8. The end of cats.

Kuro greeted them at the entrance door; his face visibly contorted by disdain and impatience. There stood the assassin who was well-known, though an adept actor, it had been proven that his patience was lacking. Nevertheless, his intelligence was a standard that very few in the pirate world could match. Rumor has it that only Ben Beckham surpasses him; perhaps Commander Sengoku and Tsuru might possess such skills.

Planning isn't his strong suit in this world, but this individual is above average.

-Going somewhere, Kahaldore? - Axel asked the new butler, teasing the cat with a mischievous tone.

-I have some errands to run as instructed. Please grant me permission to continue with my duties, - the bespectacled man replied to Axel's words.

Every aspect of his posture conveyed repressed anger, hidden like a dagger dripping blood within its sheath.

Axel ascended the stairs, where Kaim awaited, watching Kuro's broad back through the window.

-What do you plan to do? You have a scheme in mind, -- Kaim said to Axel. -- I recognize those cunning eyes always searching for something. They're the same ones I saw when you came to my office offering transportation services. -

-Nothing out of the ordinary, sir, - Axel responded cheerfully.

-Just be careful. I can see that Kuro still harbors the heart of a pirate, and having him here is detrimental to us, - Kaim said, observing Axel.

-Deuce, Agatha is in the village. As for Kahaldore, I'll take care of him separately. My group will set sail at dawn. I can't sit around waiting any longer; we need an adventure to navigate the seas, - Axel said apologetically.

-I still haven't repaid my debt, - Kaim mentioned.

-It's not necessary. You've provided more furniture and provisions than I could need for a long time. Besides, I'm content for now. Maybe I'll ask for a favor later. - Axel said.

-You can count on it, - Kaim assured. He pointed to the newspaper, showing multiple headlines. The remnants of the cat pirates had been captured, but Jango the illusionist had mysteriously escaped in the night. There were also reports about moving the Bear King to Impel Down and other news from the Grand Line and the New World.

-You have my word. Whenever I can help you solve a problem, I will, - Kaim promised.

-Thank you, - Axel said, leaving Kaim's office. The latter got serious, focusing on improving his new fields of cultivation.

Axel descended the stairs, finding Usopp perched on a tree overlooking Kaya's window. He waved from a distance, bidding farewell to Kaya.

-Hey Axel, what plans do you have with Kahaldore? I thought we were waiting for him to reveal himself, - Usopp whispered, keeping pace but not wanting Kaya to overhear.

-Initially, the plan was different, but time is of the essence. We have certain things to look for in the East Blue, but I'm afraid we'll have to explore other Blues, - Axel replied.

-Things? - Usopp asked, curious.

>>Yes, things. Look at it this way. There are a total of four major kingdoms in this sea: the Goa Kingdom, the Forest Kingdom, the Frauce Kingdom, and the Wolf Kingdom. In turn, there are seven major cities: Loguetown, Orange Town, Animal Isles, Shells Town, Rainbow Island, Rambo Street or Mirrorball Island, Shimotsuke, and Marine Island, - Axel explained, reflecting on the maps he had acquired from the places he had visited.

>>This distribution is based on those who pay tribute to the Celestial Dragons. Unbeknownst to you, there's a grand bridge called Tequila Wolf that has been under construction for over 100 years. -

>>It's part of the Wolf Kingdom, the dominant force in the East Blue, also known as the Island of Smiths. They have numerous mines supplying the World Government with all the resources they need for both Mary Jones and the Marine. -

-My idea is to help counteract the slavery rampant in this sea. There will be a meeting on Animal Isle, so security will be lax. It's time to free some unmarked slaves who maintain the Grand Bridge and serve the mining needs of the Smith Kingdom, - Axel said.

-And where does Kahaldore fit into all this? - Usopp asked.

-I can't keep an eye on the house with a pirate nearby. This town wouldn't withstand an attack by many pirates, so it's better to deal with this immediately. Don't worry; I'll take care of it myself, - Axel declared, raising his hand in a gesture of victory.

Usopp walked past him, smiling in total confidence. According to his steps, he headed towards the beloved cabin boys of Syrup Village. He had made a promise to bring the necessary supplies to start a tavern, joining the restaurant of Usopp's mother's friend. Ninji, Tamanegi, and Piiman would leave their early pirate lives to care for Syrup Village in the best way they knew.

The tavern was allied with and entrusted to Mr. Kaim, who promised to deliver it to the young cabin boys who lacked adventurous blood and instead sought a common and ordinary path.

-Where did this cat go? - Axel wondered aloud.

The next places to visit involved making some deals in Loguetown and around the Gecko Islands. Business seemed to be going well, according to the good news from Mr. Kaim. If the problems were resolved, and new negotiations were in place for food production, Kaya's family would prosper once again.

Mr. Kaim's plans began with the construction of an orchard of apple trees, along with livestock such as cattle, chickens, and fish, not only for the mansion but also for the growth of the village.

In the anime, this wasn't shown as Miss Kaya lost her parents, and her father couldn't conclude his last business to change economic activities. Somehow, it was resolved, pointing to Kuro and his abilities.

Kaya's family would now focus on self-sufficiency and providing fresh fruit to a small sector, along with the development of medicines. Though not much, it benefited the Blue Pirates as Deuce managed to acquire a medical encyclopedia and other books on diseases, herbs, and remedies from various seas, not just the East Blue.

South Blue posed a challenge; most information was isolationist, with kingdoms managing entertainment and war. Information compilation wasn't as open as in other seas, and it was usually studied through doctor guides, but their knowledge was limited, and little investment went into medicine. It was even easier to find medical encyclopedias from the Grand Line. Axel was sure that when they met the lighthouse keeper Crocus in the Grand Line, they could obtain all the necessary information about potential diseases.

Axel's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Captain Kuro.

There he was, the Captain of the 100 Plans, kicking a tree in frustration, ranting about his crew's incompetence, his lack of foresight, and underestimating that bratty idiot.

-Captain Kuro, - Axel interrupted before he could finish his tirade.

Kuro's face twisted into a wicked smile.

-Brat, you should know that all your actions have consequences. Now, all that's left for you is to die, - he declared, his feet moving in a strange pattern. In the blink of an eye, his clawed gloves were on, aiming for Axel's face.

-Soru, - Axel exclaimed.

Dodging the slash and keeping a distance of about five meters, Axel's speed surprised Kuro.

-Calm down. Your stupid plan is destined to fail. Moreover, the wealth of these gentlemen isn't as vast as you think. At most, they have around 100 million berries, - Axel said.

However, 100 million berries was still a considerable amount of money, the maximum one could amass in a lifetime of work. But, of course, this was diminished by expenses such as food, shelter, and taxes.

-That's enough money for a life of luxury. My plan wasn't meant to fail, - Kuro replied.

-In the Grand Line, there are pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million berries. With just three pirates of such caliber, you can amass a fortune that triples its content. Actions and food are the fruits of good management, but it's a fortune that grows slowly, - Axel countered, unsheathing his sword.

-You don't understand, the life of a pirate, the constant desperation of being pursued by marines, and bounty hunters, day in and day out. There's no rest, only by creating a new identity and accumulating wealth can I live a comfortable life, - Kuro responded, veins on his forehead marked by displeasure.

-A pirate faces the consequences, - Axel said.

-You poor child dreaming of sailing and adventurous ideas, wake up. This is the real world; things don't sustain themselves on dreams, - Kuro stated.

-You're wrong, and my sword will prove the strength of my ideals. It's absurd to surrender to the adventures that destiny puts in front of you, - Axel said.

Sometimes, only fists make people understand. Defeat can make individuals stand with different ideas than they had before.

-First posture, surface water cut, - Axel breathed in as much as he could, thirty seconds in which he could play with his breath for the second breath of air. The waves called again over his back, like a tide.

Kuro saw this but didn't flinch, responding to multiple attacks with his claws. However, he was pressed by Axel's superior strength.

Kuro moved his legs in a synchronized dance of silent steps. In this battle, speed is king.

The weapons clashed in a dull thud of skills. Despite being older, Kuro's physical strength wasn't so impressive. His muscles were dedicated only to power in speed. However, after all that speed, there wasn't a hint of strength superior to that of an average human. His mastery of skills compensated for the lack of strength, using his metallic claws to harm enemies.

-First posture, surface water cut, - Axel sang again.

He continued spinning in the same attack without giving a quarter.

So far, it's the only water-breathing posture Axel could use in battle. The other breathings haven't been mastered or deduced perfectly; the two forms fall short. Using them now would only cause complications.

The clash of metal echoed throughout the clearing, and the small forest lost a few branches.

-You've angered me quite a bit, - Kuro said.

His posture dropped with his arms to his side, and saliva dripped from his mouth. He became faster but aimed wrongly. He was as fast as the Rokushiki technique.

-Soru, - Axel maneuvered in the air and jumped again, crashing into Kuro.

Axel appeared just after Kuro crashed into a tree. A strong kick to his ribs prevented him from moving freely to perform those impetuous attacks. He lay on the ground, holding his side.

His breath returned to its previous state; the blow to the ribs was fatal. The sound suggested that he had broken two, not all three, ribs on the left side. Judging by the way his mouth bled and his breathing flickered, a normal human would be unconscious on the ground. However, a pirate with a bounty of 16 million berries simply regained composure.

-We're in a one-on-one fight, Kuro. You can't beat me, - Axel declared.

-Nothing has been decided yet, - Kuro stubbornly replied.

-Silent Steps, - Axel said, attacking head-on with even greater speed than before. He didn't give him time to perform the breathing postures, and the first cut would sever his head from this direction.

-Only the game of speed remains. Soru, - Axel said.

Axel ducked under the rapid attacks. Now the fight wasn't a matter of speed; it was a matter of endurance. The game leveled to whoever could hold out longer. Three of the first attacks were just feeling the waters after Kuro's burst. His momentum gradually decreased until he fell to the ground exhausted after several rapid rounds.

He was kneeling, completely drained.

-I lost, in the most lamentable way, - he announced almost sadly.

-You didn't lose. You just fought the wrong guy for the wrong reasons, - Axel replied.

-Turn me over to the Marines and spare me the sermons, - Kuro said.

-I don't want to. Join my crew. We'll save money by working as bounty hunters until the Marines put a price on our heads. Anyway, the black market will work for us later. We'll live a life of leisure on some islands, and sail through the seven seas. We'll seek glory in the Grand Line and go for the legendary treasure of Gold D. Roger. It's said to have mountains of gold that can buy the largest kingdoms, - Axel narrated almost joyfully.

-For that, we would have to be pirates, -- Kuro said with disgust. -- I already gave up the pirate life once. I don't want to embark as a pirate again. It's not a life anyone appreciates, - he ended up saying, coughing up blood. The battle caused more damage than Kuro had expected.

-That's true, but now you will, under my command. It's better than serving under a spoiled girl like Kaya, despite her good heart. I don't see you as a nanny, - Axel said.

-I won't join you. I'd rather bleed to death than follow an incompetent, - Kuro said.

Axel sighed. - To an incompetent who beat you. Come on, it's not that bad. You're a pirate with a nullified bounty of 16 million. You easily defeated a naval branch, but on my ship, you'd only beat Usopp. Both Deuce and Agatha will crush you, and in the end, it's me. Now plan, Kuro, how many things do you think pirates with such disastrous combat power could achieve? - Axel teased.

-The forms are wrong; to find comfort, you must first seek power, - Axel said.

-Since when? - Kuro asked.

-You're brighter; I didn't give you enough credit. Since you arrived on the island, I learned about you. Someone with your head fits perfectly into my role as a military commander. Your intelligence should be used in the best ways, and what better way than going all out for the legendary treasure, the One Piece, - Axel said, almost in ecstasy. Just a few more pushes and Kuro would devise a new plan.

-Very well, Captain. I'll join. Take care of me, - Kuro said before closing his eyes and falling into the arms of Morpheus. Axel didn't know why he accepted the invitation, but for now, all that mattered was having a new crew member.

Ding.

Link state.

A significant event has occurred in the world of One Piece.

You have gained 100 experience points for saving Kaya's family. You have received a gold chest and a bronze chest.

You have gained 40 experience points for recruiting Kuro as part of your crew. You have received a silver chest and a wooden chest.

You have defeated Kuro; you have received 30 experience points and a black gold chest, a wooden chest.

You have recruited Kuro as your crew member. You have achieved frontline fighter status.

…

Link state.

Axel: Captain, Navigator.

Final Crew. Level 2.

Ussop, Sniper.

Deuce Mask, Fighter – Medic.

Agatha, Fighter.

Kuro, Fighter – Strategist.

You have leveled up, receiving 150 points in physical and mental attributes. 5 points in the luck statistic.

The feeling of power is satisfying. Axel felt how his entire body revitalized. With this level, he is much more confident in facing any future challenges. After all, attacking Tequila Wolf is no walk in the park. It will alert the Marines, but he cannot allow people to continue working in those conditions.

...

Status:

Axel

Level 3

Experience Points:

90/400

Physical: 983.

Mental: 840.

Luck: 20.

Advanced Archaeologist.

Swordsman: Intermediate. 21%

Water Breathing:

Water Cut. 2. 3.

Marine Style: Soru.

...

Kuro: Strategist.

Special Weapon: Cat Claws.

Physical: 327.

Mental: 700.

Skills: Low Intermediate Strategist.

Silent Steps.

...

Kuro's status was clear, with values above average, as indicated by the 327 physical points. His intelligence was above average. Perhaps some lower body training, a bit of muscle in the back, would give him what he needs to increase those physical values.

He needs to read some books on history, strategy, and politics, and then the Blue Pirates will have a high-caliber strategist. He's already intelligent without formal education; this guy would wreak havoc on land; he must have a very high IQ.

...

Link, status.

You have opened a gold chest, receiving a Prehistoric Zoan Devil Fruit Ryu Ryu Model Stegosaurus.

You have opened a bronze chest, acquiring a Marine Cooking Guide in 8 volumes.

You have opened a silver chest, obtaining a Wazamono-grade Nichirin Katana named "White Mist" for its white color.

You have opened a black gold chest (black iron), gaining Poison Resistance. It's as if you've trained for five years in poisoning skills; you don't need to pace yourself.

...

Damn, another Devil Fruit, and a prehistoric one at that. Above all, this gives me room to have more crew members under my command or make some interesting negotiations. - Axel thought, with happiness.

Axel arrived at his beautiful galley, with Kuro in his arms.

The medical attention provided by Deuce was pertinent. With just a few days of rest, the treatment given left him satisfied. Deuce's talent in medicine was good, frustrated by high society, he only needed a push.

Enough to get back in shape in a few days.

-Don't you think it's a bit rushed? - Deuce said.

-Why do you say that, Deuce? - Axel asked.

-This guy is different from Agatha, who only seeks the shadows to defend herself. He's not even remotely as vicious as this guy.- Deuce replied.

-I can't doubt that, but I'll tell you, Deuce. Strength alone speaks in this world. Our abilities are not typical for a crew. You could easily take down pirates four times stronger than Kuro. - Axel said.

-So why recruit when there are more powerful crews out there?- Deuce asked.

-Because of his potential. He will be helpful, especially when things get crazy. A plan guided by a specialist gives us a higher percentage of winning.- Axel said.

-Alright, I'll go along with you on this. Nothing I say will change your mind about it, considering your stance. What will you do if he betrays us?- Deuce asked.

-I'll seek your help. You guys are my backup. - Axel said.

Deuce smiled. - I'll always help you. -

-I'm really glad, Deuce. It's good to have your support. I don't think Ussop can handle it; after all, you two have a rivalry. On the other hand, you are a more logical person. - Axel said.

-Well, I have confidence in my abilities. I doubt there's anyone who can beat us in this sea. - Deuce said, raising his hand covered in flames.

-To all, it seems you've been quite close to our blue queen, hahaha, - Axel said as he ran around the ship.

-Agatha and Deuce are in love on a ship. Sailing through the waters hand in hand… nananana, - Axel sang while dancing ridiculously.

-Stop saying stupid things; it's only under the circumstances of the ship, - blushed Deuce. The improvised medical room fell into silence and darkness. A tent was set up in the center of the ship. Axel's laughter and Deuce chasing him could be heard.

Kuro opened his eyes, but pretending to be asleep wasn't a great effort. For now, he would live on this ship, and then decide what to do.

...

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