This is the 14th chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.
No flame reviews.
Farewell Syrup Village! Usopp's Depart!
Gecko Island
After the battle in the North Shore, Luffy, Zoro, and Ventus have defeated the Black Cat pirates. However, Luffy should be happy that he defeated Kuro, but what got him on edge was that Kuro have chose his life of a pirate is using his crew as pawns and rule his crew by fear. Luffy was never that kind of a pirate since he was a carefree pirate with a huge appetite and can be serious during battles.
The Black Cat pirates were shocked of seeing Luffy beat Kuro with his Gum-Gum ability as one of them spoke.
"That crazy rubber guy beat Captain Kuro."
"Not even the Marines were a match for Kuro, Man of a Thousand Plans. And this guy still beat him.
"Just...Just who are you?"
Luffy then turned his body to the Black Cat pirates with his expression on his face.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy." Luffy told them. "The only time a pirate should abandoned his name is when he dies. I would never lose to a coward who ditches his name, betrays his friends, and runs for life on the sea."
"Uh...Luffy. I never heard that name before."
The Black Cat pirates then look at each other since they've never heard of his name as Luffy spoke.
"You should remember my name for the rest of you lives." Luffy told them, then smiled. "Cuz' one of these days, I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
That got the Black Cat pirates of Luffy's goal which it was pretty a reckless and long ambition to accomplished. Of course, Ventus and Zoro already knew his goal which heading towards One Piece is like walking towards death since no other pirates have manage to find it and perished. Luffy then grabbed Kuro, looking at the Black Cat pirates."
"NOW GET OUT OF HERE!?" Luffy yelled as he tossed Kuro towards them. "AND NEVER COME BACK!"
With that, the Black Cat pirates then run towards their ship, carrying Kuro as they then try fixing the figurehead which they only manage to put those planks to patch it together, but it can only hold for a while since they need a shipwright to get it fixed. Nami then rushed towards Luffy, carrying a small haul of treasure which it wasn't much. When Nami stopped, she noticed Luffy's expression which it was serious, gasped as Luffy collapse right next to her.
"You did good, Luffy." Nami said with sincere.
Ventus and Zoro were watching the Black Cat pirates left the island since they have no chance in fighting against them since they're too strong, especially the young Dragoon. Nami then placed Luffy down to the ground.
"It seems our work is finished." Ventus stated.
"Yep, it looks like it kid." Zoro nods.
"I'd expect even you to collapse after you just went through." Nami said, looking at him as she sat down. "Say, tell me, why were so mad earlier?"
"Cuz' I truly hate people them, they're so wrong." Luffy answered, causing Nami to scowl. "That is not how friends should act."
"What are you talking about?" Nami questions, grabbing his straw hat. "Of course it isn't. Most pirates aren't the brave honorable people who always make them out to be. I'd say Captain Kuro was pretty standard."
Ventus have agreed to Nami's opinion about pirates, but the people from Ishgard are no better because they have killed his family when he was a boy which they've done it out of fear, anger, and hatred. Plus, he was being loathed and hated only because of his dragon heritage.
"I want some meat." Luffy muttered, causing Nami to place the straw hat on his face with force.
"You're unbelievable!?" Nami exclaimed with annoyance.
Zoro then placed his swords on his sheathe and placed his bandana on his arm, walking towards his crew and lying against the slope. Ventus then jump down to the ground, placing his lance against the slope and lying down.
Meanwhile in the forest, Usopp was checking to make sure that the Black Cat pirates weren't coming to get Kaya which the battle was over. He felt relieved as he turned to them as he spoke.
"It looks like those pirates weren't coming. I guess that fight was over." Usopp told them. "So guys, think you can keep everything that just happened here a secret?"
"What!? A secret!?" Carrot exclaimed with shock. "Why wouldn't we want to keep all this a secret?"
"Yeah, why huh? Those guys have put their lives on the line to save the village." Pepper added.
"Now everyone will change their opinion of you instead of being 'Usopp the Liar', you'd be 'Usopp the Hero'." Onion stated.
The three boys then complains as Kaya spoke.
"Really Usopp, you need to clear up this misunderstanding." Kaya told him softly.
"Misunderstanding? I was known as the village liar because I lie all the time, Miss Kaya." Usopp told her with a smile. "They are right not to believe me. Besides, there's no point in scaring people with something that's already over. And I seriously doubt that anymore pirates like Kuro and his gang will show up. There's no reason for pirates to attack our out of the way little village. So listen up, pretend this never happen, kay? This was all just another one of my great big lies."
Kaya and the three boys were shocked of Usopp since he was right about him being the village lair for a long time. Even though, this fight was already over since Luffy have beaten Kuro.
"Now I won't force you too, but-"
"No, I can do it! I'll do whatever it takes for the good of the village, Captain." Carrot interrupts with a smile.
"Yeah, me too!" Pepper added.
"Me too! My lips are totally sealed I promise." Onion added.
The three boys then began to tell Usopp that they won't tell the villagers as he then turned to her.
"Kaya." Usopp called her, earned her attention. "Will you? Will you tell?"
Kaya then smiled as she shook her head.
"No." Kaya said. "But-"
"I know, you're worried about Ventus right?" Usopp asks, earned a nod from her. "Ventus is maybe a kid, but he's pretty mature than I am. I already left Kuro in their hands, but I'll make it up to them somehow."
Then, the villagers were expecting for Usopp to come running towards here in the village, but for some reason, he wasn't only because he have to fight against Kuro and the Black Cat pirates which mostly get Kaya out of their harms way. They were pretty bored when he's not around and felt terrible the way they treated him.
Usopp then head towards the North Shore which the Black Cat pirates were gone and the battle was over as he spoke.
"Thanks guys." Usopp thanked them with a chuckle. "I wouldn't have been able to protect without you."
"Give credit what credits do." Zoro said with a smirk. "If you just stood by and done nothing, I wouldn't have done anything either."
"Yeah, same here." Luffy added with a smile.
"You would do the same for us." Ventus stated.
"Who cares about any of that? I've got my hands on this sweet, sweet treasure now and I couldn't be happier." Nami said, nuzzling the bag of treasure, leaving Usopp laughing.
"Everything that happen here today help me." Usopp said seriously, looking at the sea. "I've just come to a very difficult decision."
Luffy then looked at Usopp with confusion, but Ventus already knew what he meant about the decision, he chose to become a pirate. Usopp then look at Ventus' clothes which they're torn up because of his dragon transformation. Even though, it was Ventus' only clothes he got which Usopp was going to ask Kaya about having some new clothes for him and his old one mended when he grabbed his clothes and rush towards Kaya.
When Usopp finished explaining to Kaya, he bringing three boys to their hideout next to the cliff since he wanted to have some discussions with them.
"Captain Usopp, what did you want to talk to us about?" Carrot ask curiously.
"The three you have done well helping me protect Kaya against those terrible Black Cat pirates." Usopp told them. "As Captain, I'm proud of you for being so brave and courageous."
"You're too kind." Carrot said with a smile.
"We're nothing compare to you." Pepper added.
"You're embarrassing us." Onion said with a smile.
"I'm serious. You were very courageous, you were able to help me and keep Kaya safe." Usopp told them, stood up while walk towards them. "Thanks to you, we've overcame our biggest and most important battles since we formed to Usopp pirates 5 years ago. That was when you three brave soldiers were only 4 years old, remember?"
"Yep." Carrot, Pepper, and Onion said in unison with a smile.
"Now I know that this is sudden, but I've decided that I'm gonna set out to sea by myself." Usopp said with a smile, leaving them confused as he then chuckled a bit. "I'm finally gonna leave this place and become a real pirate."
They were shocked of hearing Usopp's decision as he then look at the sea and spoke.
"At first, I wasn't sure what I would do. I couldn't decide if I wanted to stay here forever or not." Usopp said. "But once I saw them, I know deep in my heart what I must do. I feel that, as a man, I must set out to the vast ocean. So, I'm leaving this place behind."
That got three boys sad as Usopp then placed himself on the wooden logs and said.
"I LEAVE FOR ONE REASON! WHEN THE GREAT PIRATE FLAG BECKONS, YOU MUST HEED IT'S CALL!?" Usopp yelled at the ocean with a smile on his face, raising his fists high up, leaving Carrot, Pepper, and Onion upser.
"Captain, say it isn't so?" Carrot questions as they ran towards him. "You're lying again, right?"
"Isn't that a bit hasty?" Pepper added. "There's no reason to leave. I thought you love this village."
"And what's gonna happen to those that pirates without you?" Onion questions.
"You've been so good to me, guys. I planned to leave without telling the villagers. Give them my regards." Usopp said, causing the three boys to quiver their bottom lips.
"Captain." Carrot said.
"No, I don't want too!?" Pepper exclaims.
"No Captain, just stay here, please." Onion added, shook his head since neither of those three wanted him to leave.
"Usopp pirates, do you remember this place?" Usopp asks when he turned to them, sheds a tear. "This is where we first met and formed the Usopp pirates."
Of course, they remembered when those three boys have met Usopp since 5 years ago when they saw him finished his own pirate flag which he made it himself. They know him as a village liar and being friends with him. But, Usopp have those three as recruits of the Usopp pirates, much to their dismay. Those four have a lot of fun when they chased the puppy away, thinking that it was Cerberus, chasing the lizard away, thinking that is was a Dragon, and he also fire his slingshot at that target which they were amazed. However, Carrot, Pepper, and Onion then began to tremble as one of them spoke.
"Please, don't talk about the old days. I can't stand it!?" Pepper exclaims.
"Pepper's right, it's much to painful." Carrot added.
"This kind of lie isn't like you, Captain and it's not fun, why would you say that you're going to leave us?" Onion asks.
"You're not serious, are you?" Carrot asks.
"You're being stupid, Captain. Stupid!?" Pepper exclaims, crying.
Usopp knew that it wasn't a smart decision, but he wanted to become a pirate as he then turned his head to them with a smile and spoke.
"Alright, men! Tell me what are you ambitions are?" Usopp questions.
"When I grow up, my dream is to run a pub." Carrot said.
"My whole life, I wanted to be a master carpenter." Pepper added.
"My goal is to become a writer." Onion added.
"Then, swear to me now that each of you will continue on your paths." Usopp said with tears in his eyes as the three boys cried. "Promise me that you will never let the flyers of your ambitions die out. As of today, our group the Usopp pirates: ARE DISBANDED!?"
With that, the former Usopp pirates then went separate ways with their long goodbyes since Usopp will be leaving this island when the old jolly roger flag was flying to the sky.
Meanwhile, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Ventus were at the restaurant to have something to eat before they leave, but Ventus' upper body was revealing of his lean muscles which it was well-developed along with his abdominals, causing Nami blushed a little.
'I didn't think that Ventus was well-developed despite his age. Might be one of his dragon traits.' Nami thought as Zoro spoke.
"Now that we've eaten, we should probably get going." Zoro told them, causing Nami to snap out of her stupor.
"Yeah, you're right." Luffy agrees.
"Here you are." The voice of Kaya said when she opens the door, revealing her which she was wearing an orange dress and a yellow jacket.
"Hello there miss." Luffy greets, waving his hand.
"Are you alright being out of bed?" Nami asks with a smile.
"Yes." Kaya said, approaches them. "I think now I can truly start recovering. You see, my sickness this last year was cause by the mental shock of losing both my parents. And Usopp's friendship helped me start getting better. I can't stay in bed forever, you know?"
Nami and Zoro then smiled since they agreed as Kaya spoke.
"You've all done so much for me, I can't thank you enough." Kaya told them. "I've prepared a present for you from the bottom of my heart to show you how grateful I am for everything you've done here. I'd be honored if you'd accept it."
Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Ventus accepts her offer since they're heading towards the North Shore on this island. Kaya then give Ventus' clothes to him since it was mended and fixed which he accepts while she give her some pair of clothes in case his other ones were completely torn which he's gonna need some clothes.
Meanwhile, Usopp was heading to his house, pack something he needs which his bag was pretty much over loaded full of clothes and his other things. He then sighed with a smile, lying on the bed.
"All packed." Usopp said while looking at the ceiling. "Guess it's farewell to this house too."
Usopp then began to get some flashback about when he first met Kaya at the mansion since the window was left open while the curtains flying. When his flashback ended, he then stood up.
"Alright." Usopp said as he then stood up while getting his backpack as he then gets out of the house. "Hey!?"
Usopp blinked a few times, failed to notice that his bag was too big for the door as he then groaned and struggled to get his gab out of the house. However, the structure of the house was going with it as he tried to pull his bag with all his strength.
"I can't get out." Usopp groaned, pulling his backpack. "This stupid backpack!?"
And with one final pull, Usopp finally pulled his bag out, but the door and the wall was broken, causing him to roll towards the North Shore.
When Kaya have led Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Ventus towards the North Shore after the young Dragoon put his clothes back on, they were stunned to see the ship on the sea.
"A real caravel." Nami said with a smile.
"Are you actually giving this to us!?" Luffy shouts with excitement, raising his fist as Kaya nodded.
"As a token of my appreciation." Kaya told him.
"It's a slightly older model, but I personally designed it and she sails like a dream. She has a carvel-make caravel, with lateen sails and a central stern rudder. She's a fine ship and her name...is Going Merry! " Merry explains as he turned to Luffy. "Allow me to explain the rigging. First, about the Kurger net-yard adjustment-"
"Hold on! You'd be better off just explaining the technical stuff to me." Nami interrupts when she declared.
Merry then explain everything about the Going Merry to Nami. Luffy was just staring at the ship with an awed grin which mostly the figurehead. Ventus then shook his head since he knew that Luffy would be very excited about the ship, but it would be the only option for him to get back in Ishgard since his only goal was to end the conflict between humans and dragons.
"What a cool ship, have you guys see the front? It's totally awesome!" Luffy said with a grin, looking at the figurehead that was shaped like a sheep's head.
"We've loaded with all the provisions you might need on the long voyage." Kaya said happily, glad that they accept the gift.
"Thanks, it leaves nothing to be tired." Luffy stated, leaving Kaya confused.
"That's 'leaves nothing to be desired' idiot." Zoro and Ventus huffed in unison.
When they were about to board the ship, they heard a shout of panic and looked up to see Usopp rolling towards them with his oversized backpack.
"Oh no, Usopp!" Kaya cried, completely shocked as his current state as he hurdled towards them.
"Hey, what's he doing?" Luffy questioned curiously. "Looks fun."
"Well we better stop him, that weirdo was on a collision course with out boat." Zoro told him, earned a nod with an agreement from Luffy as the two stepped forward, both raising their feet and slamming them into Usopp's face, effectively halting him in his tracks.
"Oh hey, thanks guys." Usopp sobbed beneath their shoes.
"Anytime." Luffy stated without care.
Ventus then glanced over to them, noticed that Usopp was talking to Kaya since he was going somewhere with his oversized bag he was carrying. He then felt a tug on his sleeve as he glance down to Nami who had maneuvered herself to stand beside him.
"Are you really joining them? To become a pirate?" Nami questioned.
He knows about her opinions about pirates, it doesn't seem right for her since she holds a grudge against it and about them. Ventus decides not to pry since he only knew Luffy's dream to become King of the Pirates, but not much to others since they only a little to them besides of his late parents and his former home. He only trust them a little, but not too much.
"I got no choice since Luffy forced me to join." Ventus told her. "I'm part of his crew."
"Well, we better get on board before Luffy ever decides to leave us." Nami said when Ventus glance at Luffy stretched his arms up to the railing of the ship before flinging himself up.
Ventus shook his head as he then took his hood, cape, and shirt off before he sprouts his dragon wings to take flight up towards the ship. Both Zoro and Nami then glance at Ventus, knew that he would go and fly towards the ship. He then glance as Usopp having a deep conversation with Kaya when they looked at the sea. She doesn't want him to leave, but Usopp have made up his mind since it's his choice. He told her that next time he comes back, he'll tell his adventures to her which she would like that very much. Usopp then look towards Luffy and the others as he spoke.
"You guys take care." Usopp shouts with a grin. "I hope we meet again sometime."
"How come?" Luffy questions, leaving Ventus sighed.
"Well because I...Are you anti-social or something? I'm taking off for on the high seas and I hope that we'll eventually meet again, that's all." Usopp explained, causing them to stare down at him.
"What are you talking about?" Zoro questioned seriously as he pointed the ship. "Get on already."
"Huh?" Usopp said with confusion.
"We're friends, right? So, get on." Luffy told him.
Usopp stared up with a smile on his face, looking at them of those who saved the island, they were offering him a chance that he ever dreamed of.
"This is it! I'm really a Pirate Captain now!" Usopp shouted with joy.
"Don't be stupid, Usopp! I'm the Captain!" Luffy shouted back at him, causing them to laugh.
With that, they set sail as they leave the island. The three boys noticed that Usopp was really leaving since he's with them which they're not too worried, except of his lying antics. Even though, the villagers would be sad that their village liar would really leave to live of his dream of becoming a pirate. Merry knew that Kaya really wanted Usopp to stay instead of leaving. Of course, he knew the reason why would Usopp lie is because his mother have died from her illness which Kaya was shocked of hearing of Usopp's childhood and the death of his mother. The reason was because of his loneliness in hopes for seeing his father will come, ready to spirited him away to the sea and give him a family that he never had. The villagers say out of his lies, it contain of Usopp's heartfelt wish as to someone else who lost their family, he saw her as a kindred spirit who wouldn't sit by and ignore your suffering since she too have lost her family. Now it was Kaya's turn to rise and live up to the example that Usopp worked very hard to set.
On the Going Merry, Luffy and his crew, except Ventus, have given cheers to Usopp for becoming a part of his crew. Too Ventus, partying isn't his thing which he'd leave them alone for having a cheer.
That's is for the 14th chapter.