The gentle sea breeze carried the scent of salt and fresh earth as Ash's ship glided into the quiet harbor of Syrup Village.
The villagers, busy with their daily tasks, glanced curiously but gave space to the newcomers.
Ash, standing tall at the bow, looked down at the docks with sharp violet eyes reflecting calm confidence.
The name "Grim Reaper Hunter" had traveled far ahead of him, stirring a mix of awe and caution among the villagers.Nami unpacked their rations quietly while Zoro observed the village with a warrior's steady gaze.
Suddenly, from an alleyway, a voice called out, hesitant but sharp.
"Hey! Wait! You… you're Ashborn… the Grim Reaper, right?"
Out from the shadows stepped a scrawny boy, wild hair framing a face full of nervous energy and exaggerated bravado.
The slingshot over his shoulder seemed almost too large for his thin frame.
"I'm Usopp," he blurted, eyes darting suspiciously.
"And I've heard stories… scary stories. People say you're dangerous."
Ash turned, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Dangerous if you're an enemy, harmless if you're a friend."
Usopp swallowed hard, stepping closer but keeping a cautious distance.
"I'm not sure where you fit. Syrup Village isn't a place for pirate hunters or legends. We like things quiet."
Zoro's deep voice cut through, casual but firm.
"We're not pirates. Just travelers looking for supplies."
Usopp's eyes flickered with a mix of relief and mischief.
"Travelers, huh? Well, if you want to see Syrup Village, I'm the best guide around.
But don't expect everything to be simple here."
Nami grinned.
"Sounds like we might need you after all."
Ash inclined his head.
"Lead the way, Usopp. This village's secrets might be bigger than we think."
Usopp's grin stretched, tension easing.
"Alright, but no funny business. I've got to keep my eyes open."
And so began their uneasy alliance, the first steps of a journey that promised both danger and friendship.
The sun climbed higher as Ash and his crew followed Usopp through the winding paths of Syrup Village.
Usopp's long, lanky legs moved almost comically fast, zigzagging between fruit stands, startled chickens, and curious villagers.
Ash kept pace easily, eyes scanning the quiet village with calm amusement.
Nami trailed slightly behind, fingers idly tracing the maps she carried, while Zoro walked with characteristic casual confidence, swords sheathed but ready.
"So,"
Usopp began, glancing nervously back at the trio-
"you're the infamous Grim Reaper Hunter. Sounds scary. Do you really reap lives like the stories say?"
Ash chuckled softly.
"Only the enemies. The ones who don't listen."
Usopp gulped and nodded, then grinned mischievously.
"Good. 'Cause I'm not looking to be reaped today. I've got enough troubles with my 'Army of Usopp.'"
Zoro raised an eyebrow.
"You have an army? Must be some sight—small in number, big in imagination."
Usopp puffed up triumphantly.
"Exactly! Eight-thousand strong. Lions, tigers, giant crabs… Okay, maybe not giant crabs, but fierce! Each one trained in the art of battle by yours truly."
Nami smiled, shaking her head.
"Sounds like you've got quite an imagination. Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Usopp struck a dramatic pose.
"Oh, you won't! I'm merciful to all who recognize my greatness."
Ash stepped forward, placing a hand on Usopp's shoulder.
"I like your spirit. Just don't let your imagination get you into trouble."
Usopp blinked.
"Trouble? Me? Never!"
Suddenly, a chicken scurried past, toppling a basket of apples.
Usopp yelped and lunged to catch one before it rolled away.
Zoro smirked.
"Sure, never trouble."
Ash laughed softly, his easy charm contagious.
"Come on, Usopp, show us the village."
Usopp's grin returned as he led them toward a large, stately house on a hill, surrounded by flowering bushes.
"That,"
he said reverently, "is Kaya's mansion. Kaya's rich enough to own all the apples in the village — but she's sick, so she's mostly stuck inside."
"Oh, the rich girl who needs protecting?"
Nami asked with a skeptical edge.
Usopp nodded.
"Yeah, and Merry and Klahadore are her butlers. Merry's nice, but Klahadore… well, no one really trusts him. People say he's got secrets."
Ash rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Secrets in a quiet village are like sharks in calm water—dangerous just for existing."
Just then, a soft whistle caught their attention. Usopp looked sheepish.
"That's me calling 'the Army' for a parade. Wanna see it?"
Ash smirked.
"Lead the way, Captain."
Usopp dashed down the street, gathering half a dozen wide-eyed children donning makeshift pirate hats and wooden swords.
"Assemble, soldiers!"
Usopp commanded theatrically.The "army" scrambled into formation as best they could, some tripping over others, but all wearing enthusiastic smiles.
Ash knelt beside a boy holding a wooden sword, whispering with a grin-
"So, who's the fiercest pirate here?"
The boy puffed up.
"Me! Captain Ash!"
Nami chuckled.
"Captain Ash, huh? You've got a good crew."
Zoro rolled his shoulders, amused.
"Not bad for a village army."
Usopp beamed, soaking in their laughter and camaraderie.
"One day, this village will stand strong against any pirate who tries to take it."
Ash's eyes twinkled.
"Dreams are the first step to strength. Keep that alive."
The group continued through the village, the warm charm of Syrup Village softened only slightly by the undercurrent of looming danger—a secret that only Ash and his crew would help to unearth.
The laughter of Usopp's "army" faded behind them as they made their way up the path to Kaya's mansion.
The house was grand, but not ostentatious—worn by time yet carefully maintained, with colorful flowers shading the windowsills.
Usopp slowed, his expression turning serious.
"This is where Kaya lives. She's kind and gentle but very sick. The doctors say she needs rest."
Nami eyed the mansion thoughtfully.
"So, what's the deal with her butlers? You mentioned one seems off."
Usopp glanced around, lowering his voice. "That's Klahadore. He's sneaky—always watching, always listening. The villagers don't trust him, but Kaya trusts him completely."
Ash narrowed his eyes.
"Why?"
Usopp shrugged, nervously scratching the back of his head.
"I don't know. Maybe because he takes care of everything Kaya needs. But sometimes I catch him talking to strange people in the village at night. Nobody knows who they are."
Zoro's hand moved toward his sword's hilt instinctively.
"Silent watchers are often the deadliest."
Nami crossed her arms.
"Sounds like trouble is brewing under this quiet surface."
Suddenly, the door creaked open. A tall man with silver hair and a calm, polite smile stepped out. With a slight bow, he greeted them.
"You must be the visitors from Ash's crew," the man said smoothly.
"I'm Merry, Kaya's butler. We hope you find Syrup Village welcoming."
Ash inclined his head politely.
"Thank you, Merry. We're here for supplies and to ensure the village remains safe."
Merry's eyes flickered briefly with what looked like concern.
"I appreciate your vigilance."
As Merry spoke, a shadow crossed the window behind him—the tall, lean form of another man dressed in black, watching silently.
Usopp tensed.
"That's Klahadore. Watch him closely. There's more to that man than meets the eye."
Ash studied the window, eyes narrowing.
"We will."
Merry gestured toward the gravel path.
"Please, follow me. Kaya would like to meet you."
As they walked inside, Usopp spoke quietly to Ash.
"I don't know what Klahadore's really planning, but I'm scared for Kaya… and for this village."
Ash's voice held steady courage.
"Then we'll make sure you're not scared alone."
The atmosphere thickened with quiet tension as they approached Kaya's room—beyond its doors lay the key to unraveling the village's shadows.
Ding.
____________
System notification:
Mission: protect kaya and the syrup village from captain kuro and his pirate crew.
Reward:One life bound random character summon card [one time use].
Penalty: death of kaya and the villagers.
Time limit : 1 year.
____________
Ash acknowledge the system in his mind but remained impassive and showed nothing outside.
.
.
.
______to be continued ______