"Big trouble, everyone! Pirates are attacking! Everyone run for your lives!"
Dawn started to rise on the sleepy Syrup Village, a town situated on the Gecko Islands. The villagers groaned as they saw a boy with frizzy black hair and a pointed nose running through town, waving his hands and screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Looks like Usopp is at it again."
"Does he ever get tired of doing that?"
"Well, at least he keeps us on our toes. You never know when he might be telling the truth."
"Honestly, why can't that boy ever do more productive things with his time?"
-OP-
Meanwhile, the crew of Luffy, Sonson, Draco, Ben, Zoro, Kuina, Nami, and Penny were sailing toward the Gecko Islands on their schooner.
"The best place to dock would be Syrup Village. It's quiet and out of the way, so we'll go unnoticed while we barter for a new ship and bigger supplies." Draco suggested.
Zoro nodded. "Yeah, we could really use some good quality booze for this voyage."
"You drink way too much alcohol. I'm surprised your liver hasn't shriveled up and died." Kuina dryly said.
"Hey, you don't get to complain, considering you how you blew our budget on milk and fried eggs," Zoro smirked.
"They're delicious and good for you!" Kuina retorted.
"We're sailing the seas, dumbass! Pickled eggs would at least last longer and we already drank enough milk."
"Hersey! And pickled eggs are disgusting! Besides, we always treat ourselves after a bounty!"
"Hence why I drink."
"Oh, so you can drown away all the times I've kicked your ass when we were little?"
"I almost won a few times!"
"Excuses!"
As this went on, Luffy, Ben, and Sonson laughed, Draco just focusing on steering while remarking how this was 'just like on the Moby Dick and Division meetings.'
"Is it always like this with them?" Penny asked Draco.
"For the most part...Yes."
-OP-
Back at Syrup Village, the boy with the pointed nose, Usopp, was leaning against a nearby tree and catching his breath.
"Another job well done. Someone's gotta inject some excitement into this sleepy little town."
"Captain Usopp!"
Usopp looked to see two young boys running over.
"Hey there, Ninjin, Piiman! No sign of Tamanegi today?"
"He went out scouting the shore, Captain," Piiman explained.
"We've got trouble!"
As if on cue, the three looked to see Tamanegi running over, a panicked look on his face.
"There are pirates coming! I saw a boat with a large skull mark coming in at the north shore!"
"Wait, real pirates are attacking?! I thought I just made that up!" Usopp gawked before slapping his forehead in frustration. "And we can't warn the villagers either! They'll never believe it after all the fibs I've told!"
"We can't chicken out now, Captain! You always wanted to be a great pirate!" Ninjin said. "Well, a pirate wouldn't be scared of other pirates!"
Usopp nodded. "That's true, but sometimes fear is the appropriate response for some situations and it's often the smart choice to run and hide."
"What sort of mark did you see on their sail, Tamanegi?" Piiman asked.
"It wasn't on their sail, it was on a crate on their ship. But it was unmistakably the Jolly Roger of Buggy the Clown."
"Wait... You only saw the mark on a crate? How big was the ship?" Usopp asked.
"Just a small schooner with only nine people on board."
Usopp rubbed his chin. Nine people were a pretty large group but if he planned things right, he could handle them.
"Alright then, Usopp Pirates! Let's go and protect the village!"
The three boys all cheered in agreement.
-OP-
"Should we be concerned that this crate of drinks has Buggy's Jolly Roger on it?" Nami asked as the crew finished landing their schooner.
"I doubt it'll cause trouble. We're not flying any colors or flags." Luffy said.
"You'd have to be stupid or naive to think we're with Buggy's crew just from one small crate," Ben added. "Speaking of which, we should see if there's anyone on the islands we can add to our crew."
"You guys just wanna recruit at least one person from every island we visit, huh?" Kuina sarcastically noted before chuckling. "But I can see where you're coming from. The Grand Line from what I've heard is no easy place to sail with small numbers."
"Syrup Village should be just beyond that rocky pass there. Looks like a pretty small one." Nami noted.
"Let's start by seeing if there's any place we can get food. I'm eager for some good meat right about now." Luffy said with a grin.
"Food is your question for every place we visit, isn't it?" Draco sighed.
Suddenly, the crew heard a faint rustling and immediately got on guard.
"We've got company, people," Zoro said, preparing to draw his swords.
The group looked around, and suddenly Luffy, Sonson, and Ben started dancing to avoid shots fired right at their feet. Draco gave an impressed whistle even as the pellets flew through his body without harming him.
"Whoever's shooting at us has a spectacular aim."
Penny had gotten in front of Nami and created a spring breeze that she manipulated to move the pellets away from hitting them. Soon, several Jolly Rogers were raised above the cliff, the skulls having elongated mouths.
"That's way too many flags all at once. Pretty cool looking though." Luffy noted.
A laugh alerted the crew as they turned to see Usopp making his presence known on top of a cliff.
"I am Captain Usopp, leader of the great pirates who reign over this village!"
"Wait, he looks familiar..." Sonson realized.
"Yeah, I think I see it too..." Luffy nodded.
"If you plan on attacking this village, then you will face the wrath of my 80 million subordinates!"
"This island seems pretty small, mate. Are you sure 80 million people live here?" Ben asked.
"Crap!" Usopp cursed as he nearly tripped over himself. "Okay, so I was exaggerating about the 80 million subordinates. But I assure you I do have several powerful allies under my command!"
As it happened, Ninjin, Piiman, and Tamanegi were working the flags to try and make three people look like three hundred.
"Those three children? They seem a little young to be considered powerful." Penny innocently pointed out.
"SHE SAW THROUGH IT!"
Nami picked up one of the pellets. "I gotta say, I've never heard of a pirate that used a slingshot before."
"Hey, don't underestimate me! My marksmanship skills are top-notch!" Usopp called out. "I can fire a slingshot with greater accuracy than any gunman with a pistol!"
He pulled out his slingshot, but Luffy just tipped her hat down.
"Now that you've drawn your weapon, it's time to put your life on the line. That's not a tool for threatening people."
Zoro and Kuina smirked as they readied their swords, flames also seemed to be emitting from Kuina for the extra intimidation factor.
"We definitely chose the right captain to serve under... You're looking at real pirates here! You sure you wanna do this?"
Usopp definitely looked nervous. The overwhelming pressure coming from all eight pirates was too much for him to bear and he fell to his knees.
"Holy crap... Real pirates have way more punch behind their words... So awesome..."
Luffy burst out laughing. "Hate to burst your bubble, but I actually stole that line from my idol, Shanks!"
Usopp was shocked. "You know Red-Haired Shanks?!"
"Correct...and your dad must be Yassop, right?" Sonson asked.
"You guys know my old man?" Usopp asked, looking excited and almost hopeful as well.
-OP-
After clearing everything up, Usopp took the group to a local restaurant to get some lunch. Luffy was digging into a large hunk of meat, Draco was scarfing down several fried shellfish, Sonson was enjoying several different fruits, and Ben was enjoying a grilled steak that he offered a bite to Penny.
"Oh, thank you! Father gave me special taste buds to let me try food. I can even consume it and convert it into bio-fuel."
"So how do you even know Shanks?" Usopp asked.
"Me and my sister Sonson here met him when we were kids," Luffy explained.
Sonson nodded. "Yassop did mention that he had a son our age."
"So my old man's sailing on Shanks's crew, serving under one of the Yonko," Usopp said in amazement.
"You look a lot like Yasopp actually. That's why we figured you had to be his son." Draco said.
"Though your nose is definitely a unique feature," Ben noted.
"Yeah, this I got from my mom. But I did get a lot from Dad, especially my skills as a sharpshooter." Usopp explained.
"Yeah, Yassop was a pretty badass crackshot!" Luffy grinned. "He could hit an apple from forty yards away using his pistol. He even bragged that he could shoot an ant right between the eyes!"
"Yeah, he's just as cool as Shanks in my opinion!" Sonson giggled. "He always talked about you in particular, Usopp, especially when he was drunk. In fact, he wouldn't shut up about you."
Usopp chuckled. "When my old man decided to live out on the sea with his life on the line, I was actually proud of him. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up."
"And considering he's part of a Yonko crew, it made sense why he never came home..." Ben hummed. "He didn't want to put you and your mother at risk of any enemies who might try and target you to hurt him."
"Then maybe you know someone around here who knows how to sail. Or at the very least can get us a larger boat." Nami said.
"You'd have to try one of the other islands in the archipelago for that. Syrup Village is actually pretty small." Usopp replied. "Although, I do have a friend that lives in a large mansion up the hill from here. One of her caretakers is great at shipbuilding. But I'd stay away from that place."
He then realized something and got up as he began heading out.
"And I just remembered that there's something I need to take care of. Everyone feel free to keep eating as much as you like."
"Thanks, we will!" Penny smiled. "You truly have such marvelous food here!"
-OP-
The mansion Usopp was talking about was under heavy guard. Inside the bedroom was a young woman named Kaya, who was currently bedridden. Attending her was her butler Klahadore.
"Young Miss, you really shouldn't be seeing Usopp anymore. That man is nothing but trouble." He finished pouring some water for her, then adjusted his glasses in a peculiar manner, using the edge of his palm near the wrist. "He tells nothing but tall tales. He's even known as the village's biggest exaggerator. Someone in your weakened condition wouldn't be able to handle his stories. Your late parents gave me strict instructions to protect you to the full extent of my abilities, and that's exactly what I intend to do. Now, I've left your medicine by your bedside. Make sure you take it."
"Yes, Klahdore, thank you." Kaya smiled as she reached for said medicine. "Now, please. Get some rest yourself."
The butler smiled sweetly and nodded as he turned to leave. Once he was gone, Kaya sighed. She knew he meant well, he just…
A rustle was heard under her bed and her thoughts were forgotten as she smiled and looked down to see a little round pink creature wriggling out from underneath. The creature was adorable and had bright dark blue eyes, stubby arms, and red shoe-like feet.
"Poyo!" The creature beamed, then his face morphed into a sad one. "…Poyo?"
"Klahadore just doesn't get it, Kirby..." Kaya sighed as the little round creature hopped up onto her lap. "Those stories are what keep my spirits up."
Meanwhile, outside, Usopp had carefully removed a section of the outer hedge cut into a block, letting him slip into the mansion grounds. He climbed a nearby tree and tossed a pebble into the window of Kaya's bedroom. She cheerfully opened the window to greet him.
"Usopp! So great to see you!"
"Hey, Kaya. You recovering okay?" Usopp greeted before turning to Kirby and patting his head. "Hey, Kirby, you keeping Kaya safe?"
"Poyo!" The little creature saluted.
Kaya giggled. "I really wish I could invite you in as a real guest. But Klahadore is a real cheapskate. He's so kind to me, I just wish he'd extend that kindness to my friends."
"Hey, don't let his actions get you down. Honestly, as a brave warrior of the sea, I'd only feel cramped inside a house." Usopp assured her.
He started getting into one of his stories about his "great adventures". Kaya knew they were just made up, but hearing them always made her happy. Kirby listened with rapt attention as if he were hearing a real story about grand adventures and heroes.
Throughout Ussop's tales, he and Kaya would sneak glances at Kirby, recalling how he'd come into their lives.
A year ago, before Kaya's health took a downturn, she had snuck out to stargaze with Ussop, who told her tales of the legends in the sky…just as one started getting bigger as if it was getting closer…Which it had.
But instead of a scorching hot rock, what had landed was what could best be described as a star-shaped boat with a glass dome on it. And in said, dome, there was little Kirby, confused and looking like he was about to cry until he saw the two teens, at which point he beamed happily.
Now, normally one might feel fear or concern over something from the stars, but…well, Kirby was so cute and Kaya had adored him the moment she saw him. So, after rock paper scissors with Ussop, who she was sure only lost because his suddenly supporting another would look odd, she snuck back in and took care of the little pink creature.
-OP-
The Straw Hats had managed to meet up with Usopp's friends, who were now taking them to Kaya's mansion.
"So why would Usopp come out here for?" Luffy wondered.
"He did say he had a friend here. Maybe he went to see them." Draco pointed out.
"His friend is the girl whose family owns the mansion. Her name is Kaya, and she's been suffering from depression as of late." Piiman explained. "So Captain Usopp tries to cheer her up by telling tall tales of his adventures. She knows they're fake, but they bring such a smile to her face anyway because the Captain is such a great storyteller."
"Awww, that's so sweet." Penny cooed. "It's like those romantic fairy tales that Papa showed me."
"She lives here all by herself?" Nami asked.
"Her parents died from illness a year ago. It's left her upset ever since." Ninjin explained sadly. "All the money she inherited can't put a smile on her face when all she wants is her family back. But that's why she cherishes her friendship with Usopp because he's able to make her laugh and smile again."
"Wow, no wonder you look up to him as your Captain." Sonson beamed as her eyes sparkled. "Truly a wonderful friend and gentleman!"
"Easy there, ya crazy monkey." Draco chuckled as he pulled on Sonson's ear, bringing her back down to earth.
Luffy grinned. "If he can cheer up Kaya until she's all better, then maybe we can get him on our crew. We should get inside and speak with him."
"Good luck with that. See those guards over there. They watch the place like a hawk." Tamanegi said, gesturing to the guards in question.
"We shouldn't be causing trouble in a town unless someone else started it. So forcing our way through is a no-go." Zoro decided.
"Heh, look at you actually using your head," Kuina smirked.
"Bite me."
"Let's just jump over the fence!" Luffy declared."GUM-GUM ROCKET!"
Everyone else realized what he was trying to do and quickly grabbed onto him. As for Sonson, she just pole-vaulted with her staff, hollering all the way.
The entire group was flung into the air from Luffy's spring jump. As they came down, Usopp noticed them from his tree perch and freaked out. Luckily, everyone wound up hitting the dirt instead of the tree or the mansion.
"That was so much fun!" Penny beamed as she popped out of a bush along with the kids.
"Why's the rum gone...?" Ben dizzily slurred as he picked himself up off the sidewalk.
"Are you all right?!" Kaya called out.
"We're fine. We're just here to talk to Usopp." Draco said as he picked up Luffy and blew into his mouth to reinflate him to normal shape.
"Uh, yeah! They're new recruits who wanted to join the Usopp Pirates!" Usopp said.
"Actually, it's the other way around. We were wondering if you were willing to join our crew." Sonson clarified.
Usopp blinked in surprise when he heard that. That's when Klahadore came over.
"You there! What are you doing here? I don't appreciate you breaking in here without permission."
He adjusted his glasses, and some of the crew noted the odd way in which he did so.
"Apologies for that. Are you a guard here?" Draco asked.
"I'm the butler of this household," Klahadore clarified. "And I must kindly ask you all to leave."
"Oh, we were just here for Usopp. We don't intend to stay any longer than necessary." Luffy said with his hands behind the back of his head.
Klahadore scoffed. "That's fine. But I'll warn you here and now, he's nothing but the son of a filthy pirate!"
Draco glared. "That father's name is Yassop and he actually made sure to take a bath at least five times a week. Also, don't go throwing around the word 'pirate' like it's a slur. That word is nothing more than a label, one which those who bear it use for whatever the hell they want."
Klahadore seemed to flinch at Draco's words, but he otherwise remained composed.
"I'm not here to argue semantics. I'm simply looking out for the young lady's best interests."
"Well, you're kinda failing. From what I heard, Miss Kaya is suffering from depression, correct?" Sonson said.
"Yes, from the passing of her parents a year ago," Klahadore replied.
"Then what she needs more than anything is something to lighten her mood. Which apparently is what Usopp is trying to do." Luffy pointed out. "He doesn't need a reason for it, just trying to help out someone in need."
Klahadore placed a hand behind his back so he could clench his fist out of sight. He was trying to get a rise out of Usopp to have an excuse to throw him out. But it seemed he was the one who was starting to lose his cool.
"I'll say no more on the matter. I have other duties to attend. Kindly take Usopp and leave, before I am forced to call the guards." The butler said as he began to walk off.
"Klahadore! Let me say one thing first!" Usopp called out as he dropped from the tree using a grappling hook. "It's true that I make up stories and tell fibs to get attention. But never have I once been ashamed of what my father is! If anything, I'm proud that he chose to become a warrior of the sea! And personally, I think anyone who would deride a person's choice to become a pirate, even a bad one, is nothing but scum!"
Klahadore gritted his teeth. "Don't you sugarcoat what a pirate is! They're nothing but barbaric savages! Just filthy degenerates who leave behind homes and family all for the lust of treasure! And for what?!"
"Now who's exaggerating? Even I don't think pirates are that bad." Nami said.
Usopp had a furious look on his face, looking fully ready to punch Klahadore right then and there. However, he was stopped by Ben, who shook his head.
"Sometimes, words can damage a foe more than any fist, blade, or gun, mate."
Usopp nodded at Ben's words and scoffed at the butler. "Right, you're trying that old trick again. Claiming I'm just cozying up to Kaya because I want her fortune. Well, let me make something else clear... Even if I did just want money, I have a better way of getting it. I have dreams of becoming a pirate like my father. The only thing stopping me is a lack of ship. If you really want to talk about people who seem like the type to try and steal Kaya's fortune... Maybe you should look in a damn mirror!"
That got Klahadore to snap and punch Usopp. Kaya and Kirby cried out in shock at the act, and Klahadore himself quickly seemed to regret his actions. He grunted and took a second to recompose himself, then walked off without another word. Once he was gone, Zoro gave Usopp a pat on the back.
"Damn, it took real guts to stand up to that guy and not sink to his level."
"Would have loved to have someone like you back in our home village," Kuina added.
"Well, I have you guys to thank for the encouragement," Usopp admitted. "You guys really stood up for my old man. I would have just snapped and tried to attack the guy."
"I just hope Kaya is okay," Penny said. "She seems like such a kind and gentle girl."
Usopp nodded sadly. "Yeah, she hates seeing violence. And for some reason, she never saw Klahadore as anything but kind, no matter what insults he slung at others."
-OP-
Later, Klahadore was bringing Kaya her dinner. Kirby was hiding underneath the bed again since Kaya figured the butler wouldn't approve of his presence.
"Klahadore, why were saying such things about Usopp? You know he's actually a good person just trying to help."
The butler seemed to hesitate for a moment, then grimaced.
"Actually, I have bad experiences with pirates. It's been almost three years now since I first came to this mansion..."
Kaya remembered that day. She'd been watering the flowers in her garden when she saw the man stagger up to the front gate before collapsing.
"I'd been kicked off the ship I worked on. One too many attacks from pirates. The last one was caused by a major blunder on my part. I had no work or money. I was close to dying like a beggar. The guards tried to turn me away despite my clear need for medical attention, but your father was kind enough to let me in. I owe my life to your parents, and to you as well."
He let out a guilty sigh as he adjusted his glasses.
"I realize it was unfair to judge Usopp based on his actions and heritage. I promise I won't get in the way of your friendship from this day forward."
-OP-
Later, Zoro, Kuina, and Nami were hanging out outside of town with Piiman and Ninjin.
"Where did the others go?"
"Probably to speak with Usopp. From what Draco and Bamia say once Luffy decides to make someone his crewmate he never lets up about it." Zoro said.
Kuina nodded. "Speaking personally, we can say they're not wrong."
"By the way, isn't one of you missing?" Zoro asked.
"Yeah, Tamanegi always slips off," Piiman admitted.
"Then comes running back in a panic yelling about something," Ninjin added.
"We've got trouble!"
Sure enough, Tamanegi ran over in a panic as Ninjin and Piiman gave a shrug to the three adults.
"See, like we said. You can set your watch to it."
"What's wrong, kid?" Kuina asked.
"There's some strange guy walking backward through the town! He had long hair, and wore a big coat with a wide-brimmed hat and heart-shaped sunglasses!"
He pointed to where said guy was approaching, and sure enough, he was somehow walking backwards with a sliding step.
"What in the heck is he doing?" Zoro wondered.
"I think dancers call that moonwalking," Nami noted.
The man stopped near the group. "Hey, who's been calling me strange? I'm not strange at all."
"You seem pretty strange to us," Kuina pointed out.
"Come on now. I'm just an ordinary hypnotist who's passing through, don't you forget that." He then pulled out a ring pendulum and started swinging it in front of the kids. "Here, let me give you a demonstration. Watch the ring closely. You'll start to feel sleepy at the count of 'one, two, Jango'."
The whole time the kids' eyes were following the pendulum as the hypnotist counted off.
"One, two, Jango!"
The kids fell asleep but so did the hypnotist, having been watching his own pendulum. Nami couldn't help but chortle at the sight.
"What kind of hypnotist winds up hypnotizing themselves?"
"Either a really lame one or one too strong for his own good." Kuina guessed, a smirk on her face.
-OP-
Meanwhile, Luffy, Draco, Sonson, Ben, and Penny were with Usopp, who was still pretty pissed about what Klahadore had said to him.
"Can't believe that damn butler would insult my old man like that."
"Something about him seemed too dangerous. The way he adjusted his glasses. It didn't look normal." Draco said.
Ben nodded. "Kinda reminded me of something actually."
"What I wanna know is what that guy has against pirates. Sure Nami hates them too, but at least she has the excuse that a pirate crew killed someone close to her." Luffy said.
Sonson put a finger to her chin. "Maybe if we go down there and ask him."
Usopp was surprised to see Klahadore walking on the shore below with the hypnotist from earlier.
"What's he doing out here?"
"We should probably take a listen," Penny suggested.
"I told you not to do anything to make yourself stand out, Jango," Klahadore addressed the hypnotist. "And yet you wind up sleeping in the middle of the village."
"I got caught up in my own act! You know me, I'm a big-time showman." Jango argued.
"Well, all that aside, I assume preparations for the plan are ready?"
Jango nodded. "We can go anytime! The Rich Girl Assassination Plot!"
That got Usopp freaking out, realizing their scheme had to involve Kaya.
"First of all; Don't go yelling out the name of the plan. You never know who might be close enough to overhear." Klahadore hissed. "Second, don't call it an assassination. That has a bad ring to it."
"Right, forgot. We're supposed to be making it look like an accident." Jango said. "If we flat out kill her, then the plan's a flop."
"Exactly. It's the only way I can claim her inheritance without raising any suspicion. However, a mere butler can't inherit by default. So before she dies you are to hypnotize Kaya so that she writes a will in which I inherit her entire estate."
"Holy crap...!" Usopp muttered. "I was only taunting him when I said he might be after Kaya's money... But that really was the case?"
"I knew something was fishy about that guy!" Sonson said quietly.
"After three long years working to gain the trust of everyone around me. It wouldn't be suspicious for the young lady to leave her inheritance to me should anything happen to her." Klahadore said.
"So this is how the great Captain Kuro plans to settle his retirement," Jango noted. "We were all shocked when you said you wanted to give up life as a pirate three years ago. You even went so far as to set up a subordinate to be your double, letting him get executed in your place. Small wonder they call you Kuro of a Thousand Plans."
"Proud as I am of the title, I discarded that name three years ago. What I want more than ever now is peace of mind. Settling down with several million Berris is certainly a good start." Klahadore...no, Kuro said. "And no pesky government on my back either. I pride myself on being a pacifist."
Jango laughed. "Some pacifist! Killing off an entire rich family just to settle down in peace?"
"Actually, the death of Kaya's parents was entirely natural. I had nothing to do with that, and it wasn't part of my plans." Kuro clarified. "Just a happy accident that allowed my plans to accelerate a little."
"Well, it makes no difference. We're just waiting on your signal." Jango said. "The crew's been sitting in the waters near here for a whole week now. And they're really starting to get impatient."
"Sounds like they're planning to attack the village," Ben noted.
"I thought that butler seemed familiar; Captain Kuro fights using a set of blades he kept on each finger to use like cat claws, which is why he developed that method of adjusting his glasses, so he wouldn't cut his face," Draco said.
"This is bad. Kuro is said to be the smartest and most brutal pirate of them all!" Usopp said fearfully.
"I've heard the stories of him but let me say that in my eyes, he isn't even in the Top 10," Ben said. "He's dangerous to be sure, but his last known bounty was only at 16 million Berris. That's not even the biggest bounty in the East Blue, let alone the rest of the world."
Draco frowned. "But I thought the Marines had managed to execute him three years ago."
"Really?" Luffy asked.
Draco nodded. "Remember Morgan from Shells Town? He was the one who finally captured Kuro, or at least that's what everyone thought. But it looks like he pulled a fast one on them. I guess a member of his crew must have had a good likeness if no one realized what they caught was really a body double."
"And he later hid as Klahadore the butler. All to find a way to get Kaya's fortune." Usopp realized in growing horror. "If we don't do something, then Kaya will..."
Luffy started to get up, but Draco stopped her.
"Let's wait until they discuss their plans more. We might get vital information that can be used to stop them."
"Sorry, got caught up in the moment."
"Just have the Bezan Black ready at the north shore. We'll make our move tomorrow morning." Kuro said to Jango.
"The north shore?" Ben asked.
"Yeah, it's a narrow rock pass. Very identical to the south shore here." Usopp explained.
Luffy might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but even she realized something important.
"Come to think of it, we actually arrived here at the north shore."
"Make sure the crew does a good job tearing up the town. Kaya's poor health combined with her inability to handle violence... No one would bat an eye if it was said her heart gave out from seeing the attack." Kuro said to Jango.
Usopp clenched his fist. He remembered the first time he met Kaya. Having grown up in Syrup Village, he naturally heard about it when Kaya's parents died. When he learned that Kaya was suffering from depression, he decided to do what he could to cheer her up, which is when he developed his penchant for making up wild stories. Kaya had tried to turn him away at first, but it wasn't long before she was laughing at his absurd yet amazing stories.
And then Kirby came along. It was like the gods above had sent him as a gift to lift Kaya's spirits and it had worked. Kirby was even an honorary member of the Usopp Pirates, playing with Usopp and the boys.
"We need to do something...! We can't let them kill the people of the village!" Usopp said, tears in his eyes. "This place... It's been my home for as long as I can remember. I love everyone here, even when they chase me or call me a troublemaker."
They noticed Jango walking off, but Kuro stayed behind for a bit.
"It won't be long now... I'll get rid of every loose end. Everyone who knew about my past as Captain Kuro. Once my plan is complete, only Klahadore will remain."
The group gasped in shock when they heard this.
"Wait... He said he'd get rid of anyone who knew his past." Usopp said. "But that would include his crew. Does that mean that...?"
"Kuro's going to kill his entire crew once his plan is complete," Draco realized.
Luffy had never felt more angry. She was normally a pretty kind and peaceful young woman, even if she loved a good fight and a thrilling adventure. However, what Kuro was planning was straight-up unforgivable. No...it was MONSTROUS!
"Usopp, do you have any paper and pencil?"
"Yeah, sure," Usopp said as he got the items out and handed them to Luffy, who used them to draw a big black circle. "What's that supposed to be?
"The Black Spot, mate. A pirate's death sentence." Ben explained.
Draco nodded. "Should a pirate captain ever commit an act so heinous even other pirates would call it evil, this message is sent to let that captain know he will be put to death for his actions. In this case, while it's within a captain's right to execute a crew member who screwed up, killing their entire crew is something no captain would or even should stoop to.
"Kuro has just committed a pirate's blasphemy... And now he's going to pay." Luffy said in an uncharacteristically cold tone. "To a pirate, a crew is family. And to want to kill one's family is considered the highest form of evil. We aren't just stopping Kuro's plans, we're making sure he can't hurt anyone else ever again!"
Down below, unaware that his plans had been overheard, Kuro looked out to sea and spotted the Bezan Black, flying a Jolly Roger with the skull looking like a cat's head. Kuro smirked, certain his ultimate plan would succeed.
"I can't believe we got through all that without being spotted!" Usopp finally let himself breathe again.
"Kuro is out of practice." Ben mused. "Any halfwit captain worth his salt probably could've sensed-"
A whistling tune suddenly filled the air, which grew colder. Everyone was on the edge, reaching for weapons or readying for a fight as a mist slowly overtook their area. Suddenly purple flames manifested, making Ussop scream and leap onto an unamused Draco as everyone's attention turned to him.
"Don't look at me."
"Indeed, if it was Friend Draco, I believe we would all know or be dead." Penny mused.
Ben hummed. "Well, mates, we best follow."
"WAIT, FOLLOW THE SPONATEOUSLY APPEARING FIRE?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Usopp screamed in disbelief.
"….Most good pirates are a little crazy." Sonson shrugged as she marched forward. Draco removed Ussop from his face and led the others.
Ussop wanted to run, yet also felt compelled to follow. Call it fear or desperation, but sticking with his new friends seemed like the best choice. As long as it didn't take too long, Kaya needed to know.
A few minutes later, the mist began to clear as the flames died down, revealing an open space where a small stand stood.
"Over 'ere, strangers." The man at said stand waved, his voice in a pseudo-Australian accent. He wore a hooded black trenchcoat and a purple bandana that hid most of his face. Hidden in the flaps of his coat, the group could see a few weapons, ammo, and even one or two Devil Fruits.
"Welcome to my humble little corner. Wager you lot heard the whistling?"
The group all nodded and Penny stepped forward.
"Good afternoon kind…"
"Merchant, little lass." The man said. "A humble seafaring and dreaming merchant, here to offer aid and or supplies to special clientele…including the fruits of the Devil.
One of said fruits stood out: A smaller fruit, white with black swirls and pink flesh. It was roughly shaped like a feline paw. The stem above it was dark blue and turned into a lightning bolt reminiscent of zig zag.
"Ah, you like that one?" He asked. "Well, for half the usual Devil Fruit price? It's all yours."
Draco moved forward with a thick wad of Berri, only to pause.
"Why only half? Devil Fruits can set someone for life."
"Call it….delayed retribution." The merchant said as he picked up the fruit for all to see. "This fruit in particular would make you taking down Kuro all the sweeter….However, I reckon you should save this for someone else. Be a darn shame for you all to die before your real adventures begin."
Considering that Ben's reasons for having multiple Devil Fruits were not yet known, and how comfortable the Monkey Sisters were with their own, they wagered the fellow had a good point.
"If I could make one more suggestion?" The Merchant added. "Give this fruit to someone who can be great, but needs a little boost."
Ussop's mind immediately went to Kaya, and he shot Luffy a look. The straw hat-wearing girl nodded with a smile as Draco paid for the fruit.
"Pleasure doing business with ya." The Merchant said as he then began to close up his stand. "Have a great evening and grand adventures."
Next thing everyone knew, he was walking away with a wave.
"Well...thanks for the fruit!" Ben said as he waved the Merchant off.
"He seemed like a nice guy!" Luffy smiled as the group headed off.
"Yes, but he did seem a bit..." Usopp turned around, only to see the Merchant, his campsite, and his stand were gone. "...Strange."
Knightmare Lord A/N:
We've got our favorite little pink puffball Kirby here! Also, a surprise appearance from the Merchant from Resident Evil 4! Don't worry, he'll play an important role in this story. You'll be seeing more from him soon!
Hope you're all ready for the utter smackdown execution Kuro is gonna face! It'll be a treat for sure!
Anything on your end, Mrotrax?
Mrotax A/N:
My second favorite East Blue arc is off to a great start! And soon it shall be over. Stay tuned, double update today!
On describing Kirby's ship; do keep in mind that the One Piece world doesn't really have rockets or rocket-ships in what we're used to, so I tried to describe it as someone from the One Piece world would.