Chapter 5: Shadows and First Sparks
Night. Navy Campaign - Secret Observation Post
Under the cover of darkness, several Navy officers stood at complex equipment, illuminated by the soft light of the instruments.
"Target locked." The young lieutenant nodded. "This is... no ordinary pirate."
"Look at the biometrics. Heart rate and nervous system activity are three times higher than normal." The captain's voice was cold.
"His abilities... are similar to Haki, but... greater. We cannot determine the source." The officer pressed a button, and Katsuro's image appeared on the screen.
"Continuing surveillance. Instructions - do not make contact unless necessary."
Morning. Orangetown - Market
Katsuro and Zoro walked through a bustling market. All around - people, merchants, noise and the smell of fried fish.
"So, where is that thief?" — Zoro asked, looking behind the counters.
— I think she'll find us herself, — Katsuro answered, noticing how they were noticed and several eyes became more intent.
A figure flashed through the crowd — the same red-haired girl from the map. She deftly ran across the street, but this time she didn't hide.
— You're here again? — Katsuro asked.
— Do you have a reason not to trust me? — her eyes flashed.
— Not yet, — he smiled. — But be careful. The city is full of those who want to make a quick buck off heads.
Evening. Orangetown Street
Suddenly, there was a crash behind them. Three guys dressed as Buggy the Pirates jumped out of the shadows.
— You owe us a map, thief! — the largest one shouted, waving a gun.
— Get out of here! — Katsuro stood in front.
"Who is this? A new bodyguard?" one of the pirates laughed.
"You'll see soon," Katsuro answered calmly.
The first blow—a gun fired into the air. Katsuro moved instantly, dodging and hitting one in the ribs. His body literally overloaded, feeling the pulse of the Vein of Energy.
"What is this?" Zoro whispered, fighting with another.
Katsuro felt the heat growing inside him. He made a sharp lunge, throwing his opponent aside. But with each second the strength grew more and more—and he knew that he couldn't keep up this pace for much longer.
At that moment, Nami fell from the roof—dexterously, gracefully.
"Enough!" her voice sounded decisive.
The pirates retreated, assessing the new threat.
"Thank you," Katsuro smiled.
"I wonder who you are, too," Nami said, looking at him intently.
Later. Night Camp
Katsuro stared at the fire, thinking.
"Do you think you can control this power?" Zoro asked.
"I'm not sure," Katsuro answered honestly. "But I have to. Because if I don't, it will destroy me."
Nami, sitting next to him, looked at him with unusual warmth.
"He's not just an ally... he's someone special."
Secret Gaze
In the distance, in the shadows of the trees, a naval officer watched the camp.
"The target is showing signs of development," he whispered. "Keeping track of him won't be easy.