As dawn arrives, the island, it's people and his crew still deeply asleep can find Usopp once again in Arlong Park. He easily bypasses the few marines still around, absently taking note that most all the fishmen have either been captured or escaped the island, the few still here that the Navy hasn't yet carted away are restrained in multiple chains and locks. Hence the Marines stationed around still.
Stealthfully looking around he spots what he came here for and grabbing them scales his way back over the wall and starts heading towards Merry. Cosimo had informed him that he had left the two bags' and a barrel full of money and weapons just outside the back entrance since he was too lazy to bring them inside.
He's just thankful the building crashing down hadn't destroyed it, the value of some of the swords in that barrel is worth at least a hundred thousand a piece easy. He's no expert in swords though and doesn't wish to get cheated of his money so will be purchasing a few books when in Logue town since for all he knows one of the many swords he now holds possession of could be a famous sword of near inestimable value! He doubts it, but he could still come across one in their travels and if he does he wants to be able to tell instantly.
Climbing aboard the Merry he stores them in the bow gun deck that he fully plans on turning into his workroom as soon as they leave the island.
Yawning tiredly, he takes a few seconds to switch his mask as quick as he can for a new one. It is mostly the same as the now laying discarded old one but has two differently shaded cogwheels over where his eyes rest, the right bigger than the left.
Mask safely in place, he vacillates a moment before nodding decisively making his way back into town. He figures since he is awake anyway he may as well check out a few stores even if they aren't open, seeing what he can purchase or be freely offered later. They will only have a few hours at most in Loguetown after all, so whatever he can get here in bulk will be one less item on the long -though considerably shortened thanks to his ill-gotten goods- list of things to acquire or do when there.
Spotting a botanical store, he tilts his head, pondering on whether he should bother trying to install a small herb garden. Nami will have her tangerine tree's and they do exceptionally well from what he knows in the knowledge… do they have space though is the important question?
Ruminating deeply, he doesn't notice Sanji coming up behind him until he speaks causing him to startle badly.
"You're up early thought I'd be the only one" Hand on his pounding heart he glares at him pointlessly since it's not like he could see his displeasure, he inwardly grumbles when Sanji just looks amused at startling him so badly.
"Heh sorry about that" liar! "We all went to sleep pretty late last night thought everyone would still be knocked out, the only reason I'm up is that it's ingrained into me from working at the baratie! Why are you up? don't tell him you're a light sleeper as well as a shitty eater!" He jokes semi-serious.
Shaking his head, he grabs his whiteboard. 'I have chronic insomnia'
"That's got to suck, you must be pretty tough to have to deal with that and still be constantly running around! Especially with the fishmen and injuries you received yesterday" Sanji whistles impressed and Usopp frowns uncomfortable at the honest words of praise. He's not tough, strong or any other variant of words one could use, he is he and all he has is a cautious determination to not die until he completes a few goals to be useful to his crew and succeed… or at least partially in his dreams.
He doesn't say or outwardly show his feelings on the matter or anything though, he has long since learnt not to back when he was but a small child after Kaya and her parents at the time reprimanding him so many times for his negative thoughts, constantly encouraging him to see the positive that no matter what he just can't seem to see or feel in or for himself.
Luckily before the silence can stretch for too long or noticeably uncomfortable between them Sanji speaks asking curiously. "Why were you just standing around here anyway?"
'I was thinking about whether to build a small herb garden on the ship or not'
"Hmm that's a really good idea and it would certainly cut down on the cost… what kind of herbs are you thinking about growing?"
'To start with herbs like cilantro, thyme, mint and stuff like that and moving on to herbal weeds such as goldenrod, and feverfew and that's just to name a few'
"That would take up quite a bit of space even if it is a good list" Sanji muses impressed.
'Since space is an issue I was planning on building a vertical garden and a few easily movable planter boxes for the ones that need more sun'
Usopp and Sanji continue to converse for the next few hours while waiting for the others to slowly wake, easily growing more comfortable around each other and excitedly exchanging knowledge and tips on different medicinal cuisine and brews when Sanji learns of his passion and extensive knowledge for the art. Since it is slightly different from normal cuisine.
Gratefully thanking the kind old shop woman, who readily gave him some plant cuttings, seeds, pots and gardening tools for free he bows deeply and starts on back. Dragging the same wagon, he made yesterday with Cosimo to the ship with all his new severely slashed purchased items or freely given supplies happily. He knew acquiring the supplies they need in bulk here would be best! it's either free or ninety percent off!
He doesn't mean to take advantage of these people's kind generosity for helping save them but… well, it's free and ninety percent off! when is he, let alone the rest of the crew ever going to get such a good deal or opportunity except for in the Nefertari kingdom or Skypea!?
"Need any help?" turning to Zoro he shakes his head negatively, he may have a few busted ribs and feel bone-dead tired, but Zoro was nearly cut literally in half! He doesn't take good enough care of his injuries as it is and as Usopp's patient, he will not allow him to strain himself as much as he can prevent the stubborn idiot! Monster like healing capabilities or not!
"Suit yourself, by the way, what's in all those bags and barrels in the bows gun deck?" He flinches slightly at that, thinking quickly about what to say. He can't exactly tell him it's hundreds of thousands possibly near a million in Berri, jewels and assorted weaponry though primarily swords, He's just glad Zoro decided to ask instead of look, for himself!
'Extra supplies and tools for the ship and some of my projects' It's not a lie really, it is extra supplies and tools for the ship and his projects. Unlike the original Usopp, he doesn't like or appreciate lying unless for a good reason. Whether that's a consequence from constantly being told he was a liar when he spoke of his honest knowledge as a kid or because of the knowledge itself and the burden he bears for possessing it is anyone's guess.
"Isn't it a little much though? The room seems full to bursting" He questions dubiously but Usopp just shakes his head negatively. One can never have too many supplies! especially on a ship in the era and world, they live in! it's only too much if it starts to impede the running of the vessel or it starts sinking!
"Alright then" Zoro shrugs the questions off causing him to sigh in relief. Composing himself he starts carrying the lightest things in the wagon up first only struggling when he gets to the heavier bags of fertiliser.
Blinking in shock at having his hands suddenly emptied of its contents he turns to an amused Zoro who is easily carrying the bags up the ramp. "Sure, you don't need any help?" huffing at Zoro's teasing he sighs and nods in resigned acceptance, not like he could stop him now anyway, he's already brought the bags up the ramp.
"Where do you want these bags?" walking the last few steps he points to the gun deck at the hull of the ship, next to the galley and where both the bathroom and the entrance into Nami's quarters are.
Walking in with him he goes to the hatch to Nami's room, drops down and goes over to inspect where the villager's carpenter installed a small bar. Comparing the work to his masters and his own work impressed, it's not often he comes across quality work like this, it's certainly not as good as his masters and thanks in part to his knowledge his own but it's still obviously the work of a master carpenter.
Seeing this kind of inspires him to work on his own designs for ship instalments, not for the Merry no but perhaps for the Thousand Sunny? He could certainly give his own two cents to Franky of what the ship could need or want to work with the crews own potential needs. He most definitely want's the Thousand Sunny to be bigger then it was in his knowledge so that the ship could grow with them and not grow compact and have plenty of extra working space and storage.
"Hey Usopp, stop inspecting the bar and come and help prepare the ship! We're setting off soon!" pouting annoyed at having his thoughts and possible plans for the Sunny interrupted, he makes his way up anyway, checking and preparing the sails for departure.
Waving goodbye to Johnny and Yosaku he doesn't bother getting down and just listens to the others conversation in amusement.
"Where's Nami?" Luffy asks.
"Maybe she's not coming?" Zoro slyly smirks towards Sanji.
"WHAT?! NAMI'S NOT COMING?"
"YOU! THERE WASN'T ANY MELON HAM ANYWHERE!" priorities Luffy, priorities.
"NEVER MIND THAT! NAMI'S NINETY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE REASON IM GOING WITH YOU BUMS!" huh… that's around two percent then what he said in the knowledge, he wonders what changed?
"SET SAIL…NOW!" Don't need to ask him twice! The quicker they leave the faster Nami can't find and potentially give his money back to the island!
Sanji asks in concern as the ship starts to sail "Are you sure we should let her do this?"
"She should leave the way she wants"
Stepping down from the mast he watches amused as Nami lifts her top a moment after she lands onboard and cheekily says goodbye a wallet in her hand and all around her feet.
"YOU THIEVING CAT!"
"BYE-BYE, EVERYBODY!"
Shaking his head with a silent laugh he heads to the bows gun deck, collects a few planks of wood, wire, sandpaper, nails and his own special high quality homemade waterproof wood varnish and goes back up on deck.
He has a few gardens to build and treasure to protect!
"Wow, that's amazing! I didn't know you were such a good carpenter and wood carver!" Nami exclaims amazed a few hours later making Usopp puff up proudly at his work.
He has made four vertical gardens, the smallest of which is for the galley indoors, to go around the cabin where Nami's three tangerine trees now rest on top, and four easily movable five bed vertical garden trolleys, with a wire mesh cage and only two back wheels that can be slotted and attached to hooks inside the storage room so they don't move or fly around in unpredictable or extreme weather that they will, unfortunately, endure in the Grand Line.
All made with a marvellous eye to detail and lovingly engraved carvings depicting images of waves, ships, sea dragons and the Strawhat insignia and his own personal signature of a small kabuto beetle resting on a snake's head. He admits the carvings could be more detailed and well done but considering the lifestyle and the Grand Line he would most likely just have to redo it later and it takes hours, days, weeks and even months to get that kind of exquisite masterful detail and he doesn't have that kind of time, as it is it still looks professionally made as if by a master so he has no complaints.
"You've even included the Strawhat flag, not bad" Zoro agrees impressed lightly running a finger over the carving of a sea snake.
'I was an apprentice to a master carpenter back at home, I am now only a few years away from becoming a master myself' he explains happily at the surprised and shocked looks he receives.
"Woah no way! you can cook, draw, heal, shoot and build things!?" Luffy says in awe, stars in his eyes.
"It really is an impressive and useful set of skills to have for a pirate, what else can you do?" Sanji muses coming out of the galley with a few drinks, impressed eyes roaming over the carvings and structures.
"Not to mention the cuts in funds!" Nami cheerfully exclaims Berri signs in her eyes.
Uncomfortable with all the praise and compliments he's receiving he writes his answer, while absently and unknowingly drinking a vial of yellow liquid from one of his many pouches.
'I have many hidden talents but so, long as it involves my hands I am skilled in most forms of art, I am proficient in all household chores from gardening to accounting, I am well versed in trap making, chemistry even stealing and It is not so much I heal since I am not a proper doctor… though I am somewhat adept at first aid and handling complex to extreme injuries' Usopp explains unsurely and humbly. Uncertain as to if it could be considered bragging or not since he was only answering Sanji's inquiries.
He doesn't want to be looked at as arrogantly bragging, he honestly doesn't see what he does or is skilled and proficient at as anything special. There is, thousands of people in the world better and more skilled then he is in probably everything he does, not that he considers himself bad per se in his skills since he is very proud of his work and knows he is good… just… not the best, there is always someone better, more skilled or talented and it's not a bad thing! It just allows one to work harder is all…
"Amazing! That's an extremely impressive set of skills! it will definitely help in cutting down costs!" Nami the Berri signs in your eyes are growing bigger.
"Wait a minute steal... don't tell me that the supplies you loaded onto the ship the, other day were actually what you stole from the navy ship!" Zoro and Sanji say at the same time, glaring at each other afterwards.
Smirking behind his mask he puts on an overly exaggerated air of innocence and points to himself with a head tilt. He silently chuckles (giggles) at the unimpressed or amused looks that earned him.
"Oh, great! We have two thieving cats on board" Zoro mutters walking off to nap. Luffy just laughs happily and Sanji snorts amused while moving to guard over Nami's tangerines again.
Nami herself just grins even more happily in greed. "Looks like I have a comrade in arms! I didn't know you were such a skilled thief! Where, how or why did you learn such a particular set of skills?"
'I have always wished to be a pirate, to sail the open oceans, one just doesn't become a pirate though, so I read, planned and learned either by asking to practice on the safes in Kaya's mansion or by breaking into ad taking things from the villagers homes and person unnoticed on certain skills that would be most useful as a pirate, I had always given what I took back though with an apology so stealing from that Navy ship was my first proper experience in using my skills with no intention of returning what I stole' well actually stealing from Arlong was his first proper experience but he's not about to tell her that! At the very least not until he sells most of what he collected!
"Logical, well, in any case, I'm glad! If we work together we won't have to worry about being poor pirates! Especially with Luffy's stomach!" Nami grins pleased. He nods in complete agreement, if he has his way they will spend no more than what they need, stealing not just Berri but also supplies from the enemies they can either use or sell and they will have a lot of enemies.
Blinking in remembrance at that he frowns before moving towards Luffy. 'Luffy did you manage to steal the jewels or pieces of armour from Krieg?'
He blinks blankly at him and he is about to sigh mournfully when Luffy grins in understanding. "Oh yeah! Sanji had it in a sack, dunno what he did with it though" Nodding in thanks he goes over to Sanji, being careful of his work that's still drying in the sun.
'Sanji what did you do with the jewels and armour from Krieg? Luffy said you had it'
"Oh that, yeah I put it in the galley when one of the townsfolk retrieved it for us this morning… oh and I just remembered Gin asked me to pass on a message to you" Sanji mentions surprising him greatly, why would Gin want to send him of all people a message?
"He said to thank you for the bullet that blew up Krieg's poison cannon that ended up saving his, his men's and our lives, and for the words of wisdom that helped him make up his mind, in his own words 'I will become a captain who gathers and polishes jewels in his own right, not just collect pebbles and will meet you all again in the Grand Line!' something like that anyway, did you really give Gin that explosive bullet that put a gigantic crack in Krieg's armour?" Sanji trails off strangely though evidently impressed surprising him.
He is not surprised over what his bullet did no, the Red Smoke Star is designed and built to cause large explosions when hit with any sort of chemical that touches on or even near it, such as gunpowder, poison or even the metal in swords! The more concentrated the chemicals the larger the explosion. No, what he is surprised over is the fact this is his third battle and the third time someone, be they enemy or enemy turned ally has promised to meet and see him again.
Is this going to be one of those cliché's or running gags or plot points that he has heard or knows about in his knowledge or something? If so it's not very funny and he doesn't get it, he's not important and hasn't done anything of worth to garner such pointed attention, he's weak and worthless… he does not deserve such recognition for whatever it is he has done to have someone… anyone take notice of him. though… he supposes he is happy to, his words were useful to Gin after all, and that means he was useful.
Nodding to Sanji's question he gets a whistle and small grin, "Remind me to not get on your bad side! that was a really powerful explosion!" he tilts his head confused but nods anyway.
"Hey, wait for a second, I forgot to ask but what was that viol you gave me before our fight with the fishmen?" Usopp notes that Zoro opened one of his eyes from his place near the railing at the question, so he answers since it's not like it's a secret.
'It was a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying herbal extract I call Fresh Renewal, it's main goal and function is first to detoxify the body of harmful toxins or excess fluid, then working as a deterrent to prevent damage to the body's cells and blood vessels, it then accelerates the growth of new cells, boosting the body's immune system, , the working of organs, blood circulation increasing oxygen levels and expanding lung capacity and preventing nasal congestion and irritated sinuses from reducing the swelling of the body's mucus membranes, though it also makes a good headache reliever and cold/flu remedy' He explains in simple terms what exactly Fresh Renewal is meant to do, it is meant to do a lot more for the body but he would be talking or rather writing for hours otherwise!
"You sure you're not a doctor?" Sanji questions dryly making him huff in annoyance. "Still though it really helped in my battle with Kuroobi, It would have taken a lot longer and I would be a lot more injured than I so thanks" nodding once slightly shy, very uncomfortable with all the compliments, praise and thank that he has been receiving today. He honestly didn't do much!
"What did you give me then, mine was different from the love-cooks" Zoro questions earning a scowl from Sanji.
"Shut it moss head!" they both pointedly ignore Sanji though he is amused at Zoro's twitching eye of annoyance.
'The viol I gave you was called Liquid Fever, it works somewhat similar to what I gave Sanji but is different in both potency, effects and that it boosts production of white blood cells that help to fight infections, prevents possible infection to open wounds, reduce the body's stress levels, promote digestion, strengthen and improve the skin, improve mental clarity, helps heal external and in some capacity internal wounds… it is also a mild sedative that numbs pain receptors, though to be honest with you it is meant to drastically help heal incredibly nasty wounds such as yours from inside the body, boosting the clotting of blood cells of wounds to prevent bleeding out to death by excessive blood loss and since I have never been hurt drastically enough to test it… yours is just a prototype' Usopp doesn't stiffen at Zoro's slight scowl but he is cautious. More than willing and prepared to hide behind Sanji or Luffy.
"So basically, I was your lab rat" nodding hesitantly at the look on his face.
"You know I never did pay you back for leaving me tied up on the boat for the fishmen" Usopp literally teleports to the crow's nest much to the laughter of everyone else on-board, Zoro's included.
Pouting at them and the cruel teasing he decides not to come down, not yet willing to test if Zoro was fully joking or not.
Two days later Usopp is tending to the vertical gardens when he hears Nami arguing with the news coo, causing him to remember that this is the day they find out Luffy's new bounty and go to Loguetown.
"If you raise it again I'm not buying from you anymore!" Usopp want's to point out that they don't have to worry or be so frugal about money once they sell all the weapons, gold and jewels he finished sorting only just this morning into piles of keep or sell but refrains, she found out about the jewels and amour from Krieg since he gave it to her and she almost squeezed the life out of him. he was lucky he didn't descend into a massive panic attack! As it is he had to retreat into his workroom for the rest of the day and scrub himself clean in the bathroom! He truly does NOT like people touching him unless it is people he considers family and he can literally count the number of people he does consider family on one hand!
*KRAASH*
"This is Nami's tangerine grove! I won't let you touch them! Nami I shall guard this grove with all the love in my heart!" he inwardly shudders at the cheesy lines.
"The world sure is in turmoil, there was another coup d'état in Vira… eh?" placing down the watering can he picks up the poster, staring down into the face of his captain for thirty thousand Berri…. And himself cracked mask and all standing in the corner holding his injured side tenderly.
Some things truly do stay the same… though then again, he hasn't actively yet tried to change anything major, just a few minuscule insignificant details.
Luffy grins widely, snatching the poster out of his hands "SHISHISHISHI! I'm wanted dead or alive! thirty million Berries!"
Turning to Sanji he can't help but try and tease him by pointing at himself in the picture Luffy is holding up proudly, watching in amusement as he pouts broodingly in the corner.
"Yeah, yeah I see you! Big deal!" huffing in laughter he writes quickly. 'not just captains get wanted posters, remember Hawkeye?'
"Really!" nodding in amusement at the childlike honest grin on his face he dodges the man attempting to put his arm around his shoulders and just silently cheers along with Sanji and Luffy.
"Hey theirs an island," Zoro says catching their attention making him perk up, he needs to write a few lists for the others before they arrive, so things can get done easier and they won't need to do more later.
Ignoring the words of wisdom and knowledge Nami is speaking he heads to the galley to write down some important lists, more so for Sanji, Nami and himself since Zoro could and would get lost in a straight line and Luffy Is just plain hopeless. Sanji will no doubt have his own lists, but some of the stuff Usopp needs to acquire is in the market and it will be easier if he just gave him the list so he won't need to head to the food market himself.
So much to do so little time as the saying goes, he needs to go to book, garden, junk, Snail, hardware, and textile stores, he would need to go to many others, but he is delegating and giving them to Nami. Not to mention having to go to the banks and weapon stores to sell all his acquisitions back on Nami's island that will take up the most time and despite his extreme reluctance still, duel daddy the father! He doesn't have too but he wants… no needs to test his skills against a fellow marksman.
Ruffling his hair roughly in stress he unknowingly downs another viol of Summer's Honey before standing up to make himself a cup of one of his mixed homemade bags of some catmint, basil and a touch of nutmeg tea to help him relax.
"Stressed?" startling slightly he turns to the doorway that Zoro is leaning against watching him intently. He thinks about denying it for a moment but discards it just as swiftly and nods with an audible sigh.
"What about?" he questions coming into the galley fully closing the door behind him.
'Perhaps the question you should be asking is what aren't I stressed about?' he writes offering some tea which he accepts.
"Alright then, what aren't you stressed about?" huffing a laugh he sighs, slowly relaxing from the tea gratefully.
'The sky, the earth, the tea,' Zoro just raises a brow, so he looks down.
'I suppose that's just as long a list huh? To be completely honest before you and the others came to my island the most human contact I had in a day let alone a month or year was with the veggie trio, Kaya and my master, I kept clear of most others despite being around them semi-regularly so I'm not exactly used to… well all this, being social, having help, constantly being in close quarters… just all of it!' Usopp confesses an expression of self-loathing and melancholy in his eyes.
He's not sure why he is telling Zoro this or even knows if he wants to but he's stressed, bone-deep exhausted, still healing from his injuries and all he want's to do is sleep but he can't and it's just so frustrating! He takes another seep of tea and downs another viol unknowingly.
"Welcome to the club, I don't know if you've noticed but I'm not exactly all that sociable either, before Johnny and Yosaku all I really had was an old friend and my sensei for company" he looks strongly at Zoro, uncertain why he is saying this… opening himself up to him…. kind of…. not really but still more than he would expect.
Zoro sighs deeply though looks him straight in the eye seriously. (or at least where Zoro assumes his eyes are)
"Look I'm not good at talking about this stuff but the point I'm trying to get at is that you don't need to take on everything yourself, no one expects you to, if you want to have time to yourself or if you need help just ask and either we will give you space or I and one of the others will help out, even if we grumble or complain, If it's too hard to ask then just write it down or point and stare at us creepily like you usually do" He huffs a laugh at that, relaxing more fully, missing the pleased gleam in his companions eyes or the soft smile tugging at his lips.
'Thank you, Zoro, I appreciate it truly'
"Don't mention it, no really don't, I don't want to be compared to the love cook!"
Usopp laughs.
"WOW, this place is huge! I'm going to see the execution platform!" Luffy exclaims before dashing off.
"I can probably find some good ingredients her! chicks too!" Usopp stops Sanji before he can leave passing him the list. He looks it over once nods and goes off.
"there's something I want to buy too," Zoro says to the air making him look over his huge cart of bags, barrels and crates stacked next to him. the others had raised a brow at him for bringing all this stuff down and hiring a cart for a day, but he is glad they didn't question it. Well, Nami did but he just stayed silent and stared at her until she huffed and walked away.
"I'll be glad to lend you some money… for three hundred percent interest!" another reason he has kept quite of both his stolen goods and his own hard-earned money.
"Usopp! lend me some money? If I take money from this witch, it will be like making a deal with the devil!" huffing at the looks from both woman and man he reaches into one of his pouches and passes over a hundred thousand Berri.
"thanks, I'll pay you back"
"Since when did you have all that money on you!?" Nami says indignantly while Zoro walks off.
'Since I joined, though I got more from that navy ship back in Cocoyashi' Usopp writes before shoving the list into Nami's face before she could argue.
"What's all this? and what's a log pose, eternal log poses?" Nami questions brow raised.
'Normal compasses don't work in the Grand Line due to the special magnetic waves created from each island, and each island has different magnetic waves that the log needs to lock onto before it can lead you to the next island that can take from anywhere to a few hours to a few years, the eternal log posses are those with a set magnetic field it is constantly pointing to, I figure we could use a few in case we get stuck on an island that takes months if not years to set, though they are rumoured to be expensive so you should exchange the jewels first' Usopp dutifully explains and Nami grows pale with shock.
"What!? If you knew this why didn't you say any of this back on the ship!" she exclaims before stalking of furiously. No doubt to find more information not bothering for a response.
Not that his response would be appreciated anyway since he just wanted to see her reaction, shaking his head amused he asks for directions to the bank and goes on his way. stopping briefly at a bookstore to buy a whole crate of non-fiction books on different subjects, the most important ones being a pocketbook on famous weapons, one on weapon quality and how to get your money's worth and one he saw in a 500 Berri bin on how to sense the spirit of a weapon.
He honestly had no clue such a book existed or if any of what's written inside is true but it's something to read in his spare time as fiction in any case.
It take's a whole hour for the curator and him at the bank to come to a consensus of the jewels and golds worth, only an hour because when it comes to getting his money's worth Usopp can be utterly ruthless and downright malicious, still he walks away proudly 64 million Berri in a black case on his person!
Checking the map, he swiftly maps out his route and starts heading to all the stores that will take the least amount of time, he is uncertain of how long he has, and he has already wasted an hour in the bank, yes, he has the books, but he still has many places to go and things to buy.
Swiftly moving through the streets, he doesn't even pause to apologise to the people who grumble at the wagon he's pulling moving to and from stores and buying what he needs in record time. Only the weapon and junk shop left.
"Hey, watch it!" pausing in his steps he blinks at the young girl now standing in front of him. raising a brow, he writes his half-hearted apology down for the little girl.
"Can't you speak?" She asks haughtily but before his face can contort into a frown and he can walk away not wanting to deal with a spoilt little kid his eyes raise in shock at the man now standing in front of him.
"Carol, are you bothering this man?"
Daddy the father!
{On a certain island….}
"AARGH! IT'S MIHAWK!" random pirate screamed in fright.
"Don't get excited. I'm not here because of you, where's your captain? Camping on this island? How reckless" Mused Mihawk
"Huh? Hawk-eye! This is unexpected, I'm in a bad mood, you here to challenge me?"
"Humph! I don't challenge one-armed has-beens, I've found myself some interesting pirates, one of whom reminded me of a story you told me long ago, about a boy in some little village…"
"WHAT! NO WAY!"
"So, you're here… Luffy! SEA DOGS! BREAK OUT THE GROG! WE'RE GONNA CELEBRATE!" Shanks bellowed.
"Grog? What about your hangover!?"
"FOOL! How can I not drink on a day like this!? Mihawk! You drink up to and tell me about these pirates of Luffy's!" Argued Shanks.
"Mhm… one was a green haired brave young swordsman who practised Santoryu and dared to challenge me" Mihawk began
"That's high praise coming from you! did you let him live?"
"Of course, such courage and honour deserve to be allowed a chance to flourish! The other one though… truly caught my attention"
"Oh, what's this? Mihawk is interested in someone for once! What was he another swordsman or just that good looking?" Shanks teased very interested in Mihawk's pause.
"Incorrigible fool! The other one you can see in the left corner of the poster" Mihawk scoffs irritated.
"Huh! so you can! He doesn't look like much… long nose and what's with the mask?" Shanks muse's brow raised.
"I believe his companions called him Usopp, he has managed to unlock Kenbunshoku Haki but holds another energy I cannot seem to pinpoint, something… dangerous that even I became slightly wary" Mihawk admits begrudgingly though impressed.
Shanks looks seriously at Mihawk at that confession "For a man like you to become wary…" it must be dangerous is what's left unsaid as they descend into momentary silence.
"Wait a second… did you say Usopp!?" Yasopp exclaims breaking the tense silence and grabbing the poster before breaking out into proud though worried tears.
"THAT'S MY SON! HE FOLLOWED IN HIS OLD MANS FOOTSTEPS! THAT'S MA BOY! LET'S DRINK IN CELEBRATION!" Yasopp cheers
"YEAH! LET'S DRINK IN CELEBRATION TO LUFFY AND USOPP BECOMING PIRATES AND MIHAWK FINALLY GAINING A LOVE INTEREST!" Shanks shouts cheerfully.
"LOVE INTEREST!? WHAT!? MIHAWK STAY AWAY FROM MY SON!" Yasopp bellows enraged fingering his pistols.
"To think that Usopp and Luffy would become part of the same crew… is this destiny at work?" Ben whispers amused.
"Fools!"
Daddy the father!
"Papa! Papa! This man almost ran me other with his cart!" Carol complains sticking her tongue out at Usopp.
'I apologised, but then you daughter asked if I could speak, I can by the way, but my throat is currently spent' he writes in explanation.
"I see, Carol apologise for rudely speaking to this young man" Masterson admonishes gently
"Wha! But Papa I did-!"
"Don't lie Carol I heard how you spoke now apologise"
"Sorry Papa, sorry for speaking rudely to you sir" Carol apologises with a pout making him smile at the adorable sight.
'it's fine really! But… are you Masterson? The rumoured best marksmen in east blue?' Usopp asks already knowing the answer but still having to ask.
"I am, why do you ask?" He asks looking him over, he's just thankful he didn't outwardly shiver in fright since he's so nervous.
'My name is Usopp, I'm about to head to the Grand Line and I wish to challenge you to a duel! My slingshot vs your pistol' he states surprisingly strong and steady, though he is inwardly freaking out.
"Hah! No one can beat my papa! He's the best in the world!"
"I accept, let's move to the side" he nods in acceptance and follows ignoring the passing crowd's whispers of a duel, staring at them with curious and eager eyes just trying to keep whatever courage he had in asking for an actual duel with such a talented marksman alive.
"You know the procedure for a duel?" Masterton asks and nodding again he turns around, back to back with his possible killer.
Carol does the countdown "Begin!"
Each spoken number is a step walked and Usopp literally is a ball of nerves, wondering if this will be the day he dies and all manner of negative things.
"18!"
He want's nothing more than to run and forget he ever asked for this stupid duel but he won't! original Usopp backed down and ran, only to come back and perform another safer challenge issued by Masterton, he is not the original though! HE ISNT! He issued this challenge, asked for it knowing full well what that entailed and so he will not back down! If he gets hurt or dies it just means he isn't or wasn't ready to face the Grand Line even having beaten two fishmen!
"19!"
Usopp may not consider Yasopp his father but he is still proud to claim him as his genetic donor! He is proud he has the blood of the best marksmen of Red-haired Shanks crew running in his veins! Is a marksman himself! If he loses against Masterson when Yasopp beat him… how could he ever be able to look him in the eye as an equal! Usopp may hate and think all sorts of negative and unkind things about himself… but he has his own pride too! He is a marksman! A talented one! if Usopp can beat Masterson… even if it was in a safe way… then he can beat him this way! his own way!
"20!"
His!
*BANG* / *SHHP*
His arm is bleeding slightly…. His hands are shaking…. but…. its Usopp's win!
He really won!
He watches in amazement as Masterton's eyes are slightly wide in shock looking down at his gun.
"This is my loss" Masterson states.
"Wha!? Papa, he missed! How did you lose!?" Carol questions indignant and confused.
"No, he didn't, his shot was true, if I were to fire another shot I would be hurt while he still has his weapon and more ammo, Look closely at my gun"
It's true, he had used a slightly smaller pachinko ball that is now lodged solidly a few inches into the barrel of the gun, Usopp lowers his weapon.
"You disabled me… aren't you going to finish it, young man? You would gain quite a bit of infamy by taking down the bounty hunter Daddy the Father"
He tilts his head confused, why would he finish him? duels don't always have to end up in death, he tells him so.
'Duels do not always mean death, but should you truly be saying this in front of your daughter? I am heading into the Grand Line, I'm a pirate, I know very well my life can end at any moment… she doesn't understand that yet, you don't want to leave her, alone do you?'
"… Tell me young man, is your father's name Yasopp?"
He nods, not really all surprised Masterson guessed who his…. Uncle is. Masterson goes on to explain how he only ever lost once before in his life to Yasopp, who spared his life saying he had a daughter to take care of and not to risk his life unnecessarily, near enough to what he had just written down to Masterson.
"I'm not disappointed to have lost to the son of Yasopp, I'm sure you will do your father proud and meet him again someday in the Grand Line!" Usopp is kind, of getting annoyed at everyone assuming he considers Yasopp his father, yes he is fond of, is proud and everything else to do with Yasopp… but he is not his father, the day he set out to sea he gave up the right, it may sound cruel but… Usopp knows what a true father is and it's not Yasopp, it's men like Masterson, like Kaya's father was… it's what he knows from the knowledge. Perhaps he would have been more comfortable with calling Yasopp an estranged dad if he had bothered to visit him the year he was in east blue with Luffy's island as the home base but he didn't and so he doesn't.
Because maybe if he had… he wouldn't have to wear a mask and cover up every inch of exposed skin…
Saying goodbye to the father and daughter hr quickly makes his way to the weapon shops Masterson said was the best and most fair for selling his stuff.
Sixteen million eight hundred and 39 Berri richer and three whole large barrels full of new stuff from the few junk shops he stepped into. Finds Usopp dragging his purchases in the cart behind him.
"Be careful kid!" stopping he looks up and stiffens at the sight of Smoker and some of his men.
Nodding his head in apology rigidly he watches as a little girl bumps into him with her ice-cream, pointedly aware of all the frightened, worried and pitying looks of everyone around him. Marines are truly the paragons of fear and corruption in this world… even for the decent ones like Smoker… he's a bad marine. Usopp smiles behind his mask and makes a choice that he knows will cause a massive butterfly somewhere in the future.
"You're a bad marine" his spoken words easily carry in the wind and Smoker pauses turning to stare at him. along with the many people who heard him.
"Oh? and why am I a bad marine?"
"Your kind, you don't take bribes or are unnecessarily cruel to the people you are sworn to protect… you're a decent person but a bad marine, I don't have time to fully explain my reasonings but please… take this and read it later" Usopp whispers and throws a small pocketbook at Smoker that he catches.
"What's this?"
"A book" He dryly states earning a slight twitch of the eye. "You will know later… though whether you will truly understand or not is up to you"
Usopp quickly leaves, Smoker doesn't stop him.
Neither does Smoker or his men notice a few Kairoseki handcuffs being taken from their persons.
Spotting Nami, Zoro and Sanji he makes his way over grudgingly annoyed when Nami dumps her overly large sack and a few bulky boxes in his cart as soon as she spots him since besides the sack all the boxes are what he asked her to buy.
Zoro's the first to speak up "Where's Luffy?"
"He said he wanted to see the execution scaffold" Nami mused.
"Well… right now he's about to be killed!" Sanji said a rictus expression of panic on his face.
"WHAT!? LUFFY'S ON THE EXECUTION SCAFFOLD!?" Seeing this event in real life just makes him sigh in resigned annoyance instead of panic, honestly, Luffy could easily get out of that pillory.
"YOU GUYS HEAD TO THE SHIP! WE'LL GET LUFFY!"
"No! I'm the marksmen I can take Buggy out! Zoro and I will take care of it you guys take this stuff back to the cart!" Usopp raises his voice getting surprised looks.
"Che! fine you better bring him back in one piece!" He is slightly surprised that Sanji easily agreed but ignores it and just rushes off with Zoro, shooting pachinko balls and lead star showers left and right.
"I…. AM GOING TO BE THE KING OF PIRATES!"
"STOP PLAYING AROUND LUFFY! GET OFF THAT SCAFFOLD AND OUT OF THAT PILLORY!" Usopp screams and he can literally feel something in his throat break from how loud he yelled enhanced even more by the voice enhancer.
He ignores the blood spilling from his lips and the wide eyes and shocked looks of both his captain and first mate and just continues to shoot, aiming his ammo every which way.
"YOU HEARD HIM LUFFY! STOP GOOFING OFF!" Zoro bellows scant seconds later.
"BWAHAHAHA IT'S TO LATE! YOUR CAPTAIN IS A DEAD MAN!"
"ZORO, SANJI, NAMI, USOPP! IM SORRY! I'M A GONNER!" That blasted idiotic fool! As soon as they are back on the ship he'll kill him himself!
*KRACKKRACKRAKCKEACKKABOOOM*
As amazed as Usopp is at the hand of fate or probably Dragon interfering he doesn't bother to stop, he wants some of those Kairoseki nets from the Navy! He will deal with that idiot and everything else later.
"SHISHISHI! IM ALIVE! LUCKY ME!" Not for long you won't be!
"Surround the square and capture the pirates!" This is his chance!
Usopp takes aim and fires and in the scramble of chaos that follows dives into the group of marines and twenty seconds later is back again, running with Zoro and Luffy to get away his arms some pouches and bags full to the brim with either Karioseki handcuffs, karioseki nets or just plain handcuffs for any potential prisoners in the future.
"HERE THEY COME! LET'S GO!"
'HEY WHICH WAY!?"
He can't breathe… the blood is choking him.
"They sure are persistent! Should we stop and fight them!?" Luffy asks curiously five minutes into running.
Zoro scowls "We don't have time! We got to get back to the ship!"
"RORONORA ZORO! HOW DARE YOU LIE TO ME!" Tashigi shouts in front of them.
"Che! you again! Go one ahead!" Usopp ignores the confrontation just continues running
"Okay!"
"So, it's you… Strawhat Luffy!" Smoker!
"Who are you!?"
He can't breathe! Usopp chocks out a mouthful of blood behind his mask, thankful that no one can see his struggle or pain. He can make it…just has to get to the ship first… but he has to give Dragon a couple things!
"Names Captain Smoker of the navy… and I'm not letting you get away!"
"Wahh!"
Breathing heavily his breaths to short and to fast he watches in fearful awe of the power of a logia type devil fruit.
"You there! So, you were apart, of this boy's crew… still, think I'm a bad Marine even being a Captain?" Usopp smirks weakly at that and gives him two thumbs down earning a scowl.
He's a truly terrible marine…
"Gum-Gum Pistol!"
"Che! don't you know it's rude to interrupt others, conversations? Still, you're the one who's worth thirty million Berri's!? Humph… looks like your run out of luck kid!"
"Whose Luck did you say?" a mysterious deep voice sounds grabbing smoker's baton.
"…The government is after your head!" Dragon! grabbing a small pocketbook and a letter from a pouch he slightly totters over, breathing getting harder and black sports are dancing at the edges of his sight.
"What! Who!? Who!?"
"The world is waiting for our answer…." Usopp inwardly scoffs at that, they cause just as much damage as they try or attempt to help! Still... his intentions aren't all that bad… but the road to hell was paved with good intentions.
Taking the last step, he shoves both the letter and the booklet into Dragons chest gaining a look of surprise and curiosity before it smoothes out into a smirk as he grabs what he gave him into his hands.
"Mm? what's this….? still… WIND BLAST!" Dragon mumbles before bellowing.
Usopp falls heavily to the ground and can't get up, just trying not to drown in his own blood, whatever he did to his throat… is killing him!
"LUFFY! USOPP! RUN OR WE'RE GONNA BE TRAPPED ON THE ISLAND FOREVER! IT'S-A HUMONGOUS STORM! SO, STOP DRAGGING YOUR FEET!" Zoro shouts panicked grabbing a hold of the both of them and high tailing it out of there like a bat out of hell.
It doesn't matter though for he has already blacked out for a few moments, weaving in and out of consciousness before darkness is all he knows.
"HURRY UP AND GET ON BOARD! WERE CASTING OFF!" Nami screams as soon as Zoro, Luffy and Usopp return.
Zoro exclaims in concern when he realises the boy hangs limply in his arms not moving and barely breathing "Usopp!? Hey Luffy, something is wrong with Usopp!"
"What!? Usopp what's wrong!? Was it that smoker guy! Did he do something to you!?" Luffy cries in panic, shaking Usopp's limp form back and forth rapidly.
"LEAVE HIM INSIDE FOR NOW WE NEED HELP HERE!" Nami shouts concerned but throwing around orders to manage the ship in the raging waters.
"Damnit!" Zoro scowls but complies.
It's a mad scramble for the next half hour before things finally calm down and immediately Zoro books it back inside the galley to check on Usopp, startling in shock, panic and pure concern at the blood flowing out of Usopp's mask and all over the floor.
"USOPP! GUYS GET IN HERE! I THINK USOPPS DYING!" Zoro shouts kneeling next to Usopp's limp and rapid, shallowly breathing form.
"WHAT!?" Nami, Luffy and Sanji shout rushing inside, gasping in surprise at all the blood.
"Shit! Quick! Remove his mask!" Sanji shouts rushing in next to Zoro moving to take off his mask.
"Wha!? Right!" Nami nods in agreement.
Sanji starts in surprise and comes to a halt when Zoro grabs his hand and Luffy practically bellows "NO!"
"What do you mean no!? we have to see what's wrong and check his airway!" Sanji shouts arguing, righteous indignation in his voice enraged.
"No! Usopp must show us his face on his own terms! He never takes his masks off! He'll hate us if we take it off without his permission!" Luffy states determined fists clenched, eyes tight in concern and conflicted indecision.
"Who cares if he hates us if he's dead!" Sanji and Nami both argue, Sanji trying to shake off Zoro's increasingly tight grip.
"I KNOW THAT!" Zoro eventually bellows shocking the rest into stillness.
"I know if we don't remove his mask to see what's wrong he could die! Usopp is the only one among us with any type of medical skill or knowledge! Nami comes a close second but even she doesn't know as much as he does! even if we do remove his mask all we could provide is some basic first aid that may not even be of any use!" Zoro's expression is pained and stilted and the room descends once again into a prolonged silence, only the storm raging outside and Usopp's shallow weak breathing to break apart the stillness.
"…Turn his head! If we aren't removing his mask, then we should at least turn his head to the side, so he at least doesn't drown in his own blood!" Nami commands breaking the silence and Zoro instantly does, releasing Sanji's wrist.
It proves to be a good decision since Usopp's breathing instantly improves with a few wet choking coughs.
"Nami! Is there another island we could go to before we reach the Grand Line?" Luffy asks eyes blazing, eyes still locked onto Usopp's weak possibly dying form.
"Eh? Ah yes! Theirs an island a few days away called Warship island!" Nami immediately scrambles to check her map.
Luffy nods one determined "Set a course there! Full speed ahead! We are getting Usopp to a doctor!"
"RIGHT!"
{The next day}
"How's he doing?" Sanji asks Zoro walking into Nami's quarters where Usopp is currently resting.
Zoro sighs scratching the back of his head. "Well he's stopped bleeding at least"
"No signs of waking up?" Zoro shakes his head concealing worried eyes as he stares at Usopp's masked form
"What do you think is wrong with him? what exactly happened when you went to rescue Luffy?" Sanji questions leaning against the wall.
"I'm not sure but… Usopp did scream roughly and sounded quite bad at Luffy when he was about to have his head chopped off before that blast of lightning hit the scaffold" Zoro contemplates
"He does have some issues with his throat… though I thought that was just from hardly speaking for year's before he joined the crew" Sanji points out, but before they can talk more a large bang and shout from above sounds out.
With a sigh Sanji gets up, "I'll check to see what that idiots done this time"
"…Wake up soon dumbass" Zoro softly say's into the silence of the room.
"Ah, you're awake! Seems your doing better than I expected! Does it hurt anywhere?" Nami exclaims staring at the little girl who just woke up.
"You must be hungry! I'm making soup right now, it'll be ready shortly" Sanji continues.
"…Lucky!" the little girl whispers happily.
"Were you in a shipwreck or something? You could've been in real trouble if we hadn't come alone, what's your name? I'm Nami, this is Luffy, Sanji and Zoro, we have another crew member named Usopp but he's down below resting, he's injured and hasn't woken up so we're heading to Warship Island for a doctor"
"Yeah! And soon as Usopp's better than we're heading for the Grand Line to continue our pirate adventures!
"WHAAAAAT!? PIRAAATES!?" Apis draw drops dramatically.
"What's wrong?" Nami asks.
"She stopped moving" Luffy states the obvious.
"What are we gonna do with this kid?" Zoro asks impatiently waiting for Sanji to finish cooking, sooner he eats sooner he can go back to watching over Usopp.
"Ahhh well what should we do?" Luffy muses.
"We could drop her off at Warship island" Nami Suggests.
"Here we go! And for you little miss" Sanji exclaims serving out the food, holding out for Apis breaking her from her shock making her jaw snap close with an audible click.
"No thank you!" Apis moves away turning her head huffily.
"It's not poisoned or anything if that's what you're worried about, were pirates not degenerates, and I'd never hurt or allow, harm to befall a pretty young lady" Sanji sighs smiling offering the food again though she stays stubborn.
"You became scared when you found out were pirates didn't you? well, that's a natural reaction to pirates these days" Nami sighs understandingly.
"We-well…. You're not planning to sell me off?" Apis begrudgingly asks staring at the soup.
"Your all evil looking so maybe" Zoro teases literally drinking the soup in a rush.
"Eh!?"
"BAKA! Don't scare the girl! Mou! But really don't worry we won't, at least our ship isn't like the kind your thinking of" Nami shouts hitting Zoro over the head uncaring to the laughter that follows or the exclamation of pain from her target.
Apis seems to gather her courage before scarfing down the food and exclaiming in surprise. "yummy"
"He's the best! Sanji's the cook I picked after all!" Luffy grins happily.
"…You said you were going to Warship island, right? For a doctor for your friend? Well, I'm from that island! I'd be grateful if you took me home!" Apis says finally growing slightly comfortable with her hosts.
"Perfect! You'll take us to the best doctor in your village in payment yeah?" Nami says happily getting a big grin and nod from the little girl in their care for the foreseeable future.
"Yeah!"
"You wished to see me Dragon?"
"Here" Dragon states passing over a letter with Sabo's name on it.
"A letter? For me? Whose it from?" He questions curiously starting to open the letter there and then.
"A young man in a mask shoved the letter and the most curious and interesting of books into my hands when I visited Loguetown and helped out his captain" Dragon muses running a glove covered hand over the book an intent gleam in his eyes.
"Not that I can recall-eh?" Sabo says while reading the letter but stops suddenly, letter falling to the floor and grabbing his head as if in pain.
"Sabo?"
"A-AHGHGGHHHHH!"
"SABO! What's wrong!?"
"agugh!... Lu… Luffy!... Ac-"Sabo grits out before falling unconscious to the world.
Picking up the letter on the floor Dragon quickly scans it before smirking.
"So, you've regained your memories, Sabo… That boy... I wonder…."
"A bad Marine huh…" Smoker muses blowing smoke from his cigars as he puts down the book that masked kid of Luffy's crew gave him.
"Sir?" Tashigi asks looking up.
"Tashigi tells me if you were ordered by the government to kill a child because of some knowledge, or kill a person simply for the blood in their veins, would you?" Smoker asks pocketing the book an intent look on his face.
"Eh… I don't understand sir?" she utters confused.
"Just answer the question Tashigi" He grumbles.
"Ah!... I… don't know Sir" Tashigi hesitantly answers.
"Good…that's all Tashigi, you're dismissed, get back to your duties"
"…Yes sir"
"Exactly what is that masked boy planning, to have given me this?"
Word Count: 9791
A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find lucky to have
Blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family
Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of people can have far-reaching effects
Introverts want company just as much as extroverts do, but they prefer it either in short doses or people they know well