Usopp keenly seized the moment Kuro's clone appeared, swiftly drawing his slingshot and firing: "Killing Technique: Gunpowder Star!"
The pellet struck Kuro's face and exploded. The intense burning pain made Kuro let out a sharp cry.
Seizing the opportunity, Usopp pushed Kaya's wheelchair and hurriedly rushed toward the manor, shouting loudly:
"Someone, come quick! Klahadore is the notorious pirate Captain Kuro! Kaya is in danger!"
At first, Usopp's shouts attracted many servants. But when they saw it was Usopp yelling, they immediately rolled their eyes and turned back to their work.
Witnessing this, Usopp grew even more frantic and shouted in confusion, "What are you doing? That's Captain Kuro! Grab your weapons—we have to work together to protect Kaya!"
But no one believed the words of the "King of Liars." This guy was lying again.
If not for Miss Kaya considering him a good friend, they would have taught him a lesson!
The servants' reaction left Usopp utterly desperate. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he looked down at Kaya, pleading anxiously:
"Kaya, tell the servants to grab their weapons and fight Captain Kuro!"
However, when Usopp saw Kaya's expression, his gaze froze.
Kaya was looking at him with immense disappointment, tears welling in her eyes as she said solemnly, "Enough, Usopp."
"K-Kaya, what are you saying? That's Captain Kuro—"
"Enough!" Kaya raised her voice, her disappointment deepening:
"I know you have a prejudice against Klahadore, but that's no reason to slander him!
Usopp, if you keep telling such hurtful lies… we… won't be friends anymore."
These words felt like an icy dagger, plunging deep into Usopp's heart. In that instant, Usopp was utterly crushed.
Even Kaya didn't believe him?
Of course—he was just the King of Liars, while Kuro was beloved by the villagers. They trusted Kuro, not him…
Kuro, having regained his composure, removed his shattered glasses and walked over to Usopp, kicking him hard:
"You little brat, that hurt like hell just now! Get lost. Miss Kaya doesn't like you anymore—you're not friends."
Usopp glared furiously at Kuro, then was shocked to realize that Kuro, with his back turned to Kaya, whispered in a voice only Usopp could hear:
"Damn brat, I don't know how you found out my true identity, but you're dead. And Miss Kaya will soon join you in the afterlife!"
This pushed Usopp over the edge. He charged at Kuro, but how could his frail frame possibly match Kuro's strength?
Just as Kuro's fist was about to strike Usopp again, a hand suddenly reached out and intercepted the blow, leaving Usopp with a tall, steady figure standing before him.
"Usopp, do you know why no one believes what you say?" Ivan effortlessly pushed Kuro back, nearly making him stumble and fall, then turned to ask.
Facing Ivan's gaze, for some reason, Usopp's mind went blank, and he couldn't help but reply, "Because... I've always lied?"
"No, that's only one reason." Ivan shook his head and slowly walked toward Kuro.
With each step Ivan took forward, Kuro retreated one step. The terrifying killing intent and overwhelming power from their earlier encounter had made it clear to him that he was no match for Ivan.
Ivan's voice continued to ring out:
"Because you, my friend, are not a true King of Liars!
A true King of Liars would spare no effort to turn every boast into reality.
A King of Liars doesn't lie often—their lies are smoke to confuse their enemies and armor to protect their friends.
But you? You're nothing but a lowly fraud who uses lies to seek attention!
If you don't want to see the people you care about in danger, if you don't want to be called a liar anymore, then change yourself completely. Become the great pirate you claim to be—the one who commands eight thousand pirates!"
As soon as the words fell, Ivan's figure vanished. When he reappeared, he was already at the entrance of the manor.
He held a head that looked all too familiar, tossed over a pair of unique cat-claw weapons, and left without looking back.
Usopp glanced at the unique cat-claw weapons and immediately realized they were Kuro's. These weapons were proof enough that he hadn't been lying.
But Usopp's mind wasn't on the weapons at all. Instead, he stared at the tall figure walking away.
For some reason, he thought of his father. His father must have had a back just like that—just as tall, just as impressive!
Usopp stood up, cupped his hands around his mouth like a megaphone, and shouted, "Hey! I'll definitely make every boast I've ever told come true! Can you tell me your name? How can I repay you?"
Ivan didn't turn around. He simply waved his right hand behind him. "My name is Fox. You'll hear it often from now on. As for repayment... try to collect as many Devil Fruits as you can!"
With that, Ivan's figure disappeared completely, leaving Usopp staring blankly in the direction he had gone, unable to snap out of it for a long time.
Because that was everything he aspired to be!
...
After leaving Syrup Village, Ivan made his way to the East Sea's 16th Branch.
The highest-ranking officer at the 16th Branch had originally been Captain Rat. Although Rat and most of the officers had died, a few dirty rats had managed to escape unscathed.
So, Ivan went to the 16th Branch. Through torture and interrogation, and after slaughtering dozens of rats, he thoroughly cleaned out the rot, restoring order and integrity to the branch.
Though, admittedly, the remaining marines weren't exactly fond of him.
After leaving the 16th Branch, Ivan headed to Marine Branch 153, where he took down the legendary Axe-Hand Morgan.
In truth, Axe-Hand wasn't particularly strong. Ivan crushed him effortlessly.
After dealing with Morgan, Ivan turned and left amidst the cheers of the townspeople of Shells Town, heading toward his next destination.
A few days later, Ivan had exhausted his strength, having nearly wiped out every pirate and corrupt marine he could remember.
However, there was one thing Ivan regretted—he hadn't been able to find Buggy.
Although Buggy didn't slaughter civilians, the fact that he was a robber was enough for Ivan to want to send him to Impel Down.
But he never expected Conqueror's Haki Luck to be so powerful. Even though he had found scattered traces of Buggy along the way, he ultimately failed to pinpoint Buggy's exact location.
Nevertheless, this outcome was already sufficient for him.
After this bloodbath, all the evil in the entire East Sea had likely been uprooted, and the region would be much cleaner from now on.
After all, only blood can wash away filth!
...
Ivan's trail of slaughter spread throughout the East Sea, and this bloodshed eventually reached Marineford.
Another headquarters meeting was convened, and information related to Ivan was once again presented to the highest council by Sengoku.
However, last time, Ivan was merely an insignificant figure who drew limited attention due to his unique sense of justice. This time, he was the focus of the meeting.
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