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Voyage Chapter 13: Shamming Out
🕑 Added 2025-05-23 18:12:49 +0000 UTCA/N: CxC Chapter on Sunday
~Yuji Liberio~
Usopp did not take his time and immediately all but dragged us in front of the large mansion overlooking the village. I have to say, his dedication to his friends was a little cute even. Even if he is a coward, he is the type of person who would put himself before his friends even if he is shit scared.
Of course. That doesn't mean I want him on my ship, I just found it admirable is all.
"Usopp! What are you doing here!? I thought we already made it pretty clear you aren't wanted here! Get lost before I smack your head!"
Obviously, as Usopp's reputation as a lying rascal who kept sneaking into the mansion grounds was a very well-known fact, we were met with quite a cold reception by the guards manning the front gate.
"W-wait! They're-"
I cut Usopp off by slinging an arm over his shoulder and pointing a finger at myself. The more Usopp speaks the less credible I get.
"Hello there gentlemen, I'm Yuji Liberio. A traveller of sorts. I heard from this young man over here that the young gal in that mansion is down with a sickness no doctor has been able to cure so far. And I thought I would offer my services."
The guards looked between each other at my words, sharing a questioning and doubtful gaze as I looked nothing like a doctor. I looked like a playboy. Still, curiosity overcame their natural doubt.
"What do you mean by that?"
I pushed Usopp away, since him just being in their vision lowered my trustworthiness. I reached into my Portable Pharmacy and took out a 4-hour energy, holding it in my hands and shaking it in front of the guards while lying like I was born with a silver tongue made for selling snake oil.
"My friend, an old fellow from the Grandline taught me how to make some exotic medicines and antidotes. If you don't believe me, just take this. It's my energy brew, guaranteed to make you feel more energetic and awake for at least 4 hours."
The guards looked interested in the bottle in my hands that I ripped the label off of but the skepticism still remained in their gaze.
"Why should we drink anyone given by you? What if it's poison?"
I scoffed and shrugged my shoulders.
"Why the hell would I try to poison one of you? So that I can get shot by the other? I gain nothing by hurting either of you. Besides, you two got guns and I got nothing. So drink up will you?"
One of the guards looked toward his friend who shrugged his shoulders. Before deciding why not and chugging the three-hour energy. His face immediately scrunched up like a raisin as he blanched.
"By gods! This tastes like grown man's piss left out in the sun!"
He gave me an angry look and the other guard crossed his arms menacingly, the implication was clear but I simply shrugged my shoulders.
"What? I didn't say it tasted good! Now, do you feel any changes? The energy surging through your veins? Feel you can take on the world? Feel a little more awake?"
The man blinked at my words before his eyes widened.
"Woah, I do! It's like I just drank a hell of a lot of coffee! Oh man, this is great! You were right!"
I struggled to not wear a smug smile. Simple coffee could not compare to pharmaceutical cheats after all. He did not abuse caffeine like a college student so the effects were far more apparent.
"So? Are my words credible enough for you two fellows? Mind letting me through or at least calling someone I can talk to about this matter?"
The guard gestured to his friend.
"Go get Merry, he'll probably want to hear this."
"Oh uh, I should probably take my leave now. Merry really doesn't like me so... good luck you guys!"
Nami facepalmed while Usopp hurriedly made a getaway as the other guard left while the guard in front of the gate stayed. We made idle conversation about my wares while I just spouted medical mumbo jumbo to keep my cover. Trying to minimize details to keep my story straight.
"Are you the travelling doctor Mr Gesto has talked about sir?"
Before long a man stepped out of the mansion and came up to the gate, he looked rather soft. His hair looked like the wool of a lamb and he had honest-to-good horns sticking out of his hair. I couldn't tell if they were real horns or simply accessories. Maybe some Mink blood in him?
"Eh, I guess you can call me that. More of a medicine maker than a doctor. But nice to meet you. The names' Yuji Liberio, and this is my assistant Nami. Has the guard told you what I came here for?"
The butler nodded with a soft smile, not taking me as a threat hopefully, I knew this guy wasn't one to hesitate to reach for his gun when wires got crossed so I was glad.
"Yes! I'd be glad to welcome you to the mansion with permission from Lady Kaya, but please understand that we need to maintain some caution."
I waved my hand nonchalantly. Making sure to keep the act of a lax young man.
"No offence taken, so can I get some details about the young lady in question? Can't cure what I don't know." Of course, I could, but I needed some decorum, I couldn't just go in and slap my medicines on the table. I had to exercise some precautions to not seem like a fraud.
"Yes yes, follow me."
The butler gestured to us while pushing the door open while we followed behind, Nami leaning to whisper in my ear.
"Captain, are you sure you want to commit to this?"
"Tsk, so sceptic. Have some faith, I have my plans. Worst comes to fruition we skip town. Simple as."
Nami sighed but didn't raise an objection, we were already too far in to just leave anyway. Whether she liked it or not, she was stuck with me.
As we were led inside by Merry we were stopped by yet another butler. This one was tall, standing a full head over me with slicked-back black hair and eyes covered by round glasses that gleamed intimidatingly. He adjusted his glasses with his palm as he looked down on us with an intimidating air.
"Merry, could you please tell me why you have invited two strangers to Lady Kaya's estate?"
Yep, he did not like us, his eyes kept glancing at me, or more precisely my muscles, did he catch something? Merry did not seem dissuaded by his behaviour however as he greeted him... merrily(heh).
"Khaladore." His fake name if I remember correctly. "This gentleman claimed to be a pharmacist who was trained by a doctor from the grand line. He claims he can potentially cure our lady!"
Kuro narrowed his eyes at me. I didn't remember if he poisoned her or if she was just depressed. I had plans for both scenarios, but from his hostile reaction, I could tell he probably was slowly poisoning her.
"Merry, none of the physicians we consulted could cure her. Why would you invite a strange, potentially dangerous man to the mansion without receiving credentials?" Fuck you too buddy, you are the one with striped black and white shoes and cut-off slacks here.
"Geez, calm down will you buddy? Not like I haven't laid all my cards on the table. I just want to see if I can cure her and if I can get a sweet paycheck in exchange. I got no reason to hurt her, even if I did, you have guards and I don't. Unless you count this charming lady next to me."
Nami hurriedly crossed her arms in an X shape silently and gave me a pissed look while my words seemed to piss off Kuro even more as Merry nodded towards me. I got the feeling that Merry was not a fool or an optimist. He was just realistic, he understood my "intentions" and knew I had no reason to harm her inside a guarded mansion.
"That's right Khalador, I know you want to protect mistress but you can be a bit too eager sometimes. Just take a break alright? Don't worry, if anything happens I can protect the young lady and myself."
Kuro's eye twitched but he kept up his act, bowing slightly.
"...Alright, my apologies. I think I'll take a walk to cool my head off. Please look after the young lady in my stead Merry."
Merry nodded giving him a thumbs up before taking us to Kaya's room on the first floor of the mansion. As he stood in front of the door he gave me a warning.
"Alright, the young lady is inside. She is quite ill so don't be strict on her. Alright? And don't do anything stupid, I'll be in there with you."
"Don't worry buddy, I'm a gentleman." I could feel Nami's gaze burrowing into the back of my head. "Nami, stay here while I inspect the young lady will you?"
"It's not like I have anything better to do."
Hearing Nami Merry nodded towards me and opened the doors. The inside was about what I would expect from the average rich girl's room. A lot of white and details, some silk curtains there, some marble pillars there, a desk yada yada, the most important detail was the large bed in the middle with the little mistress resting in it, she perked up when she saw up approaching but raised an eyebrow at my presence.
She was quite pretty with yellow hair and brown eyes, her body looked a little frail and thin, and her figure in general was a slim one. Although she was pretty she wasn't exactly my type. I preferred girls with strong characters, she kinda looked older than I remembered but I didn't exactly have a perfect memory. Though she did blush upon seeing me which was nice to see. Always good to get my good looks affirmed, thank you, lady killer.
"Oh Merry, who is this gentleman with you?"
Merry greeted Kaya with a smile and gestured to me.
"This gentleman here is a traveller pharmacist who was trained by a doctor from the grand line. He wanted to take a look at you to see if he could cure you with his exotic medicines. Isn't that right Mr. Yuji?"
I nodded and pulled up a seat to sit next to the girl under the watchful eyes of Merry.
"What he said. I came to the village to rest and restock before I heard your plight. And since I am a man with a heart of gold and soul of silver I thought I should lend my aid. With the implication monetary reward being an obvious positive."
Kaya giggled at my words before looking at me with wonder.
"Is that so? I guess you would have a lot of stories to tell then Mr. Yuji. So, what are we going to do?"
I reached into my portable pharmacy and pulled out a Pill planner and pulled the pen out of it to use it as a notebook.
"Well, I thought I should interview you about your symptoms first. So could you tell me about what your complaints are?"
"Of course, it started with..."
Then she started talking about her symptoms while I noted them on my notepad with random words next to them as Merry watched to seem more knowledgeable. I already knew I would be cheating with Alchemillia anyway.
"Alright Kaya, thank you. I think I know where I can start."
Kaya perked up and so did Merry.
"Really? You really can?"
"That is wonderful news, Mr. Yuji."
I raised my hands.
"Hey hey, I didn't promise anything yet. Don't just push so many responsibilities on me, geez. That said, I will need your help, Mr. Merry."
Merry nodded without reservation, I think my act was good enough for him to trust me at this point.
"Of course, anything for my lady."
I had already taken a look at the Alchemilia so I knew what herbs I needed to cook up the potions I needed. This was also an opportunity for me to get my hands on herbs to make the potions I needed. I don't think the rich would mind getting scammed too much right? He did say anything for my lady after all.
Writing down the list of herbs I ripped the paper off and handed it off to Merry.
"Alright, here is what I need for my medicines. Can you get them for me?"
His eyes searched the list before nodding.
"Yes, they aren't terribly rare. Shouldn't take more than a day or two to get them. Say, Mr. Yuji you are travellers, isn't that right? I assume you don't have a place to stay? Would you and your lady friend like to stay with us in the meantime? Think of it as a way to pay for your time even if you do fail to cure Ms. Kaya. As long as she is okay with it of course."
Kaya nodded with a smile.
"I think that is a wonderful idea, Merry. What about it Mr. Yuji?"
I shrugged. Better than staying on my ship.
"Sure, I'll take you up on your offer Mr. Merry. Thank you for your hospitality."
Surely, this won't go wrong in any way.
A/N: Yuji is an expert bullshitter. He may not be the most charming person there is, but he does know how to build rapport with people and use his words effectively. Dealing with toxic work environments as a businessman does that to you. That said, did you guys like Yuji's scamming skills?
The Sham Doctor strategy is here, but is it a sham if it's really working? Well, I don't think Kaya will mind. I don't plan to run Kaya as a love interest as she doesn't exactly interest me as a romantic interest, and there are plenty of hot blondes in One Piece already. But there may be someone else on this island who may turn out to be a future crewmate... who knows?
Comments
Vali_Bernkastel
I’m really liking this fic so far, and I see Perona on the cover which could only mean great things in the future.
Finn Ryan
I am really liking this so far, hope kuro doesn't kill kaya preemptively
