Risa stared at the bowl of thick white porridge in Kaguya's hands, her small throat bobbing as she swallowed hard.
"M–Me? I'll wait for Kaito-nii to come back!" she said quickly, turning her head away and closing her eyes as if that would block out the delicious smell.
Kaguya couldn't help but smile softly. The girl's stubbornness was both amusing and heartbreaking. She remembered raising Hikari years ago — the same age, the same innocence. Children were easy to understand, even in a cruel world.
"Well," Kaguya said with a teasing lilt, "if you're not going to drink it, I suppose I will." She lifted the spoon and took a sip. "Mmm… it's really good! Such a shame someone's missing out."
Risa peeked through half-lidded eyes, her throat rolling again. "You're lying! You're trying to trick me!"
"You're quite sharp for your age."
A familiar voice entered from behind.
Risa spun around. "Kaito-nii!"
Kaito stepped into the kitchen, his face relaxed but warm. "I heard everything from the doorway. You shouldn't make Kaguya worry."
Risa dashed forward and hugged him tightly. "You're back!"
"Of course," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Now drink your porridge. Kaguya's right — she's my wife, after all."
Risa's eyes widened. "S-sorry, Kaguya-san," she murmured apologetically.
Kaguya chuckled. "It's fine, little one. Now, eat up before it gets cold."
---
By the next morning, sunlight poured through the windows. After finishing breakfast with Risa, Kaito took her by the hand and led her into the forest behind the village.
Mounds of earth and simple gravestones stretched out before them. Though he hadn't lived here long, Kaito's perfect memory recalled every name, every face.
"Risa," he said quietly, his voice heavy, "bow your head. These were the people of this village."
Risa nodded and knelt beside him. She bowed several times, her small shoulders trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Kaito didn't speak — there was nothing left to say. He moved deeper among the graves until they reached two special tombstones set apart from the rest.
"These belong to your Grandpa Nalo and Grandma," Kaito said gently.
At those words, Risa broke down. "Grandpa Nalo! Grandma!" she sobbed, collapsing to her knees.
Kaito's expression tightened. As much as it pained him to watch, this was something she had to face.
Eventually, her sobs turned into quiet hiccups, and then she fainted from exhaustion. Kaito sighed, placed his hand over her chest, and used medical ninjutsu to stabilize her before carrying her back to Nalo's house.
---
A few days passed.
A small wooden boat sailed steadily across the sea, carrying Kaito and Risa. During those days, he had gently persuaded her to let him take her somewhere safe — somewhere peaceful where she could grow without fear.
She had resisted at first, but when Kaito explained that he was going after Doflamingo and the people behind the tragedy, Risa had surprised him by agreeing immediately — as long as she could stay at her grandparents' home for a few more days.
Kaito had accepted without hesitation. While she grieved, he spent the time refining his Armament Haki, sharpening it with quiet focus.
Now, as the small boat cut across the calm waters, Risa sat silently, her gaze fixed on the endless horizon. Kaito understood her pain — there were no words to ease the loss of everything she'd known.
Instead, he summoned Kaguya to keep her company while he steered the boat with his mind.
The vessel itself was made from his Wood Style, crafted to obey his thoughts — its course, speed, and balance flowed with his will.
Their destination was clear.
"Windmill Village," Kaito murmured, eyes narrowing. "The safest place in East Blue."
It was Garp's hometown — a quiet, unassuming village that had raised legends: the Dragon, Luffy, Ace, and Sabo. To Kaito, it was the one place where Risa could live without fear.
---
After a day of travel, the small wooden boat approached a familiar sight — Orange Town. The same town where Luffy had once crossed paths with Buggy and Nami.
Risa's small body drooped with fatigue as they reached the docks.
Kaito carried her to a restaurant, ordered a quick meal, then found a modest inn. Once Risa drifted into deep sleep, he vanished without a sound.
Outside, beneath the pale moonlight, stood a tall building — the Marine base stationed in Orange Town. Marines patrolled in steady rhythm, unaware that death itself was walking their halls.
Kaito strode through the entrance openly.
"Stop! Who goes there?" a Marine shouted, immediately signaling others to surround him.
Before they could act, one of them froze. "Wait… It's you!" His eyes widened — it was Jace. "Kaito!"
"So you do remember me." Kaito's tone was calm, his hands in his pockets. "Good. Then call your commanding officer."
Jace swallowed and hurried inside. A few moments later, a heavyset man emerged — Colonel Dahl. He was breathing heavily but kept his composure.
"Kaito," Dahl said, voice measured. "To what do we owe your visit?"
"Money," Kaito said bluntly. "How much does your branch have? I need it."
Dahl blinked, then sighed in relief. At least the man wasn't here to slaughter them. "How much are we talking?"
"The more, the better."
"After expenses, we have about three million Berries," Dahl replied. "That's all that's left."
"That'll do. Bring it."
Dahl didn't hesitate. He turned to his men. "Get the funds. Now."
Though the Marines grumbled, none dared defy the order. Kaito's strength was legendary — even Vice Admiral Momousagi had once sought him out, only to return empty-handed.
Moments later, a group of Marines returned with a heavy bag. They opened it, revealing stacks of bills.
Kaito didn't bother counting. He picked it up casually, glancing back at the colonel.
"You're brave, Dahl. I'll repay this someday."
And then — he vanished.
The Marines stood frozen in silence.
One of them finally broke the quiet. "Colonel Dahl… that's it? He just took our funds?"
Dahl exhaled heavily. "It's better this way. That man could destroy our entire branch without effort. Losing money is nothing compared to losing lives."
Another Marine clenched his fists. "But still—"
"Enough." Dahl turned toward the base. "I'll report this to headquarters. For now, no one says a word. Understood?"
The others saluted. Dahl walked back into the shadows, his expression weary but grateful that his men were still alive.
_____
Enjoying the fanfiction?
Support my work on Patreon to gain early access to multiple upcoming chapters and exclusive content across all my stories!
👉 Patreon.com/Zphyr