Cats Have Weaknesses

The sky was just beginning to brighten. Two figures walked along the road toward the coast, one ahead of the other.

"Seriously, why are there creatures like the Mink Tribe in the East Blue!" Buggy grumbled as he walked in front. He glanced back helplessly at Mikuru, who was following behind him as if to provoke him. Thinking it over, though, it wasn't really so surprising. Wasn't there a bear in Trafalgar Law's pirate crew, which had been born in the North Blue...?

"Stop following me... The Mink Tribe's static electricity is a bit of a pain, but you can keep those treasures. I won't try to take them from you." Buggy glanced back out of the corner of his eye. "But don't overestimate a pirate's restraint..."

"Red Nose Pirate, what exactly are you to Nami? If you don't tell me, I'll smash your head open!" Mikuru said, carrying a bundle and sounding more confident than she felt.

She wouldn't pick a fight with the Marines, but she wasn't the least bit afraid of pirates, who were a disorganized lot.

"Don't call me Red Nose!" Buggy spun around and shouted.

Then he let out a deep breath and put on a look of surprise as he gazed up at the sky. "Oh... a UFO?"

"Huh? A UFO? Where?" Mikuru looked around curiously. "Wait, what's a UFO?"

When she turned back, Buggy had already shrunk to a tiny speck in the distance, leaving a trail of dust as he nearly vanished from sight.

"Damn you, Red Nose! You tricked me! Don't run!!!"

Mikuru stamped her foot, mortified, then chased after him.

Syrup Village, atop the hill.

A second-floor villa window swung open, and warm sunlight spilled into a girl's bedroom. Kaya had woken early. Lost in thought, she leaned against the windowsill and stared blankly at the tree in the courtyard. After a while, she looked up at the sun peeking over the horizon.

"Usopp didn't come by again last night. He must be with that strange pirate. He loves adventure so much... Maybe he'll go to sea with that pirate."

Kaya lowered her head distractedly and watched the little birds perched on the windowsill. "I feel so much better... The doctor's medicine really works. Everyone's been so kind and caring. How could I run away on my own... But Klahadore really is a pirate. What could he be after? Someone, please tell me what I should do..."

Knock, knock, knock—

Someone was at the door.

"...Come in," Kaya said, her voice trembling.

Klahadore opened the door and wheeled in a breakfast cart with toast and milk, as neatly as ever. He nudged his round glasses up with his wrist, went over to Kaya, and firmly closed the window.

The little birds on the sill scattered in a flurry.

"Miss, drafts are bad for your recovery. For the sake of your health, please don't open the windows for a while. Even if you won't think of yourself, you should at least think of your late father and mother!"

Kaya stiffened but said nothing more. She only murmured, "Mm," and lowered her eyes as Klahadore helped her back to bed.

Kaya tried hard to hide her feelings, but Klahadore keenly sensed the subtle change in her attitude. He had been a pirate and spent years adrift at sea, which had made him exceptionally perceptive about the world around him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become one of the most trusted people in the villa in just a few years.

He nudged his round glasses up with his wrist. The shadow over his face gave way to a kind, warm smile, and he placed his right hand over Kaya's.

"Time has flown. It's already been more than two years... Think back on all the times we've shared our sorrows and joys. When we went shopping, I followed behind you carrying all your packages. When you were sick, I stayed by your side day and night, taking care of you in every way. In my free time, I happily listened to you tell me about the stories you'd read, and we laughed together..."

Klahadore recalled those days, his gaze flickering and his expression gentle. "I've devoted my whole heart to you. You're like a little sister to me. I wish I could just stay by your side, watching you get married and grow old..."

"Klahadore..." Kaya looked moved.

Klahadore pushed his glasses down with his wrist and held them in his hand. His voice grew sorrowful.

"I lost my parents when I was very young and drifted alone at sea, struggling to survive in those cruel waters. Back then, I had no idea what I was living for. I couldn't find any reason to go on, until one day, when I was injured, your father and mother saved me... That was when I truly felt the warmth of a family..."

Klahadore covered his eyes with his hand. "I'm sorry, Miss. I shouldn't say these things in front of you, but I... can't control my emotions. I just want my heart to be at peace again and to live a simple, ordinary life..."

As he spoke, he began to sob softly.

"Klahadore, please don't..." Kaya patted his back sympathetically. "I understand. I believe you."

A long while passed.

Only then did Klahadore wipe the tears from his eyes with his wrist, put his glasses back on, and regain his composure.

"Miss, I've left your breakfast here. Please eat it soon. I'll be going now. Be sure to get plenty of rest!"

With that, he stood and left, gently drawing the door closed behind him.

As he walked away, his eyes hidden in shadow, a sly, cold smile curled his lips.

"After today, everything will return to normal... Still, it'd be safer to go there in person."

Near the eastern coast of Syrup Village.

Mikuru, her figure concealed beneath a cloak, stood facing Buggy.

Buggy looked helpless. "Why are you clinging to me?"

Mikuru answered indignantly, "Because you still haven't answered me about Nami! You damn pirate, why did you follow Nami here? Don't underestimate me. What happens to Nami concerns me too. You lecherous creep—are you trying to make a move on her...?"

As she rattled on, listing one thing after another, Buggy picked at his ear. "Mohji, how do you deal with cats?"

Mohji rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then pulled a ball of yarn from his clothes. "Captain Buggy, try this!"

Buggy took the ball of yarn, glanced at Mikuru, and tossed it toward her in a high arc, still unsure whether it would work.

"Hey, you lying pirate! Just because you don't say a word doesn't mean I'll let you off..."

Mikuru cut herself off halfway through. Her face lit up with delight, and her emerald-green eyes slowly widened, seeming to sparkle. She pounced on the ball of yarn like a little cat.

"Roll, roll~ This is so much fun~" She hugged the yarn and spun around on the ground, her ears twitching nonstop. A helpless blush spread across her face as she played, utterly absorbed, looking docile and obedient.

When all was said and done... she really was a cat, wasn't she?!

Buggy wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"So cute, way too cute~ I want a cat like that!"

"I can't take it! How can a cat be this adorable? That's cheating, way too unfair!"

Several Buggy Pirates clenched their fists beside their mouths, striking girlish poses.

Thud, thud, thud...

Buggy pulled back his fist, which had grown a little hot. Several pirates stood with swollen bumps on their heads, shamefacedly lowering them as they said, "Captain Buggy, we're sorry!"

"Get ready to set sail. There's no point staying in a little backwater village like this. We'll keep heading west."

"Aye!"

"No!" Mikuru came to her senses. She held the ball of yarn protectively in one hand and pointed righteously at Buggy and the others with the other. "You still haven't answered my question, you rude pirates! Tell me!"

As she spoke, she started playing with the yarn again, completely absorbed. "Roll, roll~"

Buggy was about to say something, but Shuma, shading his eyes with one hand as he gazed into the distance, spoke first. "Buggy, a 'ship' with a Sea King is coming."

The blurry shadow on the distant sea gradually grew larger as it neared the coast. A skull resembling a cat was painted on its sail...

The Black Cat Pirates!