— 4 —

Shinobu is sitting atop the boat's cabin, eyes catching Luffy as he enthusiastically scribbled on a black curtain. She wondered where he'd found such a thing. After a few moments, he called Nami who was engrossed in a map they'd liberated from the Marine Base in Shells Town.

Lifting an eyebrow Nami responded in her typical pragmatic tone, "What?" 

"It's ready!" With a proud grin, Luffy unveiled his handiwork: a quirky rendition of a skull adorned with his signature straw hat. Shinobu suppressed a chuckle thinking, It's oddly charming in its own way.

"And what is it?" Nami asked the hint of sarcasm evident.

"Our Jolly Roger. Every pirate crew has to have one. And now we do!" 

Raising an objection Nami retorted, "We're not a crew and you are not hanging that on my boat." 

Seeking another opinion Luffy swiveled to Shinobu, "What do you think, Shinobu?" 

Shinobu answered truthfully yet tactfully, "It totally screams you, Luffy." 

Luffy pumped his fist in the air, "See? Shinobu's on board!"

Rolling her eyes, Nami clarified, "That is not exactly what she meant." 

"But she likes it! That means she approves!" Luffy insisted. 

"As I said that is not exactly what she meant!" 

Luffy's attention suddenly shifted as Zoro stepped out from the cabin. Luffy excitedly thrust his hand-drawn Jolly Roger toward him. 

"Zoro! Zoro, Check it out." 

Zoro studied the drawing, and Shinobu couldn't miss the slight furrow of his brows and the quirk at the corner of his lips.

Turning to Luffy he deadpanned, "That's unique," is what he said and step out from the cabin, "Nami, I think the toilet's busted." 

Shinobu's brow shot up in confusion. "We have a toilet?" She tried to recollect any memory of seeing one inside the lone cabin room.

Nami gave Zoro an incredulous look, "We don't have a toilet." 

"Well, then something back there is leaking." he announced that made Nami quickly head inside to check it. 

Upon hearing this, Nami darted into the cabin. Emerging moments later, her face wore an expression of panic, "We're taking in water. What did you do?" 

The green-haired swordsman answered plainly, "I didn't do anything." 

"The way you're clanging those swords around you must've broken something." Nami with her voice rising, countered

He pointedly looked at Shinobu, "I'm not the only one with a blade on this boat."

Nami snapped,"Yeah, but you are the only one who spend most of his time in the cabin alone and sleeping. So it must have been you who broke something inside to cause a leak," 

"Maybe you should've stolen a better boat." Zoro shot back. 

The tension between the two escalated, their voices rising with each barbed exchange. Sensing a fight brewing, Shinobu leaped down and positioning herself between the two.

Luffy, trying to break the tension, raised his hands, "Guys. Guys. Guys. Okay, crew meeting."

Both Nami and Zoro retorted in sync, "We're NOT a crew!"

"We're gonna need a better ship to make it to the Grand Line, a real pirate ship," Luffy declared with a gleaming smile, "Worthy of the Straw Hat Crew." 

"Wait, Straw Hat Crew? Really?" Nami raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I heard Shinobu calling us that and I thought it had a nice ring to it." Luffy responded. Nami shot a questioning look at Shinobu, who purposefully looked elsewhere.

Zoro scoffed,"'Demon' has a nice ring to it. Headgear? Not scary." 

"Who says pirates have to be scary?"

Nami and Zoro directed frustrated glances at Shinobu, who returned them with a playful, innocent grin.

"So now you're feeding him ideas?" Nami quipped.

"And enough with your silly pet names, butterfly," Zoro grumbled. 

Pretending to be offended. Shinobu retorted, "I found it cute, okay? And you've got your own little nicknames for me too!"

"I wasn't nicknaming you, I was just calling you names," Zoro clarified.

"Same thing. Same thing." Shinobu responded with a smirk.

Exasperated, Nami sighed. Watching the two sword-wielders bicker was turning into a daily spectacle. While Shinobu was generally pleasant, her penchant for teasing especially where Zoro was concerned sometimes made her wonder how she ended up amidst this chaotic group.

Yet, from Nami's perspective. Shinobu's jests towards Zoro seemed more like harmless flirting. And if that's the game they were playing, she'd rather not be a part of it.

"The point is we need a new ship. So where do we get one?" 

Nami quickly retrieved her map book and skimmed through it, "Our closest bet is the Gecko Islands. We can probably make it there before our ship sinks. Ditch this one and get a better one." 

"Good. With a working toilet." Zoro added with a straight face. This earned him a sharp look from Nami and a gentle elbow jab from Shinobu.

"Great job, navigator." Luffy grinning widely praised her while Nami shot back, "You're still not hanging that on my ship." 

The gentle sway of the ship against the backdrop of the expansive sea contrasted sharply with the animated squabbles aboard. The wind played with the sails as they carried the crew toward the Gecko Islands, and while the horizon painted a serene picture, the deck was anything but.

Shinobu, with a mischievous glint in her eyes prodded Zoro, who was adjusting his swords. "Why do you always keep your swords on your right? Isn't it more practical to have them on the left?"

Zoro, the sunlight casting a shadow on his furrowed brow, shot her a look of mild annoyance. "Why are you so concerned about where I keep them?"

With a playful tilt of her head and a smirk playing on her lips, Shinobu retorted, "Just curious if that's a swordsman thing or a Roro thing."

At the name 'Roro', Zoro's grip tightened on his sword's hilt. "Stop. Calling. Me. Roro!"

From the ship's helm, Luffy's cheerful laughter echoed. Watching the two spar with words, he observed with a chuckle, "They really get along, don't they?"

Nami, her hands busy with the ship's wheel, threw a sidelong glance at the duo. The corners of her lips curled into a knowing smirk, "More like they flirt really well."

Zoro's face, already flushed from the bickering, turned a shade redder. "We're not flirting!"

Shinobu, ever the tease leaned closer to Nami and winked conspiratorially. "Oh, Roro is just a bit shy."

"That's not my name!" Zoro's voice held a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

Amid the playful chaos, Luffy's laughter rang out even louder thoroughly entertained. Meanwhile, Shinobu continued her teasing around Zoro, "Roro is such a cute name for you though!"

Nami who is trying to hide her amusement sighed deeply, her orange locks swaying with the breeze. "Honestly, you three..." She decided it was best to focus on guiding the ship and ignore the endless banter of her companions.

As the Straw Hat Crew docked at Gecko Island, the bustle of the port town greeted them. Vibrant stalls, chattering merchants, and the tantalizing scent of food wafting from open-air markets painted a lively scene.

Luffy's nostrils flared as he caught the aroma of grilled meat. "Meat!" he exclaimed, eyes wide, about to dash into the crowd.

"Whoa there!" Nami quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "You're not going anywhere. I don’t need you getting lost or causing a scene."

"But, Nami! The meat..." Luffy's voice trailed off, his stomach growling audibly.

At the same time, Zoro and Shinobu engaged in their usual banter, their voices a mix of amusement and irritation.

"Why do I have to be lumped in with him?" Zoro questioned, pointing at Luffy.

"Remember Shells Town? Need I say more?" Shinobu smirked.

"That was that annoying blonde guy's fault." Zoro defended.

Nami, deciding to address both interjected, "Both of you, stay put! Shinobu, please make sure they don’t get into trouble. I need to gather some information without drawing attention."

Shinobu saluted playfully. "Don't worry, Nami. I'll keep Roro and Luffy in check."

Zoro groaned, "Stop calling me that."

Luffy, meanwhile looked at Nami with puppy dog eyes. "Can you get me some meat?"

Rolling her eyes, Nami exhaled sharply. "You two," she said, pointing at Zoro and Luffy, "Stay out of trouble. I mean it!"

As she moved away to gather intel, she whispered to Shinobu, "I'm counting on you."

"And push the sloop out to the sea before the Marines tracks us." she told them before she ventured inside the village. 

The sun shone brightly, reflecting off the pristine waters that surrounded Gecko Island. The gentle lapping of the waves was accompanied by grunts and occasional bickering as Luffy and Zoro pushed their sloop onto the shore.

"Oi, Luffy, if you'd push straight and not in random directions, this would be easier!" Zoro grumbled, his muscles straining with the effort.

"Hey! I'm pushing straight! You're the one pushing all... Zoro-like!" Luffy shot back with a pout.

Shinobu shook her head in amusement, watching them. "You two are like children," she commented lightly.

"Oh yeah? Why don't you help out instead of watching?"

Shinobu quickly dismissed the idea, "Unfortunately, I do not have the strength that can move that sloop. Don't worry, Roro. I am cheering for both of you from here!" she cheerfully said raising both of her arms, showing that she is cheering them.

Finally, with a concerted effort and a lot of banter, the sloop was out of the sea and safely on the shore. The group then headed toward the village, the lively chatter and bustling market sounds growing louder with each step.

"I gave myself up in Shells Town just to get some rest." Zoro, trying to save face, defended himself, "

Shinobu smiled teasingly, "You keep telling yourself that." As Zoro started to argue. 

Shinobu's attention was diverted to Luffy who was intently studying the Wanted Pirates Posters. Among them, she recognized a particular red-nosed clown they had recently encountered.

As the Straw Hat Crew roamed the bustling streets of Gecko Island, their attention was captivated by a board plastered with Wanted Pirate Posters. The sun highlighted each poster, making the faces stand out with stark clarity. Among the various images, a familiar red-nosed visage drew their collective gaze.

Zoro's eyes narrowed, disbelief evident in his voice. "You've got to be kidding me. That clown was worth 15 million Berry?" The vibrant posters flapped in the gentle breeze, but Zoro's disappointment held them transfixed. "We should've stuffed his head in a bag and brought it with us."

Luffy, with his carefree grin shot back, "What Marine would pay you that bounty anyway?" As the rubber boy's laughter echoed, Zoro's intense glare locked onto him, causing an amusing tension in the air.

Shinobu chuckled softly. The slight breeze fluttered her butterfly-inspired kimono as she spoke, "Hey, the rubber boy is telling the truth." 

Teasingly pointing at Zoro, Luffy remarked, "You're kind of a wanted man yourself now." His cheeky grin widening as Shinobu nodded in agreement.

With a heavy sigh, Zoro admitted, "Didn't think of that."

Trying to lift his spirits, Shinobu gently patted Zoro's back. "Don't worry," she consoled, her voice tinged with amusement, "We are a crew of wanted ones."

Zoro raised an eyebrow, "Was that supposed to make me feel better?"

Shinobu smirked, "Well, you should be."

With an air of enthusiasm, Luffy jumped up from his lounging spot. The sunrays played on his straw hat, casting a shadow over his eyes. "All the more reason to get to the Grand Line. Fresh start!" he declared.

"Right," Zoro replied, a bit tersely.

Turning his gaze to Shinobu, Luffy's eyes held a hint of anticipation. "You're with us, right?" There was a pause, a moment of stillness, before Shinobu's lips curved into a knowing smile. Zoro observed her response, his sharp gaze reading more into it than she might have revealed.

As Nami headed back towards the group, she could see Luffy's impatient energy even from a distance. He spotted her first, his eyes widening with hope.

"Hey! You got us a ship and a meat?" Luffy shouted, waving his arms excitedly.

"Working on it," Nami replied, her tone light but stern and ignored Luffy's question about the meat. She gave Shinobu an assessing look, quietly asking if the sloop has been taken care of. She responded with a nod, confirming the boat was safely pushed out to sea.

Satisfied, Nami continued, "We're not gonna be here very long. Turns out Syrup Village is known for their shipbuilding," she paused, her lips curling into a smirk, "Lots of options."

"Well, what are we waiting for then?" Luffy's enthusiasm was contagious, as he energetically started in the opposite direction.

"Uhm," Shaking her head in mild exasperation Nami jogged after him.

Zoro, with his usual nonchalance, ripped Buggy's wanted poster from the board. He stared at it with disdain, "Stupid clown," he muttered, crumpling it up and tossing it to the ground.

Shinobu, with a hint of amusement in her eyes, nudged Zoro, "Holding a grudge, Roro?"

Zoro rolled his eyes, "That nickname again. And it's not a grudge. I just don't like the clown's face."

"Or maybe you're just mad we didn't bag him for the bounty," Shinobu teased, her smile playful.

Zoro gave a huff of annoyance but didn't retort, his pace quickening to catch up with Luffy and Nami. Shinobu laughed softly, joining him side by side as they walked into the village.

Navigating through a bustling shipyard, the Straw Hat crew marveled at the intricate vessels in various stages of construction. While Luffy energetically discussed his ideal ship's specifications, Shinobu and Zoro trailed slightly behind, their expressions contemplative as they took in the sights.

Luffy's excitement was palpable. "Okay, so we need to get one with a very, very impressive figurehead. At least two... no, no, three masts! And a really high crow's nest."

Nami, always the voice of practicality, countered, "We are not gonna be able to sail a ship anywhere near that size. There's only four of us."

"Four of us, right now," Luffy replied, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

Nami couldn't resist rolling her eyes, "Well, unless you can find another weird, desperate soul to help us."

From behind, Zoro's voice cut through, "Speak for yourself." He said, earning a sharp glare from the orange-haired navigator. Just as it looked like the two might lock horns, Shinobu subtly motioned for Nami to let it go. Taking a deep breath, Nami decided to let it slide, redirecting the conversation. "Listen. We are going to need something a little less flashy if we want to sneak out of here."

Luffy's brow furrowed, "You want to steal a ship?"

With a dismissive wave, Nami shot back, "How else did you expect us to get one?"

"We can't steal one," Luffy stated firmly.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Nami exclaimed, "What kind of pirate are you?"

While the two engaged in their verbal tussle, Zoro whispered enough for Shinobu to hear, "Never thought I'd be in a pirate crew that's debating the ethics of stealing." 

She chuckled, "It's Luffy's way. He's unpredictable, that's for sure."

Zoro smirked, "Isn't that the truth."

Luffy's earnest voice captured their attention again, "A ship is not just a ship. It's part of our crew. We need to find the perfect one, and we're gonna get it the right way."

Nami with sarcasm dripping from her voice, retorted, "Okay, pitch that to the salesman. I'm sure that'll win him over." 

Luffy, ever the optimist, responded with a simple, "Exactly," and trotted off, leaving an exasperated Nami in his wake.

She turned to the two sword-wielders, seeking some sanity. "So, what are we actually gonna do?" Zoro inquired, his voice laden with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Nami heaved a sigh, "Find a ship and see how lax the security is around here."

Shinobu gave an understanding nod and Zoro replied with a resigned, "Got it." Together, the trio set off, following the trail of their enthusiastic captain.

Upon exploring the expansive shipyard, the trio soon identified Luffy's excited form on a particularly grand ship. 

"There you are," Nami called out, a touch of exasperation in her voice. 

From the ship, Luffy's enthusiastic voice rang out, "Guys! I found it!" As he made his way down the wooden staircase of the vessel, he continued, "I found our ship! And this guy will sell it to us." 

It was then that Nami, Zoro, and Shinobu noticed the man beside Luffy seemingly as taken aback by Luffy's proclamation as they were.

The stranger quickly attempted to interject, "Uh, wait. What? Uh..." but Luffy, in his typical brash manner, cut him off. "Yeah! The ship, we'll take it."

Shinobu, eyebrows raised leaned in toward Nami and Zoro, whispering, "Someone should probably educate him on the nuances between buying, stealing, and asking." 

Nami exhaled in resignation, retorting, "Certainly not me," causing both women to turn expectantly to Zoro. He gave them a stern look, replying, "I'm not doing it."

The befuddled man piped up, "Technically, she's not for sale."

"Huh?" Luffy interjected, his face a picture of confusion.

"And technically, I'm not a salesman," the man added, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone.

Nami's patience visibly fraying, she inquired, "Do you even work here?"

Hastily, the man replied, "Of course I do." He paused, giving them a quick once-over, then continued, "I'm Chief Technician in charge of encrustation removal and aviary eradication."

A blink of confusion passed over Luffy's face. "Encru... what?" he queried. 

Zoro cut through the jargon, "He scrubs barnacles and cleans bird shit."

"He can't help us," Nami muttered, rolling her eyes, already turning to leave when the man's voice stopped them.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! I can help you," he began, "The owner of this ship just happens to be my closest friend in the world."

Nami, now intrigued, "Your friend owns this ship?"

Puffing up with pride, the man responded, "Not just this one. She owns the whole shipyard. She's rich rich."

With Luffy's eyes sparkling with hope, the man added, "I'm sure you could strike a deal with her." The trio shared a meaningful glance, then Nami, with a hint of hope herself, conceded, "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to say hello."

Navigating the winding cobbled streets, the buildings around them shifted in demeanor. What began as modest homes of shipbuilders slowly evolved into grandiose manors, each more splendid than the last. At the culmination of this plush avenue sat a mansion, its size and artistry serving as a testament to its owner's affluence.

"I've never seen a house this big before." Luffy remarked with his eyes wide.

"Impressive, right? Kaya's given me an open invitation to drop by anytime I want." The man responded with a hint of pride.

"Wow, all of this just for one person?"

"Well, she lives here with her butler and a few other staff."

As the two chatted at the front. Nami, Zoro, and Shinobu trailed slightly behind.

"Money really shows you who people truly are. Most people only care about themselves and what's theirs." Nami mused her eyes reflecting the opulence around.

"Sounds like someone I know." Zoro's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Shinobu gave Zoro a slight pinch, aiming to deter his teasing. Despite this, the orange-haired navigator chose to rise above, continuing, "And a small staff makes for easy pickings."

Catching on to Nami's insinuations, Shinobu raised an eyebrow, "Are you thinking of...?"

Zoro cut her off as blunt as ever, "Why? Gonna rob the place blind?"

Nami offered a sly smirk, "At least a little blurry." With a stride, she hastened her pace, leaving the two sword wielders in her wake.

Shinobu turned to Zoro, her tone a mix of amusement and mild reproach. "Why do you always have to provoke her?"

Zoro crossed his arms defensively, "After that stunt she pulled with Buggy, I don't fully trust her."

She sighed and touching his arm gently, "Can you at least try not to rile her up?"

Seeing the pleading look in Shinobu's eyes, Zoro's resistance melted a bit. "Fine."

Shinobu leaned in, her voice playfully teasing, "That wasn't so hard, was it, Roro?"

Zoro's ears reddened, a mix of irritation and embarrassment. "Shut it, butterfly."

Shinobu laughed, her cheerful sound echoing through the air, and she quickened her steps to catch up with Nami, leaving a flustered Zoro behind.

Walking into the closet room was akin to entering an upscale boutique. Rows upon rows of meticulously tailored dresses, suits, and other assorted fineries made it clear this wasn't just any mansion, but one of immense wealth.

"Why would anyone even need this many clothes?" Luffy pondered aloud, his eyes darting over the vast assortment.

"It's not about the needs of these people; it's all about the wants." Nami responded, meticulously perusing the racks for an outfit that would suit the occasion.

"But what are we even supposed to wear?" Luffy's voice was tinged with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Anything you want. When are you ever going to get the opportunity to wear things this nice?" Nami's voice trailed off as she emerged from the fitting room, having changed into a dark, floor-length dress. She posed, hoping for approval, "Well? What do you think?"

Luffy eyed her for a moment, then replied earnestly, "You look like Nami."

A sigh of exasperation escaped Nami's lips. She'd hoped for a more flattering reaction. She turned to Shinobu, "Well?"

Shinobu tilted her head, her voice gentle yet honest, "Black isn't really your color. Plus, it's a bit too long for you. I've always thought brighter colors suit you better, and something that showcases your legs more."

Nami blinked in surprise, then nodded, appreciating the constructive feedback. "Thanks, Shinobu." With renewed determination, she disappeared back into the fitting room.

Meanwhile, Shinobu browsed through the collection, seeking an outfit that would comfortably accommodate her haori and sword. As her fingers skimmed through the fabrics, her gaze drifted, unconsciously searching for something that might fit Zoro — perhaps a suit that would emphasize his strong physique.

Upon hearing Luffy's voice call out, "Hey, Zoro!" Shinobu's head snapped in the direction of the entrance. The distinct silhouette of the green-haired swordsman came into view, draped in a robe with his three swords secured firmly on his back. The dim lighting cast a glow around him, emphasizing the intensity of his gaze as he scanned the room.

In his usual straightforward manner, Luffy popped a question. "What you gonna wear?"

Without missing a beat and barely glancing at the opulent choices around him, Zoro replied, "Something black."

From within the depths of the fitting room, Nami's voice, tinged with amusement, remarked, "How edgy." Meanwhile, Shinobu, attuned to Zoro's preferences, began filtering out all colors that weren’t black, her hands quickly skimming through suits to find the perfect fit for him.

Suddenly, Zoro's demeanor shifted to one of contemplation. "Hey, does that butler seem familiar to you guys?"

Nami emerged, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Yeah, I think he was at the last dinner party I attended." Zoro, either ignoring or not catching the sarcasm, continued, "I swear I've seen him somewhere." He then proceeded to set his swords down gingerly beside him, sinking into a plush, sofa-like chair.

As Nami strutted out of the fitting room, she was a sight to behold in a fiery red Hong Kong cheongsam, which accentuated her figure. Shinobu shot her a playful wink, clearly approving of her choice, and then redirected her attention to Zoro, handing him the sleek black suit she'd picked out.

Nami smiled brightly at Shinobu, her gratitude evident, "I love you, Shinobu," she gushed, her gaze then shifting to the two men, her voice taking on a sarcastic tone, "And I hate you guys." 

Zoro, upon inspecting the suit Shinobu had chosen nodded with a simple, "Nice," his voice betraying him. Shinobu's playful wink in return drew a groan from him, but his attempt at nonchalance was betrayed by the reddening of his ears. The sight made Shinobu chuckle delightfully.

Luffy leaned against a wardrobe, his face contemplative as he gazed at the plush surroundings. "I feel kind of bad for Kaya," he began, his voice softening, "All this stuff. All this space. It's gotta make a person feel... lonely."

Nami, her fingers skimming through hangers of luxurious fabric, offered her perspective without looking up, "Rich people don't have the same emotions as we do. This stuff doesn't make her feel lonely. It makes her feel important."

Luffy's eyes sparkled with optimism. "Well, Usopp likes her. And she invited us to dinner. I'm sure we can work out a way to get that ship."

Nami shook her head, strands of her orange hair catching the dim light. "No way. Rich people don't stay rich by giving things away."

The captain's grin turned cheeky, a challenge clear in his eyes. "You want to bet?"

For a moment, everything seemed to still as Nami's hands paused over a particularly lovely dress, her gaze sharply turning to meet Luffy's. "What are the terms?" she asked, a sly smirk gracing her lips.

"I bet I can convince Kaya to give us that ship."

Nami raised an eyebrow, the smirk never leaving her face. "And when you can't?"

"We go with your plan. Steal one and move on."

With the terms set, a palpable tension hung in the air. Luffy extended his hand, and Nami gripped it firmly. "You're on."

As their handshake sealed the deal, Nami's gaze landed on an elegant garment. The subtle shimmer of its fabric drew her in. With a gleam in her eye, she plucked a stunning purple classical kimono from the rack. The kimono, richly embroidered yet tastefully simplistic, reached just below the knees, exuding an air of elegance and grace.

Nami, holding up the kimono against the light, beckoned Shinobu over with a wave. "This," she said, her voice dripping with excitement, "is perfect for you." The vibrant purple seemed to reflect in Shinobu's eyes as she approached, and she couldn't help but smile at Nami's impeccable choice.

—

The room was filled with the soft amber glow of chandeliers, reflecting off rich velvets and intricate patterns that lined the walls. Shinobu, in her characteristic graceful manner, was seated on a plush sofa, appreciating the aroma of freshly brewed green tea. The rising steam briefly obscured her view of Nami, who was engrossed in a conversation with Merry. Contrasting this scene was Luffy and Usopp's unapologetic feasting, their loud conversation about dragon food echoing in the large space.

Preferring her calming tea over any alcoholic drink, Shinobu had requested a tea maker set. The familiar ritual of brewing her tea was something she took comfort in. As she took a sip, Zoro made his way over, settling next to her with a deep-hued cocktail, the scent of strong alcohol wafting from it.

"Tea, butterfly? In a place like this?" Zoro raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips as he took a confident gulp of his drink.

She gave a light chuckle, "Not all of us can gulp down barrels of booze and still stand straight, Roro."

Zoro leaned back grinning, "Sounds like a challenge. But I have yet to meet the drink that can knock me off my feet."

"Well, let's hope tonight isn't the night," she playfully retorted, taking another sip of her tea.

Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted as Klahadore's voice resonated through the room, "May I present... Miss Kaya."

The attention of the room swiftly shifted to the grand staircase. Dressed in a sunflower-hued gown, Kaya began her graceful descent, with Klahadore ensuring each step was as poised as the last. Everyone waited with bated breath for her to join them.

The grandeur of the mansion's interior was accentuated by the soft, golden glow from the chandeliers, making Kaya's sunflower dress stand out even more vividly as she gracefully descended the stairs with Merry's supportive arm. The subtle click of her heels became the rhythm, with the room's soft murmurs providing the background score.

Reaching the bottom, Kaya gracefully approached Nami, "Nami, I love that dress on you."

Nami, a bit taken aback by the sudden attention, managed a smile, "Thanks."

Caught off guard, Nami smiled appreciatively,"It belonged to my mother. It was one of her favorites."

A flicker of unease crossed Nami's face, realizing the sentimental value of the dress she wore, "Oh, I'm sorry, I—"

Kaya swiftly intercepted, "Not at all. I'm sure she would agree. It suits you splendidly."

Before the exchange could grow more somber, Kaya's gaze shifted, landing on Shinobu. "Shinobu, that's a beautiful kimono. It perfectly complements your butterfly-themed haori."

Shinobu's lips curved into a gentle smile, "Thank you, Kaya. And you look radiant in that sunflower gown."

Zoro couldn't resist to take this chance to tease the woman, "Not as radiant as you in your butterfly getup, huh?"

Shinobu's eyes glinted mischievously, "Why, jealous?"

He huffed, "Of a kimono? Please."

Kaya laughed, the sound light and melodic, "You two get along so well."

Zoro shot back instantly, "We don’t."

Shinobu's chuckle was warm, "Oh, Roro's just a bit shy, that's all."

"Stop calling me that!" Zoro's irritation evident.

Merry looked at Kaya, an amused glint in his eyes as the two sword wielders' banter continued, providing delightful entertainment for the night. 

Zoro's gaze was caught by the stoic stance of Klahadore standing at the bottom of the staircase. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat, making his way to the cocktail table adjacent to the butler. 

"Have we met before?" Zoro's voice was calm, but a hint of curiosity underlaid his words. "You look familiar."

Klahadore, without even turning to face him fully, responded in a mannered tone, "Highly doubtful, sir."

But Zoro, undeterred pressed on, "Funky bar? Mirror ball Island?"

The butler's gaze finally met Zoro's, a flicker of something momentarily crossing his face. "Funky bar? I can assure you I've never patronized that kind of establishment."

Realizing he wouldn't glean any more from the butler, Zoro simply grabbed a cocktail glass, the ice clinking softly. 

As he made his way back, Shinobu's voice stopped him with a touch of concern evident. "What was that about, Roro?"

Zoro's wolf-like eyes, sharp and piercing, never left Klahadore as he replied, "Just a hunch, Butterfly. Something about him seems... off."

The evening progressed with the genteel hum of soft conversations and laughter, but beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of tension. Shinobu's keen eyes, accustomed to observing potential threats, subtly shifted to Klahadore. The green-haired swordsman's earlier suspicions had sparked her interest, and if there was one thing she'd learned over time.

As Kaya and Merry's conversation started to verge into more serious territories, Klahadore's sharp voice broke through, "Merry, dear friend, it's always business with you. Tonight is about celebration." 

He then gracefully gestured towards a grand doorway, adorned with intricate carvings, "Shall we all move to the dining room?"

Luffy, his stomach dictating his enthusiasm, quickly replied, "Yes!" The group began to move, the elegant sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Shinobu leaned slightly closer to Zoro, lowering her voice to a hushed whisper, "That butler... there's something about him. You may be right, but I can't put my finger on it."

Zoro nodded, his tone equally quiet, "And it's not just him, those two staff members as well."

Shinobu agreed with a subtle nod, "Seems like we're in for a long night, Roro."

Zoro smirked, "Just stay sharp, Butterfly."

With wary eyes and heightening their senses, they both continued to observe, preparing for whatever the night might bring.

— 4 —