Nami and Makino, one on his left and one on his right, affectionately linked their arms with Reno's.
Seeing the three land on the island, Usopp stepped forward to question them.
"Pirates?! What are you doing here?!"
Although they didn't look the part, Usopp voiced his suspicion.
Reno didn't hide it, nodding. "I am indeed a pirate. As for my purpose here," he continued, "I heard a vicious pirate is hiding here, targeting the young lady of a wealthy family in an attempt to seize her fortune. I came specifically to punish evil."
Nami pouted. Just here to find a pretty girl, she thought.
In contrast, the pure-hearted Makino watched Reno with a fervent gaze, thinking, He has such a strong sense of justice.
What?!
Usopp was stunned. The young lady of a wealthy family in Syrup Village... isn't that Kaya?! But who is this other pirate?!
No, that's not right.
Usopp's guard went up instantly; he had almost been fooled by Reno. Having lived in Syrup Village for so many years, how could he not know if there were pirates around?!
What pirate would dare to appear before him?!
The villagers all thought Syrup Village was never raided by pirates and remained peaceful because of its remote location. But the real reason was him.
After taking a moment to indulge in his own fantasy, Usopp declared righteously, "The person you're looking for isn't here. Leave at once."
"Otherwise, this great..."
Before Usopp could finish, a longsword was pressed against his neck, making him tremble violently.
Holy crap, they're serious?!
"Lead the way." Reno couldn't be bothered to waste any more time.
Feeling the cold steel on his neck, Usopp's face turned pale, and cold sweat streamed down his back. His legs trembled even more violently. He had no doubt that if he dared to refuse, his head would be on the ground in an instant.
He had always boasted, unafraid of anything. But now, truly facing pirates, their oppressive presence was suffocating. He was powerless to resist.
"...D-don't do anything rash! I'll take you," Usopp stammered. Under duress, he had no choice but to obey.
Led by Usopp, the trio of Reno, Nami, and Makino walked into Syrup Village.
Along the way, Usopp kept stealing glances at Reno. Mustering his courage, he asked, "S-sir... what you said earlier about the pirate, is it true? Is someone really targeting Kaya?"
Reno frowned but nodded. "That's right. And he's living in Kaya's house."
Usopp fell silent for a moment, then suddenly picked up his pace. He hadn't believed it before. But with a sword at his neck, there was no reason for them to lie to him.
If a pirate was truly hiding in Kaya's house, then she was in grave danger.
Reno glanced at the hurrying Usopp and scoffed internally.
With a gentle, pure, and kind young lady like Kaya, if it were him, their kids would already be running around.
Following Usopp, the three of them soon arrived before a large, gated mansion.
This was clearly Kaya's home.
Usopp, who was about to knock, hesitated. Still half-doubting, he asked, "Is the pirate you mentioned really in there?"
As far as he knew, the butler and the servants inside had all been with Kaya's family for years.
"There's nothing more for you to do here. You can go now," Reno said, waving him away.
Usopp opened his mouth to speak, but seeing the impatience in Reno's tone, he turned and left.
However, he didn't go far, finding a large rock to hide behind and watch.
Reno paid him no mind.
At a nod from Reno, Nami immediately stepped forward and knocked.
Knock, knock, knock~
Knock, knock, knock~
A moment later, the gate opened slowly, and a man in a servant's uniform emerged.
It was Merry, Kaya's servant.
"Mr. Merry, is that Usopp?"
A gentle voice suddenly called from within.
Merry looked back and opened the gate wider.
Following that, Reno saw a young woman with short blonde hair and a pale, sickly complexion: Kaya.
Nami and Makino both cast curious glances at Kaya.
As expected of a wealthy heiress, her appearance and demeanor were exceptional. Even her chronic illness could not conceal her beauty.
Nami pouted, while Makino's expression was peculiar.
"Miss, the wind is strong out here. Please be mindful of your health," a butler in a black suit with slicked-back hair reminded her with concern.
"It's alright for a little while, Mr. Klahadore," Kaya replied with a faint smile.
Klahadore turned his head, his expression unfriendly as he stared at Reno's group, his eyes glinting.
His brow furrowed subconsciously as he looked at Reno.
He felt a sense of unease from him.
"Oh, it's not Usopp. May I help you?"
Kaya asked gently, looking at the unfamiliar Reno.
Reno met Kaya's gaze, then held up two fingers and smiled. "Miss Kaya, I'm here for two reasons. First, to help you deal with a bad person. Second, to cure your illness."
...
"Absurd!"
The moment Reno finished speaking, the butler Klahadore retorted angrily, "There are no bad people here, and you certainly don't look like a doctor."
"Merry, show them out."
Kaya gently chided him, "Klahadore, they are our guests. Don't be so rude."
"Miss, but..."
Kuro snorted but said no more, the unease in his heart only growing stronger.
Reno glanced sideways at the anxious Kuro and sneered inwardly.
If he weren't worried about upsetting Kaya, he would kill this bastard right here and now.
"Sir, please, come inside," Kaya said, inviting the three of them in.
In the mansion's grand hall, Merry poured a cup of tea for each of them.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kaya got straight to the point. "Sir, can you really cure my illness?"
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