One Piece: Adventures of the East Blue Sea

by Autonomous Ultra Instinct

Wealth, Fame, Power. Gol Roger, the king of the pirates had this and more and in his dying words he drove countless sailors into searching for his long lost treasure, the One Piece. And three of those sailors are an energetic young man, a chubby young woman, and an orange haired woman and their names are Monkey D. Luffy, Salvia, and Nami. This is their story.

11. Chapter 11

A/N: In this chapter, things may turn out a bit differently than what you might expect from the original. Hence the title of this episode.

One Piece: Adventures of the East Blue Sea

Chapter 11: The Calm Before the Storm; Preparations for War on Syrup Village

While Jango was walking backwards on the road, "Klahadore" simply looked up toward a branch where Usopp hung.

"You'll never be anything more than the son of a filthy pirate!", Klahadore discouraged.

"A filthy pirate?!", Usopp reacted in rising anger.

"I sympathize with your situation. You must hate your great idiot of a father for abandoning his family AND his village because of his mindless lust for treasure.", Klahadore guessed.

"Klahadore, stop!", Kaya shouted.

"SHUT UP AND GO TO HELL, KLAHADORE!", Atreyu shouted, launching a vase toward Klahadore, shocking both him and Usopp.

Of course, the latter was puzzled for a moment before realizing what's going on. The vase only landed on the ground near Klahadore and shattered, though.

"OUR MOMMY AND DADDY ARE GONE BECAUSE OF YOU!", Daffodil shouted.

"OUR LIVES WOULD'VE BEEN FAR BETTER OFF IF YOU NEVER CAME INTO OUR LIVES!", Atreyu shouted.

Then, later, they walked up to Kaya and Usopp.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier, Kaya. I wasn't really angry with you. It's just that... well.., we still haven't recovered.", Atreyu apologized.

"We've already lost Mommy and Daddy...! We just didn't want to lose Usopp. That's all. I can't help it... I miss them more and more every day...! It won't stop hurting...!", Daffodil said, starting to sob.

"Daffodil...", Usopp spoke in worry as her sobs grew worse.

Then, it showed Jango turning to the others upon first meeting them.

"Now, which one of you people has the nerve to call me 'weird'? I'm just a normal guy.", the strange man spoke.

Then, it showed "Klahadore" speaking to Jango.

"You can kill Atreyu and Daffodil however you want, first. But after that, before you kill her, you use your hypnosis to make Kaya write her will. Then, and only then, will I have undisputed control of her enormous fortune. And no one will suspect a thing.", Klahadore smirked.

"3 years as a butler for this, huh? You sure had us scared back then..., Captain Kuro.", Jango spoke, making Kaya gasp in horror.

"HEY, BAD GUYS! YOU BETTER STAY AWAY FROM THAT GIRL AND HER BROTHER AND SISTER!", Luffy shouted, attracting Kuro and Jango's attention, urging Usopp, Salvia, and the others to react and fall to the ground.

"Who are you?!", Jango spoke in shock.

"Crap...! He's spotted Luffy! Get back...!", Salvia whispered before she, Kaya, Atreyu, and Daffodil moved back behind a bush.

Kuro only chuckled calmly and turned to Jango.

"Well, if you say so...", Jango spoke before walking forward and presenting a ring tied to a string. "Pay attention, boys! And watch this ring closely!"

"Hmm? Okay.", Luffy responded.

"Don't you get it? It's some kind of weapon! We gotta run!", Usopp worried.

"That idiot...! What does he think he's doing?!", Salvia whispered in worry.

"By the count of Jango, you will be in a deep sleep. Are you ready? 1..., 2..., JANGO!", Jango shouted.

After the countdown, though, Luffy was fast asleep as was Jango, who was now leaning on an annoyed Kuro.

"Jango, you idiot! I see you're still falling asleep on the job!", Kuro spoke in annoyance.

Then, Luffy suddenly started leaning forward in his sleep.

"Hey, be careful! You're gonna fall!", Usopp warned before Luffy quickly fell down and landed with a thud head-first, his rubber body sticking out like a radish, let alone a turnip, much to Kaya, Atreyu, Daffodil, and Usopp's shock while Salvia just groaned, facepalming herself.

The thud, though, woke up Jango with a snort before he saw what happened.

"He had to go and fall off a cliff, didn't he? A pity, really. I didn't mean to kill him. But there's no way he could've survived.", Jango sighed.

In a hurry, Usopp turned and ran away, anyway.

"Kaya, you better go with him. He's gonna need some help.", Salvia urged.

"What about you?", Salvia asked.

"I have a few friends who might be able to help. Now, go...!", Salvia urged whisperingly.

"All right...!", Kaya nodded before she took off after Usopp.

"Come on, Daffodil. Us, too!", Atreyu urged.

"Okay.", Daffodil nodded with both dashing off in Kaya's direction.

"Are you sure about that one?", Jango asked.

"Of course I am. There's no need. Everything he could say would sound like lies.", Kuro smirked.

Meanwhile, Salvia groaned a bit as she saw Luffy snoring a bit with Kuro and Jango unaware of this.

"Oh, you better hope you wake up before I get back here, Luffy, because if you don't, you are gonna pay!", Salvia groaned before taking off in her own direction.

Play DBZ Kakarot Music: "Return of the Wounded"

In the fields, Carrot sighed as he, Pepper, Onion, Nami, and Salvia waited patiently.

"Our captain, Atreyu, Daffodil, and Ms. Kaya have been gone for quite a while.", Pepper guessed.

"Yeah, Luffy and Salvia, too.", Zoro added.

"They probably just need some time.", Onion guessed.

"Whenever these two get really upset like that, you can count on them hanging out by the shore.", Pepper explained.

Just then, Carrot let out an exclamation of surprise as he, Onion, and Pepper all saw Usopp, Kaya, Atreyu, and Daffodil seen running like there's no tomorrow, and in a panic, no less.

"Captain! Ms. Kaya!", the Usopp Pirate trio shouted in surprise while Nami looked puzzled.

"Hold on. I thought Luffy and Salvia were supposed to be with them.", Zoro said, confused.

"Captain! Ms. Kaya!", the Usopp Pirate trio spoke before they, along with Atreyu and Daffodil just ran past them.

"Hey, where are Luffy and Salvia? Are they still at... the shore?", Nami asked as Kaya and Usopp just ran past them.

"There's no time to explain!", Atreyu shouted.

"We all have to prepare for war!", Daffodil added.

"Wow, they looked and sounded really upset. But why? Still mad at the butler?", Nami guessed.

"Hold on. Prepare for war? What's she talking about?", Zoro puzzled.

"Wait a minute. WAR?!", the Usopp Pirate trio spoke in unified shock.

"Now that you mention it, that wasn't just a mad face.", Carrot realized.

"Oh, yeah. That look was different.", Pepper realized.

"They all had tragic faces of sheer desperation.", Onion agreed.

Then, Salvia caught up.

"Oh, there you are, Salvia. I was just asking about you and Luffy.", Nami said.

"All right, listen. Do you have any remote idea as to what the hell is going on?", Zoro asked.

"I'll explain later. But right now, we have to get back to the shore for Luffy. And fast! Do you three know any way to get down?", Salvia urged.

"This smells like an adventure to me.", Carrot said.

"Yeah. Something happened at the shore.", Pepper nodded.

"I think this calls for the Usopp Pirates.", Onion added.

"JUST ANSWER ME! THERE'S NO TIME TO WASTE!", Salvia shouted, worrying and shocking the Usopp Pirates.

End DBZ Kakarot Music: "Return of the Wounded"

Meanwhile, Kaya, Usopp, Atreyu, and Daffodil had finally arrived, all winded and tired.

"Terrible news...!", Usopp panted.

"PIRATES! PIRATES ARE COMING! EVERYBODY RUN!", Kaya shouted.

"WE DON'T STAND A CHANCE! EVERYBODY, RUN! RUN!", Daffodil shouted.

"TOMORROW MORNING, THEY'RE GONNA ATTACK THE VILLAGE! WE GOTTA GET OUT OF HERE!", Atreyu shouted.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! RUN! IS ANYONE EVEN LISTENING TO US?! PIRAAAAAATES!", Usopp shouted.

As expected, the villagers opened their doors, but they didn't look too happy as they carried their usual instruments for chasing someone away.

"All right, you two. Enough is enough.", one villager said.

"Doing this with just each other is one thing, but bringing her siblings into this, too? We can't take it anymore. We're putting a stop to this, here and now. It's for your own good.", another added.

"No! It's not like that!", Usopp added.

"At least not this time! It's the truth this time!", Kaya added.

"Stop it! We all know that you're nothing but a liar who roped her into this scheme of yours.", the villager added.

"It would do you some good to follow Klahadore's example of hard work and honesty.", another added.

But while that triggered Atreyu and Daffodil like they wouldn't believe, the former most of all, try as he might to stay calm just to keep from exploding, Usopp and Kaya were shocked to hear his name, even remembering what Klahadore said before.

"Everything he could say would sound like lies.", Kuro spoke.

"Oh, no...! This is exactly what Kuro is counting on! He ignored me because he knew no one would believe me...! He didn't even know Kaya and the others were there, too, and still...!", Usopp thought in worry.

"Why... Why won't anyone believe us...?!", Kaya thought, starting to shed tears.

"I... I'm sorry...!", Kaya said, sniffling before she turned and ran off with a sob.

"Hey, Kaya, wait up!", Usopp shouted, running off after her.

"Oh, no... Poor big sis...!", Daffodil spoke sadly as she saw Kaya run away with Usopp going after her.

Having seen what happened, Atreyu's attempt at staying calm has finally flown out the window as this moment finally triggered him beyond any rational thought.

"DAMN ALL OF YOU! HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO HER?!", Atreyu roared with a snap, spooking the villagers.

"Yeah! How could you make big sis cry like that!", Daffodil added.

"Uh..., what do you mean...?! All we said was that they could stand to be more honest and upstanding like Klahadore.", the villager replied, shaken by Atreyu's rage.

But the answer only fed the fires of his rage with Klahadore involved.

"DON'T YOU DARE MENTION HIS NAME! HE'S THE WHOLE REASON WE'RE ALL IN THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE!", Atreyu vehemently snapped.

"Yeah! And he's not even a real butler at all! He was Captain Kuro in disguise this whole time!", Daffodil added.

"Oh, come on. Not you kids, too.", one villager groaned.

"SHUT THE HELL UP AND LISTEN!", Atreyu snapped, shocking the villager. before sighing.

"Look. Kaya and Usopp may be liars, but if there's one thing that's honest about them, it's how much they care for you. That's something Daffodil and I have in common with them. You don't have to believe them, but you can at least trust in me when I say that the Black Cat Pirates are getting ready to raid this village tomorrow. At dawn.", Atreyu said.

"How do we know you're not makin' this up?", a villager asked.

"Because Daffodil and I are not liars.", Atreyu responded.

The villagers then started to murmur in confusion while starting to make sense of all this.

"Hey, that kid's got a point. He hasn't lied to us so far. Why start now?", a villager said.

"Yeah, but how does he know they're coming here?", another asked.

"I know some of you have doubts about what we say about Klahadore being Kuro because everyone from the whole world saw him get executed. Until 3 years ago, we thought so, too. But the day our parents died... was the day we found out the truth. And our proof is back in the mansion.", Atreyu said.

"What are you saying here, Atreyu? What do you want from us?", one of the villagers asked.

"To keep you all safe. From ending up like our parents did. And considering his big plan, that may be more than likely. If you meet up with us at the north shore of this village at dusk, you'll have the proof you need to see that it's the truth.", Atreyu responded.

"And what if that proof's not here?", the villager asked.

"Then, I guess you can chase us away. But when you think about it, you have to admit. Before Usopp, and eventually Kaya, started getting into the groove of getting you all riled up in the morning, things have been dull, haven't they?", Atreyu asked.

Then, the villagers' eyes widened a bit in realization.

"Hey, you're right... They HAVE been dull.", one villager spoke before the rest murmured in agreement; although, one villager spoke up in confusion.

"Wait. If you two have proof like you say you do, then why not show us now?", the villager asked.

"Because right now, we need to find Kaya and make sure she and Usopp are okay.", Atreyu responded.

Hearing her name, the villagers began to look sad, guilty, and/or sheepish.

"Oh... You don't think we hurt their feelings, do you?", the villager asked.

"Duh! Why else would she have run away?!", Daffodil accused, stomping on one of the villagers' feet.

This made him wince in pain before yelling out as he started hopping on the ground while holding onto the injured foot.

"Hey! That hurt...!", the villager exclaimed before Daffodil only turned away with a scoff.

"Okay, I guess I had that one coming, but still...!", the villager winced.

"All right, Daffodil. That's enough. We should get going and find Kaya.", Atreyu said.

Daffodil nodded to Atreyu before the two started off.

"First, we find Kaya and Usopp. Then, we go back and find the proof we need. As for you guys, remember where we're meeting later.", Atreyu said.

Once they're out of earshot, two villagers turned to one another.

"Well? Should we?", one villager asked.

"I get the feeling that we should let those kids have this. They've obviously been through a lot lately.", another suggested.

Meanwhile, at the shore, Salvia, Zoro, Nami, and the Usopp Pirate Trio arrived at the shore.

"This is the place.", Carrot said.

"Our Captain always comes here with Ms. Kaya to be alone and think.", Pepper added.

"It is nice.", Onion added.

"Wait a minute. That's the same place I was. What about showing us a safe way down?", Salvia asked.

"Oh...", the trio said in unison.

Moments later, the group was now on the rocky part of the shores with almost everyone shocked to see Luffy on the ground the way he is.

"Look! Right there!", Nami shouted in worry.

"Luffy?!", Zoro exclaimed.

"Whoa!", Onion said in surprise.

"Hey, it's that Straw Hat guy!", Pepper added.

"And his butt.", Carrot said.

"Some jerks put him to sleep with hypnosis. Honestly, it's not much of a surprise if he can survive a fall like that while asleep. This happened all the time.", Salvia said as Luffy was heard snoring.

"Well, Luffy. I warned you, you lazy bum.", Salvia smirked as she cracked her knuckles.

Then, she wound her arm up and struck Luffy into the rocky wall, shocking him awake with a yell with everyone else except Zoro yelling as well.

"HEY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?!", Luffy shouted.

"I said I'd make you pay if I found you still asleep when I got back, didn't I? Besides, I held back just enough to wake you up. Any more than that would've caused that cliff to crumble apart on top of us for sure.", Salvia responded.

"It could happen?!", the Usopp Pirate trio panicked.

"That's not the main issue here! What the real problem is is who these two people responsible for putting Luffy to sleep are and what they're here to do.", Salvia said.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Those bad guys are that weird hypnotist and butler from earlier. They're actually pirates that're planning to attack this village kill Kaya and her brother and sister tomorrow.", Luffy added.

"WHAT?! PIRATES ARE GOING TO ATTACK THE VILLAGE?! AND THEY'RE GONNA KILL KAYA, ATREYU, AND DAFFODIL?!", the Usopp Pirates exclaimed.

"Yep. That's what they said. No question about it.", Luffy responded as he put his hat back on, worrying the young trio.

"This proves it! Klahadore is a bad guy!", Carrot said.

"Usopp saw right through him!", Pepper added.

"I'll bet he and Kaya are on their way to warn the villagers so they'll have time to run away.", Onion guessed.

"Well, that's perfect. Those stupid pirates won't hurt anyone because the town will be abandoned by the time they get there.", Nami said.

"Yeah, that's right! We'd better run away, too, if we wanna live!", Carrot said.

"All right, let's pack up our treasure and run like the wind!", Pepper and Onion said in unison.

"That's easier said than done.", Salvia said, worrying the others.

"I haven't forgotten what Kuro said right before we left to go find you...", Salvia spoke.

"Everything he could say would sound like lies.", Kuro spoke.

"They're never going to believe a word that Usopp and Kaya do. And even if they do, they'd just be stubborn and take matters into their own hands. That's how stubborn they are.", Salvia responded.

"Oh...", the trio spoke in worry.

"Hold on. You think that could be what Daffodil meant when she said that they have to go prepare for war?", Nami asked.

"Yeah. With, or without any help. But without help, they might as well be sitting ducks out there. So, I'm guessing that Kaya and Usopp might realize that and cover up what they said earlier to try and protect them and make sure they don't know the attack is even happening in the first place before they go out and prevent it.", Salvia replied.

"Oh, no.", Luffy said in worry.

"What's up?", Zoro asked.

"AH! We need to stock up before the meat shop guy leaves!", Luffy panicked before getting hit in the back of the head with one of Zoro's 3 heads.

"Come on, that's not even the main issue at hand, here.", Zoro scolded as Luffy fell forwards, his hat sliding off onto the rocky ground.

Act II

Later, at sunset, Kaya and Usopp sadly looked to the red and orange sky and then back at the town.

"I'm sorry we couldn't save you..., everyone...!", Kaya sobbed softly as Usopp tensed sadly.

Just then, the Usopp Pirate trio shouted while waving to them.

"Captain! Ms. Kaya!", the trio shouted.

Sadly, they only dried out their tears and then turned back to them, grinning and bearing it.

"Carrot! Pepper! Onion! You three are here...!", Kaya greeted.

"How's it going, guys?", Usopp asked.

"Hey, guys!", Carrot shouted.

"They're back!", Pepper and Onion added with both looking toward Luffy, Nami, Zoro, and Salvia.

"Luffy! You're okay! Thank goodness...", Kaya sighed in relief.

Wait! You're alive again?!", Usopp exclaimed.

"Alive? Yeah. And I had a pretty good nap.", Luffy responded.

"He was sleeping the whole time.", Pepper explained.

"Told ya.", Salvia smirked.

"Captain, Kaya, we heard all about those pirates and their evil plan!", Carrot added.

"We better hurry and warn the people in the village so they have time to get away!", Onion urged.

But this only made Kaya and Usopp gasp.

"Warn the people...?", Usopp said before it then flashed back to what Kuro said about Usopp moments earlier.

"Everything he could say would sound like... lies.", Kuro discouraged.

Then, Kaya thought about what a couple of villagers said moments earlier afterward as well.

"Stop it! We all know that you're nothing but a liar who roped her into this scheme of yours.", the villager added.

"It would do you some good to follow Klahadore's example of hard work and honesty.", another added.

With that, Kaya and Usopp sadly looked down, developing sullen looks all over their faces, whimpering, puzzling the Usopp Pirate trio.

Kaya even tensed her fists while starting to cry.

"How could we help anyone if nobody believes us...?! We've failed...!", Kaya thought.

All of a sudden, though, Usopp just chuckled, puzzling everyone, even Kaya.

"Well, obviously, we're lying, like usual.", Usopp fibbed.

"What...? But...", Kaya began before Usopp leaned into her ear.

"Look. Just play along for now, Kaya. I've got an idea. And if it works, we just might make sure that the villagers don't even see any pirates at all.", Usopp whispered.

For the moment, Kaya was confused, but then she widened her eyes a bit in realization as if she understands.

"Uh..., yeah. Klahadore didn't mean to, but he kinda went too far and made Usopp mad with what he said. Since he seemed to know so much about pirates, we kinda thought that we'd at least poke a little fun at him. Of course, nobody believed us, but still.", Kaya added as the Straw Hats grew puzzled.

"Oh, I get it. You put the Straw Hat guy up to it, too.", Onion said as he, Pepper, and Carrot started to leave.

"Hey. Where are you going?", Usopp asked.

"Honestly, you two've really disappointed me.", Carrot said.

"Yeah.", Pepper added.

"Even though that butler guy is a jerk, I thought you were better than lying to hurt someone and I admired you two for being such kind-hearted people.", Onion added.

"And to think, we respected you two this entire time.", Pepper added.

"I was wrong about 'em, guys.", Carrot said.

"So was I. Let's go home.", Onion added.

"Yeah, it's supper time, anyway.", Pepper agreed as Kaya and Usopp looked sadly toward their direction.

After a moment, though, Kaya turned toward the others.

"Could you all meet us at the shore? Later tonight ad midnight?", Kaya asked.

"What do you mean?", Salvia asked.

"I have a plan, but it was important that the Usopp Pirates stay out of it.", Usopp replied.

"A plan?", Luffy asked.

"What kind of plan is it?", Nami asked.

"If it works..., one that'll save this village.", Usopp responded.

Little did they know that Atreyu and Daffodil were relieved to see that Kaya and Usopp are doing okay, at least. And soon, as sunset had turned to dusk, the village was already gathered around in shock as Atreyu and Daffodil presented the one vital piece of evidence that stated that Klahadore was really Kuro all along: a flag with the Black Cat Pirate Insignia on it.

"No way! Klahadore's a pirate?!", the whole village exclaimed.

"Not just any pirate. He's apparently the elusive Captain Kuro!", Atreyu announced.

"He even killed our mommy and daddy!", Daffodil added.

Hearing that, let alone actual confirmation that it was actually the case presented before them, was definitely a shock to say the least.

"I can't believe it...! All this time, we've allowed that murderer to stay in this village, let alone your own home! I am so sorry, young master!', the slightly elderly woman apologized.

"We're all sorry, Atreyu!", the rest added, just as profusely.

"Hey, hey. It's okay, guys. There's no need to beat yourselves up about it. In spite of what I said earlier about, you know, "damning" you all for making Kaya cry, you just didn't know.", Atreyu assured.

"We've been beating him up instead!", Daffodil added with a grin.

"Ah! Only when we needed to. Like when he was talking down on Usopp about his father. Besides, between making sure he doesn't know that we know and making sure that Kaya's safe, too, it wasn't easy.", Atreyu added.

"Hehehe.", Daffodil giggled with her eyes closed.

"Wait. How do we know that he might've turned over a new leaf?", one villager asked.

"We don't. Because while we were at a cliff at the shore, he had a very bad plan for all of us tomorrow. Especially, me, Daffodil, and Kaya.", Atreyu spoke before it then showed a flashback of Kuro explaining his plan to Jango.

"Now, listen to me. This is the most important part. You can kill Atreyu and Daffodil however you want, first. But after that, before you kill her, you use your hypnosis to make Kaya write her will. 'And it will say I leave my entire fortune to my butler, Klahadore.' Then, and only then, will I have undisputed control of her enormous fortune. And no one will suspect a thing. Tomorrow at daybreak, the men are to attack the village. Rough up the villagers some and tear up their homes a little for good measure. And above all, make sure Ms. Kaya and her siblings' deaths look accidental.", Kuro said before it went to the present.

"Wha...?! Say it ain't so!", one of the villagers shouted while the rest murmured in just as much shock.

"I know this may be a big shock to everyone. But the fact remains: if those of you wish to flee the village before the pirates get here, you're more than welcome. But I have some friends who may be more than willing to risk their lives to help defend this village. And I'm going to help them make sure this village stays safe.", Atreyu stated.

Daffodil nodded in agreement, nobody knowing that Carrot, Pepper, and Onion were already hearing everything that was going on, starting with Atreyu's words.

"Hey, wait. Is that Atreyu?", Pepper asked.

"Yeah. And Daffodil, too.", Carrot said.

"What's going on over there?", Onion puzzled.

For a moment, there was silence, but then, one of the villagers finally spoke up.

"I don't know about the rest of you guys. But I'm not leaving. I have a family back home to look after. They're what make every day of my life the best because I get to see those smiles. So, by Heaven Almighty, I WILL protect these smiles from those pirates!", the villager swore.

Naturally, another started to take that oath as well.

"Well, if he's staying, then I am, too.", another added.

Then, the villagers clamored, all vowing to stay and fight, much to Atreyu and Daffodil's surprise and amazement out of joy.

"All right. The Black Cat Pirates are meeting up a little bit after dawn at this shore. So, we'll all head them off at this shore.", Atreyu stated.

"Yeah!", the villagers said, all fired up.

"Tomorrow, we run that big meanie of a pirate butler out of our village!", Daffodil shouted.

"Yeah!", the villagers repeated.

"Tomorrow, those Black Cat Pirates will be declawed!", Atreyu shouted.

"YEAH!", the villagers shouted again.

"No way... I know our captain said that pirates attacking the village was a lie, but HE was the one that was lying!", Onion said.

"Yeah. You're probably right.", Pepper added.

"Come to think of it, it was weird. He seemed off yesterday. The captain wasn't his usual self.", Carrot agreed.

Later, at the mansion, Merry was cleaning the chandelier and looked back to the note Kaya wrote for Klahadore. It read, "Dear Klahadore, I'm just so happy you could be with me for all these years and how you've brightened up my life. I only wish Atreyu and Daffodil could be happy, too. Still, I can't wait to spend so many more years with you. Signed, Kaya. P.S., these new glasses are for you.".

"Oh, Atreyu, Daffodil..., where could you two have gone?", Merry asked in worry.

Atreyu and Daffodil were on their way back home to the mansion. They snuck in by climbing the hedge with Daffodil holding onto his back as he climbed. But when they arrived, they gasped upon seeing Kuro and Merry through the window before hiding near the window.

"Ah, Klahadore. Welcome back.", Merry said.

"How is she?", Kuro asked.

"She's having a nap. She was quite exhausted when she came back.", Merry responded as Kaya was, in fact, asleep.

"Sounds like Kaya went back here.", Atreyu whispered.

"But why?", Daffodil puzzled before Atreyu shushed her a bit.

"Okay.", Daffodil said, both leaning close enough to see without being spotted.

"I leave town for a few hours to tend to some errands and everything falls to pieces. That Usopp certainly knows how to cause trouble, doesn't he?", Kuro asked.

"And here I thought he was so good for Miss Kaya's health, but I suppose I was wrong.", Merry said.

"Indeed.", Kuro said before looking to see both the note and the present, much to his puzzlement.

"What's this, here?", Kuro puzzled.

"Well, that's a present, of course. From Ms. Kaya to you, Klahadore. It's been 3 years since you came to this mansion. And this gift is to say thank you for your hard work. It's a commemoration of sorts.", Merry explained.

"How nice.", Kuro grinned.

"The glasses you're wearing are always slipping and you have to push them back up. So the lady of the house custom-ordered a new pair for you. Isn't she just the most thoughtful young woman you've ever met.", Merry said with a tear of joy.

Then, Kuro unwrapped his present and opened a new pair of glasses before chuckling.

"How appropriate. Tomorrow will be a day worth commemorating.", Kuro smirked, puzzling Merry.

Play One Piece Music: "Imu Destroys Lulusia Kingdom"

Atreyu and Daffodil leaned further away to avoid being spotted as Kuro looked up at the crescent moon in the sky.

"It's a Crescent Moon tonight.", Kuro stated, further puzzling Merry. "It's on nights like these that I truly feel alive. My heart races and my blood boils in my veins."

He then dropped the case on the ground and stomped on it, shocking Atreyu, Daffodil, and Merry alike.

"That monster...!", Atreyu growled with a whisper.

"Klahadore, what are you doing?! Why would you do such a thing to Ms. Kaya's present?!", Merry asked in shock.

"Oh, I'll be receiving a gift, all right.", Kuro began, lightly pressing his foot against the broken pair, before turning around with a ghastly smirk. "But it won't be glasses. It'll be her entire estate."

Atreyu and Daffodil glared at Kuro while Merry was baffled.

"What are you saying?!", Merry gasped.

"I suppose there's no reason to carry on the act any longer.", Kuro began, stepping forward toward Merry. "In a few hours, the village will be mourning the unforeseen tragedy."

Merry became shocked as Kuro drew out his black cat claw, which resembled a furry paw with five swords (one on each finger) with Atreyu and Daffodil gasping, remembering the night they found out the truth 3 years ago.

"3 long years, I've quietly waited for this.", Kuro smirked.

"Cover your eyes, quick!", Atreyu whispered before he closed his eyes while Daffodil covered them.

"MISS! YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE; RUN!", Merry shouted before Kuro struck!

As he did, the chandelier was slashed apart, turning off the lights. Only afterwards did the swords strike Merry as well, making him give a pained groan before he fell to the ground, his blood driplets spilling on the ground. With the deed done, he looked out toward the window. As he did, though, Kuro had no idea that Atreyu and Daffodil were watching before he went upstairs, away from the moonlight. Once the coast was clear downstairs, Atreyu and Daffodil rushed inside and opened the door to find Merry on the ground.

"Merry!', Daffodil spoke in worry.

"Are you okay?!", Atreyu added.

Luckily, Merry opened his eyes, but barely.

"Oh, thank goodness... You two... did make it back. I was worried...", Merry said.

"Are you kidding? We're worried about you right now.", Daffodil said.

"Good to know you're still breathing. Come on. Let's get you some help. You're in bad shape.", Atreyu said as he and Daffodil helped pick Merry up and carry him off.

Moments later, Atreyu and Daffodil barged into one of the villagers' homes in a state of worry, waking said villager up. Fortunately, this villager happened to be practicing on being a doctor as his first aid kit was seen.

"Ah! Huh? Atreyu? Daffodil? What are you two doing? It's not even 3 hours until dawn.", the villager puzzled.

"Doctor! Come quick! Merry's cut up!", Daffodil panicked.

"How bad are his wounds?", the villager asked.

"He'll live, but he's in bad shape.", Atreyu said.

"Can you patch him up?", Daffodil asked.

The villager gave a soft grunt with a nod before, after a few minutes, Merry was now seen in bandages.

"There. You just need to take it easy for the time being until those wounds heal.", the villager suggested.

"Thank you so much, sir.", Merry said.

"Yeah. Thanks.", Daffodil added.

"No problem. It's odd, though. How did he get wounded that bad?", the villager asked.

Then, Daffodil saw Merry's disconcerted face.

"Merry, are you okay?", Daffodil asked.

Then, as the dialogue continued, Kuro went upstairs toward Kaya's room and entered. He then walked toward the sleeping Kaya and held his bloodstained claws out above her, even raising one of them up a bit, looking toward the window again before leaving with a smirk on his face.

"Klahadore! He attacked me! He's a... he's a pirate! He's never been anything else! He got... close to them just so he could steal her fortune. That's all he ever wanted.", Merry replied.

"So, that means what Usopp and Kaya said earlier was the truth this whole time...", the villager guessed before it went back to the villager's home.

"That's right. And that's what is most tragic. When they learned the truth, your sister and Usopp tried their hardest to get us to hear them out. But we were all too shallow-minded, too confident in the closed-off world we lived in for so long to listen to a single word... In our blind protection of the villain in our midst, we drove Kaya away, along with the one brave lad whose desperate resolve he enacted for the sake and safety of every person of this village, including you and I...! Atreyu... Daffodil... you were both right to scorn and attack him from the start...!", Merry said.

"Just take it easy, Merry. You're gonna be okay.", Atreyu said.

"Uh-huh. It wasn't your fault. Nobody knew he was a pirate.", Daffodil said.

"Well, not until tonight, anyway.", Atreyu added.

"What do you mean...?", Merry asked.

"Considering how they've heard lies every day on a regular basis, we figured they could use some proof. This is what we've managed to hold onto the day our parents died.", Atreyu spoke, holding out a mini flag of the Black Cat Pirates, much to Merry's shock.

"Yeah. I couldn't believe it either. It was on a night just like this. He even killed our Mom and Dad the same way, too. But this time, you survived. And we managed to patch you up.", Atreyu said.

"I'm so sorry you've had to keep it a secret for so long...", Merry apologized.

"It's okay. The only one we really hated was Kuro. So, we took it out on him. Doing that while making sure he doesn't know that we know was the hardest part, but it seemed to have worked up until now.", Atreyu said.

"So, I take it that... everyone knows now?", Merry asked.

"Uh-huh. And Kuro doesn't know that.", Daffodil responded.

"And everyone's prepared to go to war against him and his pirates?", Merry asked.

"Well, almost everyone. There's one last person we need to bring on-board. Could you have everyone else gather at the North Shore?", Atreyu said.

Later, Atreyu and Daffodil returned and were already on top of a branch. No one knew at the time, but Kaya was in the middle of having a dream. In that dream, she was in bed when she was visited by two hooded women.

"Huh...? Wh-who are you...?", Kaya asked before coughing.

"We're friends who've come to check on you.", one of the hooded women responded.

"And give you a gift. Of course, you'll only get to pick one of these.", another added, holding out two Devil Fruits.

One of them was orange and had an outline that helped it resemble a sun while the other was a banana shaped like a crescent moon.

"Wow... They both look... so beautiful...", Kaya spoke a bit weakly.

Then, she looked toward the 2 Devil Fruits.

"I think I'll pick this one...", Kaya said, pointing to the orange one as best she can.

"Very well.", the 1st hooded woman said before the Devil Fruit was handed to her.

Then, Kaya brought it to her and ate it. As soon as she swallowed the first bite, Kaya suddenly winced in disgust.

"Ugh... It tastes terrible...!" Kaya groaned.

Then, she suddenly started to perk up and look less pale than before.

"Wait. I think... I think I'm getting better...!", Kaya grinned.

With that, Kaya started eating the rest of it. And after a few agonizing minutes of disgust as she finished, she was finally feeling as better as she is now.

"Thank you so much for the fruit. I feel a lot better now.", Kaya grinned.

"You're welcome, Kaya.", the first hooded woman said.

"But before we leave, there's one critically important thing you must know. You must not trust Klahadore. He is not who he says he is.", the 2nd added.

"Don't trust Klahadore? What do you two...?", Kaya began before she turned to see that the two hooded women were gone. "...mean?"

Just then, Kaya woke up due to hearing a tap on the window and turned to see Atreyu and Daffodil.

"Atreyu... Daffodil...", Kaya spoke in surprise.

"Could you meet up with us at the north shore?", Atreyu asked.

"We're all preparing to go to war.", Daffodil added.

Kaya nodded to them in reply. Moments later, she had now gotten dressed and got her father's pistol, now inside the pocket of her cloak. Soon after, Kaya and Usopp were more than surprised, never mind afraid to see the whole village, as well as Luffy, Salvia, Nami, and Zoro at the north shore.

"What the...?! The whole village?! Here?! Now?!", Kaya panicked.

"Oh, no...! Are they here to get us for all the lies we've said...?!", Usopp panicked.

"Now, now, now. No need to get so worked up..., 'Captain Usopp'.", one of the villagers said.

Hearing the villager say this, Usopp and Kaya both grew puzzled.

"And that goes double for you, 'First Mate Kaya'.", a slightly elderly woman added.

"Wait... You mean you...?", Kaya began.

"Yep. Thanks to your brother and sister, here, we know you were telling the truth.", a villager stated.

"Just like thanks to those 3 rapscallions, we knew you also tried to hide it from us to keep us safe when that didn't work out. Of course, it was only them that you tried to hide it from.", the slightly elderly woman added, looking toward, Carrot, Pepper, and Onion.

"What the...? How'd you three figure that out?", Usopp asked.

"We saw Atreyu and Daffodil rallying them together out of nowhere.", Carrot responded.

"I knew you two were kind-hearted people.", Pepper added.

"You didn't need to lie to protect us like that.", Onion agreed.

"How come you lied to them, anyway?", Luffy asked.

"Yeah. You have friends who're there with you. They could help.", Salvia added.

"Well, it's not like I had a lot of options. All I do is lie. Well, me and Kaya when she got better and joined up with me, but still.", Usopp began.

"Until now, there was no way anyone was gonna believe what we had to say. Who could blame them if they don't? Why should they?", Kaya added.

"Hey, now. For a liar, you told the honest truth right to our faces. Even if we didn't see it that way at first.", a villager said.

"The pirates ARE coming. And they ARE going to level this whole town.", another added.

"But not on our watch. After all, we may only number 80, but thanks to those fun times we had with you two, we might as well have the strength of 80 million!", another added.

"You two have always said that pirates are coming. Usually, those were lies. But now that we know that they ARE coming, we'll be more than ready for them.", another said.

"We'll defend our village to the last breath!", the villagers vowed.

Frankly, Kaya and Usopp were touched by such devotion. Never before had they seen as much passion as they often did when chasing Kaya and Usopp away. In fact, the sight gave them hope.

"Everyone...", Kaya gasped.

"You two are a heck of a good pair, sending your cronies away and going into battle alone.", Zoro admired.

"Just so you know, I have dibs on all the pirate treasure. You got it?", Nami advised.

"With this much of a crew by your side, Usopp, you and Kaya are definitely the Captain and First Mate now.", Salvia grinned.

"So, you two want a little help or what?", Luffy asked.

"You guys...You're all gonna help us fight all these pirates? I don't get it.", Usopp said, shedding some tears out of puzzlement.

"Well, you said there's a whole bunch of bad guys, right?", Luffy asked.

"So, it's only natural that you need just as many good guys with you to catch them off-guard.", Salvia added.

"And you look scared out of your mind.", Zoro added.

Usopp did not take this well.

"For your information, I have nerves of steel! I'm perfectly okay with tons of bad guys! After all, you're looking at the legendary Captain Usopp and First Mate Kaya, brave warriors of the Seven Seas!", Usopp retorted only for his legs to start shaking.

"Uh, Usopp? Your legs...", Kaya said.

Then, Usopp noticed and tried to get them to stop shaking.

"Darn it...! All right, fine. I'm scared. Why shouldn't I be?! They're Captain Kuro's men! These guys mean business! I don't need pity! If you guys're sticking around 'cause you pity me, just leave! I don't need you laughing at me!", Usopp glared.

"We're not laughing at you. We're helping because you are honorable.", Zoro said.

"You two did everything you could to help protect your home. It's high time we help do the same.", Salvia said.

"You really think we'd risk our lives out of pity?", Luffy added.

"And you forget, Usopp. They're not the only ones who mean business.", the 2nd villager added with a smirk.

"As soon as I'm able, I'll provide more than enough weaponry for everyone in the village. Except for Daffodil, that is. Because she's too young.", Merry said, making Daffodil groan sadly.

At this point, both Kaya and Usopp started to sob, touched with joy.

"You guys...!", Usopp sobbed.

Then, Kaya dried her tears out and gave a determined smile.

"All right, everyone! It's time to prepare! The sooner we do that, the sooner we can drive the pirates out and protect our home!", Kaya urged.

Then, Atreyu and Daffodil both held out their arms as high as they can.

"FOR OUR VILLAGE!", the two shouted before the rest of the villagers did so as well.

"FOR OUR VILLAGE!", the villagers chanted with them.

TO BE CONTINUED

A/N: So, the preparations for war against the Black Cat Pirates have begun! And you can certainly bet that the next chapter will be longer than usual. Also, there's an update for the previous chapter, so be sure to check it out.