SYRUP VILLAGE
OOO
Name: Usopp
Occupation: Pirate; Sniper; Captain of Usopp Pirate (former); GOD
Residence: Syrup Village (former)
Epithet: King of Snipers; GOD
Age: 17
Status: Alive
Birth: April 1
Height: 174 cm
Bounty: ฿30,000,000; ฿200,000,000
Family: Yasopp, father; Bachina, mother (deceased)
Relations: Carrot, Pepper, Onion (former Usopp Pirates), Kaya (dear friend of one year over lost of parents)
Trivia: Artist of the crew; prideful and boastful to make up for lack of confidence; scared a lot; not afraid of trickery; fast runner; botanist, likes bugs
Dream: Become A Brave Warrior of the Sea
"Yay! It has a string!" Luffy tugs on the black thread newly sewn to his hat. "Thanks, Nami!"
Nami places her sewing kit away, shaking her head with a small smile. "It's what you asked for. Seriously, if that thing is your treasure, you should take better care of it."
Luffy puts it on, his grin unbreaking as he watches the edges of the brim flop. He is still wearing that jacket he got from that last island. Now his outfit is complete! Nami is always so nice to look out for him. "You're right, I promise to be careful!"
Nami sighs, feeling—and knowing—that he isn't the type to play it careful whatsoever. Looking away from something that she knew would tax her temper, her eyes fell on the (apparently) youngest member aboard, who was having trouble on her own.
"Ouch!" Oyal tugs the hairbrush out of their grey hair once again, failing to see how the tool is supposed to help. Their usual low ponytail is unmade in favor of it hanging free. Their bandana is still on, of course, they aren't a heathen. The brush just seems to some sort of torture device rather than an instrument of hygiene.
However, they could not have their hair tangled. They forgot how utterly unbearable the feeling of tangled hair was, like the feeling of needles on their skull with every swag and pull. Every stray hair out of place becomes unbelievably itchy on their arms and legs when they come into contact. It cannot do!
"This contraption is proving far more difficult than it should be," Oyal lifts the accursed object to their face, forcing it to feel their glare.
"Here," Nami swipes said accused object from their hands and sat behind Oyal, "It was funny the first… seven times, but now it is just sad."
Oyal stiffens as Nami touches their gray long locks. "Nami, as much I am sure you have good intentions this is extremely unnecess—"
Nami gives their hair a sharp tug. "Shut up and sit down," she makes her point clear. This is not a request, it is an order.
Which Oyal obeys promptly, dutifully, and without pouting. "…Don't pull my hair. Pulling is the exact reason I am in this state." Zoro kept pulling their hair whenever they walked by. They are sure this is some sort of act of revenge but it shall not go unpunished!
Nami grabs a chunk of hair, readying the brush. "Did you not have brushes on your island either?"
Oyal shifts awkwardly in their seat slightly. "It was deemed… unnecessary."
Nami doesn't want to know. "You know this can be easier if you take off your bandana."
"Absolutely not," Oyal responds sharply.
"Are you—?"
"Please respect my wishes," Oyal cuts her off, their voice cold and leaving no room for argument.
Nami sighs, seeing Oyal isn't going to budge, "Alright then," she gently grabs the bottom of their hair.
Oyal tenses themselves, ready for the pain….
Only to find none.
Rather… it was quite pleasant.
Nami begins untangling the messy hair from the bottom up, careful not to touch their head. Her strokes are firm but soft, pulling but never tugging to hurt the kid's sensitive head.
"Your hair's pretty thin, but you have a lot of it," she comments casually. "Doesn't it get in the way?"
Oyal gives it some thought before answering, "It has never been a huge problem before." Then again, many things did not. Their hair used to be the only thing that showed the passage of time on that island, cutting it off seemed… wrong. "I have always had it long."
"Do you want me to do something with it?"
Oyal tries not to turn around but does curiously asks, "Do… something?"
"Yeah!" Nami says excitedly, "How about pigtails?"
Oyal feels… uncertain about this, "Pig…tails?"
"Pigtails it is!" Nami chirps, putting the brush down and starts doing… something to Oyal's hair.
Oyal has no idea what it means to do something with hair, let alone what pigtails could be. Their lack of information was keeping them from making calculations to what the end product could be. Was Nami an expert in hair? Perhaps she would have due to her sister, but do sisters do hair stuff with one another? How much experience does that give her? Her own hair is short, does that make a difference? Too little information to make a deduction... it is perhaps best to keep silent and... trust Nami.
Trust…
"Ta-da!" Nami's exclamation startles Oyal out of their musings. She throws two bundles of hair over Oyal's shoulders, "What do you think?"
Oyal touches the back of their head gently. It would seem that Nami split at the bottom into two strands and tied them with scrunchies right behind their ears.
"Those clowns had some hair ties in the back, so I hope you don't mind red," Nami squeezes one of the scrunchies.
Oyal holds their hair in their hands, feeling the new form quizzically. "It is… functional."
Nami puts away the brush. "I'll take that as a thank you," she says smugly.
Oyal's face heats up. They are being rude! "W-What I mean to say is… Thank yo—"
"Waaaaa~ I'm hungry!"
Of course, that's even ruder. Not that Luffy seems to notice as he falls onto his back with a loud whine.
"San—! Sa—Sa-Some food would be nice!" Luffy stops himself at the end. Stupid, that was way too close! He tried to call for Sanji and he wasn't even here yet. Man, old habits die hard. Oyal and Nami both leer at him in annoyance, albeit for different reasons.
"It's your own damn fault!" Nami chides him, getting to her feet. "How could you come out to sea with absolutely no provisions! There is no way we're gonna make it to the Grand Line in this condition!"
"Uhhhh…" Luffy points to Oyal. "Oyal predicted we wouldn't need it."
"What?" "WHAT?" both Oyal and Nami question.
But the distraction works, as Nami points a glare at the poor kid, who begins to sweat. "Explain," the navigator orders.
"I did not, in no way, suggest that we did not need a ship. A ship is mostly absolutely a needed commodity. However, I… merely predicted that a ship will be provided for us at the right moment. And we did not need to prioritize one at the moment."
Nami's twitch, "So… we are putting all our hopes in that we are provided a ship. Is that right?"
"...yes."
Nami groans, "We need to get serious here people," she folds her arms, "We can't just get by on dumb luck and voodoo. What we need is equipment and an actual crew."
Luffy thinks they did fine the first time they went out to the Grand Line. Five people and a little carnival kicking ass on the high seas, what could be more prepared than that?
Nami seems to disagree as she continues, "Four people cannot go into the Grand Line by themselves. This is the pirate Graveyard and we shouldn't take it lightly."
"We need some booze," Zoro off handily says with a wide smile from his nap position.
Nami groans, "Why me? Why did I partake with these morons?"
Luffy just laughs, "Don't worry I already plan on getting a sniper and the greatest cook in the world while we are here. And eventually a musician!" he ends the last part dreamingly.
Oyal stops playing/examining their hair, "We should be arriving at the island soon," they be seeing the Animal Man's island by now. It is actually little concerning they haven't by now. Not that it seems to be a major plot device or anything but still skipping an entire island is worrisome. Worry... this must be the reason their head was starting to feel a little fuzzy... does worry… cause illness?
"What's with you can getting that musician?" Zoro sits up a bit, "Though that 'world's greatest cook' does sound nice right about now."
"So stupid," Nami mutters to herself.
Oyal feels a shiver run down their spine. Ah, they know this! Is Are they again? "D-Do not fret, Nami. All equipment and a ship will be handled before entering the Grand Line," they stutters out a reassurance, "For now, let us focus on getting to Syrup village."
Nami looks at them with concern, "Are you okay?" she puts a hand on Oyal's covered forehead, "You're not catching a fever are you?" The weather wasn't anywhere near cold enough outside for it to start a fever.
Oyal shakes their head, "I am at acceptable capacity," is that the right word? Their head was not focusing correctly, "I may… have…" they had to analyze herself. Head: light. Body: woozy. Throat: heavy. Heavy. Her whole body felt heavy in fact. Ah… they think… they recall this feeling, "Just need a… break."
They feel… tired.
They go down like a light.
"Oyal!" Nami cries, rushing over to Oyal. She checks their head for damage finding if anything is wrong.
"What's wrong?" Nami flinches at Luffy's voice, not hearing him appear right next to her. He was scanning Oyal with only his eyes, looking her over as if he could see right through her.
Nami focuses back on Oyal, "I.. don't know. Her breath is shallow but she doesn't have a fever or anything," she checks their pulse for any irregularities, "I think she's… sleeping?"
Zoro stood up during the ordeal, staying back as to not get in the way, "She gives us a heart attack and she's just taking a nap?" he says irritably but Luffy knows he is just as concerned.
"When was the last time she slept?" Nami asks Luffy quickly, he was the one who has known them the longest out of all of them.
Luffy shrugs, disappointed by his own answer, "I don't know… it's been three days I think…"
"Three days?" she repeats disbelievingly.
"Wait," Zoro holds up a hand, "She hasn't slept since you guys got me."
"Probably..." Luffy doesn't know when they slept before they made the contract. Would they even have to sleep in a place where time isn't really… real? "They probably aren't used to sleep schedules like we are."
Nami put a hand to her head, "What is wrong with this girl?" she asks no one in particular gently. First, the cards then the brush and now something as simple as sleeping? The cards are believable, they could be banned she guesses, and the brush weird, but who was she to judge cultural differences, but damn sleeping?
Luffy shakes his head, he should have paid more attention to what was happening. He is already failing his nakama! He didn't notice on the account of his own sleeping habits. He had been only sleeping through light naps, not really wanting to go into a deep sleep for fear of his… dreams.
Luffy carefully picks Oyal up and puts them inside the small boat's single room, keeping them safe.
But that is no excuse! From now on, Oyal is going to sleep as much as Zoro!
Nami forces herself back to navigating, there wasn't much to be done besides waiting for her to get her sleep. They should be arriving at Syrup Village soon. What was she going to do with those two?
And just as she predicts the Gecko mainland started coming into sight.
"LAND HO!" Luffy cries in excitement, he feels a wave of nostalgia fill him upon seeing the familiar presence on the coast. He could feel him, his best friend! His eyes water a bit but no tears fell from his face. As entertaining as his buddy's tales are, he knows most of them are fake, but he can't wait to hear them again.
Nami glares at the vibrating captain, "Calm down! There is only a small village there so it's not like there is going to be much excitement."
Luffy, honest to stars, smirks, "Nami, are you familiar with ironic statements?"
"Huh?" she wasn't really sure where the other was going with this.
"Oh, nothing, you'll find out soon enough," Luffy teases mischievously, "But keep what you just said in mind."
They dock on the open cliff sides, "Syrup Village should more inland," Luffy stretches out his arms and legs as they stroll onto the shore.
Nami raises a brow getting off the boat herself, "Have you been there before?"
"Hey," Zoro interrupts, "We're being watched."
Nami stiffens, looking around the cliffs. She hadn't covered up the Buggy pirate mark on their dingy so having a confrontation would not be in their best interest right now.
But Luffy jumps up and down like a little kid, "I know! Isn't it great!"
"Luffy, look out!" Zoro calls out but just as he finished speaking several bullets scatter at Luffy's feet, forcing him to do a stupid kind of dance to avoid them.
Nami saw where the bullets came from taking note of how many they are dealing with. So far only one sniper from the cliffs and from what she can tell they were only pop rocks, not real ammunition. Not lethal but she is smarter than to let her guard down.
A dozen pirate flags shot up from the bushes showing the identical Jolly Roger of a skull making an "O" shape with their mouths as if surprised.
Luffy's eyes sparkle and he waves his arms excitedly as soon as he saw them, "AWESOME!"
Nami looks more annoyed than anything, "Is this when we're supposed to be impressed?" she watches Luffy act like a little kid impressed by some little trick. Really, how can this guy be taken so seriously and yet be so childish sometimes?
Zoro mentally agrees, already gripping his swords tightly ready to deal with any kind of threat.
But Luffy just waves his hand lazily, "Relax," he told them all, "Nothing to worry about," despite he is the one who got shot at.
There is a familiar laughter coming from above them, familiar to one of them at least. When they look up, Luffy can't stop the smile spreading across his face when he sees him. Usopp's smug face looks practically identical as it was the last time.
"Behold!" said smug long-nose declares loudly, as if for all the world to hear, "I am the leader of the indestructible nation of pirates who reign over this island! You now stand before a living legend! The most revered pirated who ever lived! I am," pause for dramatic effect, "the great Captain Usopp!" he ended his speech with a fantastic pose of him pointing to the heavens.
Sorry, Usopp, I'm the Captain, Luffy grins, but you can be GOD or whatever. Man, he wishes he could have seen the look on Yasopp's face at the GOD Usopp wanted poster.
"Surely, you would know that plotting an attack on this island would mean certain death!" Usopp continues his tirade, "My army of eight thousand super pirates will squash you like bugs!"
"Bring them on!" Luffy shouts back, his other two crew members watch in disbelief. Zoro and Nami couldn't tell if Luffy was really falling for this buffoonery or just playing along. Either way, he is asking for a slap in the head.
Nami interrupts this idiot fest, "You expect us to believe that?" Nami calls up to him. "He doesn't really have 8 million men, Luffy. He's lying"
Usopp completely lost any confidence he had in his grasp, "She knows!"
"See," she points at him, "He even admits it," she looks over the hill, "If I have to guess his crew of 8,000 out to be more… three."
At that, the three suddenly jump out, looking petrified as they scream out in terror, "She does know!" all three of them screamed before they ran away like cowards, dropping the flags as they took off.
"Chickens…" Zoro bursts out laughing.
Luffy pouts, "That sucks…" he knew Usopp was lying, hell he was expecting a lie but he was just so caught up in the moment again he couldn't help but slip back into place.
"How could I be so dumb?" Usopp cries out, outwardly panicking, not knowing what to do, "I practically told her that I was lying! Stupid!"
Luffy stops laughing at that… that attitude was another thing that is going to go. The self-deprecated look and lack of confidence. Yeah… this time it's going to be different, "You're not an idiot," Luffy spoke softly but loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Usopp stood a little straighter at the tone automatically. It sounded like this guy was scolding him but… that can't be, right? He looks barely older than him! He must be hearing things…
Nami looks at Luffy trying to understand what his angle was, "I really didn't think that he would give in that easily," she admitted.
"Shut your mouth! Or I'll shut it for you!" Usopp yelled, trying to gain a second wind, as he pulls out his slingshot, "I'm a proud man and I won't stand for it!" he put his slingshot into position, "This is your last warning! Or you'll get to see why they call me Proud Usopp and not Pushover Usopp! Is that clear?" That is another lie: nobody called him that.
Luffy's hat shadows his eyes as he takes an authoritative position. He really hopes he looks as cool as he feels.
"Now that you've drawn your weapon, are you willing to use it?" Luffy's voice is as firm as justice, this is another lesson Usopp had to learn. They are not playing games anymore.
Usopp starts to sweat but he doesn't put his weapon down.
"Guns aren't for threats, they're for action," Luffy's voice becomes cool and calm, making even his crew pay attention. The hat's rim cast a perfect shadow over his big bug eyes, making him look older than he should be. His jacket made his small body look bigger than it really is, especially as he crosses his arms. He looks quite unlike the happy go lucky teen they used to. He looked almost… royal, "Are you willing to risk your life?"
Zoro catches on to what Luffy is getting at, he is trying to scare this guy, "I can assure you we're real pirates," he chuckles darkly himself thumbing one of his swords just enough so that Usopp can't miss the glint of his blades, "Consider your next move carefully."
Luffy knew Zoro isn't planning on hurting Usopp, but it was nice to see Zoro having fun. And it's not like they were lying like Usopp… they are just playing!
Usopp is looking more and more nervous and he let the lead ball fall to the ground letting go of the slingshot. He falls to his knees as he gazed down at them fearfully, but also with a hint of reverence.
"Real pirates have a lot more punch behind their words because they can actually back them up," Usopp mutters to himself, "That's so cool!" he jumps to his feet just as fast, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
Nami lets out a tired sigh, "Another pirate fanboy? Geez, what's with this place?"
"Hey," Zoro lets his swords go, "Give us some credit."
"Well, I know you're real pirates now," Usopp replies back fearlessly, "But come on, even you have to admit you don't look like… traditional pirates."
At that Luffy and Zoro look at each other, grin, and burst out laughing while Nami looks on trying to hold back her own smile, "We aren't!" both replied in sync.
Luffy finishes laughing and he calls up, looking more like himself, "Hey you're Yasopp's son right?"!"
Usopp's eyes bulge out at those words, "Y-You know my dad?!" He is so shocked that he loses his balance leaning too far over the edge starts falling down the cliff side. He rolls down the side, down several impressive flips, only to land on his butt at the bottom. But he must have been used to it as he got right back up not affect by any pain the fall could have caused him.
Nami and Zoro are surprised as well. Nami thought it over, Luffy said he got them a sniper... is this the guy Luffy wanted to recruit? When she said they needed more members she was expecting… well… not someone like Usopp.
Zoro is a little disappointed as well. He was expecting more of a… fighter than another skinny kid. Then again, Luffy holds just as many surprises. He thought it best to reserve judgment for now.
But Usopp walks up to Luffy fearlessly, "You're right… my old man's name is Yasopp," he croaks out, "But how… how in the world do you know him?"
"I'll tell you all about him over some grub," Luffy told him happily.
Usopp folded his arm pretending to think about it, "You drive a hard bargain…. But! I think I can get us some seats at the best restaurant in town!"
Luffy grins, "Great!" he pointed to Zoro, "Zoro, go get Oyal!"
Zoro raises a brow, "Huh? Why, she's asleep?"
"But she will get lonely…." Luffy's whole body slumps just at the thought.
"She is asleep," He stresses, "She won't even notice we're gone!"
"But she will feel it!" Luffy motions his hands in grasping motions just to show how serious that is.
Zoro sighs in defeat and goes back to the damn boat to get the damn astronomer.
The best restaurant in town is also probably the only restaurant in the small village. But size doesn't matter as the group of five took to their seat. Well, the four and Zoro placed a still sleeping Oyal into a booth.
Luffy is about to start to chow down on his meat until he remembers… napkin in lap... then starts shoving meat into his mouth, "So…" he literally inhales his meat, "I met Yasopp when he and Shanks were on my island ten years ago."
Usopp sits on the edge of seat hanging on to every word, "SHANKS? As in the famous pirate?!" Even if it was ten years ago this was the first time he heard of his father since he left home.
Luffy takes a bone out of his mouth, "Yeah, Yasopp was the best sniper I had ever seen!" beside you, "he used to shoot the core of apples or shoot the antenna off of an ant at one hundred feet away without harming the rest of it!"
Usopp was practically vibrating in his seat, "That's my old man!"
Nami holds up a hand, "Wait, what's this about a famous pirate."
Luffy waves his hand speaking easily, "You know I got my hand from Red-Haired Shanks the Yonko when we were fighting Buggy. Oyal told you about it."
Nami eye's bug out and even Zoro's jaw drops at that, "Yonko?!" Nami yells, "She just told me your hat is a treasure from your old friend who happens to know Buggy, nothing about a Yonko!"
"Oh, I guess you didn't know," Luffy chews his meat, "Yeah, Shanks is a Yonko and he gave me his hat ten years ago."
Nami groans again, she is never to catch a break from this guy.
Zoro is shocked but he guesses it makes sense. If he knows Hawk-Eye so of course he would know a Yonko.
Usopp's mouth hung open wide enough flies could sell real estate there, this guy is the real deal! He knew his father and a Yonko! His father is on a Yonko crew! This is amazing!
Luffy drew his enthusiasm back to a stone still Usopp, "I never saw him miss a shot. Not even when he was scared!"
Usopp raises a brow, "Scared?"
"Yeah, he got scared sometimes," Luffy nodded sagely, "But he never let that stop him! You look just like him, even the way you gloat is the same!" Luffy laughs at the similarities.
Usopp feels his chest swell with pride upon hearing this, being like his own father… his eyes are brighter as he dreams about the man his father was.
Nami watches the interaction between the two. They seemed more like old pals meeting again rather than strangers meeting for the first time.
She coughs into her hands trying to break their conversation, "Actually we are here for a reason," she explains, "We kinda need a ship," She points to Usopp, "You wouldn't happen to know anyone we can borrow a ship from?"
Usopp adverts his eyes, "Uhh… Sorry, can't help you."
Nami pushes on not believing him, "What about the person with the mansion, can't we ask them for a ship?"
"Nope!" Usopp stands up quickly, "Absolutely not!" he seems to recall himself, "I- uh… gotta go!" and he leaves the restaurant, giving permission to his unguarded plate to which Luffy took full advantage of.
"What's with him?" Nami quizzically asks, "We just wanted to talk to him?"
"WE HAVE COME TO SAVE YOU, CAPTAIN!" THE USOPP PIRATE CREW-" "-HAS ARRIVED!" three small children heroically storm into the establishment to save their beloved Captain.
But they only succeeded in waking up a tired astronomer whose head was resting on the table, "Wha-" they start to sit up slowly.
"Captain Usopp is gone," whispers Carrot to the other two.
"Did they…?" Onion whispers before they all gulped, having the thought of man-eating witches on their minds. But they rush at the table with their little wooden swords and look ready for a fight.
"Speak up, you filthy pirates! What have you done with our Captain!?" Pepper demands, "Tell us now!"
Oyal tries to collect themselves looking at the empty plants around them due to sitting next to Luffy, "We... ate?" How long were they out? Did they miss the Animal Man? They must have if they were at Usopp's now…
Luffy ignores the kids as he pats his stomach, "Yeah, we just had some good meat!" he explains with a wide smile, only made bigger as the three turned ghostly white and huddled together fearfully.
"Are these pirates cannibals?" Onion asks, sounding close to pissing himself.
"No, only cave witches eat people, you nerd!" Pepper yelled at him, though it sounds more for his own sake rather than theirs, "What have you done, you savages?" Pepper demands again in a scared voice as the other two hid behind him.
Nami has to cover her mouth, these kids were so cute trying to save their friend with their little wooden swords.
Zoro caught on, leaning forward onto the booth arm and gave them all a smile, but it wasn't his dimple one, it was his 'I'm gonna kill you' smiles…
"If you're looking for your Captain…" Zoro said slowly smile turning twisted and psychotic without moving a single muscle, "We ate him."
"AHHHHHH, CANNIBALS!" the kids screamed in collected terror, looking right at Nami.
"WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME!" She yells in anger at these brats.
Oyal finally catches up to what was going on. They are at Syrup village with Usopp, who had gone to Kaya. These three...Pepper, Carrot, and Onion she believes their names were. The similar names are either nicknames or their parents hate them.
Their stomach growls… another new feeling! "I'm... hungry."
The Veggie trio faints. They were out like a light, staring up at the ceiling with horrified expressions.
Zoro is laughing his ass off, "Hahaha! That was perfect!"
Oyal cocks their head, "Zoro, why are you lying to these children?"
Zoro laughs turn into small chuckles as he drinks his booze. "It's too easy."
Nami rolls her eyes at him, "Calm down, you munchkins," she calls to them on the floor, "He was just fooling you,"
Slowly but surely the three boys started to get up, "Um, we knew that," they claimed, trying and failing to gather their lost pride.
Luffy finally addresses them, "Anyway, Usopp ran off by himself. Any idea where he'd go?"
Carrot grins proudly, "He probably is at the mansion on the hill."
"That one on the hill?" she asks.
Carrot nodes, "Yup! He goes there to lie!"
Nami gives them a questioning look, "Isn't that bad?"
Pepper shakes his head, "No it's awesome!"
"He's not a bad guy!" Pepper said, "He's great! Isn't he?" he adds looking at his two friends.
"Yeah! " "He is the best liar!" His two friends agree.
"How is a liar awesome?" Zoro asks in confusion.
The boys look up and it was Pepper who explains, "Well Kaya... the girl who lives in the mansion has terrible depression that's keeping her weak and in bed, after her parents died a year ago," he looks on the floor sadly, "she's very rich, but all that money can't help her recover from her sadness."
Onion nods, "Yeah! Usopp goes there every day to tell his special made-up stories to make her laugh and cheer her up."
Luffy smiles, "Who knew lying could be good for you!"
Oyal cocks their head, "At this point wouldn't it be more storytelling than actually lying?"
Pepper shakes his head, "No, he is lying alright. He says he takes all these adventures himself!"
Nami let the information sink in, "Well forget it then," she gives a simple shrug, "Let's give up finding a ship here. We can try a different town."
"No! Luffy stands up, "We are going to that mansion!"
"The girl is sick, we aren't going to take from some girl who lost so much already!" Nami shouts in anger.
"I don't care about that!" Luffy shouts back shutting Nami up, "We are going to get Usopp!"
"Usopp?" now she is lost.
"Yeah," Luffy puts a fist in the air, "Because he is going to be our newest crew member, of course!"
The three boys lead the three of them out of the restaurant and through the sleepy village to the mansion. Oyal catches up to what they missed. They really need to take into account of sleep schedules now, how annoying.
How long does a person need to sleep to function anyway? Letting their mind take some time off seems unnecessary but they were dealing with time and... reality now.
Apparently, they never made it to the Animal Man; which should have made their schedule faster yet somehow they were still at the same time and place like in the contract. Why bother learning time if it isn't even going to make sense?
But they missed the initial meeting with Usopp the Sniper. Son of Yasopp, King of the Snipers, Brave Warrior of the Sea, GOD. Usopp… held a special observation in Oyal's eyes. Despite dealing with several of the most improbable situations dealing with chances highly against Usopp's favor he always seemed to overcome the odds.
Oyal knew about his past, about how Usopp's mom died when he was a child and how he would lie to pirates coming, hoping his father's ship and would take him away. He lied for his mother to keep her spirits up and when she died he couldn't bring himself to stop telling lies.
He seems to possess some kind of… intuition. Oyal doesn't believe in luck, but they do believe the facts. Usopp has predicted serval events in his "lies" that come true later in the future. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern, and three times is a fact. So have numerous is just common knowledge at this point.
Pirates invading the Syrup Village = Black Cat Pirates
Saved a whale from North Blue = Laboon
Fought a huge goldfish = Goldfish from Little Garden
"I'm a man among men, but you can't fall in love with me, girl." = Exact lines Sanji says to Okama
Riding a Big Condor = Condors Chopper meets in South Blue
Abominable snowman = Yeti Cool Brothers
A beautiful female swordmaster with lots of meat = Rebecca
A huge mole inside a mansion = Meeting Miss Merry Christmas
Pretending a dog is Cerberus = Cerberus from Thriller Bark
Pretending a lizard is a dragon = Dragon on Punk Hazard
Country of Dwarves = Tontatta country
Legendary Hero Usopp = God Usopp
Getting 8,000 followers = 5,000 followers at Dressrosa (very close)
Having Haki = Observation Haki
Medicine that cures all diseases = Law's Devil Fruit/Chopper's Dream
Assisting in bringing down a bombman = Snipping Sugar
He also has predictions that have not come true... yet
King Usopp from hell
Beating 10 giants
Descendant from Noland
Being born on Sniper Island
Really this man was a phenomenon. Utterly fascinating.
Pepper stops, "Here we are," walking to the side of the manor. Surrounded by a tall gate on all sides was a beautiful two-story manor that looked to be about the same size as the Sunny, maybe even bigger. Wide windows and elaborate trimming all over. A single tall tree on one side that stretched over to one of the side windows.
"Now, let's find the Captain's usual way in!" Onion looks for the little hole in the perimeter.
That is they would have if a certain something didn't wrap tightly around the waists of Oyal, Zoro, Nami, Pepper, Carrot, and Onion, like a snake.
"Gum-Gum…" Luffy says jovially.
The entire group, minus Oyal, looks on in horror at Luffy, with his arm wrapped around them, and back to Luffy. His other arm was already stretched out and had grabbed the top of the gate.
"Luffy, I swear to—" Nami starts out.
"Rocket!"
Before anyone else could protest let alone question the absurdity of what is currently happening, they are off.
They are shouts of protest but they are silenced as they were pulled along with Luffy as he launches himself past the gate and high into the air. Luffy just enjoys the breeze as the rest of them, including Oyal, scream their lungs out. Oyal knew it was coming but they are not used to it.
He lands on his feet and skids in a long line before finally coming to a full stop. Luffy stuck the landing with his knees bent and one arm wrapped around his captive passengers, which were dangling above his head, gasping for breath. He promptly let go of them, his arms snapping back to his side as they fell to the ground with a thud.
"Infiltration successful," he said formally.
"LIKE HELL IT WAS!" Nami shouts, wondering how they were still alive. She is about to ask what the hell is wrong with him but was interrupted…
"That was awesome! Pepper shouts.
"Can we do that again!?" Carrot pleads.
"How did you do that!?" Onion demands.
Luffy addresses them in order as he turns to each of them, "Yes it was. Maybe later. I ate the Gum-Gum Fruit. I am a Rubberman."
Nami hangs her head, she has already lost him. She turns to see if she can get support from her supposed crew when she sees that Zoro is just laying on his back, not even bothering to get up and Oyal is in a similar position with their journal on top of their face. How can those two be so calm? Will she soon be taking these escapades in stride every time her conceptions of reality were skewed? The thought dismays her.
"My goodness!" A fairly thin, pale, not so much sickly as she is just pale, girl with blonde hair, called, looking at them, "Are you okay?"
"Don't mind them, Kaya," Usopp assured her quickly and a little nervously from his spot on the tree branch, "This happens to me all the time! That's just this price of being a famous pirate! They're just new recruits who heard about me and came to join the Usopp pirates."
The Straw Hats turn to the now familiar and unfamiliar voices. Usopp is up in a tree next to an open window that had a young, pale girl is learning out of.
Luffy grin widely and points at Usopp. "Wrong! We're here to recruit you!" Usopp's eyes widen and jaw drops to the floor. Which was pretty impressive considering he was in a tree. But even with the shock, excitement quickly well up inside him.
"Really!?" he shouts, only to cough in his hand, quickly composed himself. He is still in front of Kaya and had to look good.
He points at himself confidently, "Finally someone recognizes my talent. Tell you what, let me be the captain and I'll join you," he smugly says, crossing arms over his chest.
"No way!" Luffy shouts back, still smiling.
Usopp promptly loses his balance and almost falls out of the tree.
Oyal speaks this time, not looking away from their book, "I predict you are going to be the greatest sniper in the world and a brave warrior of the sea. The responsibilities of Captain will only hinder your attention on your other goals."
"Predict?" Usopp feels his cheeks heat up, "W-Well... Of course! I am already a brave warrior of the sea!" He points to himself, "But I suppose you are right, being Captain, as amazing as I would be, would only be a distraction for someone like me in the long run. Other people need to know about my great feats alone!"
Luffy gives a cheeky grin, "I bet you are the best marksman!"
This catches Usopp's attention and he can't help but like this plan better, "You bet I am! You won't find a better sniper in all the East Blue! In fact, they call me the Sniper King!" They all looked at the bold statement with mixed reactions.
The Veggie trio of course look with great excitement at their captain's claim. Kaya silently cheers for Usopp finally able to follow his dreams. Nami wonders what kind of sniper would use a slingshot. Zoro questions how he knew he was the best in the East Blue if he had never left the island. Luffy thinking Usopp could also see into the future. Oyal making another note of Usopp unconsciously predicting the future yet again.
"Hey, you delinquents! What do you think you're doing?" Everyone turns to the new voice. It is a tall man with slick black hair and round glasses. He wore a formal suit and tie with poo patterns and walked rigidity. Usopp and Kaya still upon seeing him. He stops in front of the tree and looks at everyone other than Kaya with distaste. "You are all trespassing on private property. I suggest you leave now."
Kuro of a Thousand Plans, Captain of the Black Cat Pirates. Supposedly taken down by Chief Petty Officer Morgan, the only survivor, bringing in the fake Kuro in, and leaving the real one alive. Kuro sets up someone else's death to make the rest of the world think he had been killed. But he'd actually been hiding out in this village for three years as a butler in order to steal Kaya's fortune.
Oyal calculates that he is supposed to be one of the smartest men in the East Blue. However, while their calculations are always correct this seems… unprecedented in this situation.
He wants to retire to a peaceful life and in order to do so, he has his Hypno Man hypnotize Kaya to give him her fortune and have her death look like an accident. Logical.
Having his entire crew kill everyone else. Illogical.
Why bother building a reputation for three years, gain everyone's trust, and legally get the cash if it is all gone to waste? This is counterproductive of his original goal to live a peaceful life.
If the plan was to simply have her death be the cause of the raid then why bother with the plan of building a reputation just to slaughter a whole village. Why not hypnotize her to give him the money then kill everyone within the first year?
Perhaps this is all to lure his crew into the manor so he could kill them himself. Not killing the entire village from the beginning but rather kill his entire crew and everyone in the manor, blaming their death on the pirates and him being a sole survivor of the massacre. With Kaya and all the servants dead then he could have peace among the villagers.
Mars forbid he knows how to make a silent stealthy kill and kill his crew and the manor people on his own time.
...Not that Oyal wants that to happen to this island but it would seem less work and more effective.
"Klahadore!" Kaya said.
"Get out," Kuro snapped, moving his glasses up with the palm of his hands as he stood in front of the, "I'll have you know that this is criminal trespassing."
"Ah, actually Klahadore," Kaya meekly explains, "It's okay... We were just talking. You don't need to—"
"Not now, Miss Kaya," he interrupts coldly, "You can tell me all about this riffraff after they've left," he turns back to said riff-raff, "Now get out! All of you! Leave now unless you all have some business with me!"
"Actually," Luffy says with a sharp grin, "I have nothing to say to a butler. But I would gladly talk to your boss."
You couldn't tell if you weren't looking but Kuro's eyes turned into cold anger for a second before going back to professional annoyance, "Her condition is bad enough without that ruffian's influence. I will not allow him to poison her mind with his ridiculous fabrications."
"Klahadore," she speaks trying to be firm, "I'm fine really…"
Oyal scoffs, "Illogical, not letting her have visitors will not improve her state."
Kuro glares at her, "You dare question my methods. You ruffians presume to know better how to take care of Miss Kaya then me?"
"Yes," Oyal replies without missing a beat. "You have failed as a caretaker not taking into account her mental wellbeing. Social interactions with peers affect the mind and the body. Denying her interactions like this will only worsen her condition by insisting on her seclusion."
The void feeling of never seeing anyone. After years of being alone on an island, Oyal is sure their mental state is… compromised. But Kaya still has that feeling of loss. She deserves to be happy. To have friends. The feeling of loneliness. Wishing to die if that means you can see others in the next life or whatever may come. Just... desperately wanting to stop being alone.
Kuro was losing his cool but it was Kaya that interrupts, "Don't you dare insult Klahadore!"
Oyal looks to see that glare of Kaya directed at them, "He has been taking care of me for years and is doing his best!"
Luffy almost bit his tongue off from yelling how this guy was as shitty as his poo design coat.
"I have said nothing that is not true," Oyal reasons, "I may not be a professional medical expert but anyone with common sense knows this."
Usopp, though silently cheering at Oyal for back talking Kuro, focuses on trying to calm Kaya down, not wanting her to hurt herself, "It's okay, Kaya. We'll just get going," he starts climbing down the tree.
Klahadore regards Usopp with the utmost contempt, not wanting him to be left off so easily, "I can sympathize with your situation," Usopp stands at the base of the tree, not trusting where this was going, "You must hate your father for abandoning his family and his village because of his mindless lust for treasure."
Kaya turns to her butler in shock, "Klahadore! Don't speak to Usopp as such!" Why is everyone insulting each other today!
"I have said nothing that is not true, Miss Kaya" Kuro repeats the statement silky, "My goal isn't to slander…"
"Sounds like it to me," Zoro mutters.
Usopp looks furious as he glares down at him, "Don't you dare insult my father again!" he growls.
Kuro chuckles darkly, either not noticing he had offended Usopp or not caring. He doesn't care. "Why have you gotten so worked up, Usopp? It's times like this that you should do what you do best and lie. Tell me about how your father is really a traveling salesman. Or about how you aren't really related by blood?"
Usopp handles the situation maturely and calmly.
He steps forward, winding his arm back ready to cold cock the bastard in the face!
If a certain Rubbery individual didn't stop him by grabbing his upper arm.
"LET GO!" Usopp struggles against the iron grip.
Kuro smugly smiles, "Smart move, stopping this savage from his inherit violence. Like father like—
"Shut. Up." Luffy orders not even turning around. Kuro obeys closing his mouth with a click. If looks back he will never understand why he did such a thing only knowing that he had no control of his actions.
Luffy only has eyes for Usopp, giving him a calm stare, "He isn't worth it."
Usopp stops struggling, his anger is nowhere near sated but he listens to what Luffy is saying. He still rips his arm out of Luffy's grasp and Luffy lets him.
Kuro is not satisfied through, feeling humiliated for being shown up, "Really," he speaks only to spite Usopp more, "what should I expect from a child of a disgraceful pirate."
"SHUT UP!" Usopp screams back, taking Kuro by surprise. "My father listened to his heart and chose a life of risk and adventure!" Usopp proclaims, "I am proud to say that my old man is a brave warrior of the sea!" He takes a breath speaking calmer this time, "You're right, I have been known to exaggerate from time to time, but I will never, ever lie about who my father is!" his voice grew louder and louder, "I refuse to be ashamed my of heritage! I AM THE SON OF A PIRATE!"
Silence fell upon them all. Usopp who had never see his father is yet so proud of him. He isn't like Zoro or Luffy who have monstrous power or even like Nami with a skill set like navigation. Usopp, though unknowingly, just told off a pirate in the face for his father.
Is this awe? Oyal has seen so many strange things since being with Luffy but this was the first time they felt such a respect/wonder/honor for someone so… normal.
They didn't fully understand the importance of honor but in that moment it seemed righteous.
But rather than be impressed, Kuro continues to laugh darkly, truly showing the pirate side of himself, "Pirates are brave warriors of the sea are they?"
Nami covers Luffy's mouth with her hand... just in case.
He wasn't going to say anything! …Probably.
"That's quite a twisted way of putting things," Kuro continues egging him on, "You don't seem to understand that you are living proof of his savage blood."
Usopp narrows his eyes.
"You run around sprouting lies and resort to violence when you don't get your way," Kuro went on, "To top it off, you cozy up to the lady of the house to steal her fortune."
Oyal speaks up again, "Incorrect. Usopp has never asked anything from Kaya," they would they , she checked.
Nami slaps her other hand over Oyal's mouth, "Shut up, Oyal!"
"Your father is a no good pirate!" Kuro hisses out, "With such treachery in your blood you would obviously have such devious plans!"
Luffy could almost taste the hypocrisy. What does that make you, you lousy piece of shit? He was just not having this.
"You won't let up will you?" Usopp asks calmly, his body unconsciously moving towards Kuro again.
"Both of you please stop!" Kaya finally yells from the building, "Please…. You both… are dear to me…"
Usopp listens, stopping in his tracks, "Don't worry," he speaks quietly regaining control of himself, "I was just leaving," He turns around and stomps out of the compound, the infuriated scowl never leaving his face.
Kaya covers her mouth and watches him leave with regret.
The Veggie trio shout insults at Kuro for good measure for insulting their captain, "BASTARD!" "STUPID" "MORON"
"ASSHOLE!" Luffy joins in.
"You're screaming along with them?" Zoro knocks the head of an immature Luffy.
Kuro is done play, "All of you will leave the premise immediately or I shall call security on you!"
Luffy gives the last insult of sticking his tongue out as he motions for his crew to follow him as he turns to leave.
Nami takes one sad look at Kaya before following. Her heart goes out to the girl, but she isn't really in a position to help in any way. At least not in any way she can see.
Luffy turns to his crew, "Hey, I'll be back later."
"Where are you going?" Nami gives an inquiring look to her captain.
Luffy has a determined glint in his eyes, "I'm going to find Usopp."
Oyal and Zoro nod understanding. This is something he had to do alone. Nami isn't as accepting as she ponders what Luffy was planning.
Luffy finds Usopp sitting up on a high cliff that overlooks the sea near a tree on the edge of a cliff. Luffy jumps into the tree but Usopp doesn't notice him as his gaze was only at the sea. He is lost in his own thoughts.
Luffy swings down from the branch, only he held by his feet, "Hi!"
Usopp screams back having his arms catch him, "AAAAAH!" then recognition settles in his eyes, "It's you! Why can't you be more normal!"
"Boring," Luffy drops from the tree, doing a handstand, and to finish with sitting next to Usopp silently.
After a moment, Luffy spoke, "It's not your fault, you know."
Usopp doesn't know what he was talking about at first but what he said finally settles in his head, "No, it's not."
"And your visits are helping her," Luffy adds.
Usopp looks up at the clouds and sighs, "Yeah I know," he sounded more he is trying to convince himself than agree.
Luffy nods. That is that then.
They sat in silence again but this time it is… calmer.
Only for Luffy to break it again, "He would talk about you nonstop you know."
Usopp doesn't turn his head, "Who?"
"Your dad," he speaks warmly remembering the conversations a lifetime ago.
Usopp jaw drops a bit at that turning his head to the other teen. Not that he doubts his dad loves him but… he didn't think his dad would be the kind to brag about... someone like him, "Really?"
Luffy nods enthusiastically, "Oh yeah! Some of his crew would even groan because he wouldn't shut up about you. I'm sure some people got allergic to the stories by how many stories they heard about you."
Usopp can't stop the warm feeling in his chest, "He's my hero you know," he feels the words just slip out on their own. He just met Luffy today but he was so easy to talk to, like an old friend, "Even if he left me and mom… to risk it all and follow your dreams," he never told this anyone before, not even his crew, "I… I am not really brave! But I want to be! I want to be brave to follow my dreams too. I want to be a brave warrior of the sea!"
Usopp closes his eyes reading himself for the laughter but… it never comes.
"I know you can do it," Usopp opens his eyes quickly at the soft voice. What he saw left him speechless. Luffy is looking at him with such... earnestness. Not like he is Usopp the Coward and Liar but like he is already Usopp the Brave Warrior of the Sea that he dreams to be. Luffy's smile was small but it was as bright as the sun itself, "I believe in you."
Usopp feels his shock turn... into something else. This guy, no, Luffy, had just met him and he just… believes him. He looks him right in the eye, knowing he is a liar and a coward, without a hint of doubt honestly believes in Usopp. He has been speaking in lies for so long he forgot what it was like to have someone believe him honesty. While his crew and Kaya have always believed in him, he doesn't doubt it, he still knows he plays up his image to impress them. But with Luffy... it's like he doesn't have to pretend. Like he doesn't have to be Captain Usopp or Usopp the Great, he can just be... Usopp. Luffy doesn't just believe he could be a brave warrior of the sea but that he will be a brave warrior of the sea.
Usopp tries to find something to say until Luffy nudges Usopp, "Wha-" Luffy put a hand over his mouth quickly. What was this guy doing?
Luffy puts one finger to his lips and then points down at the beach. Usopp follows his fingers and stiffens as he spotted Klahadore walking towards an eccentrically dressed man with heart-shaped sunglasses that he had never seen before.
Already suspicious, Usopp gets down on his stomach and looks over the ledge as Luffy follows suit.
"Jango," Kuro snarls, "I told you to lay low in this village. That does not mean sleeping in the middle of the street!"
"Relax my funky dude, I'm not standing out at all," Jango strikes a weird pose, "I blend right in."
Luffy scoffs quietly, "Like a salad at a sea king buffet."
"What?" Usopp gives him a confused look.
"Shh!" Luffy shushes him.
Jango gets serious, or as a man of his nature can be, "I'm ready anytime to assassinate that mansion's owner!"
Usopp gasps, "He said 'murder'?"
"Shhhhh!" Luffy shushes him again.
Kuro chides him, "Assassinate is such an ugly term, Jango."
Jango flips his hat, "Oh, sorry, Captain that was an accident!"
"Speaking of accidents," Kuro proceeds smoothly, "I don't want to just kill Kaya. We have to make it look like an accident. Got that?"
Jango nods tilting his hat back, "We will wait for your signal and attack the village and take her life, right?" he sits down on a rock, "then you will inherit her money."
Kuro lifts his glasses with the base of his hand, "You are so stupid! I can't inherit her money as an outsider," he sighs, "Listen, this is very important. You have to hypnotize her and make her write the will. Make her write down: I will leave all my money to Klahadore. Then I will be able to inherit the money."
Usopp cannot believe what he is hearing! Klahadore is planning on killing Kaya!
"It took me three years to earn everyone's trust," Kuro proudly explains, "I'll make it look like an accident and nobody will suspect me."
Jango approves, "That's why you were butlering for three years," he gets up and started walking around, "Three years ago when you suddenly said you quit, you found someone at random to replace you," he does a little twirl, "And told the marines you, Captain Kuro, were executed," he laughs a bit, "You are worth being called a genius."
"Captain Kuro!" Usopp whisper-yells, "That pirate is one of the most clever pirates known for his plotting. But he was supposed to be executed three years ago."
"Usopp!" Luffy whisper-yells back, "You got to be quiet! Subtle."
Usopp had a very strong feeling that Luffy should not be one to be telling him that.
Kuro shakes his head, "Stop calling me that. I gave up the title three years ago. I hope to get the money without being chased by the government," he folds his arms behind his back, "I am a pacifist."
"My ass he is," Luffy mutters.
Jango agrees, "What kind of pacifist are you? For your own peace, you went and killed the girl's family."
Kuro narrows his eyes, "Her family died from natural causes. That wasn't expected."
"Why do I seriously doubt that," Usopp mutters back to Luffy.
Jango shrugs, "Doesn't matter. Give us a sign when you're ready. We've been anchored offshore for about a week," He voice grows grave, "They are thirsty for blood."
Luffy stops listening at this point. This guy was just bitching that he was a big fish in a small pond. If he was really that bored then he should have just gone to the Grand Line and find a better crew? What a loser.
But it still a stupid plan, why was the butter the only one surviving of a pirate attack? Who would be there to see that he got the will? What is with all this legal shit when at the end he was just going to take the money and run? Luffy knows he isn't the sharpest of Zoro's swords but even he knows this isn't the smartest plan…
The shock in Usopp's widen eyes gradually narrows into outrage. Usopp quietly scoots back from the cliff silently gets up and lets everything he had just heard sink in. He abruptly breaks into a sprint in the direction of the village.
Luffy is there before he even makes a few meters grabbing him by the arm, stopping him in his tracks.
"Let go! I have to warn them!" he shouts now that they were out of earshot.
"Will they believe you?" Usopp stops struggling at the iron in Luffy's voice, demanding he listens, "Can they even do anything if they do?" Luffy asks quietly. Usopp's eyes widen as he realizes the obvious answer to both questions. His expression turns troubled as his gaze falls to the floor.
All he does is lie, of course they wouldn't believe him this time. Who would they trust, him or someone as beloved as "Klahadore." Usopp had told lies about pirates invading the village every day for the last several years. Would Kaya even believe him?
He grits his teeth and looks Luffy right in the eyes, a new resolve burning in his own, "Then what can I do?! This is the village I grew up in, I can't just abandon them to their fate!" He finally got out of Luffy's grip, "I'll protect this village myself is that what it takes," his fists are shaking and his voice cracks a few times but he keeps going, "If I stop them then this… all of this will just be another one of my lies! I will not let this become true!"
Usopp isn't crying but he is close. He is scared to death, but he is going to put his life on the line to protect the same people who would never believe him.
Luffy feels pride slip into his heart at Usopp's resolve. He remembers what drew him to Usopp in the first place. His courage.
Luffy gives a huge smile, "Usopp, I think I have an idea. But first, let's get the rest of my crew."
Usopp didn't know what Luffy is planning but he nods making their way back to where they left their crews.
Luffy and Usopp made their way back to the Straw Hats and Veggie Trio.
"Captain" "There you are!" "Are you okay?" The three baby pirates huddle around their hero concerned after how Kuro spoke to him. Each one hates that butler for what he did to their awesome captain and so it is their job to make sure he is alright.
Usopp… can't tell them. He can't get them involved in something as dangerous as an actual pirate crew. So he puts on his brightest smile, "Yeah, I'm fine really," he puts a hand on Luffy's shoulder, "Luffy was able to get me out of my slump."
Luffy had to physically restrain himself from flinching at Usopp's fake smile. It is just so painful to see Usopp knowing that he had to lie to even his closest friends. They may be just some kids but they are still his crew.
The trio lets out a sigh of relief at that, easily fooled by their captain's beloved lies.
"Thank goodness," Pepper sighs.
"Glad to hear it, captain!" Carrot cheers.
"What do you want to do next?" Onion asks.
Usopp waves his hand, "Sorry my crew but times out for today," he gives a dramatic pose, "I'm going to be handling the details of my new 8,000 followers coming into my command. I'll tell you about it tomorrow, okay?"
Carrot's shoulder drop, "Aw really?"
Pepper kicks the ground, but reluctantly starts turning around, "I guess it is kinda getting late."
Onion joins them with a little more pep in his step, "I wonder what mom is making for dinner?"
With the children gone Luffy and Usopp fill in the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates of what is actually going down.
At the end of the discussion, everyone single one of them knows exactly what they had to do.
Zoro grips his swords tightly. He didn't usually like getting into other people's business but… he retakes his stance of Usopp, "You lied to your crew so that you can do this alone," this guy may be a scrawny kid... but he was an honorable one, "You're a hell of a good guy," he says, grinning evilly at the idea of fighting a whole hoard of pirates.
"Just so you know," Nami chimes in, "I have dibs on all the pirate treasure, you got it?"
Oyal gets out their journal, "I have about twelve plans on how to take them down. Organized from quickest defeat to most humiliating defeat."
Usopp is crying a little as he stares at them as if he couldn't believe what he is hearing. "You guys…?" he gasps, drying the tears, "Are willing to fight with me? I don't get it." These guys don't know him but they wanted to help anyway.
Nami gives a shrug, "What you are doing for your village… it's commendable," Even if he sees pirates in a heroic light... he is a good guy.
"And you look scared out of your mind," Zoro adds.
Usopp jerks his thumb at himself trying to regain what little nerve he has left as he proclaims, "For your information, I have nerves of steel! Those guys can't compete with me! After all, you're looking at the legendary Captain Usopp! In my veins flows the blood of a courageous warrior!"
His words lost all affect his legs are shaking up another story. Usopp addresses this fashionably by hitting them until they stop, "Damn it…" he face grew pink at the sight, "Alright, fine, I'm scared! Why shouldn't I be? They're Captain Kuro's men! If you guys are sticking around cause you actually pity me, then just leave! I don't you laughing at me!"
Usopp has always been a prideful man. His pride was all he had at one point so when it comes to accepting help, it is hard for him to show humility. It is also hard for him to admit his wrongdoings.
Another thing Luffy isn't going to stand for! Luffy knocks Usopp's head with his knuckles, "Don't be so selfish!"
Oyal sighs, "Captain, you have no right to say that."
Luffy ignores them, "I told you, I want you on my crew and nobody messes with my nakama!" This time Usopp won't only have to rely on his pride. Usopp has to know that he can rely on his crew as well!
Usopp stares at him, not fully understanding what he was saying. Nakama? Did Luffy consider him a part of his nakama?
Usopp had more tears in his eyes at their determination. He rubbed at his eyes collecting himself, "I don't know how to thank you… but we have to hurry! We still have time before the sun rises! And we've got to set up some traps! They'll be here at daybreak!"
Oyal steps up. "Look at these and tell me which you like the best," they hand him several pieces of paper with various of drawings of X's and O's on each.
"Oh… okay" he takes them and starts looking the papers over, "Oh wow, these are very nice… okay… that's too complicated," he flips to the next, "Ohhh, that's one's cool but I don't want to risk a fire…" he flips again, "No... just... no," he flips the next quickly, "Hmm… maybe, but only if it is raining tomorrow…" he flips to the next one, "Hey, why are all these North sides away."
"I calculated the attack will be on the Northside," Oyal explains.
Usopp is more than skeptical, "We should cover both sides just in case. They could be coming from either side of the island."
Oyal will not budge, "They are not. You and Luffy found them at the southern end of the island. Kaya's mansion is near that end and they plan to hypnotize her to get her money and so she would be their first target," they went over the details in her head, even when they know for a fact they are coming from the northern end, they have to give a logical reason, "The chances they are coming from the southern end are 91% accurate. It will only waste time and energy to have the two of you waiting at one end when we could put all our focus on the attack. We should focus are traps on that end."
Usopp taps his foot on the group, "Listen, I get it, but you don't know that for sure, it is just a guess. I refuse to put my faith on a guess," Oyal face remains neutral but their teeth clench.
"Usopp," Luffy put a hand on his shoulder, "If she is wrong I'll take full responsibility and cover this end but trust me if she says they will only attack from the northern end then they will," he gives a reassuring squeeze, "Don't put your faith in a guess but put your faith in us."
Usopp feels uneasy about the whole thing, side-eyeing Oyal themself. They sound confident but so can he and he is the biggest liar he knew.
Oyal bites their lip, refusing to react to his evaluation of them. Why would they? They are right after all.
Luffy gets close to Oyal, "You can't keep relying on that information forever," he whispers for their ears only, "you are going to need to prepare for when things are out of your control."
Oyal stands straighter at that, their lips red from biting so hard. They are right. That was a fact.
But… Luffy is not wrong.
"Talking about a plan is one thing," Usopp picks up one piece of paper from the pack, "But victory depends on our strength. What is it you guys can do?"
"I slice," Zoro crossed his arms.
"I surmise," Oyal put their journal away.
"I stretch," Luffy raises his fist high.
"I steal," Nami put her hands on her hips.
"I hide," Usopp murmurs softly.
Luffy puts him in a headlock.
"YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TOO!" they all scream at him.
Usopp tries to wiggle his way out of the lock, "JOKING! I WAS JOKING!" only to fail miserably.
Luffy laughs, not letting Usopp go just yet. It's always good to have a laugh before a battle. No, before a victory!
With the plan picked, the five start making preparations for the following morning. Usopp walks towards the beach with a stern expression, contemplating what was about to go down. He always lied to the townspeople, claiming that pirates are coming.
He would ensure that it will remain a lie.
OOO
I would like to thank The Patient One, Miep42, and MadGirl for editing!
OOO