Nami and Makino clung to Reno's arms on either side as they walked ashore, all smiles and flirtation.
Seeing the trio arrive, Usopp stepped forward and called out:
"Are you pirates?! What are you doing here?!"
They didn't look like pirates… but he had to ask.
Reno didn't bother hiding it and nodded openly.
"Yes, we are pirates. As for why we're here—"
"I heard a notorious pirate is hiding out in this village. He's set his eyes on the wealth of a noble young lady. I've come to punish the wicked and protect the innocent."
Nami rolled her eyes. Just say you came for a beautiful girl already.
Makino, on the other hand, looked at Reno with sparkling admiration.
So righteous…
Wait, what?!
Usopp blinked, stunned.
If he had to guess who the young lady was, it could only be Kaya.
But the pirate? Who?
Wait a minute…
He snapped to attention.
He nearly let himself get tricked!
He'd lived in Syrup Village for years. If there were pirates here, he'd know about it!
No one dared cause trouble in his village—not while he was around!
The villagers thought the peace came from being in a remote location.
But the real reason was him.
Usopp stood tall and declared proudly,
"There's no pirate like that here! You'd better leave right now!"
"Otherwise, I—"
Shing.
A blade was suddenly pressed against his neck.
Usopp shivered violently.
W-Wait… is this for real?!
"Lead the way," Reno said flatly, not in the mood for games.
Feeling the chill of steel against his throat, Usopp's face went pale.
Cold sweat poured down his back, his legs trembling.
If he said no, this guy might really cut his head off right here.
He always bragged that he feared nothing…
But now, facing a real pirate, the pressure alone was suffocating.
There was no resisting it.
"D-Don't do anything rash! I'll take you!" he stammered.
Under Usopp's reluctant guidance, Reno, Nami, and Makino made their way into Syrup Village.
As they walked, Usopp kept glancing at Reno, finally gathering the courage to ask:
"S-Sir… what you said earlier… Is it true?!"
"Is someone really targeting Kaya?!"
Reno furrowed his brows, then gave a simple nod.
"Yes. And the pirate is living right in Kaya's house."
Usopp's eyes widened.
He quickened his pace without another word.
He hadn't believed it at first.
But with a sword to his neck, there was no reason for Reno to lie.
If a pirate had really infiltrated Kaya's home… then she was in serious danger.
Reno eyed Usopp from behind and chuckled inwardly.
If it were me, and Kaya was that kind, sweet, rich girl…
The kids would already be calling me dad.
Not long after, they arrived at the gates of a grand estate.
This was clearly the home of Syrup Village's noble family—and Kaya's residence.
Usopp reached out to knock… but hesitated.
"Are you sure there's a pirate in there?" he asked uncertainly.
As far as he knew, the butler and staff had been with Kaya for years. Loyal and trustworthy.
"There's nothing more for you to do," Reno said, waving him off.
Usopp opened his mouth again but saw the clear look of annoyance on Reno's face.
He turned and left—though not far.
He found a large rock to crouch behind and kept watch.
Reno didn't care.
At his signal, Nami stepped forward and knocked politely.
Knock knock knock—
Knock knock knock—
A moment later, the door creaked open, and a man in servant attire appeared.
Merry, Kaya's personal attendant.
"Merry, is that you? Is Usopp here?" came a soft voice from inside.
Merry turned to look and pulled the door wide open.
And there she was—Kaya.
Short golden hair.
A pale, delicate face tinged with illness.
Nami and Makino both stared curiously.
So this was the village heiress.
Even weakened by sickness, her beauty and grace were impossible to hide.
Nami clicked her tongue.
Makino's gaze turned slightly complicated.
"Miss, the wind is strong today. You should stay inside," came the warning voice of a man in a black suit with slicked-back hair.
Klahadore, the butler.
"It's just for a moment," Kaya smiled gently.
Klahadore turned his gaze to Reno's group, his expression souring.
And when he looked at Reno in particular, his brows instinctively furrowed.
Something about this man made him uneasy.
"You're not Usopp… What brings you here?" Kaya asked kindly, her voice gentle as always.
Reno met her eyes, then raised two fingers with a smile.
"Miss Kaya, I came here for two reasons."
"One: to punish a villain."
"And two: to heal your illness."
"..."
"Ridiculous!"
Klahadore barked before she could respond.
"There are no villains here. And you don't look like any doctor!"
"Merry, show them out!"
"Mr. Klahadore," Kaya said softly, displeased. "They're our guests. Don't be so rude."
"Miss, they—"
Kuro gritted his teeth but backed down.
Still, the unease in his chest only grew.
Reno caught the flash of tension in Klahadore's expression and smirked coldly.
If it weren't for Kaya, he'd have cut this scumbag down already.
"Please, come in," Kaya said, gesturing politely.
In the estate's spacious hall, Merry served tea to the guests.
After a few pleasantries, Kaya got straight to the point.
"Sir… Can you really cure my illness?"