Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In the aftermath of Kuro's decisive defeat, Bai Ye remained far from complacent. He promptly drew a talisman, launching it into the nearby undergrowth.
Lightning Talisman—Explosion!
CRACK! A thunderous boom resounded, followed by a piercing shriek. From the grass emerged a figure, his attire marked by a blue hat and quirky, heart-shaped fan glasses, his body singed and smoky.
"Huh?" Luffy blurted, befuddled. "Mister playing hide and seek?"
"Are you dense?!" Nami retorted, delivering a swift rap to Luffy's skull.
"He was obviously snooping around," Zoro chimed in, swiftly piecing together the scenario while casting a glance at Bai Ye. The range of his perception is remarkable. These Daoists are truly astounding.
"Meet the present chief of the Black Cat Pirates, the hypnotist Jango," Bai Ye introduced, his Golden Light Curse dissipating. He brushed imaginary dust from his shoulder, adding, "Seems he was on a quest to locate his captain and stumbled upon us instead."
"His presence implies the Black Cat Pirates are likely lurking near this island," Bai Ye continued, deep in thought. "Although Kuro kept his plans close to his chest, it's evident they intend to besiege the village, targeting Miss Kaya."
"As for legitimizing the inheritance, they're probably scheming to fabricate a will or some such deceit." Bai Ye appeared to be piecing together the puzzle from clues, but in reality, he was merely revisiting the narrative's known plot.
"What?!" Usopp, having regained his footing, was aghast. "They'd sacrifice an entire village just for some inheritance?"
"Unforgivable!" he declared, striding determinedly toward the door.
"Usopp, where are you headed?" Nami queried, concern tinting her voice.
"We should alert the villagers. United, you can fend them off," she proposed.
But Usopp was resolute. "I've alarmed everyone in the village day in, day out."
His voice was somber. "They won't believe me, but..."
"They can label me a liar if they must, but this is my home," he affirmed. "I have to fend off those pirates!"
"It's the duty I bear as the village's notorious liar!!"
Despite his trembling limbs and runny nose, Usopp's gaze held an unyielding resolve. Bai Ye observed him, an approving grin spreading across his face.
In the original tale, Usopp resolved to this course after facing the villagers' skepticism. His immediate decision now likely stemmed from his outrage over Kuro's treachery against Kaya.
"Awesome, we're in, too!" Luffy's declaration cut through the air, his hat's brim lowered, a grin shared with Usopp.
"A pirate crew with bounties that steep is bound to offer a good challenge," Zoro interjected, arms crossed in a relaxed yet confident stance.
"YOU..." Emotion clogged Usopp's throat, incredulity in his eyes that these individuals were genuinely offering their support.
"Before we embark," Nami interposed, placing a comforting hand on Usopp's shoulder, "let's make one thing clear: any treasure we find is ours."
Tears mingling with laughter, Usopp conceded, "Ah, well! In that case, I'll graciously accept your assistance!"
And with that, shouting with energy, they walked towards the sea.
"Sir, your companions..." Kaya approached Bai Ye, noticing his reluctance to join the departing group, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Is it really wise to let them include Usopp?"
Before responding, Bai Ye secured Kuro and Jango, intending to trade them for their bounties. He then rose to his feet, facing Kaya. "Please, just Bai Ye will do. Regarding your concern," he reassured with a smile, "there's no need to fret. A foe of this caliber won't pose a threat to our crew."
So... so handsome~ Overwhelmed by Bai Ye's demeanor, the thought involuntarily crossed Kaya's mind.
However, she swiftly regained her composure. "Mr. Bai Ye, you don't quite fit the typical pirate mold."
"True," Bai Ye said gaze drifting in the direction of Luffy's exit, murmuring, "Perhaps it's because we follow a different kind of captain."
"Alright, Miss Kaya," he continued, opting not to delve deeper into that subject, "while we have a moment, let's discuss an unresolved agreement."
"Huh? Agreement...?" she puzzled.
Bai Ye then explained the pact he and his companions had with Usopp. Upon realizing Usopp had got their help solely for her welfare, without even her demand, Kaya felt guilty.
Thanks to Bai Ye's gentle persuasion, she soon bounced back. Subsequently, she wholeheartedly agreed to the shipbuilding arrangement. In truth, even without this agreement, the Kaya family was ready to fulfill Bai Ye's request simply out of gratitude for Kuro's defeat.
When Merry, having been away, hurried back from a neighboring village, Kaya briefed him on the developments, emphasizing the importance of dedicating all efforts to construct a pirate vessel.
Ironically, Merry's absence had been to get a present for Miss Kaya—a brand-new pair of spectacles, intended for Kuro's third anniversary in their household. Regrettably, the gift had now lost its purpose.
In the original narrative, learning of Kuro's murderous intent towards the lady had driven Merry to the brink of suicide.
Indeed, following the downfall of Kuro and Jango at Bai Ye's hands, the threats looming over Luffy and Zoro in the initial tale were nullified. Thus, their triumph over the Black Cat Pirates was a breeze, fortifying the bond between Luffy and Usopp in the skirmish.
Nami, ever the treasurer, tallied the loot. Although not as lucrative as the Buggy Pirates' stash, it amounted to a neat 9 million Bellys.
She was also privy to Bai Ye's tendencies, prompting Luffy to capture the Nyaban Brothers—each carrying a 7 million Belly bounty. Consequently, this marked a day of unprecedented gains for the Straw Hat crew.
Their prior funds totaled 29 million Pele. Now, with the Black Cat Pirates contributing 9 million in treasures, Kuro fetching 16 million, Zang Gao 9 million, and the Nyaban Brothers 14 million, they amassed an additional 48 million Bellys. This windfall brought the Straw Hats' wealth to a staggering 77 million Bellys.
Reflecting on this, Bai Ye couldn't help but marvel at the sea's lucrative allure. He viewed this as a minor milestone in their journey, drawing them one step closer to their ultimate objective.
-----
"Wait, 50 million Bellys?!" Merry gasped in astonishment, staggered by the figure the man before him pledged for constructing his ship.
"It's not just 50 million Bellys," Bai Ye clarified with a smile, "but also three pirate ships at your command, Mr. Merry."
His grin never faltered, reminiscing from the moment they overpowered Alvida, to their collaboration with the navy in reaping bounties, to their successive conquests and plundering of pirates. All paths had led to this day.