The crew found lodging at a small inn near the edge of the village—a modest place run by an elderly couple who asked no questions and seemed relieved to have paying customers.
That night, Usopp barely slept. He sat by the window of his room, staring at the mansion on the hill, his mind racing with images of Kaya in danger. Every shadow looked like a threat. Every sound made him jump.
Around three in the morning, Shiro's voice echoed softly in his mind through their telepathic link.
Can't sleep?
Usopp nearly fell out of his chair. Even after experiencing it once, having someone's voice appear directly in his thoughts was unsettling.
"N-no," Usopp whispered aloud. "I keep thinking... what if we're too late? What if Kuro already—"
He won't, Shiro's mental voice was calm, reassuring. Kuro's been planning this for three years. He won't rush now. He'll wait for the perfect moment. That gives us time.
"Time for what?"
To save her. To expose him. To make sure Kaya's safe before he can execute whatever plan he's made.
Usopp's hands clenched into fists. "I want to believe you. But I'm... I'm scared."
Good, Shiro responded. Fear means you care. It means you're not reckless. Use that fear. Let it sharpen you instead of paralyze you.
Usopp took a shaky breath. "How are you so calm about everything?"
There was a pause, and Usopp could almost feel Shiro considering his answer.
Because I've learned that panic doesn't solve problems. Action does. And you're not alone anymore, Usopp. You have a crew now.
Usopp felt something warm settle in his chest. "Yeah. I do."
Get some rest. Tomorrow, we move.
The connection went quiet, and Usopp finally managed to close his eyes.
Dawn broke clear and bright, the kind of morning that should have felt peaceful. But tension hung over the crew like a storm cloud.
They gathered outside the inn, Luffy stretching and yawning, Zoro checking his swords, Nami adjusting her staff, and Usopp clutching the wanted poster like a lifeline.
Shiro stood at the front, his expression focused. "We go to the mansion. We show Kaya the poster. We give her the truth. After that, it's her choice what happens next."
Luffy nodded. "And if the butler tries to stop us?"
Shiro's eyes hardened. "Then we go through him."
Zoro's grin was sharp. "Now we're talking."
They walked through the village, and this time, people noticed them. Whispers followed in their wake. Pirates. The ones staying at the inn. What are they doing here? Are we in danger?
But Usopp walked with his head up for the first time in his life, flanked by people who believed in him.
The three kids—Ninjin, Piiman, and Tamanegi—spotted them from a distance and came running.
"Captain Usopp!" Ninjin shouted. "What's happening? You look serious!"
Usopp crouched down, his expression gentle but firm. "Boys, I need you to stay in the village today. Don't go near the mansion."
Piiman's eyes widened. "Why? Is something bad happening?"
Usopp hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. But I'm going to fix it. These are my... my crewmates. We're going to protect Kaya."
The three kids looked at Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Shiro with a mix of awe and fear.
Tamanegi swallowed. "You're really pirates?"
Luffy grinned. "Yep! The best pirates!"
The kids' fear melted slightly, replaced by tentative excitement.
"Then... then you'll really protect Miss Kaya?" Ninjin asked.
Usopp stood, his hand resting on his slingshot. "I promise."
The kids nodded, then ran back toward the village, throwing glances over their shoulders.
The crew continued up the hill toward the mansion.
When they reached the gates, they didn't hesitate. Luffy pushed them open with both hands, the metal squeaking in protest.
The groundskeeper appeared, startled. "You can't just—"
"We need to see Kaya," Luffy said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The groundskeeper looked at their faces—at the determination, the quiet threat—and stepped aside.
They walked through the garden, past perfectly manicured hedges and flower beds that looked too clean, too controlled.
The front door opened before they could knock.
Klahadore stood there, his expression cold and disapproving. "I thought I made myself clear yesterday. Miss Kaya is not receiving visitors."
Shiro stepped forward, pulling out the folded wanted poster. "She'll want to see this."
He held it up, unfolding it so Klahadore could see his own face staring back at him.
For just a fraction of a second, something flickered in Klahadore's eyes. Surprise. Calculation. Rage.
Then it was gone, replaced by calm professionalism.
"I don't know what sort of trick this is," Klahadore said smoothly, "but I assure you, I am simply a butler. Nothing more."
"Liar," Zoro said flatly.
Klahadore's smile was thin. "Do you have any proof beyond a piece of paper? Wanted posters can be forged."
Shiro's eyes narrowed. "Your stance. The way you adjusted your glasses just now. The calluses on your hands—those aren't from serving tea. Those are from bladed weapons."
Klahadore's expression didn't change, but his eyes grew colder. "Observant. But irrelevant."
"What's irrelevant?"
Everyone turned.
Kaya stood at the top of the grand staircase inside the foyer, wrapped in a pale blue dress, her expression confused and worried.
"Kaya!" Usopp stepped forward. "Please, you have to listen—"
Klahadore moved smoothly between them again. "Miss Kaya, these ruffians are trying to slander me with baseless accusations. I suggest we call the authorities—"
"Let him speak," Kaya said softly, her voice carrying unexpected strength.
Klahadore paused, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.
Kaya descended the stairs slowly, her eyes never leaving Usopp. "Usopp, what's going on? You've never acted like this before."
Usopp's voice shook, but he forced the words out. "Kaya, Klahadore isn't who he says he is. He's... he's Captain Kuro. A pirate. A murderer. He faked his death three years ago, and he's been planning something terrible ever since."
Kaya's eyes widened, and she looked at Klahadore. "That's... that's ridiculous. Klahadore has been with my family for years. He took care of my father when he was sick. He's—"
"A liar," Shiro said, holding up the wanted poster. "Look at the face. Look at his hands. Look at the way he moves. He's not a butler. He's a predator."
Kaya took the poster with trembling hands, her eyes scanning the image.
The resemblance was undeniable.
She looked up at Klahadore, her voice barely a whisper. "Is this... is this true?"
Klahadore's expression remained calm, but something dangerous lurked beneath the surface. "Miss Kaya, these pirates are trying to manipulate you. Of course it's not true."
Kaya's hands shook harder. "Then... then explain the picture. Explain why it looks exactly like you."
Klahadore adjusted his glasses with the heel of his palm—that same theatrical gesture. "Coincidence. Nothing more."
Shiro's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Then explain the Cat Claws."
Everyone froze.
Klahadore's eyes locked onto Shiro's, and for the first time, the mask slipped.
"What did you say?"
Shiro's smile was cold. "Cat Claws. Ten long blades attached to gloves. Your signature weapon. The one you used to slaughter entire crews without getting a drop of blood on your suit."
The air grew thick with tension.
Klahadore stared at Shiro, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he began to laugh.
It was a low, humorless sound that sent chills down Usopp's spine.
"Well," Klahadore said, his voice dropping the polite veneer entirely. "It seems my cover is blown."
He reached up and adjusted his glasses one final time—but this time, when his hands came away, they were no longer empty.
Ten long, curved blades extended from his fingers, gleaming in the morning light.
Cat Claws.
Kaya stumbled backward, her face going white. "Klahadore... what—"
"My name," he said coldly, "is Captain Kuro. And you, Miss Kaya, have been a useful pawn in my plan to escape the pirate life and live comfortably on your fortune."
Kaya's knees gave out, and she collapsed onto the stairs, tears streaming down her face. "You... you killed my father."
Kuro's smile was devoid of warmth. "Poison in his medicine. Slow. Untraceable. I simply waited for nature to take its course."
Usopp's entire body shook with rage. "YOU MONSTER!"
He drew his slingshot and fired.
The pellet shot forward with surprising speed—but Kuro moved faster.
He sidestepped, the pellet whizzing past his head, and vanished.
Usopp blinked. "Where—"
Kuro reappeared behind him, claws raised.
"Too slow."
The blades descended.
But Luffy was already there.
"Gomu Gomu no—Pistol!"
His fist shot forward, slamming into Kuro's chest and sending the pirate captain flying backward through the open doorway and into the garden.
Kuro flipped midair, landing on his feet like a cat, his expression finally showing emotion—anger.
"So," Kuro said, straightening his glasses with his wrist since his hands were now occupied with blades. "You're not just a loud child. You have some skill."
Luffy stepped into the garden, his expression serious. "I don't like people who hurt their friends."
Kuro's smile returned, sharp and predatory. "Friends? I don't have friends. I have tools. And tools are meant to be used and discarded."
Zoro drew his swords. "I'm cutting him."
Shiro held up a hand. "Wait. This is Luffy's fight."
Zoro's eye twitched. "Why?"
"Because Luffy called it first," Shiro said calmly. "And because Kuro's fast, but Luffy's faster. This is a test."
Luffy cracked his knuckles, his eyes never leaving Kuro. "Don't worry, guys. I've got this."
Kuro tilted his head, assessing. "Confident. Let's see if you can back it up."
And then he moved.
Kuro didn't run. He blurred.
One moment he was standing twenty feet away. The next, he was right in front of Luffy, claws slashing in a wide arc aimed at Luffy's throat.
Luffy's eyes flickered—Observation Haki activating—and he bent backward, his spine curving impossibly far.
The claws whistled through empty air.
Kuro's eyes widened. He dodged?
Luffy snapped back up, grinning. "Too slow!"
"Gomu Gomu no—Gatling!"
His fists blurred into motion, dozens of punches hammering toward Kuro.
Kuro twisted, his body moving with inhuman flexibility, dodging most of the strikes. But three connected—one to his shoulder, one to his ribs, one to his face.
Kuro skidded backward, blood trickling from his lip.
He wiped it away, his expression darkening. "You... you actually hit me."
Luffy bounced on his feet, still grinning. "I'm just getting started!"
Kuro's eyes narrowed. "Then allow me to demonstrate my true speed."
He dropped into a crouch, his body tensing like a coiled spring.
Shiro's awareness spiked. Here it comes.
"Shakushi."
Kuro vanished.
Not fast. Not a blur.
Gone.
Luffy's eyes widened, his Observation Haki screaming warnings from every direction.
Kuro reappeared behind him, claws slashing.
Luffy twisted, barely dodging, but the claws caught his shirt, tearing fabric.
Kuro vanished again.
This time he appeared at Luffy's side, claws aimed at his ribs.
Luffy blocked with his forearm, the claws scraping against his rubber skin but not cutting deep.
"Gomu Gomu no—Whip!"
His leg stretched out, sweeping toward Kuro.
But Kuro was already gone, reappearing ten feet away.
Nami watched, her breath caught in her throat. "He's so fast. How is Luffy keeping up?"
Shiro's eyes were locked on the fight. "Observation Haki. Luffy's not reacting to what he sees. He's reacting to what he feels—the intent behind each attack."
Zoro's grip tightened on his swords. "But he's still getting hit. That technique—Shakushi—it's too fast even for prediction."
Shiro nodded grimly. "Kuro moves faster than his own consciousness can track. He's essentially blind when he uses it. But that also makes him unpredictable."
Usopp's voice shook. "Then how does Luffy win?"
Shiro's eyes glinted. "By being faster."
Kuro attacked again, using Shakushi repeatedly, his claws flashing from impossible angles.
Luffy dodged, blocked, twisted—but each exchange left small cuts on his arms, his legs, his torso.
Blood began to drip onto the grass.
Kuro landed fifteen feet away, breathing hard but grinning. "You're resilient. I'll give you that. But you can't keep up with my speed forever."
Luffy wiped blood from his cheek, his expression serious. "You're fast. Really fast."
Kuro's grin widened. "Finally realizing you're outmatched?"
Luffy's eyes hardened. "Nope."
He planted his feet, his posture shifting.
Steam began to rise from his body.
Shiro's eyes widened. No. Not yet. He shouldn't need—
But Luffy was already moving.
He bit down on his thumb, his voice low and focused. "Gear Second."
His skin flushed pink, steam pouring off him in waves, his body radiating heat.
Nami's jaw dropped. "What is that?!"
Zoro stared, his eyes wide with shock. "Luffy... what did you just do?"
Shiro's mind raced. He's using it. He said he wouldn't unless necessary, but Kuro pushed him.
Kuro frowned, sensing something different. "What trick is this?"
Luffy looked up, and his eyes were sharp, focused, predatory.
"Let's see if you can keep up now."
And then Luffy vanished.
Kuro's eyes went wide. What—?!
Luffy reappeared behind him, fist already in motion. "Gomu Gomu no—Jet Pistol!"
The punch connected with Kuro's back with the force of a cannonball.
Kuro's eyes bulged, blood spraying from his mouth, and he was launched forward, crashing through a hedge and slamming into the mansion wall hard enough to crack the stone.
Luffy didn't stop.
He blurred forward again, faster than Kuro's Shakushi, his body a pink-tinted streak.
"Gomu Gomu no—Jet Gatling!"
His fists moved so fast they became invisible, each punch landing with devastating force.
Kuro tried to dodge, tried to use Shakushi, but Luffy was everywhere—predicting, intercepting, overwhelming.
The final punch caught Kuro square in the jaw, and the pirate captain's head snapped back, his glasses shattering, his eyes rolling back.
He collapsed into the crater his body had made in the wall, unconscious.
Silence fell over the garden.
Luffy stood in the center, steam still pouring off him, breathing hard but victorious.
Then the steam faded, and Luffy's skin returned to normal. He swayed slightly, exhaustion creeping in.
Shiro was at his side instantly, steadying him. "You overdid it."
Luffy grinned weakly. "But I won."
Shiro couldn't help but smile. "Yeah. You did."
Zoro walked over, staring at Luffy with something between respect and disbelief. "What the hell was that technique?"
Luffy scratched his head sheepishly. "Gear Second. I speed up my blood flow to make my body faster. Shiro helped me figure it out, but it drains my stamina really fast."
Nami approached slowly, her expression stunned. "You... you moved faster than that pirate captain. Faster than anything I've ever seen."
Usopp was trembling, tears streaming down his face. "You saved her. You saved Kaya."
Kaya stood at the mansion entrance, supported by a maid, her face pale but her eyes filled with gratitude and sorrow.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you for showing me the truth."
Luffy gave her a tired thumbs-up. "No problem! That's what friends do!"
Shiro looked at the unconscious Kuro, then at the crew. "We need to secure him. And we need to figure out what his crew is planning. If Kuro was here for three years, he didn't work alone."
Zoro cracked his knuckles. "Then let's find the rest of them."
Nami looked at Shiro, her expression complex. She'd seen Luffy's strength now. Seen what this crew was capable of.
These people... they're not normal. They're strong. Really strong.
And they fight for others without asking for anything in return.
She didn't say it aloud, but something shifted in her chest.
Maybe... maybe I could stay with them. Just for a little longer.
Shiro noticed her expression and smiled faintly.
Not yet.
But soon, Nami would choose to stay.
Not because she was forced.
But because she wanted to.