Kaya spoke with earnest hope. Her chronic illness had always been a burden on her heart. Because of it, she couldn't even leave the house, let alone explore the world beyond the village. If Reno truly had a way to cure her, even if it was just a sliver of hope, she was willing to try.
Facing Kaya's question, Reno smiled. "Miss Kaya, curing your illness is the second reason I came here." "But I think dealing with the villain by your side is more urgent."
Not to mention that Kaya's condition wasn't terminal. Even if it were, the Healing Fruit could fix it in no time. No big deal.
"Villain?!" Kaya's delicate brows furrowed. Everyone around her was kind—where was this villain?
"Mr. Reno, you must be mistaken. They…"
"I'm not mistaken, am I, Mr. Klahadore?"
Before Kaya could finish, Reno turned to the butler at her side.
Caught off guard by Reno's direct call-out, Klahadore's pupils contracted instinctively, despite his preparedness. Though he quickly masked it, Reno's sharp eyes caught the reaction.
Klahadore adjusted his round glasses with an upward gesture, maintaining a calm demeanor. "Sir, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mr. Reno, you're mistaken. Klahadore is my butler. He's been with my family for three years," Kaya said, waving her hands and defending him. Her point was clear: if he were a villain, he'd had countless chances to act in three years. Why wait until now?
"Miss Kaya, you're too naive," Reno said, shaking his head. He continued, "Klahadore, also known as Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates, alias 'Hundred Plans,' with a bounty of 16 million Berries." "Three years ago, he was supposedly executed by Navy Captain Morgan, a feat that earned Morgan a promotion to Lieutenant."
Reno paused, giving Klahadore a mocking smile. "But in reality, it was all part of Kuro's scheme. He had his subordinate hypnotize Morgan into believing he'd executed Kuro." "The real Kuro changed his appearance and came to Syrup Village, living under a new identity."
"Isn't that right, Mr. Klahadore?" "Or should I say, Mr. Kuro?"
Clap, clap, clap.
As soon as Reno finished, applause followed.
Kuro's lips curled into a wry smile, and he said with mock admiration, "Mr. Reno, that's quite a story. But… do you have any proof?" "I don't know what your intentions are in approaching Miss Kaya, but to slander me with such low tactics…" "I trust Miss Kaya won't believe your one-sided claims."
Kuro's words were confident, his tone resolute.
"This guy…"
Nami and Makino both frowned simultaneously.
As expected, after hearing Kuro's defense, Kaya spoke with a hint of displeasure. "Mr. Reno, if you don't have…"
"I have proof," Reno interrupted with a smile. "Identity and personality can be hidden, but some instincts are ingrained in your bones."
He paused, eyeing the black gloves on Kuro's hands. "According to Navy records, the pirate Kuro wields the 'Ten Blades,' concealed within his cat-claw gloves." "Miss Kaya, if you doubt me, you can have someone check."
At that, Kuro, who had been calm and composed, finally showed a subtle change in expression.
"If I'm not mistaken, those gloves hide your signature weapon, the Ten Blades, don't they, Mr. Kuro?" "Miss Kaya, in the three years you've known this butler, have you ever seen him take off those gloves?"
Kuro fell silent, unable to refute the damning evidence.
"Well, well! Hiding in someone's house for three years—what's your game?!" Nami demanded loudly, her patience long gone.
Makino eyed Kuro warily, instinctively inching closer to Reno.
"Mr. Klahadore…"
Kaya's bright eyes stared at him in shock. For three years, she'd trusted him completely. But Reno's compelling evidence and Kuro's lack of rebuttal shook her faith.
"Mr. Klahadore, could you take off your gloves and let me see?" Kaya asked, her voice trembling. If he removed them, the truth would be clear.
"Hahaha…"
Suddenly, Kuro burst into laughter. "Three years. Three whole years…"
He let out a long breath, his face twisting into something feral. "Do you know what I've been through these past three years?!" "I was this close to succeeding!" "With Kaya's fortune, I could've left piracy behind and lived openly in the sun." "Why… Why did you have to ruin my plans?!"
As he spoke, Kuro's aura shifted dramatically. Like a wild beast, he radiated danger.
"You… you're really Kuro?!"
His menacing demeanor made Kaya's face go pale, and she stumbled back.
Quick as a flash, Reno appeared at her side, gently steadying her.
Kaya stared at Kuro, now unrecognizable from the man she knew, a chill running through her. She'd been living with a pirate for three years?!
"Heh, Miss Kaya, see? Just like your illness, life is full of surprises," Kuro said, dropping all pretense, his voice low and menacing.
…