Kuro stood outside Kaya's bedroom door, holding a tray with a glass of water. His mind raced; Fire King's unexpected visit had accelerated his plans.
With a composed demeanor, Kuro knocked gently on the door.
"Come in," Kaya's weak voice called from within.
He entered, offering a warm smile. "Miss Kaya, I brought you some water. It's essential to stay hydrated."
Kaya smiled faintly, accepting the glass. "Thank you, Klahadore. You're always so considerate."
As she drank, Kuro's eyes gleamed with cold calculation. Moments later, Kaya's eyelids fluttered, and she sank back into her pillows, unconscious.
Wasting no time, Kuro moved through the mansion with practiced efficiency. He unlocked safes and gathered valuables, placing them into a large crate. His meticulous nature ensured that nothing of value was overlooked.
His original plan had been to have Kaya sign a will under hypnosis, transferring her wealth to him. However, Fire King's presence forced him to abandon subtlety for expedience.
As dawn approached, Kuro secured the crate, preparing for a swift exit. He couldn't risk an encounter with Fire King. His only thought was to escape with the fortune he had spent years scheming to obtain.
***
After satisfying his hunger at the small restaurant, Gin felt revitalized. He stepped outside, the morning sun casting long shadows across the village square. Reaching into his coat, he retrieved a compact Den Den Mushi. With practiced fingers, he dialed a familiar code.
"Captain Krieg," Gin said into the receiver, his voice steady. "I've reached Syrup Village. I'm requesting pickup."
A gruff voice responded, "Understood. Hold your position. We'll be there shortly."
As Gin ended the call, he sensed a presence nearby. Turning, he spotted three young boys peeking behind a fence. Their eyes were wide with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
The trio had been former members of the Usopp Pirates, a group of local children who idolized the village's liar and aspiring pirate, Usopp. Their adventurous spirits often led them into mischief, but encountering a real pirate was beyond their usual escapades.
"Hey, isn't that the scary guy from earlier?" Piiman whispered, clutching his pepper-shaped hat.
"Yeah," Tamanegi replied, adjusting his glasses nervously. "What's he doing with that snail phone?"
Ninjin, the freckled boy with spiky hair, squinted. "Maybe he's calling other pirates. Should we tell someone?"
Gin's sharp ears caught their hushed conversation. He turned his gaze toward them, causing the boys to flinch. However, instead of confronting them, Gin nodded—a subtle acknowledgment of their presence—before walking toward the docks.
The children watched him go, their minds racing with questions and the thrill of witnessing pirate activity in their otherwise quiet village.
***
Jacob soared above the vast expanse of East Blue, the wind rushing past him as he relished the freedom of flight. Below him, a uniquely shaped wooden house nestled atop a substantial cloud skillfully crafted and maintained by Nami. Inside the cozy structure, Nami, Carina, Nojiko, and Kuina enjoyed a comfortable and stable voyage, preferring the gentle glide of the cloud over Jacob's more erratic flying style.
Nami's mastery over the Cloud-Cloud Fruit had grown remarkably. Not only could she generate and manipulate clouds at will, but she had also developed the ability to solidify them into tangible forms, enabling the creation of structures like their current airborne abode. This innovation provided the group with a secure and leisurely means of travel across East Blue, allowing them to rest and interact without the constant turbulence often accompanying Jacob's enthusiastic flights.
As they cruised toward Gecko Island, the girls engaged in lighthearted conversation, discussing their plans and sharing stories. The serene environment fostered a sense of camaraderie.
***
Gin stood at the shoreline, the gentle lapping of waves contrasting with the tension in his heart. His eyes narrowed as he observed a ship with a distinctive cat-shaped figurehead approaching—the vessel of the Black Cat Pirates. Aboard, Jango, the hypnotist and acting captain, recognized Gin, infamous as the "Man-Demon." The two men locked eyes, an uneasy tension settling between them.
Jango adjusted his star-shaped sunglasses, his demeanor a mix of flamboyance and caution. "Well, if it isn't Gin of the Krieg Pirates," he drawled, his tone attempting nonchalance but betraying underlying tension. "What brings you to this quaint little village?"
Gin's expression remained stoic. "Just passing through," he replied curtly, his hand resting lightly on his weapon. "I could ask you the same, Jango."
The Black Cat Pirates behind Jango shifted uneasily, sensing the potential for conflict. Jango raised a hand, signaling them to stay alert but not to engage. "No need for hostility," he said, his voice smooth. "We're all pirates here, after all."
Jango then led dozens of men to the village. He exchanged a wary glance with Gin but continued on his path, not seeking confrontation.
Moments later, two figures emerged from the shadows near the Bezan Black. The skinny one clutched his partner's arm with trembling hands.
"Buchi, look! It's Gin The Man-Demon!" Sham exclaimed, his voice trembling.
Buchi played along, his knees shaking theatrically. "W-What should we do, Sham? He's terrifying!"
Gin's eyes narrowed, sensing the insincerity in their act. He remained silent, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his weapon.
Without warning, Sham's fearful expression twisted into a predatory grin. "Now, Buchi!" he shouted.
The brothers lunged at Gin with surprising speed, their claws gleaming in the sunlight. Sham aimed for Gin's midsection, while Buchi targeted his head.
Gin sidestepped Sham's attack, delivering a swift elbow to his back, sending him sprawling into the sand. Buchi's claws came dangerously close to Gin's face, but with a quick duck, Gin avoided the strike and countered with a powerful uppercut to Buchi's jaw.
Buchi staggered back, clutching his face. "You're fast," he muttered, blood trickling from his lip.
Sham recovered and circled Gin, looking for an opening. "Don't underestimate us, Man-Demon. We're the Nyaban Brothers!"
The brothers attacked in unison. Gin remained composed, deflecting their strikes with calculated efficiency. He delivered a spinning kick to Sham's midsection, knocking the wind out of him. Buchi roared in anger and charged, but Gin met him head-on, delivering a crushing blow to his abdomen, causing Buchi to collapse to his knees.
The Nyaban Brothers lay defeated on the shore, breathing heavily. Gin stood over them, his expression unreadable.
"Stay down," Gin warned, his voice cold. "I have no quarrel with you, but I won't hesitate to kill you."
The brothers groaned in response, acknowledging their defeat. Gin turned his attention back to the sea, resuming his watch for Krieg's arrival.
***
Piiman, Neji, and Tamanegi sprinted through the cobblestone streets of Syrup Village, their faces flushed with urgency. "Pirates! A massive ship just landed on the shore!" Piiman shouted, waving his arms to catch the villagers' attention.
The townsfolk paused their daily routines, exchanging skeptical glances. One elderly man adjusted his spectacles and sighed, "Not another one of your tall tales, boys. We've heard enough of your pirate stories."
Neji shook his head vehemently, "No, this time it's real! You have to believe us!"
Before the villagers could respond, a streak of blue fire zipped past them, heading directly toward Lady Kaya's mansion. The intense heat and the suddenness of the apparition left everyone momentarily speechless.
Tamanegi's eyes widened in recognition. "That... that looked like the Fire King!"
***
Jacob soared over Syrup Village, his eyes fixed on the distant silhouette of Kaya's mansion. The grand estate was partially engulfed in flames as he approached, thick smoke billowing into the sky. His heart raced with concern for Kaya's safety.
Bursting through the scorched entrance, Jacob's gaze quickly found Kaya. She lay on the floor, her breathing shallow and labored, her complexion pale. Beside her stood Kuro, the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates.
Jacob unleashed a torrent of blue flames that engulfed Kuro entirely. Kuro was incinerated on the spot, reduced to ashes before he could utter a single word.
With the immediate threat eliminated, Jacob rushed to Kaya's side. Gently lifting her into his arms, he could feel the faint rise and fall of her chest. Jacob carried Kaya out of the burning mansion, determined to keep her alive.
***
Jacob cradled Kaya's fragile form, her breaths shallow and labored. The acrid scent of smoke mingled with the unsettling realization that Kuro's drastic actions were a direct response to his own presence. Jacob recalled the unique properties of his fire abilities. He channeled his blue flames, and they enveloped Kaya in a gentle inferno, meticulously controlling the heat to target the toxins within her bloodstream.
Kaya stirred from unconsciousness. Her vision focused on Jacob. Her eyes still clouded, softened with recognition. "Usopp," she whispered weakly, her voice filled with relief and lingering affection.
Jacob gently brushed a strand of blonde hair from her face and offered a reassuring smile. "Rest now, Kaya. You're safe," he murmured, choosing not to correct her in her vulnerable state.