Chapter 51 – Kaya’s thoughts

"Really amazing, truly worthy of the power Arton-san has given to Carina."

"To be able to summon such thunder."

"It's just like being a god who controls thunder."

Kaya's eyes widened in admiration as she gazed at the photo on the diary copy.

"If I had such power, I could freely roam the seas."

"I wonder when Arton-san will come to Syrup Village."

"He hasn't mentioned my name much lately."

"Could it be that he has forgotten about me?"

As Kaya thought this, she couldn't help but feel a bit worried.

With the diary points provided by the diary copy, Kaya's physical strength has even surpassed that of Usopp from the same village.

This made Kaya think that she must thank Arton in person no matter what.

If Arton does not come to Syrup Village, Kaya would be quite troubled.

While Kaya was worrying, the conversation between Merry and Captain Kuro reached her ears, now enhanced by the diary points.

"What are Merry and Klahadore discussing?"

From the second floor of the mansion, Kaya frowned slightly and walked to the window to look down at Captain Kuro and the butler Merry in the courtyard.

Arton had already identified Klahadore as Captain Kuro, providing sufficient evidence.

And since Arton's diary copy indeed granted Kaya incredible powers, even if Kaya found it hard to believe that Klahadore was Captain Kuro, she inadvertently became somewhat suspicious of him.

Under such circumstances, she began observing and probing Klahadore more in her daily life.

With her physical functions enhanced by the diary points, Kaya's senses became much sharper.

After observing for a few days, she indeed noticed some behaviors of Klahadore that didn't fit those of a butler.

Therefore, when she heard the conversation between Merry and Klahadore,

Kaya immediately shifted her attention to it.

"Merry, did you say someone has been asking about Miss Kaya recently?"

Disguised as a butler, Captain Kuro pushed up his glasses and asked Merry with a frown.

"Yes, Klahadore."

"I don't know why, but it seems the navy is investigating a girl named Kaya."

"However, I'm sure they're not investigating our Miss."

"After all, our Miss has hardly ever left Syrup Village."

Merry laughed and said to Captain Kuro.

"You're too careless, Merry."

"Since it's related to Miss."

"We should be on full alert."

"If the navy wants to investigate Miss Kaya, you should have asked them why they are investigating."

Captain Kuro's brow furrowed even more, speaking seriously.

Having been a pirate, Kuro had arranged for a double to take his place and be sent to navy prison.

But with this matter involving the navy, especially at a time when he was planning his scheme, Captain Kuro naturally felt somewhat anxious.

"This... you do have a point."

"I'm sorry, Klahadore."

"Next time I go out to buy supplies, I'll be careful."

Merry thought Klahadore was just genuinely concerned about Kaya and quickly nodded.

"Speaking of which, Miss Kaya's condition has been improving remarkably lately."

"Klahadore, you must have noticed too."

"It's wonderful, I think Miss Kaya's illness might even be cured soon."

Suddenly, Merry's expression lightened, and she spoke to Captain Kuro with a light laugh.

Hearing this, Klahadore gave Merry a deep look.

Then, as if he sensed something, he looked towards the second-floor window of the mansion with a fierce gaze, like a wildcat on the hunt.

There, Kaya was watching Kuro and Merry with furrowed brows.

Kaya was startled by Kuro's gaze, but she still managed to smile warmly and waved at Kuro.

Kuro nodded slightly and then walked away towards the distance.

'This woman, her body is indeed starting to recover slowly.'

'Could her illness be healing?'

'And lately, the way she looks at me, seems to be mixed with something else?'

Kuro thought, his brows tightly knitted together.

After a while, Kuro thought firmly: 'The plan, it must proceed.'

On the other side, Kaya leaned against the window, patting her chest forcefully.

"That was... such a scary look?"

"Klahadore, to show me such a gaze?"

Kaya pursed her lips, her suspicion of Klahadore growing stronger in her heart.

Shortly after, a knock on the door suddenly sounded.

"Miss Kaya, it's me, Merry."

"Merry, come in quickly."

Hearing Merry's voice, Kaya's face lit up with a gentle smile again. She trotted over to the door to open it for Merry.

"Miss Kaya, you look very well today."

Merry, looking at Kaya, couldn't help but brighten at her appearance. He was genuinely pleased for Kaya's condition.

"Thank you, Merry. Did you manage to do what I asked you to?"

"Of course, I've found and brought back the wanted posters of pirates from the town."

"That's great. Does it include the wanted posters that were canceled by the navy in the past?"

"Indeed, after all, it was a task you entrusted to me, Miss Kaya. But, may I ask, what do you need these for?"

"I just want to take a look and keep them as a collection."

"Collecting? That's quite a unique hobby, Miss Kaya."

"Hehe! Maybe it's because I'm feeling better. Oh, and make sure not to tell Klahadore about this little hobby of mine; I don't want too many people to know about it."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Thank you, Merry. You can go now. I want to take a look at these wanted posters."

"Then, Miss Kaya, please take your time."

Although Merry found Kaya's hobby strange, he had nothing to say as long as Kaya was happy.

What he didn't know was...

Kaya had asked him to bring back wanted posters from other places entirely because she wanted to know about Captain Kuro's wanted poster through this method.

The reason she didn't ask Merry to look specifically for Captain Kuro's wanted poster, but rather for a whole set of wanted posters from the East Blue, was because Kaya worried that Merry might become alarmed upon seeing Kuro's picture on his wanted poster.

This might lead Merry to give away clues that could alert the dangerous Captain Kuro to their suspicions.

According to Arton, Captain Kuro is a very dangerous pirate.

If Klahadore truly is Captain Kuro...

Kaya didn't want to expose herself until she was absolutely sure she could handle Captain Kuro.

Luckily, Merry is a reliable person.

Following Kaya's instructions, he simply collected the wanted posters without looking at them or revealing anything to Klahadore.

"Let's see what we have here."

Kaya locked her door, took a deep breath, opened the envelope, and started to go through the stack of wanted posters.

***

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