Luffy and Nick carefully dragged the battered form of Usopp over to the tree and propped him up against it. His clothes were filthy and wrinkled, with small splotches of his blood coating it.

"Hey you doing ok?" asked Nick, kneeling next to him. For his trouble, Nick was met with a rather angry glare. It may have been a bit more intimidating if Usopp's nose was all twisted up.

"Gee, what do you think?" he responded sarcastically, wincing in pain as he tried to maneuver himself into a more comfortable position. He sighed in relief as he finally managed to do just that.

Much better without that knot in the tree digging into his back.

Looking up at the group, Usopp's vitriol turned into bafflement. "What the heck happened to you guys?"

The scary swordsman had drawings on his face, making him look like some kind of sophisticated cat, which Usopp found hilarious. Not that he would ever tell him that, as he much desired to continue living. It also appeared slightly smudged, like he tried to remove it.

Which he most likely had.

But the more pressing concern was Nick, who was standing there in nothing but a pair of boxers, seemingly without a care in the world. Not only that, but he was also covered in scratches and bite marks, with a bright red handprint on his left cheek.

What was that about?

Actually, looking at them a bit closer, he could see that they were all covered in scratches and bite marks. So they did get into a fight with the squirrels from hell, then. Been there, done that. He might have a bit more sympathy if he wasn't partially mangled due to their actions.

The group of four turned to look at each other, noticing their appearance. Not the best look when they were coming to strike a deal with someone, but it was too late now.

"Oh you know, this and that," Nick said nervously, rubbing the back of his head, giving a little chuckle. No need to tell him they lost to a bunch of fluffy tailed rats. That would not help them in the least.

"This and that, huh?" Usopp questioned, leaning forward with a groan. He gave them a suspicious look, as he continued his questioning, "I thought I told you to leave, so what are you doing here?"

"And where are your pants?" asked Akisu next to them.

Now it was everyone's turn to stare at a nearly naked Nick, who shrugged his shoulders, "You know, that's a good question. I'm sure they're around here somewhere."

Before Luffy flung them up over the wall, they were around his ankles. Not the best strategy when fighting off demonic woodland creatures, considering how difficult it made moving. But when they rocketed into the air, they must have fallen off from the force. Now he didn't know where they were.

"You really are a dumbass," muttered Zoro, causing Nick to gain a tick mark on his forehead.

"I don't want to hear that from you, kitty cat!" Nick responded. Now it was Zoro's turn to gain a tick mark, as the two of them butt heads, growling at each other.

"What was that?"

"You heard me, four eyes."

Nami sighed, as she forcefully separated the two, "That's enough! We didn't come here to fight, remember?" She gave the two of them a glare, as they grumbled and looked away from each other.

The orange haired girl rubbed her forehead in irritation. Why did they have to act like a couple of cavemen? Was it the testosterone? Or were they just that stupid?

"Um, excuse me?" questioned a soft voice from above them. They all turned to see who was talking and saw a pretty blonde haired girl leaning out of the window, looking at them in concern.

Or to be more accurate, looking at Usopp in concern. But her attention was also trained on the group of strangers in her yard. She was worried for a moment about their intentions, but seeing as Usoop seemed to know them, she thought they might not be so bad.

Though her face did flush a bit at seeing the one boy who was nearly naked, staring at her with his hands on his hips. While she may have had feelings for a certain long nosed boy, she was still a young woman who was not opposed to a bit of eye candy.

"Oh, hey. Sorry about just barging in like this," Nami said, looking apologetically at the girl. Although her eye gained a slight twitch at seeing her stare at Nick like he was a piece of meat.

But it was just because he was her friend and didn't appreciate him being objectified like that. Even if he stared at her from time to time with a similar look in his eyes. Or all the time really.

But she certainly wasn't jealous. Nope, not even a little bit.

Nick felt sweat drip down his back as he saw Nami glare at him. Geez, what did he do this time? Was it the no pants thing? Or was she still upset about him trying to remove the squirrel that jumped down her shirt?

He was only trying to help, honest! There were no ulterior motives behind his actions, only the altruistic desire to save his companion from the furry little beast. Nothing more, nothing less.

But Nami didn't see it that way, and Nick received one hell of a slap for his efforts. Guess that's what happens when you try to help some people. No appreciation.

"Um, no that's alright. But, who are you people?" Kaya asked gently, head tilted slightly in confusion. It was honestly adorable, and Nick could understand Usopp's crush on her.

And he did have one, Nick could tell. Just from the flushed look on his face as he stared at her with his mouth slightly open. If he wasn't careful, flies might get in.

"I'm Luffy! Who are you?" Luffy asked with his usual excitement. He was always happy to meet new people. Unless they were jerks, then he was happy to beat them up. But she didn't seem like a bad person, so he went with the first option.

Kaya giggled a bit from Luffy's exuberance. It reminded her of the kids who hung around Usopp. "My name is Kaya. I'm happy to make your acquaintance."

"Oh, so your Kaya. Sweet, you're the person we need to talk to," said Luffy with a big grin on his face. But his statement only caused more confusion in the poor girl.

"Me? Whatever for?"

"Well you see-" Nick started to say, but was cut off by a shout from Usopp.

"Nothing! They don't need anything! In fact, they were just about to leave, right?"

"No, we came to talk to her," stated Luffy plainly. Usopp's mouth was agape, like he couldn't believe Luffy would contradict him like that. It was honestly hilarious.

"We were hoping you could help us get a ship," said Nami, much to Usopp's further annoyance. These people didn't listen to a word he said.

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you," Kaya said sadly. She seemed honestly disappointed that she wasn't able to help them. She was an angel, and Nick decided she needed to be protected at all costs.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

"It's because of the attacks right? Actually, we were hoping to make a deal with you," Nami continued to negotiate. It was a good thing she was there, because Nick doubted the rest of them would be able to do so.

Luffy, maybe. He did have that main character power that seemed to draw people to him. So he could probably convince her, but Nick? Or Zoro?

Not likely. Zoro was a gruff guy most of the time, and his attitude wasn't exactly conducive to proper negotiations like this. He would likely just intimidate her until he was run out of town by angry village folk.

And Nick… Nick wasn't wearing any pants. He probably wouldn't even be allowed inside the house, let alone be allowed to talk to her. Or maybe it would work as a negotiation tactic, judging by the way she kept sneaking glances at his muscular, nearly naked form.

Now if only he could get Nami to look at him like that.

Usopp meanwhile was freaking out. How did they know about the attacks!? He didn't tell them anything, and he was sure the townsfolk and the shipwrights were told to keep quiet, how did they find out?

The only explanation was somebody had to have blabbed. But who? He looked back and forth between them and his very close, personal friend (some might even say bestie) with concern.

She was much too frail for these things. That's why he was trying to keep them away. That, and his pride of course. He wanted to be her knight in shining armor, the man who saved the town and earned her everlasting affections.

But he couldn't do that if they butted in.

"A deal? What kind of deal?" she asked. Part of her wished that Merry or Klahadore were here to help her deal with this, as she wasn't confident in her ability to hold such discussions. But another part was curious about what they had to say, and was glad they treated her like an adult.

And not like an invalid.

Something the other two rarely did. She knew it wasn't anything malicious, they just couldn't see past the child they helped raise. That was especially true for Merry, who's been with her since she was small.

There was also her constitution to consider. She knew she didn't exactly exude the vibrant aura of youth, but she wasn't useless! She could do plenty, if only they would let her.

So this may have been her big shot to prove to them that she could handle more. That she was a capable young woman.

Now if only her hand would stop trembling.

"Well, you see-" started Nick, but he was once again cut off, making his eye twitch in irritation.

"So this is what all the racket is about," said a suave, condescending voice. Everyone turned to see who it was that butted in on the conversation. When Nick noticed who it was, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

He was a fairly tall man, with dark green, nearly black hair, wearing glasses and a neatly pressed butler's uniform. On the uniform were mysterious, golden images that looked like bells.

Or turds, Nick wasn't sure.

"So he is here. The cat that claws at the door," Nick thought. The sudden appearance of the man made Nick feel wary. He didn't remember a whole lot about the man, but what he did put him on edge.

He was smart. Very smart. And an intelligent opponent was always a dangerous one.

"Oh, it's you Klahadore," Kaya said happily.

"Oh, that's his name," thought Nick. Or his fake one, at any rate. If only she knew the danger this man presented. But she didn't. No one did. No one save for Nick, and there was little he could do about it right now.

Assuming he could even take the man, that wouldn't do much to help their situation. Nobody would believe his claims that he was an evil, vicious pirate. No, Nick needed to bide his time and wait for the man to reveal his hand.

"Indeed Miss. I came when I heard about some intruders. I do hope you are unhurt," he said, while adjusting his glasses using the palm of his hand. Well, that proves that. He was definitely a pirate. That was a tick he got from having to adjust his glasses while wearing those claws.

Nick wasn't sure whether or not to be relieved by that. On one hand, his suspicions were confirmed, and knowing that meant he could prepare accordingly. On the other hand, his suspicions were confirmed. He was a pirate, and a very dangerous one at that.

"Oh I'm fine. These are Usopp's friends," Kaya chirped. She seemed so much more energetic now that he was here. Nick sincerely hoped his new sniper friend wasn't getting cucked by the butler.

That was an amount of emotional damage Nick wasn't qualified to treat. Actually, he wasn't qualified to treat any amount of emotional damage.

"Is that so?" questioned Klahadore, sounding remarkably unimpressed. His gaze shifted between all of them, before zeroing in on Usopp. Nick shivered as the man's cold eyes met his own.

Zoro himself narrowed his eyes at the man and shifted his position, ready to attack at the drop of a hat. Nami was hiding behind her meat shield, aka Nick, and Luffy was just staring at everything, unsure of what was going on.

Usopp himself was glaring at the man, with Akisu sitting down nervously beside him. If Nick remembered correctly, the two of them had some beef, but he couldn't remember what it was about. Something about Usopp's father.

Or it could have something to do with his brother. That was a definite possibility, and Nick still had no idea who he was. He needed to find some opportunity to ask him, but now wasn't the time.

"And how is young Usopp this evening?" Klahadore asked with false care, bordering on mockery.

"Fine," Usopp ground out, glare never lessening. His hand twitched toward his slingshot, but he stopped himself from pulling it out, no matter how badly he wanted to.

"Truly? You don't appear fine. It looks like you engaged in some kind of tomfoolery. Though I shouldn't be surprised, considering who your father is," the butler snidely remarked.

So it was about daddy dearest. That was one more thing following canon. Nick couldn't help but wonder what his beef was with the man. Did he run into the Red Hair Pirates and get shot by Yasopp or something?

Because judging by the tone of his voice, dude was sporting a massive hate boner for the guy.

"Don't you dare talk about my father!" Usopp growled. He looked like he was about to get up and wallop the guy, but Akisu held him tight, preventing him from doing something stupid.

"Who's this jerk," asked Luffy, getting angry at the man for making fun of one of his friends.

"That's Klahadore. He works here as my butler," responded Kaya, before turning to face said butler with an angry frown.

"But that was uncalled for! Apologize to Usopp!" she shouted. Well, shouted wasn't very accurate. More like an angry bunny gently chastising someone. It was as adorable as it was ineffective.

"Apologies, Miss Kaya, but I cannot condone you associating with such riffraff," Klahadore said, once more adjusting his glasses.

"He means you," commented Nick to Zoro in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Shut up," Zoro growled back.

Their interaction drew the attention of the pirate in disguise, as his eyes narrowed at them. He really couldn't stand people disrespecting him. Especially people like them, who wandered about in the buff.

And he couldn't help but feel personally insulted by the cat-like appearance of the green haired swordsman. If he didn't know better, he'd say he was mocking him. But that was impossible, as no one knew his true identity. At least not anyone here.

If only he knew…

"And just who might you be? A couple of clowns to give us a show," mocked the butler. He smirked as Zoro growled angrily at him. He could tell how badly he wanted to draw his swords and cut him down.

It was always entertaining to rile up those of a lesser mind.

It was curious that he was carrying three of them though. He has heard rumors recently of a bounty hunter who uses three swords. He was supposed to be a rather remarkable swordsman. Roronoa Zoro, that was his name he believed.

"Actually, we heard somebody was about to have a birthday, and we're a pair of strippers here to put on a show," Nick commented, trying to keep the shit eating grin off of his face. Something that was proving difficult by the annoyed twitching of the butler's left eye.

The squeak from above him didn't help either. Kaya's face was practically steaming as she pictured it in her mind. Honestly, she didn't even need to use much of her imagination, considering Nick was nearly naked already.

"Must you antagonize him?" asked Nami with a sigh, a bit of red on her cheek. Unlike the girl upstairs, she didn't need to use her imagination to picture what Nick looked like naked, considering she's already seen everything when they escaped the Marines in Shells Town.

Though, she didn't know what Zoro looked like in the buff, and quite frankly, she didn't want to know.

"What, he started it," Nick said.

"If that's your purpose here, I suggest you leave immediately. We have no need for people of such low standing here," said Klahadore. He glared at Nick who was happy to note the irritation in the older man's eyes. Made the mockery all the more worthwhile.

Speaking of mockery.

"My eyes are up here buddy," Nick said, pointing to his eyes. He heard a few snorts of amusement from behind him, likely Zoro and Usopp. He was glad he could entertain them.

"Enough! I want you and your friends out of here at once," he said, losing a bit of his patience. He took in deep breaths, trying to get his anger under control. He wasn't used to people attempting to rile him up, and he snapped before he could stop himself.

"No, not until we talk to Kaya," stated Luffy. There was no room for argument in his tone. They would speak to Kaya, and that was the end of that. No matter what Klahadore had to say on the matter.

"You…" growled the now angry butler. A bit of his immaculately combed hair came out of place at their defiance. But just as it seemed like he would attack them, he took a deep breath, and wiped his hand over his hair, fixing what fell out of place.

"Very well. Speak your business, and then leave. But I suggest you hurry. The guards will be here at any moment," he said.

Honestly, it surprised Nick that they weren't here already. But then again, the house and the grounds it was on was massive, so maybe that had something to do with the response time?

However, he could hear them in the distance, getting ever closer with each passing second. What was more worrying was the sound of dogs he could hear accompanying them.

It seems Mr. Burns has released the hounds. What a dick.