CHAPTER 7: SYRUP VILLAGE (III)

[A FEW YEARS AGO]

The Black Cat Pirates were fleeing at top speed, their ship cutting through the ocean waves as a Marine vessel pursued them relentlessly. Captain Kuro stood in his quarters, his expression one of irritation and exhaustion. He was a tall man with slicked-back black hair and wore glasses with thin frames. His cat-like eyes betrayed his cunning intelligence, and his black coat with gold buttons gave him an air of dark elegance.

Kuro paced the room, his thoughts consumed by the constant battles and chases. He had grown weary of the pirate life—always on the run, always fighting. There was no peace, no respite. The marines were a persistent thorn in his side, and rival pirates sought his head as a trophy.

His first mate, Jango, entered the room. Jango, with his heart-shaped ring and hypnotist’s pendant, was the picture of eccentricity. He watched Kuro with concern.

“Captain, what’s our next move? We can’t keep running like this,” Jango said, his voice a mix of worry and loyalty.

Kuro sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I’m tired, Jango. Tired of the endless fighting, the constant fleeing. I want a different life, a peaceful one where I can scheme and plan without interruption.”

Jango nodded, understanding the weight behind Kuro’s words. “What do you propose, Captain?”

Kuro’s eyes gleamed with a deadly idea. “We need to disappear. But not just disappear—we need to die. At least, I do.”

Jango’s eyebrows shot up. “Die? How?”

Kuro smirked. “We’ll find someone who looks like me and stage an execution. The Marines will believe they’ve finally killed Captain Kuro.”

As if on cue, Kuro's eyes lit up as he gazed at the Marine vessel in the distance. "Prepare the men. I’ll board the Marine ship alone."

Jango, though puzzled, obeyed. “Aye, Captain.”

Kuro stealthily approached the Marine vessel under the cover of darkness, using his special technique, "Shakushi." He moved so quickly he seemed to vanish, reappearing amidst the Marines in a flurry of deadly strikes. He cut down the soldiers with ruthless efficiency, leaving a trail of blood and bodies in his wake. The only one left standing was a young Marine who bore a striking resemblance to Kuro himself.

Kuro seized the Marine by the collar and dragged him back to his ship. “This one will do.”

Jango used his hypnotist’s pendant to place the Marine under a deep trance. “You are Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates,” he intoned, his voice laced with hypnotic power.

The Marine’s eyes glazed over, and he repeated mechanically, “I am Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates.”

Satisfied, Kuro nodded. “Good. Now let’s send him back to the Marines and let them do the rest.”

The plan went off without a hitch. The Marine, hypnotized and convinced he was Kuro, was executed, and the world believed Captain Kuro was dead.

[PRESENT DAY]

Usopp and Goku crouched in the bushes overlooking the cliff. Usopp's heart pounded as he recounted the story to Goku. “Captain Kuro was reported to have been executed years ago.”

Goku frowned. “He obviously faked his death.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Kuro and Jango on the beach below. Jango was visibly panicking. “Captain Kuro, they know! What do we do?”

Kuro’s expression remained calm and cold. “Use your trick, Jango. Hypnotize them.”

Jango prepared his blade, the hypnotist’s pendant gleaming in the sunlight. But before he could start, Goku leapt from the bushes and punched the ground, sending up a cloud of dust and debris that obscured Jango’s view.

“Usopp, go warn Kaya! Now!” Goku ordered.

Usopp didn’t hesitate. He turned and sprinted back towards the mansion, his determination fueling his speed.

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With the smoke cleared, Goku stood on the cliff’s edge, looking down at Kuro and Jango. His voice was steady and threatening. “You stay out of our business, or there will be consequences.”

Kuro’s eyes narrowed, matching Goku’s intensity. “And you should mind your own, boy. Interfere, and you’ll regret it.”

Jango trembled, caught between his fear of Goku’s raw power and his loyalty to Kuro. He didn’t know who to fear more.

Goku turned his back on them, making his way through the forest. He found Zoro and Nami under a large tree, seeking shade from the afternoon sun.

“We’ve got a problem,” Goku began. “Klahadore is actually Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates. He faked his death and has been planning something all along.”

Zoro’s eyes widened in recognition. “That’s why he seemed familiar. What’s the plan now?”

Goku glanced at Nami. “How much is the treasure worth?”

Nami thought for a moment. “About 10 million berries. But that’s not enough for a good ship, just a basic one.”

Goku smirked. “I might have an idea. We can use the treasure for other supplies and get a ship another way. But first, we need to stop Kuro.”

Nami nodded, trusting Goku’s judgment. “Alright, what’s the plan?”

“We head back to the mansion and confront him. Usopp is warning Kaya. We need to be there to back him up,” Goku said, his voice resolute.

Zoro grinned, eager for a fight. “Sounds good to me. Let’s go.”

As they moved towards the mansion, their resolve was clear. They would protect Kaya, expose Kuro, and secure their ship. Together, they were unstoppable.

---

Goku, Nami, and Zoro arrived at the mansion just in time to see Usopp being thrown out by the guards. He landed hard on the ground, dust rising around him. Usopp's face was a mixture of anger and frustration, his clothes disheveled from the rough treatment.

"Usopp!" Goku called out, rushing to help him up. "What happened?"

Usopp brushed the dirt off his clothes, his face red with humiliation. "They didn't believe me. Kaya... she didn't believe me. She thinks I'm just making up stories again."

Goku placed a reassuring hand on Usopp's shoulder. "Don't worry, Usopp. I'll vouch for you. We'll make them understand."

Usopp looked up, hope rekindling in his eyes. "You really think they'll listen to you?"

Goku nodded confidently. "They will."

With a swift, powerful motion, Goku knocked the guards unconscious, clearing the path into the mansion. Nami and Zoro followed closely, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Inside the mansion, they found Kaya in the drawing room, her face pale and her hands trembling. She looked up in surprise as they entered, her eyes widening at the sight of Usopp and his companions.

"Kaya," Goku began, his voice calm but firm, "we're not lying. We overheard Klahadore's plans. He’s not who he says he is."

Kaya’s face contorted with confusion and fear. "But... but Klahadore has been with us for years. He took care of me after my parents died. How can this be true?"

Usopp stepped forward, his voice soft and filled with compassion. "Kaya, I know it’s hard to believe, but it's true. Klahadore is really Captain Kuro, and he’s planning something terrible."

Kaya looked between Usopp and Goku, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't understand. Why would he do this?"

Goku spoke again, his tone gentle but resolute. "Sometimes, people wear masks to hide their true intentions. We’ll take care of him, but we need you to trust us."

Usopp moved closer to Kaya, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll protect you, Kaya. You’re not alone in this."

Kaya’s resolve seemed to strengthen as she looked at Usopp, her tears spilling over. She nodded slowly. "Alright. I trust you."

Goku offered a reassuring smile. "We'll deal with Klahadore. In return, I ask for a ship. We’ll need it for our journey."

Kaya looked thoughtful, then nodded again. "Yes, I’ll give you a ship. Just make sure he’s gone."

Goku, satisfied, stood up. "We’ll handle it. Try to stay safe."

As they left the mansion, Nami glanced at Zoro, who was barely keeping his eyes open. "Why are you always so sleepy?"

Zoro yawned. "It's called being efficient with my energy. I save it for when it counts."

Nami rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure. If you say so, Mr. Efficiency."

Zoro smirked. "Just you watch. When the time comes, you’ll see."

Sometime later, Kaya sat alone in her room, staring blankly at the wall. Merry, the ship-like servant, entered quietly, bringing her a tray with tea and crackers.

"Miss Kaya, I brought you some tea to help you relax," he said softly.

Kaya managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Merry. You can take the night off now."

Merry bowed slightly and left the room, closing the door behind him. As the silence enveloped the room, Usopp emerged from behind the curtains, moving quietly towards Kaya.

"Kaya," he whispered, sitting beside her on the bed. "I’m sorry for all of this."

Kaya leaned into him, her body shaking with suppressed sobs. "Usopp, I don't know what to do. Klahadore... he was always so kind to me. He took care of me when my parents died. How could he be so cruel?"

Usopp hesitated, then spoke gently. "He fooled everyone, Kaya. He’s been plotting this for a long time. He even admitted to killing your parents and making it look like an accident."

Kaya’s eyes widened in horror, and she broke down into tears, her body wracked with sobs. Usopp held her close, his heart breaking for her pain.

After a long moment, Kaya’s sobs subsided, and she looked up at Usopp with a mixture of sadness and determination. "I want him gone, Usopp. I want him out of my life."

Usopp nodded. "I’ll tell Goku. We’ll make sure he’s dealt with."

As Usopp started to leave, Kaya grabbed his hand, pulling him back. Their eyes met, and in that moment, words were unnecessary. Usopp leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. It was filled with all the unspoken feelings they had for each other, a moment of connection in the midst of chaos.

When they finally pulled away, Usopp's face was flushed. "I... I should go."

Kaya nodded, her eyes filled with a newfound strength. "Be careful, Usopp."

Usopp squeezed her hand one last time before slipping out the window, determined to see this through for Kaya’s sake and for his own. He ran through the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.