The next day started peacefully. Too peacefully.
Kai was lounging on the deck, sunglasses on, feet up, enjoying the sun like a man who earned a break. The stream was running in chill mode, broadcasting seagull noises and lazy conversations.
[Stream: LIVE — "Vibes on the Grand Line 🌊"]
[Viewers: 10.8M]
[Chat: "Slice of life filler episode?" / "Kai actually relaxing?? impossible" / "Nami looks too calm, danger incoming 😭"]
Kai chuckled. "I swear, chat, not every day has to end in chaos."
The sea agreed for about five minutes.
Then came the scream.
"PIRATE SHIP! STARBOARD SIDE!" Usopp yelled from the crow's nest.
Kai sighed, lowering his shades. "And there it is."
Luffy jumped to his feet, eyes shining. "Let's go meet them!"
Nami groaned. "No, we're not—Luffy! Stop!"
It was too late.
The pirate ship drew closer — sleek, black sails, and a skull with wings painted across the flag. Its crew leaned over the railing, waving with far too much enthusiasm.
One of them shouted, "We come in peace! Mostly!"
Kai muttered, "That's comforting."
A woman leaped onto the Merry before anyone could react — landing gracefully, red coat flowing behind her. She was tall, confident, and far too pretty for a random enemy pirate.
She smiled. "Name's Scarlett. Captain of the Red Vane Pirates."
Luffy grinned. "Cool! Wanna join us for lunch?"
Kai blinked. "You just invited a stranger who jumped onto our ship."
"Yeah!" Luffy said proudly.
Nami facepalmed.
[Chat: "Luffy being Luffy 😂" / "Kai's done with everyone" / "New girl = future harem member?? 👀"]
Scarlett chuckled, looking around. "You lot are strange. Most crews would be pointing cannons right now."
Kai shrugged. "We're too used to chaos to be surprised anymore."
She turned to him, intrigued. "And you are?"
He grinned. "Kai. The ship's… part-time entertainer, part-time chaos manager."
"Ah," she said. "So you're the funny one."
"Funny and handsome," he corrected.
"Confident too," she teased.
[System: Unknown Affection +1]
[New Entry: Scarlett — Pirate Captain / Potential Ally / ???]
Sanji, of course, was immediately on his knees. "Scarlett-swan! A beauty such as yourself graces our humble ship!"
Kai rolled his eyes. "And there goes our dignity."
Zoro snorted. "Did we ever have any?"
Over lunch, Scarlett explained that her ship had been damaged by a sea king. They needed supplies — and she offered to pay in information.
"Word is," she said, swirling her drink, "a warlord's been moving in secret lately. Someone called Crocodile."
The table went quiet. Vivi's hand trembled slightly.
Kai met her gaze — the unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Looks like trouble's already ahead of us," he said quietly.
Later, as the sun set, Scarlett approached Kai by the railing.
"You're not just a sailor, are you?" she asked.
Kai smirked. "Depends who's asking."
She leaned closer, eyes glinting. "Someone who's good at keeping secrets."
He hesitated — the system humming faintly in warning.
[Alert: Risk of Exposure — Maintain Cover.]
He smiled coolly. "Let's just say I like to watch the world through a different lens."
Scarlett chuckled. "Mysterious. I like that."
[System: Scarlett Affection +3]
From behind them, Nami's voice cut in. "Kai, are you flirting again?"
Kai turned, startled. "No, I was—uh—"
Scarlett winked at Nami. "Just talking business."
Nami's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Right."
[System: Nami Affection -1]
[Chat (Private Mode): "HE'S DEAD 💀" / "Nami jealousy arc started" / "Scarlett too smooth with it 😭"]
That night, after Scarlett's crew finished repairs and left, Kai sat by the mast, checking his system feed.
[Mission Update: "The Desert Kingdom's Secret" — Stage 2 Unlocked.]
[Objective: Reach Little Garden.]
He leaned back, exhaling. "New island, new chaos. Just another day."
The sea was quiet again — the calm before whatever madness waited next.
[End of Chapter 22 — "The Uninvited Guest."]