This night was endlessly thrilling…
Bonnie nestled into Kuroda Hayate's arms and chuckled softly, "I… I'm so happy. Even though we've only known each other for a few days, I think you're a very mysterious man. I wanted to get closer to you, but I never expected things to move so fast. Don't worry, I gave myself to you willingly—and I don't expect you to take any responsibility~"
Kuroda glanced at the red rose blooming on the bedsheet, frowned slightly, and replied gently, "Don't say something so silly. I will take responsibility for you. And I'll do my best to love you."
He pressed a kiss to her forehead, noticing how she was breathing heavily and struggling to keep her eyes open. Stroking her cheek softly, he whispered, "Get some sleep. It's getting late."
Bonnie nodded lightly and turned her back to Kuroda. He hugged her from behind, knowing full well that many women preferred sleeping this way—it was like a silent ritual. But being embraced from behind by the man they love often gave them a deep sense of security.
Bonnie, however, lay there in a daze. As the warmth of passion faded, she realized just how absurd everything had been—sharing a bed with a man she barely knew. Yet there wasn't a trace of regret in her heart. She had willingly offered herself to Kuroda. After a moment of hesitation, she murmured softly, "Would you… be willing to join the Bonnie Pirates?"
The man behind her said nothing. Bonnie's heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. This was the third time Kuroda had stayed silent after such an invitation. She tried to comfort herself by imagining he'd already fallen asleep. She gave a faint smile and whispered, "Good night."
But Kuroda wasn't asleep—not even close. He stared quietly at the back of her head, captivated by her soft pink hair. A voice inside him wanted to say yes. He wanted to accept her offer. But for some reason… the words just wouldn't come out.
It wasn't that he didn't want to become a pirate. But joining her crew would expose his identity, bring bounty hunters after him, and completely ruin his secret life as an assassin. Could he really give up everything—for the woman he loved?
Kuroda wrestled with this thought for over an hour. Exhaustion crept through his entire body. Since arriving in this world—the world of One Piece—he hadn't slept for several days, fearing that if he did, he'd wake up in another strange world… or face even worse dangers.
But now, holding Bonnie in his arms, he felt a rare sense of peace. He trusted her completely. She meant him no harm. For the first time since arriving in this world, he truly relaxed—and soon, the even sound of his breathing reached Bonnie's ears.
Bonnie slowly opened her eyes. She hadn't slept at all.
Carefully, she removed Kuroda's hand from her waist, slipped out of bed naked, and stood in silence. She stared at the crimson rose on the sheets and let out a soft sigh before getting dressed.
She tiptoed to Kuroda's side, gazed at his sleeping face with conflicted emotions, and watched him for a whole hour. Then she gently kissed his forehead, leaving a small strawberry-shaped lip print. She placed a letter at the foot of the bed—and quietly left the room.
Kuroda stirred and reached out instinctively for the warm presence beside him. But the bed was empty.
He sat up instantly, scanning the room—Bonnie was gone.
Groaning, he slapped his forehead. As an assassin, how could he have failed to sense her movements? That was the price of staying awake too long—and the cost of lowering his guard around her.
"That foolish girl… Where did she run off to?"
Then he spotted the letter at the end of the bed. With a deep sigh, he slowly unfolded it. The handwriting was messy, but the words were clear:
K.H., I love you. But I know I can't have you. So I'm choosing to let go. Please don't blame yourself. Don't come looking for me. Last night was something I did of my own free will. You don't owe me anything. Please forget everything that happened. Forget me. — Future Pirate King, Bonnie.
Kuroda rubbed his forehead. He had guessed what the letter would say even before opening it. Bonnie must have been heartbroken when he didn't respond to her invitation last night.
This foolish girl. He hadn't refused her.
It was a life-changing decision, after all. But if he truly joined the Bonnie Pirates… he knew he'd never betray her. He'd dedicate himself to helping her become the future Pirate King.
Stretching lazily, Kuroda pondered his situation. Giving up his assassin career for a woman? Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. He had no interest in returning to that bloody life anyway.
And Bonnie? That silly, gluttonous girl was probably stuffing her face in some restaurant right now.
If he found her, sincerely apologized, and swallowed his pride to ask her if he could join her crew… maybe—just maybe—she wouldn't be mad anymore.