21 Chapter 21 – Kaya’s crisis

"Having wisdom comparable to Benn Beckman?"

"However, according to Arton, his actions don't seem all that wise."

"Or is it that his vision isn't broad enough, thus limiting his ideas for making wealth?"

Gion rested her chin in her hand, looking at the diary copy with interest.

Beside her, there was a wanted poster for Kuro.

She had obtained it while reading the diary copy, requesting it from a naval soldier.

Initially, Gion wasn't particularly concerned about Kuro.

However, when Arton mentioned "Axe-Hand Morgan," Gion changed her mind.

If Kuro could hypnotize "Axe-Hand Morgan," then Kuro might also possess significant strength.

This was Gion's thought.

And seeing Arton compare Kuro with Benn Beckman of the Red-Haired Pirates.

Gion regarded Kuro even more highly.

At this moment, her purpose for heading to the East Blue was not just to find Arton.

Apart from Arton, "Axe-Hand Morgan," Kuro, and even the daughter of Red-Haired were on her search list.

"Why can't this man ever finish what he's saying?"

"Where exactly did this Kuro go to amass wealth?"

"And who exactly is 'Axe-Hand Morgan'?"

"Even Uta is only known to have stayed in the Island of Music."

"Whether she is still there is also unknown."

"Writing a diary, shouldn't all things be clearly written?"

Gion sighed, her resentment towards Arton growing a bit more.

On the other side, Syrup Village.

'Spending three years to gain trust and amass wealth?!'

'Could it be referring to Klahadore?!'

Kaya's eyes widened as she stealthily glanced at the butler Klahadore nearby.

She thought it over, and if there was someone who could match the description of Captain Kuro that Arton mentioned, it could only be her butler, Klahadore.

'It can't be, how could Klahadore possibly be Captain Kuro.'

'What Arton mentioned must be someone else.'

Kaya shook her head, continuing to bury herself in the medical book under Klahadore's puzzled gaze.

[Speaking of which, besides intelligence, Captain Kuro is also quite skilled in combat.]

[His self-developed technique "Nukiashi" and the Navy's Six Powers technique "Soru" are comparable in terms of speed.]

[No wonder he could roam the East Blue for so many years.]

[Unfortunately, "Nukiashi" has a fatal flaw; every time he uses "Nukiashi," he can't distinguish between friend and foe.]

[This causes him to have to distance his comrades and fight alone every time he wants to use "Nukiashi."]

[It's uncertain if continuing as a pirate will make him stronger in the future.]

[He probably will, though. Even now, in retirement, he never forgets combat.]

[The habit he developed of pushing up his glasses with the palm of his hand, because his weapon is a glove fitted with ten blades he still maintains even after retirement.]

[This shows he still possesses a combat mindset...]

'The way of pushing up glasses?!'

Kaya blinked and turned to look at Klahadore.

And at that moment, Klahadore was precisely pushing up his glasses with the palm of his hand.

'Is it true?!'

Kaya exclaimed in shock.

"What's wrong, Miss Kaya?"

"Is there something on me?"

Klahadore pushed his glasses up with his palm again and asked in confusion.

"Nothing."

Kaya hurriedly shook her head.

Seeing Kaya's condition, Klahadore's brows furrowed immediately.

"Miss Kaya, you're not quite yourself today."

"Perhaps you're too tired."

"Let's not read the medical book today."

Klahadore closed the window, then walked over to Kaya and took the medical book from her.

This action, which had happened often before, shouldn't have seemed strange to Kaya.

But after reading Arton's diary, facing Klahadore again, she instinctively flinched.

"Miss Kaya, I've placed the medical book on your desk."

"Rest for today."

"I'll take care of you again tomorrow."

Klahadore looked at Kaya with a slight frown, then stood up and walked to the door, saying to her.

"Wait, Klahadore, I have something I want to ask you."

Kaya, unwilling to believe that Klahadore, who had taken care of her for many years, was Captain Kuro seeking her wealth, quickly tried to stop Klahadore to clarify.

"What is it, Miss Kaya? Do you have any other instructions?"

Klahadore asked in confusion.

"I..."

Kaya pursed her lips, her gaze inadvertently falling on the diary copy.

[Captain Kuro, perhaps now should be referred to as Klahadore.]

[I hope Kaya doesn't ask Klahadore about his habit of pushing up his glasses with his palm.]

[That guy is likely to be very sensitive about this question.]

[Kaya is really a poor little girl.]

[Fortunately, she has more than just Captain Kuro as a butler.]

[The other butler, Merry, truly cares about Kaya.]

[Captain Kuro is truly ruthless; when implementing his plan in the future, he didn't hesitate to strike down his colleague Merry, who had worked with him for many years.]

[He even crushed the brand-new glasses that Kaya had prepared as a gift for him.]

[As a pirate, he is thorough, utterly heartless.]

***

300 power stones = 1 extra chapter