A/N: My thoughts on the recent chapters at the end. So spoilers.

I'm upset

I'm mad

I'm worried

We returned to Merry where we just received dire news. Zoro informed us one of the shipwrights came by to examine the ship and told him the keel of the ship is badly damaged. Any other part of the ship could be repaired, but the keel… it can't be fixed. This... would be Merry's final stop.

I'm upset we could not take care of Merry. Mad we were not good caretakers.

I'm worried about Usopp. He treasured this ship like his own kid. I was told Merry was gifted to him by Kaya after the others saved the village from Captain Kuro, the so called 'Master of the thousand and one plans' or whatever. Hmph, his plans did not help in the end.

"This is depressing." I groaned sadly. "Feels like we're losing a piece of us."

Sanji sighed. "I know, it feels like a bunch of problems are being built up. Merry not being able to be repaired, Robin missing.

"We're going to have to say goodbye to Merry?" whimpered Chopper

Zoro sighed. "Merry got us here despite everything. Humans become stronger and resilient as time goes on. Ships, as a whole, accumulate stress and damage. We all care about Merry, but we can't change reality even if we wanted to."

I don't like it, but he is right. Perhaps Merry wasn't built to withstand the stress of the Grand Line. All the things that happened to us. All the danger took its toll. I don't want to leave Merry, but this is Luffy's decision. Captain's Orders. Merry has been a part of us, our home. I guess it would not feel right if they rebuilt it from the ground up.

Life is frustrating sometimes.

"Look!" Chopper pointed at the distance. "Nami is coming."

"Without Usopp and Luffy?" Sanji narrowed his eyes. "What else gone wrong?"

As she boarded Merry, she gave us more bad news. The Franky Family stole 2/3 of the money we made and injured Usopp. Luffy went to go find them, but we need more eyes. Steal from us and hurt our nakama? I'm pissed.

"Alright, we'll find them." Zoro spoke, then shot a glance at me. "Anya, stay here."

"What?" I blinked in surprise. "Why? I can help."

"Yes, but more might come while we're gone. Plus, Robin isn't here. It's better to have two sets of eyes than one set."

Yeah, but I think he's more worried about leaving Nami alone. The woman brought out a bunch of weapons to keep guard. Random pistols and swords… we never used. Huh? Why don't we? Doesn't matter. I nodded to him.

"Sure, just break an extra bone for me, okay?"

He grinned sharply. "Of course."

Sanji nodded. "Hn, I'll break more bones than you marimo."

"I'll just be madder." Chopper said.

They left the ship and went on a mission to track down the money... or just help Luffy break bones pissing us off. I exhaled softly and looked at Nami.

"So what were they like?

"Strong guys with... quirky personalities and manners. One guy accused me for showing my legs at a workplace. He's just shy."

"Oh," I smiled deviously. "You think he might get upset if I show a bra strap?"

"He would have a heart attack." She chuckled for a bit before sighing. "But even he was a shipwright who knew his stuff. He even backed up the guy who checked out the ship." She sighed. "Usopp, really really wants to restore Merry, but… I honestly don't think that's possible."

"…" Nowhere in that sentence did I hear anything about money. I'm kind of surprised.

"And Robin is not around." Nami grimaced further as she aimed guns in every direction. "It feels like things are going wrong."

I nodded as I jumped onto the side of the ship. I took out my spear, twirled it around and slammed the pole end on the wood. "Yes, I hope nothing worse happens and I was trying to get Robin to open up more… but."

"But it feels like nothing happened. Perhaps facing Aokiji made old feelings resurfaced, giving into fear of something that happen between them."

"Yeah, that!" I chirped sadly. "Things could progress, but a trauma from the past shows up and just says 'nah, not happening.'

"Heh." Nami chuckled sadly. "Yeah. How long will it take to finish off the entire Franky Family?"

"Pft, Zoro took care of three of them in seconds. The entire force, depending on Franky himself is there, would not last long. They'll show them you cannot harm a member of our crew and get away with it."

"Exactly, they'll show them."

I nodded, the Franky Family won't know what hit them.

-Enies Lobby-

?

It had been here for half a day and it hated being in a confined space. The people who called themselves agents. A title, a label, something that was for status. Much like the title of scientist or doctor, according to Vegapunk.

It found its way on top of the building, overlooking the blue water known as the ocean or sea. The world was mostly covered by water and the humans used ships to transport themselves and objects across the ocean. Could it use one of these ships to leave… no. It learned there are only two directions it could go to and it all involved the same group these people belonged to.

It perked up when the hatch of the building opened, revealing the brown haired woman.

"Ah, found you."

It turned slightly, glaring at the woman.

"You can be at ease, I won't capture you... yet. I wanted to know where you are. Never know when you might attack the boss again."

The weak man they call the boss was not worth calling alpha. If the woman was not around it would have disposed of the man claiming he could tame it.

"You want to leave? Sure, but where would you go? You could sink due to your… nature."

It growled. It knew what it was and how the ocean could… claim it. It would need to plan accordingly. Plot where to go, do what it needs to do. Escape when the time is right and search the world for its purpose.

"I'll be leaving, unless you want to be the shield to the boss while Funkfreed is the sword."

Why would it be paired with the creature who allowed itself to be tool. It refuses to lend itself to the man and be next to the elephant.

"But, either way. You belong to the government. Fly anywhere you want, we'll find you. Bye" The girl pulled out her harmonica. "Oh, I feel ecstatic over your failed attempts to escape."

It growled as the woman left while playing that annoying tool. A musical instrument… no it was not something melodic. It hated it. Vegapunk educated about music. It favored classical melodies. Soothing and not erratic.

It would wait for a time and find its purpose.

Some time later the guys arrived back with Usopp. Damn, seeing him bloodied and bruised ticks me off. I should've gone with them. Now I want to go there and further grind their bones into dust. Calm down, it's okay. Not worth it now… breathe.

…

Yes, seeing Usopp like that boiled my blood. He tried hard, really hard. He tried to take back the money himself and failed. They found him outside the Franky Family house where they threw him like he was trash. Bastards. After everything sorted out Chopper stayed with him until he would wake up. All we had to do was wait.

"Nami, Anya." Luffy spoke up from steps. "I've decided to part with Merry."

"I see," Nami sighed. "We don't have choice, but I respect your decision."

"Y-yeahhh." I squeaked softly, tears pouring from my face. I don't like it, but I understand. When you been with something or someone for a long time you may grow attached. I grew attached to Merry and leaving her is just… feels wrong. Sometimes I feel Merry has a soul and its… crying.

It's… crazy, but I don't care. I love Merry.

"Anya." Luffy said.

"I-I know." I wiped away tears from my eyes. "I-I get it. C-can't I j-just cry? She's b-been with us since East Blue… and the Merry's head is just too adorable to leave. I want to chop it off and keep on the new ship."

"If that's possible." Sanji said.

"Depending on the ship it might not fit." said Zoro

"We could get the head attached to the new ship." Nami said.

"No."

Our eyes were on Luffy, looking serious and calm. When he's like this, it weirds me out. It's like that goofy guy who your used to suddenly becomes this mature person. Like a different person from what I'm used to.

"We shouldn't consider something like this. We let Merry live the rest of her days as she is. It would be like keeping a dead person's head in a jar while leaving the rest of the body just because we refused to part from them. I'm sorry, but we are not doing it.

I get what he's trying to say. Maybe it would be too weird and inappropriate… like not being able to let go of something.

"Right." I sighed as I wiped away from my tears. "I'll get over it."

"It was hard to make, I just hope Usopp will understand."

Hopefully.

The sun was setting when Chopper-kun emerged with news of Usopp waking up. I cheered for joy and dashed in to greet the goof. Seeing him bandaged up, he looked better than bleeding out. My mood boosted from seeing this, but felt a little doubt. He needed to hear the news of Merry after all. After grabbing onto Zoro and apologizing for losing the money he sat back while still apologizing.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be so rash." Sanji scolded. "You're alive and that's what matters."

"Don't be rash next time!" Nami said. "Get one of us, namely the ones who can destroy a building and then go back there."

"Or all of us." I smiled. "No need for one of us to have the fun."

"Still." Usopp sighed. "We lost the majority of the money, but will the remaining money be enough? We're here to get her repaired, she has to be strong enough to handle the sea from here to the New World. Strong enough to stand against another warlord or emperor."

Luffy shook his head. "Nah, that won't do. I've already decided to get a new ship. We owe Merry Go for everything, but this… is her final sail."

I frowned, feeling something wrong as Usopp looked deeply surprised. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I thought I saw his nose twitch. It seemed his jaw remained dropped as Luffy showed him the catalog of ships they would get. He looked like someone kicked his puppy and stole his candy... I think that's how I view it.

"WAIT!" Usopp shouted. "You're joking right? This is a prank?"

Oh no. Maybe he'll relax.

"We don't have enough for repairs, right? I get that, but that should be enough. I bet those shipwrights charge more!"

"That's not it." Luffy pleaded, trying to relieve the situation.

I held my breath as the two got into each other's face. Arguing about the fate of Merry. The others were telling them shouting won't solve the problem. It won't. This isn't the usual banter we do… this is… something more serious. Cooler heads prevail isn't that right?

"USOPP! MERRY CAN'T BE REPAIRED ANYMORE!"

I breathed out slowly the air I had been holding. A pin could be dropped over the sudden intense and silent scene in front of me. Could Luffy have worded it better? I don't know, but Usopp looked as if his entire world is crashing down.

Luffy clutched his hat as he calmed down a bit as he further told him it can't be repaired while Usopp… looked like he was trying to wrap his head around it while trying to hold his cool.

"So… she won't make it… a bunch of strangers, so-called world-class shipwrights, conned you and you decided the next thing to do was change ships?"

I felt a lump in my throat. He is denying it. This is bad. I want to tell him, but… is it cowardly not to let his anger turn toward me? His angry and denial is reaching upward.

Usopp shouted. "THOSE FAKE SHIPWRIGHTS TOLD YOU THEIR TRUTH! WE JOURNEYED ON THIS SHIP TOGETHER! EVERY BATTLE! EVERY WAVE! THIS VALUABLE COMPANION WAS THERE THROUGH IT ALL!" He took a deep breath. "AND YOU'RE JUST GOING TO ABANDON HER IN THIS PLACE?! IS THAT ALL THIS SHIP MEANS TO YOU! LUFFY!"

I clutched my left shoulder, feeling the intense anger from him. Did I feel guilty about this too? This is raw passion for Merry. Him coughing didn't help at all. I sent a side glance at my brother, noticing this calm and silent anger coming from him. He's not happy, but this is a decision he has to make not only as captain, but as an adult… childhood seemed like long ago… despite everything else, but still.

"You're an expert, huh?" Luffy spoke up. "This crew does not have a carpenter, you're not one. You're a gunner. You're good at shooting from a distance, but not good at fixing a ship. That's why we asked those guys."

Okay, he could've said it differently. Usopp is continuing to deny it as he got up to go fix the ship, asking us to get supplies to. Luffy further pointed out about him being not being a carpenter and Usopp continued to retaliate on the carpenters and their skill level, also about never turning his back on Merry. I'm seeing a man going in full denial in front of me and I don't really know what to say or do?

I gasped as he grabbed Luffy by his vest and had his face within inches of his. "The Luffy I know wouldn't care about it and trust in the strength of Merry. Nope, you made a dumb decision based on their judgement and not yourself as the captain. I misjudged you!"

"Hold on!" I shouted for the first time. "That's not fair Usopp!"

Nami spoke, pleading to him. "Luffy felt the same."

"Anya, Nami, stay quiet!"

My eyes widen at the harsh tone. Being told that stung and part of me wanted to bark back… but something like this isn't worth thinking about pride and feelings. Luffy continued to hold firm to his belief about changing ships while Usopp remained in denial. If they continue like this someone is going to say something they will regret.

"Luffy, not everyone keeps being positive and able to move forward. I can't turn my back on a comrade."

"This is a ship, not a human."

"They're the same! She has inner strength to keep living, but knowing you, you are already excited about the next ship and just pretending to care about Merry!"

I covered my mouth at his statement. Of course Luffy cares! My eyes widen further when Luffy leapt on top of Usopp with barely controlled anger. It's like all that anger and frustration from his decision and everything else came out and focused on him. This is getting out of hand with them.

"SHUT UP! Don't think you're the only one suffering! Everyone feels the same way!"

"THEN YOU WOULDN'T ABANDON HER!"

"Fine then! If you don't like my way of doing then you can take yourself of-."

"LUFFY, NO!" I cried out to him, trying to stop him finishing the sentence.

"IDIOT!" Fortunately, Sanji leapt forward and kicked him across the room. The room grew silent for awhile as many of us remained hauntingly still while… having various emotions of what happened. Nami and Chopper were shocked and frighten, Sanji was angry, calming himself over what was about to be said, and Zoro stood… stoic, possibly analyzing the situation. Me, I'm just… upset and scared. It feels like this family we made is breaking apart.

"Luffy, be careful what you said. You may regret saying it."

Luffy sighed as he picked himself up and placed his hat on his head. "You're right, I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Usopp spoke up. "That's probably how you really feel."

"No…" I whispered. "Usopp, he didn't me-."

"Don't." Usopp shook his head at me. "What's done is done." He sat up and glared at Luffy. "It's better to get crewmates who are not useless. If you're going to abandon the ship then I might as well be thrown out along with it."

"Don't talk like that." Sanji scolded. "You know that's no true."

"It's the truth." He growled as he stood up. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. I don't have monstrous powers like the rest of you. No devil fruits, unable to use a sword, spear or use decent martial arts. I'm useless trying to predict the weather or even provide care. I couldn't guard the money and look what happened. All I am is just a burden, a crew doesn't need people like that."

No… not in this c-case. You're not useless.

"Luffy, you're going to be the King of the Pirates, I believe you can do it. I don't have ambitions as yourself."

"You want to be a brave warrior." I added softly.

"That's not a big dream as finding all blue, mapping the world, find a lost society of warriors, or being the best swordsman." He turned away, talking about how the others invited him on the ship and it being their only connection. He marched on out as we followed him, still talking about being on a crew with different views does not guarantee a good voyage.

Once he got off the ship and walked a few yards, he turned around and echoed the words.

"I'm quitting the crew!"

Damn it, I reached up to my face as I felt some tears coming down. Nami, Sanji, and Chopper tried to persuade him, Zoro looked to be deep in thought while Luffy still looked troubled. He doesn't want to follow Luffy anymore. He doesn't mean that, he's just still moody after losing the money. Come on Captain Usopp, just relax and come back. You're not a burden, you are a friend, you're family.

"The ship belongs to you since you're the captain. Fight me for her. I'm taking the ship if I win."

What?

"Monkey D. Luffy." He faced him with glare. "FIGHT ME!"

WHAT?!

"What?" Nami echoed my thoughts. "Are you serious!?"

"Usopp." Chopper cried. "Don't do this."

I tuned out everything else, my fist clenching, my heartbeat beating rapidly. I walked away, opened to the door the galley and sat down. I put my head down as I began to organize my thoughts and feelings. Why am I feeling like this?

I haven't felt this bad since… Sabo. Back then I felt miserable and angry. I watched someone I considered a brother get killed right in front me. No… it was just another layer of fear and anger. Seeing Sabo being forced to go with that jerk of father. Luffy, Ace, and I being forced to help Bluejam set fire to the Gray Terminal because the idiot thought he would be a noble, then I watched Sabo get killed by a World Noble then said Noble being praised just for existing.

It was too much to the point where I can't look at the island the same way. I love Makino, Dadan, and the others, but… I wanted to leave, begging Master Sakura to take me with her. I was just so angry and depressed weeks after. I devoted myself to training to not to just get stronger, but to push away all the anger and fear. I act tough, I act like the toughest, feistiest, lass of the seas… ha, ha I know there are people tougher than me, but I'll get there. I'm confident I'll get stronger to contend with strongest out there.

I guess what I am saying is, even though I accepted all that stuff that happened, it does not mean I will forget them. I accept that there are times when people leave. Vivi and Ace are different situations with their own lives. Usopp and… Robin… maybe? They are a part of this crew. They are a family. I'll hold off on Robin, she might return from whatever she is doing, but Usopp… it hurts. It brought up old feelings I never wanted to feel again.

I can't allow myself to be swallowed up in the darkness. Those feelings will be there, staying dormant, but I cannot allow them to overwhelm me. I will aim to be positive and show everyone I won't be swallowed up in the storm. I think Usopp has to learn that and I'm still learning.

I don't know how long I've been hiding my head, but my thoughts were disturbed through familiar voices arguing. Zoro and Sanji were mad at each other, accusing the other of something. Normally I would shrug off their comedy routine, but not today. I raised my head slightly when Nami emerged, telling them to shut up. They were talking about some things when she saw me and marched over.

"You need to talk to him."

I looked at her and sat up fully. She was more upset at this situation; she is just as scared as I am.

Sanji sighed. "Our arguing disturbed her."

"Shut up."

I sighed. "Guys, not now. It's not funny as your usual banter."

Zoro tsked. "You have dark sense of humor about him and I being funny."

Sanji snorted lightly. "Ugh, fine. Look we're all upset. I thought this guy w-."

I stood up. "Not now Sanji, please."

Sanji stared at me for a bit before relenting. "Fine, but you've been like this for an hour."

"Huh." I said, thinking about time flying by. "Where is Luffy?"

"Down below." Nami stated.

I nodded and calmly walk by them. I went below deck and entered the boy's room to find Luffy laying in a hammock. The moment I laid my eyes on him, I knew he would not change his mind. He was calm, his hat shielding his eyes. No amount of the usual playfulness I'm used to. This was… someone like a captain.

I walked over and sat on the floor across from him. My knees up to chest while wrapping my arms around them. I sat there in silence, watching him for a while.

He spoke first. "You understand right, it's not something that can resolved with words anymore."

"I don't like it, but I get it."

"He'll be back for the duel."

"… try not to kill him. Don't act like what Shanks would do…"

"I don't believe Shanks would kill someone over insubordination… especially over a ship."

"But when Lucky Roo shot that bandit."

"Shanks was showing that you don't aim a gun at someone unless you're planning on killing them. This." He looked at me. "This is something not worth killing over, but something someone needs to prove they are more capable than they thought." He looked away. "Usopp is more capable than he realizes, he just needs to believe more."

I nodded. "Yeah."

"... You don't have to watch."

"I'm watching… I won't like it."

"It's not something to like, when you left I did not like it."

"Luffy…"

He looked over at me again. "I still do not blame you. I won't be childish about something that happened then. I understand why you wanted to leave Goa Kingdom, but it still felt lonely, even with Ace and the others." He looked away as he placed the hat further down his face. "I denied it in front of the shipwrights, but Iceburg… the mayor. He called me out on it. Made me think about what it means to be a captain. A captain has to make difficult decisions for the crew and this is one." He sighed. "Usopp is in fully denial, but…"

"But."

"… Can you leave me alone for while until it's close to 10?"

I nodded wordlessly and left the room. I already knew I could not convince him, they made up their minds. They already tried talking, so a fight between friends and family is next, then… Usopp leaves the crew. Sure, there is a small possibility… very small… possibility he will win. Usopp is creative, but he needs the right tools. However, Luffy is more of a battle genius.

I don't like thinking about this.

I found myself in the galley with the others, plus Chopper. By the looks of his eyes I could tell Usopp refused treatment. Damn it, seeing my little buddy like that makes me want to slap Usopp for being stupid and slap my brother to find a better solution.

"You couldn't convince him?" Nami sadly asked.

"No, I could not." I sighed.

Nami sighed. "So we just sit here and wait?"

"We wait." Zoro said. "Proper communication left the room. Whether we like it or not, this battle is here to decide what happens from here on out."

"I want to say if I was one second earlier… but something else could've happened." Sanji spoke up.

"Are we really going to say goodbye?" whimpered the doctor. "Maybe..."

"It's been tried." Zoro responded. "Nothing we can do."

I nodded. "Life can be so wicked sometimes. We just have to keep moving and not let the weight overwhelm us… right? We all had things in our lives that caused us only see the dark right?"

Sanji closed his eyes, probably thinking of something. He scratched his eyebrow before opening them back up. "Yes, physically or mentally, we see the dark. Sometimes it feels like you're in a cell with an iron mask, alone while the world passes you by."

Zoro gazed at him slightly. "And?"

The chef placed his hands in his pockets. "I'm saying some people can't see the light in front of them. It feels like multiple barriers are in the way. Once there is a speck of light you might be able to crawl out and embrace the light. The experience can change us, good or bad, but we have to adapt. Usopp lies not only to us, but to himself. Maybe he knows Merry can't be fixed, but is being weighted down by pride or thinking Kaya-san will get mad at him for abandoning the ship."

"Even if she does get mad, she will have to get over it." Zoro replied.

"Point is, it's his own damn pride and fear he will need to overcome."

"But it's too late now." Nami spoke. "It's bad luck coming here."

"And we still haven't seen Robin?" Chopper muttered. "I hope she is okay."

"She's resourceful." I said, lying to myself. "She'll come back and say something witty with some dark humor."

"We'll see." Zoro said. "We have to brace ourselves for what's next."

On the appointed time Luffy stood outside the ship, looking determined. The atmosphere of before became more tensed than it should be. I admit, I'm scared. This is not how I picture our adventure, I never imagined a mutiny on our ship. I never imagined a friend taking this route to prove how strong he is. Am I naive for thinking that? Was I too comfortable in this crew to believe there would not be a mutiny or some kind fall out from an argument?

Everyone else had vary amount of emotions. Nami and Chopper were more fearful, Zoro remained stoic, and Sanji I think might be annoyed or frustrated. I can't be sure, but he probably wished he stopped the fight a second earlier.

A few moments later, Usopp appeared, still looking composed and serious. Despite the bandages he looked ready to battle.

Luffy stood across from, stern and focused "You did not lose your nerve. Usopp, no matter what happens here, do not regret it. You chose this fight!"

Usopp scoffed at him. "Backing down now will damage my pride. I will beat you with all I got, I know how to bring you down. Unlike the other enemies, I know all your tricks. We've known each other for months, so I am well aware of how your powers work."

Well… yeah. That is true, but even if you did know the person well, there will come a situation where they surprise you. I am worried about his injuries, but he knows that and still chose to fight.

Did I tell you the atmosphere was thick, almost felt liked I stopped breathing and…

"You can leave if you want."

I shot a glare at Zoro. "I'm not."

"You tend to tap your fingers when you are nervous."

"Huh?"

"It's true." Sanji spoke up.

Sanji will notice every inch about me, not perverted, but Zoro… well warriors know warriors, huh.

"Well… I'm still staying."

"Good."

I stared at him for a second then turned to the battle. I did not feel like teasing him, not now. Usopp started by announcing he has 8000 followers, Luffy did not believe, but it was supposed to throw him off I guess.

Then he went psychological, shouting about razor blades running between each of his teeth. I admit that made me feel around my mouth for a second, ugh. Luffy still did not fall for it and ran at him with a fist. However, Usopp played another trick by acting like he was bleeding, but it was ketchup. Clever, underhanded, interesting. Damn it Luffy don't stop in the middle of a fight! sigh.

This action made Usopp use a flash dial, blinding bro, then he launched a bunch of stinky eggs at him. Gross

"This stinks! Damn it Usopp, fight seriously!"

"This how I FIGHT! Pay close attention to your mouth. Deluxe Pepper Sauce Star!"

My bro cried out in pain of the hot burning pepper sauce in his mouth, prompting him to fall over on… yeesh. A bunch of caltrop. Damn, Usopp has a good strategy here. He's not letting Luffy attack and using sharp objects to hurt him. I want to be mad, but I'm impressed by him… sigh.

However… it wont… last… unless Usopp pulls out something so creative.

He continued the fight, launching multiple shuriken, making bro dodge them, but unfortunately some grazed him, drawing blood. Then he somehow set up smoke… what for? Wait… Usopp said it was gas he used from a wind dial. Gas for what? Oh… Damn

Usopp attack with fire star generating a WOAHAHAHH! That huge explosion was super effective. It nearly capsized the ship.

"Is he trying to kill us!?" shouted Nami.

"I think he put too much into that!" Sanji shouted as he shielded his eyes.

"Does he know what he's doing?" cried out Chopper. "I thought he was trying to beat him not kill him!"

"This won't be enough to take out Luffy!" I shouted out.

"Damn." Zoro said. "Someone capable of this plan should not think little of himself… idiot."

Once the tides calmed and the smoke started dispersing, we got a clear view of the two. Usopp was on his butt panting while Luffy was on his back… no it does not look like he's defeated, just… staring at the sky... like he wasremembering something. Once he gathered his wind, Usopp stood back up, bellowing that Luffy would not die to this. I mean… some of us crashed through walls and still got up fine… training.

Luffy rose up just as Usopp aimed his sling slot. I still hate this, it's not training nor sparing this is just… duel. Luffy tried a multi punch, a calculative aim from Usopp proved a loss of his momentum, unleashing some pointy objects from an exploding ball. Why does he think he's weak when he's this creative? Usopp is trying to take control of the fight, but sadly for him Luffy got a flying fist in to the sniper's face.

I mean I know brother will win, but some small part of me wants Usopp to prove his worth, but Luffy is the captain… do I have too much faith in brother? Maybe with more preparation Usopp could win, but not now.

Huh? Ouch! Just now Usopp used an Impact Dial to absorb the force of Luffy's attack and send it right back at him. The ouch is for both bro and Usopp, I'm sure the recoil hurt Usopp more.

My mood dropped when Luffy managed to right himself, land on his feet and slid back a bit while Usopp dropped to a knee. He was at his limit right now. Usopp… is done and brother stood before him. Luffy's posture told me everything, he may have a pained look on his face. He hated this, but at the same time this was a duel between men. You have to fulfill it, even if you don't want to. He could pull out, but… would that make him weak? Would that hurt Usopp's pride more? This is stupid.

Brother finished the fight by using Gum Gum Bullet. The impact made me close my eyes and look away. I should've watched him fall, but I refused to do so. Hearing our crewmate fall… damn… um… e-ex-cr-… augh. Hearing Usopp fall to the ground and not being able to say the word really cements how I feel. I did not bawl my eyes out, I shed tears.

"THERE WAS NO WAY YOU COULD BEAT ME!"

I snapped up at him at him crying out. My heart clinched at his pain and anger. I knew how he felt right now. Angry at himself, angry at the situation, pain of losing a friend to the reality of being a leader and an adult. He turned away, muttering something I could not hear. I held my hand to my face as I started crying.

Being an adult sucks… losing a friend sucks. Letting an argument spiral out of control sucks. I hate Water Seven, I want to leave as soon as possible. Chopper wanted to help, but Sanji forbade treating him. Saying something about pride or whatever. I don't know, I'm just not in the m-mood and the vibe coming from my b-brother is not helping.

A m-memory popped up of Usopp and I finding an x-shaped tree on an island before heading to L-loguetown. First time I spent alone with him. I t-thought he was just a boy trying play big b-boy stuff and not strong. I-I know… I'm being judgmental, but… I-I did not t-think too m-much of him at first… but overtime… he was…c-cool. The coolest guy. D-damn. I c-can't think straight.

"This… is too much."

I l-looked on the s-side of the s-ship. He h-had his hat over his e-eyes, but… crying… He was c-crying.

I felt m-my arm being g-grabbed. I knew Zoro grabbed me. P-preventing me from c-comforting him. Why?

"I know you want to jump and comfort him." He whispered. "Not right now, hold it together until we leave the ship. This is an experience we all need to learn."

I nodded, m-meekly, as I c-continued crying.

-Zoro's p.o.v-

Damn, there's no helping this right now. We need to get it together. Maybe it was cruel to stop her from comforting him, but this should be a learning experience and I hate this as much as everyone else. Though, we're not playing games at this point.

"That's the burden of being captain." I said calmly. "Don't doubt yourself during a heavy decision. If you do, who can we rely on in a crisis. Pack everything, we're leaving the ship. Say farewell to the Going Merry, we can never return to the ship again."

He nodded, they all did. The ship served us well, but we need to keep moving and not look back. Keep it together Luffy, there will be more events that will test all of us.

A/N: Tried to convey the emotion and atmosphere here. I was sad writing this, I mean this tested the strawhats and Usopp had to admit fault later.

Anyway

Finally! Kaido is done. We're leaving Wano. No more of those Raid will fail theories. YOU SERIOUSLY WANT WANO TO LAST LONGER! Nope, we're leaving!

Woosh... wait did Oda kill some characters? Izo, Orochi, Hawkins, and Ashura are dead. Pedro better still be dead and not just randomly turn up later. Lola's father, Pound literally survived and should've died.

I think Yamato is going to join unless Oda throws a curve ball and his Carrot, Vivi, and Yamato join the strawhats.

Also... YES! YES! The man, the myth the legend! ALL HAIL CAPTAIN BUGGY!

Also 'Big News' Morgans is based. Literally telling to the government to f- it self. Best Big Bird of all time.

Here's something Oda did for the Strawhats you would find online. During those SBS Oda did he listed the strawhats favorite food or sleep schedule. So I decided to do something for Anya. Here are a few.

Anya's Specific Animal: Flying Squirrel / Grebes(bird)

Specific Color: Lavender

Favorite Food: Soup, mostly potato.