While Nami supported Luffy so that he could advance to the village, the two friends could see Usopp Zoro and Raynare in front of a house.
" HEY ! GUYS ! " Cried Luffy, gesturing to them.
" Tssss ! The king of noise is back. " Raynare noticed, as her face and her back were corered of numerous bandages.
" Even half dead, we can keep hearing him. " Sneered Zoro. " And your fight against Kuro ? "
" Victory ! " Assured Luffy, with a big smile. " And the others pirates have left. "
Reassured, hearing this, Usopp murmured.
" Thank you for everything, guys. "
" Where is Lucy ? " Wanted to know Nami. " And Kaya? "
Pointing to the building behind him, Zoro said.
" They are at the doctor's house ! However, with the world in there, it is barely if we can get in. "
" What do you mean ? " Wanted to know Nami, opening the door.
Lying on beds, Lucy, Kaya and Phelix were recovering from their injuries. But while the last two were still asleep, Lucy was awake and even smiled at everyone around her.
Using their own magic, her spirits were at her bedside, wanting to be sure everything was good for her.
" Lucy, will you be really okay? " Loke asked her, for at least the hundredth time.
" Yes, I assure you that I am better. "
" Do you want that I sing you something ? " Suggested Lyra.
" Or then do you want me to bring you medicines from the spirit world ? " Adds Capricorn.
" No, it will go perfectly. " Assured them Lucy. " Just knowing you are by my side, I'm happy. "
However, in addition to Aquarius, who remained at the back of the room, with her cranky air, as usual, another spirit remained isolated from the group, not daring to look Lucy in the eyes. Seeing him do so, Luffy approached him, before tapping him on the shoulder.
" Hey, Scorpion, you don't have to worry ! It's not your fault. "
" Huh ? " Scorpio wondered. " Mugiwara ? "
" You too, you did a good job; " Assured him Luffy. " Thanks to your attacks, we were able to win ! Thank you for your help. "
" Luffy ? Did you beat Kuro? " Lucy asked him.
" Yeah ! He is not ready to return here. "
" And for Kaya ? " Wanted to know Nami, approaching the girl, asleep. " Will it be okay for her ? "
" No worries ! " Assured Virgo. " As soon as Scorpio returned to the spirit world, he asked us to find a remedy to cure her poisoning ! We looked after her as soon as we got here. "
" We wanted at least to save someone, thanks to that. " Scorpio explained.
" Tsss, if you were stronger than that, you could have crushed them easily. " Aquarius remarked, beginning to return to the spirit world.
Nevertheless, advancing towards Scorpio, she gently struck him in the chest, while asserting.
" You did a good job. "
Finally, imitating her, the rest of the spirits did the same and disappeared after wishing Lucy a good recovery. Hearing them, Luffy smiled before noticing.
" For me, that's what it means to team up. "
" What ? " Nami wondered.
While Luffy, Zoro, Raynare and herself were enjoying a meal in the village inn, Zoro had said.
" After hiding his wounds, Usopp went to the doctor, with Kaya, while claiming to have found her on the ground, passed out in front of her house ! As a result, no one knows that Kaya was the Kuro's target. "
" But why did he lie? He could have been considered a hero. " Said Nami.
" He prefers not to create any panic among the villagers. " Zoro taught her. " He prefers that they continue to live without the fear of being attacked, rather than being acclaimed for what he did. "
Smiling at this, Luffy said.
" He is really a nice guy. "
Seeing him continue to eat, while Zoro began to drink a whole bottle of sake, Nami turned to Raynare who only chewed on the end of a straw.
" Something wrong, Raynare ? "
" No, nothing ! " The angel lied. " It's just that, from this whole story, we have gained nothing other than risking our lives. "
Suddenly looking at her hands, with which she used to throw her spears, she finally gnashed her teeth, before finally getting up, to go outside.
" Hum? What's happening to her ? " Wanted to know Luffy.
" It seems that someone has discovered that, against powerful enemies, her attack level is far too low to allow her to help us. " Zoro taught him.
Outside, a crashing sound could be heard when Raynare struck the trunk of a tree, while roaring.
" I was useless. "
Remembering when she was hurt by Kuro, she hit the tree again. Feeling her facial wounds still make her suffer, she hit it again. Not only, Kuro had managed to hurt her face, but now her face had three large scars in the form of scratches, destroying the beauty of her beautiful face.
Then, when she remembered the moment when she sent Lucy to be injured, she remained motionless, only trembling in frustration.
" I didn't even manage ... to protect her ! "
Waking up after she went back to sleep, Lucy straightened up, only to find that Kaya's bed next to hers was empty.
" That … ? Where is she ? "
" You shouldn't move too suddenly, miss. " Affirmed a little man, who wore a blouse on him. " Your wounds may reopen. "
"Who … Who are you ? "
" The village's doctor ! It was I who looked after you! And I must admit that your friends who landed suddenly frightened me ! How was it that there were even animals who could speak like this cow or this goat? "
" There is more important. " Retorted Lucy." Where's Kaya-san? "
" Miss Kaya ? Well, she woke up an hour ago, in great shape ! Let's say I had never seen her in such good health ! She herself seemed surprised to be able to get up without any harm ! I don't know what medicine your friends gave her, but it is pure wonder! In the end, one of her bodyguards came to pick her up. "
Hearing this, Lucy seemed relieved to understand that the antidote had a great effect on Kaya. Therefore, deciding in turn to leave, she stood up, while the man retorted.
" Wait, wait ! I will not let you go in this state. "
" There is no problem ! I have good friends with me who will take care of me. "
" Your friends ? Oh, you mean this strange girl with long black hair ? Frankly, she is a real tigress who loves to give orders and threaten me ! But in any case, she was very worried about you. "
" What do you mean ? "
" At first, when she arrived here, she had taken it into her head to threaten me so that I would treat you urgently! Then, finally, she declared that she would give me all the money I wanted! And as if she wanted prove it, a pink haired servant came out of the ground and placed a big bag of money at my feet. "
" Raynare… gave her money ? " Wondered Lucy.
" There were more than five million berrys. " Said the man, pointing to it. " Frankly, there were too many ! I have already taken the sum of my fees ! So you can take the rest. "
" What ? You don't want this money ? "
" To do what ? " Asked the doctor. " Five million on this island is a sum that few people have on them ! And you know why ? Because we don't need that much money ! Take Kaya as an example ! Except for big events, she almost never spends her money ! She wants to show us that she wants to live like the rest of the villagers here! And then, I established my tariffs for a long time, so I do not see why I would increase them for you. "
Listening him, Lucy ends up nodding, before saying.
" You are a very honest person. "
" We are all on this island. " Sneered the man. " Even Usopp. "
" What do you mean ? "
" Usopp is the village liar who spends his time shouting to everyone that pirates are going to attack us ! And yet, despite what the villagers may say, everyone appreciates his lies. "
"Do they appreciate… his lies ? "
Repeating this phrase, Lucy was walking towards the inn in the village, being sure to find at least Luffy there.
And on the way, she ends up seeing a man come out of his house at full speed, while affirming.
" Hell, I'm late. "
" Are you sure ? " Asked his wife. " However Usopp didn't come this morning ! Usually, he is always punctual. "
" Usopp is there ? " Wanted to know a man, with a broom in his hand, coming out of his house.
Seeing the young man nowhere, he sighed.
" Damn it, where did this boy go ? This village is way too quiet when he is not there. "
" Maybe sick, who knows ? "
" However, even with a flu, he is always the guy to want to make his daily fuss. "
" Without him, the day is very difficult to start. "
Hearing them speak of Usopp in this way, Lucy finally understood why the boy was so anxious to tell his lies every day in the village.
Finally entering the inn, Lucy looked around, before seeing Raynare, sitting at a table that seemed to be waiting for her.
" Hey, Ray-chan ! I'm here."
Barely glancing at her, Raynare stood up before affirming.
" Finally ! The others left when Kaya came here to show them something! Come on, let's go! "
" Wait, I would at least eat something before I go ! I'm hungry. " "
" Tsss, you're really a stupid blondie. " Declared the fallen angel.
Then pointing to a plate, she informed her.
" You are lucky ! Luffy spared a plate ! So eat ! "
" Luffy ? Save a plate ? " Wondered Lucy, sneering. " Ray, you're lying very bad ! You ordered it, suspecting that I would be hungry, right ? "
The other girl only replied with a groan.
" By the way, you know, the doctor returned almost all your money ! Virgo came to get it. "
" What money ? " Said Raynare, cursing the fact that the doctor told her about it.
For any answer, Lucy tells her.
" Thank you very much, for what you did, Raynare. "
Hearing him say that, Raynare clenched her fists in frustration, while she felt like she was being thanked when she had just been able to do nothing. However, looking away, she retorted.
" Yeah yeah yeah ! Just try not to get us into trouble the next time. "
However, she then added.
" I don't like it. "
" What ? "
" When you call me Raynare ! Finally, it's better when you call me '' Ray '' . "
Smiling at this, Lucy said.
" Me too, I prefer Ray-chan ! And also ... "
Delicately placing her finger on the scars on Raynare's face, she said.
" You don't need to hide them ! It makes you look cool. "
Raynare immediately blushed slightly, before turning her head to the side and saying.
" Stupid blonde ! "
" I don't believe it. " Confessed Lucy, looking at the boat in front of her.
And yet this was true. Kaya had just offered them a boat : the going Merry.
" We… do we have a boat ? "
" I owe you my life. " Assured Kaya. " It's the least I can do for you. "
Staring at her, Raynare saw Merry, the Kaya's butler, and noticed.
" You haven't been attacked by Kuro, have you ? "
" Yes, but I was able to survive, and a guard finally found me this morning ! I have been very lucky. "
" It's awesome. " Said Luffy, stretching out his arm to sit on the bow of the boat. " This time, we look like real pirates. "
" It is true that we will look more proud. " Confessed Lucy.
" Miss Lucy ! " Suddenly called her three voices.
Running to her, Nanf, Afro and Rudo had faces covered in tears as they affirmed.
" We are so glad to see you again. "
" When we knew what had happened to you, we were so afraid for you. "
" But fortunately you are fine. "
Seeing the many bandages covering the three men, Lucy noticed.
" I'm alright ! But, on your side, it seems that you have drooled ! Sorry for that ! "
" Sorry ? But why ? " Nanf asked, scratching his cheek.
" We are pirates. " Assured Afro. " We have lived worse than that, see ! "
" As long as you're well, that's all that matters. " Finished Rudo.
Then, seeing the black uniforms they were wearing, Lucy wanted to know.
" What are you wearing ? "
" We were hired. " Taught her Afro. " Finished pirate life. "
" We became Kaya's bodyguards. "
" It's Miss Kaya for you. " Retorted Merry.
" You, we haven't spoken to you, sheep ! "
Hearing them, Nami sighed.
" Frankly, what does Kaya have in mind to hire you when she just discovered that her butler was a pirate ? "
" Do you have a problem with that ? " Roared the trio.
Simply smiling at them, Nami retorted.
" No, it's just that I'm surprised to see pirates change to become honest people. "
" And I hope you will be good guards. " Lucy hoped, smiling at them. " Don't disappoint me, boys, I trust you. "
" Yes, of course, Miss Lucy. "
Suddenly hearing a cry of panic, everyone could see Usopp rolling towards them, while being crushed by a huge bag.
" What is this idiot doing ? " Wanted to know Raynare.
" No idea ! But let's stop it before it damages our boat. " Zoro decided.
Then lifting his foot, he and Luffy stopped Usopp, while pressing their feet against his face.
" Thank you ! "
A few minutes later, the pirate crew watched Usopp speak to Kaya, while he informed her that he was going to follow in his father's footsteps.
" A pirate ? " Sneered Raynare. " Would he at least scare a kid ? "
" It is not to scare people who counts. " Retorted Luffy. " It is to believe in your dreams and ideals. "
" Hey, you ! " Suddenly cried Usopp, to call them. " I want to thank you again for what you did to save my village ! Thanks again ! "
" Oh, but there is nothing. " Luffy assured him.
" Perhaps, but from now on, we are enemies. "
" What do you mean ? "
" Bah, it is however simple, as soon as I would have assembled my own men, I will, in my turn, on Grand Line in order to find the One Piece ! So we will be enemies. "
" Stop saying anything. " Zoro advised him. " And get on this boat. "
" What ? "
" Sincerely, after this battle, did you not wonder if we wanted you among us ? " Lucy asked, smiling at him.
" You are part of the crew. " Luffy assured him.
Hearing this, Usopp stood speechless for a few moments, before finally jumping to the boat.
" Okay, I'm coming if you insist so much ! But I'm the captain ! "
" So there, in your dreams. "
Listening to them start bickering, Nami noticed.
" Here's one that will set the mood. "
" Tsss, are you talking about a find. " Raynare said.
However, as the rest of the team began to greet Usopp, she approached him, before patting him on the back, while muttering.
" Welcome in the team ! "
" Go, all sail outside. " Cried Luffy, as the boat set sail.
" Goodbye, Kaya ! "
" Goodbye Usopp, I will wait for you impatiently;
" Miss Lucy, don't hesitate to come back. " Said Buggy's three former men.
" Yes, I would think about it, I promise. "
" Captain. " Suddenly cried the old pirates of Usopp, from the top of the cliff, while beckoning him. " Go ahead and make your dream come true ! Until then, we will protect the village for you. "
" Very well, I'm counting on you guys. " Assured Usopp, imitating them. " Goodbye, we will see each other again when I become a great warrior. "
Finally, while he continued to do his "goodbyes", Zoro turned to the mast of the ship, while asking.
" And what are we going to do with it ? "
Silent for a while, Phelix was tied up against the mast of the ship, while he groaned somewhat. Despite having been saved, he didn't understand why he had been placed here by these guys he didn't know.
" Oh, him ? " Said Luffy. " Lucy said he was a package to deliver."
" To deliver ? " Nami wondered.
At that moment, turning to them, Usopp suddenly began to cry.
" Oh no, here they are again. "
Hidden behind a large rock, Kuro's boat appeared and seemed to be advancing towards them.
" What are they doing there ? " Wanted to know Nami. " They come back to take revenge ? "
Then taking out his saber and creating a spear of light, Zoro and Raynare showed their attention to start the fight. Nevertheless, advancing in front of them, Lucy fixed the crew of the other boat, which could be seen on deck.
Much of the men could be seen. However, there was not the slightest trace of Jango and even Kuro. Instead, Siam and Buchi were in front of the rest of their comrades and seemed to have given orders to them.
" I was sure of it. " Said Lucy. " I was sure they would not leave without him. "
" Good, I imagine I deliver the package now. " Remarked Luffy.
Tempting his arm from behind, he grabbed Phelix, before spinning it. Then feeling released, the child cried out when he felt himself propelled through the air. Stopping his fall by striking the sail of the other boat, Felix then fell towards the bridge, before being caught by Buchi.
Checking his condition, the man then released him from his ropes. Once free, the child immediately returned to his shoulder, very happy to find his favorite place. Seeing him do so, Siam stared at Luffy, before finally bending a little, without saying a word. Then, after this gesture showing a certain form of gratitude, the two brothers began to give orders and, immediately, the boat turned around before setting off.
" I don't know why but I have the impression that the black cat crew will never come back to this island. " Zoro said, putting away his sword.
" Yeah, flee all before my strength. " Usopp shouted at them, suddenly overflowing with courage.
" You didn't do anything special! " Said Nami.
" What ? I fought body and soul against them ! You didn't do much. "
" Huh ? Isn't that normal ? I'm just a weak woman. "
" What should not be heard. " Zoro noted.
" Hey, what do you mean, you? "
" Pfff, how noisy. " Raynare complained.
" In fact, Ray-chan, can you explain to me what it was like this story of theft in Kaya's room ? " Asked Lucy. " Reassure me, you didn't intend to rob it, right ? "
Remaining silent, the girl fled, but was quickly followed by Lucy, who said.
" But aren't you ashamed ? How could you dare to steal someone like that ? "
" Find me peace ! We are pirates, after all. "
" I am primarily a member of Fairy Tail and I can't tolerate this kind of behavior. "
Then hearing them arguing, Luffy stayed somewhat in his corner, while smiling. Admittedly, his comrades were unaware of his presence. However, it did show something. They were not afraid of the slightest repercussions from him and they all talked to each other on an equal footing.
"This is my idea of a real crew! "