Kiri and Usopp darted across rooftops, sowing chaos among the Marines as per their plan. Pausing to catch their breath, Usopp glanced at the sea and froze. "Kiri, look! The Merry's moving!"
"The Merry? Why?" Kiri echoed, turning to see the ship drifting from the port. The plan hadn't included this. Yosaku and Johnny were supposed to secure the ship, but there was no reason for them to sail it.
Something was wrong. The plan was unraveling.
As Kiri's mind raced, Usopp muttered, "It's that Nami. She said she'd bolt if things got dicey. Bet she stole the Merry and ran."
"Nami? No way… or maybe it's not impossible," Kiri conceded.
"Damn it! What now, Kiri? No ship, no escape! Even if we mess up the Marines, we're stuck!" Usopp's voice rose with panic.
Kiri, keeping an eye on their surroundings, thought quickly. Nami's betrayal was plausible, but it didn't mean the plan was ruined. Rather than dwell on why the Merry was gone, they needed a new way off the island. If they could escape, their efforts wouldn't be wasted.
After a moment, Kiri spoke. "It's fine. I left Nami to Silk. If Nami ditched her post for the ship, Silk's definitely with her. She's on the Merry."
"And if she didn't follow?" Usopp pressed.
"No, she's there. I trust her," Kiri said firmly, sitting on the rooftop. He gestured for Usopp to join him. Reluctantly, Usopp sat, handing over the binoculars as requested.
Then, the sea rippled unnaturally. Something was emerging.
Usopp's expression shifted, and Kiri noticed, both staring as a massive panda—Sea King-sized—surfaced, its round eyes fixed on the Merry.
"W-What the hell is that?! It's huge!" Usopp stammered.
"A Sea Panda? A Grand Line creature. But that size shouldn't exist—" Kiri faltered.
For a moment, the creature stared. Then, with startling agility, it raised a massive paw, lifted the Merry, and hurled it skyward. Water sprayed, currents churned, and the ship soared out of sight, an airborne vessel with no chance to resist.
The surreal scene left them speechless, jaws dropped.
"…It's gone," Usopp whispered.
"Yeah. That was… something," Kiri replied faintly.
Seconds passed in stunned silence before Usopp erupted. "The Merry's been chucked! What about Silk? Nami? Are they okay? What's that panda doing?!"
"This is the worst… I couldn't have predicted this," Kiri admitted.
"What do we do, Kiri?! They're in trouble, and we're stranded!" Usopp cried.
The Sea Panda sank back into the depths, its intentions unclear. Its presence had thrown their plans into chaos, eliminating their escape route. Nami and Silk were likely aboard the flung Merry, assuming they hadn't been thrown off.
A change of strategy was urgent. Kiri forced calm, scanning the port. "There's still a ship."
"What? The Merry's long gone—" Usopp began.
"Not the Merry. Our pursuers kindly provided one," Kiri said, pointing to the Navy warship.
"You're gonna steal a Navy ship?!" Usopp gaped, paling.
Kiri grinned, unfazed. "They picked a fight with us. They should expect some losses. Time to teach them that."
"I think I'll die of shock before we escape…" Usopp muttered.
"Then let's get off this island. We'll need a diversion for that Sea Panda," Kiri said, standing. Usopp scrambled up, and they moved toward the port via the rooftops.
Their chaos-spreading run had left them some distance from the port, but it wasn't far. The challenge was avoiding detection. Speed was critical—the plan's final phase was here.
They needed to leave Marines behind in the town, seize the ship, and slip away quietly. But as they moved, Marines climbed onto the roof, spotting them.
"There they are!" a Marine shouted.
"Eek! We're caught!" Usopp yelped, flinching.
Kiri was already moving—not toward the port, but to intercept. He closed in on the lead Marine, forming a paper sword and slashing. Blood sprayed as a kick sent the man tumbling off the roof.
Usopp gasped as Kiri mercilessly cut through the squad. His usual gentle demeanor was gone, replaced by ruthless precision. The Marines, unprepared, fell in under a minute. Usopp stood frozen, stunned by Kiri's strength.
"Don't get in our way," Kiri said coolly, glancing at the cowering Marines before turning to the port. "Come on, Usopp. No time to play."
"Y-Yeah," Usopp stammered. "Play? You're scarier than the Navy…"
Kiri leapt between roofs, occasionally helping Usopp, who struggled to keep up. No further pursuit came—the Marines they'd passed were too shaken to follow.
They reached the port swiftly. From the rooftop, they saw several Marines down, with Yosaku and Johnny soaked nearby. The scene was calm.
Using his paper ability, Kiri lowered them to the ground. They rushed to Yosaku and Johnny, who were frantic.
"Kiri-aniki! Usopp-aniki!" Johnny cried.
"It's bad! Nami-neesan stole the ship, and a mountain-sized panda threw it!" Yosaku blurted.
"Calm down. We saw most of it," Kiri said, his gaze steadying them. "We're escaping now. Yosaku, find Zoro in town. He's probably lost and alone."
"Got it!" Yosaku nodded, sprinting off.
"Johnny, Usopp, with me. We're taking a ship," Kiri said.
"More fighting?" Usopp groaned, but the decision was final.
As Yosaku ran, Kiri led Usopp and Johnny to the warship. Despite their unease, Kiri pressed forward confidently.
"We're attacking the ship?" Johnny asked.
"Yeah. It's faster to chase the Merry. Where's your boat?" Kiri replied.
"Over there," Johnny pointed to a small boat, indistinguishable from civilian vessels, far from the warship.
"That'll work too," Kiri noted.
"How do we escape with that panda out there?" Usopp asked.
"A diversion. We hope it works," Kiri said.
"That's it? I'm liking this less and less," Usopp muttered.
"That thing's beyond us. Escaping's all we've got," Kiri admitted.
At the warship's base, Kiri spread paper around his arms, forming massive limbs. Before Usopp or Johnny could react, he grabbed them tightly.
"Hey, Kiri, hold on! We're in a rush, but we've got time—" Usopp protested.
"Aniki, at least explain—" Johnny pleaded.
"Here we go!" Kiri shouted, hurling them skyward onto the warship's deck.
Leaping up himself, Kiri landed first, slashing through Marines with his paper sword. Blood sprayed, their screams cut short by his speed. Usopp and Johnny landed with a thud, shaken but unharmed, as Kiri continued his assault.
In seconds, he carved through the twenty-strong crew, leaving most writhing in pain. Among the unscathed were Coby and Helmeppo, recently rejoined with the unit, now caught in the attack.
Kiri paused, standing tall. As Usopp and Johnny hit the deck, the remaining Marines drew weapons.
"Kiri-san…" Coby faltered.
"You again!" Helmeppo snarled.
"Here to take your ship," Kiri said bluntly, raising a massive paper arm. With a lariat-like swing, he sent the remaining Marines flying overboard, their screams mingling with water spouts.
The ship was theirs. Kiri calmly tossed the defeated Marines into the sea, his smile chilling. Usopp and Johnny, nursing bruises, protested.
"Kiri, you heartless bastard! I said I didn't want this!" Usopp yelled.
"You're insane! I thought we were dead!" Johnny added.
"Relax, we got the ship. No need to fuss," Kiri said, brushing them off.
The deck was theirs alone. Kiri surveyed the warship. "Prepare to sail. We'll move off the port before they regroup."
"What about Luffy and the others?" Usopp asked.
"Luffy can catch up. First, we keep the enemy at bay. Stay close to the port but not too far," Kiri instructed.
Johnny and Usopp scrambled to work, Kiri manipulating paper to aid the massive ship's operation. It wasn't built for three, demanding immense effort.
Enemies could strike any moment. No time for rest. Slowly, the ship moved, a miracle no Marines had boarded yet, too busy aiding their wounded comrades.
They sailed just far enough from the port, careful not to drift too far. As they paused, Johnny glanced back at the town. "Think they'll make it? Zoro-aniki's in danger."
"We're betting on Yosaku. Honestly, Luffy's no better," Kiri said.
"That's even worse!" Usopp groaned.
"It'll work out. First, we secure this ship—" Kiri stopped, sensing danger.
Turning, he saw a figure descending, clad in a justice coat, hat low, sword sheathed but ready—Bogard, his skill proven in their last clash.
Their reunion was charged. His eyes burned with killing intent. Kiri unleashed paper, ready for battle. Usopp and Johnny froze, unable to react.
Paper swirled around Kiri, poised to intercept. His priority: keep Bogard off the ship. Leaping into the air, he formed a massive paper scythe, spinning to strike.
He aimed true, but Bogard kicked the air—pop, pop—dodging with Geppo. The strange sound confirmed rumors Kiri had heard on the Grand Line: Navy elites used bizarre techniques to fly.
His scythe missed. Kiri scattered the paper, halting its fall to stand midair, his light weight aiding him. Bogard, using Geppo, hovered, and they faced off in the sky.
"Cloud Paper," Kiri intoned.
"Flying… no wonder he wasn't shocked," Bogard said, referring to Zoro.
"You mean Zoro, right?" Kiri replied.
"Watching you, I've decided one thing," Bogard said, kicking the air to stay aloft. Kiri gripped his swords, ready.
"You can't be left alive. No matter what Vice Admiral Garp says, for the future, you need to die here," Bogard declared.
"Think so? Be my guest," Kiri shot back.
Words were few, their resolves set.
I'll kill him here, Kiri thought, for the crew. Bogard, for the world's stability, felt the same. Recognizing each other's threat, they knew a future clash was inevitable unless settled now.
They glared, then moved. Bogard charged, kicking the air. Kiri leapt higher, recalling his paper to float around him. Bogard pursued without pause.
Strange ability—not Logia, but an odd Paramecia. His movements show serious training, Bogard noted.
Kiri reached his peak, falling. Bogard attacked from below. Kiri, swords ready, welcomed close combat, but Bogard's speed—faster than before—caught him off guard. Unable to track, Kiri was sliced apart in an instant, over ten slashes spraying blood. His strength faded, body slumping.
Usopp and Johnny, watching from the ship, gaped in horror. "Kiri?!" Usopp screamed.
"Aniki!" Johnny shouted.
Kiri's blood-soaked form looked lifeless, falling limp. Bogard pursued, kicking the air, certain it wasn't over. He had to finish it.
His instinct was right. Kiri's eyes snapped open, glaring with defiance. His strength surged back.
He's too dangerous, Bogard thought, tightening his grip. "You chose piracy. Forgive me."
Aiming for Kiri's heart, Bogard thrust with bullet-like speed. Kiri raised his left arm, whether by intent or chance, diverting the blade to his shoulder. Bogard's eyes widened—Kiri had reacted.
Grinning, Kiri exploited the moment. His paper swarmed Bogard, binding him. Trying to pull free, Bogard found his sword stuck, Kiri's paper arm and shoulder gripping it tightly. As a Paramecia, Kiri's body—skin, muscle, even cells—was paper, trained to trap weapons. Pain meant nothing if it sealed the enemy's actions.
More paper wrapped Bogard, grounding him. Seizing the moment, Kiri raised his right arm. Since gaining his ability, he'd hidden his full arsenal to catch foes off guard. Now was the time.
His right arm whitened, paper spiking outward, fingers sharpening. Iron-hard, it was a lethal weapon. "Paper Bite—"
The strike pierced Bogard's chest, blood spraying, splattering Kiri's face. Bogard coughed, blood spilling.
Caught off guard, Bogard hadn't read the attack. Kiri's transformation distracted him, a costly mistake. Gritting his teeth, Bogard assessed: his left arm and legs were bound, immobile. To break free, he swung his sword with brute force, tearing through Kiri's arm, ripping flesh and severing half his forearm.
Blood rained, Kiri's shock overriding pain. Bogard spun his sword, aiming for Kiri's chest at point-blank range. Kiri tugged his stuck arm, but Bogard's muscle held it fast. His left arm, useless from blood loss, hung limp.
The tables turned.
"Payback!" Bogard roared, plunging his sword into Kiri's chest. The blade pierced through, blood leaking from Kiri's mouth.
In less than a minute, the brutal exchange left Usopp and Johnny speechless, unable to intervene. They watched as both fell to the sea.
"Kiri!" Usopp screamed.
"That monster… he took down Aniki!" Johnny cried.
Rushing to the railing, they saw Bogard holding Kiri's limp form, his arm free, slick with blood and seawater. Kiri couldn't resist, barely afloat. Bogard stared, disbelieving.
Such a desperate fight—Kiri's resolve was terrifying. Bogard's chest wound, far from shallow, made breathing agonizing. "An incredible fight. I underestimated you," he rasped.
"Don't touch him!" Johnny roared, leaping from the ship, sword raised, teeth bared.
Bogard dodged, leaping from the water as Johnny splashed in. Pulling Kiri up, Bogard used Geppo to rise, exhaling heavily. "This is our fight. Stay out of it—"
His arm was grabbed. Kiri, gripping with his bloodied right hand, glared with bone-crushing force. Still alive, his left arm—half-severed—spiked with paper, poised to strike. His relentless will shook Bogard.
He must die now. Bogard swung, smashing Kiri's jaw with his sword hilt. A knee to the gut sent Kiri flying.
A meter apart, Bogard aimed for Kiri's head, ready to end it. One more strike—destroy his brain.
As he swung, a bullet from the ship struck his face, exploding. Caught off guard, Bogard plummeted.
"Johnny! Get Kiri aboard!" Usopp shouted.
"Now!" Johnny replied, swimming to Kiri and hauling him to the ship.
Kiri's motionless form looked dead, eyes closed, body bloodied—shoulder pierced, arm mangled. Usopp checked his breathing, confirming he was alive, but barely. The wounds were horrific.
He'd fought so fiercely for them. Usopp, shaking off fear, looked to Johnny. "We have to protect him now."
"Johnny, grab all the medical supplies! Hurry, or he'll die!" Usopp urged.
"Right!" Johnny ran, disappearing into the ship.
Waiting was torture. Kiri's state tore at Usopp's heart, fear of losing him creeping in despite his efforts to stay strong.
Kiri stirred, voice faint. "Usopp…"
"You're okay, Kiri. Hold on, Johnny's getting supplies," Usopp said, voice trembling.
Kiri's weak breaths sounded wrong, a gurgling in his chest. Usopp, no medic, didn't know what to do—just kept encouraging him.
"Am I… still alive?" Kiri whispered.
"Of course! Johnny's coming. Don't die, we've got you," Usopp said, tears welling.
"Thanks… I'm counting on you," Kiri rasped.
His breathing was labored, each word a struggle. Usopp stayed close, unable to do more, tears unstoppable.
"I'm so frustrated…" Kiri murmured, eyes barely open. "Thought I'd gotten stronger, but I'm useless again. Sorry, Usopp… I messed up."
"What are you saying? You saved us from that guy. We're here because of you. We're the ones saying thanks," Usopp countered.
"Yeah…?" Kiri managed.
"Yeah. So don't say lonely stuff. We need you," Usopp insisted.
A thud interrupted. Usopp turned slowly to see Bogard, drenched, standing on the railing, staring coldly.
How was he standing? Kiri had pierced his chest. Even for a monster, moving was impossible. Yet Bogard stood, resolute.
Fear was natural, but Usopp didn't run. Standing with his slingshot, he shielded Kiri. He knew he couldn't win, but abandoning his crew wasn't an option. This was duty, not fear.
Bogard, silent, raised his sword, his tenacity terrifying. He was ready to kill Kiri despite his own mortal wounds.
"I'm a coward, so scared I could pass out…" Usopp muttered, loading a pellet.
He looked away, vulnerable, but Bogard didn't strike. Perhaps he respected Usopp's foolish bravery, waiting for the weak to stand as a warrior.
"I can't abandon the guy who risked his life for us. The pirate I wanted to be doesn't ditch his crew. I went to sea to be a brave warrior who protects his nakama!" Usopp declared, raising his slingshot.
Bogard readied his sword in response.
"You'll never forget me! I'm Captain Usopp, sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, crew of the future Pirate King!"
A roar erupted, water exploding as the Sea Panda resurfaced, its round eyes fixed on the ship, drenching them in a sudden downpour.
---------------------------------------------
🚀 Want more?
📖 On Patreon you can read 20+ chapters ahead, plus there will be exclusive stories available only there.
💖 If you'd like to support me, check it out: patreon.com/Greyhounds
🔓 Patreon will always stay ahead of the public release — and some stories won't be published anywhere else.
✨ All support is completely optional — even if you don't join, I'm still grateful to have you here reading!