I do not own One Piece.
I slowly open my eyes, looking up to see the bottom of the bed above mine. I snuggle a little deeper into the soft sheets, still not believing that the masters would allow me to sleep on something so comfortable. Sighing softy, I quietly get out of the bed, slip my shoes on and head out on deck. I needed to find some work to do. They may have allowed me to rest yesterday, but I was injured, I doubt I will get the same leniency today. Looking around I try to find something…anything to do. Usually at this time of day I would be making breakfast, but Master Sanji had made it perfectly clear that no one is allowed to touch anything in his kitchen without his say so, and that he is the chef and cooks all of the meals.
Sighing loudly, I decide that I could probably just clean the deck, and any room they aren't currently using. Walking through the various rooms, I am unable to find cleaning supplies anywhere. The only places that I have yet to check were the galley and the bunk rooms. Wringing my hands nervously, I make my way to the galley, where I can hear Sanji humming lightly and moving around. Hesitantly raising my arms, I quietly knock on the door. The door opens a few seconds later. "You know, you don't have to knock. You can just come in," he says, turning around and walking back to the counter where he was in the process of preparing breakfast.
"Oh…I'm…I'm sorry, sir." I stutter out, stepping quickly in and closing the door behind me. I stand there for a few minutes, fidgeting.
"Was there something you needed?" he asks, turning back to face me. I startle back a bit and begin looking around nervously.
"Oh…uh…yes sir. I was going to clean up while everyone was still asleep, but…but I couldn't find the cleaning supplies, so I figured they might be in here." I stutter out, feeling more and more nervous as the seconds pass.
"It is. It's in the closet over there. But you know, you don't have to clean by yourself. We take a day and everyone cleans, except for the lovely ladies of course." he tells me leaning against the counter, slowly smoking his cigarette. I look down at the floor, my eye wide. They don't want me cleaning? I don't understand, if I am not supposed to cook or clean, then why am I here? It couldn't be…no, they have showed any sign, no reason to worry about it now. I look up, dutifully keeping my eyes averted.
"What…what should I do then, Master?" I ask confused. I squeeze my eyes shut and tense up when I see him grimace in disgust. I knew I shouldn't have asked. Master never liked it when I asked questions. Bowing deeply, I patiently wait for my punishment. I hear him walk closer, tensing slightly more with each step. My body begins to shake from the strain as he comes to a stop in front of me. I hear him sigh slightly, before he grabs me under the chin and forces me to face him. I open my mouth to apologize, which would hopefully lessen the punishment.
"Usopp," he cuts me off, I slam my mouth shut, causing my teeth to hit painfully together, and wait for him to say what he wants to say. "Don't do that. I am not your master. No one on this ship is your master. We didn't take you from that bastard just to treat you the same. You belong to no one. You're free, Usopp." he says firmly, staring hard into my eyes. I nod my head, not really believing anything he said, but knowing that it is better for my wellbeing to agree with him. "Good. Now why don't you go sit down, or if you really want something to do, you can help me with breakfast," he suggests with a smile. I straighten up, nodding my head, feeling more secure now that I have something to do.
Breakfast turned out pretty good, and was just as chaotic as dinner was the night before. Afterwards, I help Sanji clean up the galley and watch the dishes before going out on deck. I stay a distance away from everyone, but still close enough to hear them in they call for me. But throughout the entire day, no one demanded I do anything. Master Luffy and Master Chopper occasionally talked to me, and Sanji allowed me to help out in the galley for lunch and dinner, which I got some of both. It had only been a day since we left the island, but I was starting to like having these people as my masters. They all seemed really nice, but I knew that could change at anytime now.