"Hmm?"
Kaya, whose eyes had been solely on Usopp before, now noticed that there were several people following behind Usopp.
"Are these people Mr. Usopp's friends?"
Being kind-hearted, she didn't think much of it.
"Friends? I suppose so."
As the most handsome person among them, Link stepped forward without hesitation, smiling as he began negotiations.
As for Luffy, who, without self-awareness, was about to step forward and speak, he was jointly suppressed by Zoro and Nami.
Such matters should be left to the more reliable Link, right?
"We heard there's a wealthy family on this island that deals in sea vessels, so we specifically came to visit, intending to purchase a good ship capable of sailing."
Link said politely, "Of course, we will definitely pay all related fees."
"Oh, so you're Guests…"
Understanding flashed in Kaya's eyes, "Then, may I be so bold as to ask what you do, and what kind of ship you need?"
"Our profession?"
Link smiled, "We are pirates, and we need a good pirate ship that can traverse the Grand Line."
After Link finished speaking, the scene fell silent for a moment.
Nami slapped her forehead, looking distressed.
Luffy, who had been suppressed, also quieted down, showing a satisfied smile.
Zoro looked normal, while Usopp rolled his eyes again, feeling as if a deep chasm had suddenly opened between Kaya and himself.
What would Kaya think, with him bringing pirates to her doorstep?!
"pirates?"
After a brief silence, Kaya's expression didn't change much; instead, she looked slightly curious.
"You don't really feel like the pirates from the rumors."
She looked Link and his group up and down; it was her first time seeing such polite pirates.
"Miss!!"
The butler, Klahadore, beside her suddenly let out a low cry and blocked Kaya's path.
"Although I don't know the identity of the other party, since they dare to call themselves pirates, they are definitely not good people, and it's even very possible that they will be detrimental to you, Miss."
Speaking of which, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and he shouted at Link and the others:
"You dirty pirates, get out of here immediately! This is not where you belong!"
At the same time, he didn't forget to accuse Usopp:
"Bringing pirates here, what exactly are your intentions? Are you colluding with pirates, planning to do something untoward to Miss?!" If this could create a rift and crack between Kaya and Usopp, that would be great.
This way, his goal could be achieved more quickly and smoothly.
Just as Butler Klahadore was thinking this, and Kaya was about to speak but hesitated, he heard:
"This isn't where pirates belong?"
Link asked, somewhat surprised, "Then why are you here?"
He looked directly at this 'Klahadore' butler.
"The captain of the Kuro Neko Pirates, a Great Pirate with a bounty of sixteen million Berries, 'Hundred Plans' Kuro?"
Kuro Neko Pirates captain? A Great Pirate with over ten million Berries? 'Hundred Plans' Kuro?
The names Link rattled off in succession made everyone in the room freeze.
"'Hundred Plans' Kuro?"
Nami frowned in thought, "I remember this was the pirate Morgan captured back then, and he was promoted because of this achievement."
"Wasn't that pirate already executed by the Marines? Why…"
Nami's words stopped abruptly before she could finish.
Suddenly, a wanted poster appeared in Link's hand, which was the wanted poster for 'Hundred Plans' Kuro.
And the photo on it was identical to the butler Klahadore in front of them!!
"Ah, the person on the wanted poster looks exactly like this uncle!!"
Luffy, who was straightforward, blurted out, "So, this uncle, you're also a pirate, aren't you?!"
After Luffy finished speaking, Nami subconsciously took a step back, and Zoro's hand rested on his sword hilt.
Butler Klahadore, or rather, 'Hundred Plans' Kuro, a sudden dark glint flashed in his eyes.
His hands, clasped behind his back, clenched slightly, but then instantly relaxed.
He had been lurking here for three years, all for a respectable identity, a new face living in the sunlight. How could he fall here?!
"No!!"
Before Kuro could organize his words, Kaya, the mistress of the house, immediately retorted:
"Mr. Klahadore is my butler; my parents rescued him three years ago, and he's been taking care of me in our home ever since!!"
"He's not a pirate at all; the portrait in the photo just looks like him!!"
Seeing Kaya so anxious to defend him, Kuro's eyes flickered, and a smug arc appeared at the corner of his mouth before quickly vanishing.
"Although I don't know where you got this photo, it's a huge mistake to try and slander me with it."
Kuro stood tall and straight, calmly saying, "I am Klahadore, the butler here. I don't know any 'Hundred Plans' Kuro."
"I personally despise pirates, especially those despicable pirates who stop at nothing to achieve their goals, even using slander to deceive and gain favor!!" He said it lightly, but the content of his words was clearly directed at Link and his group! Accusing them of shameful fabrication!