Tuesday had begun quite normally for Usopp. He had woken before noon, talked with Nami for a time, joined Franky and Chopper in their shop,
("You know what I learned the other day?" Franky had said. "The Japanese word for 'sniper' is 'sogeki.' Sounds cool, right?")
and then headed off to the tavern, already with a few customers at the counter.
Usopp had finished a painting he'd started the other day, one of a brig sloop with a lion figurehead, which somehow complemented a previous work of a caravel with a sheep figurehead. By the time he hung this one on the wall near the other ship painting, the customers of the bar had all vanished but Zoro and Brook.
"You know, Mr. Usopp," Brook said with a delicate sip of his milk (how odd it was, that he would visit a tavern only to order milk each time!), "if we don't meet this Miss Nami you live with, I'll have to start thinking you've invented her!"
Usopp laughed. "I promise she's real, Brook, she's just shy! Maybe one day. I'd like to paint a portrait of her, actually, but she probably wouldn't appreciate—"
They fell silent as the door to the tavern swung open and someone about Zoro's height, their face obscured by a cloak, strode inside, pausing only to return and make sure the door shut properly. The person approached the counter and sat at the bar.
"May I have a small glass of wine?" they asked. Judging by the voice, it was a man.
"Coming up," Koala said, raising an eyebrow and smirking. "Red or white?"
"Red, please."
Koala ducked into the back room and came back out with a dusty bottle, which she quickly gave a rinse before popping out the cork. As she poured a small glass and passed it to the stranger, Zoro and Brook eyed the man apprehensively.
"Thank you," the man said, taking a sip. Usopp watched him curiously from his place, the canvas still blank before him.
"If you don't mind, why are you hiding yourself?" Koala asked bluntly. "This place isn't as popular as the other bar, and you aren't a regular."
The man set his glass down. "In all honesty, I just came upon this place by chance. And, er . . . the guards have likely been sent after me by now, and I'd surely cause a stir if I showed my face."
"Are you a wanted man?" Koala said suspiciously. "I'll tell you right now, I won't tolerate any crime in this place."
"Shall I kick him out?" Zoro offered. He and Brook stood.
"No, no, I'll handle him," Koala said, waving a hand, and they sat again.
"Are you sure you don't want the help of the strongest man in the world?" Usopp asked, speaking up at last. The man turned slightly to him and Koala smiled.
"I think the strongest woman in the world can handle it," she said kindly.
"Okay, then! I believe in you!" Usopp declared, more than happy to let his claim go unproven.
"Now then, sir, I'll have to ask you to leave or I'll turn you over to those guards myself," Koala said to the stranger.
The stranger sighed. "I'm not a criminal, I can promise you that."
"You're mighty suspicious nonetheless," Zoro muttered.
"Who are you calling suspicious?" the man demanded, turning to Zoro so sharply that his hood fell off, revealing smooth blonde hair combed over one blue eye, a very neat goatee, a scowl, and an eyebrow oddly curled into a spiral at the outside end.
"Oh my, oh my, what's this?" Brook exclaimed. "You wouldn't be our King Sanji?"
Usopp's and Koala's eyes widened, while Zoro's narrowed.
"Oh, er," Sanji said, leaning back awkwardly, "yes."
"Sir—Your Majesty, that is—" Koala exclaimed, flustered. "Why in the world are the guards after you?"
Sanji grinned. "I snuck outside and left a note. They've surely been sent to fetch me by now, that's all."
"Well, I know this is a small kingdom, but I didn't think the King himself would gallivant around the village," Zoro remarked. "Honestly, what kind of ruler do we have?"
"One who could have you arrested once the guards show up," Sanji threatened, though it was clear he was joshing. He turned back to his wine and took another sip.
"Thank you for coming, Sire," Koala said, relaxing at last. "To have someone of your caliber visit . . ."
"I'm not that important," Sanji said reassuringly, giving her a smile. "Really, I don't need special treatment or anything of the sort; and this is a lovely place besides."
He looked around, taking in the paintings.
"Your name, my dear?" he asked absently.
"Koala."
"What a pretty name . . . and what pretty paintings! Did you make them yourself?"
Koala smiled. "I'll have to defer credit to Usopp on that one." She gestured to Usopp sitting in the corner, and Sanji looked over in surprise.
"A painter?" he said, standing and approaching. Usopp stared in surprise as he sat next to him. "You did all these yourself?"
"Y—Yes, Your Majesty," Usopp said quickly. "They're for sale, if you'd like."
He groaned and covered his face. How could he say such a thing to the King?
"I'd love one."
Usopp looked up. Sanji stood and pointed to a painting of an ocean filled with fish. "How much for this one?"
Usopp told him.
"I'll take it," Sanji said. He reached into his pocket, took out a small handful of money, and handed it to Usopp, who counted it out and started to hand back the extra.
"No, no, keep the change, you deserve it," Sanji insisted. He gently removed the painting from the wall, ignoring Usopp's sputtering, before going back to the bar to return to his drink. Usopp watched him in awe as he slowly pocketed the money.
"Oh, forgive me—your name?" Sanji added, turning back to Usopp as he set the painting gently on the counter.
"U—Usopp!"
Sanji quirked a smile. "Very nice. And you two?" he said, glancing at Zoro and Brook.
They introduced themselves, and Zoro scowled. "Are your guards coming for you soon?"
"Does my face irritate you or something?" Sanji demanded. "I'll have you know yours isn't so grand either—"
"I won't stand for fighting, now," Koala said sternly. Zoro backed down and Sanji gave her a sheepish look.
"Hey, pardon the intrusion! Is King Sanji here?"
The doors swung open and three people came in, wearing fancy coats and hats. They appeared to be young men.
"Ah, here you are," said one with rosy skin, freckles, and messy dark hair.
"Ah," Sanji muttered. "How did you find me?"
"Robin told us where you were," said the second one, who had a fair complexion, wavy hair, and a jagged scar on the left side of his face.
"She's too smart for me," Sanji said despondently. "She always knows where I am."
"Hi! I like your hair!" the third one exclaimed, staring at Zoro. This one had a mop of dark hair, a bright smile, and a scar under his left eye. "And yours!" he added, now looking at Brook.
"Uh . . . thanks," Zoro said. "You three are the guards?"
Brook chuckled. "Ah, it seems so, doesn't it? Thank you, sir . . ."
"Hi, I'm Ace," the freckled one said. He gestured to the blonde one and the bedhead. "Sabo, Luffy."
They said hello, and Sabo glanced at Koala. She noticed him staring and raised an eyebrow, and he quickly looked away.
"C'mon, now, Sire," Ace said sternly. He yawned. "Robin's going to be strict with you if you dally."
"I'm the King," Sanji muttered petulantly. "Should be able to stay out if I want."
Nonetheless, he stood, grabbing his purchased painting. "Thank you for your hospitality," he added to Koala, placing some money on the counter for the wine.
"Come back anytime," Koala said pleasantly. Sabo glanced at her again with a nervous smile, and she gave him one back this time. His eyes widened and he looked away.
As the guards led him out the door, Sanji gave a nod to Zoro and Brook and a bright smile to Usopp, who could only stare as the doors swung shut behind them.
"That was one of the weirdest things to happen since I opened this place," Koala said at last.
"So that was King Sanji," Brook murmured, sipping his milk.
"Usopp, you okay?" Zoro said. Usopp was still staring at the doors.
"Uh—yeah! Just surprised!" Usopp exclaimed, returning to his canvas only to find it still blank.
"You can head out if you like," Koala said. "You sold a painting to the King himself. I'd say that makes for a pretty successful day."
"Oh, thanks!" Usopp said. He stood, nearly knocking over his things, and began putting them away.
"Hey, Nami!" Usopp exclaimed as he strode into the parlor. "You'll never guess what happened!"
Nami jumped and looked up from where she'd been reading on the couch. "For goodness' sake, Usopp, don't startle me like that," she said in annoyance.
"We've been living together for three months, how much longer are you going to be startled when I come in?" Usopp muttered, sitting across from her.
"It's only bad when you make so much noise, it just surprises me," Nami said quickly, closing her book. "So, what happened?"
Usopp grinned. "King Sanji himself came to the tavern!"
Nami's eyes widened. "The King?"
"Yeah! He bought one of my paintings!"
"You didn't mention me to him, did you?"
Usopp frowned. "No? Why?"
"Nothing." Nami forced a smile. "He bought one of your paintings, huh?"
Usopp dug out the money and showed her proudly.
"That's great!" she cried, her smile now genuine. "Go leave that by the safe, I'll put it in later!"
She looked up again. "Why was he there?"
"I think he just wanted to be in town, but it seems he left without telling anyone and the guards came after him," Usopp explained.
Nami rested her head on a hand. "What is he like?"
"He seems really carefree," Usopp said thoughtfully. "And . . . um. He's very pretty."
"Oh?" Nami raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Well, he is—"
Nami grinned and stood. "I'll get dinner started."
The following day began much the same. Usopp hung out with Franky and Chopper in their workshop, and laughed when Franky complained that carriage drivers should know where the potholes are by now so they don't break things running into them, and how could someone spill so many crumbs into the earpiece of a telephone?
The tavern scene, too, was much the same. Usopp started a new painting, which would surely be finished by the time his work day ended, and as the sun began to set, customers began to disperse, leaving only Zoro at the bar.
And, as before, a hooded man entered, this time with a companion.
"It's raining today," Sanji remarked, throwing off his hood and shaking water droplets from his bangs. He and Sabo went and sat at the bar.
"Is this going to be a regular thing?" Koala asked with an amused smile.
"Maybe," Sanji admitted. "May I have a brandy?"
Koala nodded and turned to Sabo. "And for you?"
"Oh, uh . . ." Sabo bit his lip and awkwardly brushed his hair over his scar. "Just water."
Koala nodded and busied herself getting the drinks. Sanji glanced at Zoro, and finding that he was ignoring him completely, scowled and looked at Usopp with a smile. Usopp quickly lowered his head and continued painting.
"I did ask to leave this time," Sanji added to Koala. "My advisor let me go on the condition I would have a chaperone."
"I see," Koala said, glancing at Sabo again. She gave them their drinks, and Sanji paid for them before standing and heading over to Usopp. Sabo stayed at the bar, drinking his water slowly and staying awkwardly silent.
"May I watch?"
Usopp looked up at Sanji at last. "Uh, sure! I mean, yes, Your Majesty—um—" He stood, ran to one of the small tables, and grabbed one of its chairs, bringing it over and setting it next to him. "Here!"
"Thank you," Sanji said, seating himself with Usopp. Usopp picked up his brush again and continued his work.
"That painting I bought yesterday," Sanji said. "It looks very good on the wall."
"D—Does it? I'm glad," Usopp murmured, staring determinedly at the canvas. Today he was painting a beautiful snow-covered island, with odd drum-shaped mountains. On the top of one was an enormous cherry tree in full bloom.
"Er . . . I can go?"
"Uh, you don't have to," Usopp said quickly, voice cracking on the last word. He lowered his paintbrush and his head, trying to ignore the warmth of the body right next to him.
When he looked up again, Sanji was smiling.
"So," Koala said to Sabo, "those two from before, they're not with you today?"
Sabo looked up in surprise and shook his head. "They're my brothers," he explained. "His Majesty needed an escort, and I volunteered."
"Brothers . . . and you were all hired at the same time?"
Sabo smiled. "What happened was, we were at our place, talking about how to get more money, and King Sanji burst inside with his advisor and asked if we wanted jobs. We live at the castle now."
"That little one looked too scrawny to be a guard," Zoro remarked, spinning his glass on the counter.
Sabo stood and stalked over to Zoro. "You got something bad to say about him?" he asked with a dark look.
"I'm saying he's skinny," Zoro muttered, glancing up. "Guards usually look stronger. I'm not saying he's not stro—"
Sabo cracked his knuckles. "He can defend himself," he said dangerously. "But he's not here, so I'll have to do that for him. Why don't you stand up?"
Koala sighed, walked to the other end of the bar, and lifted up that part of the counter, coming around to the outside and heading to Sabo and Zoro.
"I won't have fighting here," she announced.
Sabo glanced behind him. "Oh! Sorr—"
She spun him around by the shoulder, bent down, and, despite that he was nearly a foot taller, lifted him up by the legs, slinging him over her shoulder. Ignoring his protests, she carried him out the door and dumped him onto the road, heading back inside while dusting off her hands.
"I could've handled him," Zoro muttered.
"Yes, you could've," Koala said kindly. "But I won't tolerate fistfights in here, and I didn't want to have to throw you out as well." She glanced over to where Sanji was peering around the canvas next to a rather flustered Usopp. "Sorry, Your Majesty."
"It's fine," Sanji said reassuringly. He downed the rest of his brandy, coughed, and stood. "Maybe that's our cue to leave." He set his glass on the bar counter. "Thank you again."
He gave a smile to Koala, and then one to Usopp. Throwing on his hood again, he headed out to get Sabo to come back to the castle with him.
"Did you notice his hair's really nice?" Usopp murmured.
Zoro and Koala shot him amused looks.
"What?" Usopp exclaimed defensively.
Upon Usopp's arrival home, he told Nami of Sanji's second visit. She was only mildly surprised this time, and, like Zoro and Koala, easily saw Usopp's fascination with him.
Over the week, it became a regular thing. Sanji would visit the tavern in the evening, accompanied by one of his guards (Sabo apologized for being violent and seemed to take a great interest in Koala, Ace would often fall asleep at the bar, being a narcoleptic, and Luffy would chat up a storm with Zoro or Usopp). Sanji occasionally sat with Usopp, watching him paint, and sometimes even asked him about what he was doing, to which Usopp gave high-pitched responses.
"Um, Nami," he said one evening. "Do you know what . . . having a crush is like?"
Nami covered her mouth, shaking with laughter.
"What?!"
"You are so transparent," she exclaimed, smiling.
"I don't know what you mean," he said stubbornly.
"If you insist."
Luckily, Usopp was able to work this out on his own.
The day following, King Sanji did not visit the bar.
"Oh, he must be preparing for the party," Koala remarked.
"Party?" Usopp repeated.
"You'll find out when you're home," Zoro said.
When Usopp came back home, he found a letter stuck in the door crack. Frowning, he pulled it out, opened the door, and stepped inside.
"Nami?" he called. "Did someone stop by today?"
Nami came out of the parlor. "Someone knocked on the door," she admitted, "but I didn't want to get it."
Usopp rolled his eyes. "Okay. It's just a letter."
"Letter?"
"Yeah," Usopp said, ripping the paper from the wax seal. "Let's see . . ."
He held it out so he and Nami could read it.
"A masquerade ball held by King Sanji?" Nami said.
"In three days," Usopp said, lifting his eyebrows. "At the castle . . . and the whole kingdom's invited!"
"Can the whole kingdom fit inside the castle, I wonder?" Nami murmured.
"I'm sure not everyone's going, and this kingdom's pretty small," Usopp reminded her. "But . . ."
"Would you . . . like to attend?"
Usopp glanced to her in surprise. "Me?" He sighed. "Well, sure, I'd like to! I would dazzle everyone there with my splendor . . . if only I had something nice to wear, or even a mask, and I don't have either." He folded up the letter again. "What about you? Wouldn't you like to go?"
Nami shuddered. "Certainly not. I would not feel safe there."
"If you say so."
Nami stepped away into the parlor in silent thought.
Days passed, and the time of the ball arrived. Koala had closed the bar early, and Usopp had startled Nami with his early return.
"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing she was fidgeting and pacing. "Are you hungry? I can start dinner—"
"Usopp," she said. "What time is the ball beginning?"
"It's starting pretty soon, people are already going, I think," Usopp said with a sigh. "Why?"
"You want to go, don't you?"
"What—of course I do! But I told you, I don't—"
Nami folded her arms. "Listen, I know you have a crush on King Sanji."
Usopp's eyes widened. "Um—"
"Don't act like you don't know what I mean, we both know it's true!"
Usopp sagged in defeat. "Okay, you're right! But he's royalty, how could I have a chance with that?! And what does that have to do with this?!"
"I have . . . an idea," Nami said, hesitating. "I could get you to that ball, and if this all works out, we can both benefit."
Usopp raised a hand. "Um. Please be more specific. You're confusing me."
Nami strode out of the room. Usopp folded his arms, waiting, and she returned a minute later, holding a thin white rod.
He eyed it. "A stick?"
Nami took a deep breath, clenching the rod between her fingers. "You're going to the ball," she said. "And see if you can't get a dance with King Sanji. But you have to promise not to tell a single soul about this."
"I don't know what you mean!" Usopp protested. "I promise, I guess?"
Nami grabbed his arm and walked him to the bathroom, where a mirror hung above the sink.
"Okay," she murmured. "I know what to do here . . ."
She stepped back, raised the rod, and twirled it over Usopp. "Bibidi . . . babidi . . . buu!"
The air shimmered and sparkled above and around Usopp, and he froze in surprise.
"Sa-la-mee-goo-da, se-la-ree-chi-lee, bibidi, babidi, buu!"
Usopp blinked, stared at himself in the mirror, and shrieked. His clothes had been replaced by a fine ruffled suit fit for a prince, complete with a fancy red cape hanging over his back, and a Venetian mask covering his face. The mask was decorated in yellow and blue, had two holes for the eyes (and one for his long nose to stick through) covered in dark glass, three sunflower-like decorations sticking out from the top and sides, and carved lips covering the lower face.
"What is this?!" he yelled, feeling his hair, which had been neatly tied back. "Hey, where did my ears go?!"
Nami gripped his shoulders. "Remember . . . you promised . . . you wouldn't tell."
Usopp turned around. "I think you have some explaining to do! This is the weirdest thing! And where are my ears?! I can still hear, but—?!"
"It's just a side . . . effect. Get to the door . . ."
Nami held onto his shoulders, guiding him slowly to the door.
"As long as . . . you don't tell anyone . . . who you are," she said, "or remove . . . the mask, no one . . . will recognize you."
"I—!"
"The costume will disappear . . . at midnight," she interrupted. "Get out of sight . . . before it does."
"Nami?!"
Nami smiled. "See if . . . you can't win over . . . the King. Go have fun."
Usopp stared at her. "I still don't get it!" he exclaimed. "But . . . okay! I will! You better explain when I get back!"
"I do owe you . . . that much."
Usopp turned to the door, opened it, and waved as he left the house.
Nami waited until the door was shut before she staggered into the parlor and passed out on the couch.