East Blue.
Syrup Village.
Usopp's hometown.
With shoulder-length, soft blonde hair, bright eyes, fair skin, and a slender waist that could be encircled with a single arm, Kaya was deeply immersed in studying a medical textbook.
Ever since spotting the back of Usopp's head on a wanted poster, Kaya had grown even more diligent in her studies.
The thought of someday bandaging Usopp's wounds filled her heart with joy.
As Kaya studied earnestly, immersed in her sweet and hopeful fantasies, Sora was simultaneously arriving in Syrup Village to secure his own future "happiness."
Kaya, despite appearing early in the story with minimal page-time, had captured the attention of many with her gentle demeanor and striking beauty.
Naturally, Sora was among her admirers.
He had no real quarrel with Usopp, but he didn't mind snatching what he wanted. Even Nami and Robin were targets, so naturally, Kaya wouldn't escape his attention.
Truthfully, he preferred a gentler approach with someone as delicate as Kaya.
Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right. Had he arrived earlier, perhaps saving her from that scheming butler, he could've smoothly invited her aboard without any drama.
"Young Master, according to the villagers, Kaya lives over there," Anna informed Sora as she approached, dressed in her backless maid outfit and taking refuge from the harsh sun beneath the large umbrella held by Shalria.
The weather today was brutally hot, prompting Shalria to follow Sora closely with a large sunshade. Behind them, Reiju, Nojiko, and Makino each carried their own parasols to block the glaring sun.
"Alright, lead the way."
"Yes, Young Master."
Before long, they arrived outside an impressively grand mansion.
There was no denying it—Kaya was genuinely wealthy. Just her luxurious home alone must've cost a fortune.
Moments after ringing the doorbell, Sora was greeted by an "old acquaintance"—Merry.
Merry eyed the unfamiliar visitors warily. "Hello, may I ask whom you're looking for?"
Ignoring Merry's hesitation, Sora smiled and walked straight into the house, casually settling onto a plush sofa inside.
Shalria quickly folded away her umbrella, retrieved tea utensils and tea leaves from Makino, and prepared a cup of chilled tea for Sora.
After extensive training, Shalria and Anna had become perfectly adept at their maid duties.
Reiju, Nojiko, and Makino also took seats on the sofa, curiously looking around the elegant room, eager to see the kind of girl who had drawn Sora all the way here to "take" her.
Anna swiftly pinned Merry against the wall by his neck, smiling sweetly.
"Bring your young lady here. Our Young Master wishes to meet her."
Merry struggled briefly, shocked at Anna's surprising strength. Unable to break free, he nervously asked, "What business do you have with Miss Kaya?"
Sora took a sip of tea, calmly replying, "I'm here to invite your young lady to join my crew."
Merry was about to protest when he suddenly glanced towards the stairs leading to the second floor.
"I'll go with you. Just let Merry go."
A gentle voice sounded from above as Kaya descended the staircase, dressed in an elegant cream-colored gown.
An avid reader of newspapers, Kaya immediately recognized Sora as the infamous criminal who had slain a Celestial Dragon, with a bounty reaching 1.5 billion berries. The paper she held detailed his attacks on East Blue naval bases and his recent murder of Goa Kingdom's king.
These events painted Sora clearly as a dangerous criminal. If she wanted Merry unharmed, surrender was her only option.
What a gentle and lovely young lady.
Reiju, Nojiko, and Makino brightened at Kaya's delicate appearance, instantly understanding why Sora had targeted her.
She was so sweet and gentle—even they felt immediately drawn to her.
Makino quickly approached Kaya, tenderly holding her hand. "You look so frail, dear. Have you been eating properly?"
Perhaps sensing Makino's motherly warmth and kindness, Kaya instinctively answered, "Yes."
Overhearing their conversation, Sora felt strangely amused. It seemed vaguely familiar—like he'd heard this conversation somewhere before.
"Since Miss Kaya has agreed, let's go. Makino, Anna, help her pack her daily necessities."
Finishing his tea, Sora stood and headed toward the door. Shalria, Reiju, and Nojiko hurried after him. Now that Kaya had agreed, he saw no reason to linger further.
"Miss Kaya…" Merry called out worriedly.
He now recognized Sora and understood that resistance would only endanger Kaya.
"Merry, I know what I'm doing," Kaya reassured him with a soft smile. Perhaps influenced by Makino's gentle presence, she felt strangely confident that these visitors wouldn't harm her.
"Don't worry, Mr. Merry, we won't hurt Kaya," Makino assured him gently, signaling Anna to release Merry.
Turning to Kaya, Makino asked, "Miss Kaya, is there anything you need to bring along?"
"I do have some books..." Kaya replied hesitantly.
…
In Kaya's study, Makino efficiently stored all the necessary books into her dimensional storage.
"Makino, you're a Devil Fruit user?" Kaya asked in surprise upon witnessing her ability.
Makino laughed softly. "You'll become a Devil Fruit user too, soon enough. You're so adorable; Sora will definitely choose an exceptional fruit for you."
"Really?" Kaya's eyes brightened with anticipation.
"Of course," Makino confirmed warmly.
Kaya hesitated, then cautiously asked, "Makino, are you very close with Mr. Sora?"
"Uh… I suppose you could say that," Makino replied uncertainly, recalling the "sword lessons" she had with Sora.
"When did you join his ship?"
"Just a few days ago."
"The news said Mr. Sora killed a Celestial Dragon. Is that true?" Kaya asked quietly.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I suppose it's true because…"
"Because of what?" Kaya prompted curiously.
"Because Miss Shalria—the woman wearing that special collar next to Sora—is actually a Celestial Dragon herself."
Makino's words jolted Kaya's memory. Indeed, the maid next to Sora, who wore that peculiar collar, looked exactly like the abducted Celestial Dragon, Shalria.
Finally, Kaya posed her last question, "Then Makino, why did you decide to follow Mr. Sora?"
"Um… Actually, he kidnapped me onto his ship, too."
Kaya: "..."
_____Important_____
I've spent all week translating and editing up to Chapter 150 because I love this book. Now let's play a game: if you think it deserves to reach the top of the Power Stone leaderboard within 24 hours, Give Power Stones—500 for one chapter per hour; 400 for one chapter every two hours; 300 for one chapter every three hours; 200 for one chapter every four hours; or 100 for one chapter every five hours. Do you think that's a fair deal?