Nami and Makino walked on either side of Leo, their arms linked with his in a familiar, intimate way. The sight of the three of them disembarking was enough to make Usopp's long nose twitch with curiosity and What are you doing here?!" he demanded, his voice cracking slightly. They didn't look like typical pirates, but he had to ask.
Leo didn't caution.
Seeing them come ashore, Usopp mustered his courage and stepped forward. "A-are you pirates?!
bother hiding it. He nodded. "We are. As for our purpose here," he began, his tone casual yet commanding, "I've heard a vicious pirate is hiding in this village. He's set his sights on a young lady from a wealthy family, plotting to steal her fortune. I'm here to deal with the scum."
Nami rolled her eyes discreetly. Just say you're here to find a beautiful woman.
The more innocent Makino, however, looked at Leo with renewed admiration, her eyes shining. So righteous, she thought.
Nani?!
Usopp was stunned. The only wealthy young lady in Syrup Village was Kaya! But who was this pirate?!
Wait.
Usopp's guard instantly went up. He'd almost been fooled! He'd lived in Syrup Village his whole life; he'd know if there were pirates here! What pirate would dare show their face with the great Captain Usopp around? The villagers thought their peace was due to their remote location, but Usopp knew the real reason was his fearsome presence!
After a quick internal monologue celebrating his own greatness, Usopp puffed out his chest. "There's no one like that here! You should leave now! Otherwise, I, the great Captain Usopp—"
His bravado was cut short as the cool, flat side of a blade came to rest against his neck. He shivered violently, a cold sweat breaking out instantly.
Holy crap, they're serious?!
"Lead the way," Leo said, his voice devoid of patience. He wasn't here to waste time on a braggart.
Feeling the deadly chill on his skin, Usopp's face turned pale. His legs trembled violently. He had no doubt that a single 'no' would result in his head hitting the ground. For all his tall tales, facing real, murderous intent was suffocating. He was utterly powerless.
"D-don't be rash! I'll take you! I'll take you!" Usopp yielded immediately, cowed by the overwhelming pressure.
Guided by a thoroughly intimidated Usopp, Leo, Nami, and Makino walked into Syrup Village. As they walked, Usopp kept stealing glances at Leo, finally gathering the nerve to ask, "S-sir... what you said earlier... was it true? Is someone really targeting Kaya?!"
Leo frowned slightly but nodded. "Yes. He's living in her house right now."
Usopp fell silent for a moment, then suddenly quickened his pace. He hadn't believed it before, but with a sword at his throat, there was no reason for this man to lie. If a pirate was really hiding in Kaya's home, she was in real danger.
Noting Usopp's sudden urgency, Leo smirked internally. If I were Usopp, with a kind, gentle, and wealthy girl like Kaya, we'd have had kids running around calling me dad by now.
Soon, they arrived before a large, imposing mansion with its gates shut tight. Clearly, this was Kaya's home. Usopp, who had been about to knock, hesitated, his doubt resurfacing. "The pirate you mentioned... is he really in there?!" As far as he knew, the butler and the other servants had been with Kaya for years.
"Your job is done. You can leave," Leo said, waving a dismissive hand.
Usopp opened his mouth to protest, but seeing the impatience in Leo's eyes, he turned and left. He didn't go far, though, hiding behind a large rock to watch what would happen next. Leo paid him no mind.
At a slight nod from Leo, Nami stepped forward and knocked firmly on the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A moment later, the door opened slowly, revealing a man dressed in servant's attire—Merry, one of Kaya's attendants.
"Mr. Merry, is that Usopp?" a soft, gentle voice called from inside the house.
Merry looked back, then opened the door wider.
Leo's gaze fell upon a young woman with short blonde hair and a face that held a touch of sickly pallor—Kaya.
Nami and Makino both looked at Kaya with curiosity. She truly had the bearing of a wealthy young lady, both in looks and demeanor. Even her illness couldn't (mask) her inherent beauty.
Nami pursed her lips. Makino's gaze was more complex.
"Miss, it's windy out. Please mind your health," a deep voice spoke from beside Kaya. A tall, slender man in a black suit with a slicked-back hairstyle—the butler, Klahadore—regarded her with feigned concern.
"Mr. Klahadore, it's just for a moment. It's fine," Kaya responded with a faint, gentle smile.
Klahadore turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Leo and the two women. A flicker of unease passed through his gaze. When his eyes met Leo's, his brow furrowed subconsciously. He felt a sliver of… danger emanating from this man.
"It's not Usopp," Kaya said, her eyes soft as she looked at the strangers. "May I ask what brings you here?"
Leo met Kaya's gaze directly, then held up two fingers with a light smile. "Miss Kaya, I'm here for two reasons."
"First, to deal with a villain who means you harm."
"Second, to cure your illness."
"Preposterous!!" Klahadore exploded with anger the moment Leo finished speaking. "There are no villains here! And you certainly don't look like a doctor!" He turned sharply. "Merry! See these guests out!"
"Klahadore," Kaya chided softly, "they are our guests. Please mind your manners."
"But Miss, they—" Klahadore cut himself off with a cold snort, saying no more, though the anxiety within him grew.
Leo shot a sidelong glance at the increasingly agitated Klahadore, a cold laugh echoing in his mind. If I weren't worried about upsetting Kaya, I'd have crushed you already, you bastard.
"Sir, please, come inside," Kaya invited, gesturing for Leo, Nami, and Makino to enter.
Inside the grand mansion's living room, Merry served tea to the three guests.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kaya got straight to the point, her voice a mixture of hope and caution. "Sir… can you really cure my illness?"
This story is rewritten version of a famous fanfic so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you .
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T/N :
Access 25 chapters in Advance on my P@treon: patreon.com/GodFic