Eh, another intro-ish chapter. Enter Le 'Sopp and Le Chopper.

At least I included them. I almost didn't.

Eating your tuna sandwich,

---Ken

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CHAPTER 4: WHAT WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT

Usopp returned to his home island with a foreign species never before seen by the inhabitants: Chopper. The human-reindeer doctor was the joy of children and adults alike, even having to escape from his newfound 'fans' as quickly as Usopp had to right after telling the village his lies of old, years ago before embarking on his journey with the beginnings of the Straw Hat Crew. Those were days of adventure and nightly parties, fun and story-telling. He no longer looked for adventure, and no longer told tall tales. He wanted to, and felt saddened that he didn't relish it anymore, as he had.

"Chopper, do you regret actually leaving them, you know, in Roguetown and all?"

"I told you already, Usopp...I think it was for the best, everyone going out and doing their own thing, making their own independent choices. None of us are dependent on anyone now."

He'd said that numerous times the day they left the crew. He had said it equally more that day. Blame the letter.

The former marksman turned construction worker reread Luffy's letter for the tenth time that day. He had just found it in his mailbox, a day late, and wondered at why he hadn't checked his mail in the first place.

"I always check my mail, Chopper, why didn't I yesterday?"

"You were busy, Usopp. You just forgot...that's all."

"I know, but still. That's part of my routine."

"Fate doesn't care."

"Bleh bleh. Well maybe for once I don't care. None of that stuff again."

"Are you going to respond?" the little reindeer asked, staring up at Usopp, who was sitting on a low tree branch, his back against the trunk.

"I haven't decided yet."

"Oh." Chopper rubbed his head. The sun had been strong for weeks now, no rain clouds in sight, and the heat was starting to get to him. "Man, I'm glad I sit indoors for my doctor work. I don't know how you build and keep up on all those houses in this weather. How many houses have you helped build now?"

"I forgot, haven't been keeping tally anymore." He folded the letter and pushed it into one of his large cargo pockets, a few of his knuckles bumping against the head of a hammer. He grimaced as he looked up into the branches of the tree, the light from the sun splashing select leaves, creating a huge green collage above him. He smiled, thinking. "Actually, I have been keeping tally."

"But I thought you just said..."

"I've built over eighty MILLION houses, just today."

"That's impossible! There aren't that many people here! And the island isn't even that big."

"Ah, but you haven't checked on the ants."

"You don't build ant houses..."

"Have you looked to make sure?"

"No, but---"

"IN THE FOREST! Go check! I build a mound for termites too! A whole apartment complex!"

"NO WAY."

"WAY!"

"An apartment complex?!"

"They even owe rent!"

"RENT?!"

"It's a true steal: a hundred Berries a week!"

Chopper screamed in gullible delight, jumping up and sprinting towards the forest, Usopp following close behind, laughing, words for a reply letter already filling his mind.