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Nami and Makino were walking on either side of Logan, each linking arms with him like they'd done it a thousand times before.
As the trio stepped onto the island, Usopp came running up, shouting,"Are you pirates?! What are you doing here?!"
Even though they didn't look like the usual kind, Usopp still blurted out the question that had been bugging him.
Logan didn't bother hiding it. He nodded. "Yeah, we're pirates. As for why we're here—"
"I heard there's a vicious pirate hiding out on this island. He's got his eyes on a rich young lady and plans to take over her fortune. I came here to bring him to justice."
Nami rolled her eyes. Sure, looking for justice. More like looking for a pretty face.
Makino, on the other hand, looked at Logan with shining eyes. Wow… he's such a righteous man.
Huh?!
Usopp froze. A rich young lady in Syrup Village? That could only mean Kaya!
But wait—who's the pirate he's talking about?!
Hold on a second—
Usopp's expression stiffened as suspicion crept up his spine. He almost got tricked by Logan's serious tone.
He'd lived in Syrup Village for years. If there were any pirates around, he'd know!
Who would dare show up in his territory?
The villagers thought Syrup Village was peaceful because it was too remote for pirates to bother with.
But Usopp knew better—it was peaceful because he was here.
After a quick heroic fantasy in his head, Usopp puffed out his chest and declared, "There's no one like that here! You'd better leave now!"
"Otherwise, this great Captain Usopp will—"
Before he could even finish, a blade flashed and stopped right at his neck. Usopp trembled so hard his knees almost gave out.
Holy crap—they're serious?!
"Lead the way," Logan said lazily, clearly not in the mood to waste time.
Feeling the cold steel against his throat, Usopp's face went pale as sweat streamed down his temples.
His legs shook violently. He didn't doubt for a second that if he said no, his head would roll before he could blink.
He always bragged about being fearless, but now, standing before real pirates, the sheer pressure made it hard to breathe. He couldn't move, let alone resist.
"O-okay, don't get mad! I'll take you there!" Usopp squeaked, completely surrendering.
Under Usopp's reluctant guidance, Logan, Nami, and Makino walked into Syrup Village.
As they went, Usopp kept sneaking glances at Logan, finally mustering the courage to ask, "S-sir… what you said earlier… is that really true?!"
"There's really a pirate targeting Kaya?!"
Logan frowned but nodded. "Yeah. He's living in her house."
Usopp went quiet for a moment—then suddenly picked up his pace.
He hadn't believed it before, but now, with a blade so close to his neck, Logan had no reason to lie.
If a pirate really had infiltrated Kaya's mansion, she was in serious danger.
Logan noticed Usopp's hurried steps and couldn't help but smirk.
A gentle, pure girl like Kaya? If I were Usopp, we'd already have kids by now.
Following Usopp, they soon arrived at a large, tightly shut mansion.
Obviously, this was Kaya's home.
Usopp hesitated before knocking. He still didn't quite believe it. "Are you sure the pirate's in there?"
As far as he knew, the butler and servants inside had been with Kaya's family for years.
"This is where your part ends. Go," Logan said with a dismissive wave.
Usopp opened his mouth to protest but saw Logan's expression turning cold. He quickly turned away, though he didn't go far—he ducked behind a boulder to spy on them.
Logan didn't care.
With a look from him, Nami stepped up and knocked.
Knock, knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock.
A moment later, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing a man in servant's clothes.
Merry—the butler.
"Mister Merry, is that Usopp?" came a soft, delicate voice from inside.
Merry turned back, pushing the door wider.
And then Logan saw her—Kaya, with short golden hair and a pale, sickly face that still couldn't hide her beauty.
Nami and Makino both exchanged a glance, equally intrigued.
No wonder she's the village's rich girl. That face and grace… she really stands out.
Even illness couldn't dull her charm.
Nami curled her lips; Makino's eyes glimmered with something else entirely.
"Miss Kaya, the wind's strong out here. Please, you should go back inside," said the black-suited butler with slicked-back hair beside her—Klahadore.
"It's fine, Klahadore. Just for a moment," Kaya replied with a gentle smile.
Klahadore turned and eyed Logan and his group sharply. His expression darkened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Logan.
There was something about this man that made him uneasy.
"So it's not Usopp," Kaya said kindly, tilting her head. "May I ask what brings you here?"
Logan met her gaze and smiled, holding up two fingers. "Two reasons, Miss Kaya."
"First, I'm here to deal with the bad guy."
"Second, I'm here to cure your illness."
"What nonsense!"
Klahadore's temper flared instantly. "There are no bad people here, and you don't look like any doctor I've ever seen! Merry, see them out!"
"Klahadore!" Kaya scolded softly. "They're guests. Don't be rude."
"Miss, they—"
Klahadore cut himself off with a cold huff, though his unease only grew stronger.
Logan shot him a sideways glance and smirked inwardly.
If it weren't for Kaya, he would've already slit that bastard's throat without hesitation.
"Please, come inside," Kaya said politely.
Inside the grand hall, Merry poured tea for everyone.
After a bit of small talk, Kaya got straight to the point. "Sir, can you really cure my illness?"
"....."