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by 2ilver8ox

Pirate King Monkey D. Luffy has agreed to go back in time some years when he was first starting out as a pirate. It is clear this decision was based due to his dead crew, no doubt he wishes to stop their demise. All details are on his contract but he has agreed to take me with him and off this godforsaken rock. (Time travel) (Fix it fic) (OC) (All anime and movies) On hiatus

10. Kuro

BLACK CAT PIRATES

Kuro's shirt symbols: Poop

Jango's chin: A mushroom; acquired from his past job as a wandering dancer, failed due to laziness. Did not take baths, mushroom grew at the tip of his chin and activated his power of hypnotism (further study is advised)

Kuro found a kindred spirit in Morgan (disturbing)

Kuro can run 100 meters in about 4.0-5 seconds

Kuro is second highest IQ in East Blue, behind Benn Bacman and ahead of Nami

Buchi's cape is a kotatsu-buton (blanket heater) (cats love this)

Kuro is 33

---

"Usopp."

"Ah!" Usopp jumps a bit, almost dropping the barrel of oil in his hands and clutching his heart, "My heart... uh, I mean... why are your sneaking?" This slope needs to have every inch of the ground covered before dawn after all.

"The moon is waning crescent…"

"Huh?" Usopp puts down the barrel of oil, looking at her. Her gaze isn't on him at all, all focused on the sky.

"The moon..." Oyal repeats herself, "It is waning crescent. Shakes are covering 76% of the moon."

Usopp draws his attention to where their covered gaze is directed. In the sky is a yellow sharp-edged moon, appearing like a delicate glass figure dangling by a string. Usopp has seen it a hundred times, thousands even. But tonight it seems more... ominous. Almost menacing.

"Hehe…" he tries to laugh off his worries like he usually does, "Yes, the Crescent Moon, a sign of the Space Pirates alliance to Me, the Great Captain Usopp," he strikes a pose, pointing at himself, "After I saved their planet from destruction the space pirates followed my every whim, signifying their loyalty to me by the Crescent Moon!"

Usopp spouts his usual bravo lies and he has to admit it is pretty out there even for him, but Oyal… well, their jaw is hanging open just a bit so he must have been more convincing than he thought!

Oyal whispers under their breath, "How did you know about the space pirates?"

"What?" Usopp couldn't have heard her correctly.

"What," Oyal doesn't want to answer.

Usopp sighs, "Nevermind…" he goes back to oiling the floor.

Oyal starts mumbling to themselves, "The crescent moon occurs when the moon's illumination is decreasing. The moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but more than one quarter illuminated. Logically, it should have no other effect on this planet but tides receding," their gaze is solely on the moon as if there's nothing else around them.

"But this moon has an effect on people on this planet. The yellow moon. It shares the same orbit as the purple moon. The probability for this is near 0.01 percent as their masses highly differ, so I take it that it is their matter that changes this. As weight is null in space, it is logical to suppose it is their matter that makes this possible.

"This is off topic… the moon causes a great change to many animalistic persons, causing excitement on their cellular and molecular level, mostly in the mammal category as fish-men do not seem to have a historical record of being affected, unless indulged by drugs. But animal hybrids and humans with carnivorous natures are seen having an increased power or bloodlust."

Usopp stops oiling, slowly looking back at them , "...You know if you are trying to imitate me you are going to have to make better lies than that," he shakes his head letting out a disappointed sigh, "Your build up was good, not great, but you need to sell it to me," he moves his hands into a gripping kind of motion, "You really got to put emotion behind your words to get your point across."

Their gaze doesn't move a millimeter, "... all will be revealed in time…"

"Okay…" Usopp raises an eyebrow, "Creepy…" Oyal is creepy alright. They mumble to themself a lot. They aren't the most reactive, like all their actions are just a second too slow. They have a knack of unnoticeably coming and going as they please. They knows things too... things that they really shouldn't. Usopp doesn't know what to make of the strange kid... "Hey, Oyal…"

Oyal draws their gaze from the moon almost reluctantly at Usopp. He takes this a good sign, trying to give a thankful smile, "Um, thanks for the, you know, tips with my ammunition."

Oyal just keeps… looking at him, he thinks. He can't even tell with their eyes covered. How can they see? "Oh," they finally say, "No thanks are necessary. You would have figured it out eventually, I simply speed up the process."

Usopp's mouth opens and closes like a fish, "R-Really? I-I mean," he quickly gives a confident grin, "True! I have no doubt that in time I would have made a great arsenal myself effortlessly! For I am the Master of such Creativity…" again they give no reaction and he deflates, "But, still, yeah… I owe you one."

Oyal shakes their head, "Again, unnecessary, we are… crew members,"

"Right…" Usopp agrees, "Wait, I haven't agreed yet!"

"Unnecessary," Oyal states simply.

"What does that mean?" Usopp points at them, "I have to agree before becoming a member,"

Oyal wonders if they should go into detail how, for the Staw Hat crew, nobody has a say whether they become a member or not... You either are or you are not. End of discussion. At least from what they have gathered. But Usopp... could be useful for a certain task they need help with, even if his favor is unnecessary, "Actually… Usopp," they feel her throat close up again, darn it, they thought they got past this... this... hesitation. This is Usopp, they have already formed a... connection with him, they can do this, "Do you… know how to... shuffle a deck?"

"Huh?" he doesn't call them out on the changing of subject, "Yeah, why?"

"I would like…" they has to word this perfectly, "to be able to use my abilities to their full potential, however, my fighting skills are lacking," hard to learn how to fight when there is nothing to fight or anything to teach you. They can cover a plan of attack but actually attacking... their experience in that category is significantly lower than their crew members, despite the age differences... this is their first time meeting with a battle.

Well that not true... this is their first time undergoing a battle where it wasn't a genocide.

Usopp shrugs, "Alright, give me your cards," Oyal hands them out from their pocket and he takes them in his hand expertly, "Now, not to brag," yes he does, "But I have quite the skill when it comes to cards," he springs the cards from one to another without even looking, years of card tricks finally coming to use, "Now it is all in the thumbs actually…"

He shows them how to spring the cards with her fingers. It is a horrible mess. The cards drop to the floor or go flying everywhere. Oyal is... mortified. Every failure stings... they think they dislikes this feeling the most. They thanks their stars that Zoro is too busy taking a nap to tease them and Nami is hiding her treasure safely. Only Luffy seems to be aware of their progress as he silently oils the rest of the runway.

"...and don't feel bad about not getting it at first," Usopp ends his lesson, giving them back the cards, "It's all in the consistent practice," despite his ego his advice is... valid... and welcomed.

This time they are ready, "Thank you, Usopp," they have been thinking of how to thank him for probably the past fifteen minutes.

Usopp crosses his arms looking quite proud, "Of course! All in a day's work of the Expert Card Player Usopp,"

"...Is that another prediction?"

Usopp cocks his head, "Prediction?"

"Oh," Oyal puts their cards in her pocket, "Nothing," they look back to the sky, "It is almost time,"

It isn't till now that Usopp realizes the sun was starting to make an appearance over the horizon, the first hints of daylight dusting the sky in a lavender glow. He would say they got another few minutes before the shining ball makes its debut.

But he is ready! They got the slope covered and a variety of other traps that he thought of set. The gray girl may be good with numbers but she has nothing on the creativity of Captain Usopp!

Yes, they have the whole slope armed to the teeth, five mighty pirates ready to fight all against one pirate crew. Zoro, finally awake, is cleaning his super sharp swords, Nami, gold now hidden, assembles her bo, Luffy is… napping, and Oyal is still practicing how to shuffle a pair of cards… Yes, Usopp knows exactly what he is doing!

Who is he kidding, he is fucking terrified.

He is really going to do this! Of course, he is going to do this! This is his village, after all, no pirate crew is going to stop him from defending what he knows is right. He knows that! But he is still scared… No! He is not going to run away, this is his fight and his fight alone…

A rubbery arm wraps around Usopp's neck, "Usopp!" Luffy appears out of nowhere, "This is awesome! You're pretty good at fighting dirty!"

Usopp tries not to show that his heart stopped for a second from the surprise, "O-Of course I am! I am a world champion at fighting dirty! There isn't anyone alive who can best me with trickery!" Right, he actually isn't alone this time… he has his... friends? Crew? Nakama? ...well whatever they are, they are his at least.

"You say that like you're proud of it," Zoro drolls on mockingly.

"Hey, I'm a sniper and a trickster!" Usopp snaps back, "I'm not… the most threatening silhouette but this is how I fight!"

Luffy laughs a bit, arm still hugging Usopp as Nami lets out a giggle herself. Usopp is right, he is nowhere near threatening… and Nami could respect that.

"You don't need to look threatening anyway," Nami santers to the duo, "Lying, tricking, stealing," she punctuates each word, "There are a lot of dangerous people in this world," her voice grows soft, "We normal people are just trying to make do."

Luffy could feel Usopp's shoulder relax a bit, not feeling the need to defend himself anymore. Nami found a kindred spirit in Usopp. They were always the bottom two in strength on the crew, forcing them to become smarter, think faster, and run quickly to catch up with the rest of the monsters on their crew.

Such smart people shouldn't be scared of a bunch of idiots like the Black Cat Pirates.

It is bittersweet to Luffy's eyes. Nami doesn't deserve anything that happened to her. Not by a long shot. It forced her into a role where she had to commit terrible deeds and put herself in danger for the sake of those she loves. But at the same time, they are apart of her so much. As much as Nami is kind, and awesome, and badass, she is also tricky, and clever, and quick and being a thief has honed those skills even more so.

Zoro looks out to the sea, speaking softly, "They're coming…"

At his words, the world becomes bathed in the light as the sun finally breaches the horizon. It is daybreak. The morning seems to skip any presentation as there is no changing of the colors poetically like one would expect on the day of a battle. No, the sky is normal blue like it is any other day.

All five take their place at the top of the hill, Zoro at the end, Nami to his left, Usopp in the middle, Oyal next, and at the other end Luffy. They meet the day's light unflinching, ready for the attack of the day.

Well, most of them.

Oyal calculates their chances as horribly slim. While Zoro has a 92% chance of taking down his enemies, while the chances of serval escaping him out of pure numbers is 86%. These enemies, while few, will be left to Nami, Usopp and herself. They have covered the plan a hundred times and while there is a 99.99% probability of victory (0.01% being stupid scenarios like meteorites) but this is the actual attack. This is their first time meeting battle. They have not really had the chance to gain battle experience. Just… bad experiences. They calculate that they have a 37% chance of making any sort of positive impact.

Oyal takes a deep breath trying to keep their nerves in check. Their first fight and they are not even fighting. No fear of death as Luffy would no doubt knock anyone out if the fight became too dangerous, but all of them need this.

It is logical after all, Usopp and Nami need the confidence in battle, Zoro has been feeling itchy since Orange Village, Luffy can't wait to kick Kuro a new ass. But they... are useless.

Luffy, as if reading their thoughts, puts a hand on their head, "Oyal, stop worrying," he makes them look at him, as he stares right through their bandana, "I won't let anything happen. Focus on doing your best and kick ass."

Oyal isn't sure if that is the most compelling thing to say before a battle, but they feel their chest warm anyway.

"What are you doing?" Nami asks with an annoyed expression.

"Giving them some advice?" Luffy questions back.

"She doesn't have a weapon!" Nami gestures to Oyal's empty hands, "You can't send a kid into battle without a weapon," she wants to say you shouldn't send a kid into battle at all, but Oyal is a pirate.

"I am not a kid," Oyal reasons, "I am…" oh stars, how old are they? They hadn't had to think about that for… decades. Let's see, last birthday… last birthday… they were… "I am sixteen." Physically.

"Oh thank goodness," Nami sarcastically says, "She's sixteen."

Zoro shrugs, "Hey, I was kicking ass when I was sixteen."

Nami rolls her eyes, "After what you did last night I am pretty sure you're not human..."

Luffy waves his hand, "She's fine! She just needs to find out how to attack and stuff."

"Is this really the time to have a practice run!" Usopp interrupts them both, "We are going to be fighting real pirates!"

Luffy brushes it off like it isn't a big deal... because it isn't, "Hey, this is your first fight too, Usopp."

Usopp falters at that. Luffy is right but at least he has his trusty slingshot. He has a feeling Luffy will be fine with his rubber powers, but Oyal... not so much.

Usopp sighs, "Oyal, take it from a coward, right here right now, it is okay to be scared, as long as you are here," he really hopes he isn't looking lame right now. He isn't use to showing how scared he really is but… he gets it, okay, "We have to stand now in order to overcome our fears!"

Oyal's... chest hurts... it is so sharp but it is also warm... they like the feeling. Usopp is dropping his confident act just to reassure them... it is so... genuine.

"Usopp is right," Oyal concludes, "Our adversaries in the future will be more of a threat compared to now. Now, is the time to build foundations."

Nami groans seeing she is fighting a losing battle, "I'm not even a fighter! I'm a navigator!" Nami yells at their captain, grabbing him by the front of his shirt.

Luffy grabs her hand to stop her from shaking him and looks her in her eyes. She looks back at him with anger, but he can see the fear she is trying to hide.

"I'll be here," he reassures her, "If I see that you're in trouble I'll help. Besides, you are a great fighter, you'll be fine!" he finishes with a smile.

Nami doesn't want to, but... she can't help but trust that face.

At the end of his words, the day starts.

And if - when this plan works, the day will be like any other.

Like it was any other day that the Black Cat pirate ship pulled up to the shore of a sleepy village.

Like it was any other day thirty pirates give a roar, itching to pillage without mercy.

Like it was any other day they rush off of the ship and jump onto the solid ground, ready to run up the hill.

Only to stop at the base of a slope at the unexpected sight of five teens at the top.

Like any other day.

The pitifully dressed cat themed pirates look at each other in confusion, not really expecting anyone to know about them

"Hey, Jango!" Lackey #1 calls back to the stand-in captain, "There is a bunch of kids in the way!"

Jango looks a little confused as well, strutting up to the front, "Who could it be? Captain Kuro is expecting us!" He glares at the intruders intruding on their intrusion, and calls up the hill, "Hey, move or die!"

Usopp gave a cough, "I'm giving you all one warning," his voice conveys his fake confidence perfectly as he stretches out one hand in fair warning, "I have a 100 million man crew right behind me ready to kill you, so if you don't want to die, then retreat at once!"

Lackey #2 scoffs, "Only an idiot would fall for that."

Jango is sweating, "What?! 100 million man crew! We can't hope to beat those numbers!"

"Captain, he is lying!" Lackey #3 yells, "Pull yourself together man…"

Usopp again loses his confidence, "Damn! They saw through my lie."

Nami sighs tapping him in the head with her bo, "Usopp, either commit to the lie or don't, but don't just admit it."

Jango sneers at the long nosed kid, "You dare lie to me…" how dare this brat make a fool of him, "You bastard," he gets out his hypno disc thing, "Look at this, after I say, ''One, Two, Jango!'' you will move out of the way," he starts swinging the thing by a single string.

"One… Tw-" only to be cut off by his own thing being cut off… literally, the string was cut in half and the disc fell to the floor, "WHAT THE HELL!" All the pirates trace the projectile back to the top of the hill.

"Target neutralized," Oyal acknowledges the shot.

Luffy pats Usopp on the back, "Good job, Usopp!"

Usopp puts down his slingshot, "Yeah well I don't plan on getting hypnotized today after all," he tosses his bullet of choice in the air, "That was just the beginning," he bellows, "But even less you want to face more of Usopp's new weapons: Star Shards!"

Oyal turns to him, "It isn't just broken glass?"

Usopp glares at them, "Shut up! It sounds cooler with the name!"

Zoro nods, "Attacks are always better when they have a cool name."

Usopp points to the professional ass-kicker, "See!"

"Illogical."

Luffy steps in, "No, they have a point, attacks need a name. It's like a science."

Nami sweat drops, "I don't think it goes that far..."

Jango and every other pirate are not so keen as the teens up the hill seemingly forgot about them like they were just an annoyance not worth their attention. In fact, they are downright pissed.

"ATTACK!" Jango orders, "Just kill everything in your path, especially those damn bastards!"

The pirates take a running start uphill, weapons raised, blood pumping, hopes and dreams uncrushably high.

While the loud noise of their screaming was borderline unbearable, Oyal watches with… amusement. Yes… they are sure this bubbly feeling in their chest is amusement. Maybe even excitement! It reminds them of happiness but, while warm, it has an exhilarating effect on them, "You were never expecting them to retreat," they don't turn their gaze away from the pirates to ask.

"They threatened Kaya," Usopp practically growls, his face not showing any amusement of his own.

Oyal nods, "Logical. At least in this line of reasoning," It is a very common pattern among the Straw Hats: if you hurt someone they love, you will be erased. They hum, "It is for the best, after all, cleaner this way," a hoard of very eager pirates is about to reach the halfway point of the slope, "Yes, things are much simpler when mercy was never an option."

The first wave is interrupted by the oil, pirates falling headfirst into the liquid when trying to run up, "What the hell?" one of the more disposable pirates comments.

Jango is not having it, "Hurry up! It's just some damn oil!"

The pirates quickly try running through it again, only falling on their asses, trying to walk up only to slide backward, trying to tiptoe up only to pathetically flop like a fish, trying to crawl up, "Shit! This impossible!" Every one of them then was covered with a layer of oil from their numerous attempts.

"Stop, you morons!" Jango shouts, "Use your weapons!"

Zoro taps his foot impatiently, "Yeah, hurry up," he huffs, "We didn't spend all night getting ready for you guys to stop here."

One lackey takes a running start up the oil slope using his weapon as leverage reaching past the point of the oil, "I did it!" he cheers, looking back at his crew, "Come on! We can sti- AAAAHHHHHH!"

Sadly this lackey was never able to finish his sentence as he is rudely interrupted… by being set on fire.

Nami leisurely watches on as the guy fruitlessly tries to put himself out, "Uh… he isn't going to die or anything right?"

Oyal shakes their head opening their journal, "From what I can tell being set on fire isn't an immediate death threat. But it does cause a tremendous amount of pain while leaving them unconscious."

Usopp picks up another new bullet, looking authentically confident in himself, "Then I guess I don't need to hold back," he pulls his slingshot back, "Usopp FIRE STAR!" And sends it flying straight into another oil slicked pirate to combust right next to his colleges.

From there on chaos ensues. Usopp is firing like he is shooting fish in a barrel. The pirates who are on fire trie to get help from those who aren't only to put those on fire.

"Fire Shooting Star! Shooting Star! Shooting Star!" Usopp starts rapidly firing his bullets now, one right after another, and each one is a direct hit.

Oyal understands that Usopp is their only ranged fighter and so this is their time to... step up, they suppose. They nervously makes their new weapon, hoping that they aren't going to make a fool out of themselves.

This is Usopp's specialty that he has trained himself in for years, giving him a 99% chance of hit rate, an absurdly high number for his current state. And his skills will only grow with time, with targets even farther and more challenging. It would be illogical to compare their skills to his. They should have thought of a cool name for their attack as well. Does it make them look foolish not to have a name? Will they just get in the way?

No, they takes a breath, calming themselves. The has a 15% chance of getting in the way, and that is if they are so bad that they hit her crew members. What matters is that they get experience.

Oyal opens their palms producing paper materials thinking of what to create. For now long range seemed to be the most suitable and for long range they would need… Paper Stars!

It was a simple origami creation, two piece of paper folded to the point where it become a star, similar to that of a ninja's with four points. Easy to make and thertitically easy to throw.

They take a deep breath, not saying a word, their throat closing tightly, making it impossible for them to even say an attack name even if they had one.

With new weapon in hand, they aim… and throws!

Only to miss any pirate as it lands harmlessly on the ground.

Usopp shoots the pirate instead, "Straighten your wrist!" he yells at them.

Oyal quickly makes another, trying again. Well… they suppose they might as well get their practice in.

They aims more carefully at the figures that Usopp has not set on fire yet who are trying to run away, leaving their backs vulnerable. They give a silent cheer as one hits a pirate on the shoulder, sending a squirt of blood. But while the shot did distract, it did not stop the attacker itself. The pirates stumble but don't go down, a little more bloodied, but still being able to move.

None of the crew say anything as they watch the spectacle before them.

No one is spared from the flames.

In a matter of minutes, the entire Black Cat Pirate Crew is in a smokey mess at the bottom of the slope.

"Wow…" Zoro crosses his arms, "That was pathetically easy."

Luffy laughs, "Man I knew this was a good idea but damn these guys are so lame!"

Usopp's heart is racing, half from aiming and half from adrenaline, "What are you talking about. I was doing all the heavy lifting!" he pauses for a moment, "And, uh, you too, Oyal."

Oyal refuses to look at him, for once not caring if it is rude. Their paper ninja stars were terrible. Only grazing the pirates 35% of the time, none giving critical hits that they were aiming for. If anything they only made them pissed. It was disgraceful. Mortifying. Useless.

Luffy knocks their head gently with his knuckles, "Stop being dumb," he could practically read their mind, "Just get better."

Oyal straightens their back, still unable to speak but nods their head anyway.

Jango, the only one who didn't bother to get into the oil, stands at the bottom fuming, "How?" he takes a deep breath, "HOW COULD YOU IDIOTS BE TAKEN OUT BY A BUNCH OF KIDS!"

Any members that are still conscious look back that their stand-in captain, "W-We were expecting," Lackey Whatever coughs, "an easy kill captain, not being set on fire…"

Another lifts his head whining, "It's been a while…"

Jango shoves his fist in his pocket and gets out another hypno disc, "We don't have time to fool around, Captain Kuro is an impatient man. That's it… anyone still conscious look this way!"

The crewmembers lift their heads down the slope at their captain's order, "When I say Jango you will forget all your pain and fight until you can't stand!"

"So is that how he does it?" Usopp looks down the hill, "Looks weird."

"It looks so fake," Nami skeptically observes, "He's trying to convince them they're stronger than they are. Like that'll work."

"Actually, he's planting suggestions in a person's mind," Oyal interjects, "He's trying to trick them into believing that is what they want. For example, if he tells a person that they are feeling tired, their mind hears the subjection and almost wills the body to sleep. When he's telling them that they're stronger than they usually are, he is implanting suggestions into their minds, tricking them into thinking that as well. It usually works on impressionable people…" they trails off looking at a certain captain.

Luffy coughs a bit, "Yeah, that must suck."

"Um… captain," an unusually smart Lackey asks, "aren't we going to die from ignoring our wounds….?"

"One-Two-Jango!"

Jango rushes his words faster than anyone could object, with results being immediate. The crew roars, their eyes are milky white and they are back on their feet, burns and pain already forgotten. Their muscles seem to grow and one of the pirates punches the side of the cliff with such force that it cracks and collapses.

"Interesting," Oyal takes out their journal to write a few notes, "It is fascinating how their eyes changed as well and their muscle size is increased astonishing 102%! Though that man's hand is undoubtedly broken now. I would even say this hypnosis is borderline mind control. Might come in handy later."

Nami turns on her, "How it that," she regards the now breaking cliff destroyed by a hit that could easily break this skulls, "INTERESTING?"

"Well, hypnotism has a variety of uses," Oyal reasons, "Increasing strength, no fear, it would be a fascinating experiment to try. Maybe with animals?"

Nami groans not seeming to agree as Usopp squeaks in fear and Zoro glances back at Luffy, who finds his nails strangely fascinating at the moment.

Zoro lets out a low whistle, "You were right…" he goes into a lax pose, "Things are getting interesting…"

Oyal nods, "It was a good first attack but definitely not enough to take them down," the pirates ran past the oil spill, crawling over each other like mindless pawns, "No, the next plan of attack is needed."

It is only because the pirates are in a bloodthirst that they take no notice of all the tripwires beyond the oil slick. The wires are connected to the top of the cliffs, where several boards and complicated mechanics start moving.

Jango notices as he sees movement from the top of the cliff sides, "Oh no, wait! Stop!" But it is too late.

From the sides of the cliff falling and crashing to the ground where boulders the size of an average human.

And it is only then that instincts can overrun their hypnotism, making the pirates realize... they have fucked up.

"Oooh!" Usopp winces at the sight of pirates being run over, "That has got to hurt."

Nami nods, "I don't think a leg is supposed to bend that way."

"How many of those things did you cut again," Luffy turns to Zoro.

He shrugs, "I don't know... a lot."

"76," Oyal remembers, "We made it even to put an equal amount on each side."

"Oh yeah..." Zoro stopped counting after five, just swinging his swords till he got tired, "It was a good workout."

Nami rolls her eyes, "Like I said: not human," After seeing him cut 76 boulders out of spare rocks last night she doesn't doubt his monstrous strength.

Usopp folds his arms, "Yeah but what about the spikes?"

After 76 boulders falling, the last wire finally releases a slingshot full of spikes into the air... at the bottom of the cliff where every pirate runs away concerned about their own safety.

How ironic.

"AAAAHHHHHHH!" In a bloody mess, all pirates have spikes rained down upon them, and even their ship isn't spared from the frontal assault. The only one without a single spike is Jango as he holds his hypno things dangerously.

Jango is desperately fighting a losing battle. He has to win! They have to! Else Kuro is going to kill them himself!

"You have forced my hand," He calls back to the ship, "Come down! The ship's guards, the Nyaban brothers!"

Just as he calls two figures make a 7-foot vertical jump into the air and hero land right behind him. It is all very dramatic and also cool if not for the circumstance that these guys' fashion sense looks worse than any human being's who has ever lived.

"You called, Captain Jango?" The green haired fake hunchback monstrosity asks. He has swirly green hair with fake cat ears, though not surprising as most the crew have that. No, what is surprising is his hunchback like shoulders and short-short, showing very unshaven legs. It's… it's a mess.

"Whats up?" The cow one asked. He looks like a cow with a blanket as a cape. Enough said.

Usopp and Nami look on in confusion, "What… are they?"

Usopp shrugs, "Cat people?"

Oyal shakes their head, "No, cat people have a better sense in fashion," those minks look quite tasteful in their stylish uniforms.

The two strike a pose, arms out and legs in sync, "Together... we're the Nyaban Brothers!"

"We don't care!" Luffy shouts down the hill, crushing their spirits.

Oyal coks her head, "Nyaban?"

"Yeah," Usopp gestures vaguely, "Ya know, "he brings a slightly curled fist under his chin, "Nyah?"

Oyal stares blankly at Usopp.

Even with her eyes covered he could feel their judgment, "Was there truly no other way you could have conveyed that?"

Jango ignores their antics, "Buchi, Sham. We must get past this slope, but as you can see, someone's in our way" He points right at the five, "Take care of them!"

The green one, Sham, starts to sweat, "Th-that's impossible for us! Right, Buchi?"

The cow, Buchi, shivers as well, "Yeah, they seem to be very strong."

Usopp cocks his head, "What's going on? Aren't they supposed to be good?"

Sham shrugs, "We are the ship's guards, our responsibility's just to look after the ship."

Buchi nods intensely, "Ah, yeah, you're right. We don't want to participate in battles."

Jango is losing his patience, "Both of you, just go do it!"

Sham cowers under his captain's voice as Buchi hides in his blanket cap, "Eh?! B-Both of us?!"

Jangi knows they have to be convincing, but they have to hurry up damn it, "Get goin'!"

Sham and Buchi start to clumsily make their way up the hill as ungracefully as possible, "Fi-fine. We're going," Though the illusion of helplessness was lost again to another 7-foot jump across the oil bridge.

Oyal doesn't even bother to remember their names because they are so useless. Zoro would easily be able to defeat them with all three swords but with only one he would have trouble.

Oyal turns to Zoro, "Zoro, they are stronger than they look. Eliminate them quickly and swiftly... please."

Zoro gives her a look like 'really?' The Nyaban brothers stiffen and start to sweat a little as Zoro looks back to stare at them again.

Luffy grins, "Consider this an apology for taking care of all the guys last time. Now it's your turn to show off!"

Zoro gives a sinister smile as he ties his bandana around his head, this time there is no holding back.

Oyal thinks quickly, should they… pat him? They have seen Luffy do it several times to show good faith in his crew… would that be… unwanted from them? Probably safe not to, they are not Luffy and has not evaluated the situation enough to commit the actions of patting yet… but this would be a missed opportunity and what are the chances of this happening again? Should they-

They gives a single quick pat to Zoro's shoulder, "Have…. Fun?"

Zoro gives them a feral grin not showing any discomfort from the interaction, "I will," and starts descending to the two pirates like a wolf descending into a flock of sheep.

They have done it! That single act fills them with more… satisfaction than their plan working!

Usopp gulps, "Um… should we…?"

Oyal shakes their head, "He has been waiting long enough for this, caution is advised to stand back."

Usopp laughs nervously, "Yeah… good plan, Don't worry Zoro, we got your back!"

Nami nods, watching as Zoro takes his place right in between them and the pirates.

"Shit!" Self-named Cat Burglar Sham knows he isn't going to get the drop on this guy. He tries to grabs his swords with his swift cat like hands and Buchi is right behind him, ready to get the drop of Zoro when he moves to dodge!

But with Zoro having no mercy or hesitation they aren't anywhere near the same level.

Zoro takes the first blood. "Santoryu: Onigiri!" said teen yells as he strikes Buchi right in the chest. Sham is able to move out of the way solely for the fact that his self-preservation instincts kick in telling him to MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY. However, his partner right behind him is not so lucky. They may be hungry for blood but it is nothing compared to the man who has been denied a good battle longer than any demon should have.

Both Usopp and Nami are stunned, while both understand his strength this is their first time seeing it in action, "You're THAT strong?!" Usopp yells out.

At this point Nami just gives a tired sigh, of course, he is that insanely powerful, with a freak captain like Luffy, she should have expected this.

Sham is completely on the defense, "Shit, shit, shit, shit!" as Zoro rains down slice attack after slice attack. Zoro is relentless, putting all his built up frustrations of missing battle into his attacks. Yet his movements are never hindered, he is swimming. He is in his element.

Sham does a backflip away as Zoro follows, "You're good..." the cat huffs, "But not good enough! Now Buchi!"

Buchi gets up miraculously, having been playing dead since the first attack. Zoro's back is left open to him and he makes his move!

"Tora...Gari!" Zoro easily cuts the fat cow with one sword behind his back, "Guess all that blubber saved him... till now."

Sham feels the fear of God, the Devil, and several other deities come upon him as Zoro draws his attention back to him, "Please..." he whimpered, "... have mercy..."

Zoro's face is of one defies all of the above, "No."

And with one last slice, both of the Nyaban brothers are taken out. Zoro has the dignity to kick them down the hill to Jango at the very least, where him and several still awake pirates' mouths are gaping like fish.

"Hey really... did it!" Lackey #12 stutters out.

"The Nyaban brothers have been defeated!" Lackey #13 cries in despair.

Jango grits his teeth, his limbs shaking from the anger or the fear, it is hard to tell.

Zoro smirks at the disbelieving faces of enemies and allies alike.

He is the first to move, gesturing to Oyal, "Hurry this up, we got places to be."

Oyal sighs making their way down. Usopp's mouth is still on the floor when he regains his senses, while Nami and Luffy are honestly not surprised anymore.

Oyal makes a little paper bridge over the oil, like a gentlemen putting his coat over a puddle, "After you," they gesture to Zoro.

Zoro puts away two of his swords, as he crosses the oil carefully, "Here we go again,"

Nami makes her way down to the little bridge patting Usopp on the shoulder, "Come on, you can help me raid their ship!" as she makes her way over.

Usopp closes his mouth, "R-Right behind you!" nodding to Oyal as he runs over the paper trail.

Jango grits his teeth in anger. "I have no choice now," he speaks under his breath, "I'll hypnotize myself and finish this. Captain Kuro will be here soon."

Only Luffy is the one to stop at the oil, "Oyal, you go first. And get rid of the paper."

Oyal obeys silently as the paper folds back, Luffy now being the only one at the top half of the hill.

Right in time too.

"Actually," a voice coming from the direction of the village stops everyone, "your captain is already here."

His voice is cold and all pirates, awake and passed out, start to shake in fear. There, at the top of the hill, is Captain Kuro himself, face and body screaming anger and murder.

All the Black Cat and Straw-Hat Pirates are past the halfway point at the bottom, making Luffy the closest to the man.

"Jango," Kuro's glasses cover his eyes but he can feel the mindless rage, "Didn't I tell you all to meet me in the mansion?"

Jango shakes in fear of his captain, "Y-Yes but, but you see! We ran into a problem with these kids!"

A fierce scowl spreads across Kuro's face, "So what? I expected you to take care of it. What I did not expect was that you fools would all be so damn useless!" he shouts.

This jumps Jango back into action. He whips out another ring and faces Zoro. "When I say 'Jango' you will fall asleep!"

Zoro looks at him like he is utterly bored, "Sure," he walks towards him.

The attitude does not do anything to help Jango's nerves, "One… Two… JANGO!" he yells triumphantly!

Zoro lifts up his sword and slashes Jango in the chest. Blood splatters from the wound as he falls to the ground.

"How….?" he manages before slipping under.

"I closed my eyes," Zoro says bluntly, "It's not that hard."

Kuro is struggling to reign in his temper. Useless. Every single one of them. He should have known better though. If you want something done... He adjusts his glasses palms up so as to not cut himself with the five katana to his fingers… you have to do it yourself.

Luffy's hat shades his eyes but with just a small tilt of his head one eye shows through, dark and merciless, "Hey," his voice rings out throughout the entire slope, "Get your crew and leave. Now."

Pirates that are still pretending to be unconscious start to shiver, they are set on fire and taken out by boulders and really not in the mood to fight another battle... or move. But hearing the commanding voice, they feel their bodies cringe at the authoritarian tone, begging them to leave.

"G-Guys I think this plan is a bust..." Lackey #23 murmurs.

"Yeah..." Lackey #25 trails off, "Let's just get out of here while we can..."

Klahadore straightens his Cat Claws, "Oh no, none of you are going anywhere," he takes one step down the slope, "No, all of you are going to die here today," his voice rings out to the entire cove as Captain Kuro sets his sights to kill his entire crew.

"STOP!"

But before that, all heads turn to the sound of distress as it is Kaya standing there in a trenchcoat.

"Shit," Oyal whispers.

"You shouldn't sneak up on me," Kuro casually speaks, stretching his fingers and making his weapons clink together, "Unless you want to die."

"Kaya, what are you doing here?" Usopp croaked out, looking up at her.

"Usopp…" Kaya is shaking, "Klahadore… he attacked Meri last night. I-I couldn't believe that he is really a pirate but..." she draws her gaze from her ex-butler to Usopp, eyes getting wet, "You knew?"

"Never mind that," Usopp is trying to will himself between Kuro and Kaya as he takes a step in the oil, only to slip and almost fall, "Why are you here?" he goes on, "Kaya, your life is in danger!"

"But you're fighting!" Kaya screams, tears threatening to fall, "You… you have been fighting this whole time. I just…"

Usopp pulls his slingshot back taking aim at Kuro, "Move one muscle and you get a face full of glass!" She isn't supposed to be here! She is supposed to be far away and safe!

Kuro suddenly speaks up. "This is no place for a lady. Miss Kaya, please leave."

Kaya's expression freezes before being replaced by rage, "Please stop this, Klahadore! If you want my fortune, I'll give it all up. So please, leave this place! Right now!"

Kuro's face looks mildly annoyed, "I thank you for the offer, however, there's one other thing that I desire," he turns to her with a stupidly wishful look on his face, "What I desire is the tranquillity of my soul."

Kaya never stops shaking but doesn't break eye contact as he continues speaking so ordinarily,

"I've spent three years to gain the trust of all the villagers, which made me feel unbelievably comfortable. I'd like to keep this sense of tranquility with me forever. Therefore, I must obtain this tranquility and your fortunes!" his faces hardens in a way she has never seen before, "That means the pirates will attack this village! Then you will leave a will and die! These two terms are…" his face is not bloodthirsty or maliceful… just peaceful, "...absolutely necessary."

Kaya pulls a pistol from her coat and points it at Kuro.

Usopp is only being held back by a stronger Zoro, "Run! Anything you say to him is useless! Run! He's not Klahadore! Oyal, make the bridge again!"

Oyal hesitates, "I… should not," The chances of Usopp having any effect on Kuro in close combat is 8%, him staying far away increases to 45% and keeps him safer. However, Kaya's presence will only hinder their plan and those around her despite her good intentions. If she knows she is of no use what's the point of fighting? If she knows what is going on, then why?

Zoro is the one to talk sense, "If you go up there you are as good as dead!"

But Usopp won't listen, "I don't care," he croaks refusing to cry, "I don't care if I'm weak! I'll protect her! I will protect them!"

Everyone stares at him as the tears suddenly come back to his eyes, tears that he wasn't ashamed of hiding here. "I'm Captain of the Usopp Pirates," he declares, "A brave warrior of the sea who fights for what he holds dear! I will protect everyone in the village even if it kills me!" his voice grows stronger and he screams out with as much strength he could muster, "ON MY WORD! YOU WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN THIS VILLAGE!"

Luffy likes to think he can be totally subtle.

Like how he subtly sends another wave of Haki to the Black Cat Pirates. A simple message saying 'If you dare laugh at Usopp, I will kill you all so slowly you will feel every drop of blood draining from your body.' Not a single one of them dares to laugh as they choke on their tongues.

"Usopp... it's okay!" Kaya yells not taking her eyes off her target, "You're right... he's not Klahadore!"

Usopp stops struggling in Zoro's arms, "...Kaya"

She continues with a newly found iron in her voice, "Klahadore! Leave this village!"

Kuro sighs as he lifts his glasses up in that achingly familiar way Kaya is so used to, "Oh, you're actually pointing a gun at me."

"Leave now!" she tries to stay strong... but... he still looks so much like Klahadore... he looks so much like the man she looked up to for guidance.

"So that's how it is" he takes one step to her, "You've grown a lot these past three years, Miss Kaya," he lifts his Cat Claws in the air, "Do you still remember? Many things have happened in these past three years. Since the time when you'd always lay in bed, crying for your parents who passed away. It's really been quite a while. A long time I still remember the sorrowful and joyful days we've spent together."

"K-Klahadore..." she is losing her strength, gun shaking in her hand.

"We went shopping together. I nursed you when you had fevers. You were so happy listening to anything I'd say. I gave my all for you. I have always, yes, always endured it," he speaks with such a terribly gentle look on his face that Kaya feels her eyes water again. Why does it have to be this way?

Just like that Kuro is right in front of her, gun in his hand, "Yes, everything was so that I can kill you today."

Kaya loses her breath, tears finally running down her face at his merciless confession.

"I, formerly known as Captain Kuro, had to keep a smile for a little girl whose nose always sniffled," each word is a dagger into her heart "No matter how much I hated it, I tried hard to make you happy."

Usopp gets his slingshot out again, "Bastard!"

Even Nami grabs her staff, "This guy..." she doesn't like where this is headed, with each word coming out of his mouth, he is starting to sound too much like another pirate who abuses those around him.

Kuro takes no notice, lost in his tangent, "Can you imagine, my humiliation of those days? Can you imagine me, the former Captain Kuro, doing such things?!"

Usopp lets go, "Shatter Star!" It's a dirty trick, he knows that Kaya wouldn't be able to forget all those memories so easily. He's trying to make her second-guess herself. He is fucking toying with her!

Kuro lifts his swords to his face at lightning speed, catching each bullet between his swords, only an inch from his face, "Revenge, Usopp? I won't' let you-"

Any attempt at a threat is ended by Luffy punching him in the face, sending him to the ground.

"If you hate getting hit," Luffy cracks his knuckles, "then you are in for a bad day."

The Black Cat Pirates are freaking out as they stare at Luffy, who so unashamedly punched their captain in the face. Oh, he is just getting started, and with everyone's attention focused on him, no one really notices a certain thief doing her job.

"Strange," Oyal whispers. Luffy's memories did not give a good indication of time so who knows how long the battles were in the journal, but she was so sure that Kaya would not be able to find them. She and Usopp made sure of that last night when-

"Usopp Pirates are here!"

"Die you bastard!"

"You ingrate butler!"

At that moment three children come from the forest background, armed to the teeth with a shovel, a baseball bat, and a frying pan. While Kuro is down they take a few crack shots at him.

The Black Cat Pirates fear for their own lives, not that their captain would get hurt, but that he is even more annoyed by some brats now.

Usopp screams out desperately "Stop! Stop, what you are doing?!"

Kaya turns her head as well, "How did you all get here?"

Carrot stops beating the pirate with his frying pan long enough to answer, "We're sorry captain!"

"We tried to find her quick like in your letter!"

"But she got past us!"

Kaya's mind screams, "Letter?"

Oyal coughs.

"Yeah," Pepper adds, "The one that said to keep you away from the cliffs!"

Usopp recalls the letter that Oyal had him draft last night in order to secure Kaya's safety, guess that plan didn't pan out, "New orders! I'll give the most important task you right now and it is absolutely critical you succeed!" All three stand in direct attention, "Take Kaya and get away from here!"

The three boys now stand in confusion as do many others, Kuro especially overseeing Usopp as he gets up from his lying position, without a notable scratch to be seen.

But there is no room for argument in Usopp's voice, "You must keep her safe. This is the reason we wanted to become pirates! To protect what we cherish the most as men! Now go," he finally yells out, "that's a direct order!"

The Usopp pirates salute, tears in their eyes they cry out, "YES, CAPTAIN!" as they politely grab Kaya by the hand and start leading her away from the fray.

Kuro, being a bastard, could not let the girl whom he betrayed so thoroughly get away, "Oh no you don't! You will sign the will and-!"

But before he can do anything there is a shot to his head, one that actually hits it's target. He recovers fast to see Usop holding his slingshot proudly not backing away from his gaze, "IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT SOMEONE THEN FIGHT ME!"

"I will deal with you quickly, you annoyance," Kuro snarls, turning his attention back to the cliff, ready to make his kill. The only thing in his way, the most damndest thing that ruins his oh so perfect plan, is that brat in the straw hat.

"Usopp..." Luffy's back is facing all of them as he stands his ground at the descending before Kuro, his Straw Hat casting a thick shadow over his eyes, "This is your fight…" his voice echoes all throughout the cove, "But I really want to kick this guy's ass, do you mind?"

He is actually asking for permission to fight... Usopp really doesn't want to rely on others to fight his fight. On one hand, it would be admitting his own weakness, not being able to do anything. It hurts his pride knowing how useless he is, having to ask for someone stronger than him to help.

But on another hand... he never felt so relieved, which is even more frustrating. All he wants is Kaya and his village to be safe and he knows for a fact that when Luffy promises something he will fulfill it. That is just the kind of guy he is. So if that means swallowing his pride to ensure that, well, then it isn't a question at all.

"Yeah," he says softly at first, head bowed.

Only to lift it the next moment punching his fist in the air, "Kick his ass Luffy!" if he is going to rely on Luffy, he is sure as hell going to cheer him on!

Kuro sneers at the interaction, disgust written all over his face, "Enough of this," he has his sights on Luffy, "I will handle you first," and like that he is gone.

Luffy can actually see what he is doing, despite being invisible to everybody else, moving as fast as he was, but Luffy is easily able to follow his movement. Hell, he was able to do it last time, this time it is almost sad. He is just giving a sloppy version of Shave.

He aims right in front of Luffy with a forward slash. Luffy drops back, landing on his hands, leaving his feet right in the air.

"Gum-gum..." right in Kuro's face, "SPEAR!"

Kuro reappears back several feet away, looking a little worse for wear, but he is exactly where Luffy wanted him. Luffy wants him as far away from the bottom of the cliff and his crew as possible. So he is getting through with this fight at the top of the cliff.

Luffy's hands spring himself to Kuro's location, landing perfectly on his feet.

Kuro is on high alert. He wasn't expecting such a foe who could match him in speed, he needs to buy some time to learn his enemy.

"Before I kill you, I feel compelled to ask… what is an outsider like you butting into this village's business for?" Kuro demands.

Luffy smirks, "Because there is a man here who I want to help live out his dream."

Usopp blinks, "Does he mean… me?"

Oyal takes out their journal, taking note of how long it should take Luffy to finish destroying this man, "That is a logical conclusion."

"Who else would he mean?" Zoro gives a teasing smile, "He has been fighting to help you this whole time, idiot."

Usopp's lip quivers at the thought.

Kuro gives a cruel chuckle, "Are you really okay with that? After all, it's your reason for dying.".

"Sure am," Luffy answers confidently, "But I'm not gonna die!"

Kuro smirks, "A foolish notice," this time he disappears right in front of Luffy only to reappear right behind him!

Luffy holds back a yawn, putting his hand out and grabbing the man's wrist right before he could even touch him, slamming him to the floor.

Kuro loses his composure, "Why you…!" he yells, quickly getting up and trying to slash the man in a head-on collision. If surprise attacks don't seem to work then overwhelming him is the way to go!

Luffy barely moves, with each attack missing his body by mere millimeters. Kuro strikes more and more wildly each time, but nothing seems to hit the teen. What is left of his conscious crew along with the Strawhats watches as Luffy humiliates Kuro more and more with each passing second.

Nami's mouth hangs open, "This is insane…" she is really working with monsters.

Zoro's dimpled grin is wide and merciless, "Yeah, this is awesome," he turns to her after a thought, "Wait, when did you get here?"

She shrugs, "I just finished raiding their ship," she pats to a huge bag that no one seemed to notice till now, "none of them even noticed as I got on their ship and left, but it wasn't much... so disappointing from a pirate crew."

Oyal closes her journal, "This should end soon, how are you feeling by the way?"

Kaya hugs her coat closer, "Better... I suppose."

Usopp smiles nonchalantly, "That's goo- WAIT WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" until it sinks in that Kaya should really not be here. In fact, it should have been impossible! "AND YOU THREE!" along with his small crew of children pirates.

Kaya gives a small smile, "I... didn't want to go, so the kids took me around the back to the cliffs where Miss Oyal made me a ladder," she gestures to the paper ladder that is embedded to the side of the cliff.

"You said to protect her and we thought that here would be best," Carrot reasons.

"Yeah, you already took out the fake pirates and Miss Kaya would be safer with the good pirates," Pepper explains.

"And we didn't want to miss out on the action..." Onion admits.

Usopp's mouth is on the floor but he closes it, turning to Oyal, "Why would you do that!"

"It seemed logical," they answer in monotone.

Ugh!" they're impossible! He turns back to his crew, "We are going to have a serious talk about following orders," he scolds the three as their heads drop, "But... I have to admit your bravery and decision skills are excellent! Just what I expect from my crew!"

The three immediately peck up at the praise, "But seriously," he turns to Kaya, "Are you okay?"

Kaya straightens her back looking up the hill, "No..." her eyes are wet but determined, "But I have to see this through."

Usopp doesn't like it but he knows this is important to her, "Okay," This is her closure. A man she thought she knew and thought she could trust was all an illusion of some master plan. She wants to see who he really is, so she watches unflinchingly as this man gets his ass whooped.

The Black Cat Pirates see the futility of their captain's attempts and try to cheer him on, "That straw hat guy is definitely not as strong as Captain Kuro!" "Kill him, Captain!" "Banzai, Captain, Banzai!" "Captain Kuro!" "Captain Kuro!" "Captain Kuro!"

Kuro stops his struggling, directing his frustrations on his former crew, "Don't call me by that name!" Shutting them up completely.

"You still don't get it, do you?" He is on a rant now, "For this is my plan to succeed I need to completely be rid of the name, 'Captain Kuro.' I am sick and tired being relentlessly pursued by bounty hunters and government dogs! I am sick and tired of planning everything for you reckless morons!"

He turns back into a professionally cold butler, "And so, once today's plan succeeds, I will have achieved my goal. I will have money and a tranquil life," he looks at them like a man looks at a bug, "And that means exterminating every single one of you."

The Lackeys finally start to understand his message, "What? You wanna kill us?" "Don't kid us around like that, Captain Kuro," they try to reason with their bloodthirsty captain, "Yeah, If we were to attack the village now, it still shouldn't be too late," hope is growing that they would be spared, "Besides, as long as Captain Jango gets that girl to write the will, the plan will be complete! You don't need to worry about the plan anymore."

Kuro crushes those hopes quickly, "As long as your bodies are here, I can prove my innocence," he grows a wicked grin, "I never planned to have you guys leave this village in the first place. It would've been troublesome after all. No one who knows my true identity can be allowed to live to tell about it."

"What a bastard," Zoro growls. Damn it, why doesn't Luffy hurry and beat this guy already?

"You… you had already planned to kill every last one of us from the very beginning!" Lackey #8 cried out.

He chuckles darkly again, "Obviously," not even pretending to sound remorseful, "Three years ago, I planned to erase Captain Kuro… and every last person who ever knew him. It's all part of my plan."

Luffy is getting tired of this guy's bitching, and apparently, he is not the only one.

"Illogical."

Kuro twitches an eye, "What?"

Oyal sighs, "Your contradictions were piling up so high I feel... compelled to say something. A pirate's' life entails being constantly on the run," they unknowingly uses the tone that one uses when explaining something simple to a child, "Every job has risks and it would seem to be that you did not evaluate those options carefully enough, leading to your current dissatisfaction. If you took into account all of the variables, perhaps you would be better at making plans."

You could hear a needle drop at the silence that follows. No one, and I mean, no one ever spoke to Captain Kuro Man with A Thousand Plans like that.

The entire cove is silent, Black Cat Pirates shocked that someone would say something like that to Captain Kuro of a Thousand Plans, and Straw Hats and company not thinking she had it in her to say something like that.

The silence is broken by laughter, "Shishishi, well said Oyal!" Luffy clutches his stomach.

Kuro is nowhere near amused, "Once I am done with him I shall take my time with you," his voice dripping with murder.

Oyal's neutral voice does not change, "Doubt."

Kuro lungs for Luffy, taking advantage of his laughing as a distraction, "MY PLAN WILL NOT BE DISRUPTED BY AN URCHIN LIKE YOU!"

"Well, now he is just being rude," Usopp snaps hotly.

Luffy grabs his swords at their base, as all five are a centimeter from his face, "If you want to talk about which one our ambitions are bigger, your plans or my dreams," he looks Kuro right in the eye as he couldn't move his and an inch in Luffy's ironclad grip, "Then mine is bigger," and he snaps all five swords like they were twigs.

"He broke them!" Usopp screams out.

"Five down and five to go!" Nami claps her hands.

Kaya shouts, "Go Mister Luffy!"

But Luffy is taking his time, drawing a hand back slowly, "You know what? If you don't want a reputation?" and with a controlled amount of strength (a fuck ton) punches Kuro's right in the face as he screamed, "THEN DON'T BE A PIRATE!"

"Well said," Zoro nods.

"Oyal is right, you are dumb," Luffy states simply, "The dumbest pirate, I know," and that is saying something. He knows Split-Head personally and at least that guy knows how to run a crew.

"Dumb, huh?" any professionalism, whether real or not, is gone in place of insane anger, "A pirate crew is merely a bunch of dogs which aren't fit to live in a civilized society. Without my plans, what could they possibly accomplish? It's always been my plans that they follow, just pawns at a captain's disposal. A simple means to an end."

"Illogical excuses," Oyal murmurs not so quietly to themself.

Zoro overhears anyway, "You're right though. While it is a crew's duty is to obey the captain, it is also the captain's duty to be in charge of taking care of the crew as well."

Oyal finds themself... saddened? But in a weird way about Kuro? Perhaps this is ... disappointment. It seems like a logical thing to feel. They had expectations that perhaps the second most intelligent man in the East Blue (according to her calculations) would be an interesting character when met with different odds.

But, no. His only purpose is the benefit of Usopp, hopefully defeating this pirate will help his self-confidence. Still, the only use for this man is a tool to make their Sniper stronger, he isn't even worth a trip to the marine station to be turned in. Yes, disappointing is the right word.

Luffy watches him silently, egging on Kuro to continue his rant, "Whether they live or die, it's all up to me. If I tell them to fight, they will fight. And if I order them to die they had better do it. They know the punishment for disobedience."

He grins at his insane logic but Luffy still has that empty look on his face.

Oyal has seen that look before… he is looking at Kuro like how Ace looked at the nobles in Goa. Disgust, anger, a bit of pity… but there is not a trace of mercy… even if Kuro begged for forgiveness, Luffy would never forget this.

Kuro must've sensed this as well because his face suddenly turns into fury and outrage as he bellows out, "This is the fate of pirates! Don't you dare lecture me, boy!"

"But Luffy didn't even say a word," Usopp says.

"He didn't need to," Nami answers. She knows that look... that is a look she had to deal with every day in her life growing up.

"Just looking at that lowlife was enough to get the message across," Zoro agrees.

Oyal studies them intensely, "Fascinating..." Luffy's ability to express emotions beyond the use of words is... awe-inspiring.

Only Kaya remains silent throughout it all. So this is who Klahadore really is. This is Captain Kuro.

But suddenly Luffy smiles, "Even if a captain like you had tens of thousands of men following your command," he looks him right in the eye, "You will never be as good as Usopp."

In any other situation Kuro would laugh his ass off, but he is in no mood to laugh, "You are a bigger fool than I thought," he snarls, sounding more like an animal than a human, "Are you saying that I'm inferior to a kid pretending to be a pirate?!"

"That's right," Luffy doesn't have a shred of doubt in his voice.

"Thanks… Luffy," Usopp whispers. Nobody has ever stood up for him like that before. But here is Luffy acknowledging him as a pirate, hell as a captain, those words mean more to him than anything.

"Don't get cocky just because you snapped off one of my cat claws!" He does his shitty Shave to appear behind Luffy, "How exactly is he better than me?" he demands despite aiming to kill, "Tell me!"

Luffy grins his stupid smile, not even bothering to look back, "It's the way you think."

Kuro hesitates, "What?" and that was his biggest mistake.

Luffy stretches his fist behind him, "A guy like you..." to slam right into Kuro's head, "...doesn't know what it means to be a true pirate!"

Kuro slams into the wall making a large indent, only to fall down barely standing. Luffy would be impressed if he didn't know how much he was holding back, "You insult me…!" he touches his head, "You want to know what a true pirate is supposed to be then let me show you… the terror of a true pirate!"

Kuro jumps back and tries to calm himself, starting to sway back and forth.

Luffy lifts an eyebrow, so now Kuro is going to do a proper version of Shave? Really, it is almost worse considering it gives the dude tunnel vision, not being able to see who he was attacking.

His Lackeys are not as calm about this change in development.

"We're within range too! Is he going to kill us too?!" "Didn't he say that earlier?!" "Please stop, Captain Kuro!" "Don't do it! We'll do anything you want!"

"Shakushi!" and like that he is gone.

The Straw Hats and company only watch in confusion, while the pirates are utterly terrified.

"What is going on?" Nami looks to see the despairing pirates.

Zoro shrugs, "Something stupid I'm sure."

Oyal agrees, "For once, Zoro, you are right."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Zoro snaps his head at her.

Usopp sags his shoulders, "Is this really the time to be bickering."

Luffy watches with faint interest as Kuro attacks at random leaving large gashes in his way. It is horrifying to anyone seeing these deep stab marks appear out of nowhere. But still, average Shave or not he could have the chance to Shave through the oil and attack one of his own crew.

Might as well intervene.

Luffy reaches out an arm and pulls the man out of his bloodthirsty haze. He looks right into the horrified eyes of Captain Kuro.

"Too slow," and with that Luffy slams the Captain to the floor. But this time, Luffy doesn't let up.

"What do you think crewmembers are?" his voice is cold and demanding, "It is a captain's job to protect their crew with everything they are."

A good Captain protects his crew. A good Captain would make sure his crew lives to see their dreams. A good Captain should never be the last one to be left fucking alive!

Nami doesn't understand it at all. What kind of pirate would put their crew's safety over their own, let alone defend the name of an enemies' pirates crew? If anything, Kuro has been talking about the pirates she has been used to. They're selfish, bloodthirsty murderers. Pirates are not supposed to be like... like Luffy.

Nami... really doesn't know who Monkey D. Luffy is... what he is…

Kuro tries to get up but he is having no luck, barely getting on one knee, "You should have let me kill them," Kuro spats trying to regain his composure, "They are completely useless pawns. They are better off dead."

"Nothing dead is useful," this time Oyal does whisper, their words for their ears only, "Death is the absence of use," dead does nothing for about millennia.

Luffy grabs Kuro by the back of his head, making Kuro look him right in his eyes, eyes that were too old for a face so young, "You could have done it," he says honestly, "Made it big, you know. Go to the Grand Line, perfect Shave, having that in Paradise would have helped in the long run, trust me," his voice is soft and compassionless,

"Hell, could have gotten a stronger crew there too, even better his own but you are just so lazy that you stopped in the East Blue, the sea with the least amount of competition, or bounty hunters, or marine bases, and let it all go to waste," he gives a tired sigh, "I hate to say it but... you played yourself."

Kuro wants to yell. He wants to curse and scream at this... this... pirate until there is nothing in his vocabulary left. But his jaw is in an iron lock refusing to move as he grinds his teeth together.

Luffy gets the message across, shrugging, "You wanted pawns, you got pawns. Bottom line is: you suck at being a pirate. No, wonder you're a quitter," he pauses studying Kuro for a moment.

"You see those four?" he points to his crew, forcing Kuro's head in said direction, "They were able to hold back your entire crew," he locks eyes with Kuro, "And I found them all in a week."

Zoro's chest swells with pride, glad that he could have been of use this time, Nami tries not to preen herself under the praise but it is nice to be noticed, Usopp takes his signature captain posture for once not having to fake his proud smile, while Oyal has a faint blush dusting their face. Luffy chuckles in amusement but turns back to seriousness at his adversary.

"But you, Captain Kuro," Luffy spits the word captain like a curse, "... are a really shitty captain. No pirate worth his name harms his nakama."

Kuro, filled with an undying rage, finally spits out, "All pirates... are the same!"

Luffy shakes his head, "I will never be like you," Not in the first life, not in this one.

"Not will," Kuro sneers, trying to regain some dignity, "Someone like you can't be like me!"

Luffy's smiles, "Thanks!"

Kuro glares at Luffy, his head may be immovable but he still has his other hand!

Till Luffy just grabs his sword at lightning speed despite the closeness, "Usopp may be a liar," he breaks the other five swords, "But you're full of shit'" and drops them to the floor.

Kuro, for the first time in his life, has no idea what to do.

"Mister Luffy!" a call came down the hill, "Miss Oyal if you would please," Kaya politely gestures to the slope as Oyal silently made her a paper bridge over the oil. Kaya quickly and confidently walks across the oil to the pair, dropping in front of Kuro. No one dares stop her or ask her what she is doing.

"Klahadore," Kaya looks the man she admired so much right in the eyes, though he glares back, face unreadable.

Was this really the man who cared for her all these years? Did he really feel nothing but contentment for her and everyone of this island? Was he really this cold-hearted? What were lies and what was true at this point?

But at the same time… none of that really matters at this point, does it?

"You're fired."

Luffy barks out a laugh, "Wow butler man, your life really sucks now doesn't it?" he laughs at the utterly dumbfounded look on Kuro's face, "Your plan of three years is a complete and total failure."

"Couldn't have said it better myself!" Usopp says, grinning from ear to ear.

Kaya agrees, "Please continue, Mister Luffy!"

"Go Luffy!" "Kick his ass!" "Show that butler who's boss!" Three excitable children cheer on.

Luffy stretches his head back, "Gum Gum…!"

"MY PLAN-!" Kuro shouts!

"BELL!" but Luffy head-butts the sucker right in the face before he could say any more.

It is through that last bong that actually did sound like a deep bell ringing, everyone knows the fight is over. Or rather a one-sided beatdown than an actual fight. The butler is out cold before his shattered glasses even hit the ground. Kuro lies there, bleeding from the head, his eyes rolled all the way back so they could only see white.

"He is going to be feeling that on in the morning," Zoro smirks, making his way to his Captain.

"If he could have done that from the start it would have saved us time," Nami follows carrying her gold.

"Come on, Nami, it wouldn't have been anywhere near as satisfying if he was taken out with one punch," Usopp, along with a group of three awestruck children in tow.

Oyal recedes the bridge as they come last, "The result would have lost 79% of its effect if it was one punch. I calculated this was the best form of revenge."

The Black Cat Pirates are left at the bottom of the cove in utter shock, "That crazy rubber guy beat Captain Kuro!" a Lackey comments, "Even the Marines weren't a match for Kuro man of a thousand Plans!" another Lackey yells in disbelief, "And this guy still beat him!"

Luffy makes a disbelieving noise, "I would never lose to some coward who ditches his name, betrays his crew, and runs from his life on the sea," he scoffs, "I didn't even to take off my hat this entire fight."

The pirates feel their fear slowly rise as they take in the sight before them, "W-who the hell are you?" a sole brave Lackey asks.

Luffy turns to face them, looking very dramatic and cool with his crew on both his sides, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy."

The Black Cat Pirates look at one another, "Luffy?" "Never heard that name before." "Is he a rookie?"

"You should remember my name for the rest of your lives," Luffy explains as he grins his rubbery grin, "Cause I'm gonna be King of the Pirates."

The pirates stare at him just as Luffy picks Kuro up by his collar ready to throw him down the hill, "Excuse me for a moment," Oyal interrupts as they walk up to the unconscious man himself. Luffy lifts him up for her as she slips a card into his pocket, "Two of Hearts."

With that done, Luffy proceeds to throw him down the hill, "Now get out of here!" he commands as Kuro landed at their feet, "And don't come back!"

"Or else you'll have hell to pay," Usopp shouts with him, almost believing he could take them on as well.

The pirates don't have to be told twice as they run back to their ship in a mad panic, dragging Kuro with them, more out of orders than loyalty, quickly boarding and in less than a minute they are already sailing away.

"I can't believe they took him with them," Nami points out.

Zoro shrugs, "Kuro may be a crap captain but they must be a crap crew if they need him that badly."

"But, uh," Usopp looks down the slope, "Why did they leave him?" he points to the sole member of the Black Cat Pirates that was still present and unconsciously on the ground.

"Oh," Oyal pipes up, "That would be me."

Nami narrows her eyes, "What did you do?"

"I put a 'Do not Disturb' card on his chest," Oyal explains, "And a card."

No one could tell if she is joking, "... you're kidding me," Nami hopes with all her might they are kidding, "Right? No one can be that stupid."

Usopp gives a weary sigh, "The heights of stupidly just rise every single day. How are normal stupid people suppose to compete?"

"THAT'S NOT SOMETHING TO COMPETE FOR!" Nami goes into her shark face mode.

"Don't worry Nami," Oyal reassures her, "I have my plans with Mushroom Man... it will all be... fascinating."

Nami gives up, "That's exactly what I'm worried about," the last thing this kid needs is the power of mind control.

Usopp tilts his head, "Mushroom Man?"

"Yes, the man with the mushroom," Oyal answers. It is a silly story and they have no idea how in all of space and time Luffy could have known this information but it is in the contract so it can't be false, "See, here is the stem."

Usopp absolutely 100% does NOT scream like a baby at the sight of the striped handle, "DID YOU CUT OFF HIS CHIN?!"

"No," Oyal puts the stem in their pocket, "I told you it is a mushroom,"

That does not calm Usopp's nerves at all, "WHY DO YOU HAVE IT?" Why would anyone bother cutting off something as gross as a mushroom growing on a guy's beard?

"I wanted it," Oyal gives the simplest explanation they could. They have plans for it, that should be reason enough.

Usopp gives up right next to Nami. He is never going to understand this kid, is he?

"Doesn't he have a name?" Luffy asks. He doesn't really care himself about the guy, he was trying to help in Kaya's assassination after all

"I don't care," Oyal explains.

Luffy grins contentedly, "I'm sure it will fine, you don't mind do you, Kaya?"

Kaya widens her eyes at being addressed, "I... suppose not if you think nothing bad will happen," she doesn't like the idea of a pirate being on their island but at the same time she doesn't want to hinder... whatever their plans are.

Oyal bows, "Thank you, I promise you, nothing negative will come out of this for you," then they turn to the Veggie trio whispering, "I have plans for you as well."

The three shiver at the comment.

Usopp coughs, interrupting them all, "Well now that all is well and done I have your new orders!" the Usopp Pirates stand at attention ready to follow their brave leader, "Keep everything that happened here a secret."

"Eh?!" while everyone is surprised at the command the veggie trio are the ones to express their annoyance, "A secret?" "Why should we do such a thing?" they don't understand why their brave captain would deny getting the credit he so rightfully deserves, "Yeah! You all fought with your Iives to protect the village," "Captain, everyone would look at you differently!" "You'll become our village's hero"! "Yeah, that's right!"

Even Kaya speaks up, "Usopp, you should let the village know, you deserve to be a hero..." the brave hero that she always knew he was.

Usopp shakes his head, "Nah, They'd just think that I'm lying like usual. There's no point in telling them things of the past. That would only create panic," How maturely he is handling the situation is astounding, anyone else was sure to brag about this but Usopp... "Besides, this was a one-time special situation. There shouldn't be any more pirates that'd wanna attack this secluded village ever again. So let's just pretend as if nothing's happened!"

Luffy is surprised yet again by Usopp and just how selfless he can be when it comes to his friends. Oh, he knew Usopp would do anything for them, but it is always nice to be reminded after so long. Instead of taking the chance to brag about his accomplishments he brushes them off just to keep the peace of his village.

Zoro is impressed by Usopp's will to fight for his village but now this was cementing his place in the crew. He really is an honorable guy, someone Zoro is proud to fight beside.

Nami finds herself fidgeting a little. Someone taking on the burden for the village not wanting anyone to know...

"Now, I won't force you-"

"No, I'll do it! If it's best for the village!" Carrot suddenly yells, "Me, too!" Pepper agrees, he is going to protect the village too, "Me three, I won't say a word!" Onion finishes as all of them vow,

"We will never say anything about this ever again!"

Usopp smiles, glad for the positive response, "Kaya, what do you say?"

She returns the smile, "Say about what?"

"Meat! Meat! Meat! Meat!"

"Luffy! You're going to eat her out of house and home!"

"It's fine Miss Nami really..."

"Kaya, you can call me Nami, I told you, and don't let him get away with that, he can eat a Sea King if you let him."

Luffy continues to shovel down food, politely, in Kaya's mansion after she invited them back to her home. She is already looking better than she has in ages, she gladly asked the Straw Hats to live in her home for the past couple of days as she took care of Meri's wounds. At the moment they are in the living area while Usopp went out back with his crew, talking about... something.

Oyal thought it best to give the group some privacy as Usopp disbands his pirate group. Even if they are kids just playing their connection with one another, their bonds are deep and should be respected.

Speaking of which, "Kaya?"

Kaya looks up from Meri's now bandaged arm, "Hm? Yes, what do you need Mis- I mean, Oyal."

"I was wondering if you have any books about poisons?"

Kaya cocks her head to the side, "Yes, I think we have something like that in our library," she stands up, "if you would please follow me."

She gets up, leaving the room with Oyal, leaving behind Luffy, Nami, and a sleeping Zoro.

Nami turns to the door, "I wonder what that is about..."

Luffy shrugs, being careful not to choke on a fish bone, "Don't know, don't care," Oyal is probably going to make other plans for something or another.

Nami sighs but relents to a small smile, deciding to say what she has been wanting to get off of her chest, "You did... good, Luffy," she says softly, "But I have to ask... Why were you so mad earlier. About Kuro and his crew?"

Luffy doesn't say a word as he swallows his food, staring blankly at nothing with a dark look in his eyes… as if trying to figure out a difficult question.

Luffy's eyes look at her as he calmly answers, "I truly hate people like them." He falls silent for a moment before he adds, "Nakama aren't meant to be treated that way."

Nami chooses her words carefully, "Of course not, but most pirates aren't the brave, honorable people you make them out to be. I'd say that Captain Kuro is pretty standard."

"Then I'll just change the standard!"

Nami blinks, "What?"

"Your right most pirates are like that," Luffy has a fire in his black eyes, "But not all, and especially not in the Grand Line," he takes a pause as if coming to a decision, "Out there, you can't make it on your own, you have to be able to trust your crew completely, here pirates take advantage of being able to get replacement. But nobody is replaceable in a nakama. Not now, not ever."

Nami's mouth hangs open a little, not knowing what to say. He sounds so... old. Like he knows exactly what he is talking about, despite the fact he was almost choking on a fish bone mere minutes ago.

She has to say something.

"Hey, guys!" Usopp might as well have slammed the door by the jump Nami gave, "I just finished wrapping things up with my... ex-crew," he eyes are still a little watery, "But I think they are going to be just fine!"

Luffy gives a big smile, all traces of age gone, "Glad to hear it Usopp!"

Zoro, totally forgotten in the background, opens an eye, "So I take it your free to officially join then?"

"Ah... so you guys were serious about that?" Usopp didn't want to get his hopes up but... "I want to thank you guys," Usopp tells them all, "I wouldn't have been able to protect the village without you."

Luffy just smiles, "No problem!"

Zoro looks up, "Give credit where credit is due. If you had just stood back and done nothing, I wouldn't have done anything either."

"What can I say?" Nami askes happily, tapping the bag of loot that is right next to her with her foot, "I've got my hands on this sweet, sweet treasure now and I couldn't be happier!"

Kaya and Oyal come back, a book of poisons in their hand, "Usopp!" Kaya's face brightens as she sees him, "Are you here for some food as well?"

"I have an announcement to make actually," Usopp works up all the courage he has before speaking. Despite just meeting Luffy he feels like... he has always known him in a way. Luffy is just so open and inviting about himself and Usopp found that he could recuperate, not being afraid to let his guard down around the other teen.

He can already tell Luffy can simultaneously act like he has an old soul and still has the personality of a little kid, in the way he also acts in extreme. He can either be extremely greedy, like with food, or his crew, or going on adventures. But other times he becomes extremely selfless, sacrificing himself, going to great lengths to achieve something, even swallowing his pride all in the name of his nakama or anyone he would consider a friend.

He... doesn't want to always have to rely on Luffy for everything despite his weakness. He wants to get stronger, not even for his own sake anymore but to support his Captain for once… he always wished that he could become stronger… and he feels like he has in a way, but he knows he still has a long, long, long way to go before he could be considered a threat like Luffy or Zoro.

But that doesn't mean he is not prepared to try!

"For the longest time I have been dreaming about becoming a pirate," Usopp confesses, "I loved the village and everyone in it so I never build up the courage to leave. But I still wanted to go out to sea," he has all their attention, "It wasn't until I met you four did I really become inspired to set out on my own…"

"And now I won't be on my own either!" Usopp face shines like a star, "I, Ex-Captain Usopp of the Usopp pirates, humbly and proudly accept your request to join your crew!"

The only thing to match Usopp's smile is Luffy's own, "Like you ever had a choice!"

Usopp slumps a bit but smile didn't lessen a bit, "Come on, I was trying to make it special."

Oyal bows, "Welcome aboard."

"I... figured that you might do this..." the sadness in Kaya's eyes flashes over her face before she forces a pleasant smile in its stead. She isn't going to let her own feelings stop Usopp's dreams, no matter how much she is going to miss him.

"Yeah, yeah, now that we've eaten," Zoro picks himself up, "We should probably get going."

"It's going to cramp with five on our dinghy," Nami mutters

"Actually," Kaya speaks up, her eyes proud but a little misty, "You've all done so much for me and I can't thank you enough. I have prepared a present for you from the bottom of my heart to show how grateful I am for everything you've done here. I'd be honored if you accept it."

This is it! Luffy's mind is running a hundred miles per hour. This is it! This is it! This is it!

"What is it?" Nami asks interestedly but Kaya simply gestures them to follow her out the door and down the road to the same place where they fought the Black Cat Pirates, where Meri is standing. He looks better than before after a few days of recovery with just a patch on his forehead. His hair is curly like a lamb's fleece and even two lamb horns stick out of it.

"Oh," Oyal made a beeline right in front of him, uncharacteristically bold, "which tribe are you from?"

Meri steps back a bit, "I-uh, what?"

"Your tribe," Oyal stresses, "Your horns suggest that you are part of a human-demonic tribe, am I correct?"

"D-Demonic?" Meri stutters, "I am not a demon!"

"Haha! Oh, Oyal," Nami flings a shoulder against Oyal's shoulder, "You are such a kidder!"

"Incorrect, I am quite serious about my question," Oyal turns back to Meri, "If you are not part of a tribe then why do you have horns?"

"Oyal?" Nami asks in that sickening sweet voice of hers

"Yes?" Oyal answers unabashedly.

"YOU CAN'T JUST ASK PEOPLE WHY THEY HAVE HORNS!"

"I like to think it is a legitimate question."

Nami sighs, "They are probably not even real, see," she gives a tug on Meri's horn.

"OW!" He slaps her hand away like a gentleman, which was very impressive, "Stop that nonsense!"

"... They are real," Nami says numbly, "... I'm sorry," she bows lowly to Meri.

"Why do I feel you are not apologizing for what you should be sorry for…" Usopp mutters.

Luffy laughs, "You sure hire some interesting people Kaya!"

Oyal's shoulders sag, "Disappointment."

Luffy is trying his damndest not to run full sprint towards his new (and old) home. She is actually like he remembers her, no, even better! She is perfect! She is real! She is -!

"The Going Merry," Meri introduces her to her new crew, "Although it is somewhat old-fashioned, I was the one who designed it."

A small caravel is sitting there waiting for them, about half the size of the Sunny and carries a sheep figurehead.

Zoro gives a low whistle, "A carvel,"

Meri goes into an explanation, "The ship's frame and its triple-mast sails are all part of a stern-centered control system," he gestures to Luffy who only meets him with a vacant stare,

"Let me brief you on how to operate it. First, how to turn it on and adjust the power-"

Nami waves a hand in front of him, "Ah! No, no! You only need to tell me how to operate the ship."

Usopp sets up next to her, "Me too! I'll have you know that I am quite the repairman myself, so much so they call me the Handyman Master!"

Luffy has to stop himself from jumping on Merry's head right then and now, his Captain's seat! "The figurehead is so cool!"

Luffy grabs Kaya's hands, "Thank you. Thank you so much for Merry," he never got to say it the first time but this time he made sure to use those two lessons in manners Makino gave him to their utmost use, to show his gratitude for his new nakama!

Kaya's smile grows, "I'm so glad you approve. I've prepared everything that's needed to set sail aboard the ship."

"Geez, why can't you be that polite all the time?" Nami asks, trying to sound annoyed but coming off as teasing.

Luffy snickers finally letting loose and springing himself right onto Merry's head, "Hi, Merry... it's good to see you again," he doesn't know if she can hear him yet, if her Klabautermann is like... present? Whatever, what matters is that she is here!

Oyal makes their way to Kaya for one last thing, "Here you go," holding out a parting gift.

Kaya takes it immediately, "A letter? What is this for?"

"You will know eventually," Oyal explains, being as cryptic as possible.

Kaya blinks a bit but gives a genuine smile, "I'm sure I will."

And just like that the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates boards their new home and unknowing their second newest Nakama. The Going Merry sails till Gecko Island is just a spec in the distance, leaving behind a disbanded crew of dreamers and a girl fighting to follow her own path.

Luffy goes to the cellar to get what is absolutely necessary for a party. Booze! He isn't much of a drinker, nothing like Zoro or Nami but even he knows you can't have a proper celebration without a Kanpai!

"To our new ship and a new nakama!" Luffy holds out a glass.

Oyal stares at it, "What is this for?" they take the brown liquid out of politeness but… were they to drink it?

Luffy gestures to his mug, "You are supposed to hit it."

Instructions done, four other glasses hit each other slipping booze uncaringly to the side.

"KANPAI!"

CRASH!

"... Okay next time not that hard, Oyal."

OOO