As expected, the pseudo-apocalypse courtesy of Sakazuki had not been an event that the residents of the island had been anticipating.
The aftermath of the battle left the villagers of Syrup in a state of shock and panic. The ground still trembled from the powerful earthquake, and the distant pillar of flames on the horizon served as a constant reminder of the destructive forces that had been unleashed.
As Sakazuki and Usopp made their way back into the village, they were greeted by a scene of chaos and concern.
They found the villagers of the tiny town, huddled together, wearing expressions of fear and worry. The same people who had dismissed Usopp's tales that morning had nearly broken the boy's neck from how fast they've turned him round, scanning for injuries, their concern evident in their voices and gestures.
It was a mix of relief and embarrassment for Usopp to be the center of their attention, realizing that even after doubting him, they still cared for his well-being. The blush on his face made it clear to Sakazuki that he had never really faced such honest care for his well-being.
Apparently, Usopp had been one of the only two people missing from the gathering, the other one being Khaledore. His enthusiasm dampened at the mention of the now-dead pirate. Clearly, Sakazuki noticed his reluctance, so he took the lead, leaving Usopp to scurry to Kaya, where she stood a safe distance away surrounded by Usopp's three... friends? followers? Sakazuki didn't know and really didn't care.
Sakazuki stepped forward, a pillar of strength and reassurance amidst the turmoil. His commanding presence calmed the villagers, and his introduction as Admiral Sakazuki carried weight and authority. He explained the true nature of Captain Kuro, the man they had admired and respected, but who harbored malicious intentions towards them all.
The reactions to the news about Kuro were indeed complicated. It was not easy for the villagers to reconcile their memories of a lovable figure with the truth of his sinister plans. Shock, disbelief, and anger rippled through the crowd as the realization sank in. The trust they had placed in Kuro had been shattered, replaced by a sense of betrayal and vulnerability.
Sakazuki's words resonated with resolve as he addressed the villagers. "Fear not, for the Marines are here to protect you. We will ensure that justice is served and that you can rebuild your lives in peace. The threat of Captain Kuro is no more."
His declaration was met with a mixture of relief and gratitude. The villagers, though shaken, found solace in the knowledge that they were not alone in their struggle. The presence of a powerful Marine instilled a renewed sense of security and hope.
Naturally, it became a party.
Somewhere along the night, Sakazuki had lost sight of Usopp, after getting too caught up in dealing with Syrup's elders and Chief. Sakazuki was content to adjourn his conversation with the boy to the next day.
And then the day after, when a feast was prepared in his honor. It seemed excessive when they've literally just finished partying. When he asked, they told him that it didn't count because they weren't ready and that they were rushed the night before.
It was clear they just wanted to impress an Admiral.
Not wanting to brush off the villagers who had gathered around him offering their gratitude, gifts, and, the marriage proposal that he swiftly declined, Sakazuki reluctantly accepted..
Surprisingly, Usopp had not attended. A quick scan of the island let Sakazuki know about his whereabouts, so he didn't bother going to him. It would also be rude to leave a party for him when the villagers clearly poured their all into it. For the time being, Sakazuki had been fine with sipping tea in peace. He was after all on a vacation, and with the loose schedule he was working on, he drank and feasted to his heart's content.
Though, it did strike him as odd seeing him zigzag nonstop through the Island and the village.
He had to postpone the conversation again when he spent a good portion of the day after locked up in a room making sure that his duties were taken care of, as well as keeping up with the latest events that he might have missed.
It was hard enough to get a newspaper while constantly on the move on places like these. Besides, it was much better to just ask those in charge. So, fueled with curiosity, Sakazuki reconnected his Snail.
That proved to be a mistake. It seemed that in his absence, he had become quite the popular guy.
The moment he reconnected his Snail, the poor thing nearly died from the overload.
Garp had nearly set his Communication Snail on fire by repeatedly calling to ask about Luffy, which Sakazuki supposed was fair enough. Sengoku-san had given him a headache about new islands popping left and right around in the East Blue. Akainu told him that islands sometimes do that. For some reason, that made him even madder. But not as mad as the twelve massive Warships Sakazuki had stationed at the entrance of Reverse Mountain.
Apparently, just because the ships belonged to Sakazuki, didn't mean that they belonged to Sakazuki.
And of course, Borsalino calling him to waste his time because he was bored because of course he was. It's not like the bastard had a job or anything. Nearly five hours of his life gone, and Sakazuki still had no idea what the fool had blabbered about.
On the fourth day, Sakazuki decided that he should head to his next destination and see whether Usopp would be open to joining the Navy or at the very least be dissuaded from the foolish notion of becoming a pirate. So while he contemplated how to best approach the subject, he made his way to the familiar beach where he knew Usopp would be. As the beach's clearing unfurled in front of his eyes, Sakazuki realized the reason why he hadn't seen Usopp in the past couple of days.
The kid had been avoiding him. And he had definitely been busy.
Across the coarse sand of the beach, several dozens of scattered wooden poles and dowels were planted upwards. Each and every single one of them carried a myriad of flags and signs sporting congratulatory - probably - words and phrases written in colorful writing.
"Good WELL Done!"
"You have impressed!"
"We Have High Expectations For You!"
The largest, nearly twice his height, of said signs was hanging from the forecastle of a caravel ship, a very, very distinct caravel, a diverse array of flowers and ribbons decorating the ship and the ground beneath it.
"Rejoice!" The sign said.
Sakazuki kept a straight face - albeit with some difficulties - and marched towards the foreshore where the caravel was docked. His gaze momentarily settled on the sheep figurehead at the front before settling on the boy sitting atop it.
Usopp, too preoccupied with the piece of paper in his hand, hadn't noticed his presence until the marine was within a rock-throwing distance from him. Usopp's body stilled as the two made eye contact. He quickly turned behind him and spoke to the several hunched figures behind him in a hushed tone of voice.
"Here he comes! Just like we agreed, okay?"
"Yes, captain!" three ugly haircuts bobbed.
"O-okay, Usopp-kun!" a tuft of blonde hair nodded.
Usopp had turned around to face him again, only to be startled to find Sakazuki had already reached him and stopped near the ship with his arms crossed, and eyebrow raised.
Usopp raised his head into the sky with his arms spread by his sides as several pops of paper fireworks popped behind him. One of the boys had come down from the ship, a big garland of flowers in his arms which he quickly offered to Sakazuki, before swiftly rushing back to the ship.
Sakazuki bit the inside of his cheek, trying to stifle his laugh while putting it around his neck. At least, it went well with his flowered shirt.
A forced series of exaggerated coughs brought his attention back to Usopp, who was looking at him with a grave expression, his arms still spread around him. He opened his mouth to speak... and nothing came out.
The silence lasted for a couple of long seconds as Usopp started sweating. He quickly turned around and brought the paper from before, his eyes scanning in a flash before he resumed his previous stance as if nothing happened.
Sakazuki kept his mouth shut.
"Rejoice, Sakazuki... uh San!" Usopp declared with a far too deep voice. Sakazuki hoped he didn't hurt his throat. "Your actions several days ago during the incident that shall not be named had been noted! You were brave! You were just! You were righteous! As such, after much deliberation, the... the Great Captain Usopp had decided to reward you with the greatest and most valuable treasure in the four seas... An alliance with the magnificent Captain Usopp!" He pointed a finger in Sakazuki's direction. "How do you answer?!
Sakazuki couldn't help but crack a small smile at the theatrics before him. The entire display was ridiculous, but it also held a certain charm. Usopp and his friends were putting on a show, and they seemed genuinely excited about it.
"Well, Captain Usopp," Sakazuki began, playing along with a mock-serious tone. "I must say, your offer is quite... intriguing. An alliance, you say? That's not something I hear every day."
Usopp's eyes widened in anticipation, and he nodded eagerly, trying to maintain his composure amidst the excitement. "Indeed! You see, my crew and I are on a grand adventure, and we need strong allies to conquer the treacherous seas. Your strength and valor have caught my eye, Sakazuki-san. Together, we can become an unstoppable force!"
Sakazuki leaned in slightly as if considering the proposal. "I must admit, Captain Usopp, your reputation precedes you. The stories of your bravery and cunning have spread far and wide. But, before I give you my answer, I must know something."
The young pirate's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Ask away! I'll answer anything!"
Sakazuki could definitely see that the boy had put in a tremendous effort in preparing the whole affair., enough that he even roped in Kaya and probably several people from the village. Despite his bravado, it was transparent to Sakazuki how nervous he was as he made his declaration.
So, Sakazuki nearly opened his mouth to give the usual talk to any snot-nosed kid wishing to join the Navy before his brain started working.
The boy was weak.
No, for that matter. It seemed that it was Sakazuki that only now realized his mistake.
The boy was going to die.
At that moment, Sakazuki realized why Tsuru-san kept hitting him on the head.
Despite her efforts, he was never the scheming type.
For that matter, neither he nor his body's previous owners were really into the whole strategic long-term planning that spanned over several years with numerous contingencies.
Sure, he knew how to achieve an objective. Yet despite the many years he had spent under Tsuru-san's tutelage, he never really picked up the intricacies of it.
Sakazuki's strength lay more in his overwhelming power and combat abilities rather than his strategic mind. He relies on his exceptional physical strength, Haki, and his magma abilities to overpower his opponents.
His direct and aggressive approach often prioritizes immediate action and the elimination of threats. The Red Dog, as well as the other aliases of the Marines, were not given at random. It was a moniker to signify his unyielding pursuit and hunt of pirates. He was a front-line fighter through and through. That was the reason why the World Government offered him the fruit with the highest destructive capabilities.
He was a terminator.
But he was pretty damn good at just winging it, especially when it came to fucking things up.
The plan was relatively simple. Just go in, and beat the shit out of Kuro while making sure that Usopp felt like he actually contributed. Just charm Usopp, and voila! The plot is fucked.
This was where that lack of long-term planning was going to fuck him over.
Or rather, fuck Usopp over. That in turn is going to fuck the entire world over.
For there was not a moment nowhere during that plan did Sakazuki stop and think: and then?
Till this moment Sakazuki didn't consider what would happen if Usopp actually did join the Navy. In fact, Usopp was not the focus, but rather a step along the way. It was always about making sure Luffy never became the pirate king by ripping his crew in the cradle.
Charm the boy. Show him the might of the Navy. Dissuade the boy from piracy.
And then? Fucked if he knew.
Except, Sakazuki didn't just impress the boy. He had done something far more dangerous. He gave him an entirely wrong idea about the world, just weeks before Sakazuki would declare war on one of the Emperors.
A war Sakazuki wasn't 100% he, himself, would survive.
To make matters worse, Usopp had no fighting experience. He wasn't like the Monster Trio whom Sakazuki could just throw head first, and they'd manage to land on their feet.
Should Usopp die in that battle, there was a minuscule, but not non-existent possibility that the Deadbeat pirates might want revenge.
So best case scenario, Usopp fucking dies and no one cares except Sakazuki.
Worst case scenario, a war between Emperors and their tens of thousands of allies that will inevitably suck in the rest of the World Powers.
Whoops.
As Sakazuki looked into Usopp's earnest eyes, he felt a pang of guilt. This boy had put so much effort into his grand declaration, and here he was, about to crush his dreams. But he couldn't let sentimentality cloud his judgment; there was too much at stake.
'It's way too early.'
"Have you learned nothing from the entire debacle?" Sakazuki's stern expression held firm as he gazed at Usopp.
As the words left Sakazuki's mouth, Usopp's expression shifted from excitement to confusion. "I... I don't understand," he stammered, taken aback by the unexpected response. "What do you mean, Sakazuki-san?"
Sakazuki's stern gaze bore into Usopp's eyes, and he spoke with unwavering determination. "Even after experiencing that terror, even after nearly all those you love were brutally slaughtered, you're still living in a fantasy world, pretending to be someone you're not. Do you really think this is all a game?"
Sakazuki had painted him a rose-tainted view that would surely get the boy killed. There was no Plot armor to save him.
Usopp's bravado faltered, and he took a step back, his eyes darting nervously. "N-no.. I just…," he whispered, his voice trembling with vulnerability.
Sakazuki's stern expression intensified, and he took a step closer to Usopp, his imposing presence almost overwhelming the young boy. "You think pretending to be someone you're not is the path to bravery? You're living in a fantasy, Usopp! A child's delusion!"
Usopp's eyes widened, and he took another step back, the weight of Sakazuki's words hitting him like a tidal wave. He had never seen the marine admiral like this before, and it terrified him.
"You witnessed the horror of a pirate who planned to slaughter innocent people without a second thought," Sakazuki continued, his voice low and cutting. "You saw the devastation it caused, and yet you think playing make-believe is the answer?"
Usopp tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes, but he didn't want to appear weak in front of Sakazuki. But his heart was pounding in his chest, and he felt like he was suffocating under the weight of the marine's disapproval.
"It's too early for you," Sakazuki said, his voice heavy with disappointment. Disappointed in whom, he wasn't sure.
Usopp's eyes widened, his heart sinking at Sakazuki's words. He had hoped that the older man would see something in him, that he would recognize his determination and desire to be brave. But it seemed like all his efforts had been in vain.
Sakazuki turned away from Usopp, his resolve firm. He had no intention of throwing a naive and inexperienced boy on the frontline against an Emperor and their crew.
At least, not until Sengoku-san agreed to his proposal.
"I won't have a dumb brat's blood on my hands," Sakazuki said quietly, his back still turned to Usopp. "You need to stay here and grow up. Face reality, Usopp, and stop living in your fantasies."
Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, and he struggled to hold back his tears. He felt crushed, rejected, and more lost than ever. But he refused to give up.
"Sakazuki-san, please,…" Usopp pleaded one last time, his voice trembling.
But Sakazuki remained unmoved. Without another word, he continued walking away from the beach, intent on leaving Usopp behind, only to suddenly have his path closed when four smaller bodies stood in his way.
"What are you doing?" Sakazuki asked the youngsters in his way, his eyes focused on the girl in front of him with tears in her eyes, and her arms spread in a feeble attempt to make herself bigger.
"I…I can't just stand idle and let you say those things about Usopp-kun," Kaya said with difficulty, her labored breathing shaking her tired body. The dark circles under her eyes and her pale skin revealed just how sick she was.
Kuro had definitely done a number on her health.
"Usopp-kun worked very hard to prepare this, and I can't allow anyone to throw it in his face. Even if it's you, Marine-san," she said, doing her best to sound stern.
"That's right, Sakazuki-san! Captain Usopp is a great person!" one of the three boys said, the two others echoing their support. "He's the best!"
Kaya spoke again, her tone of voice becoming a bit uncertain. "Sure, he might be a bit weak, but that's what the Navy is for, right? What matters is that he is very brave. He put his life on the line to save me!"
"It's not a matter of bravery here, girlie," Sakazuki sighed while rubbing his temple.
Whatever words she would've said died in her throat as a voice interrupted her.
"It's okay, Kaya. Sakazuki-san is right," Usopp said as he approached them from behind. "It's not like he's wrong about me."
Usopp's voice was laced with a mix of sadness and resignation as he stood beside Kaya, looking at Sakazuki. His shoulders slumped, and he wiped away the tears from his cheeks with the back of his hand.
"I've been living in a fantasy," Usopp admitted, his voice trembling. "I've been pretending to be a great captain, but in reality, I'm just a scared kid from an insignificant island. So when I saw you deal with Kuro… It was…amazing. At that moment, I wanted to be just like you, but now… It's clear that I wanted to be you. I wanted to be the great brave warrior of the sea. I didn't really care if it was a pirate or a marine."
Sakazuki listened quietly, his stern expression softening as he saw the vulnerability in Usopp's eyes. He could see that the young boy was grappling with his own insecurities and doubts.
"I told you before, didn't I? Being brave doesn't mean you're never scared," Sakazuki said with a grimace. "It's not like I'm telling you that it's hopeless for you. It's just too early. Take some time to reflect, a marine ship will sooner or later pass by. If you still feel like it, you can enlist then."
Just not now.
But Usopp objected, surprising Sakazuki. "It has to be now," he insisted, his voice filled with determination.
Caught off-guard by the retort, Sakazuki merely stared as Usopp's pleading intensified. The weight of his words seemed to bend his knees, and he sank to the coarse sand below, his body trembling with emotion. He lowered his head in a deep bow, his hands digging into the sand below.
The sight of the young boy's vulnerability tugged at Sakazuki's heart, but he knew he had to remain stern.
Sakazuki's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance as Usopp persisted. "I said no, Usopp. You're not ready, and I won't have you putting yourself and others in danger because of some naive notion of bravery."
"It's because I'm not ready that I must do it now!" Usopp yelled, startling his friends. "I know I'm not ready, but if I keep waiting for the perfect moment, it'll never come. I'll keep making excuses and living in my fantasies forever."
Sakazuki opened his mouth to argue, but Usopp continued before he had the chance. "I saw what happened with Kuro, and it terrified me," Usopp said, his voice trembling with emotion. "But I can't let that fear control me anymore. I want to be brave, I want to be strong, and I want to protect the people I care about. The only way to do that is to face my fears head-on, to join the Navy and become stronger."
"It's not that simple, Usopp," Sakazuki said, trying to keep his voice firm. "The Navy is not a playground for you to test your bravery. It's a dangerous and unforgiving organization, and joining with a half-assed desire is reckless!"
"It's not half-assed!" Usopp argued back.
Sakazuki gritted his teeth in bemusement. "For fuck's sake, you were the one who just admitted to not caring whether you were a pirate or a marine."
"That was before your words knocked sense into me!" Usopp retorted, pushing his head further into the ground. "I thought it over and decided wholeheartedly to join the Marines."
"It's barely been a minute?!"
"It felt much longer in my head!" Usopp insisted.
God damn it, kid. Get through your thick head. I'm trying to save your ass here," Sakazuki groaned in exasperation. "You are not ready!"
Usopp lifted his head slightly, his eyes red and teary. "I know I'm not ready now, but I want to be. I want to learn, I want to train, and I want to become someone brave and strong. Please, Sakazuki-san, give me a chance. I promise I won't let you down."
"For the last time, no!" Sakazuki yelled, leaving the boy kneeling as he turned to leave, only for Usopp to lunge at his leg and grab it.
"I'm not taking no for an answer," Usopp gritted out, trapping the limb between his arms and legs.
"Let go of m-OI!" Sakazuki protested as Kaya took hold of his other leg. Taking her actions as an invitation, the three little boys joined the pile with two snatching his forearms and the last one with the glasses barreling into his torso, toppling all six of them into the sand.
Sakazuki grunted in surprise as he found himself pinned to the ground by the determined group of youngsters. He struggled to break free, but their grip was surprisingly strong for their size.
"Let go of me, you brats!" Sakazuki growled, trying to pry their hands off his limbs.
"We won't let you go until you agree to take Usopp with you!" Kaya said, her voice firm despite her fatigue.
"Yeah! Usopp wants to join the Navy, and you're not giving him a chance!" one of the boys chimed in.
"He'll prove to you that he's brave and strong!" the apple boy added.
Usopp tightened his grip on Sakazuki's leg, his eyes determined. "You can't ignore my resolve, Sakazuki-san. I may not be ready now, but I'll work hard to become someone you can be proud of!"
Sakazuki felt a mix of irritation and amusement at the situation. These kids were certainly persistent. But he wasn't about to be swayed by a group of children. He was the Admiral of the Navy, after all.
"I don't have time for this nonsense," Sakazuki huffed, trying to stand up and break free from their hold.
"No! You have to listen!" Usopp insisted, his voice desperate. "I know I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to work hard and prove myself. Just give me a chance to become a marine. I won't let you down, I promise. I will do anything."
Anything?
With no other choice, Sakazuki brought his trump card and went for below the belt. "Even capturing Yasopp?"
Sakazuki's words hung in the air, and for a moment, there was silence as everyone processed the weight of what he had just said. Usopp's eyes widened, and his grip on Sakazuki's leg loosened slightly. Kaya and the other children looked shocked, unable to believe what they had just heard.
Yasopp was Usopp's father, but above all, he was someone whom Usopp deeply admired.
But he was a pirate.
"Pirates and Marines are antitheses," Sakazuki said, his voice serious. "It's a dangerous path you're choosing, Usopp. Are you willing to put your life on the line to take down your own father? Can you fight him if it comes to that?"
Sakazuki asked expecting no answer. So as he began to pry himself out, Usopp's answer made him still.
"Yes."
Sakazuki froze with his body still on the sand, not expecting such a simple yet resolute response from Usopp. He turned to look at the young boy, and their eyes met once more. There was no hesitation in Usopp's gaze, only a determined fire that surprised Sakazuki.
Seeing his startled expression, Usopp grinned.
"I told you, didn't I? I've made up my mind, Sakazuki-san," Usopp declared. "I will become a marine, and I will surpass my father. I'll show everyone that I can be brave and protect people without becoming a pirate. Even if it means I might have to face my father one day, I won't back down. I'll make him proud in my own way."
Sakazuki's brows furrowed. "…Do you truly mean that?"
Usopp's grip on Sakazuki's leg firmed up again. "I do. I love my dad, and I admire him, but if he chooses to stand against the Navy and become a threat to innocent people, then I will do whatever it takes to stop him. Even if it means capturing him or... or worse."
The atmosphere on the beach became tense as the weight of Usopp's words settled in. The children and Kaya looked at Usopp with a mix of concern and awe, realizing the gravity of his decision.
Sakazuki's expression softened, and his body slumped back. As the back of his head hit the sand, he let out a deep sigh of frustration and resignation. "Very well."
In a flash, Usopp let go of his limb and jumped to his feet, excitement coloring his face. "Do you mean..?"
"I'll take you with me."
Sakazuki stared silently as he watched the dumb brat jump in the air. Kaya and the three boys rushed towards Usopp, their faces beaming with happiness and pride. They gathered around him, offering words of encouragement and support.
'Damn brats and their stupid dreams,' he cursed under his breath.
To be fair, it's not like he couldn't use it to his advantage. If there was any silver lining to all of this, it was that nothing could convince Sengoku-san of issuing a World military draft like the potential end of the world.
Besides, he can always make him someone else's problem. 'I wonder what's Smoker up to these days?'