The stands were once again filled to maximum capacity as the audience returned to their seats for the final show. The announcer was standing nervously next to the fearsome Shoujuu who had a very cocky and egotistical grin spread against his squared face. A small breeze rolled onto the field as confused discussions filled the air.

"Where's the second sniper?"

"Did the long nose head for the hills or something?"

"I bet he chickened out."

"He better not have. I paid good money to see some action."

The straw hats looked around curiously when Usopp and Kanji were nowhere in sight. Nami clenched her fists as she looked around anxiously. "Where are they?!" The navigator murmured as she bit nervously on her nail.

"Don't worry Nami-san. I'm sure they'll be here soon." Sanji pulled a cigarette from his pocket and quickly lit it. Zoro scanned the surrounding areas for their sniper but found that he and Kanji were not around. He focused intently on Shoujuu's crew and counted them off over and over again. He knew there had been twelve of them… and there were still twelve. Unless he had missed one, he didn't suspect Shoujuu to be smart enough to send his lackeys to finish the job.

After a few minutes nothing had changed. Luffy looked around with Chopper clinging to his back with tears rolling down his fuzzy cheeks. "I knew it! Usopp's too injured to fight!! What if his arm stopped moving?! What are we going to do Luffy?!" The captain's stomach roared violently as Luffy slumped forward in a rubber pile.

"Usoooooooopp… I need !!!" The doctor sighed sadly and then went to Robin and sat comfortably in her lap.

"Don't worry doctor-san. He will be here." Franky and Brook were also looking around with anticipation. The announcer tapped his foot on the ground as he and the referees looked up at the town's clock tower. Shoujuu was becoming annoyed as he stared at the case of money and the gleaming gold trophy in two of the referee's hands.

"Come on! It's over! The long nose has obviously forfeited! So, let's get the cheers and flare over with so you can name me the best."

"Not yet." One ref said as his eyes focused intently on the face of the clock. "There is still a minute left." The crowd looked to the clock as the seconds slowly ticked away. The time continued to run as the announcer cleared his throat.

"Well everyone!! It looks like we may have our winner here by default!! Only fifteen seconds left!!


"WAIT JUST A SECOND!!!!!!!!!!!!" The crowd turned their attentions to a man approaching the field with a gun in his hand that was covered with a white cast. He rubbed his long nose proudly with his un-bandaged finger and stared at the astonished Shoujuu. "My name's USOPP… and I'm here to be called the best!" Usopp posed proudly as the crowd exploded into cheers, whistles, applause, and chants. "YOU GOT THAT GORILLA?!"

Shoujuu couldn't believe that the long nose had actually shown up as he turned sharply to the refs. "There's no way that's legal!!! He's too late!!!! DISQUALIFY HIM!!!!"

"Sorry pal. But he beat the clock by a second. That's plenty of time to let him into this fight." The announcer agreed happily as he turned dramatically to the audience.

"THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS!!!! We're going to have this Final down to the last shot!!!!" The crowd cheered as the Straw-hats continued to root for their sniper as Usopp walked over towards the refs and Shoujuu. Kanji smiled as he made his way behind the stands and hurried to get a seat with the straw-hat crew. As he turned the corner a tall man and a very large, hefty, man with strange goggles cut him off. Kanji was barely able to stop as his shoes trailed through the earth until he came to a halt in front of the two strangers.

"Oh! Sorry about that kid!!" The large man laughed as he took a bite of a large piece of meat still attached to the bone.

"It's no problem. I'm sorry I didn't see you coming." The taller man took a drag from his cigarette before speaking.

"This is the sniper tournament right?" The tall man asked. "We just got in and wanted to make sure this was the right spot." Kanji tried to turn his attention from the man's x shaped scar on the side of his pale face.

"Y-yes! Yes it is."

"That one guy's Shoujuu, but who's the other one?" The large man asked. Kanji looked over and noticed he was talking about Usopp.

"Ah, that's Usopp."

"Usopp?! Oi, kid, you sure that kid's name is USOPP?" The tall man asked with surprise.

"Yeah… why? Do you know him? And who are you guys anyway? I've never seen you around here."

"Just travelers. Thanks kid." The tall man said before suddenly walking away with a grin. The fat one smiled and turned to follow the other as he took another huge chomp of the meat in his hand.

"See ya kid!" The two then disappeared past the stands. Kanji stood with extreme confusion for a moment before rushing into the risers to join the straw-hats.

~*~

"IT'S TIME TO BEGIN!!!!!!!!" The announcer cheered as the crowd roared with the excitement building. Usopp and Shoujuu were facing each other in the middle of the field as the ref gave them the regular rules and regulations. Kanji hopped up into the stands, landing right next to Brook, Luffy, and Chopper. He was going to say hello to Nami but Sanji's glare told him it wasn't the best idea.

"Hey guys!"

"Yohoho! Kanji-san! How is Usopp-san's arm? Is he prepared to compete?" Kanji shrugged trying to hide his worry with a calm demeanor.

"He's fine. He said it wasn't bothering him and he's ready to go." Usopp had asked him to lie… Kanji was never all that good at it, but the three crew members bought it. Chopper was immediately relieved as Luffy's grin widened.

"Of course!! He's gonna beat Shoujuu like he said!!" Luffy laughed as Brook and Chopper cheered. Kanji felt a deep concern run through him, as he looked out into the middle of the field at Usopp and the cast tight around his arm.

"Yeah… He's going to win." Kanji said, still prepared to reach for the rifle on his back at any time. The referee completed his usual instructions after telling them that there would be five more turns add to the last face-off and took a step back with the announcer.

"ALL RIGHT EVERYONE!! HERE WE GO!! Usopp, Shoujuu, let's have a clean match!!! AND MAY THE BEST SNIPER WIN!!!!" Usopp reached out his left hand and Shoujuu glared down at him.

"Good luck Shoujuu."

"I don't need it. Especially from a whelp like you." Shoujuu reached over and squeezed Usopp's right hand tightly before laughing and walking to his spot as Usopp rubbed his throbbing arm carefully. The two stopped and looked into the distance at their targets that had been moved far down the field.

"Now!! The targets have been moved back twenty feet, making it the perfect challenge for our snipers!!" The announcer said and the crowd cheered. Usopp swallowed hard as he tried to get a good grip on the rifle in his hand. "So, let's hear it for SHOUJUU!!!!" The audience applauded as Shoujuu scoffed and aimed towards the target in the distance. After a moment the gun blasted loudly as the bullet flew straight through the air and into the red and white rings on the board. The referee looked it over and then gave his signal to the announcer. "20 POINTS!!!!" Usopp's knees started to shake as he fumbled with the gun and tried to hold onto the trigger through the pain. "That's a great start to a final isn't it folks?! Next up we have USOPP!!!!" The Straw-hats cheered wildly with the crowd as Usopp smiled nervously. His hand had gone numb and his fingers continued to slip on the trigger as he held the gun with both hands. I can't shoot like this!! Usopp thought to himself as his hands trembled and he couldn't get a good aim. Come on… Come on…!! FOCUS!!! There was a second when he got a lock on the target when Usopp tried to take his shot before it was gone. He put pressure down on the trigger when he heard a loud crack…

"OWWWWWWWWW!!!!" The rifle fell from his hand as Usopp held his arm painfully. His wrist had snapped almost completely in half. The crowd gasped as Shoujuu chuckled.

I knew it! My brilliant plan worked!!! Stupid Long Nose!!! He can't even pull the trigger! HAHAHA!!!! Usopp ground his teeth together as he fought the pain desperately. A stray tear fell from the tip of his nose and onto the green blades of grass below his feet.

Damn… Damn… DAMN IT!!! Usopp squeezed the cast as his fist popped. I'm so damn tired of this!!! I get a chance to help the crew… and THIS happens!!! DAMN IT!!!!… I just… I just don't want to give up!!! Usopp starred down at the gun lying in the grass. Dad… I've always wanted to be like you… So why can't I beat this bastard?!… I want to be a true sniper… Better than ANYONE!! No matter what happens, even when I feel totally pathetic, I can use sniping and actually stand up with my nakama!! SO WHAT THE HELL CAN I DO IF I CAN'T USE IT?!?!?

Usopp's eyes glanced over to the stands and saw the anxious and concerned looks on his nakama's faces. A new feeling overcame him as he looked back down at the gun and reached down to grab it with his left hand as his right arm dangled uselessly at his side. A real sniper can hit any target… In any way… So if I'm really going to be one of the best…And a brave warrior of the sea… IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT I HAVE TO DO!!! He aimed the barrel at the target as he gripped the rifle clumsily in his left hand. I JUST HAVE TO SHOOT!!!! Shoujuu laughed aloud as he put his hand over his eyes.

"Are you serious Long Nose?! You're really going to try to use your left hand?! It's not possible! Once you've got a hand stuck for use then there's no way to just SWITCH!! IDIOT!!!" There was a loud shot that rang out in the air at that moment when Shoujuu's laughter stopped. Silence blanketed the island as the crowd watched the two snipers with surprise. Smoke slowly trailed from the barrel of Usopp's gun as the long nose grinned.

"Well then… I think it's time I try a new tactic." The referee held up his card.

"20 POINTS?!!!!!!" The crowd was stunned for a moment as the announcer stumbled over his words. "I-I MEAN, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT FOLKS?!?! A PERFECT SHOT WITH HIS OPPOSITE HAND!!!!! I DON'T THINK WE'VE EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE!!!!!" The crowd erupted into deafening roars as the Straw-Hats jumped up and down wildly. Kanji couldn't but laugh and cheer as Brook, Franky, Luffy, and Chopper all started to dance and sing,

"THAT'S OUR SNIPER!! HE'S THE BEST!! THAT'S OUR SNIPER!!! BEAT THE REST!!!!!!" Kanji couldn't believe it when he started chanting with him, along with Sanji and Nami. Even Robin was mouthing the words! Zoro thought about it for a minute… but decided he didn't want to get involved in the insanity… so the words just repeated in his mind. Shoujuu growled as he clenched the gun in his hand.

That isn't POSSIBLE!!!! HE MUST BE CHEATING THAT DAMN LIAR!!!! I SHOULD HAVE DONE AWAY WITH THAT BRAT WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!!!!! Shoujuu quickly took his turn as he tried to contain his rage and his face turned red when Usopp hit the target again on his second turn. I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!!!!!

Near the stands the two men who had run into Kanji watched the tournament beneath the shade of a tree. They focused intently on the long nosed sniper. The fat man was sitting comfortably in the grass, still chewing on his food. "That's really him, huh? Almost didn't recognize him! It's been about 14 years!!… But he looks a TON like old mop head!!! HAHA!!"

"Well, it should have been obvious with that nose." The taller man chuckled as he leaned against the tree's trunk. "And would you look at that? He's with Luffy. I guess he's that Sogeking guy after all… How damn ironic can you get?"

"Are you sure we shouldn't go and see Anchor?" The tall man had to chuckle at Luffy's old nickname.

"Nah. Captain would be pissed if we got to meet him before he did."

"True!!" The fat one took the last bite of the meat and laughed. "Yasopp's gonna be beating himself senseless when we tell him about this!!! HAHAHA!!!!"

"No kidding… Did you already eat all of that?!"

"It was good…" The man's stomach growled viciously. "Oi, Ben, give me some dough. I need to go and buy some more!"

"Bring your own damn money next time you freeloader!!" Ben Beckman growled as he rummaged through his pocket. "You're going to make me broke before the day is up Lucky."

"Then you should have brought more money!" Ben glared darkly down at Lucky Roux as Lucky decided not to say anymore.

"That's what I thought."

Usopp amazingly still didn't miss a shot. He could admit he had trouble. Before each shot he would close his left eye and notice he was off line. Oh… He thought before closing his right eye instead. His arm was constantly throbbing and he had carefully set it back into the sling that was wrapped around his chest and back. All the while Chopper was watching it, hoping he wouldn't injure it any farther. Sweat was rolling down the two sniper's foreheads as they continued to fire. Then it all came down to the final shot. Shoujuu fought with himself on whether he should just shoot the kid and call it an accident or wait. What did he care if the long nose died? He wasn't about to lose to a kid. Shoujuu studied the board for another second before letting off his shot. Another perfect shot. The man scoffed as he looked over at Usopp.

Oh shit… Usopp's knees started to tremble as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

"THIS IS IT FOLKS!!" The announcer boomed as he removed his hat for a dramatic affect. "USOPP HAS TO GET A PERFECT SHOT OR ELSE HE IS OUT OF THE TOURNAMENT AND SHOUJUU WILL BE OUR REIGNING CHAMPION!!!!"

Don't remind me!! Usopp screamed in his head as he looked at the target. He had done just fine… but now… there was just a little more pressure than before. Nami clenched her fists, eagerly waiting for her nakama to make a move.

Maybe he needs a little more incentive to see how dire his situation is right now. Nami stood up as the crew looked over at her curiously. Kanji glanced over at her with interest.

"Nami-san?" Sanji said with confusion as the navigator smiled and took a deep breath.

"USSOOOPPP!!!!!!" The long nosed sniper looked back at her. "JUST REMEMBER THAT IF YOU DON'T WIN… I'LL MAKE SANJI FIND WILD MUSHROOMS AND STUFF THEM DOWN YOUR THROAT!!!!! SO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!"

Can't argue with that logic. Usopp smiled and turned back to the target. He barely thought about it… but he just shot. There was only one thought in his head…

Dad… I'm not giving up.

A second later Usopp's last shot sailed through the air. No one made a sound. The audience seemed to all lean forward trying to see where the bullet hole pierced into the target. Usopp sighed calmly as Shoujuu waited impatiently.

The card was held up… The announcer looked it over and nodded… This was it…

"Ladies and Gentleman…" The hush became so thick you could cut it with a knife… Zoro saw if it would really slice with the blade of his katana, but nothing changed.

"WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ONE MORE TIE BREAKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Shoujuu's mouth fell open as the crowd once again jumped onto their feet and cheered, whistled, clapped, screamed… Usopp smiled as he tipped his chin up a bit and looked over at his opponent.

"Let's do it Gorilla."

This was it… One last showdown to show the true skill of a sniper…

"Gladly…" Shoujuu's smile became dark and menacing. Time to die… Long Nose.

~*~

XD I'm sorry to leave you right there, but I couldn't make this chapter any longer! This was a really fun one to write however. See, I tried to crack into Usopp's character a bit more. I think the fact about him wanting to meet his father is extremely downsized. And here I just wanted to show how I thought Usopp sees his ability and how it ties together with Yasopp. I know, I know, he never says he wants to be the best sniper, but I think there is a part of him that is reaching for that goal too, along with his great warrior of the sea dream. (Which I love. 3)

So, I really hope you like the newest chapter!! And keep on the look out for the next!! Have a good one all!!! :D Please review!!! Your comments really help!! ^-^

~Smudgeandfrank