The original work only stated that Usopp's mother passed away "a few years ago."
However, those "few years ago" should not be more than ten years.
It is now the year 1508 of the Sea Calendar, and only three years have passed since Yasopp left, so Banchina's health clearly wouldn't have deteriorated so quickly.
However, Usopp's attempts to earn extra money show that their family's financial situation was likely already a bit tight.
Facing a group of people who suddenly burst into her yard, Banchina was visibly startled and cautiously asked,
"Is there something you need?"
Blake smiled at her:
"Hello, madam. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hilbert Blake, and I am a World Nobles."
"World Nobles?"
Banchina was shocked to hear that term and immediately sized up Blake's attire, her heart growing increasingly uneasy.
She wasn't a complete airhead; in one version, Banchina even defeated a bounty hunter from Loguetown.
After Blake revealed his identity, her first thought was what the attire of the person in front of her signified.
Before she could think further, Blake continued,
"Because your son attempted to attack a World Nobles, I now declare that you shall be demoted to a Slave!"
"What?!"
Banchina's face turned pale with shock, no longer able to control her expression.
She didn't immediately realize her own predicament and almost instinctively asked,
"What about Usopp? What have you done to him?"
Saying this, she even tried to rush forward.
But before Blake could give an order, Scarlett had already arrived in front of Banchina, pushing her to the ground and putting Sea Stone handcuffs on her.
Only then did Blake unhurriedly reply,
"That little long-nosed fellow..."
He paused, specifically observing her anxious expression, and then continued,
"He should still be swimming in the sea right now."
"But I imagine that kid isn't so easy to kill."
Hearing the news that Usopp was still alive, Banchina clearly breathed a sigh of relief, and her struggles noticeably lessened.
A moment later, she took a deep breath:
"I can go with you, and I can be your Slave..."
"But... please spare my child!"
Blake's expression was peculiar.
Why did it feel like, "Madam, you wouldn't want..."?
Shaking his head to dispel the strange thoughts, Blake stepped forward and patted Banchina's head:
"I don't like such transactions."
"Whether that kid lives or dies should be by my will, not your request."
"Understood?"
Tears welled up in Banchina's eyes, and she nodded vigorously:
"Understood!"
"Very good!"
Blake stretched his body and turned to walk out the door:
"Let's go! What comes next is the true objective of our trip."
Kaya's house was very easy to find; after all, Shells Town only had one mansion.
Even without using Observation Haki, Blake could easily spot his target.
Soon, the group arrived at the mansion's entrance.
Before Stella could even knock, the butler, Merry, had already seen Banchina, restrained by Scarlett, through the gate:
"Ms. Banchina?!"
He immediately turned to Blake and the others:
"Who are you people? Release Ms. Banchina at once!"
Blake scoffed, having no intention of explaining anything to a butler:
"Mandy! Open the door!"
Swish!
Mandy placed one hand on her sword hilt; without seeming to exert any force, a cold flash of light appeared, accompanied by a crisp shattering sound, and the heavy iron door was sliced into four pieces, falling to the ground.
Blake stepped over the fallen doorframe and entered the courtyard, walking directly towards the main house, with the others following closely behind.
He completely ignored Merry, who sat on the ground, face filled with terror, and the other servants in the manor.
As soon as everyone entered the hall, hurried footsteps came from upstairs, and a middle-aged man in a bathrobe rushed down the stairs, his face a mix of shock and anger:
"What happened?"
"Merry! Who is..."
His words cut off abruptly as he stared in shock at the uninvited guests who had broken in, the terrified servants, and Banchina, whom Scarlett was restraining.
He forced himself to be calm and stood in front of Blake:
"I am Herbert, the owner here!"
"You have trespassed into my home, destroyed my gate, what exactly do you want to do?"
"Please provide an explanation immediately!"
Blake leisurely observed this blustering but timid country squire; his forced calmness and carefully hidden fear were completely exposed before Blake.
So, this background character was named Herbert.
But an explanation? To a landlord and squire?
Blake stomped his foot.
Boom!
The entire manor shook violently, and the windmill nearby collapsed with a crash.
Blake smiled, looking at the middle-aged man who could no longer hide his inner terror:
"Now, do you know what attitude to maintain when facing me?"
This was the downside of the East Blue; even though Blake wore the unique attire of a Celestial Dragon, most people didn't understand what it meant.
To make the other party speak properly, force was a more direct method.
Herbert was so startled by Blake's actions that he fell to the ground, hastily nodding:
"I know! I know!"
"Very good!"
Blake nodded in satisfaction and continued:
"I'm taking Kaya."
"This..."
Herbert's face showed a conflicted expression.
If not for his fear of the power Blake had displayed, he would have already spoken up in protest.
But now... Herbert finally said tactfully,
"My lord, my daughter is still young and not in good health."
"I don't know if we've offended you in any way, but I am willing to offer all my wealth. Please forgive us."
"Do I lack your meager offerings?"
Blake glanced at him disdainfully.
Did this fellow really take the esteemed Saint Blake for a common bandit who robs homes?
He sat on the sofa, crossed his legs, and looked down at Herbert:
"Will you hand her over... or not?"
Herbert really wanted to say, "Your old man Herbert has been around for so many years, and he truly doesn't know what it means to hand someone over."
But he didn't dare; he still wanted to protect his daughter.
So, the scene became awkward.
Blake frowned, a little impatient, and just then, a voice came from upstairs:
"Stop!"
Blake was startled. Stop what? I haven't even done anything!
He looked up and saw Kaya rushing down in a panic.
The little girl was wearing a blue dress, with light golden shoulder-length hair styled like someone who's very good at basketball.
What was most impressive were her large brown eyes.
Her complexion was slightly pale, and her physique was somewhat delicate.
Seeing Kaya appear, Herbert was greatly alarmed and quickly scrambled to his feet:
"Kaya! Don't come over! Go back!"
"Shut up!"
Kaya first yelled at Herbert, then glared at Blake with wide eyes:
"Hey! What did you do to my father?!"
Blake:???
Was young Kaya... really this feisty?
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