With the window creaking open, Kaya's gentle voice trembled as she tried to sound stern.
"Usopp! This is ridiculous! Go turn yourself in and apologize to—"
Before she could finish, a silent figure stepped from the shadows behind her. Cold steel flashed in the moonlight—a kunai's blade reflected against her pale neck.
"Miss Kaya," whispered the calm but dangerous voice of Rokuro , "please remain quiet. I'm Cool D. Rokuro , pirate. Unfortunately, I have to inform you—you've just been kidnapped."
Kaya gasped, eyes wide, but her scream was cut short as Rokuro pressed a hand over her mouth. She stared helplessly at Usopp, eyes filled with betrayal and confusion.
Why? Usopp?! her eyes seemed to plead.
Usopp's fists clenched at his sides. He bit his lip before forcing the words out: "I'm sorry, Kaya. You'll understand eventually. I… I have to do this."
Meanwhile, in the heart of the villa, Clo—known secretly as the infamous Captain Kuro—calmly adjusted his glasses, sorting through a worn leather suitcase with eerie composure.
"I was going to wait… just a little longer. All was almost perfect."
The sudden arrival of the Straw Hats and Rokuro 's accusations had disrupted years of meticulous planning. His expression, though outwardly tranquil, revealed the seething annoyance beneath.
At that moment, Kaya's other loyal servant, Merry—the sheep-headed butler—burst into the room, panting and panicked.
"Krabatel! It's terrible! Miss Kaya has been kidnapped by that rascal Usopp!"
He held up a crumpled ransom note. Scrawled across it in crooked, childish handwriting:
"East Suburb Forest, tomorrow. One million Berries. One ship. No Marines, or she loses a finger! — Usopp Pirates"
A poorly drawn Jolly Roger trailed at the bottom of the note, unmistakably Usopp's handiwork.
"I can't believe he'd go this far… I misjudged him. These pirates—cunning, greedy beasts!" Merry hissed, pacing in distress.
"Krabatel, hurry! We must gather the ransom!"
But Clo's face had gone unreadably cold.
Schlkt!
The next thing Merry knew, searing pain burst in his chest. He stumbled back, blood pouring from between his fingers.
"You talk too much," Clo said icily.
On his hands were the infamous Cat Claws—ten curved blades mounted to gloves, once feared across the East Blue.
"I will be the master of this estate soon," Clo said. "There's no need to waste money on a corpse."
As Merry collapsed, the light fading from his eyes, realization struck too late.
Usopp… was telling the truth.
Outside, Clo strolled through the village, greeting passersby with his usual charming grace. No one suspected a thing. After all, wasn't he the loyal butler who had cared for the sickly Kaya for years?
But as soon as he passed beyond the village's edge and into the woods, his smile vanished.
"All I want is peace… a quiet life, in a mansion, with no more bloodshed."
His steps quickened.
"But if anyone dares ruin that plan—they die."
In the East Suburb Forest, by a quiet lake, Kaya sat tied to a tree. Her eyes, though tear-stained, were filled more with disappointment than fear.
"I know how this looks," Usopp muttered, pacing. "But I swear, Kaya! It's all for your sake!"
"Mm-mm-MM!" Kaya tried to shout through the cloth over her mouth.
From the look in her eyes, Rokuro could tell she was saying something like:
'Don't PUA me, you liar!'
Rokuro sat nearby, lazily fishing. His bucket contained… only weeds and a confused crab.
"Miss Kaya, please understand. This is a very civil kidnapping. We won't hurt you. It's just for show."
His voice was calm, but from the camp came chaos.
"I want a ship for my crew! A big one!" Luffy demanded. He'd stuck a scar-shaped sticker on his cheek and wore a bandana, grinning like a mad pirate.
"I want 100 million Berries! Cash only!" Nami added, her lone visible eye glinting greedily beneath an eyepatch.
"I want a legendary blade," Zoro muttered, arms crossed.
"Stop it! You're ruining the mood!" Usopp barked, stomping around.
"Hey, Usopp! Did you catch all the fish in this lake?" Rokuro pulled a fishbone from his hair with visible disgust. "Stop throwing your leftovers everywhere."
But before anyone could reply, Rokuro suddenly stiffened.
His sensory ninjutsu had triggered.
"…He's here."
Through the trees, a figure emerged. Clo walked slowly, suitcase in hand, glasses glinting menacingly.
"Thank you," Clo said, bowing mockingly. "You lured her out. Now all I have to do is remove you—and my future will be secure."
Rokuro stood up, whispering, "Be careful. He's dangerous."
Kuro adjusted his glasses. "You pests should've never gotten involved."
"You're the pest, you bastard!" Luffy shouted, raising his fists. "I should've punched you when I had the chance!"
At that moment, Kaya's muffled cry broke the tension.
"…Krabatel?! Why are you here?! What are you talking about?!"
Clo gave her a sideways glance. "You're not very bright, Miss Kaya. But I suppose it's time."
"You're… lying… right?" Kaya asked, trembling. "You've always taken care of me… I thought we were—!"
"There's no 'we,'" Clo snapped. "Everything I did… every moment I spent with you… was for this day."
Kaya's knees buckled.
"No… no, no. You're not him. You're not the man who read to me when I was sick. You're not the man who defended me from thugs!"
But Clo wasn't done.
"You'll be with your dear parents soon. You should thank me."
"What… what do you mean…?" Kaya gasped.
"Let's just say they died for the cause."
Her scream was stifled by her own breath—panic blooming.
"You bastard!" Usopp shouted, raising his slingshot.
"Too slow."
Clo stepped aside effortlessly and deflected the lead bullet with the edge of his clawed glove.
"You don't deserve to call yourself her protector," Clo sneered.
Meanwhile, Nami and Zoro had circled to flank him. Rokuro 's fingers twitched, hands forming seals.
"I'll keep him distracted," Rokuro whispered to Usopp.
"No—let me fight too. This is my village!" Usopp's voice cracked, but his eyes were steady.
Rokuro nodded.
"Then let's expose the real villain."