It started with a "upgrade my staff for me, would you?"

Usopp had been working all day on Nami's staff and when he gave her back, the smile on her face told him that his debt had been reduced somewhat. Now, in the dark of the men's quarters, the sniper was left wondering if there was some improvement he could make in his own arsenal. He was laying in his hammock and rocking it slightly with his foot. The movement helped him think. He could work on Kabuto, or try to create a Pop Green possibly more powerful than the others. Last time he tried, it didn't end well. Franky made him swore to do it in an open-air location next time. He couldn't complain. After all, he did blow up the factory.

By thinking about his weapons and his plants, his mind drifted to herbs, spices, and then to Sanji's cooking. He had prepared a grandiose dinner tonight -a "galantine" as he said, something with turkey-, and Usopp could not help but lick his lips with the memory. He was sure the last island they landed on had spices of some sort, but he couldn't remember what their speciality was. Were they extra-spicy or something? The sauce Sanji used was delicious, and Usopp made sure to pour a generous part on his plate. As usual, the girls had had their own special sauce but he didn't mind, he loved spicy stuff.

This is when the sniper noticed that he wasn't thinking about his upgrades anymore, but his inattention gave him an idea. What about upgrading his Tabasco stars? He kind of forgot about them during those two years and he could use some of the super spicy stuff they got on the last island to recreate them. That Tatababasco from the Tontatta Kingdom would be perfect. Sanji would grumble but he would let him use them. He was a nice guy, and he would understand that it could benefit the crew in the end.

Smiling instantly, he closed his eyes and stopped rocking himself. Tomorrow's program was planned. If no pirate or marine came to stop them, he could improve his arsenal and have new ammunition to fight with in the future. He couldn't see how this plan could backfire. Dreaming idly about incredible battles he would easily win with this, Usopp was asleep in mere seconds.

He was now sure of one thing: Sanji was not a nice guy.

Right after waking up -Usopp was one of the last to wake up this time-, the sniper had gone to the kitchen for breakfast and, between two pieces of toast, he had suggested his idea to the cook. Well, ok, maybe he should have asked without spitting crumbs of bread everywhere, but that didn't justify being ejected from the kitchen by angry kicks in the butt!

Usopp was not taking it well. He was fuming and swearing and god knows how badly he wanted to beat up the cook -or to have Zoro beat up the cook-. Who the hell did he think he was? He hasn't even asked for much! He hasn't asked at all in fact! He just faintly whispered the idea that maybe someday he might have to perhaps use a very few of Sanji's spices and wha-bam! He had his ass whooped interdimensionally.

Alright. Sanji had left him no choice. If the cook wouldn't let him borrow spices, he would have to steaaaal them!

"Usopp you're scaring me!" Chopper whimpered at the sight of Usopp's scary face.

"Ah... Chopper! Sorry! Hum.. Since when are you here?" Usopp noticed that the small reindeer had tears at the corner of his eyes. He wondered if his scary face was really that frightening or if it was enhanced by the sweet sweet idea of revenge.

"You asked me to come..."

Oh right, I almost forgot.

"Yes, Chopper, I need some of your strongest medicine. Some Tinyatoxin would be great, although I'd prefer some Resiniferatoxin. But I also wanted..."

The doctor's eyes widened. His mouth was agape and he looked absolutely terrified. He interrupted Usopp with a shrill cry :

"Usopp! Those are dangerous chemicals! You could hurt yourself only by touching them! I can't let you use them!"

"Come on Chopper, I really need them! Plus, you never use that stuff, none of us ever need medicine so strong. What do you say? We could make all the enemies bow in front of us!"

"Well, yeah but..." That argument seemed to convince Chopper. "I still don't want you to handle them yourself..."

"Then what about you stay with me while I'm crafting my new Pepper Stars? You could keep your eye on your medicine AND watch me work at the same time! It'll be super awesome, I could show you how I make my stuff."

"Woah! I mean... I already know how to create those. I have my Rumble Balls and all."

Yep. His furry friend was definitely interested. He was wriggling and staring at the floor, but the way he was trying to keep his smile off his face was giving him away. Usopp played along.

"But I'll be so lonely if you don't want to help me. Guess I'll have to ask Luffy to give me a hand this time. Without your special attention, I hope that nothing will explode."

"No, wait! I'll help! I'll come with the chemicals."

"Really?" Usopp asked, with real joy and relief in his voice.

"Yeah, for sure! Don't forget to warn me 'bout when you do it and I'll help! Bye Usopp!"

He waved at his friend before leaving. He seemed to be in a good mood. Usopp was also quite happy with himself. With Chopper's collaboration, his plan to upgrade his arsenal was going rather smoothly. But he still needed the spice that Sanji was keeping away from him. Even though it was certainly less powerful than Chopper's chemicals, it was necessary to his recipe.

A devilish frown returned to his face. Tomorrow night would be the night of the crime. Tomorrow, he would steal those spices.