On their small boat, drifting on the calm waters of the sea, the atmosphere was livelier than ever. Ryuji sat quietly, preparing a tray of cookies, while Zoro, Luffy, and Nami relaxed, each doing what they did best: Zoro was napping, Luffy was rubbing his belly, and Nami was studying a map.
When the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies from the improvised oven filled the air, Nami's head shot up, and she quickly approached.
— Ryuji, what are you doing over there? she asked, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the desserts.
Without looking up, Ryuji replied calmly:
— Cookies. I said I'd make something sweet, didn't I?
Nami, delighted, clapped her hands.
— You're the best, Ryuji!
Luffy, catching the aroma too, appeared in an instant.
— Cookies? Can I have some?
Ryuji raised an eyebrow.
— You just ate three pieces of meat, Luffy.
— So? Meat and cookies sound perfect!
At that moment, Zoro woke up from his nap, drawn by a different smell.
— Hey, Ryuji, do you have more of that drink you made earlier? It was good.
Ryuji sighed but couldn't hide a slight smile.
— Maybe later.
The three started chatting among themselves.
— Ryuji, you're too good at this, Nami said. You should be the crew's cook!
Luffy immediately agreed, raising his hands in the air.
— Yeah! The ship's cook! We'll always have good food!
Zoro nodded too.
— Yeah, I wouldn't mind a cook who knows how to make a decent drink.
Ryuji raised a hand to stop them.
— Not a chance. I don't want to be the cook.
Luffy leaned closer, starting to insist:
— But why not? You're the best at it!
— Because I don't want to spend all day cooking for you, Ryuji replied calmly.
Nami, with a sweet smile, chimed in:
— But what if we ask nicely?
Ryuji glanced at her briefly, then returned to his cookies.
— No.
— Cookies! Nami exclaimed, changing tactics. If you don't want to be the cook, at least make me cookies now and then.
Ryuji sighed, but he gave in to her persistence.
— Fine, fine. But only because you asked politely.
Nami grinned triumphantly, while Luffy and Zoro grabbed a cookie each without waiting. Ryuji wondered silently if joining this crew was the wisest decision, but he couldn't help enjoying the cheerful atmosphere that was starting to feel familiar.
The crew's boat slowly approached the shores of Syrup Village, a quiet place with small houses perched on hills. In the distance, an imposing mansion stood out, contrasting with the simplicity of the other buildings.
Luffy, excited, jumped to his feet on the boat, placing a hand over his eyes like a pirate scanning the horizon.
— Wow, what a peaceful place! Are we going to find a new crew member here?
Nami, more relaxed, replied sarcastically:
— In a place this quiet? I doubt it.
Ryuji, leaning against the edge of the boat, silently watched the shore. As the boat neared the dock, he spoke calmly:
— Whatever we do here, we'd better stay alert. Quiet places often hide problems.
Zoro stretched and yawned loudly.
— Problems? I hope it's something involving a fight. I'm getting bored.
When the boat docked, the four stepped ashore. On the beach, a few locals watched them curiously, but they didn't seem too frightened by their presence.
— So, what do we do first? Luffy asked, already hungry.
— Let's find a place to learn more about this village, Nami said, eyeing the distant mansion. Someone important definitely lives there.
— Or we could find something to eat, Luffy added with a wide grin.
Ryuji shook his head, amused by Luffy's energy.
— Maybe we'll find someone who can give us some information. I'd prefer not to walk straight into trouble.
As they made their way into the village, a skinny boy with orange hair and round glasses approached them, holding a basket of fruit. He seemed curious but also nervous.
— Who are you? he asked timidly but firmly.
Luffy grinned widely.
— I'm Luffy! We're going to become the Pirate King's crew!
The boy flinched.
— P-pirates? But what are you doing here?
Nami quickly stepped in, trying to calm him.
— We're just passing through. Don't worry, we mean no harm.
Ryuji looked at the boy closely, noting his timid demeanor and trembling voice. He asked directly:
— Is something going on in this village? You seem scared.
The boy avoided Ryuji's gaze and said quietly:
— N-no, nothing… it's just that… you should leave before someone finds you.
— Who? Zoro asked, intrigued by the boy's tone.
The boy hesitated, but before he could answer, a loud voice called out from a distance.
— Usopp! What are you doing there? Wasting time again?
A tall young man with a blue scarf and a long nose appeared on a path, shouting at the boy. His gaze quickly shifted to Luffy's crew, and his wide smile turned cautious.
— Who are they? Usopp asked, approaching slowly.
Luffy, as usual, cheerfully raised his hand.
— I'm Luffy, and these are my friends!
Usopp examined them carefully, then said proudly:
— I am Captain Usopp, leader of the greatest pirates in this village!
Ryuji looked at him skeptically, and Nami rolled her eyes.
— Pirates? You?
Usopp puffed out his chest, ignoring the sarcasm.
— Yes, and if you want to stay here, you'll have to get past me!
Luffy laughed, but Ryuji intervened calmly:
— We're not looking for trouble. We just want to know what's going on in this village.
Usopp seemed surprised by the peaceful response, but before he could say anything, the boy with the basket tugged at his sleeve.
— Usopp, don't tell them about Kaya and… you know who.
The boy's words made Usopp tense up. Something was clearly wrong in Syrup Village, and Luffy's crew was about to uncover it.
Ryuji observed the scene closely, noting Usopp's change in expression. The young man's reaction to the mention of a name was a clear sign he was hiding something.
— "Kaya" and "you-know-who," Ryuji said calmly but firmly. "Who are they?"
Usopp tried to laugh nervously, raising his hands.
— "No, no, no, it's nothing important! Just… just local tales, nothing that would interest pirates…"
Nami crossed her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on Usopp.
— "You're not fooling me. Talk."
Luffy, as usual, seemed more interested in his surroundings, looking around curiously. Zoro stood silently, his eyes locked on Usopp, ready to step in if needed.
Usopp sighed, realizing there was no way to keep the truth hidden.
— "Fine, fine. Kaya is a girl from the village… she lives in that big mansion. She's sick and kind of lonely. I… I visit her to tell her stories and make her laugh."
Ryuji raised an eyebrow.
— "And 'you-know-who'?"
Usopp hesitated again, but the boy with the fruit basket blurted out:
— "Captain Kuro! He's…"
— "SHUT UP!" Usopp yelled, turning to the boy.
The words had already been spoken, though. Ryuji smirked faintly.
— "A pirate? In a quiet village like this?"
Usopp hung his head, resigned.
— "Alright, I'll tell you. Kuro… he's the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates. Everyone thinks he was captured by the Navy years ago, but… he's here, in this village. He's disguised as the butler of Kaya's family."
Luffy, who had just turned back to the conversation, grinned widely.
— "A pirate? Sounds exciting!"
Nami sighed, putting her hand on her forehead.
— "Great. So, we're dealing with an undercover pirate and a sick girl. That explains why you wanted us to leave, Usopp."
Usopp looked ashamed but tried to keep his proud demeanor.
— "Yeah, but I can handle this on my own!"
Zoro chuckled dryly.
— "You? You don't look like the type to stand up to an experienced pirate."
— "Hey! I'm Captain Usopp! Brave and undefeated!"
Ryuji interrupted him.
— "If this Kuro really is a pirate, he could be dangerous. Maybe we should investigate before jumping to conclusions."
Nami nodded but gave Usopp a serious look.
— "If what you're saying is true, Kaya could be in danger. Where can we get more information?"
Usopp hesitated but eventually pointed to the hill where the mansion stood.
— "There. Kaya's at home, and Kuro—I mean, the butler, Klahadore—is with her."
Luffy jumped ahead, eager.
— "Then let's go!"
Ryuji raised a hand to stop him.
— "Let's confirm the story first. There's no need to draw attention unnecessarily."
Usopp seemed relieved by Ryuji's response but knew that sooner or later, the situation would escalate. As the crew headed toward the mansion, Usopp followed, muttering:
— "I hope you know what you're getting into…"
When they reached the imposing mansion, the group stopped to assess the situation. The main door was massive, and the surroundings looked well-kept and peaceful. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
— "Looks like a peaceful place," Nami said, scanning the area.
Ryuji stared at the mansion intently, his eyes searching for more than just obvious details.
— "Peaceful, but too well-organized for an isolated village."
Luffy, already pounding on the door with his fists, laughed.
— "Doesn't matter! Let's go in!"
The door swung open abruptly, revealing a thin man with glasses and a rigid demeanor. He was dressed elegantly, and his cold gaze immediately locked onto Usopp.
— "Oh, if it isn't you, Usopp," Klahadore said in a sharp voice. "What a surprise… especially with such company."
Usopp clenched his teeth but remained silent. Ryuji stepped forward, meeting Klahadore's gaze directly.
— "You're the butler? Klahadore, right?"
Klahadore scrutinized Ryuji, noting his calm demeanor.
— "Yes, I am. And you are?"
Ryuji didn't answer immediately. Instead, he observed Klahadore's defensive posture—his hands relaxed but ready—and the hint of arrogance in his eyes. Before Ryuji could respond, Luffy jumped in, laughing.
— "He's Ryuji! I'm Luffy, his captain, and we're pirates!"
Klahadore raised an eyebrow but sneered.
— "Pirates, you say? I'm sorry, but this place has no need for such… guests. Please leave."
— "Not before we talk to Kaya," Usopp said suddenly. "She has the right to know what's going on!"
Klahadore shot Usopp a disdainful look.
— "People like you shouldn't be near Miss Kaya. She needs peace, not your absurd lies."
Nami stepped in, her gaze direct and challenging.
— "If that's true, then why are you so tense? What are you hiding?"
Klahadore stared at her, but before he could respond, another servant appeared behind him, announcing that Kaya was calling for him. Klahadore hesitated briefly before saying coldly:
— "I have no time for such nonsense. Leave immediately."
He shut the door, leaving the group standing on the doorstep, confused. Luffy placed his hands on his hips.
— "What's with that guy? He's weird."
Usopp clenched his fists.
— "I told you! Klahadore isn't what he seems!"
Ryuji looked at Usopp calmly.
— "If you want to do something, now's the time. But we won't act without a plan."
Zoro leaned against a nearby tree, unimpressed.
— "So, what do we do? Break in?"
Nami sighed.
— "No, idiot. We need to find clear evidence before doing anything drastic."
Ryuji nodded.
— "We need to know what's really going on here. Maybe we should split up. Someone should keep watch, while the others search for clues."
Luffy raised his hand enthusiastically.
— "I want to talk to Kaya!"
Nami gave him a stern look.
— "Not until we figure out how to do it without attracting Klahadore's attention."
Usopp stroked his chin, thinking.
— "I might know a way to sneak in without being seen. But we'll have to be careful."
Ryuji smirked faintly.
— "Then let's move. Time isn't on our side."
The group retreated a bit further from the imposing villa to quietly discuss their plan. Usopp began explaining:
— There's a side window that opens into the living room. Klahadore rarely uses it, and in the evening, the servants aren't around. We can enter through there.
Ryuji looked toward the villa and nodded.
— Sounds good, but we need to be careful. Klahadore doesn't seem like a simple butler. The way I saw him earlier, he moves like a fighter.
— What? You think he's dangerous? Zoro asked, intrigued.
— Yes, replied Ryuji. He doesn't have the movements of an ordinary servant. He's used to fighting, even if he tries to hide it.
Luffy laughed.
— That'll make it even more fun!
Nami sighed.
— Luffy, not all problems are solved with fists. Especially when we're trying to help someone.
Usopp nodded.
— Kaya needs us, but we have to be discreet. If we barge in, Klahadore will have every reason to kick us out—or worse, completely isolate her.
Ryuji nodded again.
— Right. So, we go tonight. Who's coming with me to guard the window?
— Me! Zoro answered without hesitation. If there's going to be a fight, I want to be there.
Nami intervened.
— Luffy and I can distract anyone inside if needed.
The plan was set, and the group split up to prepare.
When night fell, Ryuji and Zoro quietly crept along the imposing walls of the villa. They reached the window Usopp had mentioned and stopped.
— Usopp was right. It seems easy to open, Ryuji whispered, examining the lock.
Zoro crossed his arms.
— What do we do if we run into Klahadore?
Ryuji smirked slightly.
— I'll deal with him. You take care of anyone else.
Ryuji carefully opened the window and climbed in, followed by Zoro. The room was dark but orderly, a sign that the servants weren't absent for long. They began searching for clues about Klahadore's true intentions.
— Look at this, Ryuji whispered, uncovering a hidden map in a drawer. Several points were marked on it, and the villa was clearly at the center of a scheme.
— What's this? Zoro asked.
— Plans to seize the Kaya family fortune, replied Ryuji. Klahadore isn't who he claims to be.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in the darkness:
— Impressive… But I warn you, you shouldn't have meddled in my affairs.
Ryuji and Zoro turned quickly to see Klahadore standing at the door, a cold smile on his face.
— I hope you're ready, because I won't let you ruin my plans, Klahadore continued, drawing long, metallic claws fixed to his hands.
Ryuji stepped forward calmly.
— You don't impress me. If you want to fight, make sure you're ready to lose.
Zoro unsheathed one of his swords, prepared to step in. But Ryuji raised a hand.
— Leave him to me. I want to see how good this "butler" really is.
Klahadore laughed mockingly.
— A fatal mistake.
Klahadore raised his metal claws, ready to attack. His movements were swift and precise, but Ryuji followed them with unshakable calm. Zoro, observing Ryuji's stance, stayed back, prepared to step in if things spiraled out of control.
— So, you're the one who thinks you're strong enough to face me alone? Klahadore asked, attempting to intimidate him.
— I don't think, Ryuji said coldly. I know.
Without further warning, Klahadore lunged forward, his claws gleaming in the faint moonlight. His attack was blindingly fast, but Ryuji, relying on his heightened perception and natural reflexes, effortlessly sidestepped, sliding out of harm's way.
— That slow? Ryuji taunted, taking a step back and preparing to counter.
Furious, Klahadore unleashed a flurry of attacks, his claws slicing through the air with a chilling sound. Ryuji, utilizing his Dragon King's Breath technique, moved with incredible grace, anticipating each of Klahadore's moves.
— Time to end this, Ryuji said.
With a swift motion, he clenched his fist, compressing the air around him. A powerful vibration resonated through the room.
— Cataclysmic Fist!
Ryuji's strike hit Klahadore square in the chest, triggering a shockwave that sent the fake butler crashing into the far wall. His claws fell to the floor with a metallic clang.
Klahadore, shocked and defeated, struggled to rise, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He attempted to speak, but his words were faint.
— How… how could you…?!
Ryuji looked at him coldly.
— You lost because of your arrogance. Never forget—money can't buy true strength.
Zoro, who had been watching the entire fight, smirked.
— Nice. Almost makes me regret not jumping in.
Ryuji nodded toward him.
— You're here to protect Usopp and the others. I can handle this.
Suddenly, the door to the room burst open, revealing Luffy and Nami, with Usopp trailing behind.
— What happened here?! Nami asked, surprised by the room's disarray.
— Ryuji took care of everything, Zoro said, leaning on one of his swords.
Luffy laughed, looking at Klahadore collapsed on the floor.
— That's what I'm talking about, Ryuji! I knew you were strong!
Nami approached, studying Ryuji.
— And yet, you've kept this hidden. You're more interesting than I thought.
Ryuji, seemingly indifferent to the compliment, turned to Usopp.
— Now it's your turn to talk to Kaya. She needs to know who this man really is.
Usopp nodded, visibly emotional, and left the room.
— What do we do with him? Zoro asked, motioning to Klahadore.
— Tie him up, Nami replied with a sharp smile. And maybe let the Marines handle the rest.
The group left the room, while Ryuji silently reflected on what might have happened if Klahadore had succeeded in his scheme. Deep down, he began to realize that this journey on the sea might test not just his strength, but his resolve as well.
The next morning, the group gathered in front of Kaya's house. The morning sun cast a warm glow, and Kaya, now free from Klahadore's malicious influence, thanked Luffy, Ryuji, and the others with teary eyes.
— I don't know how to thank you, Kaya said, clasping Usopp's hands with emotion. You've saved my life and my future.
Usopp, visibly flustered, blushed and tried to avoid the others' gazes.
— It was nothing… just what heroes do, you know?
Nami chuckled softly, while Zoro rolled his eyes, and Luffy laughed heartily.
— Usopp, you should join us! You're hilarious!
Before Usopp could respond, Kaya stepped forward, offering the group a gift.
— Please, accept this as a token of my gratitude.
Behind her, several servants wheeled out a small but beautifully crafted ship with clean sails and an elegant design.
— This is the Going Merry. I want it to be yours.
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as Nami approached to inspect the ship.
— It's perfect, she said, admiring the details.
Ryuji, more reserved, stepped forward and thanked Kaya with a slight bow of his head.
— This is a precious gift. We'll take good care of it.
As the group examined the ship, Usopp appeared lost in thought. Kaya looked at him kindly.
— Usopp, you'll go with them, won't you?
Usopp hesitated, but seeing the encouraging looks from Luffy, Ryuji, and even Kaya, he clenched his fists and smiled.
— Yeah! I'll sail with them!
Luffy jumped with joy.
— Welcome to the crew, Usopp!
Ryuji looked at Usopp with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
— I hope you know what you're getting into, he said calmly, but with a subtle smile.
Later, the group bid farewell to Kaya and the villagers. The Going Merry was ready to set sail, and Nami supervised Luffy and Usopp, who were clumsily trying to hoist the sails. Zoro stood at the edge of the ship, gazing at the horizon, while Ryuji prepared a small meal for the crew at Nami's insistence.
— Ryuji, you've got a gift, Nami said, biting into a freshly baked pastry. Why not be our cook?
Ryuji sighed but didn't reply immediately.
— Cooking is an art, Nami. I don't want it to become just a chore.
Nami laughed.
— Then do it for me, at least.
Ryuji stared at her silently for a few seconds before shaking his head slightly.
— We'll see.
As the Going Merry sailed toward the vast sea, the crew was filled with excitement for their next adventure. Each member, now officially including Usopp, felt that the journey ahead was one full of unknowns but undoubtedly thrilling.
In the distance, a small storm cloud loomed—a sign that new challenges awaited them.