Inside the dimly lit mansion, a cold silence lingered in the air, broken only by the faint creak of aged wooden floorboards. Deep within, a man in sleek, dark clothing stood in front of a newly constructed prison cell — makeshift, but secure. His sharp eyes, hidden behind gleaming glasses, stared at the man imprisoned within.
The prisoner, though haggard and clearly worn down, sat upright on the floor. His once-pristine white suit was stained with blood and dust, and his fluffy afro-like hair was now matted. Yet despite his condition, there was a calm resilience in his eyes.
"Well, seems like that precious lady Kaya of yours isn't coming back anytime soon," Kuro said with a smirk, adjusting his glasses as he looked down at his prisoner. "Which means you've officially outlived your usefulness."
Merry, despite the pain and exhaustion etched into his features, met Kuro's gaze with unwavering calm. "You'll regret this," he said0 simply, voice hoarse but firm.
Kuro's smirk faded slightly. "Regret? That's not something I'm familiar with," he replied coldly. "But you? You must regret ever dedicating yourself to this household. Serving as a butler all those years — what a waste."
"I've never once regretted it," Merry replied, voice steady. "Serving Kaya and her family was an honor. If I regret anything, it's that I didn't kill you when I had the chance — back when you were weak, hiding behind that fake persona. If I had known what kind of monster you truly were, I would have thrown away my pride and taken your cursed head, butler or not."
Those words hit Kuro like a slap. His eyes narrowed, and his expression darkened. He took a slow step forward, then another, stopping just inches from the iron bars.
"You really have a death wish, don't you?" he growled, his voice low and venomous. "Fine. If that's what you want... I'll grant it."
Without hesitation, he reached into his coat and pulled out a flintlock pistol, already loaded. He pointed the barrel directly at Merry's forehead, his hand steady as ever.
Merry closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. There was no fear in them — only pride, and a quiet defiance.
Bang!
The sound echoed throughout the mansion like a thunderclap.
The bullet struck Merry cleanly in the head, and he collapsed backward with a thud. Blood pooled beneath his head as his lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling, still defiant even in death.
Kuro exhaled slowly and lowered his weapon, slipping it back into his coat. He stared at the body for a moment, then snorted. "Tch. I was actually considering keeping you around — maybe even make you my butler once this village was mine. But you had to act noble. What a waste."
Kuro stood in the mansion hallway, glancing back one last time at the lifeless body of Merry, still lying in the small cell. Though the deed was done, the corpse posed a problem. He couldn't afford to be discovered—not yet. The villagers still trusted him, still believed he was the kind-hearted butler who had helped save their village from pirates. That illusion had to remain intact.
"It's still daylight… not ideal," Kuro muttered to himself. His expression twisted with irritation. Leaving the body there too long could raise suspicion, but moving it now in broad daylight would be even riskier. After weighing his options, he made a decision. "I'll move it tonight. Better find a proper place beforehand."
With a plan forming in his mind, Kuro gathered a few tools — a small shovel, rope, and a tarpaulin to wrap the body later. Other than that, he also brought his signature weapon—a pair of gloves with blades attached to each of the fingers on the gloves.
To maintain appearances, he also slung a fishing rod over his shoulder, blending in with the early risers of the village. He exited the mansion calmly, wearing the same soft smile he always used to disarm suspicion.
As he strolled through the village paths, early morning light bathed the small community in gold. Villagers, busy with morning chores, waved cheerfully at him.
"Ah, Krahadle! Going out fishing this early?" called an old man tending to his vegetable patch.
"Yes," Kuro replied with a pleasant nod. "Thought I'd take advantage of the calm morning."
"You're always so hardworking!" The man laughed, admiration in his voice. "After saving us from those pirates, you still find time for the simple life."
Kuro offered only a humble smile. "I'm just doing what I can."
Moments later, an elderly woman spotted him walking past her home.
"Krahadle, wait!" she called, hurrying inside. A few moments later, she reappeared with a cloth-wrapped bento box. "Here, take this. You always go out prepared, but I noticed you only brought tools this time. You can't fish on an empty stomach."
Kuro hesitated for the briefest of seconds before accepting the offering with a bow of thanks. "That's very kind of you. I'll enjoy it."
The old woman smiled warmly. "You're always so polite. Stay safe out there!"
He gave her a wave and continued down the road, still smiling.
But once he was out of sight, the smile vanished from his face like a mask being pulled away. He looked down at the bento in his hand with quiet disdain.
"Trash," he muttered coldly. Without a second thought, he tossed the food into a nearby bush, the container landing with a soft thud in the undergrowth. "What makes them think I'd eat something like this?"
With the facade dropped, Kuro headed toward the edge of the forest bordering the village. There, among the thick trees and uneven terrain, he planned to locate a suitable spot to bury the body. Somewhere secluded. Somewhere no one would ever stumble upon.
As he walked, he mentally mapped out the timing, the route, and the cover of night he would need. Everything had to go smoothly. One mistake could unravel the careful life he'd built here — the lies, the praise, the admiration — all of it could vanish if someone saw what lay beneath the surface.
No one would mourn Merry. At least, that's what Kuro convinced himself. And as long as he could eliminate any loose ends, he would remain the savior of Syrup Village — at least in their eyes.
...
Seaside of Gecko Island.
"We're here."
The Silent Orca quietly docked along the tranquil shores of Gecko Island. A soft breeze rustled through the palm trees lining the beach, carrying with it the scent of salt and damp earth. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull marked their quiet return.
Kaya stood at the ship's edge, her eyes fixed on the distant tree line. Beside her, Usopp tightened his grip on the railing. The sight of their homeland brought a strange feeling—part familiarity, part distance. The island they had once called home now felt… foreign.
"It looks the same," Usopp muttered, "but it doesn't feel the same anymore."
Kaya nodded slowly. The memories of their frantic escape still clung to her, fresh and raw. Returning like this, with everything changed, made her feel like a stranger in her own village.
Zino turned toward her. "Lady Kaya, it's time. Are you ready?"
She inhaled deeply and nodded. "Yes."
Zino then looked to Usopp. "You coming?"
Usopp hesitated, glancing between the island and the ship. "I… yeah. I'll come."
"I'll join too," said Alvida, stepping forward and cracking her knuckles lightly. "Feels like something fishy is going on, and I'd rather see it for myself."
"I'll stay," Zoro said, leaning against the mast with arms crossed. "Someone's gotta keep watch on the ship."
Zino nodded, then turned to Nami. "What about you?"
"I think I'll stay too," she replied without hesitation, crossing her arms.
"There might be some treasure there," Zino added with a knowing grin.
Nami's stance faltered. "I… I still want to stay."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "If you want to go, just go. No one's stopping you."
Nami bit her lip, clearly torn. A moment passed before she threw her hands up in defeat. "Ugh… fine! Wait for me!"
With that, she hopped down to join the others.
The group of five—Zino, Kaya, Usopp, Alvida, and now Nami—set out on foot. They traveled a narrow trail through the forest that surrounded the village outskirts. The path was quiet, the canopy above casting long shadows on the forest floor.
As they neared the edge of the woods closer to Kaya's mansion, Zino's steps suddenly slowed. His sharp eyes caught a figure through the trees—someone standing in a small clearing, half-hidden by the underbrush.
The man had short, neatly combed hair and wore dark clothing. His frame was tall and lean, and he appeared to be digging a shallow hole. From time to time, he paused to adjust the glasses perched on his nose with the palm of his hand—an oddly specific and familiar habit.
Zino narrowed his eyes. "That guy…" he thought. "Isn't that Kuro?"
Kaya gasped softly, instinctively stepping forward. She was about to call out, but Zino reacted quickly. He reached out and gently placed his hand over her mouth, halting her.
"Shh," he whispered, eyes locked on the figure.
Kaya looked at him, surprised, but followed his cue.
Zino then disappeared from his group's side with a quick movement, skipping forward and reappearing just a few steps away from the man digging in the woods.
"Hey, Kuro," Zino said casually, hands in his pockets. "What are you digging over there?"
"I'm digging a hole to bury a— Gyaaah!" Startled, the man jolted and spun around.
Kuro's voice cracked mid-sentence as the shock hit him. He hadn't sensed anyone approaching. His heart skipped a beat as he realized just how close the stranger had gotten without him noticing. Even worse, he had nearly let slip that he was burying a body.
His eyes widened, and he quickly adjusted his glasses to compose himself. "Who… Who are you?"
Zino grinned. "Oh, you didn't realize we were here, huh?"
Kuro's brows knit together. "'We'?"
He quickly looked around—and his heart sank. Four others stood not far behind: Alvida with her imposing presence, Nami looking wary, Usopp wide-eyed and tense, and Kaya… Kaya was there too.
His eyes lingered on the young lady, noting the determination burning behind her soft features. But in an instant, his expression shifted into the charming but composed butler persona he had always worn. He put on a gentle smile.
"Lady Kaya," Kuro greeted smoothly, bowing slightly. "I didn't know you had returned. Had I known, I would have come to escort you back to the mansion—"
"Where is Merry?" Kaya cut him off sharply.
Kuro blinked. "Merry? Oh… he's back at the mansion, of course. Probably tending to his duties. Why don't we all go and check on him together, shall we?"
"Hold it, pal," Zino interrupted, stepping between them. "Let's not skip past our conversation so quickly. I was talking to you first, remember?"
Kuro's eyes narrowed. The friendliness on his face slowly faded. "Who are you?"
Zino gave him a half-smile, unbothered by the threatening tone. "Scary eyes. But we still have to finish what we started. You see—" He reached into his coat and pulled out a badge. "—I'm a Marine. Rank: Ensign."
Kuro's eyes widened slightly. "A Marine!?"
His body instantly tensed, and his hand subtly drifted toward the equipment bag by his side. He tried to mask the motion, but Zino caught it. Still, the young marine pretended not to notice.
"You're Captain Kuro, right?" Zino continued, tone firm. "Former captain of the Black Cat Pirates. Also formerly a Marine, if I recall correctly. Quite a record."
Kuro's lips tightened into a thin line. So, the young man wasn't just bluffing—he really knew who he was. That changed everything.
"I take it you're here to arrest me?" Kuro asked coldly.
"You got it," Zino nodded, slipping the badge back into his pocket. "And more importantly, I'm here to deliver justice—for Lady Kaya, and for all those you've fooled and hurt."
A tense silence fell.
Zino's tone sharpened. "So, how about it? Will you come peacefully?"
Kuro didn't respond immediately. His fingers were inching closer to the inside of his bag, where a pair of bladed gloves lay hidden.
"If you think you can, then go ahead," Kuro replied, voice low and dangerous. "Try to arrest me."
Zino sighed, his playful demeanor fading. "So it's going to be like that, huh? What a pity."
He squared his shoulders and took a step forward, locking eyes with Kuro. Gone was the easy smile—replaced now with a steely resolve.
"I don't like violence," he said, voice calm, "but if you force my hand… I won't hold back."