With the kind directions from a homeless man, Kaito Sakamoto rushed toward the direction of Ace and Sabo. Upon arrival, however, he found no one—Ace and Sabo had already moved their treasure.
But Kaito's training in marksmanship had sharpened his eyesight, allowing him to catch a glimpse of Ace and Sabo's vague figures on a hillside not far away. Exhausted, he hurried over, only to find Ace and Sabo burying their loot. He decided to first replicate their physiques before confronting them.
"Ace!"
"Where's Luffy?"
After replicating their appearances, Kaito shouted, startling both Ace and Sabo.
"Kaito!"
"Luffy has been captured by a member of the Blue Sauce Pirates, Porshemir!"
"Where?! I'm asking you—what direction?!" Kaito yelled, urgency lacing his words. Any delay meant more punches landing on Luffy.
"You! That's a real pirate! He kills without a second thought!!" Sabo couldn't hold back, reminding Kaito that this wasn't a street fight; they were dealing with genuine pirates.
"I'm asking you for directions!"
"Why do you think Luffy would betray you?!"
"I just went to your previous treasure site, and there was no one there! Luffy hasn't betrayed you!"
Kaito was furious. Though he could understand their doubts about Luffy with the thought of him enduring torture, they needed to switch perspectives.
Kaito's words struck Ace and Sabo like a thunderbolt; they couldn't believe Luffy had withstood interrogation without betraying them. Just moments ago, they were contemplating silencing him.
...
"Speak up! You brat!"
Porshemir, wearing spiked gloves, continued to punch Luffy, who was nearly reduced to a bloody pulp. But Luffy still wouldn't talk.
Upon seeing Luffy in such a state, Kaito felt a surge of sadness and rage.
"Stop!!!"
Sabo and Ace charged forward with pipes in hand.
Seeing Ace and the others making a move, Porshemir actually looked pleased—no punishment from the captain for him now.
"Why, thank you for delivering yourselves to me! I won't have to search for you anymore! Return the money!"
Porshemir grabbed Ace's head in one massive hand. Sabo swiftly swung a pipe from behind, knocking Porshemir away and freeing Ace. Seizing the opportunity, Kaito rushed in and saved Luffy.
"Kaito!!! It hurts so much!!!" Luffy cried, tears streaming down his face.
Kaito nodded sympathetically, "I know. I'm sorry I'm late! But you need to remember to check if your partners are behind you next time!"
As he spoke, anger surged within him—if only Luffy had pulled him out of that garbage pit earlier, they wouldn't be in this mess.
After leading Luffy to safety, Kaito glanced at Ace and Sabo, who were still fighting Porshemir. The man was a true pirate, towering over the two of them. They were injured now, but Porshemir had his fair share of wounds as well.
"Whew!" Kaito exhaled deeply, raising his arm as a flintlock pistol appeared in his hand, aiming at Porshemir's head.
"....."
Ultimately, Kaito didn't pull the trigger. He knew that if he killed Porshemir, the captain wouldn't let him off easily. Quickly adjusting his aim, he squeezed the trigger.
"Bang!"
The bullet fired accurately, striking Porshemir's right arm.
"Ugh!"
The shot silenced the area, and both Porshemir and Ace, Sabo turned to Kaito in shock.
Kaito, his gaze cold, recalled Luffy's state, then aimed at Porshemir's left leg, pulling the trigger once more.
"Ah!!"
This time, Porshemir couldn't help but scream.
"Come back!" Kaito shouted, snapping Ace and Sabo back to reality. Though they were children and had seen guns before, they'd never witnessed someone younger than them firing one.
"Don't chase after us, or the bullets won't discriminate!" Kaito warned Porshemir's men, before shouldering Luffy and retreating with Ace and Sabo.
...
The four managed to escape to a new hiding spot below Ace and Sabo's treasure location. Kaito tended to Ace and Sabo's wounds first before focusing on Luffy, who was the most seriously injured.
Of course, he had learned medical skills back home.
Ace and Sabo watched Kaito's back, curiosity bubbling within them. Why was he so talented at everything?
"Kaito, who... exactly are you?"
"How are you so skilled at bandaging?"
"That weapon of yours is incredible!"
"You can use a gun, and you're so accurate!"
Ace couldn't help but ask.
Kaito paused his movements, slowly turning to face them, letting out a sigh.
"Sigh!
Actually, I was raised by an assassin organization."
"We select strong and talented children to join us and train them for free to enhance their abilities."
He emphasized the word "free" heavily, then smiled as he continued.
"You both have great potential; being able to fight pirates at such a young age—what do you think? Want to join?"
Ace and Sabo exchanged glances, stunned. Who wouldn't want a chance to strengthen their abilities for free?
"Really!!"
But Kaito's smile vanished in an instant.
"Just kidding."
"There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."