Luffy and Aya stood still waiting for Kuro to make his move. Suddenly, claws scratched the ground, heading straight towards the two twins. Scratches appeared on Luffy's shoulder and Aya's cheek. The two twins were completely unfazed by the attack as they stood silently. In fact, they were getting annoyed by the cat pirate's antics as he continued to disappear into thin air.
Suddenly, Luffy leaned back while Aya back flipped out of the way as Kuro swiped at them with his claws. Kuro smugly grinned at the two while Luffy stared back at him calmly as Kuro vanished again then landed behind of the twins.
"Aren't you tired? I bet you are after all that dancing around you've been doing." Luffy asked, tilting his head, curious, as he and Aya turned, facing him.
"Why not drop this twinkle toes act and fight us already, scaredy-cat?!" Aya smirked taunting the butler. Kuro shot the two twins a glare.
"Don't get cocky. That was simply a warm-up." Kuro smirked as he pushed up his glasses. "The real right begins now. Soon I will be feasting on your fears, complemented by your sweet cries of agony."
Luffy gasped as he saw the man begin to sway side to side again. Aya frowned as she grinded her teeth, bracing herself for the attack. Kuro vanished as he charged at full speed towards the twins. Claw marks scratched the side of the slope of the hill heading straight towards them. Luffy and Aya quickly dodged out of the way. As Kuro was about to turn around, he saw one of Luffy's hands in the reflection of his claws. Kuro quickly dodged it and ran straight towards the straw hat captain. Luffy shot both his hands and managed to grab Kuro's legs, making the butler lose his balance. He roughly fell to the ground with a hard thud.
The Black Cat Pirates gasped. Their eyes widen in shock as they saw Aya as she pinned Kuro so he couldn't move. She wrapped her legs around the butler's waist while grabbing onto his arms tightly so he couldn't attack. She smirked wildly as the butler struggled to get her off of him.
"Nice try, you jerk." She said. Kirk growled, angrily.
"Damn you! Get off of me!" He shouted as he continued to shake her off but to no avail. Luffy laughed.
"Wow butler man, right now, your life must really suck. Your plan for years, went to complete and total failure." Luffy said, grinning as he watched in amusement.
"Let go!" Kuro growled. But Aya still kept her hold on him. He could feel her grip beginning to grow tighter and tighter the more he struggled. He hissed in pain as he felt pressure on his arms. His eyes widen in alarm. This girl...she was planning to break his arms! Where did this she learn a Marine fighting move?!
Then Kuro screamed as he desperately struggled trying to shake Aya off. The Cat pirate crew stared in shock at him. They have never known their former captain to scream in fear. However, they were relieved that he wasn't attacking them anymore. But, to see him like this, it was shocking for them.
"That weird kid caught Captain Kuro!" One shouted.
"If those kids manage to beat him, then that means Captain Kuro won't be able to slaughter us, right?" Another asked. They crew looked at each other then suddenly they began to cheer on the two twins.
"SHUT UP!" Aya shouted angrily at them.
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CHEER IS ON!" Luffy shouted as he launched his head, stretching his neck, screaming at them. The crew flinched.
"Time to die!"
Jango raised his chakram ring getting ready to deliver the final blow on Kaya. But, before he could, Pepper, Onion and Carrot had manage to get up and were now back onto their feet. They swung a shovel hitting the hypnotist on his back. Jango hit his lip as he held back a cry of pain. "You stupid snot nosed brats!" Then he turned to the three boys angrily, kicking them away from turned back to Kaya getting ready to strike.
"Oh no you don't!" Zoro yelled out. The hypnotist turned his attention towards the swordsman. Zoro quickly drawed out his sword and cut a thick branch a few feet away as the hypnotist stared in confusion.
"Looks like you're one step too late, swordsman!" Jango smirked.
"I wouldn't say that." Zoro smugly smirked then stepped to the side, showing Usopp with his slingshot aimed directly at the hypnotist.
"Excellent, that branch was getting in the way of my shot!"
"What?!" Jango gasped.
"Usopp, you're here!" Kaya called out.
Usopp fired a pachinko ball and it connected right into Jango's forehead, exploding. The force knocked the hypnotist back, releasing Kaya from his grasp. Kaya ducked down covering her ears from the explosion, smirking, as the Jango fell to the ground, defeated.
Back at the shore, Kuro was still trying to get Aya off of him.
"Let go of me!"
"Just admit defeat already. This is only going to get worse for you." Aya replied, still holding on.
"You idiot! I will not be beaten like this!" Aya clicked her teeth, irritated, by the butler's stubbornness. It was time to finish this. She sighed, gripping his arms even more tighter. She leaned on closer to his face with a wicked smirk.
"Well, you did." She said.
Aya pulled her head back and slammed it hard against Kuro's. Kuro's eyes rolled into the back of his head as he fell back collapsing onto the ground out cold. The crew stared completely stunned and in shock at the two twins standing next to each other as with the infamous and revered Captain Kuro lying on the ground knocked out beneath their feet.
"That crazy rubber guy and witch beat Captain Kuro!" One gasped.
"If the Marines couldn't, how could they have possibly done it?!" Another exclaimed. "J-Just who are you?!"
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy." Luffy stated not showing his face to them.
"Monkey D. Aya." Aya said.
"The only time a pirate should abandon his needs is when he dies. I would never lose to a coward who ditches his name, betrays his friends, and run from life on the sea." Luffy continued. The crew looked at each other confused. They weren't familiar with those names.
"Luffy? Aya? I've never heard that name before."
"You should remember our names for the rest of your lives!" Aya shouted flashing an maddeningly grin.
"Cause one of these days, we're going to be king and queen of the pirates!" Luffy shouted, proudly. He picked Kuro up and lifted him.
"Now go!" Luffy shouted as he tossed Kuro launching him at the crew. "AND NEVER COME BACK!" The pirates nodded and immediately took Kuro along with some of their fallen crew members without any hesitation as they screamed and cried in fear.
Nami had managed to sneak off the ship, carrying a bag of stolen treasure, just as the Black Cat Pirates began to sail off. She ran over to the two twins as they collapsed to the ground.
"Luffy?!" She shouted out worried. "Are you two all alright?" She took in their injuries as scratches were all over their bodies . Luffy stared up at her with a tired grin. Nami laid the sack on the ground and sat down next to the captain seeing that he was nearly about to fall asleep. Nami's expression softened as she turned her head staring at the ocean.
"I expect you to collapse after what you've just went through." She said smiling. "You did good, Luffy. Both of you did."
"Are you okay?" Nami heard Luffy as he panted. Her eyes widen and she turned her head back to him. She smiled holding her arm. "I'm fine. It's just a scratch!"
Luffy smiled in relief. Then the two heard someone snoring very loudly next to them. Luffy and Nami looked to see that Aya had fallen asleep. She was laying her back with her mouth side open as she snored.
"Well, looks like Aya's out." Nami deadpanned. Luffy giggled watching his sister sleep.
"Yeah."
"Hey tell me, why were you so mad earlier?" Nami asked him.
"Cause I truly hate people like them. They're so wrong. That is not how a pirate should act." Luffy said as Nami listened. He stared up looking at the white clouds in the sky as they slowly drifted away.
"What are you talking about? Or course it isn't. Most pirates aren't as brave and honorable as you make them out to be. I'd say Captain Kuro is pretty standard." Nami said as she picked up Luffy's hat that was lying next to her feet. Luffy stared at her her for a moment before looking back at the clouds.
"I want some meat." He said. Nami stared at him with a look of disbelief. She angrily shoved the captain's hat on his face.
"UGH! YOU'RE UNBELIEVABLE!" Nami snapped, irritated. However, she started to break into a giggling fit. What was it about this guy that made her feel this way? She hadn't felt this familiar feeling in a long time.
True freedom...
"Hey guys, think you can keep everything that just happened here a secret?" Kaya and the three boys stared in shock at Ussop's words as they looked at the long nosed sniper.
"What, a secret? Why would we keep all this a secret?" Pepper asked, confused
"Yeah! Why, huh? We've put our lives on the line to save the village!" Carrot shouted as well.
"Now, everyone will change their opinion of you, so instead of Usopp the Liar, you'll be Usopp the Hero!" Pepper finished.
"Really, Usopp. You need to clear up this misunderstanding." Kaya said softly, making Usopp look at her. Usopp chuckled then looked down at his feet.
"Misunderstanding? I was known as the village liar because I always lie all the time, Miss Kaya." He shook his head and grinned up at her. "They were right not to believe me. Besides, there's no point in scaring people with something that's already over. And I seriously doubt any more pirates, like Kuro, is ever going to show up. There's no reason for pirates to attack our out of the way little village. So listen up, pretend that this never happened, okay? This was all than just another one of my great big lies." Kaya and the three boys stared with wide eyes at Usopp, understanding what he meant. Usopp sighed, dropping his head.
"I won't force you, if you don't want-"
"No, let's do it! I'll do whatever it takes for the good of the village, Captain!" Carrot insisted.
"Me too!" Onion agreed.
"Me, as well!" Pepper shouted as well. Usopp smiled then turned his head towards the blond haired girl who was staring at him silently.
"Kaya, will you tell?" He asked smiling softly. Her eyes softened and she shook her head, smiling back.
"No."
Usopp was in his house some of the remaining of his stuff putting it into a giant backpack that was overfilled. Earlier that morning he had called the three boys to their hangout to tell them that the Usopp pirates were officially disbanded and that he was heading out to sea. After meeting Luffy and Aya something stirred in him that made Usopp want to take a chance at becoming a brave warrior of the sea, to become a real pirate.
The three boys were saddened by Usopp's choice. At first they didn't believe him as they thought it one of his usual lies. But, seeing the determination in the long nosed sniper's eyes the three boys knew that Usopp was dead serious with this. With a heavy heart the gang bid him farewell and good luck for a safe return. As Usopp left them, the three young boys quietly vowed to each other as they sworn look over the village until Usopp returned.
Usopp closed the flap of his backpack and sat down on his bed. He looked around the room in the house that he had lived in his entire life. He was beginning to feel anxious at the thought of leaving until he looked out the window at the white mansion sitting on top of the hill. He was definitely going to miss Kaya but Usopp had to leave otherwise he wouldn't be able to follow after his lifelong dream. Usopp smiled as he thought of what adventures he was going to have and exciting tales he was going to tell Kaya once he returned.
Usopp sighed as he stood up. "All packed. I guess it's farewell to this house too." He lifted the bag strapping onto his shoulders and struggled to walk towards the door. Just as he walked out of the house the backpack had become stuck in the door frame. "This stupid backpack!" Usopp grunted pulling on the strap try to budge the heavy bag out. The frames of the door began to creak as Usopp continued to pull until it gave loose and broke. Usopp was launched forward and was now rolling down the hillside, screaming, out of control.
Luffy, Aya, Nami and Zoro were at the pub were they were before with Usopp, eating.
"Now, that we've eaten we should probably get going." Zoro said. Luffy agreed as he patted his belly with content.
"Yeah, you're right."
"There you are." The group heard someone call out to them. They turned their heads to see Kaya and Merry as the two walked over to them.
"Hello there, Miss!" Luffy grinned as he waved to her.
"Are you alright to be out of bed?" Nami asked, worried about the frail woman's health. Kaya smiled softly.
"Yes. I think now I can truly start recovering. You see my sickness was caused by the mental shock of missing both my parents. And Usopp's friendship helped me start getting better. I can't stay in bed forever, you know. You've all done so much for me. I can't thank you enough. I've prepared a present for you from the bottom of my heart to show you how grateful that I am for everything you've done for me. I'd be honored if you'd accept it." She finished. Kaya and Merry led the group towards the shore. They stopped as they started in awe and shock at what was in front of them, a ship.
"A real caravel!" Nami exclaimed, excitedly.
"ARE YOU ACTUALLY GIVING THIS TO US?!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly looking over at Kaya with a wide grin on his face.
"Mhmm! As a token of my appreciation!" The girl chuckled, making a small smile.
"It's a slightly older model. But I peddle designed and she sails like a dream." Merry said proudly as he explained the ship to the group. "She's a fine ship and her name is The Going Merry!"
"It's beautiful!" Aya shouted, admiring the ship's craftsman work. Luffy was already eyeing the figure head of the ship anticipating on riding it.
"What a cool ship! You guys see the front? It's totally awesome!" Luffy shouted, excitedly.
Just as Merry was about to explain more about the ship to the captain, Nami stopped him.
"Hold on, you'd be better off explaining the technical stuff to me!"
"Y-Yes, o f course." Merry answered.
"We've loaded it with all the provisions that you might need on a long voyage!" Kaya explained. Aya turned the blond haired girl, smiling.
"Thanks." She said, gratefully. Kaya made a soft small "Don't mention it -" Suddenly, they heard a loud shrill scream of terror. They turned their heads to see Hello rolling down the hill barreling straight towards them.
"Oh no, Usopp!" Kaya cried out. Luffy and Zoro watched as the long nosed sniper was coming closer.
"Hey, what's he doing? Looks fun!" Luffy chuckled.
"Well, we'd better stop him. That weirdo is on a collision course towards the ship." The swordsman said. The two raised the legs, stopping Usopp from coming closer to the ship. Unfortunately, the sniper's face collided with Luffy and Zoro feet as they did.
"Thanks guys." Usopp groaned, painfully.
"So, you're really doing it, you're going to take to the ocean?" Kaya asked, sadly, with her voice slightly wavering as she did.
"Yeah, I've decided to get going before I have time to change my mind. Please, don't stop me."
"I won't. I know it's time for you to go."
Usopp chuckled. He turned to her, smiling. "Kaya, don't be sad about it. Just think, the next time that I come here, I'll tell you more about my adventures that'll sound more like lies than my old lies!" Kaya felt her cheeks beginning to burn and she smiled back softly.
"Good I'll look forward to it." She giggled happily. The two stared silently at each other. Usopp stared behind her looking at the ship seeing Luffy and Aya leaning over the railing as they silently watched the two. Then he drifted his gaze over to Aya looking directly at her. He was definitely going to miss those beautiful unusual colored eyes of hers.
"You guys take care! I hope we meet again sometime!" He said, grinning at them.
"How come?" Luffy asked confused, tilting his head.
"Well, because-" Usopp replied as he raised his eye at the straw hat captain. "Did you become antisocial or something?-I'm taking life on the high seas and I hope that we'll meet again, that's all!"
"What are you talking about? Get up here!" Aya shouted, as she gestured Usopp to come aboard the ship. The sniper stared in disbelief. Luffy smiled as he leaned more closer over the railing.
"We're friends, right? So get on." He said, calmly.
"We want you to be part of the crew. So GET on already." Zoro rolled his eyes.
Usopp stared at the Luffy, Nami, Aya and Zoro in shock trying to comprehend what was they said. Then he felt excitement began to crash through his entire body. Usopp jumped with his fist in the air as he ran over to the giant ship.
"Th-This is it! I'm really a pirate captain now!"
"Don't be stupid, Usopp! I'm the captain!" Luffy shouted as he leaned over the railing.
"Take care, Kaya!" Aya called out the blond haired girl as the ship started to sail off. Kaya smiled as she and Merry waved as the ship sailed.
"Take care!" Kaya shouted, waving goodbye. As the ship was halfway away from the island heading towards the horizon, Kaya's smile suddenly dropped. "Floozy..."
"M-Miss Kaya!?" Merry sputtered in shock.