A/N: Alright, let's get this next arc started!

Randy: Onwards and upwards! To Infinity and Beyond!

Luffy: TO ALL THE MEAT I CAN EAT!

A/N-Randy: CUT IT OUT!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, only the new characters I create and any additional character exploration.

"Talking"

"Thinking"

"Ability or Technique"

"Author's Notes"

Arc 2: Syrup Village Arc

Chapter 10: Enter Pirate Captain Usopp!

"Wow, I can't believe you found that treasure for the box-guy!" Luffy cheered at me from across our mental void. "But how come it wasn't there when I helped him?"

"Well, multiverse theory comes into play there," I replied. "It might not have been there because it didn't exist in the main timeline. It might have been there and you just might not have found it. It's a Schrodinger's Cat scenario."

"A what?" Luffy asked.

"Schrodinger's Cat is a hypothetical scenario where you can't prove whether a cat is alive or dead inside a box until you open it or somehow look inside," I explained, only for Luffy to give me a thoughtful look.

"So, it's a mystery cat?" Luffy suggested.

"…that's …not a bad interpretation," I acquiesced.

"Randy! Randy wake up!" Nami's voice echoed in our voidscape.

"Looks like we're getting close to the next island," I said. "I'll be sure to get Usopp for our crew, Luffy."

"Shishishi! You better!" Luffy agreed as the void faded to white.

-X-

"We got lucky with meeting Gaimon, but we need to be better prepared," Nami summarized as we floated.

"Nami's right, we can't go to the Grand Line with just a small sailboat and a dinghy," I agreed. "We need a larger ship, one that can handle the supplies we need and to get us to and through the Grand Line."

"So does the supplies happen to include sake?" Zoro asked.

"Yeah, and a larger share of meat for me, but let's be serious for a moment," I chuckled.

"At least someone here is reasonable," Nami sighed. "…sometimes."

"So how much longer till we reach our next destination?" I asked.

"Shouldn't be more than a half-hour," Nami said, checking her map and a compass. "We'll reach the Gecko Islands and the closest village, Syrup Village."

"Here's hoping they've got a shipyard," I said, laying back in the boat.

A half-hour later, as Nami predicted with her usual pinpoint navigation, we arrived to a shore framed by two tall cliffs, each tipped with part of a lush forest.

"So, which way to the village?" Zoro yawned as he stretched back. "It'll be good to stretch my legs on terra firma."

"Right, but first things first, I think we have company," I said noting Usopp standing on the top of the hill. "So, who're you?"

"I-I'm the Great Captain Usopp, fierce Pirate Fleet Captain, and self-designated guardian of this village!" Usopp barked, despite flinching at my notice of him. "I have 80 million men at my disposal, and you'll feel their wrath if you try to attack!" Several pirate flags shot up out of the bushes, all with Usopp's Pirate Crew Jolly Roger on them.

"He's lying," Nami bluntly stated.

"Gah! How'd she know!?" Usopp asked himself as he flinched backward.

"Well, you just told her," I cut in, causing Zoro to chuckle.

"No! You crafty pirates got me to break my own cover!" Usopp bemoaned as he wiggled like an arm-flailing tube-man. "Alright, 80 million was a bit of an exaggeration, but I still have many men under my disposal!" As if to punctuate for him, some of the flags started moving up and down rhythmically.

"I'm gonna guess there's three of them," Nami smugly added.

"WAH! She does know!" Usopp's "crew" shrieked as they ran for cover.

"Hey, wait! Come back guys!" Usopp begged as I could only snicker. "Don't leave me here alone!"

"Man, you could be a great vaudeville performer," I laughed, earning a glare from Usopp.

"Don't you laugh at me!" Usopp demanded as he pulled his slingshot out of his satchel. "I'll have you know that I can rival any man with a pistol using this slingshot! I'm a proud man, and I don't take mockery lightly!" I only smirked as I tilted my hat down to cover my eyes. "I'll show you why they call me 'Proud Captain Usopp', you filthy pirate!"

"So that's your 'pistol' huh?" I asked in a slow, menacing tone. "You do realize that pistols aren't for words, they're for action."

"Wh-what do you mean?" Usopp asked, twitching slightly as he kept his eyes locked on me.

"I mean you're threatening my life," I continued, drawing a kunai from my pouch. "If you're threatening my life, that means you're willing to put your own on the line to see that threat through. Are you 'man' enough to risk your life?"

"He's serious, you know," Zoro interjected. "This guy's a pirate through and through."

The Mexican standoff lasted for a minute or so before Usopp's grip on his slingshot slipped, the metal pachinko bearing dropping as his band snapped forward loosely. "Real pirates have a lot of backing on their threats," Usopp whined as he slumped to the ground.

"Nah, that wasn't a threat," I laughed. "I stole the first part from Shanks."

"Shanks? You mean the Red-Haired Shanks!" Usopp asked, his eyes bugging out as he leaned forward towards us.

"Yeah, Shanks visited my hometown a lot when I was younger," I revealed. "You said your name is Usopp, is your dad's name Yasopp by chance?"

"Y-yeah, that's my dad! How'd you know?" Usopp begged.

"We can talk over lunch, you know any place that's good to eat around here?" I asked.

-X-

"I can't believe my dad is sailing with the Red-Haired Shanks!" Usopp reveled as he sat at a table with us in the Meshi Restaurant.

"Yeah, your dad was probably the best sniper on the whole crew," I added, swallowing the steak I'd cut for myself. "He probably could back up any of his stories. You act a lot like he did, he couldn't shut up about how proud he was of his skills or his son, especially when he got a bit drunk."

"Man, and I barely knew him before he left," Usopp said as he daydreamed a bit. "That's so cool."

"So, Usopp, do you know where we could get a ship?" Nami asked, changing the subject.

"Er, no, I don't think there's any place in town where you could find a ship for your adventure," Usopp hastily covered up.

"Well, what about that huge mansion at the top of the village?' Zoro asked, Usopp nervously flinching again.

"Hey yeah, that's a great idea! Do you think you can introduce them to us, Usopp?" Nami asked.

"You stay away from that mansion!" Usopp ordered as he stood up, slamming his palms on the table. There was a brief silence before sweat rolled down Usopp's neck. "Uh, I actually have to be somewhere! You can order anything you want, just tell the owner to put it on my tab! I've got a bit of a reputation around this place!" Usopp ran for the door and waved to us. "Gotta go! Later!"

"That was weird, even for what we know of him," Nami mused. "Think he's covering something up?"

"He's probably got some personal investment in the mansion's residents," I suggested, tearing a roll in half. "Either way, that's none of our business. But, that's not to say we shouldn't see if we can get a ship from them, or at least get directions to a shipyard."

It was a few minutes later before I finished up, feeling full for the first time in a while. The door was slammed open as we heard a cry of "The Usopp Pirates are here!"

"Who're they?" Nami asked as three young kids ran inside clutching wooden swords.

"Dunno, but they probably know Usopp," I surmised.

"The Captain's not here…" the purple-haired one realized.

"They must have eaten him!" the blond with glasses concluded.

"H-Hey, pirates! Tell us what you did with our Captain!" the green-haired one asked, thrusting his sword to the sky.

"Yeah, tell us now!" his companions backed in unison. I grinned to Zoro before patting my stomach.

"Ah, been a while since I was able to eat my fill of meat," I said in a bit of a sarcastic tone.

"M-Meat?!" the three kids yelped in fear.

"You wanna know what we did with him?" Zoro asked ominously as he glared at the trio. "We… ate him."

"AAAH! IT'S A WITCH!" the kids shrieked at Nami.

"Don't call me that!" Nami hissed through her shark-like face fault. "Why did you two do that?!" Zoro and I could only laugh as the kids passed out on the floor.

"Oh, so he said he had to be somewhere?" Onion, the blond repeated after the trio regained consciousness and we apologized for scaring them.

"Yup, after he said that, he ran out," Zoro finished.

"He must have headed up to the mansion then," Pepper, the green-haired kid revealed.

"You mean the one on the hill?" Nami asked. "Why would he go there?"

"To tell lies!" the purple-haired kid named Carrot summed up.

"So… like cover-up lies or story lies?" I asked. "Because tall tales and a lie are two different things."

"Well, I guess it's stories," Carrot agreed. "Captain really loves to make up stories, and it makes Kaya happier!"

"So the mansion's owner is called Kaya?" Nami asked, a bit more interested now. "How long has he been doing this?"

"For a few years now," Pepper stated. "Ever since her parents died, she's been sick. But Captain's stories make her feel better!"

"I guess laughter really is the best medicine," I commented. "Stress weakens the immune system, so by bringing her spirits up, Usopp really is making her get better."

"It might be all in her head then," Zoro added. "Your Captain's a pretty good guy."

"I like how nosy he is," Carrot said.

"I like his cowardice," Pepper agreed.

"And I like his tall tales!" Onion added.

"Those aren't really good features to admire," Zoro commented, sweating a bit.

"Alright, we'll head up to the mansion and see if we can purchase a ship," I said, sitting up from the booth.

"Hey, shouldn't we think about this a bit more?" Nami asked. "A ship's really expensive you know!"

"It's not like I'm asking you to pay for it," I countered.

"But you don't have any money!" Nami snapped.

"Are you sure about that?" I asked, smiling at her.

"Well, y-yeah!" Nami replied. "All our treasure is back on the boats!"

"All your treasure maybe," I cryptically answered. "Unless you decided to feel me up when I wasn't looking?"

I could only grin as Nami's face flushed bright red in embarrassment and anger. "You pervert!" Nami roared, punching me into the floor.

"She's scary…" the Usopp Pirates whimpered, their eyes locked on Nami's smoking fist from behind their meat shield, Zoro.

"I never thought I could fear a woman weaker than me," Zoro muttered.

"What was that?" Nami glowered.

"Nothing!" Zoro and the Usopp Pirates hastily covered up.

-X-

"It looks like the front gate's locked," Nami said as we approached the mansion. "And no one's around either."

"Weird, there's normally guys watching the place," Carrot commented.

"I guess we'll have to come back later," Zoro commented as Randy approached the gate. He pushed on the gate, which swung open a bit.

"It's unlocked by the looks of it," Randy commented. "And I think I can hear someone off this way."

"Well, let's go and see if they can help us," Zoro commented as the group walked inside. Rounding the corner, they saw Usopp sitting up in a tree talking to a young lady with pale skin and very light blonde hair.

"Captain!" the Usopp Pirates cheered and snapping Usopp out of his story.

"Guys? What're you doing here?!" Usopp asked as he noticed his crew and recent acquaintances.

"Well, the front gate was unlocked, and we heard someone talking over this way," Randy replied.

"Usopp, you know these people?" the girl asked.

"Why, yes! Yes I do!" Usopp hastily covered up. "You see, these three heard of my reputation and came to join my pirate crew!"

"That's not why we're here," Randy clarified. "We actually came to see if you could sell us a ship, or point us to the nearest shipyard. We'd greatly appreciate any help." Randy bowed to the lady, just as another person rounded the corner.

"What are you doing here?!" the person yelled as Randy returned to standing and the group looked at him. "You can't just barge into a mansion like this!"

"Well, pardon us, we're simply here on business and no one was at the door," Randy replied.

Nami noticed a slight change in his voice and demeanor. It was odd, Randy tensed up a bit, and his eyes narrowed as he looked at this newcomer. "What's his problem?" she mused quietly.

"Klahador, these people are…" Kaya began before the butler held a hand towards her.

"My lady, you don't have to explain," Klahador interrupted. "I will ask about this later. What business do you have here with us?"

"My business is with the lady of the house," Randy returned. "We're here to purchase a ship if possible, or if not, we'd like directions to the nearest shipyard so we may procure a ship."

"Is that so?" Klahador asked, his eyes locking with Randy's. "Well, we have no ship to sell."

"…very well," Randy sighed, his eyes still locked on the butler. "Then we would just like directions to the nearest shipyard, and we'll be out of your hair."

"In one moment, sir," Klahador excused as he turned to Usopp. "You're Usopp, if the rumors in the village are true."

"Oh, so you've heard of me?" Usopp said, preening a bit. "Well, you can call me Captain Usopp!"

"You're quite the liar, from what I hear," Klahador replied as Usopp recoiled at the insult. "The guards said that you've been lurking outside our gates. What brings you to my lady's home?"

"Oh, I… heard there was a huge mole around here, and I wanted to see it for myself!" Usopp fibbed.

"Not a bad lie," Klahador countered. "I've heard about your father too."

"What?" Usopp inquired hastily.

"Your father was a filthy pirate, who left his sick wife and only son to fulfill his lust for the seas," Klahador continued, Usopp tensing up from the insults. Nami noted Randy looked like he was holding himself back for some reason.

"Maybe Randy's just mad that he's insulting Usopp?" Nami estimated.

"I'm not surprised you turned out like your father," Klahador finished. "But I won't let a filthy man like you near Miss Kaya."

"Did you say filthy?!" Usopp hissed as Klahador kept his half-bored look.

"You and Miss Kaya are from completely different worlds," Klahador reinforced. "Is it money you're after? Name your price." Nami saw out of the corner of her eye a look of dread pass over Kaya.

"That's enough, Klahador!" Kaya ordered. "Apologize to Usopp at once!"

"There's no need for me to apologize to a ruffian like him," Klahador reasoned. "I'm just telling the truth! I feel a bit sorry for you… you must hate your father for abandoning you and your mother. All for treasure or some other nonsense like 'a man's romance'."

"Klahador!" Kaya snapped.

"Stop insulting my father already…" Usopp rumbled as he burned a hole in Klahador's head.

"Why are you so angry?" Klahador asked. "You could just lie like you always do. You could say that your father is a traveling merchant… or that Yasopp isn't your father by blood…"

"SHUT UP!" Usopp roared as he lunged at Klahador, his fist smashing into the butler's cheek.

"Captain!" the kids yelped in shock as Kaya covered her mouth.

"Grr, see! You're quick to resort to violence!" Klahador said, adjusting his glasses with the palm of his hand. "You're just like your father!"

"Shut up!" Usopp interjected. "I'm proud my dad is a pirate! He's a brave warrior of the seas! You're right that I'm a liar, but I'm proud of my heritage! I won't pretend to be something I'm not! I am the son of a pirate!"

"Brave warriors of the sea?" Klahador scoffed. "Don't twist the truth. It's because you have that savage blood in you…" He stood up after fixing his glasses. "That you lie so much and resort to violence when you're angry."

"A lot of people resort to violence when they get angry," Randy interjected, drawing the attention of Usopp and Klahador. "Not that it helped you keep goading him."

"Goading him?" Klahador echoed in query. "I'm only saying the truth."

"So am I," Randy replied sternly. "You just goaded Usopp into attacking you like throwing a ball of yarn to a cat." Klahador barely flinched, and Randy relaxed a bit with a smirk. "You also seem to be one of those 'sins of the father' types, so you're already biased against Usopp as well."

"And why shouldn't I be?" Klahador asked. "His father…"

"His father left him when he was very young, and you said his mother was abandoned too?" Randy continued. "Honestly, if all he's doing is lying, he could be much worse. You, on the other hand, seem to be acting overprotective and the first thing you think he's after is Miss Kaya's money." Randy pointed a finger at Klahador, who didn't take his eyes off Randy for a minute. "It seems to me, that you're more concerned about Kaya's money than about her." Klahador flinched again, but didn't defend himself.

"Please, sir, don't speak of Klahador like that!" Kaya begged. "I know he seems a bit extreme, but he's just concerned about me!"

"Very true, there's two sides to every story," Randy sighed, but still smiling. "My apologies, Miss Kaya." He bowed to the lady and looked at everyone else. "If we're done with this game of Cat and Mouse, I think we should take our leave for now." Nami noticed Klahador flinching again.

"What is with that guy and cat metaphors?" Nami asked herself.

"Fine, but I'd best not see you around here again, Usopp," Klahador replied. "Savages like you aren't welcome here!"

"No, I can see that now," Usopp said, looking grim. "Fine, I won't be back ever again." As he walked away, Kaya clutched her hand over her heart.

"Usopp…" Kaya said as the Usopp Pirates look furious.

"You bastard! Captain's not that kind of person!" Carrot roared.

"Yeah, you jerkface!" Pepper chimed in.

"Jerkface!" Onion finished.

"Settle down kids," Randy sighed as Nami held the three back. "Even if we can't purchase a ship here, we'll find a way. But right now…" Randy looked back to Klahador. "I think we have an idea on how the cat jumps here."

"Excuse me?" Klahador asked, relaxing a bit to the change in subject.

"Oh, I'm sorry, does Miss Kaya not know your sexual preferences?" Randy egged on. "Maybe I should hold my tongue before I oust someone who hides in the closet."

"Sir, I believe you are mistaken," Klahador said. "I am not attracted to men."

"Could have fooled me," Randy said, shrugging his shoulders. "I mean, the way you obviously were looking me up while I was talking says otherwise."

"Beg pardon?" Klahador asked, his look getting a bit irritated.

"Look, no one here is gonna judge you if you're gay, but I just don't swing that way," Randy continued. "I'm flattered you're interested, but I'm going to turn you down."

"I don't have to take this from some smart-mouthed brat!" Klahador snapped.

"Fine, fine," Randy finished, gesturing towards his face, "just keep your eyes up here and away from my…"

Klahador grabbed Randy by the edge of his t-shirt and yanked him forward, pulling his other hand back to rake his fingers across his face. "I'M NOT GAY!" the butler roared as he swung for Randy's face, but stopped just short as he realized his error.

"What's the matter, sir?" Randy asked coyly. "Cat got your tongue?" Nami only saw it for a split second, but Kalahador's eyes twitched in anger as he released the straw-hatted young man.

"It seems that a lot of people do indeed resort to violence when angry," Klahador hissed. "Now leave the property at once!"

"I've made my point, so gladly," Randy said, waving to Kaya. "My apologies for the show, Miss Kaya. I hope you're feeling better tomorrow." Randy started walking back to the front gate, Zoro, Nami, and the Usopp Pirates following after him.

Luffy: What was that all about?

Randy: So innocent... so, so innocent...

A/N: Anyway, onto the reviews!

To JJsanoguel98:

A/N: I mean, that's what I did for Strong World, the Bear King movie, and the Mechanical Castle films if memory serves. But now that I'm here, I feel I should at least help the cause and pay for a copy of the film.

To gamelover41592:

Randy: Yes, we have been following the manga up until this point!

A/N: That's a personal preference on my part, as I first dug into One Piece with the manga in my first copy of Shonen Jump. However, we will be delving into some filler once I get closer to ones I always thought were interesting. It'll be a good experience seeing them for the first time on my own and finding out what to expect. I already have some ideas based on what I've heard about for filler regardless.

To Nowdied:

A/N: I have not, and more likely than not, WILL not. I believe I caught the climactic fight, but to be honest? THAT put me off it enough to never want to watch it again. That said... I have a plan for that as well.

Randy: I hate you now.

A/N: Oh, I got this idea before they even brought it up.

Randy: And I hate you again.

To sarahgri99:

Randy: Well, here's the start of it! I hope you got some enjoyment out of this chapter!

To tanithlipsky:

A/N: First time commenting? Well, thanks!

Randy: And that's it for now.

A/N: Tune in next time, and please rate, review, and watch and/or favorite if you haven't already!

Randy: Just be glad he didn't get a Nintendo Switch and Breath of the Wild.

Luffy: Hey! I can cook in this! I need meat!

A/N-Randy: Oh god...