With the Apocalypse safely moored at the harbor, Wayne set off for Syrup Village, Robin and Gloria at his side.
Gloria looked around the deserted streets. "Weird. Where is everyone?"
Just then a girl of four or five came skipping from an alley, clutching a glass marble. Gloria bent to pat her head-
Whip!
A pebble whizzed over, but Gloria, guided by Observation Haki, tilted her head and let it sail past.
"Abbe, get back here!"
Wayne followed the voice. A worried mother beckoned to the child. Beside her stood long-nosed Usopp, slingshot raised, and behind him every villager armed with farm tools ready to fight to the death.
Looks like they mistook us for raiders, Wayne thought. Well, technically I am a pirate.
"Let the girl go!" Usopp shouted, legs trembling. "I command an army of eight thousand! Leave now or my men will bury you!"
Gloria blinked. "Eight thousand?"
Wayne rubbed his forehead. He stepped forward, hands open. "Easy, folks. I'm Wayne. We're only here to buy food and water."
At the name Wayne the crowd buzzed.
"Wait, the singer?"
"I saw his concert stream he's even handsomer in person!"
Fear melted into fan excitement except for one man. Hidden among the villagers, "Klahadore" Kuro felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. Fools. That is Seven Warlord Wayne The Fool. A real monster.
Usopp lowered his slingshot; Kaya adored Wayne and owned all his albums. No wonder that flag looked familiar.
Wayne returned little Abbe to her parents and asked, "Could someone point me to the general store?"
Three Hours Later
Wayne finally secured supplies, not because stock was low but because the villagers' enthusiasm was overwhelming. He signed autographs for over two hours. Kaya, Syrup's number-one fan, even invited him to dinner. Her mansion walls were covered with Wayne posters, and she shyly confessed, "When my parents died six months ago, your songs gave me the strength to go on."
Throughout the meal Kuro's gloved hands shook so hard Wayne nearly laughed aloud.
After dinner Wayne led the household on a gentle stroll. "A hundred steps after a meal keeps you spry to ninety-nine," he quipped.
Three figures blocked the road Jango the Hypnotist and the Nyaban Brothers of the Black Cat Pirates. The cat-men bounded straight for Wayne.
He kept walking.
Robin moved. "Octo Bloom Tendon Snare."
Phantom arms erupted, twisted the brothers into knots, and slammed them flat. Wayne glanced at the pile. "Interrogate them, find out why they attacked."
"Yes, Boss." Robin stepped forward; Jango stood frozen, too terrified to move.
At the rear of the group, Kuro broke into a sweat. If they talk I'm finished. He slipped on his clawed gloves.
"Scoop."
He blurred past, shredding the cat brothers and Jango into unconsciousness before anyone could react.
Wayne and Robin stared at him. Kuro forced a smile, wiping cold sweat. "A trifle, Lord Wayne. No need to soil your hands on such strays."
Wayne nodded, eyes thoughtful. Kuro exhaled in relief only for Kaya to ask, "Klahadore, since when are you that strong?"
I forgot I'm supposed to be a frail butler! Panic flickered across Kuro's face, but he recovered quickly. "I train in secret, miss, to protect you now that your parents are gone."
"Oh, Klahadore, you're wonderful!" Kaya clasped her hands.
She actually bought that, Wayne mused. Seeing the hour, he turned to Kaya. "It's late. Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Kaya, but we must return to our ship."
Kuro silently cheered until Kaya said, "Klahadore, please escort Lord Wayne."
Kuro: ಠ_ಠ
He accompanied them to the docks, praying Wayne would simply leave. Wayne boarded the gangplank, then looked back with a pleasant smile.
"Won't you come aboard for a chat, former Black Cat captain Kuro of a Hundred Plans?"
Kuro froze, glasses glinting in the moonlight.