw a coin with a broken chain lying on the ground and picked up, looking at it.
"What's this?" Usopp murmured softly as he inspected it. His eyes widen when he saw that it was a pirate coin. But, it wasn't just any pirate coin, it was one of the nine pieces of eight.
"HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET THIS?!" Usopp gaped. Aya turned to Usopp and her eyes widen seeing that he had her coin.
"Hey! That's not yours! Give it back!" She shouted.
Kuro smirked and charged at the twin while she was distracted. Zoro's eyes widen.
"Aya! Look out!" He shouted. Aya quickly turned to see Kuro right in front of her face, with his claws raised getting ready to strike. Aya gasped as the claws came down on her. There was no way she can dodge it in time.
"Luffy, do something!" Zoro shouted.
"Damn it! I won't reach her in time" Luffy shouted. "Aya!"
Aya gritted her teeth, bracing herself. But, the blow never came. Aya was pushed out of the way by Usopp.
Kuro slammed his foot, kicking Usopp in the gut, knocking him back.
"Captain!" The three boys exclaimed.
"Usopp!" Kaya, Luffy and Aya shouted. Luffy turned to Kuro glaring furiously at him. He clenched his fists tightly. Aya ran over Usopp and bent down placing her hand on his back.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Y-Yeah, I think so." Usopp groaned as a wave of pain hit him. He looked up at Aya, relieved to see that she was unharmed.
"Then why in the hell did you do that?!" Aya shouted. "What were you thinking? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Usopp groaned. His body ached all over. He looked up at Aya seeing looking down at him worried.
"I-I don't know. My body just reacted on it's own. I had no time to think." Usopp said.
Kaya watched the two as she clenched her hand to her chest, biting her bottom lip. Kuro turned to her then looked back at Aya and Usopp. He smirked.
"Usopp, can't you see that you're causing Miss Kaya grief." Kuro said . Usopp and Aya looked up at the butler angrily. "Why by the looks of it, it looks like she's jealous by the mere sight of you and that girl together." Kuro laughed and turned to Kaya.
"Isn't that right, Miss Kaya?" Kaya's eyes widen.
"N-No, you're wrong. " She stammered as she shook her head. Kuro made a twisted grin.
"Am I? Then why are you glaring at that girl then?" He questioned.
I-I...It's not...I'm not..." Kaya's eyes drifted drifted over towards Usopp and Aya. Her heart started to ache seeing them. She looked down clenching her fists.
"Won't don't you shut your mouth, you jerk!" Aya shouted. Kaya looked up staring at Aya. "She doesn't have to answer you! Usopp's my friend and I'm going to pound you for what you did to him!" She shouted. Kuro snorted, looking at the twin.
"You're so quick to defend her." He smirked. Aya growled. Kuro continued. "You certainly didn't waste no time to rush over to that fool." He finished in a taunting tone.
"You are going to pay for this!" Aya growled, angrily.
Kuro smirked then turned his head towards Luffy.
"That's quite a strange technique you've developed there. Tell me something, do you have powers from eating the Devil Fruit?" He asked.
"Yep, I'm a rubber man." Luffy smirked, taunting him. The Black Cat Pirates stared at the straw hat captain with fear as their body's trembled.
"He ate the Devil Fruit!" They exclaimed.
"It makes complete sense now. I didn't hallucinate his arms stretching out like that." Jango muttered. Kuro kept his eyes on Luffy until he spoke.
"Jango!" The hypnotist flinched as he turned to Kuro.
"Sir?" He asked, nervously.
"I can handle these two brats. You take care of Miss Kaya, like we've planned. Have her right her butler into the will and kill her." Kuro said as he brought his claws together. "As for the kids they're an eyesore, eliminate them."
Kaya and the kids flinched. Usopp gritted his teeth, angrily.
"I'm on it." Before Jango could take another step, Zoro pulled out his sword, blocking the hypnotist.
"Stop right there. If you want to make it to them, you'll have to make it through me first." Zoro threatened.
"Butchie!" Jango called out. The big cat pirate jumped high into the air, roaring as he came down.
"Die!"
"Not again!" Zoro muttered as he dodged the attack as Butchie came down.
The cat pirate slammed his foot into the ground, creating a crater, making the earth tremble. As the smoke started to clear, Zoro barely had time to block, as a claw came out from the smoke to strike. Zoro blocked it quickly with his katana but Butchie pushed Zoro back until the swordsman's back was against the wall of the cliff. Zoro used his sword to push the large pirate to keep him at bay. Usopp watched, completely stunned by the cat pirate's strength.
"That guy...he's crazy!" Usopp muttered to himself. Then he saw Jango walking past him heading up the slope. "Oh no, Kaya!" Usopp struggled as he tried to stand up but he fell back down. "Stay away from her! No! No..."
"USOPP PIRATES!" Usopp screamed. The three boys were startled but answered him.
"Yes, sir!"
"I need you to listen to me carefully..." The three boys frowned as they gritted their teeth in anger.
"Look! We're not running!" Carrot said.
"Not after he did to you!" Pepper said.
"We'll avenge you!" Onion shouted.
"Protect Kaya!" Usopp shouted. The three boys eyes widen in surprise. "Don't argue with me. Do as I say this is the most important task there is, right now. It's absolutely critical the you succeed. Take Kaya and get her away from here, just keep her safe. This is the reason that we wanted to be pirates. To protect what's dead to us, so do as I say and run!" Usopp finished. The three boys were on the verge of tears, as well as Kaya.
"Usopp..." She mumbled softly. Usopp smiled, trying not to cry.
"Now go, that is an direct order."
"Yes, Captain!" The three boys cried. They quickly took Kaya and ran, towards the forest.
"He's sure got a way with words, making running away sound brave." Zoro thought to himself. Kuro frowned, noticing that Jango hadn't moved.
"Jango." He snapped. The hypnotist pulled out two rings, spinning them.
"Yeah, I'm on it. Those fools, to think that they can escape me." Before Jango could take a step, he was hit painfully in the back by a small pachinko ball. Usopp smirked as he panted, holding his slingshot.
"Gotcha."
"Damn you!" Jango shouted turning towards Usopp.
"He's not your priority right now!" Kuro yelled. Jango flinched.
"Yes, sir!" The hypnotist replied. He quickly ran off heading in the direction of the forest, where the kids and Kaya ran off.
"Their attempts to escape is futile, we know all too well how weak Kaya is. There is now way they can possibly escape Jango. Though, if you want to help them, go ahead. But, first you have to make it up this hill alive, Usopp." Kuro smirked, looking at Usopp. Luffy and Aya glared at the butler.
"Butchie!" Kuro ordered the cat pirate to finish off Zoro.
"I guess listening to me once wasn't enough. I told you to get out of my way, you giant tub of lard!" Zoro shouted. He kicked Butchie on the shin and sliced through the cat pirate's chest. Zoro tossed his swords into the air and held out his sheaths letting his swords fall into them. Butchie fell to the ground, defeated.
"Alright Zoro!" Aya cheered. Zoro smirked.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash in the forest, making everyone look. Usopp tried to get up but fell back down, again. Kuro smirked. "That is the sound of destruction. Jango's probably tearing the place apart. Go ahead, see for yourself or you can get up." He taunted. Usopp growled in anger and disgust.
"You heartless bastard. Don't you even have a shred of pity. You lived with her for over three years!" He yelled.
"No. I told you, Kaya is nothing more than a pawn in a game that I intend to win. Which instead, then I'll be grateful to her." Kuro replied, coldly. Usopp gritted his teeth, furiously, as he glared up at the butler.
"This guy's hopelessly evil." Zoro commented.
"I've heard enough." Aya frowned.
"We should out him out of his misery." Luffy said. "Hey, Usopp! Go and find the others! Don't worry, we'll take care of this guy." He called out.
Usopp tried to move as he struggled to stand up once again. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain as they twitched as he moved. Eventually, he managed to stand on his feet, ignoring the pain that radiated throughout his body.
"Oh, very impressive. You can still move." Kuro said, bluntly.
"Shut up! You won't get was away with this. I won't let you! You betrayed the villagers trust, not to mention that you planned to take the life of a sweet young girl. This is the last time that you'll ever get your way!" Usopp said as he took a step. But, pain shot up his leg and Usopp fell back onto the ground.
"Usopp!" Aya exclaimed. Luffy and Zoro watched in worry.
"Can't move. It hurts so bad, I can't move...damn it." Usopp mumbled. Kuro laughed seeing Usopp on the ground.
"You really are a riot! So I betrayed them, you say? Oh please, grow up! That was all part of the plan. A village liar who plays with local kids have no business talking like a real pirate!" He snorted.
"Just stay on the ground." Kuro smirked. "Even if you somehow catch up to Jango, he'd end your life with a blink of an eye. Staying there, is what's best for you."
"I-I don't care..." Usopp replied. "I don't care that I'm weak. I'll protect them. I'm Captain of the Usopp Pirates, a brave warrior of the seas, who fights for what he holds dear. I will protect everyone in this village even if it kills me! MARK MY WORDS, YOU WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN THAT VILLAGE!" He roared, his voice echoing into the sky.
Zoro, Luffy, and Aya watched, astonished by the young man's bravery. However, the Black Cat Pirate crew snickered.
"What an idiot!" one laughed.
"Check it out, he's crying!" another said. They immediately went silent when they saw Luffy and Aya shot them a scary glare.
"What's so funny!?" Luffy exclaimed, angrily.
"I'll give you something to laugh about." Aya growled. The crew flinched in fear, neither saying a word.
"Luffy, Aya," Zoro called out, making Luffy and Aya turn to the swordsman. He picked up Usopp, putting him on his shoulder. "Me and Usopp are going to go chase down that hypno freak, is that a problem?"
"No, hurry!" Luffy smiled.
"We'll take take care of this punk." Aya replied.
"Hey, thank you." Usopp said as Zoro walked, carrying him.
"I'd be a whole lot faster if I was going by myself, but I don't know these woods. If we're going to catch up to them, I'm going to need your help."
"Do you think it's a good idea to leave those two alone?" Usopp asked, worried.
"Luffy can take care of himself. Aya, as well, I have no doubt about it." Zoro said.
"Hold it!" Kuro called out, stopping Zoro. "Where do you think you're going? Who gave you permission to go anywhere?"
"I DID!" Luffy shouted. Kuro saw Luffy's fist coming towards him as the straw hat captain stretched his arm. The butler barely dodged it.
"Usopp! Zoro! Get going!" Aya shouted. Zoro nodded to her and quickly took off with Usopp, running towards the forest. Luffy tried to throw another hit at Kuro, but his vanished, making him miss.
"Man, he disappeared again!" Luffy growled, irritated.
"At least the others got away." Aya commented.
"Yeah." Luffy agreed.
Kuro reappeared in front of the two twins, a few feet away from them. "Before I kill you both, I feel compelled to ask, why are outsiders like you, butting into this village's business?" He questioned. Luffy smirked.
"Because there's a man in this village that I don't want to let down."
"We made a promise." Aya replied.
"Simple enough. Are you okay with that being the reason you die?" Kuro smirked.
"Sure am. But we're not going to die!" Luffy shouted.
"We're going to kick your ass all over this village!" Aya shouted as she cracked her knuckles, smirking. Kuro frowned. Luffy looked over at Aya and laughed.
"We'll see about that." Kuro said as he got into a fighting stance. Luffy threw back his arm to throw a fist at Kuro. But, the butler vanished and kicked Luffy in the face and Aya on her side, knocking them down to the ground. Luffy got up and attacked, again. "Gum-Gum PISTOL!" Luffy shouted. Kuro dodged and stood on top of Luffy's arm.
"This is boring." Kuro said, bluntly.
"You cocky jerk!" Luffy growled.
"Stop with this cat and mouse game and fight us!" Aya shouted. The Black Cat Pirates cheered as they called out Kuro's name. An angry vein appeared on his head.
"Shut up! Don't call me that!" Kuro growled. The crew members went silent and turned pale with fear. "You still don't get it, you fools. The whole plan of my demise, was so that I could get rid of that name once and for all. I'm tired. To conjure up plans for barbarians who only care about havoc and mayhem. Relentlessly, attacked by government dogs and bounty hunters! I'm tired...I am sick and tired of that accursed life!"
Luffy and Aya gritted their teeth as they glared at the butler angrily.
"And when my plan succeeds today, after three years of planning, revising, and waiting, my goal will be achieved entirely. Will that peace of mind will finally be mine entirely. Do you understand now, you brats? I will not allow this perfect plan, years in the making, to fail!" Kuro shouted. He turned his gaze to the two twins and charged at them.
"My plan will not be disrupted by you two wannabe pirates!" Kirk shouted as he slashed at the two. Luffy quickly grabbed a boulder and blocked the attack as he slammed it in front of him and Aya.
"It would seem that you have more than just stretch." Kuro frowned.
"That's right!" Luffy smirked as he began to crush the boulder. Aya grabbed onto Luffy's shoulders as she swung around the boulder and kicked her foot into Kuro's glove claw, breaking it to pieces.
"We've been toughing ourselves up to be a pirate!" She smirked.
"And know what, if you don't want a reputation-" Luffy said as he smirked, grinning from ear to ear. Kuro's eyes widen. Aya punched her fist directly into the butler's cheek, slamming him into the ground.
"THEN DON'T BE A PIRATE!" She shouted.