As previously discussed, all negotiations would be handled by Naruto.
His method? Simple and direct—almost crude.
"We're here to do business. We're selling a product—water that can make plants grow rapidly," Naruto announced confidently.
He theatrically took out a seed, planted it right in front of the butler, and poured some of the so-called "magic water" over it.
In truth, he was secretly channeling Wood Release chakra into the soil.
Within seconds, the seed sprouted, rapidly growing into a lush plant. The butler's eyes widened in disbelief.
He had never seen anything like it.
Water that could accelerate growth… Wheat, fruit, vegetables—everything would thrive. This wasn't just a miracle liquid; it was a tool that could revolutionize agriculture.
There was no doubt—this was a priceless treasure.
Butler Merry swallowed hard. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away.
"How much of this water do you have? We want it all," he said without hesitation, eager to buy out the entire supply.
Naruto smiled. So did Zoro and Nami. Only Luffy looked lost, still wearing his usual vacant expression.
Just then, a tall, lean man in a suit and glasses approached.
"What's going on at the gate, Mr. Merry? All this noise..." he asked calmly.
Zoro glanced at the man. There was something off about him—an unusual aura that instantly put Zoro on edge.
His hand reflexively moved to the hilt of his sword… then relaxed.
The man seemed like a professional, but perhaps it was just instinct. Zoro had grown strong—strong enough that this guy shouldn't concern him.
Still, old habits die hard.
This man was clearly the one pulling the strings on the island.
Captain Kuro, once known as "Hundred Plans Kuro," had long since gone into hiding, seeking a quiet life away from the pirate world.
To be fair, Kuro was no slouch. He was smart—dangerously so. But he had abandoned ambition, discarded risk, and lost the fire of belief.
In the current world of powerful pirates and Marines, he wasn't much of a threat anymore.
Butler Merry explained the miraculous growth water and introduced the crew as business partners.
Kuro listened intently, smiling thinly.
His own plans were nearing completion.
Soon, this grand estate would be his. The rich heiress would fall into his trap, and with her wealth, he'd finally live in peace—wealthy and far from the chaos of piracy.
Still… why not grow even richer?
If this crew's product was real, he might just double his fortune.
So, with calculated friendliness, he adjusted his glasses using the base of his palm—a rather strange gesture, but one born of habit.
He used to fight with bladed gloves, after all. Any other way, and he'd cut his own face.
Naruto watched, smirking.
"Hey, that way of pushing up your glasses—it's not just for show, is it?" he said casually.
Naruto didn't want to waste time. It was time for a speedrun—clear the minion, move on to the boss.
Without warning, Naruto cast a Genjutsu on Kuro, his Sharingan briefly flickering to life.
Caught off-guard, Kuro began speaking more freely than he should have.
"Of course. It's a habit from back when I was a pirate. My weapons were… unique. Had to be careful with how I moved."
Then his eyes widened—he realized what he'd just admitted.
Luffy's expression changed. He pressed a hand to his hat, eyes sharp with focus.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Butler Merry stared at Kuro, stunned.
"You… you're a pirate. Aren't you?" he whispered.
"You can't hide that foul aura. I smelled it a mile away," Naruto said, stepping in front of Merry protectively.
Kuro gave a dark chuckle.
"Heh. No point playing the gentleman now. Yes, I am the captain of the Black Cat Pirates—the infamous Captain Kuro."
He straightened his back and dropped the act completely.
Zoro stepped forward, sword already drawn.
"Luffy, Naruto, leave this one to me. You got to take down Buggy, but I've been itching for a warm-up."
Kuro scoffed.
"You're not my target. I'll kill the young lady first—then frame you all for it. Classic misdirection."
In a blur, he vanished.
"Whoa! That speed—what kind of move was that?" Luffy exclaimed, shocked.
"Oh no, the young lady is in danger!"
Butler Merry exclaimed and turned to run into the house.
Naruto casually reached out and held him back with one hand, stopping him in his tracks.
"No need to panic. Your young lady has a warrior guarding her," Naruto said, raising his hand and pointing toward the upper floor.
Through the window, the figure of a long-nosed sniper could be seen climbing inside.
"That guy was hiding in the tree earlier, eavesdropping. The moment he realized something was wrong, he moved to protect her," Naruto added, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone.
He yawned lazily, then added with a touch of sarcasm, "Also, don't underestimate our swordsman."
His gaze drifted upward in boredom.
"As long as he doesn't get lost… there shouldn't be any problems. Probably."
That last word came out quieter as doubt crept into Naruto's voice.
But luck was on their side. The window glass suddenly shattered as Zoro burst through, shoving Kuro out.
By now, Kuro's hands were outfitted with his signature weapon: long, bladed gloves shaped like deadly cat claws.
"What a rude entrance," Kuro snarled. "But can you keep up with my speed?"
His expression twisted into a savage grin as his body began flickering unpredictably—vanishing and reappearing, impossible to track.
"This island isn't big enough for survivors. Everyone must die!"
Kuro launched into his Shakushi—his chaotic, uncontrollable assassination technique that left no distinction between foe and ally.
But Zoro didn't even draw all three of his swords. He only reached for the Wado Ichimonji, holding it with one hand.
"He's quick… but to me, it's no different than slow motion," Zoro muttered, almost disappointed.
Arcs of faint lightning crackled across his limbs—Lightning Chakra pulsing through his muscles to amplify speed and reflexes.
Kuro might've been fast once—but against Zoro, it was like trying to outrun a storm.
...
TN:
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