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The afternoon sun cast long shadows over Syrup Village as Rael walked beside Usopp, his golden eyes calmly scanning every building, every alley, every person.
Usopp, ever the talker, had launched into a casual tour of the place.
"That's the bakery—Mrs. Lin bakes the best bread, just don't ask for credit," Usopp said, pointing. "And over there's the well, where the kids play tag even though I told them there's a sea king hiding inside it—heh!"
Rael remained quiet, taking everything in. Despite the simplicity of the village, there was something comforting in its calmness. But he knew it wouldn't last. His system's quest hadn't updated for nothing.[System Notice: Observe Usopp and Syrup Village. Target: Kaya. Key Link to Straw Hat Pirates.]So this was the place.
"This is where I'll meet them…" Rael thought, his eyes narrowing. "The Straw Hats. The crew from the stories."
He didn't fully understand their role yet, but the system had been clear: crossing paths with them was essential for completing the multiverse mission.
Usopp, meanwhile, kept talking, completely unaware of the depth of Rael's thoughts.
"Most people here think I'm just a weirdo who lies too much," Usopp admitted with a nervous chuckle. "But hey, I keep things interesting. That's what matters, right?"
Rael glanced sideways at him. "You're more useful than you know."
Usopp blinked. "Huh?"
Rael looked forward again. "Never mind."
They reached the outskirts of the village. Up ahead sat a large, elegant mansion—white walls, a grand gate, and well-tended gardens. It contrasted heavily with the simple cottages around it.
"That's Kaya's place," Usopp said, suddenly quieter.
Rael glanced at him. "Kaya?"
Usopp nodded. "She's… well, she's sick. Has been for a while. Lives up there all alone with her butler and some servants. I visit her sometimes. Tell her stories, y'know? Make her laugh."
Rael raised an eyebrow. "You care about her."
Usopp blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "W-Well, I mean—uh—yeah. She's one of the only people who listens to me, really. She's nice."
Rael's eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on the mansion.
A presence.
Very faint.
Not hostile yet… but watching.[System Warning: Unknown Entity Detected – Observation in Progress.]
Analysis pending. Risk level: ???Rael's hand subtly twitched near his side. He didn't draw his blade, but he was ready.
Usopp looked at him. "Hey… something wrong?"
Rael didn't answer immediately. His instincts—sharpened by centuries of war and betrayal—told him something wasn't right.
Then, slowly, he smirked.
"I just have a feeling," Rael said quietly, "that things in this village are about to get interesting."
He turned away from the mansion for now, letting the presence believe he hadn't noticed it.
Usopp blinked. "You're weird, man."
Rael chuckled. "So I've been told."[System Notice: Story Thread Unlocked – The Lie That Protects: Kaya Arc Initiated.]Above them, behind a window in the mansion, a pale-faced man with round glasses observed the two through the curtains.
"...Who is that man?" the butler whispered to himself, narrowing his eyes.
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