I do not own One Piece.
I had taken to watching Master Franky work. No one seemed to have anything for me to do anyway, other than helping Master Sanji at meals. But Master Franky was able to build things and fix the ship. I had always enjoyed coming up with inventions, but never had the skill, or material or time, to build them. So, seeing someone start with a few pieces of scrap and end with some amazing invention intrigued me. I'm pretty sure he knows that I am watching him, but he has never yelled at me for it, so I guess it is okay.
That is where I am currently at. Peeking around the door to his workshop, watching as he created something. "Usopp-bro?" I jump back shocked, looking up wide-eyed to see Master Franky staring at me. I hadn't even realized he had stopped working. Coming to my senses, I bow deeply, closing my eyes tightly.
"I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean to disturb you," I say frantically. He sighs slightly, putting down his tools and walks toward me.
"None of that, bro. No need to call me master or anything. We are all equal on this ship. Just call me Franky…I have noticed you watching me all the time." he comments off handedly. My eyes widen further and I open my mouth to apologize again but am cut off. "I don't mind, but I was wondering if you would like to help me." I look up at him in shock, forgetting to shift my eyes away, he seems sincere enough.
"I would like to….Fr…Franky," I stutter out, not used to calling people by there name, "But…but I have never build anything in my life. I would just mess it up." I whisper, wringing my hands together. He laughs loudly, patting me painfully on the shoulder.
"You'll do fine. I'll teach you," he assures, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and all but dragging me over to his work bench.
We spend the next few hours working on his invention, he says that it will help the engine run more efficiently. I messed up quite a few times at first, but Master Franky never called me out on it or punished me at all. He would just quietly tell me what I needed to do to fix it. I was only after we had finished working and were heading up onto the deck to eat supper that I realized, I hadn't helped Master Sanji. It had completely slipped my mind. Feeling suddenly nervous, I clench my fists, hoping to hide my distress from Master Franky. Swallowing nervously, I walk through the open door of the galley and take my usual seat, not really expecting any food, I didn't help with it after all, but knowing that I at least needed to show up.
I look up in shock when a plate of food is sat in front of me, it even had the same amount of food as everyone else's, except Luffy's of course. Sanji had told me when I was helping him one day that the only reason he had been giving me less food was because my stomach wouldn't have been able to handle much food, considering I hadn't eaten much with Master. I look at Sanji in confusion, not sure if I was allowed to eat this food, or if it was some type of trick. Seeing him smile and nod his head, I pick up my fork and slowly began eating.
After dinner, I stayed behind, wanting to help Master Sanji wash the dishes. Standing up, I walk over to the sink. "I'm…I'm sorry I didn't help you with dinner," I whisper softly, afraid to look at him.
"Don't worry about it. Like I said, you are not a slave, no one on this ship is your master and you are not expected to do anything," he assures, beginning to wash the dishes. I nod my head with a small smile and begin rinsing and drying the dishes. "So, what did you do today?" he asks, smiling at me around his cigarette.
"I…I helped Master Franky build something." I reply softly, involuntarily smiling slightly.
"Do you enjoy building things, Usopp?" he asks conversationally. Pausing for a second, I contemplate the question. Master had never allowed me to do anything I had enjoyed…but…but he said that he isn't my master, maybe he won't force me to stop.
"I did enjoy it, I wasn't very good at it though. I messed up a lot." I reply honestly.
"That's good. I'm glad you found something you enjoy." he replies. My eyes suddenly widen, realizing what I was saying.
"It…it's not like I don't enjoy cooking with you or anything," I reply hastily, hoping I didn't offend him. He lets out a short laugh before turning to face me.
"I didn't think that, Usopp. Don't worry. So…what else do you enjoy doing?"
"Oh…um…well Master never really let me do anything but work….but…but before I was taken, I enjoyed sharp shooting and drawing." I reply hesitantly, staring down at my now idle hands.
"Oh…you know how to shoot?" he asks, looking slightly excited.
"I…I haven't shot in many years, but…but I used to be pretty good. My dad taught me, he is the best sharp shooter in the world, but all I have ever shot was a slingshot. I used to make all kinds of bullets for it. Bullets for pretty much any situation," I rambled excitedly, not being able to help myself. Realizing that I was rambling, I apologize softly, shutting my mouth sharply.
"Don't apologize. Maybe at the next island we can pick you up a slingshot and materials to make your ammo, unless you would prefer a gun…and we can pick you up some art supplies," he suggests, smiling brightly at me. I look at him in shock, not believing my ears.
"You…you would really do that for me?" I ask, not knowing what to believe.
"Of course, we want you to be happy…and if you are any good, you can help us fight." I smile brightly at him, feeling happier than I had in a long time.