Risa stared at the bowl of thick white porridge in Kaguya's hands, her small throat bobbing as she swallowed hard.
"M–? I'll wait for Kaito-nii to co back!" she said quickly, turning her head away and closing her eyes as if that would block out the delicious sll.
Kaguya couldn't help but smile softly. The girl's stubbornness was both amusing and heartbreaking. She rembered raising Hikari years ago — the sa age, the sa innocence. Children were easy to understand, even in a cruel world.
"Well," Kaguya said with a teasing lilt, "if you're not going to drink it, I suppose I will." She lifted the spoon and took a sip. "Mmm… it's really good! Such a sha soone's missing out."
Risa peeked through half-lidded eyes, her throat rolling again. "You're lying! You're trying to trick !"
"You're quite sharp for your age."
A familiar voice entered from behind.
Risa spun around. "Kaito-nii!"
Kaito stepped into the kitchen, his face relaxed but warm. "I heard everything from the doorway. You shouldn't make Kaguya worry."
Risa dashed forward and hugged him tightly. "You're back!"
"Of course," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Now drink your porridge. Kaguya's right — she's my wife, after all."
Risa's eyes widened. "S-sorry, Kaguya-san," she murmured apologetically.
Kaguya chuckled. "It's fine, little one. Now, eat up before it gets cold."
---
By the next morning, sunlight poured through the windows. After finishing breakfast with Risa, Kaito took her by the hand and led her into the forest behind the village.
Mounds of earth and simple gravestones stretched out before them. Though he hadn't lived here long, Kaito's perfect mory recalled every na, every face.
"Risa," he said quietly, his voice heavy, "bow your head. These were the people of this village."
Risa nodded and knelt beside him. She bowed several tis, her small shoulders trembling as tears stread down her cheeks.
Kaito didn't speak — there was nothing left to say. He moved deeper among the graves until they reached two special tombstones set apart from the rest.
"These belong to your Grandpa Nalo and Grandma," Kaito said gently.
At those words, Risa broke down. "Grandpa Nalo! Grandma!" she sobbed, collapsing to her knees.
Kaito's expression tightened. As much as it pained him to watch, this was sothing she had to face.
Eventually, her sobs turned into quiet hiccups, and then she fainted from exhaustion. Kaito sighed, placed his hand over her chest, and used dical ninjutsu to stabilize her before carrying her back to Nalo's house.
---
A few days passed.
A small wooden boat sailed steadily across the sea, carrying Kaito and Risa. During those days, he had gently persuaded her to let him take her sowhere safe — sowhere peaceful where she could grow without fear.
She had resisted at first, but when Kaito explained that he was going after Doflamingo and the people behind the tragedy, Risa had surprised him by agreeing imdiately — as long as she could stay at her grandparents' ho for a few more days.
Kaito had accepted without hesitation. While she grieved, he spent the ti refining his Armant Haki, sharpening it with quiet focus.
Now, as the small boat cut across the calm waters, Risa sat silently, her gaze fixed on the endless horizon. Kaito understood her pain — there were no words to ease the loss of everything she'd known.
Instead, he summoned Kaguya to keep her company while he steered the boat with his mind.
The vessel itself was made from his Wood Style, crafted to obey his thoughts — its course, speed, and balance flowed with his will.
Their destination was clear.
"Windmill Village," Kaito murmured, eyes narrowing. "The safest place in East Blue."
It was Garp's hotown — a quiet, unassuming village that had raised legends: the Dragon, Luffy, Ace, and Sabo. To Kaito, it was the one place where Risa could live without fear.
---
After a day of travel, the small wooden boat approached a familiar sight — Orange Town. The sa town where Luffy had once crossed paths with Buggy and Nami.
Risa's small body drooped with fatigue as they reached the docks.
Kaito carried her to a restaurant, ordered a quick al, then found a modest inn. Once Risa drifted into deep sleep, he vanished without a sound.
Outside, beneath the pale moonlight, stood a tall building — the Marine base stationed in Orange Town. Marines patrolled in steady rhythm, unaware that death itself was walking their halls.
Kaito strode through the entrance openly.
"Stop! Who goes there?" a Marine shouted, imdiately signaling others to surround him.
Before they could act, one of them froze. "Wait… It's you!" His eyes widened — it was Jace. "Kaito!"
"So you do rember ." Kaito's tone was calm, his hands in his pockets. "Good. Then call your commanding officer."
Jace swallowed and hurried inside. A few monts later, a heavyset man erged — Colonel Dahl. He was breathing heavily but kept his composure.
"Kaito," Dahl said, voice asured. "To what do we owe your visit?"
"Money," Kaito said bluntly. "How much does your branch have? I need it."
Dahl blinked, then sighed in relief. At least the man wasn't here to slaughter them. "How much are we talking?"
"The more, the better."
"After expenses, we have about three million Berries," Dahl replied. "That's all that's left."
"That'll do. Bring it."
Dahl didn't hesitate. He turned to his n. "Get the funds. Now."
Though the Marines grumbled, none dared defy the order. Kaito's strength was legendary — even Vice Admiral Momousagi had once sought him out, only to return empty-handed.
Monts later, a group of Marines returned with a heavy bag. They opened it, revealing stacks of bills.
Kaito didn't bother counting. He picked it up casually, glancing back at the colonel.
"You're brave, Dahl. I'll repay this soday."
And then — he vanished.
The Marines stood frozen in silence.
One of them finally broke the quiet. "Colonel Dahl… that's it? He just took our funds?"
Dahl exhaled heavily. "It's better this way. That man could destroy our entire branch without effort. Losing money is nothing compared to losing lives."
Another Marine clenched his fists. "But still—"
"Enough." Dahl turned toward the base. "I'll report this to headquarters. For now, no one says a word. Understood?"
The others saluted. Dahl walked back into the shadows, his expression weary but grateful that his n were still alive.
_____
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