Kaya blinked.
"Merry's designed ship?"
She clearly didn't understand why Adrian would make such a strange request.
After all…
Could Merry even design ships?
She wasn't actually sure.
"Merry, are you willing?" Kaya asked hesitantly.
"As long as Miss Kaya wishes it, I have no objections," Merry said gently, bowing his head.
His answer made his position clear—
he agreed.
"Then… I agree to your request," Kaya said softly.
But then—
"I have a request as well. You must let Usopp go."
Her voice was delicate and trembling, but because the negotiation had gone surprisingly smoothly, she seemed to gain a bit of confidence.
Unfortunately—
"Miss Kaya, I don't think you understand your position."
Adrian couldn't help but laugh.
"You are in no position to negotiate with me."
"The only reason you're even sitting here talking to me is because I'm too kind. That's why I'm giving you this chance."
"But if you don't want to negotiate…"
He leaned forward slightly, eyes turning cold.
"Then I can show you how bandits normally deal with uncooperative targets."
Kaya trembled violently.
In that moment, she finally realized—
She had gotten carried away.
The man in front of her…
Was not a gentleman.
Not a hero.
Not a savior.
He was a bandit.
No matter how politely he smiled—
they were never equals.
This world was always, and had always been—
the strong devouring the weak.
"U-Uso… Usopp hasn't wronged you. You don't have to do this…" Kaya tried once more, voice weak but firm.
Adrian's gaze sharpened.
"I don't like nonsense."
"I will take Usopp."
"And Miss Kaya… let me give you a piece of advice: don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong. Or don't blame me if I decide to deal with you too."
"I don't go easy on pretty faces."
His voice was cold enough to freeze bone.
Usopp's value was far too great—
Adrian would never pass up such a fat prize.
Kaya opened her mouth but Merry quickly stopped her.
This was no time to provoke someone like Adrian.
Even if you wanted to help someone—
you didn't throw your life away to do it.
"Mr. Adrian, about the ship," Merry said cautiously, "I will need some time."
"How long?"
"One week—if the workers and materials are fully prepared."
Adrian stared at him strangely.
"One week to build a whole ship? Are you joking?"
When did shipbuilding become this easy?
Merry hurriedly clarified:
"No—actually, I've been designing this ship since I was a child. I've spent all my savings building it slowly over the years. It's almost finished already. Only the final touches remain. So… one week is enough. I can complete the Going Merry for you."
Adrian nodded in understanding.
No wonder.
Luffy's group hadn't stayed long in Syrup Village either, yet Merry had presented the ship almost immediately back then—
because it was already built.
But this time…
the Going Merry would belong to him.
"Good. I'll wait. If I don't receive the ship in one week, the consequences will be… beyond anything you can afford."
His tone was calm, but the threat was unmistakable.
Threats couldn't solve everything—
but some threats were extremely effective.
At this moment, Lucci reentered the room.
"Boss, he told us everything."
"Very good," Adrian replied.
"In that case, Kuro has no further value. Kill him."
Kaya jerked in shock.
The casual way he decided life and death…
It terrified her to her core.
"Yes."
Lucci left again.
A few sounds echoed outside.
Then he returned, wiping his blood-stained fingertip with a napkin.
"Boss, it's done."
"Good."
Adrian nodded approvingly.
Lucci smiled faintly—pleased with the praise.
Just like that…
Klahadore—no—Kuro was dead.
Kaya trembled violently, mind blank with fear.
She finally understood clearly.
These men were bandits—
dangerous, lethal, merciless.
Any displeasure from them,
and the entire mansion would be painted red.
"Miss Kaya, Mr. Merry," Adrian said with a pleasant smile, "we'll see each other in a week."
Then—
"Lucci, take the long-nosed one with us."
"Yes, Boss."
Lucci lifted the bound Usopp like luggage and followed Adrian out of the grand mansion.
…
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