**Chapter 43 — The Black Cat Pirates' Shadow**
**Sunny's POV**
The morning sunlight spilled into Kaya's mansion like golden wine poured from a celestial bottle, bathing the room in a warm, honeyed glow that seemed to chase away the last lingering shadows of sickness. Kaya sat upright in her massive four-poster bed, her blonde hair catching the light like spun gold, her cheeks flushed with a healthy pink that hadn't been there yesterday. My little cocktail of knocking techniques and Jirō's anatomical wizardry had worked its magic, flushing her body with life again, as if I'd pressed a reset button on her frail frame. She stared at her reflection in a small hand mirror, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she half-expected to see the pale, ghostly version of herself staring back.
"Y-you really… fixed me," Kaya whispered, her voice trembling—not from weakness, but from a joy so raw it made her hands shake as she clutched the mirror. "I feel… alive. Like I've been asleep for years and just woke up."
I leaned back against a carved wooden chair, smirking. "Fixed? Nah, you make it sound like you were a broken toy or a ship with a cracked hull. I just gave your body a little nudge. You did the healing, Kaya. You're tougher than you look."
Lucy, sprawled across the foot of Kaya's bed like a human starfish, bounced so enthusiastically the whole mattress shook, nearly sending Kaya toppling into a pile of pillows. "Wow, Sunny! You're like a doctor! No—you're like a *super doctor*! Doctor Captain Sunny! Fixing people with one poke!" She mimed jabbing the air with her fingers, accidentally knocking over a vase that miraculously didn't shatter.
Zoro, slouched in a corner chair with his swords propped against his knee, snorted loudly enough to echo. "Doctor Captain Sunny? That sounds stupid. Like something you'd name a pet fish."
I shot him a mock glare, crossing my arms. "No stupider than 'Pirate Hunter Zoro,' the guy who gets lost walking in a straight line."
"Oi," Zoro growled, his hand twitching toward his swords, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips, betraying his amusement.
The tension in the room dissolved as Kaya let out a soft laugh, her voice like a chime in the quiet morning air. Even Usopp, who had been hovering by her bedside like an overprotective mother hen, finally relaxed, his shoulders slumping as a relieved grin spread across his face. The guy had been a nervous wreck all night, pacing and muttering about whether I'd accidentally "turn Kaya into a zombie" with my techniques. Honestly, his imagination was a force of nature.
Naturally, I couldn't resist stirring the pot a little. I leaned forward, propping my chin on my hand with a mischievous glint in my eye. "You know, Usopp, you've been acting like a worried boyfriend this whole time. Sitting by her bed, holding her hand, staring into her eyes like you're in some sappy romance novel…"
Usopp's face ignited into a shade of red that could've guided ships through a storm. "W-what?! I wasn't—! She's not—I—! That's not how it is!" he sputtered, arms flailing so wildly he nearly knocked over a tray of tea the servants had brought in.
Kaya, caught off guard, fumbled with the edge of her blanket, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "I-it's not like that!" she stammered, though her voice wavered with just enough uncertainty to make everyone pause. "...is it?"
Lucy gasped dramatically, clasping her cheeks like she'd just witnessed the climax of a blockbuster play. "Kaya-chan and Usopp are in *love*! It's a romance arc! Nami, quick, draw them a heart in your notebook! A big one with sparkles!"
Nami, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, smirked like a cat who'd just swiped a bowl of cream. "Oh no, I'm way too busy watching Usopp spontaneously combust. This is better than any map I could draw." Her eyes flicked to me, sparkling with mischief, and I felt that familiar warmth in my chest—the kind that only Nami's teasing glances could spark.
Usopp, meanwhile, was in full meltdown mode, waving his hands like he could physically bat away the accusations. "STOP IT! I'm not—We're just—She's my friend! My best friend! No romance! No hearts! No sparkles!" His voice cracked so high it could've shattered glass.
Zoro muttered from his corner, rubbing his temple like he was fighting a headache. "Loud. Too loud. Can you all just… shut up so I can nap through this nonsense?"
I grinned, undeterred. "Don't worry, Usopp. I ship you two. You've got that classic 'hero saves the damsel' vibe going. It's practically written in the stars."
"STOP SAYING THAT!" Usopp wailed, burying his face in his hands as Kaya's blush deepened, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap.
Lucy, ever the instigator, leaned closer to Kaya, her straw hat tilting precariously. "So, Kaya-chan, when's the wedding? Can I be the flower girl? I'll stretch my arms and throw petals *everywhere*!"
Kaya squeaked, hiding her face behind her hands, and Nami finally burst into laughter, her head tilting back as the sound filled the room like music. She sidled up to me, her shoulder brushing mine in that casual, intimate way that always made my pulse quicken. "You're terrible," she whispered, her voice low and playful. "Teasing those kids like that. You're gonna give Usopp a heart attack before the day's over."
I shrugged, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer, my voice dropping to match hers. "Can't help it. It's too easy. Besides, you're enjoying it as much as I am."
She didn't deny it, just leaned into me, her orange hair catching the sunlight in a way that made my breath hitch. "Maybe a little," she admitted, her lips curving into a smile that promised trouble later.
{Ego}: Ugh, enough with the mushy stuff, Sunny-boy! You're supposed to be a badass, not a lovesick puppy. Snap out of it before I gag.
[System]: Fufufu~ oh, Master, her closeness is raising your heart rate by 12.4%. Ara ara~ shall I analyze her affection metrics further? Or perhaps… eliminate the competition? ♥
I stifled a chuckle at my internal peanut gallery, keeping my focus on Nami's warmth against my side. My brain was like a chaotic comedy duo I never signed up for, but at least they kept things lively.
**The Butler's Shadow**
Later, as the servants ushered us downstairs for a lavish breakfast—because apparently Kaya's gratitude included feeding us like royalty—Klahadore, the ever-present butler, was waiting in the dining hall. His slicked-back hair gleamed under the chandelier light, his spotless black suit pressed to perfection, and his face was so stiff it could've been carved from driftwood. He stood at the head of the table, hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of control that didn't quite match the nervous flicker in his eyes whenever they brushed past me.
"Miss Kaya, you really shouldn't strain yourself so soon after… recovering," he said, his voice smooth but laced with barely concealed irritation as he bowed slightly. "And as for our… *guests*…" His gaze swept over us with icy disdain, lingering on Zoro's swords, Lucy's sauce-stained shirt from breakfast, and Nami's calculating smirk. When his eyes met mine, his nose wrinkled like he'd smelled something foul. "Surely, you've had enough of their company. Pirates are dangerous people, after all. Untrustworthy. Chaotic."
Lucy crossed her arms, puffing out her cheeks indignantly. "We're not dangerous! We only sank like, what, two ships last week? Maybe three? And one of those was an accident! It was barely even on fire!"
Nami pinched the bridge of her nose, hissing under her breath. "Lucy, you're *not helping*."
Zoro just grunted, already halfway through a plate of grilled fish, completely unbothered. "Let him talk. Doesn't change the fact we're eating his food."
I tilted my head, studying Klahadore's aura with my Observation Haki. Beneath his polished exterior, there was a sharp spike of bloodlust, like a blade hidden in silk. It was subtle, buried under layers of fake courtesy, but unmistakable—a coiled snake waiting to strike. This guy wasn't just a snobby butler. He was dangerous. Calculating. And definitely not what he seemed.
So, I decided to give him a little gift. Just for him.
For a split second, I let my Haki illusion targeting his perception alone. In his mind's eye, my grin turned sharp—predatory, edged with shadow, my eyes glinting with a promise of ruin so visceral it could've stopped his heart. My aura wrapped around him like a cold, suffocating fog, whispering of consequences he couldn't imagine.
His pupils shrank to pinpricks. His breath hitched, and his perfect posture faltered as he took an involuntary step back, his polished shoes scuffing the floor. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he adjusted his glasses with a trembling hand, trying to mask his panic. To everyone else, I was just standing there, smiling innocently. Kaya, blissfully unaware, sipped her tea, and Lucy was too busy stealing Zoro's fish to notice.
"Everything alright, Klahadore?" I asked, my voice dripping with mock concern.
He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. "I… yes. Perfectly fine. I'll prepare the tea." He turned stiffly and retreated, his steps just a touch too quick to be dignified.
Usopp frowned, scratching his head. "What's his deal? He's acting weirder than when I told him about the giant goldfish invasion."
Nami arched an eyebrow, glancing at me. "You did something, didn't you?"
I winked, leaning closer so only she could hear. "Just a little… motivational nudge. Keeps him honest."
Her lips twitched, and she nudged me back, her shoulder lingering against mine. "You're impossible."
"And you love it," I murmured, earning a playful swat to my arm.
{Ego}: Heh, look at that weasel squirm. One glare and he's ready to bolt. You should've pushed harder, Sunny-boy—make him cry for his mommy.
[System]: Ara~ such a delicious display of power, Master. His fear was exquisite, fufufu~ Shall I log his vitals for future intimidation? Or perhaps… a tiny glitch to make him trip down the stairs? ♥
"No stairs," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. "Let's keep him jumpy but alive."
Zoro glanced up from his plate, squinting. "You talking to yourself again? Starting to worry about you."
"Just strategizing," I said smoothly, stealing a piece of fruit from Nami's plate. She swatted my hand, but her smile betrayed her amusement.
**Usopp's Warnings**
That afternoon, as we lounged in the mansion's opulent sitting room—surrounded by velvet couches, gold-framed paintings, and enough cushions to build a fort—Usopp burst through the door, panting like he'd sprinted across the entire village. His overalls were dusted with dirt, his long nose twitching as he waved his arms like a windmill in a storm. "Pirates! Black Cat Pirates! They're coming here, I swear! I saw them near the shore!"
Kaya, sitting delicately on a cushioned chair with a cup of tea, frowned gently. "Usopp, you always say things like that. It's just another story, isn't it? Like the time you said a meteor was going to crash into the village?"
"It's not a story!" Usopp's voice cracked with desperation, his eyes wild. "This time it's real! I saw their ship—black sails, creepy cat figurehead, the whole deal! They're sneaking through the forest right now!"
The room fell quiet, all eyes turning to me. I leaned back in my chair, arms folded, my Haki already stretching out like invisible tendrils toward the forest's edge. There it was—a faint but unmistakable pulse of malice, like the stench of oil slicking through the air. Dozens of figures, moving with purpose, their intent sharp and predatory. "He's telling the truth," I said calmly.
Everyone blinked at me, even Zoro pausing mid-bite.
My Haki brushed the treeline again, confirming the threat. "They're closer than you think. Maybe an hour out, creeping through the shadows like they own the place."
Lucy gasped, her straw hat nearly flying off as she jumped to her feet. "See?! Usopp's a psychic storyteller! We should believe *all* his lies from now on! What if the giant goldfish invasion was real too?!"
Zoro sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "You're insane. Both of you."
Nami's eyes sharpened, her navigator's instincts kicking in. "If Sunny says it's true… then it's true. We need to move." She glanced at me, a flicker of worry in her gaze, but also trust—unshakable, unwavering trust that made my chest swell.
Usopp nearly collapsed with relief, clutching his chest. "Finally! Someone believes me! I'm not just the boy who cried sea monster this time!"
I clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning. "Of course I believe you. You're the heroic boyfriend, remember? Protecting Kaya's mansion from pirates like a true warrior of the sea."
"W-WE ARE NOT—!" Usopp's voice hit a new octave, his face turning scarlet again as he flailed.
Kaya's cheeks flushed to match, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "Sunny, please," she murmured, but there was a shy smile tugging at her lips that only fueled the fire.
Lucy squealed, bouncing in place. "It's so romantic! Usopp's gonna fight pirates to save his princess! Nami, you gotta draw that heart now!"
Nami rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amusement. "Keep dreaming, captain. I'm not wasting ink on that."
**The Plan**
I stood, stretching my arms with a crack of my knuckles. "Alright, here's the plan. We split up. Zoro, you're on perimeter patrol—sweep the forest, make sure they don't flank us. Try not to get lost in a bush."
Zoro shot me a glare but nodded, already adjusting his swords. "I don't get lost. I just… take scenic routes."
"Sure you do," I said dryly. "Lucy, you stay inside the mansion with Kaya. Protect her, but for the love of all that's holy, *don't destroy the place*."
"Whaaaat?!" Lucy whined, stretching her arms dramatically. "But I wanna fight the kitty pirates too! I could punch their ship into next week! *Gomu Gomu no Kitty Smack*!"
"Exactly why you're staying inside," Nami muttered, rubbing her temples. "The last thing we need is you turning Kaya's mansion into a pile of rubble."
Usopp puffed out his chest, trying to reclaim some dignity. "I'll warn the villagers! I'll rally my 8,000-man army and prepare the ultimate defense!"
I nodded, giving him a serious look. "Good man. Get them ready, but don't overdo the tall tales—keep it real this time."
Kaya's brow furrowed with worry, her hands twisting in her lap. "Isn't this too dangerous? Maybe you should just… leave? I don't want anyone hurt because of me."
I softened, crouching in front of her. "Sorry, Kaya, but I don't like bullies. And anyone who thinks they can scare you in your own home…" My smile sharpened, a glint of steel behind it. "They picked the wrong address."
Usopp nodded vigorously, his earlier panic replaced by determination. "Yeah! Nobody messes with Syrup Village while Captain Usopp's around!"
Lucy cheered, pumping her fist. "And Doctor Captain Sunny!"
Zoro groaned. "I'm surrounded by idiots."
**Nightfall & Romance**
As night fell, the mansion grew eerily quiet, the kind of stillness that presses against your ears like a warning. The servants had retreated to their quarters, and Kaya was tucked safely in her room with Lucy standing guard—probably eating half the pantry while she was at it. The rest of us prepared for the coming storm, the air thick with anticipation.
Nami tugged me aside onto a balcony overlooking the gardens, the moonlight painting her orange hair silver, like she was a siren stepping out of a dream. Her eyes were soft but fierce, a storm contained in a gaze that pinned me in place. "Sunny," she said quietly, her voice cutting through the night's hush, "you don't always have to carry everything. You've already saved us, Lucy, now Kaya. You don't need to be the wall between us and the world every single time."
I chuckled, stepping closer until we were inches apart, the cool night air doing nothing to cool the warmth between us. "If I'm the wall, then you're the navigator keeping me upright. Can't do this without you, Nami."
She huffed, her cheeks flushing pink under the moonlight, but she didn't pull away. "Cheesy. You're getting worse at this."
I grinned, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her skin. "You say that, but you're still here."
Her eyes flicked to my lips, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just us—the distant threat of pirates, the creaking mansion, the crew's chaos all fading into the background. Our foreheads touched, her breath warm against my lips, the temptation heavy enough to drown in.
{Ego}: D-don't let her distract you, stupid! You've got a fight tomorrow! Focus, you lovesick moron!
[System]: Master… her lips are stealing too much of your oxygen. Heart rate elevated by 15.7%. Shall I remove her? Permanently? ♥ Or perhaps a small nudge to keep her closer? Fufufu~
I ignored the bickering in my head, closing the distance and pressing my lips to Nami's. It was a short kiss, soft but charged, like lightning sparking between us. When we parted, she swatted my chest lightly, her smile equal parts exasperated and fond. "Focus tomorrow, idiot. After that… we'll see."
I grinned, my hand still resting on her waist. "Deal."
**Cliffhanger**
As Nami slipped back inside, her silhouette disappearing into the warm glow of the mansion, I stayed at the railing, letting my Haki spread like a net across the landscape. The night was alive with whispers—the rustle of leaves, the distant crash of waves, and something darker. There, along the treeline, shadows moved with purpose. Dozens of them, creeping toward Kaya's estate like predators stalking prey. The taste of bloodlust grew stronger, sharp and metallic on my senses.
I smirked, my teeth flashing in the dark, a quiet promise to the unseen enemy.
"They're here."