Inside the Kaya estate, after Usopp has decided to investigate the strange events surrounding his friend, Kaya.
---
As the sun began to set over Syrup Village, the tranquil evening was marred by an unsettling atmosphere inside Kaya's mansion. The team had been given a warm welcome by Kaya, but the coldness in Klahadore's gaze was enough to set Luffy and the others on edge.
Usopp paced back and forth, glancing nervously at the door. "I don't like this, guys. Something's definitely off. Klahadore is hiding something, and I need to find out what."
Nami, leaning against a pillar, raised an eyebrow. "What's with all the secrecy? You've known Kaya for how long?"
"A long time…" Usopp replied, his voice low. "But Klahadore's behavior is different now. He never used to act like this."
Zoro, who had been silently observing the situation, crossed his arms. "I'm with Usopp on this one. There's something wrong, and it's not just the explosion."
Luffy, his usual carefree expression gone, stood up straight. "Alright. Let's go figure this out."
Nami sighed. "You're really going to drag us into this, huh?"
"Yep," Luffy said, his grin returning. "You're part of the crew now, so you've gotta help."
---
The Plan to Investigate
Later that night, after Kaya had retired to her room to rest, the group gathered in the mansion's grand hall. The house had quieted down, and the servants seemed to be avoiding them. Klahadore had locked himself in his study, making it the perfect time for a bit of exploration.
"Okay, here's the plan," Usopp whispered, his eyes wide with nervous excitement. "We'll sneak around the house and find some evidence of what Klahadore is really up to."
"I'm not sneaking around," Nami said flatly. "But I'll be keeping an eye on things from here."
Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp exchanged glances. "Got it," Luffy said. "We'll take the lead."
Usopp led them to the back of the mansion, where a narrow passageway led to a series of old rooms. He moved quietly, glancing over his shoulder every now and then.
"I think this is the best place to start," Usopp whispered, stopping in front of a door. "This room is always locked. It's always been strange, but lately, it feels even more off."
Luffy nodded, his hand resting on the door handle. "Time to check it out, then."
---
The Hidden Room
The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit study filled with dusty bookshelves. The scent of old paper and musty wood filled the air. As they entered, their eyes were immediately drawn to a large desk in the center of the room, covered in various papers and documents.
"I knew it," Usopp muttered, walking toward the desk. "Look at this."
He held up a letter, its wax seal still intact. The writing was neat but had a formal tone, as if it were from someone important. Luffy peered over Usopp's shoulder as the letter was read aloud.
"To Klahadore,
The plans are in motion. Ensure Kaya's safety remains under control until the time is right. We will make our move soon. Keep her under your thumb, and prepare her for the coming days. The treasure will be ours.
A friend."
"What does this mean?" Usopp asked, clearly rattled. "This doesn't sound like something Klahadore would write."
Luffy clenched his fists. "This guy's definitely planning something. We need to tell Kaya."
Before Usopp could respond, a noise from the hall caught their attention. The sound of footsteps—fast and deliberate. Klahadore was coming.
---
The Confrontation
Quickly, they scrambled to hide. Zoro slipped behind a large bookshelf, Luffy ducked behind a curtain, and Usopp, the most nervous of all, tried to remain as still as possible by the desk. The door opened, and Klahadore stepped into the room, his footsteps heavy.
"What are you doing here?" His voice was low, dangerous.
The trio froze, holding their breath as he scanned the room. He paused in front of the desk, glancing at the letter. His eyes narrowed as he picked it up.
"I knew it…" he whispered to himself.
Usopp slowly stepped forward, his voice shaky but loud enough for Klahadore to hear. "Klahadore, you've been lying to us!"
Klahadore whipped around, his eyes burning with rage. "What are you talking about, boy?"
Usopp, now standing tall despite the fear, pointed at the letter in his hand. "You're planning something, aren't you? You're using Kaya. I won't let you hurt her!"
Klahadore's eyes glinted with malice. "You don't know what you're talking about." He moved toward the door, his calm demeanor completely at odds with his malicious intent. "Get out of my way, or I'll make you regret it."
---
Luffy's Intervention
Just as Klahadore moved to leave, Luffy stepped forward, blocking his path with a wide grin. "Not so fast."
Klahadore sneered. "You think you can stop me? You're just a kid."
Luffy's eyes hardened, and his smile disappeared. "I don't care if you're stronger. You hurt my friends, and that makes you an enemy. And I don't like enemies."
Zoro stepped out from behind the bookshelf, unsheathing his swords. "We're not letting you get away with this."
Klahadore scowled, his demeanor cracking for the first time. He stepped back, his hand brushing his coat as he subtly pulled out a hidden blade. "You want to do this the hard way, then?"
Usopp's eyes widened. "Wait—he's armed!"
But before Klahadore could move, Luffy lunged forward with a speed that surprised even Zoro. He grabbed Klahadore by the wrist, twisting his arm behind his back and forcing the blade out of his hand.
"You're not getting away from me," Luffy growled.
Klahadore gritted his teeth. "You're too late. You think you can defeat me? You have no idea what you're dealing with."
---
The Truth Revealed
Suddenly, a loud crash sounded from outside. The door to the study slammed open, and several armed men rushed in, their faces twisted in a malicious grin. "The boss says you're not going anywhere," one of them said, pulling out a sword.
Klahadore sneered at Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro. "You may have stopped me for now, but I've already called reinforcements. There's no way you can win this."
Luffy's grin returned, wide and confident. "We'll see about that."
---
End of Chapter.