Chapter 095: A Naive and Lively Beauty—Kaya Makes Her Debut!

Suddenly, a sharp scream echoed from the merchant ship.

"Oh no! Something terrible has happened—pirates are approaching!"

The panicked cry was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing waves of terror!

"Pirates are here… We're doomed! I don't wanna die, Mom—!"

"Why are there pirates?! What's going on?!"

"I've taken this ship so many times and never encountered pirates before. Why today?!"

"A few days ago, my friend said pirates in the East Blue are increasing because of some 'Chris Pirates.' I didn't believe it then, but now… waaah!"

"I've heard about it too! It's all because of that Chris guy—his bounty surpassed 100 million, inspiring others to become pirates. How despicable!"

Inside a Luxurious Cabin

In one of the ship's lavish rooms, three men stood in silence.

"Kaya, stay in the room. Do not leave under any circumstances."

Hearing the commotion outside, Klahadore (Kuro) turned to the young girl with a stern expression.

Kaya sat gracefully on a chair, nodding obediently. "Father, don't worry. I won't run around."

Klahadore then glanced at the tall man behind her and spoke solemnly. "Merry, protect Kaya. Keep her safe."

Without hesitation, he turned to the other man—a butler—and commanded, "Sham, follow me."

The butler adjusted his glasses calmly. "Understood, Master."

Soon, the two men left, leaving only Kaya and Merry in the room.

Kaya's Innocence

Kaya clutched a book to her chest, her eyes wide with curiosity and slight fear.

"Merry… are pirates really that scary? Will we be okay?"

Merry, ever the composed butler, smiled reassuringly. "Miss, this ship has sailed safely for years without incident. There's nothing to fear."

Kaya's face brightened instantly, her gentle smile radiating warmth. "That's good! If everyone stays safe and happy, that's all that matters!"

She then tilted her head playfully. "Merry, let's go to the door and peek at the pirates! I've never seen one before!"

Merry immediately shook his head. "Miss, you just promised your father you wouldn't leave."

Kaya pouted, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Father said not to run around, but just looking from the door isn't running, right? Please, Merry~?"

Merry sighed, unable to resist her pleading. "Fine… but only for a moment, and we stay right by the door. Understood?"

Kaya beamed, clapping her hands. "Thank you, Merry! You're the best!"

A Fateful Encounter

As they stepped toward the door, it suddenly swung open—revealing a chestnut-haired woman standing outside.

"Oh!"

The two girls—Kaya and the newcomer—locked eyes.

The woman smiled warmly. "Hello there. Are you alright?"

Kaya, ever polite, bowed slightly. "Ah, yes! My name is Kaya, from Syrup Village. This is Merry, my caretaker."

Merry nodded politely. "A pleasure to meet you."

The woman chuckled softly. "I'm Makino, from Windmill Village. It's nice to meet you both."

Her expression then turned serious. "But you should be careful. There are pirates nearby."

Kaya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Makino-nee, we heard about the pirates! I've never seen one before!"

Makino couldn't help but laugh. "You remind me of a certain reckless boy from my village. He's always dreaming of becoming the Pirate King."

Shaking her head, she extended a hand. "Would you like to come with me to see what's happening? Just a quick look, then we return."

Kaya eagerly nodded. "Of course! Merry, can we?"

Merry hesitated but finally relented. "Very well… but we return immediately after."

A Gentle Bond Forms

As the three walked toward the deck, Kaya chatted animatedly.

"Makino-nee, what do you do back home?"

Makino smiled. "I run a bar in Windmill Village."

Kaya gasped in admiration. "You seem so kind and gentle! I really like you!"

Makino laughed, ruffling Kaya's hair. "And you're even more ladylike than me! I should learn from you."

Kaya blushed, giggling. "No way! You're way cooler!"

Meanwhile… On the Deck

As they reached the entrance, the distant silhouette of two ships appeared on the horizon—one a merchant vessel, the other unmistakably a pirate ship.

Merry's grip on Kaya tightened protectively.

"Miss, we should head back now."

But Kaya's eyes were fixed on the approaching ship, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

"So… those are pirates?"

Little did she know—this encounter would change her life forever.

(To be continued…)

Next Chapter: The Arrival of the Chris Pirates—A Storm Approaches!

----------

T/N:

Access 55 chapters in advance on my Patreon: p@treon.com//OnePieceChronicles

+5 Advance chapters available to all free members !