Kaya spoke with earnest hope.
Her chronic illness had always been a source of great distress.
Plagued by her condition, she couldn't even leave her home, let alone see the world outside the village.
If Reno truly had a way to cure her illness, she was willing to try, even if there was only a sliver of hope.
Facing Kaya's question, Reno smiled, "Miss Kaya, curing your illness is the second thing on my list."
"I think it's more important to deal with the bad person by your side first."
To begin with, Kaya's illness wasn't incurable.
Even if it were, eating the Healing Fruit would allow her to recover quickly.
It was no problem at all.
"A bad person?!" Kaya's beautiful eyes furrowed slightly.
Everyone around her was a good person, how could there be a bad one?
"Mr. Reno, you must be mistaken..."
"I'm not mistaken, am I?! Mr. Klahadore."
Before Kaya could finish, Reno looked at the butler beside him.
Being called out directly by Reno, even though Kuro was prepared, his pupils subconsciously contracted.
Although he concealed it well in the next moment, it was keenly caught by Reno.
Klahadore pushed up his round glasses with his palm, his expression as usual, "Sir, I don't know what you mean."
"Mr. Reno, it must be a misunderstanding. Klahadore has been my butler, in my house for three years," Kaya waved her hands repeatedly, actively defending Kuro.
The meaning was simple: if he were truly a bad person, in three years, he would have had countless opportunities to act. Why would he wait until now?
"Miss Kaya, you are too naive." Reno shook his head and continued, "Kuro, captain of the Black Cat Pirates, epithet 'of a Hundred Plans,' with a bounty of 16 million Berries."
"Three years ago, he was executed by Marine Captain Morgan. This achievement also allowed Morgan to be promoted to Marine Captain."
At this point, Reno paused, looking at the expressionless Kuro with a half-smile.
"But in reality, this was all part of Kuro's plan. He had his subordinate use hypnosis on Morgan, making Morgan believe he had executed Kuro."
"But the real Kuro had already changed his identity and settled in Syrup Village, living under a new name."
"Is that right?! Mr. Klahadore?!"
"No, I should call you Mr. Kuro."
Clap, clap, clap~
As soon as Reno's voice fell, the sound of clapping followed.
A playful arc formed on Kuro's lips as he said with admiration, "Mr. Reno, your story is indeed brilliant, but... do you have any proof?!"
"I don't know what your intentions are in approaching Miss Kaya, using such a low-handed trick to slander me."
"But I believe Miss Kaya will not fall for your one-sided story."
Kuro's words were firm and his response was resolute.
"This guy~"
Nami and Makino frowned at the same time.
Sure enough, after hearing Kuro's words, Kaya spoke with a slightly displeased tone, "Mr. Reno, if you don't have..."
"Of course, I have proof," Reno interrupted Kaya with a smile.
"Identity and personality can indeed be hidden, but some instincts are carved into your very bones and can never be changed." Reno paused, looked at the black gloves on Kuro's hands, and said slowly:
"According to Marine intelligence records, the pirate Kuro uses a weapon called the 'Ten Blades,' hidden within his cat-claw gloves."
"Miss Kaya, if you have any doubts about this, you can send someone to investigate."
Hearing this, the previously calm and composed Kuro's expression finally showed a subtle change.
"If I'm not mistaken, inside your gloves are your customary weapons, the Ten Blades, right?! Mr. Kuro."
"Miss Kaya, you've been with this butler for three years, and I'm afraid you've never once seen him take off those gloves, have you?!!"
Kuro fell silent. It was irrefutable evidence.
"So, you've been hiding your identity and staying by her side for three years. What is your ultimate goal?!!" Nami, who had long been suspicious, questioned him loudly.
Makino watched Kuro with a wary expression, subconsciously leaning closer to Reno.
"Mr. Klahadore....."
Kaya stared blankly with her big, bright eyes.
After three years of care, Kaya had originally trusted Kuro.
But when Reno presented his well-reasoned words, and Kuro no longer defended himself, doubt finally stirred in Kaya's heart.
"Mr. Klahadore, can you take off your gloves and let me see?!" Kaya's voice trembled.
As long as he took off the gloves, the truth would be clear at a glance.
"Hahahahaha....."
At that moment, Kuro suddenly burst out laughing.
"Three years, three whole years...."
Kuro took a long breath, his face gradually turning sinister, "Do you have any idea what these three years have been like for me?!!"
"I was so close, so close to succeeding!!!"
"As long as I got Kaya's fortune, I would no longer be a pirate. I could finally live a life in the light."
"Why... why did you have to ruin my plan!!!"
As he spoke, the aura around Kuro changed abruptly.
Like a wild beast, he was extremely dangerous.
"...You really are Kuro?!"
Kuro's ferocious appearance frightened Kaya, her face turned pale, and she stumbled.
Quick as a flash, Reno appeared by Kaya's side and gently supported her.
Kaya looked in terror at Kuro, who was like a completely different person from before. A chill ran down her spine. She had been living with a pirate day and night for three years?!!!
"Hehehe~ Miss Kaya, do you see? Just like your illness, life is always full of surprises."
His identity exposed, Kuro finally dropped his disguise, his voice becoming deep and low.
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