The World Outside the Window

"Merry, do you still remember what I was like when I was little?" Kaya asked as she tidied the clothes in her hands.

"Back then, I would roughhouse in the mud just like the boys. Even when mud splattered all over my clothes and face, I would still be laughing my head off, not knowing what it meant to be dirty. I used to climb walls and trees, too. I still remember when I was about six, I fell from the big tree by the window, and you immediately rushed me, wailing as I was, to the village clinic. After I recovered, Father sat me down in the study for a long talk, and ever since that time..."

"I never did those 'dangerous' things again. I became a quiet 'young lady,' hiding myself away in the house every day. Even though I yearned for the outside world, I never dared to open that window..."

"Young Miss..." Merry was visibly moved.

"Although K... Lattbar had his own motives, during those times, I felt as if a bright, narrow slit had been opened in my heart. Later on, the stories Usopp told sounded like a beautiful world, and I found the window in my heart opening wider and wider. Even though I knew his stories were all made up, that strength was like a seed, taking root by the windowsill and pulling the shutters open..."

"Young Miss, I always thought I was the one who understood you best, but I never expected..." Merry was almost sobbing. "I realized I had no idea what you wanted!"

"Don't be like that, Merry. Aside from my father and mother, you are the person I respect most. Thank you for everything you've done for us all these years." Kaya turned around and bowed deeply to Merry. "So, please, treat me as an adult capable of independence."

"I understand, I understand!" Merry covered his face, weeping. "I will definitely support you, Young Miss!"

"Thank you, Merry. Thank you for understanding me."

Kaya finished packing her bag. "Usopp, how is he?"

"He's still resting in his room, and he seems to be sleeping quite soundly." Merry hadn't yet recovered his composure, his voice choked with emotion. "Would you like to see him?"

"No, don't disturb him. He's already very, very tired. He must be having a very sweet pirate dream right now."

Kaya tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, looked up at the birds and flowers outside the window, and listened to the beautiful scenery. "He probably wouldn't support me. I don't want to act like a little girl and end up crying and making a scene with him; otherwise, the resolve I've just hardened will crumble."

On the rocky beach of the East Blue coastline, aboard the Big Top.

Buggy stood alone on the deck, looking at the traces of battle on the rocky beach and the slope. The cat-claw marks on the rock walls and the shattered ground all testified to the intensity of the fight.

During yesterday's battle, he had been observing Kuro's movements and demeanor as he used "Scoop" twice. Although both "Shave" and "Scoop" required significant leg strength, "Shave" relied on explosive power, whereas "Scoop" emphasized a varied trajectory.

In combat, Kuro's body remained in a "relaxed state." The initial swaying prelude seemed intended to prepare his body for this state. During the fight, his footsteps were light, and all the force he exerted was channeled into his cat claws.

When he launched the first Scoop, Kuro's expression looked vacant, as if he were attacking unconsciously. By the second time, he was even closer to a subconscious state, where all his accumulated combat experience was unleashed by instinct.

Comparing these two Scoops of different intensities, Buggy had gained some insight.

It was the rhythm. The beat of Kuro's feet hitting the ground was extremely regular; even when he accelerated, the rhythm remained unbroken. This was the difference between his technique and "Shave," which focused solely on rapid, repetitive stepping.

That said, figuring out how to combine rapid stepping with a rhythmic beat to reach a balance point and form a brand-new martial art was not as simple as it sounded.

Buggy rubbed his forehead. One still had to eat a meal one bite at a time; he would just have to ponder and refine it through practice later...

Kaya, carrying her bag, emerged from the path alone. She stopped to catch her breath, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and continued walking toward the shore with determination.

Watching Kaya walk from the distance to the water's edge step by step, Buggy was somewhat surprised. That night, her complexion had seemed terrible, sickly as if she were about to die, but from yesterday to today, her body seemed to have improved significantly. The flush on her face from the exertion was clearly not faked.

What kind of Devil Fruit did she eat, anyway...

Kaya soon reached the side of the ship. Buggy detached one of his hands and pulled Kaya and her bag onto the deck. "Welcome, Kaya-san."

"That's amazing..."

Seeing Buggy's detached hand again, Kaya was no longer as afraid, but she still exclaimed in wonder. She then bowed deeply to everyone. "My name is Kaya. I look forward to working with you all."

Shuma stroked his chin and muttered, "Kaya-san looks just like the Great Matriarch!"

"Shut your mouth... Shuma!" Buggy's right eye twitched. As far as the image of the Cannibal Tribe's Great Matriarch went, she was basically on par with Kokoro-san from Water 7, who could transform into a mermaid...

"I am the swordsman Cabaji. If you're coming aboard, you'd better be prepared. This isn't some game of house," Cabaji said with a calm expression. "This is advice from a senior who has done everything in his power to survive on this sea..."

Buggy slapped Cabaji on the head. "Don't steal my lines!"

Cabaji quickly lowered his head. "Sorry, Captain Buggy!"

"Alright, there's a private cabin below deck; you can pick one..." Buggy said slowly. "But before that, I'll say this: whether it's you or me, we are both bound by our agreement. If you don't meet my expectations, I will send you off the ship. Likewise, if you are dissatisfied, you can leave at any time before we reach our destination. This is a gentleman's agreement."

"I will do my best, Uncle Buggy, but..." Kaya hesitated, yet still spoke up, "Please don't let this ship disappoint me either!"

Buggy flashed a cunning smile. "Of course..."

"KAYA!!!"

A voice lacking in breath came from the shore, cutting Buggy's words short. Looking to the side, he saw Usopp standing on the slope.

Then, he came running over, stumbling as he went.

"Kaya..." Usopp looked at Kaya on the ship, then turned to Buggy with a questioning glare. "Uncle Buggy, why are you taking her out to sea! She's not suited to be a pirate at all. She's just a poor girl who lost her parents..."

As the words left his mouth, Usopp realized he had said something he shouldn't have and couldn't help but swallow hard.

Facing Usopp's irrational outburst, Buggy shook his head. "Kaya-san, I only let you aboard because I personally recognize you. You should understand that. If you want to grow, try saying no to the past. Tell yourself that you are no longer the girl who has to stand on her tiptoes just to peek at the world outside!"

Kaya took a deep breath. "Uncle Buggy, I understand!"