Chapter 139: Business at the Door!

"I have told you many times, your body is not suited for going out. Let us return, Miss Kaya."

Klahadore performed a formal bow toward Kaya with the grace of a dedicated servant. Then, with an oddly precise motion, he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his eyes glinting with a cold, piercing light as he looked at Tang Shen and his companions.

"As for you lot, if you have any designs on Syrup Village, I advise you to leave right now."

"Let us go, Kaya."

His tone was authoritative—an order rather than a request. Klahadore exuded a commanding presence, yet the surrounding villagers looked at him with nothing but pure reverence. Over three years of meticulous effort, he had transformed from a suspicious outsider into Miss Kaya’s butler and the great benefactor of the entire village. Everything was unfolding exactly according to Klahadore’s design.

"But... but, Klahadore, I promised to invite Tang Shen, Nami, and Coby to our manor as guests," Kaya said, her slender fingers twisting the fabric of her pleated skirt, her expression filled with hesitation.

"They are nothing but individuals of unknown origin. For your safety, Miss Kaya, please follow my arrangements. Take Miss Kaya back."

He issued a sharp command to the bodyguards behind him.

Miss Kaya turned to Tang Shen with a look of profound apology. "I am so sorry... I truly hoped I could help you all. But please, everyone, I ask that you do not make things difficult for them. They are not bad people... I am sorry."

Under the heavy guard of her attendants, Miss Kaya was forced to bid farewell and return to the manor. Even as she left, she did not forget to plead with the villagers on their behalf.

Klahadore remained where he stood, his gaze icy as he looked at the trio. "Since you are only passing through, it would be best to leave once you have finished your resupply."

With that, he turned and walked away.

"What an arrogant jerk! I really want to go over there and beat the hell out of him!" Nami muttered indignantly, watching Klahadore and his entourage depart.

"You will have your chance. For now, let’s go explore the village. We should get a good meal first," Tang Shen said with a smile, leaving Nami and Coby feeling somewhat bewildered.

A strange glint flashed in Tang Shen’s eyes. This was Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates, wasn't it? Patient, calculating, and certainly no simple man. After all, for a minor pirate captain to pull off such a ruse was no small feat; he was, in his own twisted way, a man of talent.

Inside the Syrup Village tavern, the situation had shifted. After Kaya’s intercession, several brave villagers had ventured to the Swan to investigate. Upon seeing Alvida’s grisly head, these simple folk were finally convinced of Tang Shen’s claims.

It was truly astonishing—the three young strangers had actually defeated a notorious pirate crew that usually sent people fleeing in terror!

"We never imagined we were wrong about you! Little brother, those pirates must have been incredibly strong, right?"

"Indeed! I heard some of them even eat human flesh! How terrifying!"

"Come, come! Cheers! This drink is my apology to you! And to you, Miss Nami! Having friends with such capability is truly something to be envied!"

Amidst the lively atmosphere, the trio who had once been viewed with suspicion by the village had become heroes. In the world of pirates, aside from the righteous Marines, the people welcomed none more than the wandering bounty hunters.

With Nami’s smooth explanation, the three were now established as traveling bounty hunters. Nami even promised the villagers that if they ever encountered troublesome pirates, they would be more than happy to help—for a sufficient amount of Berries, of course.

The warmth of Syrup Village soon engulfed Nami as well. Though she blushed whenever they referred to her as Tang Shen’s girlfriend or even his wife, she found a small, secret thrill in the labels.

In the corner of the tavern, Usopp and his three young lackeys—the Usopp Pirates—drank in bitter silence. The villagers had collectively dismissed them as "silly kids not worth paying any mind to."

Because of their new status, the villagers were incredibly generous, even offering their own treasured wine, meat, and Berries. To them, every additional bounty hunter meant fewer pirates to worry about. Even if they couldn't fight the pirates themselves, they were determined to support Tang Shen.

[Ding! Congratulations, player Monkey D. Roger. Your favor with Syrup Village has increased by 50, and your reputation by 20.]

The system notification chimed in Tang Shen’s mind. He couldn't help but chuckle. This little cat burglar was certainly proving useful; she had saved him a great deal of breath. Furthermore, the supplies the villagers had voluntarily contributed were enough to keep the three of them fed for quite some time.

"Thank you all for your hospitality, but how can we accept these precious gifts? Nami, put those things back! That is not a good habit!" Seeing Nami already half-tipsy, her cheeks flushed, and excitedly scavenging through the supplies the villagers had offered, Tang Shen sighed helplessly.

"Captain! You must accept these!"

"That’s right! This is the heart of Syrup Village. We can only be at peace because of you!"

"If you don't take them, it means you look down on the people of Syrup Village! It means you don't want to be our friends!"

"Don't be shy! Take as many Berries, as much meat, and as much grain as you need!"

The villagers shouted with boisterous pride. Meeting the heroes who had slain a pirate crew made them feel a sense of reflected glory. If Tang Shen refused, would it not be an insult to their hospitality?

Tang Shen didn't know what to say. These simple, warm-hearted villagers were truly impossible to turn down. Kind people, more often than not, find themselves rewarded.

After a night of joyous celebration and a hearty meal, Tang Shen, Nami, and Coby left the tavern with happy smiles. With the help of the villagers, Nami insisted on dragging a mountain-sized pile of parcels, her face glowing with excitement.

As the three left, they left behind Usopp and his young friends in the corner of the tavern, drawing circles in the dust.

"Miss Nami, would you like some help? That looks incredibly heavy!" Coby said, genuinely concerned. He couldn't fathom how someone as petite as Nami could drag such a massive load—the sight was like an ant dragging a grain of rice, truly a spectacle.

Wiping sweat from her brow, Nami’s face was flushed with excitement. The bags were filled with Berries and food—how could she ever let go? Yet, looking at Tang Shen walking ahead empty-handed, a deep sense of powerlessness washed over her. It was a shame that all this money and food belonged to that jerk, and she didn't even dare to covet it—she had already tasted the consequences of being caught once before.

Still, even if it wasn't hers, dragging it around was a thrill in itself!

"Don't worry, a little thing like this won't stop me!" Nami declared confidently, a glimmer of triumph in her eyes. It seemed she had already thought of a new way to make money!

Under the setting sun, golden light washed over the coastline, turning the entire beach into a breathtaking, gilded landscape. Tang Shen walked ahead, light and carefree, while Nami followed, sweating as she dragged the mountain of supplies, with Coby pushing from behind. It was a beautiful, if slightly absurd, sight.

Just as they were about to board their ship, Tang Shen suddenly stopped.

He stared toward the distant, calm horizon where the sea met the sky, and a faint, surprised smile curled his lips. "You two go ahead and move the supplies onto the ship. I didn't expect business to actually come knocking."