Kaya's Gift

"Hoo..."

Ronan let out a long breath, feeling the surging new power within him. Strength, Speed, Physique – all had reached 13 points!

This all-around improvement made him feel as if he had transcended.

"Thank you for your efforts."

Ronan looked at Buchi, who was swaying precariously, covered in blood, yet still attempting to attack. A hint of pity, befitting a warrior, flashed in his eyes.

"As a reward, I'll give you a quick end."

Ronan took half a step back, holding his spear level.

"Mid-Level Spear Technique: Life-Taking Stab!"

"Pfft!"

A cold light flashed.

The spear tip, like a shooting star chasing the moon, instantly pierced Buchi's thick neck, precisely severing his spinal cord.

Buchi's massive body stiffened abruptly. The blood-red glow in his eyes rapidly faded, replaced by a deathly, ashen stillness.

Ronan flicked his wrist and pulled out the iron spear.

"Rumble!"

Buchi fell heavily, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The entire area fell silent.

Only the sea breeze whistled faintly as it passed over the spear tip.

Ronan, carrying the dripping iron spear, stepped over the scattered stones and corpses, walking step by step towards Jango, the only one left at the bottom of the slope.

With each step, the killing intent emanating from him intensified.

In Jango's eyes, Ronan no longer looked human. He was clearly an Asura demon crawling out of hell!

"Don't... don't come any closer!"

Jango's legs went weak with fear, and he stumbled backward until his back hit the cold rock wall.

He shrieked incoherently, "You... you can't kill me! If you kill me, Captain Kuro won't let you go! He's the incredibly intelligent 'Hundred Schemes' Kuro!"

Ronan's footsteps didn't falter. A mocking smile played on his lips. "Your so-called Captain Kuro is probably tied up like a rice dumpling right now, waiting for the Navy to pick him up."

"What?!" Jango was struck as if by lightning.

In despair, he suddenly pulled out the sharp boomerang from his pocket, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Look at this... One, two..."

He was trying to hypnotize Ronan at the last moment.

"Boring."

Ronan snorted coldly.

This low-level hypnosis was as laughable as a child's magic trick to him, now that he had awakened Observation Haki.

Furthermore, this hypnotist, who relied solely on external tools and possessed pitiful combat strength, held no value as a "sparring partner" for the current Ronan.

He had a bounty of nine million, yet he was a complete waste.

"Scram!"

Ronan didn't even glance at the boomerang. He casually flicked the iron spear in his hand.

"Clang!"

The boomerang was instantly sent flying, spinning as it embedded itself into the nearby rock.

Immediately after, Ronan flashed and appeared before Jango, kicking him fiercely in the stomach!

"Bang!"

Jango doubled over like a cooked shrimp, his eyeballs nearly popping out. He knelt on the ground, clutching his stomach, and vomited bile.

Ronan looked down at him, planted his iron spear heavily on the ground, and said coldly:

"Don't make me waste my effort. Find a rope yourself and tie yourself up."

Thus, the Black Cat Pirates were annihilated.

When Ronan and his group returned to Syrup Village, escorting the dejected Jango and the few remaining pirate captives, the morning sun was just casting long shadows on the dirt road at the village entrance.

"We won! We won!"

Three children who had been watching from afar – Chinjao, Onion Head, and Carrot Head – excitedly rushed into the village, loudly announcing the news of their victory.

Soon, the entire village was abuzz.

When the villagers learned that these seemingly young outsiders had actually defeated the terrifying Black Cat Pirates, they flocked to the village entrance.

"Is this Ronan, the one who defeated the Black Cat Pirates? He truly is a distinguished-looking man!"

"And that swordsman with three swords, he looks so fierce!"

"That kid with the straw hat is pretty amazing too!"

The villagers surrounded Ronan, Luffy, and Zoro, showering them with praise. Some even brought freshly picked fruit and homemade wine.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the crowd, Usopp was experiencing a highlight of his life.

Although he had mostly been scared and playing a support role during the fight, that didn't stop him from "artistically embellishing" the story for the villagers.

"Ahem! The situation back then was incredibly dire!"

Usopp stood on a wooden crate, his nose practically in the air, gesturing wildly with his hands.

"That monster named Buchi was eight meters tall! Immeasurably strong! He brought down a mountain with a single punch!"

"But would I, Captain Usopp, be afraid? I drew my slingshot, aimed for his weak spot, and shouted, 'Ultimate Attack: Firework Star!'..."

"Wow! Captain Usopp is so amazing!" Stars of admiration twinkled in the children's eyes.

Even the villagers, who usually scoffed at Usopp's boasts, were listening with smiles on their faces.

Because they knew that this time, the long-nosed braggart had truly risked his life to protect their village.

Ronan watched the scene, slinging the heavy iron spear onto his back, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Syrup Village, afternoon.

The smoke of battle had cleared, and the sea breeze had swept away the smell of blood, replaced by the aroma of food and the joy of survival.

Inside Kaya's luxurious villa, Ronan and his companions were treated with the highest hospitality.

On the long dining table, exquisite silver cutlery sparkled under the candlelight. There was golden-brown, crispy roasted turkey, juicy steak, and freshly picked fruit...

For Ronan, who had just gone through a fierce battle, nothing was more blissful than filling his stomach.

After eating and drinking their fill, the lazy afternoon sun streamed into the courtyard.

Miss Kaya, now much more radiant and wearing a pale yellow dress, walked over.

She looked at the four benefactors before her: Luffy, who was devouring his food; Zoro, who was cleaning his swords; the beautiful young Nami; and Ronan, who always wore a gentle smile yet seemed unfathomably deep. Her eyes were filled with gratitude.

"Everyone," Kaya's voice was gentle yet firm.

"To thank you all for saving this village, and for saving my life..."

"I have prepared a gift for you all. It's a small token of my appreciation, and I sincerely hope you will accept it."

Hearing the word "gift," Ronan's heart skipped a beat.

Familiar with the story, he naturally knew what this gift represented.

It wasn't just a ship; it was the Straw Hat Pirates' first true companion, the vessel that carried countless laughter and tears.

It was the ship that, at Enies Lobby, with its last ounce of strength, uttered, "I'm sorry, I want to sail with you all forever"—the Merry.

It was an eternal regret in the hearts of all Pirate fans.