A/N: Updated 6/4/19


Mini Series- Checking in with the World, Chapter 3: Long-Nosed Hero in the Making

Usopp sat overlooking the sea, the pile of logs he'd always used as target practice sitting underneath him. Pepper, Onion and Carrot had left only a few moments ago, each renewing their vows to the captain.

"We believe in you Captain!"

"We'll follow you anywhere."

"What I want," Usopp said, looking down at his friends, "Is for us to follow our dreams. Can you do that?"

Their eyes began watering, knowing that this moment, this single action, would alter their course. Onion, Pepper and Carrot all took deep breaths and yelled out their dreams.

"I will own a bar!"

"I will be a master carpenter!"

"I will write my own book!"

Usopp took a deep breath and looked up at the pirate flag moving in the wind. "I will be a brave protector of this island!" He felt tears running down his own face, some small part of him praying that his father would forgive him.

Usopp was pulled from his musings as a branch cracked behind him.

"You aren't leaving for the sea." Kaya's voice was stronger than before but there was still a slight tremor. Usopp supposed that no one could go through finding out their butler was evil and not have some sort of reaction.

"I've decided to stay here. I protected the village this time, what happens next time?" It had taken a lot of thought, but Usopp realized that the island needed him. It needed him to keep telling great stories, it needed him to remind everyone that there was excitement outside of their little town. It needed him to protect them when enemies came. Besides, maybe one day he could start going on short adventures. They wouldn't be the same as what his father did, but a few days at sea, visiting and exploring the neighbouring islands could provide him with the adventures he always wanted while still allowing him to stay in Syrup and protect his village.

Kaya simply nodded, her blonde hair flowing in the wind just as the flag that was no longer hung used to.

"Well, I'll be here to patch you up when you need it. It wouldn't do for our island's protector to go around injured all the time."

Usopp looked over, surprise on his face as his friend simply smiled in that calm way of hers. "I won't let my sickness get the better of me anymore. I'm going to be a doctor." Usopp grinned, sliding over and letting Kaya sit next to them as they watched the sun set and a small caravel disappear over the horizon.

It was on this day that Syrup Village underwent a pirate attack that no one but the village liars had seen. It was also on this day that the Usopp Pirates were disbanded and from their ashes rose the village protector that would one day be needed. But that's a story for another time.


A/N: Review and comment on your thoughts! Love to hear from my kittens!

NEXT TIME:

East Blue Saga; Arc 5, Loguetown: The King is Dead