After ending the call on the Baby Den Den Mushi, Kiri and his group headed toward the castle east of the whale statue.
It was a distinctive building, but likely a dead end—not the spot where the gold was hidden. Still, dismissing it outright felt uneasy, so they'd decided to check it out just in case.
They walked there and arrived quickly.
Stopping, they all looked up at the castle.
Its exterior was weathered and unkempt. On an uninhabited island, erosion had taken its toll. Frankly, with cracks spidering across the walls, it seemed like it could collapse at any moment.
"So rundown."
"It's a wonder it's still standing. Looks like a haunted mansion."
"No ghosts, right?"
"It'd be more fun if there were. Though broad daylight might be tough for 'em."
"You actually want them to show up?"
"If possible."
They chatted casually, tension-free, before lowering their gazes.
The door was slightly ajar, one side nearly off its hinges. Entry wouldn't be a problem.
Assessing the situation, the three turned to face it properly.
Their expressions had settled into the usual: Kiri grinning excitedly like Luffy, Zoro looking mildly exasperated, and Silk smiling as she watched over them.
"Let's poke around anyway. Even if there's no treasure, something useful might turn up."
"Like what, specifically?"
"You know, stuff that could come in handy."
"That's why I asked, Kiri... You're not helping."
Silk wore a troubled look at Kiri's vague response, though she was used to it.
Zoro had already started walking. Knowing conversations with him could be draining, he apparently had no intention of taking it seriously from the start. He was heading inside the castle ahead of them.
Noticing, Silk hurried after him.
Leaving Zoro alone carried a high risk of him getting lost. In a way, that was more troublesome than Kiri.
Acting with these two inevitably piled the burden on her, a realization hitting her right then. Only diligent Silk was left scrambling to prevent issues.
"Ah, wait, Zoro! It's dangerous to go alone."
"Not really. Anyone shows up, I'll cut 'em down."
"That's not what I mean—you might get lost."
"I'm not a kid. I don't get lost every time."
"You said that last time too, but it was close. If I hadn't kept an eye on you, we'd have separated."
"No way."
"Yes way."
"You two, keep the arguing in check."
Kiri watched the pair enter the castle amicably, then sat on the stone steps.
It wasn't about slacking off—though a bit of that motive lingered. This time, he stopped for a reason. The Baby Den Den Mushi in his pocket was vibrating.
A call from Luffy's group.
Knowing that, he placed it in his palm, connected, and responded in a laid-back tone. But what came through wasn't what he expected—it was Usopp's panicked voice.
"Yeah yeah, this is Kiri, over."
"This is Usopp, but—w-we've encountered enemies, over!"
"Ah, gotcha. Congrats."
"Not congrats at all! Kiri, where are you guys right now? H-Help us!"
"Luffy can handle it. Plus, you're the expert at rear support. Just stay calm and snipe—that's all you need."
"I know that in my head, but knowing and doing are different, right?"
"Hey, Usopp, try out that new gear. Perfect timing."
"O-Okay..."
Hearing Kiri's easygoing voice might have shifted something. Usopp's shouts gradually steadied.
Pushing a bit further, Kiri murmured gently.
"You're a real pirate now. Running here means going to sea was pointless."
"Ugh... Yeah, that's true."
"We all think you can do it—that's why we invited you aboard. Give it your best."
"...Alright!"
There was definite determination in his voice.
Still seated, Kiri chuckled softly as Usopp's tone changed.
Negative and pessimistic as he was, Usopp wasn't weak. His sniping skills stood out—whether from bloodline or hard work, the prowess he'd shown earlier was worthy of any pirate crew's marksman. All he needed was the confidence to wield it.
It wasn't casual encouragement; Kiri genuinely wished for his growth.
The words weren't wasted. Usopp replied with spirit.
"I-I'll show 'em what I can do! Listen, Kiri, I'll protect Luffy! You just sit tight!"
"Roger, Captain. It's all yours."
"But seriously, just support from afar, please!"
"Ahaha, that's more like you. Deep breaths, relax."
The call ended, and Kiri pocketed the Den Den Mushi. By then, he was alone outside.
He wasn't worried. He knew they wouldn't die.
Standing, Kiri followed the others into the castle. No rush—he climbed the steps slowly, enjoying the scenery.
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