LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 24 - Kaya’s Fury!
Chapter 24: Kaya’s Fury!
“Hmmm-hmm-hmm~”
Inside her room, Kaya hummed softly, her delicate frame still slightly frail, but her spirit brighter than ever. The warmth in her expression was a stark contrast to her former pale, melancholic self. Gone were her petty frustrations, replaced by the gentle nature that had always been her true self. What she now looked forward to most was the arrival of Ace and Nami.
Creak.
“Kaya-sama, it’s time for your meal.”
Klahadore pushed a serving cart into the room, his glasses gleaming under the dim light. “Klahadore, did you prepare extra food today?” Kaya’s voice was calm, but her intentions were clear. She had planned to save some for Ace and Nami. Even if it was just a small portion, she wanted to share something with them.
Klahadore’s expression remained unreadable. “Are you expecting those two people again?” His voice was flat, but a chill crept into his tone. “You don’t need to wait for them today.”
“…Eh?” Kaya froze.
“Lady Kaya, your health is still fragile. Strangers should not be disturbing you.” His words were slow, carefully measured. “They are not strangers. They are my friends! What have you done to them, Klahadore?!” Kaya’s tone sharpened, her calm demeanor cracking. Klahadore adjusted his glasses, “I haven’t done anything to them. I simply told them never to return.”
At this point, Klahadore had not yet gained complete trust and control over Kaya’s life. But after seeing Ace and Nami, he knew he had to act. Just days ago, he had spotted them near the mansion. Curious, he had trailed them—only to overhear a particular conversation that had nearly made his heart stop.
“Kaya’s butler looks an awful lot like Captain Kuro—the ‘Hundred Plans’ Kuro the Marines claimed they executed…”
Ace’s casual remark had been like a knife to Klahadore’s throat. If not for Ace’s final sentence, he might have attacked on the spot.
“But that’s impossible. The Marines made such a big deal about his execution, after all.”
Though Ace had no solid proof, the possibility of being exposed was far too great. Thus, Klahadore had already alerted his remaining Black Cat Pirates. By now, they should have already eliminated those two pests.
His plan was flawless— Ace and Nami would be killed by pirates, and he, Klahadore, would have an airtight alibi. A smirk tugged at his lips. Now, those nuisances are gone.
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“Why…?”
Kaya’s hands clenched into fists. “Ace and Nami are my friends! Why would you drive them away?!” Her voice trembled, this time from anger.
“Lady Kaya, your health comes first.” Klahadore’s tone remained indifferent. He reached for the small rose on Kaya’s bedside table. “Let me also dispose of this… unnecessary trinket.”
“STOP!” Kaya snapped. She seized the rose, holding it close. Her face burned with rare fury. “This is precious to me!”
“This has nothing to do with you! Leave now!”
Klahadore narrowed his eyes.
“…As you wish, Lady Kaya.”
He bowed—but inwardly, he was unbothered. Time was on his side. No matter how angry she is now, eventually, she will forget about Ace and Nami. And in the end, she will trust only him.
“Please, eat your meal soon, Kaya-sama.”
With a final glance, Klahadore stepped out, leaving her alone. But before departing, he made sure to send one final order— He needed confirmation. He needed to hear that Ace and Nami were dead.
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Alone in her room, Kaya stared at the Flame Rose in her hands. The fire at its centre had been burning for days—yet it had never extinguished. And within that dancing flame, she almost thought she could see his face.
“…Ace.”
“…Nami.”
Her fingers tightened around the rose. “You wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye, would you?” Her heart ached. But rather than cry, she reached for a medical textbook and flipped it open.
If Ace believes in me, then maybe…Just maybe…I can become stronger.
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The men Klahadore relied on were currently lying on the ground, barely conscious. “Wh-What kind of monster is he…?” Jango, the hypnotist and second-in-command of the Black Cat Pirates, struggled to lift his head. His entire body trembled as he looked at the young man casually sitting on a tree stump. Beside him, the 7-million-Berry bounty hunters, Buchi and Sham, had been knocked out cold. They lay motionless, their bodies completely still.
[Jango (赞高 / Zàn gāo) – The hypnotist and second-in-command of the Black Cat Pirates. His powers allow him to put people into a trance.]
“That… That wasn’t even a fight…” Jango’s hands shook. “I didn’t even see him move…”
This isn’t an opponent for the East Blue.
This isn’t someone who should be here.
This is a monster meant for the Grand Line.
Not even their captain—Kuro himself—stands a chance against him.
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A calm voice broke through the silence. “Nami.” Ace’s golden eyes gleamed as he stood up. “Tie them up.” His smirk widened. “I’ve got a gift for my ship doctor.”
“Got it.” Nami nodded, though shock still lingered in her eyes. Ace was terrifyingly strong. She had never seen anyone like him before. And yet, she found herself wondering…
“Who’s stronger—Ace or Arlong?“