Disclaimer... I don't own One Piece.
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"Thoughts"
"Dialogue"
"So, who is our next Nakama?" Zoro asked while cleaning Wado Ichimonji.
"His name is Usopp, the son of Yasopp, The Legendary Marksman of the Red-Haired Pirates," Luffy replied, laying on the deck with his straw hat covering his face.
"How is he alive? His father must have a massive bounty, and to be apart of a Yonko's crew..." Nami questioned before sitting down in front of the cabin.
"I doubt anyone other than us, the Red Hair Pirates, or the island's inhabitants even know about him or his family. So I'm sure he's had a pretty quiet life." Luffy said through his straw hat.
"What makes you think he'll join us?" Zoro wondered, never taking his eyes off his Katana.
"As Nami said yesterday, the island is small and only has a single village. I bet he is itching to leave, and see what the world has to offer." Luffy assumed. He then lifted the straw hat off his face before asking, "Zoro, you said Buggy had the second highest bounty in the East Blue... who has the largest?"
"If nothing has changed lately, then it's Arlong of the Arlong Pirates. With a 30 million berri bounty, he's arguably the strongest person in this Blue. Not to mention he's a Fishman... I heard he's strong even for a Fishman. Apparently, he's been operating out of the Conomi Islands for years." Zoro informed him, still completely engrossed with his katanas. Becuase of that, only Luffy noticed Nami flinch at the name and judging by the fish tattoo she hides, she has a history with him. With Observation, Luffy could feel her entire aura shift, from peace and contentment to hatred and disgust. He could only imagine what she's gone through, or what trauma she experiences every day because of him.
"I see..." Luffy responded, trying to think of a good reason to sail to the Conomi Islands.
After a few minutes, Zoro finished meticulously cleaning and maintaining each of his katana and asked, "Luffy, how do you vanish and leave an afterimage?"
"Oh, that? It's called Shave, one of the six Rokushiki techniques that makes someone 'superhuman'. It allows someone to move at incredibly high speeds, and to even attack with greater power because of it. To use this technique, someone must kick off the ground more than ten times in a blink. However, for most people I doubt mastering the technique is possible." Luffy informed them while getting up to stretch.
"Why is that?" Nami asked as her aura shifted to curiosity because of these "superhuman" techniques.
"Tunnel Vision. Most people just can't adjust to the speed and lose focus on where they are going completely." Luffy stated while popping his back.
"And what about the other five techniques? Do you use them too?" Zoro asked also intrigued.
"No, I only mastered three of the six. I didn't think the others were very beneficial."
"So, what are the other two you can use?" Nami questioned.
"I can use Moon Step, which is essentially jumping on air and Paper Drawing. Which is the art of making your body so limp, that you are basically paper in the wind. Although the last one is strange because it also requires having complete control of your body and its functions."
"Pfff, no way you can jump on air, that's physically impossible." Nami declared, shaking her head with a smirk on her face.
Zoro looked at her with a raised eyebrow, while Luffy just chuckled a bit. He then stood up on the railing and with a leaped out of the dingy. At the apex of his leap, Luffy thrust his foot down like he was taking another step, and he suddenly levitated higher while making a slight depression in the water. He then turned while continuing the technique and looked at Nami, only to see an astonished look on her face. "This is called MoonWalking, and it can also be combined with Shave," Luffy said before stepping back onto the dingy. "Although, it makes me really hungry. Shishishishi."
"Let me guess, next you are going to tell me you have a devil fruit or you can breathe while underwater." Nami replied sarcastically.
Zoro looked at Luffy for a moment before snickering at this comment, Luffy walked to the bow while looking at the tiny Island in the distance. He then asked, "Nami, is that Gecko Island is?"
"Yep, that's Gecko Island. I just hope this guy will join." She then said under her breath, "I don't want this to be for nothing."
"Ahh, It's a beautiful day. There is no better way to start the day, than by looking out onto the sea." Usopp declared before looking towards his mother's grave, then turning around and running back to Syrup Village, screaming about an incoming pirate attack.
"Well, Usopps up and about. That means it's time to get to work." Old man Mornin the mayor of Syrup Village spoke while finishing his breakfast and reading the paper.
"There he goes again, one of these days the townspeople will kill that boy. Mark my words-" The older man said to his wife.
"Stop it, you know about his mother and father. So be nicer to the boy, he has a hard enough life as is." She stated after smacking her husband on the back of the head.
"He doesn't make it easier for himself, he does this every single day." The older man replied while rubbing the back of his head and drinking the rest of his coffee.
Usopp ran through the entire village before turning around and screaming with a grin on his face, "JUUUSSST KIDDING, MWAHAHAHA!" This only angered the villagers causing some to throw things at him. Usopp started to run into the woods on the Northern part of the island avoiding pots and pans along the way. When he got far enough into the woods, Usopp climbed the highest tree he could find. It had an amazing view of the East Blue, but to his surprise, a ship was almost to the island and it had black sails and a jolly roger with a big red nose. Climbing down the tree, Usopp ran as fast as he could back to the village. He had heard of the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", and he understood how the villagers viewed him. So, instead of saying anything to them, Usopp went off to find his crew.
"Ninjin, Pilman, Tamanegi where are you guys!? We have to get to the North coast fast!" Usopp yelled running as fast as he could.
The three came out of the sliding out of Meshi and with salutes and smiles, they all asked, "What's wrong Captain?"
"We have to go to the go to the North coast as fast as we can," Usopp said, before taking off towards the North.
The three children struggled to keep up with Usopp, but as they neared the coast, Pilman screamed, "Captain! What's wrong?! Why are we running to the coast?!"
"Buggy the Clown's pirate ship is coming! We have to keep Kaya and the village safe!" Usopp yelled without looking back.
As the three neared Gecko Island, Luffy already noticed the four auras hiding in the woods of the northern coast. When Luffy, Zoro, and Nami landed on the Island, Luffy and Nami jumped from the small boat while Zoro begrudgingly pulled it ashore.
"Syrup Village is south of here, hopefully, this 'Usopp' is there." Nami said, looking at a map of the surrounding area.
"I don't think Yasopp would lie about his son. He may have told some tall tales when he was on Dawn Island, but I believe him. Shanks knows when he's lying and he believed him, so why shouldn't we." Luffy responded to Nami while watching the woods on the cliff.
Then some kid jumped out of the treeline while holding a slingshot like he was about to attack and yelled, "How do you know my dad's name!" With a closer look, the kid with a long nose and an afro. He was also wearing coveralls and a brown bandana.
Luffy smiled and answered, "You must be Usopp. I met Yasopp more than a decade ago on Dawn Island, and he just wouldn't stop talking about you. He also said you take after him in more ways than one. So, I just had to come to meet the son of a Legendary Marksman."
"Then you are not part of the Buggy Pirates?" Usopp asked, still aiming his slingshot at Luffy.
"Shishishishi, no we are not part of the Buggy Pirates. My name is Monkey D. Luffy, this is Nami, and that is Roronoa Zoro, We're the Straw Hat Pirates. Do you know where we can get some meat? We have money and I'm starving!" Luffy asked with a smile.
"Alright, but if you start any trouble, I'll drive you off this island!" Usopp declared, pulling the rubber band on his slingshot further back to emphasize his point.
Luffy held his hands up in mock surrender, "Don't worry we won't start anything. So, is there a restaurant or something nearby? I can also tell you stories of Yasopp while he was on Dawn Island."
"Alright, just follow the path and I'll meet you at the top of the hill." Usopp stated before disappearing back into the brush.
Nami then looked at Luffy and said, "That was easier than expected." While walking towards the path.
Luffy and Zoro walked together up the path, but before they reached the trees, Luffy said under his breath, "We should be careful on this island, I can sense a malicious aura inland. Keep an eye out, but I'll tell you when we see him."
"Are you sure? This island seems peaceful." Zoro asked, stopping dead in his tracks and looking Luffy in the eyes.
"I am, the aura is malicious but controlled. It's also the biggest aura besides us two, So just look for ill intent." Luffy spoke with a serious look.
"Ok, do you think I could beat him? " Zoro asked with a grin as they continued up the path.
"Of course, Zoro. I have the utmost confidence in your skills and abilities. I sincerely doubt there is anyone in this Blue could beat you in a straight fight."
"Then why are you worried?"
"I'm not worried about us, Zoro, I'm worried about the people of this island." Luffy replied, only to see Nami waiting beside Usopp and three other kids.
Luffy then looked at Usopp and asked, "Alright, where are we going?" Only for his stomach growl.
"Uh, we are heading back to town. There is a restaurant called Mushi we can eat at." With that Usopp led on, heading south towards the Village. As Usopp walked next to Luffy, he asked, "So you really knew my father?"
"Yasopp? Yeah, I know him, he's the best marksman I've ever seen. I never saw him miss a shot. He loved to tell tall tales, which I thought were lies, but he talked more about you and your mother than himself." Luffy answered while reminiscing about a time long past.
"I didn't know him very well, he left to become a pirate when I was young. So, I don't remember much about him." Usopp stated, looking dejected.
After 20 minutes or so of walking the three kids left, and the four of them arrived at Mushi, all the while receiving stares or glares from the passing villagers. When they sat down at a booth, Luffy asked, "Usopp, what is your dream?"
"My dream? Why do you ask?" Usopp inquired, looking a tad confused.
"Well, my entire crew are crazy dreamers. I'm the craziest of them all, after all I want to find the One Piece, and we need a marksman. So, would you like to join us?"
"A marksman you say... Well, my dream is to become The Greatest Marksman in the World! I can guarantee you, there isn't a better one in the East Blue. But I'll only do it if I get the Captain position." Usopp responded with a grin on his face and puffing out his chest.
Zoro, not looking amused at all declared, "We are the Straw Hat Pirates. There is only one person fit for the job, and he is sitting right in front of me." He then pointed his finger at Luffy who was devouring some meat, before chugging some sake.
Usopp started to back peddle, "Fine, fine, fine, I'm alright with not being the captain, but I will be the first mate!"
Luffy then cleared his throat and declared, "Zoro was the first person in my crew, so that spot is taken. How about this, you can be our weapons expert and our prodigious marksman."
Nami then added, "Luffy, I think you've forgotten something."
Luffy tilted his head a bit in confusion, then Nami continued, "About how we will get to the Grand Line. We can't take that dingy, it will get torn apart."
"I think I can help with that," Usopp interjected. "There is a mansion on this island, and the girl who owns it has a ship. She's the richest person on the entire island, sadly she is sickly and bedridden right now, but you are in luck because I'm her only friend!" Usopp announced, sticking his thumb in his chest.
"Why does a girl like that own a mansion?" Nami inquired.
"Both of her parents died last year because of a strange illness. It was very sudden, but she was left everything, the mansion, the fortune, the servants. It's a tragic story If I've ever heard one." Usopp replied leaning back in his chair.
Luffy looked over to Zoro, who was already staring at him and with a slight nod, Luffy said, "Well, let's go meet her, I'm sure she will help us."
Luffy hung back, while Usopp lead them up the road towards the massive white house, Zoro then looked at Luffy and inquired in a hushed tone, "So, what do you think about that 'illness'? It seems suspicious to me."
"I agree. If I had to guess the one who did it is someone who prepares food or is around them at all times." Luffy said, looking ahead towards the mansion.
"Are we getting closer to that aura you were talking about?" Zoro asked.
Luffy nodded then said, "We are... But the aura is moving throughout the mansion, so I assume it is a butler or maid. I'll let you know when we met the person." Although, he said it loud enough to garner some attention.
Nami then slowed down and asked, "What are you two talking about, we are almost at the mansion you know."
"Nami, what do you think about the 'illness', that has affected this family?" Luffy inquired.
"I think it's tragic and strange, but possible. Why do you ask?"
"I'll answer your question with another." Luffy turning grim, and he then looked at Usopp's back and asked, "Hey Usopp, how old were the parents when they died?"
"They seemed to be in their late thirties or early forties. Why do you ask?"
"I was just curious, they seemed very young to die of illness," Luffy replied before turning back to Nami.
"They were, that's why it was so tragic. When you meet her, please don't bring it up, it will make her depressed." Usopp stated before continuing on the path.
Nami gave Luffy a calculating glance before muttering, "Alright, I think I get what you are saying but why are you so on edge?"
Luffy then lowered his voice, "Think about it like this Nami, not only did this girl's parents both of whom were adults, die of the same 'illness' at the same time but now, a year later, their child is dying of an 'illness'. Not only that but no other person has contracted this 'illness' on the island, other than members of the most wealthy family."
"You make it sound like someone is killing off the family," Nami spoke in a hushed tone.
Zoro stated, "That's exactly what he's saying."
"But-" Nami started, before being cut off by Luffy. "We will continue this later. Right now, we need to see if this girl is truly sick."
The four walked for another five minutes before coming upon a large black gate. Usopp then led them to the side of the estate and climbed the wall before looking back to Luffy and saying, "Stay here for a few minutes, I'll talk to her and cheer her up a little." Usopp then jumped down from the wall and walked to a window on the first floor and knocked.
"Luffy...what other proof do you have that someone is trying to kill the family?" Nami asked a little hesitantly.
"I should have told you this on the way here, along with the techniques I showed both of you. I have the ability to sense auras, feelings, strength, and intentions. This ability is called, Observation Haki. This is important because the largest aura on the island is in that mansion. Not only is it the most powerful aura besides Zoro and me, but it's extremely malicious. So much so that it is like a beacon." Luffy answered while looking at the top floors of the mansion.
"Did Zoro know this? Is there anything else that I should know?" Nami demanded with her hands on her hips.
"Yes, Zoro knew about it. I will tell you everything later when we have more time, for now though, we should secure our ship for the Grand Line." Luffy declared before turning away from Nami.
"So, we are just going to leave this girl to die! I thought you were a better person than that!" Nami replied raising her voice.
"Shhhh, Nami calm down. Besides what do you expect me to do? Run in there and beat the shit out of the person who is doing this? Nami, if I do that, it will only be seen as a pirate hurting an innocent, and we will lose a chance to get to the Grand Line."
"I expect you to do something! I won't follow a man who doesn't help those who need it. If it means we get our ship in exchange for her life, we'll find a ship somewhere else!"
"Alright, alright, we will help the girl. I will try and force the person's hand... But-"
"Hey, guys! She wants to meet you! Come on over." Usopp yelled over the wall.
Nami gave Luffy a glare then hopped up and over the wall. Luffy then said under his breath, "Shit...This is going to be tricky."
Zoro then simply replied before jumping over the wall," We can just kill him after we get our ship."
Luffy then jumped over the wall and was greeted by a pale blonde girl leaning halfway out a window.
She then started, "My name is Kaya, I hear you are friends of Usopp. He also told me you have a request."
Luffy then explained, "We do Kaya, My name is Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. We need a ship to get us to the Grand Line...If you can help us, it will not only benefit my crew but Usopp as well."
She then looked at Usopp and asked, "How will this help you?"
Usopp responded with a smile, "I am going with them, Kaya. I'm going to the Grand Line to accomplish my dream of being The Greatest Marksman in the World!" He finished with his fist in the air, then continued with less enthusiasm, "There is also a chance I can meet my father again..."
Kaya then announced, "Alright, I will have a ship prepared for you all." She then turned to Usopp, "And when you return Usopp, I WILL hear all of your stories about the infamous Grand Line." Kaya declared with a big grin.
"Kaya... I have another question." Luffy said regaining her attention.
"What is it, Luffy?" Kaya asked tilting her head.
"When was the last time you left this mansion?" He inquired motioning to the building.
"Its been about five months since I last left... My Caretaker, Klahadore says it unhealthy for me to leave." Kaya said as her mood immediately changed.
"Would you like to go to town with us? I'm sure the people there would love-" Luffy said before being cut off by a man with glasses.
"What are you doing here? You can't just barge in, this is private property!" The man spoke with an edge while walking up to the group.
"Calm down Klahadore, its alright they only wanted-" Kaya started before being cut off by the man.
"I don't care what they wanted, I will hear of it afterward. Now all of you leave the property or I will force you out." The man said pushing his glasses up in a very strange way.
Luffy the said, "Zoro..."
"I got it," the swordsman said before putting his hand on Wado Ichimonji.
Luffy then looked to Kaya, who looked unhappy and asked, "Kaya, you pay this man, correct?"
Her expression changed to confusion and replied, "Yes, I pay his wage. Why do you ask?"
"Then he has no right to order you around, let's go into town. I'm sure there are people you would like to see."
"I'd love-" Kaya started before being cut off by the butler.
"NO! Mistress Kaya you can't, you are still very sick. You must stay inside." Klahadore told her, now sounding desperate.
"You look fine to me Kaya, and besides..." Luffy started sending an intense glare towards Klahadore before looking back towards Kaya, "It is unhealthy to stay inside for even a month, let alone five. Everyone needs the sun, Kaya, it is healthy to be outside as well."
Klahadore then stepped in between Kaya and Luffy and nearly screamed, "NO! SHE IS STILL SICK." Before calming down and continuing, " Just look at her, she is so pale and frail. She. Needs. To. Stay. Inside." Kalahadore said emphasizing every word while trying to intimidate Luffy.
"Shishishi, I can tell you are not a doctor." Luffy laughed at him while giving him a small dose of Conqueror's Haki, causing him to step back in fear while sweating bullets. Luffy then declared, "She is that pale because she never leaves the house and her frailty can also be attributed to that." Luffy then pushed past Klahadore and asked, "So, Kaya would you like to go into town with us?"
"I'd love to Luffy," Kaya said putting on her shoes before slipping out the window. She then grabbed Usopp's arm, before looking at the butler and ordering, "Klahadore, tell Merry to get the Going Merry ready immediately." And began walking towards the gate being led by Usopp.
Kalahadore then moved so fast that only Luffy could see him, he grabbed Kaya by the arm and said, "Mistress, I insist that you return to the house immediately."
Luffy then walked up to the man and grabbed his shoulder, giving him a bone-crushing squeeze, and said in his ear, "I recommend you let go of her, or you lose the arm." As Klahadore let go, Luffy said to Usopp and Nami, "Go on ahead, Zoro and I need to get something from the dingy. We'll meet you at Meshi in an hour or so."
Nami picked up on what was happening and herded the two out off the property while giving Klahadore an icy glare. Nami then asked with a sweet smile, "So, Kaya where do you want to go? Today's all about you."
Kaya thought for a moment before saying, "I'd like to go see Usopp's mothers grave... It is on the Southern Coast of the island, then I'd like to see Old man Mornin again. He is always so nice and I haven't seen him in so long."
Usopp was stunned by her request for a moment before giving her a warm smile and saying, "Let's go to the coast first, then we can go see the Mayor."
Luffy threw Klahadore into the side of the mansion, while he was holding his fractured shoulder and said, "So, you are the one who killed Kaya's parents."
"What are you talking about?! I treated them the best I could!" Klahadore answered, trying to sound innocent.
"You must think I'm stupid, not only did you use Shave just now, which no normal person can use, but you have hardly covered your tracks at all when killing this family," Luffy said trying to keep a level voice. He then grabbed the man by the arm and dragged him to the front door before throwing him up the steps into the door. "Go get your weapons, we will be out back and If you try to leave in any way, I will kill you myself. No matter who sees." Luffy ordered while lacing the last part with Conqueror's Haki.
As they were walking to the back of the property Zoro questioned, "So, do you think he will run?"
"If he is smart he won't. I'm going to let him fight you, which gives him a slight chance of survival."
"And If he attacks you?"
"If he does that, then I will finish this quickly. I'm not in a great mood at the moment so he will be an excellent disposable punching bag." Luffy declared giving Zoro a toothy grin.
Not even five minutes later, the back door of the mansion opened and Klahadore appeared before both of them. He had taken off his blazer and put on strange gloves with blades on each finger. "I actually expected my plan to work flawlessly, but it seems I've lost my touch. I will start with the one who broke my shoulder," He said pointing a hand at Luffy, "Then I will take care of you, Roronoa Zoro."
"I have one question before we start, what is your real name?" Luffy asked.
"I guess you would like to know who is about to kill you, child. My name is Kuro of a hundred plans, Captain of the Black Cat Pirates."
"Ohh, you are Kuro? The pirate with a 16 million Berri bounty? I thought you were caught by the Marines three years ago." Zoro responded with a grin and crossing his arms.
"As if I could ever be caught. I am the smartest man in this backwater sea, and if it wasn't for you two, my three-year plan would be nearly complete!" He then pushed up his glasses with his palm. "But enough talk, I need to think of a good excuse for your disappearance," Kuro said before staggering back and forth, with his head and arms hanging.
Luffy looked away for a second, noticing a ship of pirates coming to the Northern Coast. He pulled out his pipe and vanished, barely kicking up some dirt and dust where he stood. He then appeared behind Kuro and hit the side of his knee with the pipe, hearing some loud *cracks* and *pops* as it happened. Kuro's knee was jutting out at a disturbing angle, causing him to fall to the ground and when he saw it started to wail and scream. Kuro then gripped his knee, only to cut himself with his blades, and make his screams louder.
Luffy then told his swordsman, "Zoro, I'm taking him to the Northern Coast. Head there too, it seems some pirates are about to arrive." He then grabbed Kuro by the shirt and used shave to get to the Northern Coast.
Arriving 10 seconds later at the top of the cliff, Luffy spoke to the crying Kuro, "I assume your crew is on the way?"
Kuro looked at him with his bloodshot eyes full of fear, barely able to mumble the word, "...How..."
"When I throw you, be sure to fight the sleepy feeling you will get. Because you will probably to go into shock soon, and if you die, you'll become worthless to me." Luffy then threw Kuro down onto the beach, causing him to cry out in pain and sat on a boulder waiting for Zoro and the pirates.
Five minutes later, Zoro came sprinting through the forest. Following which direction Luffy went in, he finally found him sitting on a boulder looking over the Coast. "So, are the pirates here yet?" Zoro asked, moving closer to the edge of the cliff, only to see a motionless Kuro.
"They will be soon." Luffy answered while watching the side of the coast.
Zoro looked down on Kuro again, and questioned, "Did you kill him?"
"No, he just passed out due to shock and a decrease of blood pressure. But if his crew takes too long, he will succumb to the wounds. A shame really, he must have been extremely out of shape to almost die because of a single hit."
"How strong is the crew?"
"There are only 15 members, but only 4 of them could be considered a threat. You want to handle them?"
"Of course. I was itching to fight that bastard, but his crew will have to do." Zoro told Luffy, before spitting in Kuro's direction.
"Then I'll watch from here. Just remember to be careful, not every battle is a sure victory." Luffy responded to Zoro as he walked to the path leading down to the beach.
"I know, I know, I won't take chances. Besides if we play with them for too long, we'll be late." Zoro replied, looking back to Luffy while putting on his bandana.
"Nami, what were Luffy and Zoro getting from your boat?" Kaya asked as they walked back from the Southern Coast of the island.
"They were getting our money." She quickly replied, having already thought of the excuse.
"I see..."Kaya spoke before looking into the cloudless sky and remarking, "Oh, it is such a gorgeous day, I wish I could be outside more."
"Why don't you? You seem healthy to me, and besides, you made everyone happy when we entered town earlier." Nami said with a smile.
"But Klahadore says I'm sick and he has been such a good caretaker for me," Kaya responded while looking slightly sad.
Nami then asked, "Kaya, is Klahadore a doctor?"
Kaya shook her head, "No, he is not."
"Then you have nothing to worry about. What does he know about a woman's needs." Nami stated giving Kaya a grin.
"Your right Nami, he is a man after all." She then turned to Usopp, "Are you excited to leave the island and see the world?"
"I am... I'm excited to see what the Grand Line has to offer. I've always heard it exceeds the imagination."
"I'm sure you will experience things that seem impossible, but also incredible. I envy you for having the strength to follow your dream, no matter how difficult the road might be. I know that you will have accomplished your dream during your time away, but know I'll have done the same. When you return I will be the best doctor this blue has to offer." Just as Kaya finished her speech, Mayor Mornin walked into the group with open arms.
Kaya accepted the hug, and Mornin asked, "Kaya, it's great to see you! Are you feeling well?"
"I feel much better, it's great to get out of that stuffy old house and walk around the island again," Kaya responded with a beaming smile on her face.
"Well, I hope to see you more, everyone seems much happier when you're around." Mornin said before looking toward Usopp. "Ah, Usopp I have been looking for you. Some of the villagers said that some pirates showed up earlier today and you were with them. Can you explain what's going on?"
Usopp started to laugh timidly before explaining, "I am going to join them, the Captain knows my father personally and wants me to be their marksman. He also said, he would help me achieve my dream, so I accepted their offer."
"Are you going to be staying in the East Blue?" Mornin asked with interest.
"No, we will be going to the Grand Line. My captain's dream is to find the One Piece after all, so we will be leaving after we get our ship."
Mornin looked at Usopp with surprise before ordering him, "Follow me Usopp, there is something I need to give you."
Nami then declared, "This seems private, so I'm going back to Meshi, just head back when you're done."
Kaya gave Nami a wave as the Mayor led the two back to his home and into his dining room. He removed an ornate wooden box from beside his fireplace and stated, "This was given to me by your mother before her health declined. She told me if you ever followed in your father's footsteps, to give you this and to tell you, 'Those have been passed down for generations on your father's side, and he always wanted you to have them.' I have never opened the box because it wasn't my business, but I bet it will help you on your journey."
When Usopp opened the box, he found two customized .44 Caliber flintlock revolvers. "They're... They're incredible." Usopp declared, completely in awe before grabbing one of the revolvers and noticing it fit his hand perfectly. Usopp then looked to Mornin, who had tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.
"I remember when your father used those, he stopped after you were born... I just wish your mother was here to see this." Mornin said, before wiping the tears.
"Thank you, I-I don't know how to repay you..."
"Just make your dream come true, and come back one day. That will be more than enough." He declared with a gentle smile.
When Nami entered Meshi, Luffy and Zoro were already there eating and drinking. Taking the booth opposite of them she asked, "So, what happened to Klahadore?"
Luffy then explained all too casually, "His real name was Kuro and he was a pirate captain from a few years back, I unintentionally killed him and Zoro killed most of his crew."
"Where are Usopp and Kaya? I thought they were with you." Zoro inquired before taking a pull of sake.
"Usopp is talking to the mayor about something, and Kaya went with them. I'm sure they will be here soon."
"Great. I can't wait to hear about our new ship, The Going Merry was the name, right?" Zoro asked Nami.
"Yep, The Going Merry. I actually like the name, I wonder what type of ship it is." Luffy wondered.
A few minutes later, Usopp and Kaya came into Meshi, and Usopp was holding a wooden box.
Luffy, being the most curious of the three asked, "What's in the box, Usopp?"
"My father left me these years ago, for the slim chance I follow in his footsteps," Usopp said putting the box on the table and opening it.
When Luffy looked inside, he found two antique, enhanced revolvers, with what looked to be sea washed oak driftwood for the grips. Both revolvers were resting on at least 50 bullets, that were neatly stacked. Kaya then stated, "They are beautiful, aren't they? It's like they were made for him."
Zoro then asked, "What about your slingshot?"
Usopp closed the box and simply responded with a small smile, "I left it with the Mayor. So, I will be using these on our journey."
"I'm sure you are excited to use them." Luffy then looked to Kaya, who was sitting next to Nami, "So, can you tell us more about the Going Merry, we're all excited to see it." He said motioning to Zoro and Nami.
"I can, The Going Merry is a Caravel Class Vessel. It was designed by my Head Butler, Merry, and its figurehead is of a lamb. The vessel has a central steering rudder and a jib. It also has 4 cannons, one on the Bow, Stern, Port, and Starboard sides of the Ship. There is a Kitchen, a bathroom, men's and women's quarters, as well as a storage and cannon's deck. Oh, and I almost forgot, on the cannon deck, there is the anchor room."
"It sounds perfect!" Luffy told Kaya with a massive smile, slamming his hands on the table.
Nami then stated, "I've heard of the Caravel Class, the ships are supposed to be extremely maneuverable, correct?"
"Yes, it is. I think it'll be perfect for whatever the Grand Line can throw at you."
"When can we see it?" Zoro asked Kaya.
"Most likely tomorrow. I want to have it stocked with ammunition, food, and medical supplies among other things."
Luffy had a look of realization the told the group, "That reminds me, we need to find a Cook. Sooner rather than later."
Zoro chimed in, "I agree, I doubt any of us can prepare food well."
"I have an idea," Kaya announced, gaining the attention of everyone at the table. "There is a restaurant on the Sea, called Baratie. I also heard the Chefs there are all capable fighters, so maybe you can look for someone there."
"Do you know where it is?" Nami inquired.
"No, the restaurant is a ship. So, it is moved regularly."
Nami put her head down on the table, looking depressed. "How are we supposed to find it then? It could be anywhere."
Luffy looked at her with a bright smile and told her, "Don't worry Nami, I'm sure we will find it one way, or another."
Kaya then got up and announced, "Thank you all for convincing me to come out today. I feel incredible. I'm going back home to see if the preparations are coming along well, and tomorrow I will meet all of you on the southern coast of the island." With a final smile towards Usopp, she left Meshi.
Reviews on how to improve are always welcome, so don't be shy. Thanks for all the support on this story, it's my first and i didn't expect too much out of it.