Chapter 14: Join Our Band of Merry Men
Momo buzzed around the ship's starboard side and entered via a cannon-hatch on the second floor. Inside, men continued to ransack the cargo hold. She panicked and hid in a nearby barrel half-full of tangerines. As she pulled the lid in place, a big man with a thick, dark beard strode past. This was the man who had taken her mother. He stopped to talk with another hunter.
"What are we gonna do once we get back to Sabaody, Boss? The nobles are bound to notice that a ship is missing and send a fleet of Marines to look for her. And then there's that dragon you sniffed," asked Mohawk.
"There won't be a ship once we return. We won't even make port. It's best to just take what we can in the lifeboats, toss the junk that only a noble would have, and sink the ship. From there we row back to Sabaody," replied Boris.
Mohawk asked, "But what about our catch? Do we just leave her in the hold?"
Boris grinned and said, "After I remove the emerald, I'll take her head and mount it on my wall like the rest of my trophies.
Momo tried not to gasp, but to no avail. Boris turned in the barrels direction and was about to lift the lid when one of his men called out, "Boss! We've got ourselves a stowaway! Some fellow with a long nose who says he wants ta meet ya!"
This time, Momo stifled a gasp. Had Pirate-san been captured? Why does he want to meet with this man? Did he betray her? Or was it all part of his scheme? Once Boris and the rest of the poachers went to the upper deck, she climbed out of her hiding place and flew below deck and found the Queen bound in chains and steel cable.
"MAMA!"
Above deck, Boris approached his unexpected guest. He scrutinized the man, who wore a white sun cap, a pair of rolled-up yellow pants with red suspenders, and leather boots. The stranger carried a red satchel and wore a striped blue and white wristband. Boris loomed over the little man to intimidate him.
"Who are you and why have you invited yourself on my ship," growled Boris.
The man with the phallic nose smiled and told him, "I am Usopp. All I want is a ride to Sabaody, which is your fixed destination I believe. My profession is that of a warrior of the sea."
"A "warrior of the sea?"
"Unfortunately, my fellow men and I were separated when we came on bad terms with a certain pirate Bartholomew Kuma, who blasted me all the way to the Bowin Archipelago."
Boris raised a brow in disbelief, "The warlord? And just what makes you so sure I will let you leave this ship in one piece?"
Usopp took his hat off and placed it over his heart, "Sadly, Kuma wasn't as merciful to my men as he was to me. I was wondering if you had any openings in this merry band of yours."
"And what skills do you have that deem you worthy to join," he questioned the liar.
Usopp pointed to a stack of rare china once owned by people of the Holy Land. He then told a burly hunter to take the plates and toss them at his command. The pirate then pulled out his slingshot and loaded it with a metal bead.
"PULL!"
A plate was sent flying like a Frisbee. When it had flown a good distance, Usopp released the pellet and it hit home, shattering the plate. Three more plates were launched. The pirate tossed three pellets in the air, caught them in the strap, and fired. All plates blew up into tiny fragments. Men cheered in admiration as Boris tossed a pistol at Usopp.
"Let's see what you can do with a pistol."
Like before, three plates were tossed. Usopp took aim and fired.
"BAM! BAM! BAM!"
The shots hit home and Boris let out a hearty laugh, "Hahaha, I like this kid! Welcome to my humble brotherhood!"
Boris and Usopp shook hands. However, they were soon interrupted.
"BOSS! I found Jaws locked in a closet! There was a hole in the cabin window! That guy's probably in league with that brat we left back at the hive," cried Mohawk carrying the unconscious fish-man over his shoulder.
A large number of guns and knives were suddenly all directed at Usopp. Boris stuck the blade of his machete under the pirate's chin, threatening to penetrate his Adam's apple.
Boris menacingly asked Usopp, "So you're here for my prize. Why give this little show?"
For a moment Usopp just stood like a statue. But then a grin spread on his face.
"To buy the kid some time. And the show's not over yet."
The Celestial Dragon's ship began to tremble, as if being shaken from the inside.
"Midori Boshi: Sargasso," said Usopp.
(Chapter 14 end)