Usopp isn't sure exactly, how or why Luffy and Bentham collectively decided amongst themselves to sail to Alabasta together. Just that once they found out they were heading in the same direction, it was apparently a done deal but he honestly does not care for it, not one little bit! He likes Bentham a little admittedly, respects him as a person and always have, both before and after he realised some of his knowledge was foreknowledge as a child but they are still enemies right now!
More importantly as far as he is concerned… is how on earth Vivi seemingly still does not fully recognise Bentham as Mr 2 Bon Clay!? They've been travelling together for two days already! Heck Bentham even revealed the face of her damn father in one of his many so-called performances! How the heck does she not realise his identity already!?
Sure Usopp can give Bentham's crew props for not ever calling him Mr, 2 in their presence but come on! If Vivi only realised it after they have parted ways…
…Well if Usopp was a violent man to who he thankfully isn't and despite his admittedly large love of destructive chaos, then he would kick her ass for being so damn stupid.
Doesn't mean he won't prank her in revenge though!
Vivi's only saving grace right now is that Usopp can visibly see that she suspects and is rightfully wary of Bentham and his crew, and has asked the others in the crew to not call her princess or even her name while they travel with them and therefor have made Nami and Zoro and to an extent Sanji to be more wary and cautious of their interactions with the other crew.
Unfortunately Sanji's cautiousness is very minimal, given that after Bentham much to his own disgust and discomfort un-hesitantly showed off Nami's body to the them all without her consent Sanji's usually sharp although relatively simple mind seemed to have died and or reverted to that of an immature 7-year-old kid.
He'd say ten but Apis is eight and it would be an insult to her and all other mature and sensible eight to ten year olds out there for him to be considered let alone near the same mental and emotional age as them.
"Hey Usopp you think Bon-chan is working for that crocodile dude and that's why Vi-uh I mean ivy asked us to not call her by her name with them around? Cause I think he does! But why would such a cool guy like Bon-chan work for such a bad guy?" Scratch that! Make that more immature and idiotic than Luffy.
Nodding and shrugging simply in reply Usopp doesn't really bother much with him, only a little surprised that Luffy used his mental energy to actually be suspicious of Bentham. Luffy is smarter then he seems he knows but sometimes it's… really very hard to view him as such, since he just makes it so easy to view him as only the fool.
"Huh… you think we should ask him?" Luffy asks staring at him like it's up to him to decide and he immediately shakes his head rapidly in the negative. Since that is a very, very stupid idea, sure Bentham is friends with most of the crew asides from himself, Zoro, Nami and Vivi but they are still currently enemies.
"…Yeah your right! We should beat him up then ask him!" Usopp smacks Luffy over the head and doesn't even feel guilty at the over exaggerated pout it earns him from his current nesting companion, his hit can't hurt him and he doesn't unknowingly access his haki like Nami does when beating up the others for their stupidity.
Luffy decided he wanted to hang out with him in his nest for a while for… whatever reason he cannot even begin to imagine for since Luffy doesn't usually come to him to hang out, usually dragging him from wherever he is on the ship and forcing him to sit on Merry's figure head with him for reasons he still can't understand since the one time Apis sat up there he was whining for ever… at least till Nami hit him to shut him up much to the rest of the crews and his relief.
More so because Luffy is being, for lack of a better word quiet for once, which is strange since if Luffy is quiet it's usually because he is either A, stuffing his face or B, sleeping… well as quiet as he can be during those acts.
Not that he isn't grateful because he truly is… it's just strange is all.
"That hurt! -" Liar, your made of rubber! "-I kind of forgot but what was that dust stuff you sprinkled on me when you tied us all up the other day? It made me feel really weak! Shishishi!" Luffy asks curiously and Usopp starts slightly in surprise, not at the question no but that Luffy of all people asked such a sensible one.
Really Luffy is so good at playing the fool it's easy to forget under all that… rubber that he does in fact have a brain somewhere in that thick… very thick skull of his.
Surprised as he is though he still takes out his white board to reply, happy to inform his friends of his various tools.
'Sea-stone dust, enough to make you feel weak as a newborn kitten but without preventing you from actually still using your devil fruit powers'
"Really? Cool! Hey, hey is that the stuff you used in the bullet to make that three guy really weak? His powers were really wonky and it was easier to beat him back then!" Really? Huh… thanks for the unknowingly given data Luffy, nodding his head absently he re-calculates the potential for the sea-stone dust he uses for some of his bullets.
At first he only used the dust since he doesn't know how to use and mould the stone yet but if the dust is enough… well Usopp is nothing if not a tinkerer with a love of learning new things! Especially new data when it comes to his…
'Inventions' for lack of a better term.
"Oh! Hey Usopp I just thought of a super awesome idea!" Really? That would be a first. "You should make me some super amazing weapon or armour with the dust-stuff! Then I'd be able to beat up people like that smoke guy from back in log town!" He actually came up with a good idea… okay! It's official Luffy you are scaring the crap out of him right now! Since when did you decide to use your brain in a logical way!? And why are you only showing this… this hidden… really, really hidden bright side today and to him of all people!?
He'd secretly wonder if the Luffy beside him was really Bentham… but he can literally see the guy entertaining Apis, Tiny and Chopper down below and only one user of any given Devil fruit power can be in circulation at any given time.
Besides as rude as it makes him seem to the other's crew none of Bentham's men are… well very good at disguises, from real far away they'd be excellent but… Usopp rests his case.
"What you think Usopp!?" Luffy pouts waving his hand in front of his face much to his slight annoyance. To answer him though he nods since it really is a good idea, though given Luffy's incapability to use anything but a steel pipe and his own strength that doesn't leave many options.
Not many but Usopp is nothing if not inventive, he's sure he can make something useful for the idiot to make their journey somewhat easier to handle like he did Nami and Apis and will Chopper and Tiny eventually… perhaps Sanji as well, maybe some sort of sea-stone dust protective coating for his shoes to make hitting logia type devil fruit user's and the like easier?
"Yatta! Thanks cinnamon roll! You're the best!" Luffy exclaims gleefully, a massive grin on his face and before Usopp can even scowl (Pout) at the apparently irritating new nickname he's been given he freezes in shock, utterly dumbfounded into becoming still as a statue at what his captain just did, blinking utterly confused as Luffy chuckles in amusement, eye's shining with a teasing light he doesn't even want to begin thinking about as he jumps from the crows nest and down below to join the other kids in watching Bentham's show up close.
So dumbfounded and shocked is he Usopp doesn't even notice the death glares and or feel the literal virtual waves of dark killing intent that Zoro shoots at Luffy from down below, the rubber man just laughing gleefully and blowing a razz-berry at the swordsman teasingly.
After much, much longer then he'll admit Usopp slowly unstiffens himself and decides he doesn't want to know what on earth his friend is thinking, shuddering slowly he decides to just… not think about it.
Luffy kissing his mask where his lips would be is most definitely not something he wants to ever think about, he knows his captain is very affectionate in every sense of the word with his friends but still…
Surely it doesn't extend to kissing them… right?
…Yep definitely don't want to think on it!
Much too scary to even consider!
Usopp isn't sure how, but somehow while sailing through the steaming area of the ocean via the underwater volcano they pass they have managed to lose Bentham and his crew, not that he minds, not at all! In fact he's thankful, even if Bentham and co weren't currently their enemy there is only so much… um twirling and exclamations of its no joke he can take in a single day, let alone a few... or actually even in an hour to be honest.
"Finally! We've lost the twirling idiots! Anymore and I'd have dove overboard if I had to hear it's no joke just one more time!" With you there Zoro!
"BON-CHAN~!" Luffy, Apis, Sanji and Chopper cry, tears in there eyes and he just sighs, honestly, how Usopp hasn't lost more then a few brain cells already…
WHAM!
"Oh shut up you three! It's a good thing we got away from them! Couldn't you guys tell they were the enemies!?" Thank you Nami! Preach!
"EHH!? BON-CHAN WAS THE ENEMY!?" Chopper and Sanji both cry out and Usopp looks at them blankly, along with the rest of the crew, even Karoo and Apis!
"Obviously! Sheesh I didn't know you were so stupid Sanji! Almost as stupid as Zoro! Shishishi!" Usopp fully agrees with you Luffy, as terror inducing a thought as it is.
"WHO ASKED YOU!?" No one Zoro! But you certainly answered didn't you?
"HUH!? Don't compare me to the shitty moss-head! I'm way smarter then that moron!" Sanji… there's no way you could be when you think too much with your lower head then you do your actual… you know head.
"In your dreams stupid love-cook! If you're so smart how come you didn't realise your precious Bon-chan and his cronies were obviously baroque agents?" Simple Zoro! His mind was filled with images of boobs! As… disgusting a fact as it is to him.
"Why yo-!"
"Oh shut up! You're both morons! Happy?" Depends on who you ask Nami.
"Of course not witch! / YES NAMI-SWAN!" See? Told you! … Well he would have if you know… actually told you.
He's just glad Nami's witch powers don't extend to reading minds like Zoro's supernatural ability to do so when it comes to him. No one would appreciate his inner monologue and real thoughts on people!
"Idiot! I told you I cant read your mind!" Zoro states, a small smirk gracing his face and he jumps and scowls (pouts) at the man.
LIKE HELL YOU CAN'T ZORO! WHO'D BELIEVE YOUR LIES WHEN YOU JUST DID HUH!?
"Enough already! Vivi, did you see anyone you recognised during Bon-clays many… performances and that's why you asked us to not speak your name with them around?"
"Yes, I recognised the face of my father! If he has mimicked my fathers face… what could it mean!?"
"That guy could do a lot of damage if he were to pass himself off as the king"
"This is bad! That guy copied all our faces-" Lies! He didn't touch him since he's got a mask and everything! And he didn't let him touch Vivi either! "-If Crocodile finds out we're alive then Bon-clay will find out we're his enemies! If he disguises himself as one of us we wouldn't be able to trust each other!"
"Agreed, and since we've sailed together the past two days he pretty much knows our personality's too" again, not his! Only Zoro can creepily read his mind to see his real personality!
"Still can't read it Usopp, and it's not creepy!" IT SO IS AND YES YOU CAN LIAR!
"You think? Bon-chan's our friend! He won't hurt us! Even if he did decide to he wouldn't be able to trick us!" Depends on who it is he's tricking Luffy, for instance Sanji, show him Nami's, Apis or Vivi's face and bye-bye sanity!
"Luffy you-!"
"Hold on witch! Luffy's opinion may be groundless but I agree that I don't think Bon-clay will be a problem! This was a lucky encounter for us!" They have very different definitions on lucky encounters Zoro!
"How can you call giving Bon-clay our faces lucky!?" Again! Preach sister!
"Heh, cause now we can plan ahead witch!" True but it's still unlucky!
"Hate to say it but the moss-heads right! Bon-clay's got our faces and personalities down but we've also got his personality down too, simply with this knowledge we'll be able to protect ourselves from his disguises" Are you sure you can Sanji? Really?
"Huh… so you do have a brain in there somewhere under all that junk Love-cook!" It's not stupidity Zoro it's called being a pervert.
"SHUT IT SHITTY SWORDSMAN!"
"Shishishi! Yeah! We can draw a mark on our arms or something!" Luffy suggests and despite himself he shivers slightly, Usopp is really unused to Luffy using his brain and showing his bright side.
"Hahaha! Yeah that sounds great! And we can hide them under bandages or something!" Apis chips in with a large grin.
"Sounds good to me! What should our mark be?" Nami agrees, shrugging.
"Something simple maybe? Like a cross or something?" Chopper timidly suggests making Usopp want to hug him since he's so cute! Not as cute as his Tiny but still adorable!
"No, after interacting with Mr, 2 I believe something a little more complex is in order, it would be easier to copy something simple should he manage to discover the mark" Vivi negates the idea and he inwardly nods, pleased someone understands a mark of friendship, of unity and a lot more should be a heck of a lot better then a simple X.
"…Wait Mr 2? Isn't that like really powerful or something?!" Luffy exclaims shocked, showing his stupid side once again much to his inward relief, though he'd never admit it out loud Luffy showing his bright side for more then a few seconds is rare enough but for over a day? That is pure sign's of an impending apocalyptic event incoming as far as he's concerned!
"Yes"
"Who cares how strong the shitty-swan is! What should our mark be?" if you face him like you did in original Usopp's time-line you should Sanji.
"Mm… What do you think Usopp? You're our resident artist after all!" So glad you asked Nami! So glad you asked!
Usopp is a coward, he knows that, knows it more then words can possibly ever express but… well he's determined too and as horrible at it may sound he's also got his own plans.
Plans that he'd never be able to get done if he followed a pre-determined path, if he followed his friends and crewmates into the scorching desert in search of a town and the rebels base that he knows they won't find.
In saying that Usopp won't part ways with them as soon as they get to shore no, he can't because he doesn't know which way this time-line is going to go with Ace, he could part ways here on the ocean once they meet up or follow them into the desert in search of that old man who is trying to catch him.
Whether they part as shortly as they meet or in a few days Usopp… can't just sit here and watch as Ace heads towards his own demise, he simply couldn't do that! Not to him as a person, not to Luffy! His captain and friend… if he just stood by and didn't at least try… then he wouldn't be able to live with himself, would feel completely and utterly wretched and despicable so even if his own efforts amount to little more then dust in the wind like it usually does… well at least he can say he tried to help…
"FOOOOOOOOOOD!"
A sudden shout startles him into nearly falling out of his crow's nest since Usopp has decided he's up here so much that it is in fact his crow's nest. Looking down Usopp realises that they just came into port… or what he dubs as such, given they have hidden Merry go a bit away from Nano-hana.
"Ah! Luffy wait! Geez that moron! He needs to remember he's got a price on his head! There could be bounty hunters around!"
"Nano-hana is a very big place… how are we ever going to find Luffy?"
"Don't worry Vivi-chan! Just look for the nosiest place! Luffy is sure to be there!"
"Yeah, Did you expect anything else? Anyway don't worry about Luffy at least… ah damn it Usopp where'd you go!?"
Usopp inwardly snickers while running away, following Luffy into town and snapping photos here and there on everything while he does so.
He's got a desert town to explore and many things to buy!
Despite being the richest amongst the crew, Usopp isn't the type to spend his money as he pleases since typically he only buys what he knows he needs either for his projects, the merry or for the crew at large both short and long term.
Not that he isn't willing to buy things they don't need purely for his own desires or whims but that he generally has to weigh the price with the object, a five hundred berry fun nick-knack? Alright that's doable, A million and seven thousand and six hundred berry unknown devil fruit? That's… going to have to be something he thinks long and hard about, which is exactly what he is doing now as he stares intently at the devil fruit in the box that the seller in the black-market that he… stumbled into is offering.
Usopp isn't concerned whether it's real or not, he knows it is and the price is also not bad given it's a devil fruit but still… why is this particular devil fruit being sold in the black-market cheap when the guy could easily sell it to a reputable dealer, store or auction house for a heck of a ton more?
Not just the devil fruit either the guy is selling a lot of expensive stuff for relatively cheap, a lot of stuff he also needs but the question is still prominently why, for if it were him he'd be selling it… well probably just shy of being more then it's actually worth if he was a seller in the black market.
He'd ask the guy but… well he scares him, the seller looks like someone who you really would not want to meet in a dark ally even on a bright sunny day.
After a long few minutes of carefully weighing the pros and cons he decides it's worth it, he came over here for some of the other stuff this guys is selling but having another devil fruit, no matter it's abilities is always going to be worth it, so after picking up all his choices he pays the man and quickly moves on, it's not smart to linger around any one 'store' in a black market.
Actually being in one to begin with is not smart but Usopp doesn't particularly care about that, push comes to shove and he's got bullets that can temporarily poison the lot of them and plenty of lullaby sleep stars to go around.
After going one round around the whole place, seeing some horrible things he never wants to see again and buying everything else he needed and came here in the first place to buy he quickly leaves to get back to the normal market, very glad to be out of the rats nest so to speak.
Traversing the market place, buying things here and there Usopp absently wonders how much longer he has before he needs to head back to the ship. Since just because he has both the knowledge and foreknowledge doesn't mean he knows every minute detail of the straw-hats lives or their journey, a page's worth, or a show composed into 24 minutes or less on only specific encounters and parts of their adventure doesn't tell him how long they journey in the sea, does not tell him how many hours or even days or weeks they spend on any one given island.
The longer Usopp travels with his friends the more he realises that, from the capes lighthouse to whisky peak, though he says it only took a day or so in actuality it took four, from whisky peak to little garden it took a week and a half, it takes longer and longer to get to each island, even when they were traversing the east blue it took longer then either he himself or the knowledge indicated.
Simply from looking at maps and asking around Nano-Hana he has come to realise that to get to where Vivi believes the rebel army is to be on foot in the desert would take a week and a half depending on their speed, from there to Crocodile another two to three weeks even if they were used to living and travelling in the desert like Vivi is.
Not that Usopp think's or believes it's a bad thing since he doesn't, not at all in fact if anything for him personally it's a good thing, it gives him so much more time to do what he needs to do while still giving him plenty of time to catch up to the main events is knowledge tells him of, grants him plenty of tine to invent, to create things useful for the crew and himself.
Which is critically important because the more things change, the more things diverge from his knowledge the more dangerous it gets so Usopp needs to be prepared, he needs to make sure his crewmates and more importantly his friends are prepared to face the dangers ahead.
It's all he can do.
Sometimes Usopp wonders just what path this world is thinking, wonders just how him knowing things he shouldn't, simply from being different from the original Usopp that makes it decide to change things in ways he has no clue about on how to correct, if it was even possible.
Still surely no matter how the universe diverges from its pre-written path it wouldn't change the overall general time-line of events? Usopp has been in the town buying things and even taken two trips to bring things back to the ship, in all it has taken a little more or less then four hours and yet for some reason he cannot understand, it is only now that he realises that Ace has more then likely only now arrived in town, given that he is at a store asking the vendor there if they have seen his captain in the wanted poster he is holding up.
Which reasonably shouldn't be possible, from his knowledge things have gone mostly in the course of the manga, only his own illness leading them to head to warship-island in the first place where they acquired Apis and his darling Tiny as new crewmates. Though even if that is not the case here and it is following the anime for the Alabasta arc surely four hours is beyond the scope of Ace arriving here and meeting Luffy at the restaurant right? Actually it should be beyond the scope of Smoker finding and attempting to capture his captain given the fact Usopp has been hearing the commotion and rumours of some kid eating literally for hours now!
He honestly wonders how a crazy plot-hole or even point this is supposed to be? Seriously even for a world as crazy as the sea's they travel this is pushing the reasonability of common sense… well what common sense is to be found in this world anyway.
Either way Usopp supposes this could potentially be a good thing… maybe. Shaking his head he ignores his quivering heart and steps forward, gently tapping on Ace's back to get his attention and as soon as he turns his head Usopp is once again extremely thankful for his mask cause otherwise both Ace and the universe would see how utterly red he's gotten Ace is… quite fetching, he's no Mihawk but…
"Mm? Can I help you?" Ace asks curiously and inwardly rapidly shaking his head out of his teenage hormones Usopp brings out his whiteboard.
'Luffy is currently stuffing himself in the restaurant down the street if your looking for him' He informs him, not concerned with asking why since pirates don't usually go after each other unless for either treasure , revenge or a specific purpose or other and with the large tattoo on his back he's not exactly hiding who he's affiliated with so he isn't concerned.
If he wasn't broadcasting his crew's mark he would have no choice but to ask though due to general suspicion that he should rightfully have in concerns to why someone is looking for his captain. Even if no one from his crew, the marines or anyone else he knows is around to see him be so careless in revealing his captains whereabouts it's better to stay within caution as far as he is concerned.
Ace instantly brightens up at the knowledge, smiling as brightly as his brother usually does making Usopp once again, instantly a blushing mess of a human being! It's so unfair that most of the main players in his knowledge are so hot and good-looking! Only good thing is that unlike practically every other pirate out there he likes and secretly fan-boys over he isn't afraid of asking Ace for his autograph!
Usopp will get his autograph too! He still feels awful about not getting Zeff's that time, Mihawk… well maybe he can get Zoro to ask him for one before the two-year separation? He'd feel a lot safer in asking that way! Zoro may be a tank but he plays such a good meat-shield!
"Really?! Hah I should have figured he'd be at a food joint! Thanks for telling me kid! … Mm… you seem familiar…. Where have I… oh… you're the one who…" Ace trails off looking at him intently, eye's lighting up with something he can't even begin to try and identify causing him to fidget, anxious, confused and slightly worried on why he's looking at him like some sort of predator.
He didn't do something wrong right!? They've only just met and he doesn't think he's done anything major on the other islands he's been on!
"…Mm Oh now I remember! You're a member of his crew right? I recognise you from the photo! I'm Ace! Luffy's big brother! Thank you for very much for taking care of my little bro! What about you? What's your name masky?" Ace asks happily, teasingly causing him to sigh in relief and the tenseness in his shoulders dissipate, his harshly pounding heart calming down, not noticing the way Ace lightly chuckles silently and smiles at him gently, his eye's swimming with untold emotions with the most clearly apparent being sheer gratitude as his eyes roam over his body secretly, a pleased glint passing past his eye's as he fights a smirk from forming.
Though Usopp blinks at the tease he ignores it, more curious on if he should change his style or something if a tiny image of him in the background of a wanted poster is enough to recognise him as a pirate and a member of the Straw-hats. He dismisses it very swiftly though since he loves his Victorian steam-punk styled clothes, they are practical, useful, armour protected and comfortable for him and he'll get a bounty sooner or later anyway, when his picture is taken he wants to look cool, mysterious and as sophisticated a gentleman as he does now.
'I'm Usopp, Ships sniper and overall general handy-man, it's a pleasure to meet you as well Fire-fist Ace of the white-beard pirates' He writes, introducing himself properly to the utterly gor- ahem he means his captains brother…
…Gosh he has another fan-boy crush doesn't he? Not as strong as his crush for Mihawk thank goodness but… well far as he's concerned who can honestly in this world top the devilishly handsome swordsman in good looks?
"Hehe So you know me! You're a smart one aren't you? I'm glad my baby bro has someone like you to look out for him in his crew and it also makes things easier for me I guess!" Ace exclaims grinning widely making him tilt his head in slight confusion.
'It's no problem! I truly enjoy looking after others and while Luffy is certainly a handful at times he's also a very capable captain when he needs to be so it's really not a problem at all truly!' He waves off hastily but truthfully, slightly flustered at the sincere praise and gratitude in the others voice and expression.
"Luffy capable? Well I guess in a fight he is... he's strong after all! Takes after his big brother! Certainly not as strong as me of course… but you know how it is!" No Ace he really does not know how it is! To know he'd have to be a monster or a D wouldn't he?
Actually he'd have to be in anyway powerful so no! He really doesn't know, why don't you tell him all about it though?
"Guess I should get going… Hey do you want to come with me to see Luffy or are you still shopping?" Ace asks indicating his shopping bags while seemingly hopefully, scratching the back of his head… nervously? For some reason he can't understand since why would Ace either be hopeful for him to come let alone be nervous in asking him to go find Luffy?
'Still shopping I'm afraid' He semi-lies straight faced, shaking off Ace's strange actions since while he doesn't really need to shop anymore aside for his own pleasure he also really doesn't want to have to run away when the marines find Luffy.
"Well that's a real shame! I'd hoped to talk to you more… Well I suppose we've got time to really get to know each other better and talk more later, See ya Usopp!" Ace smirks, voice deepening slightly and starting to walk away with a wave.
Usopp… honestly has no idea how to take his parting words, the way he spoke and looked when he said really get to know each other was… strange to say the least, the way he said the whole sentence in a slightly deeper voice was strange honestly but he decides not to ponder on it though, since he's more focused on the fact Ace seems to be subtly indicating he'll be with them for a while which either means he already knows why they are here, which is very much doubtful or he already had no intention of leaving anytime soon to begin with which as far as he knows to the knowledge shouldn't be because of Teach… unless Choppers childhood love story isn't the only thing in the past that's changed…
Rapidly shaking his head to clear himself of the thought he quickly makes his way back to the ship, no longer in the mood to do the last of his leisure shopping as he fights a rising anxiety induced panic attack.
He really, really doesn't know or wish to know just what other things have changed simply because of possessing the knowledge that he does.
If it's a good thing then fine but this is the world of pirates! He's a Straw-hat and fates always loved making things difficult for them… for him so he very much doubts anything of the sort is a good thing!
He just hope's whatever else has changed simply for him existing with his knowledge isn't ultimately worse.
The guilt he'd feel if it… it would kill him otherwise even if he knows it really isn't his fault… Logic and knowledge can't change what he knows he'd feel though no matter how much he wishes it did.
Sometimes he really does wish… no Usopp don't think it…
It's so hard not to though…
Usopp doesn't know why he does it, has no idea how he even came to somehow accidently stumble upon the currently empty marine ship holding captive Mr eleven considering from his knowledge he made a single one chapter appearance but he did and despite himself he just couldn't let the man be killed in cold blood, especially when he couldn't even fight back from being tied to the main mast like he is.
He doesn't think as he whips out his slingshot and fires an X explosion star at the man about to fire his gun and neither does he pause as he lets loose a concentrated lead star shower at the rest of the men causing them to scramble and cry out in pain, two being knocked into the ocean. Rushing forward he leaps up onto the boat and fires three more X explosion stars that hit dead on and knock the men out near instantly, though only after letting out screams of utter anguish that makes him flinch but he tries his best not to feel guilty for injuring them so badly… He fails.
"…W…who are you?" Mr, eleven asks, shocked and dumbfounded, slightly pale at having almost lost his life which he empathises with, almost dying is never fun which he unfortunately knows better and more intimately then he wishes he did.
He doesn't reply for a while, just staring at the tied up man and wondering what he should do now. He shouldn't need to even think about it since he should just tie up the men who would have killed him with a note for the marines and leave because surely if given half the chance the man before him would most likely have done the exact same thing as the… billions? We're about to do but, though even if that is not the case the man before him is still definitely an enemy but... why can't he bring himself to move and do just that?
"Are you also with baroque works?" Mr, eleven asks bluntly surprising him slightly and he tilts his head curiously before shaking his head no and the man hums slightly, not caring that he just revealed just what organisation it is that he works for causing him to blink in complete surprise this time, from his knowledge, though slightly hazy in his area this man cared when he was tricked and accidentally revealed information on the organization to Smoker…
"…Do you know what baroque works is?" He asks curiously and Usopp hesitantly nods, he's not sure why he doesn't lie and shake his head but it feels… right in a sense.
"Mm… Then if you know what organisation it is and that I work for them why save me?" Mr, 11 asks and he tilts his head slightly since he figures it should be obvious… or is it only obvious to him? Usopp isn't exactly the best when it comes to social interactions to understand these things.
'I couldn't just let you die while helpless to protect yourself when I was able and capable to in anyway prevent it now could I?' He writes, questioning causing the man's lips to tilt up in a light smirk much to his confusion.
"Most would have and it's certainly what I would have done" The man states calmly and he smiles bitterly behind his mask, eye's dim as he shakes his head because he knows that's what most would have done… actually what his crew likely would have done even if they didn't like it due to him being on a marine ship but… Usopp just can't ignore it, can't not try to help in such a situation where he knows he can…
…There's just been too many that he couldn't do anything for, could do nothing to help or save even with his knowledge that he can't… if he can do something… anything at all he will try his best no matter what… if he can be useful to someone at all… he'll be happy.
'I know but I'm just not that sort of person' he tells him truthfully, helplessly.
"You're a very unique young man among these harsh sea's you know that? What's your occupation?" The other states with a kind smile on his lips.
'I'm a pirate why?' Usopp asks him, not bothered on thinking too much on the others… compliment of his being? As he tilts his head again curiously because the question seems kind of out of left field in his opinion.
"A pirate? I never would have guessed that! You seem much, much too kind hearted to be a pirate! I'm utterly flabbergasted I am!" Mr 11 declares overdramatically, jaw practically on the floor with eye's wide open and instantly Usopp scowls (Pouts)
Five minutes of talking with the other and he's suddenly mother Teresa?! What does he mean he seems too kind to be a pirate!? Usopp's an awesome, rich and extremely cool looking pirate! Just because he isn't the pillaging sort… really some stereotypes… Not to mention he honestly really isn't that kind! He's greedy, cowardly, sort of petty, inwardly sarcastic and get's revenge on others all the time in the form of dastardly but brilliant pranks! He fits the profile of a proper adventuring pirate perfectly!
'I'm not that kind! Just what did you expect my profession to be if not a pirate!?' He declares, asking the other with a loud huff, red cheeked in annoyance.
"A noble kid expelled or rebelling against his family and deciding to play adventurer" He informs him while nodding his head to accentuate his thoughts and Usopp is officially offended.
'I'm not a noble and I'm not playing! I'm a pirate born and bred!' He argues unhappily, he's far from a noble and though he doesn't consider him his father he is still Yasopp's kid!
"Could have fooled me kid! It's why I'm so flabbergasted… though then again Nobles are usually all arrogant, selfish, uncaring and generally cruel sorts and your way too kind and innocent for your own good so… well off civilian then!" Usopp isn't one for violence, especially against someone currently incapable to defend themselves but he really wants to beat this guy up right now.
He won't since he's not horrible like that and Mr 11 isn't Zoro Sanji or Luffy who he knows won't seriously harm him in retaliation if at all but he wants too… really, really badly.
Moving to tie up the others on the ship tightly he ignores the man's near constant babbling which is more akin to musing and thinking to himself out loud then actually attempting to talk to him, which is irritating since half of what the man is thinking about is about himself and what other so called occupation's he thinks Usopp is more suited too and he quote's 'innocent, sweet and overly kind as a new-born babe he is.
Usopp just wants to hit him since he is not Innocent, sweet or overly kind! He's a tough sea-faring pirate. He's got more knowledge on horrible, terrible stuff then the other can dream of! He's hardly in anyway similar to an innocent newborn babe as the other claims he is!
BOOM!
Jumping slightly Usopp looks towards the direction of town and see's fire and smoke battling it out in the sky and he knows it's Ace and Smoker, making him slightly sigh in relief that nothing to out of order went off in the time-line as he starts treating the men quickly.
Finished with the others and treating the worst of their injuries so they don't die of infection or the like he moves to leave before the marines come back, tempted to steal more Keiroseki items but refraining if only because he actually respects Smoker.
Stealing Keiroseki from him and his men in Logue town was different since he hardly had any after stealing from the rat back in Cocoyashi village.
…Admittedly he would still have permanently 'burrowed' some items from Smoker and his men if he hadn't of found some decent chunks of it in Nano-Hana's black market and brought some…or all of it but no one besides him needs to know that now do they?
Although… didn't Tashigi acquire a new sword from Mr 11...? No it's Tashigi! No stealing from people you like Usopp! … Still… maybe…
Shaking his head rapidly off of the tempting thought he moves to leave the ship before the marines come back from chasing Luffy and the rest only to pause as Mr, 11 calls out.
"Ah hey where you going kid! Aren't you going to untie me first!?" He exclaims, looking surprised he's just going to leave and Usopp stares at him blankly, wondering if this guy is stupid or not… well more then he already thought he was at any rate.
"Aw come one kid don't give me such creepy stares! I know we are likely enemies since you know of Baroque works but aren't apart of it but you saved my life! Though I am not very skilled in the blade I am still a swordsman and as a man who lives by the sword I am honour bound to serve and follow you no matter where you go till my life debt to you is repaid!" He declares strongly, fire and determination in his eyes and Usopp flinch's and starts to fidget and wave his arms around, almost flailing in shock and panic.
H-Honour bound!? Follow him!? Debt!? Usopp isn't some great lord in feudal Japan! He's not some great warrior! He's already taken one beings freedom unwittingly! He can't be responsible for another so called servant! Willing or not! Usopp is no ones master! He isn't strong, brave or even mentally or emotionally capable to handle such a heavy responsibility!
"I know this may be a shocking declaration kid, I hardly seem the kind to so strongly follow and practice the 8 virtues and code of Bushido I know and I sincerely apologise for that… but all the same I'm serious, my mind will not change whether you release me now or not! I promise I will serve you to the best of my ability no matter how far apart we are or whether you even want or require my services or not… if you don't release me I will not hold it against you and bare a grudge but if I am somehow lucky enough to be able to escape from my future imprisonment I promise on my life! On my name Victor J Conrad and on the graves of my ancestors that I will not rest until I have found you again and have repaid my debt to you! I swear on my honour as a swordsman!" Mr 11… no Victor states, promises looking him right in the eye despite the mask he's wearing and he gulps, shivering slightly and bites his bottom lip, emotions whirling in his chest like a tornado as he hesitates in harsh indecision.
…Usopp honestly doesn't know what to say to the man, he doesn't know what to do at all because he knows, he truly, fully understands just how much weight, how much importance and significant a proper swordsman words are to them. Zoro is a prime example of just what the Swordsmen code means to them, how serious and deep their promises are, so much so that they'll risk life and limb to adhere and keep to the promises they make.
Sure a swordsman's code can be perceived differently to each individual but the essence is the same and while Victor could be lying Usopp… truly doesn't believe he is. Victor's eyes so clearly show the truth, he really does intend to serve Usopp until his perceived debt to him is repaid, to follow him no matter where he goes if he should escape from Smoker or Impel Down later on…
If Zoro we're here with him now he knows the other would demand that he take him along so long as Luffy agrees to it… probably even convince Luffy to agree either way even if just so he can have another proper swordsman in the crew, weak or not but… Usopp just really doesn't know what to do…
'I am no one's master' Usopp eventually writes after a long moment that felt like hours to him, feeling chocked with emotion and like he wants to cry that he stubbornly refuses to do since he has no reason to cry.
Honestly he's truly so utterly pathetic…
"Truly too kind and innocent kid… then you don't have to take me as your servant, take me as your friend and if your captain agrees your crewmate! I care not how you take or label our relationship so long as I can follow you to repay my life debt" Victor replies, smiling at him gently as if trying to coax a scared baby animal making him frown, irritated at himself that he actually appreciates the gesture.
'To join the crew you will have to abandon Baroque works' He replies slowly, selectively ignoring the part about their relationship since far as he's concerned they don't have one, Victor simply isn't his type…
Usopp finds it sad that even joking semi-sarcastically to himself doesn't make him feel any better right now.
"My service to Baroque works officially ended as soon as those horrid billion members tried to kill me off! I joined Baroque works because I was told we would be working towards creating a utopia! A place, a country full of honour and justice! Justice and honour cannot exist in an organization that are against each other simply for power!" He strongly huffs, a scowl instantly appearing on his lips at being lied to apparently and he tilts his head bemused.
Just how did Victor think causing a civil war and practically destroying an amazingly good county with a kind king, one of the very rare few in this world at that in anyway equals creating a utopia full of honour and justice?
Maybe… all this guy's intellect went to Luffy somehow and that's why Luffy has been more intelligent lately? Given the world they live in it's not totally out of the realm of possibility!
When the cloud of fire and smoke disperse in the distance Usopp knows it's time to leave so clenching his jaw tight, he makes his choice and steps forward easily cutting through the ropes tying Victor to the mast post with his slingshot.
"Thank you m-… what's your name kid?" Victor stops short of calling him master much to his relief and gratitude and with a small smile on his lips safely hidden from the other he tells him as he moves into the belly of the ship, looking for Victor's sword, not hearing what the other whispered to himself with a delighted and amused smile as he follows behind him like a loyal puppy.
"Usopp huh… who'd have ever guessed that I of all people would ever lower myself to actually align myself to a master willingly… such a kind and innocent little doll at that too… I'm flabbergasted I am"
After grabbing Kashu since it does honestly belong to Victor despite him having lost it in a duel, an unofficial one he reasoned when Victor tried to persuade him to leave it behind due to his honour, a verbal battle he happily won they both rush off to head back towards the Merry Go.
He just hopes he's made the right decision in taking Victor with him and that no large hurricanes emerge from this butterfly's wings.
"So where is this ship of yours supposed to be sir Usopp?" Victor asks cheerily, Usopp shrugs in reply, ignoring the sir since he doesn't care right now, more focused on trying to figure out where the ship has gone.
Admittedly he's scowling (pouting) annoyed as well since they actually left without him! He knows they probably had to leave quickly because of the marines... Still it… Hurts him… The knowledge that they left him behind regardless… he knows it's only temporarily but it doesn't change how he feels, logic and reason not stopping his heart from clenching in silent pain that he'll never allow himself to show.
"I suppose the earlier commotion was caused by the rest of your crew then? Quite rude I must say for them to leave without you but I suppose needs a must… perhaps they left a clue behind for you to know their new whereabouts?" Victor asks rhetorically and Usopp gives him a dull look, seriously the man should either be smart or stupid not both intermittently.
It's giving him whiplash with how the other changes his IQ level without pause or delay.
Rolling his eyes secretly Usopp ignores the other and looks around just in case they did leave a clue behind for him to find. Blinking at a rock face a bit away from the shore he tilts his head in thought before he nods to himself, so they did leave a clue.
He feels a little better at the knowledge that they did and had no choice but to leave but the pain is still there, just lessoned to a dull throb then the painful sharp crisp ache it was before.
'They have gone about two to three miles north-east so if we leave now we should get there in an hour or so' Usopp informs his overly cheerful tag-along making the other all but beam.
"Ah excellent so they did leave you a clue then! Let's be off then shall we? No need to keep your crew waiting longer then they have too!" Victor declares, clapping his hands in delight and already moving ahead of him, back straight and walking as if he's going to a fancy ball while using his swords sheaf as a walking cane instead of treating it as the Skill-full grade sword it is which makes him cringe slightly in pain and slight sympathy for the other's unknowing future fate.
Zoro will not be happy to see another swordsman treating such a good sword like that… for Usopp would be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to it as well, who asked Victor to keep claiming him a much too innocent and overly kind kid whose not fit for a pirate's life! He's an incredibly awesome! Super great! Real rough and tumble cool looking pirate!
Sure he never actually said he was unfit but it sure seems like he is to him! Shaking his head off of his delightful and slightly sadistic thoughts he quickly
Catches up to the other, deciding to ask the other about his skills and other things to pass the time.
'What skills do you have besides swordsmanship?'
"Why I have many skills and talents Sir Usopp! I'm so glad you're interested in my person!" Usopp doesn't know why but he suddenly really regrets asking.
"Oh how flabbergasted I am! I have so many skills and talents it's hard to know where to begin! Though I suppose I should begin with the most basic skills I possess to begin with! For instance I can read, write, run, swim, dance, do basic housekeeping work, sing-" Yep Usopp regrets, he regrets absolutely everything! He regrets so freaking much!
"I'm no professional artist but I can draw and paint reasonably well, I'm also well adept at taking photo's with my camera-snail whose resting in my pocket here, say hello to Sir Usopp, Picturesque!" Victor say's causing him to perk up in interest at hearing him say he is proficient at some of his favourite forms of art, especially photography.
Lifting an adorable purple and pink shelled baby camera snail out of his waist coats pocket Usopp coo's at the sweet and adorable little creature who waves it's eye stalks happily in greeting, She is not as cute as his precious Tiny but she is still completely adorable non the less.
'She's so adorable' Usopp compliments sincerely, lightly stroking Picturesque's shell lightly much to the little snails delight.
"I know! Picturesque is the most special light of my life and she takes the most sublime and clearest photos I've ever had the pleasure to see! Though she isn't just special in taking photos! No she is quite the powerful little beauty as well! You see Sir Usopp Picturesque here has taken a bit out of a devil fruit!" Victor happily exclaims in pride and joy and he blinks surprised at that, this snail at a devil fruit?
'What kind of fruit did she eat?' He asks curiously, since if his pet snail is powerful couldn't she have potentially helped Victor get away from the marines?
"She ate what I call the film, film fruit! Almost any thing Picturesque has taken a picture of in the past she can summon a perfect copy of to use for a period of time depending on the picture taken, for instance a sword can be summoned and used for over month while… say a storm can only be summoned for currently around five minutes or less, depending on the strength of whatever weather event was photographed by her but with proper equipment though it could potentially last longer but I just haven't gotten around to it... Mm the only thing she cannot copy is people and others devil fruit powers" Victor explains proudly, smiling at his little snail adoringly and Usopp's jaw drops, bug eyed at the knowledge.
That's a really powerful and useful devil fruit! No, no more accurately it's literally hands down the most absolute perfect devil fruit for a camera snail to have! Have on earth did Victor get captured even by smoker if he has Picturesque with him!?
'How on earth did you get captured by the marines if you have her then?' He asks, dumbfounded he could get captured and that he was only ranked number 11 in baroque works if he has such a useful and powerful pet, wouldn't Crocodile be sure to keep Victor close if only to use his pet for his benefit?
"…My battles are my own Sir Usopp, I refuse to put Picturesque in any danger by allowing others to know of her abilities, her powers are her's to use as she see's fit so I will not allow her to be threatened and forced to use her powers in way she doesn't want to simply by others knowing of her devil fruit powers and strength… including you since it is I who have sworn to follow you, not Picturesque" Victor informs him softly, strength and promise in his words as he and Picturesque happily interact and instantly Usopp finds a strong new found respect for the man beside him.
As well as a deep profound sadness for the unknowing pair because if he died like in the original time-line and Picturesque was with him then as well… wouldn't she have ended up all alone… Having to live in the guilt that she did nothing to save her best friend while she was most likely sleeping safely away in his pocket? Most likely have been found and forced to use her powers under threat of harm or some other means for more selfish and cruel peoples desire's if Smoker or Tashigi didn't find her first?
…It's a truly heart-wrenching thought… Usopp finds himself deeply glad that he accidentally stumbled across Smoker's ship and managed to save him in time, thankful that… he managed to make life better for others…
He… was useful to someone… He's… Really truly happy… So happy that he fears the other will notice the fact he's crying. He supresses and chokes back sobs, gasping on air silently as tears rapidly fill his eyes only to roll down his cheeks like a leaky tap, tears thankfully kept at bay from falling to the ground or spilling onto his clothes for the other to notice as the water get's trapped from spilling out by his mask.
Usopp was finally… finally able to do something right for once… To do something so honestly good for others…
He was really able to help… To truly be useful for once…
For once he wasn't useless…. He was useful…
…Wasn't he?
Word count: 9588
'The usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness'
'A persons worth is quite independent of their usefulness to society'
'Men like nails, lose their usefulness when they lose their direction and begin to bend'
'The hardness of a diamond is part of it's usefulness, but it's true value is in the light that shines through it'
'A wise man's goal shouldn't be to say something profound but to say something useful'
'Knowledge is only useful if you do something with it'
'Your success and happiness lie in you'
Not sure about the quotes… well anyway this chapter was so hard to write! Kept having to rewrite it so I do hope you like it as it is now! Oh Luffy just likes teasing others… although I do like Luffy/Usopp… meh fluffy platonic (mostly) harem for my Usopp then!
With agent 11… I feel like you can literally take any cannon-fodder or passingly mentioned character and make an OC without it actually being OC so… you may see more of such characters or not, depends on what I decide happens later.
OnepieceZoroOc thanks you all for reading! Next chapter might take longer to get out due to trying to figure out the stories direction.
P.S this chapter may seem stilted cause it was written stiltedly.