A/N: If there's any aspect of the story that I've glossed over then do mention it in a message. It'll more than likely pop up in one of these little interludes.
For being one of the most notorious pirates in the world Shanks did not try to live up to his reputation. In fact, everyone who knew the man wondered why he wasn't better known as an incorrigible boozehound and lover of parties rather than a bloodthirsty Yonkou of the New World.
If he hadn't succumbed to the siren call of the sea he would have built an excellent living organising hellacious parties for the wealthy, at least that's what Yassop swore. Not that Ben, Lucky Roux or any of his other 'loyal' nakama argued this. Shanks did quite like the idea and often cited their drinking sessions with Mihawk as proof of fact that he could have done that….if he wanted to.
Alas, that was not how the masses viewed him.
Propaganda was a strange mistress.
-break-
It wasn't a particularly interesting day, week or month even when it happened. In fact, Shanks would be the first to whine about being bored and worry about the booze supply. (Was there enough to get them into port? Would they run out? Was anyone holding out on that front? Would Ben find a reason to confiscate his?) Shanks slumped against the railing and yawned, scratching his chest. What he wouldn't give for sight of the next island, he was already planning to tap into his secret stash if something didn't happen soon. He grumbled internally and wondered where the newsgull was.
He squinted blearily into the distance. A large bird was winging its way towards the Red Force. It was a delivery alright but…..He took the thick parcel from the bird as it perched on the railing and examined it. Oh, isn't that nice. It even has his name on it. 'Captain Shanks, The Red Force.'
Ben, who had just arrived on deck himself, raised an eyebrow and Shanks opted to simply tear it open and if someone had sent him a bomb well, that's what the doctor was for. Inside there was a letter and another rather thick envelope addressed to Yassop. 'What the Hell?' he wondered. Now this was beyond strange. (Were the Marines attempting to open negotiation or something?) He unfolded the first letter that he assumed was for him and browsed through it before paling.
The letter was from Luffy and his friends. That was good.
Luffy was a Commodore in the Marines. That was good for him but could be troublesome for Shanks.
It was a personal emergency that had necessitated this contact. Shanks understood and decided it would have to be classed as definitely bad.
Yassopp had one son and a wife back in East Blue. That was good if a little lonely being so far from them
Both were dead. One of sickness and the other had been murdered by pirates while in defence of a young girl about a month ago. That was earth shatteringly horrendous.
Shanks glanced at the package in his hand and grimaced.
Gods, what a message to send. The mans' family was gone! And in such a manner. Yassopp was immensely proud of his son and adored his craftswoman wife. Banchina had packed his luggage for him and presented it to him saying that he would only regret it if he didn't go out to sea and use his skills like he had always wanted. The red-haired pirates had only returned to Syrup village twice before leaving the East Blue for the Grand Line. Banchina had waved them off (trying to hide how pale and thin she seemed to have gotten.) jokingly promising to run to the docks whenever pirates appeared. Shanks had liked the woman, who had done her best to take everything in her stride even her pirate sharpshooting husband (and Shanks poaching of the man.)
He looked to his first mate who had taken the letter and was currently gravely re-reading it. Ben read the letter several times before folding it and handing it back to Shanks.
"Don't hide it." He cautioned before pulling out his lighter. "It's not our place for one thing and it'll only make things worse in the long run."
Shanks nodded thoughtfully. He had been thinking the same thing and was glad that Ben was on the same page for this.
"I'll give him this," he brandished the smaller package "and you warn the others."
-break-
Yasopp was one of his oldest friends and he'd personally recruited him when he was first gathering together his crew. It was for his sake that the young man had left his home in Syrup village along with his young wife. To deliver such news was part of the Captains duty but in a way he felt as if he had killed them.
…If only Yasopp had stayed on the island…
The sharpshooter had accepted the package with mild curiosity and opened it to reveal a letter and a book bound in a beautiful leather cover. Shanks felt his heart sink further as he watched his friends face darken further and further until he eventually turned on his heel and stormed off the deck.
-break-
Yasopp locked himself in the store for the rest of the day and ignored any and all entreaties to come out.
He didn't emerge until the evening whereupon entering the galley he shoved the book at Shanks and immediately buried himself in the first of several tankards of rum. His nakama were uncertain as to how exactly they should proceed. Even the 'irrepressible Captain Shanks', as he introduced himself to several tavern maids, was perched on the edge of his seat unsure what exactly would be the best course of action.
Yasopp abruptly flung his tankard across the room letting it splinter against the galley wall. He lurched to his feet and drunkenly clambered onto the table.
"My son is dead!" he exclaimed "But he died a hero protecting someone dear to him. I will now tell the story of the great Captain Usopp, his brave crew and the lovely lady Kaya!"
He launched into the tale with all of his nakama hanging onto his words entranced by adventure. Shanks glanced to Ben who was lighting up a cigarette. His first mate nodded and smiled slightly.
No, Yasopp wasn't alright. He probably wouldn't be again but he was proud of the decisions his boy had made. Heck, he probably would have made the same ones himself. Shanks suspected that his marksman had always harboured a secret desire to see his son go out to sea and become a pirate himself.
He looked at the little book that the blond man had shoved into his hands earlier.
The writing was elegant and distinctly feminine and the inside cover was written in beautiful calligraphy.
The Adventures of the great and brave Captain Usopp.
