When Usopp Attacks

Usopp groaned and pressed his sweaty face into his pillow. He felt as if his body was engulfed in flames. His head throbbed, his throat was raw, and every time he opened his eyes, his vision was blurry. He struggled to get his bearings when he heard a woman's voice suddenly fill the room.

"Hanging… have you?"

Usopp's mind raced to make sense of the disjointed words. Hanging. Was he on a Marine Base? Had he somehow been captured? Panic set in as he tried to piece together what was happening, but his memories were hazy and disjointed.

"I'm sure..."

His heart pounded in his chest as fear gripped him. Who was sure of what? Did they know who he was? Was he going to be executed? The uncertainty was overwhelming. Vaguely, he could hear a machine beeping loud and frequently by his ear, becoming louder with the beating of his heart.

"...responded… fast."

Responded fast? Usopp couldn't make heads or tails of what they were talking about. Did the Marines somehow get the Thousand Sunny? Where were the others? Were they all trapped, and he was all that was left? Usopp opened his eyes and looked at the night table on his left. He had no weapons, and he was trapped.

"...it's quick…"

He tried to force his rapidly beating heart to slow. He knew his panicked breathing would give him away. I can do this. I'll get out of here and help the others. He thought.

Summoning his resolve, Usopp grabbed the nearest object and bolted upright, his eyes wide as he tried to scan the area for a way out with blurry eyes.

"Usopp…"

"...behind me… not safe…"

He lunged at the people in the room. He missed, stumbling into the desk. He growled and lunged again.

"Get… others…"

They were bringing in reinforcements! He had to act quickly.

He swung it wildly, watching as the hazy blobs in front of him backed away.

"What are… doing?"

He lunged again, the assailant quick to dodge him. "Let me go!" Usopp shouted, his voice hoarse.

Someone with green hair tried to grab him, but Usopp was much too quick and was able to dodge the grasp. He turned and aimed the weapon in his hand at the person's face. His trajectory was blocked by something fast-moving coming at his hand. He was able to grasp the object harder and stabbed the offending thing away. He heard a pained gasp and a crash. Victory!

A person appeared in front of him. They looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't pinpoint who. He pushed past them, stumbling through the door. He was hit with drizzling rain. "I'm outside," he muttered to himself. "Should be easier to get away now."

He stumbled forward until his hips hit the hardwood. He glared down, squinting through the haze at what lay below him. It was green and looked like grass. They were on a military base then. He grabbed the railing and moved to hoist himself over, only to be pulled roughly back and thrown onto the floor.

"You almost…the ocean."

There was pressure on his hips, and someone was holding his hands in a vice-grip, keeping them against the cold, wet wood below his hands.

"Snap out… it."

He bucked his hips and tried to get them off, but they were too strong in his weakened state. Usopp closed his eyes and leaned back, relaxing. If they thought he had given up, maybe they would let go of his arms.

"Isnt you… hurt…"

Usopp's eyebrows furrowed at the distressed voice. Why were they upset? He was the one going to the gallows. Slowly, he opened his eyes and gasped. It was Luffy's face above him, not some random Marine. "Luffy…?" Usopp asked, uncertainty in his voice.

Relief filled the man's face above his, "Yes… Usopp, God…"

Usopp closed his eyes and swallowed heavily, trying to sort through his thoughts. But doubt crept in, colouring the edges. No, it couldn't be Luffy. Something was off, and he couldn't fully trust what he was seeing. He shook his head rapidly. No, not Luffy. Luffy wouldn't hold him like this. It must be a trick!

He felt the hands on his wrists loosen, and he quickly pulled away, grabbing his weapon and aiming it at the man's neck.

"Help…!"

Usopp struggled, moving backwards until his feet were free and stood, spinning around when he heard rapid food steps behind him. "Leave me alone."

"Usopp… are… enemy."

They're the enemy. I knew it! His suspicions were confirmed, and Usopp lashed out again, but he felt weak, his movements were slow and uncoordinated. Panic surged through him as he sensed another presence behind him. He swiftly dodged to the left and swung his weapon wildly, making contact.

A sudden pain seared through his stomach, causing Usopp to collapse to his knees. His weapon slipped from his grasp, and he writhed in agony. Usopp pressed his forehead against his knees, and he tried to breathe through the pain, but it was futile. He felt himself fading, the edges of his vision darkening.

"I can't let them get me," Usopp muttered weakly as he tried to crawl across the floor, desperate to escape. But his strength was fading, and he struggled to stay awake.

Usopp froze as two arms wrapped around him. He struggled, tears of frustration and pain falling down his face as he tried to escape. "Let me go… please."

"Can't… danger…"

"I'm not a danger to anyone!" Usopp growled, trying to resist as he felt himself being lifted. He kicked his feet, attempting to break free from the hold.

Another person joined them, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Hold… still…"

"No! Let me go!" Usopp protested, pushing himself forward with all of his strength. As he struggled, both he and the person holding him tumbled to the floor.

"Hold him still…"

His arms and legs were held in a vice grip, and he couldn't move them, no matter how much he tried. In his desperation, he slammed his head against the floor, pain blooming and black spots floating above his eyes.

Something sharp pricked him in the arm, and slowly, Usopp's strength began to wane. Try as he might, he could no longer resist the hold. Slowly, his struggles ceased, and his consciousness faded.

~o0o~

"He's out," Law said, signalling for Zoro and Luffy to release their holds.

"Fuck," Luffy said breathlessly, slumping back onto the floor and crossing his legs. He stared at Usopp's slumbering form with a deep frown.

Zoro made his way over to Nami, where she was sitting with Sanji by the railing. He helped her assess Sanji's condition and winced when he caught sight of the painful wound on the Cook's calf. Law crouched down, inspecting the injury closely. "I don't think it's as deep as it looks. I'll get the supplies from Chopper-ya's office to stitch you up." He handed Zoro a towel, instructing him to apply pressure to the wound while he went to fetch the necessary supplies.

"What do you think happened?" Nami asked. She was helping Sanji out of his blazer and button-down so that Law could check his shoulder when he got back.

"Delerium due to a high fever," Chopper said, kneeling beside Luffy to check his neck. "Bend your neck that way," Law said, gently pushing Luffy's head to the right so that he could check the damage.

Luffy waved him off, "I'm fine. He barely touched me."

Chopper brushed against the blood pooling on his shoulder and held up his hoof to show him. "He did more damage than you think."

Luffy turned down, staring at his shoulder in shock. "How'd he do that with a spoon!?"

"Anything can be a weapon if you try hard enough," Nami murmured. She knelt up and began washing the blood off Sanji's shoulder.

Chopper frowned, "You'll need stitches."

"So will you, Cook-ya," Law said, stopping by Chopper and Luffy to give them some of the supplies in his hands before going over to Sanji.

"How did I miss this!?" Franky exclaimed, stomping up the stairs, clear frustration on his face. "Brook just came down and told me what happened." He knelt beside Usopp, gently brushing the sniper's hair from his eyes. "How'd you get him to calm down?"

"Sedative," Chopper explained.

Franky surveyed Luffy and Sanji's injuries. "I'm sorry, Usopp, was able to injure you?" He looked around incredulously. "With what exactly? We put away all of his weapons and anything relatively dangerous."

"Believe it or not, a spoon," Sanji said dully, breathing heavily through his nose when Chopper and Nami added antiseptic to his wounds.

"A spoon!?"

"God-ya is crafty," Law said with a raised eyebrow and motioned to the boy lying on the floor. "And has a very high fever. He shouldn't be out in this rain any longer."

Franky sighed, pulling Usopp into his arms. "Let me get him settled." He looked down at Luffy. "Should we call a meeting?"

Luffy nodded, "Yeah. We can all meet in an hour."

Franky nodded and whisked Usopp away back into the Sick Bay. He stopped at the door, turning to Nami. "Can you grab some of his clothes from his locker?"

Nami nodded and brushed herself off, hurrying to the Men's Cabin.

~o0o~

The meeting on deck was tense as everyone tried to process Usopp's sudden outburst. Luffy sat by the mast with Nami and Zoro, his expression grave.

"Chopper?" Luffy motioned with his head towards the crowd.

Chopper nodded, clearing his throat and speaking with a somber voice. "Usopp's fevers have begun to affect his brain, and we must be vigilant." His gaze shifted towards the Heart and Red-Haired Pirates, aware that the Straw Hats already knew the gravity of the situation.

"When cornered, Usopp is both aggressive and resourceful. He can, and will, use anything he finds as a weapon." Chopper looked down at the notebook on the deck in front of him, flipping it open to show the group various detailed drawings and notes that reflected Usopp's keen interest in anatomy and physiology before he fell ill. "He's smart and has the remarkable ability to learn quickly and adapt. Even in his current state, he retains this knowledge and will use it to identify and exploit weaknesses."

Nami rose to her feet and crossed her arms crossed over her chest as she met the eyes of the many worried pirates around her. "Usopp's a master manipulator— both cunning and charming. both cunning and charming. He can effortlessly weave lies, making them almost indiscernible, seizing opportunities when they arise. We saw an example of that when Luffy was holding him down earlier today. He relaxed, making Luffy let his guard down. It was merely an opportunity that he thought he could use to escape."

"Usopp is dangerous. We need to be very clear on this. Until this fever clears, he is not your friend. He cannot and should not be trusted. It could mean your life."

"Nami, this is Usopp we are talking about," Penguin said, laughter in his voice. "He wouldn't hurt a fly."

Nami motioned to Luffy and Sanji. "Tell that to Luffy and Sanji. He injured them with a spoon."

Penguin hesitated, trying to find an explanation for his normally sweet friend's behaviour. "But… he's our friend."

"He is not your friend right now," Nami said seriously.

"You're making him seem like the enemy!" Shachi growled defensively.

"If that is what it takes to make you take this seriously, then yes. At this moment, Usopp is the enemy."

Shachi and Penguin shook their heads angrily, looking away to glare at the floor.

Luffy clenched his fists, growling in frustration. He knew that Nami and Chopper were right, but it was hard for him to accept. Usopp was his friend, his sniper and the thought of treating him like the enemy was unfathomable.

Yet, the twinge in Luffy's neck reminded him of the harsh truth. Underestimating the threat of Usopp in his current state could lead to disastrous consequences.

Zoro broke the tense silence, his tone resolute. "We have to be prepared for the worse. We can't allow sentimentality to cloud our judgement. If we let our guard down, Usopp could wind up seriously hurting himself or someone else. Maybe even something worse."

"Is there anything we can do, Chopper?"

"Yasopp and Robin are going to the island to look for that flower. I'm still looking for other cures with Law and Hondo, but his illness is progressing rapidly. We must keep him even more isolated, in a more secure location. All we can do is hope they come back soon, and if they don't, we can come up with something."

Sanji, who had been sitting quietly behind the bar, smoking, finally spoke. "We should consider finding a way to restrain him. We can't risk him escaping the room and causing more harm. If his hands are free, he's a threat."

Luffy shook his head, "I can't do that. Restrain his hands? He'd never forgive us."

"He'll never forgive himself if he kills someone," Zoro said.

Luffy breathed heavily through his nose, "Alright. We will do what we have to do. But I want to try and talk to him first. Try and let him know what is going on. I can't just do that to him."

Nami leaned her head on Luffy's shoulder. "We'll support you in what you think needs to be done."

As the meeting continued, they discussed a plan to keep Usopp confined in the Medical Bay. They would remove all of the equipment, except for what was strictly necessary and keep the rest in the storage room next door.

The crew would take shifts watching over Usopp, ensuring that he remained comfortable but secure. It would prove a difficult task, especially for Luffy, who'd find himself sitting with Usopp more often than not, talking to him but never receiving a response.

Later that evening, Luffy stood on deck, staring at the starry sky. He couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness. It pained him to see Usopp in such a state.

Shanks approached, leaning against the railing beside Luffy. "You did well."

"Go away, Shanks," Luffy said moodily.

Shanks chuckled, unfazed by his moody response. "I'm serious. Dealing with situations like this, especially those involving our friends, it's not easy. You showed maturity and strength."

"You think so?" Luffy asked softly, looking up at his mentor.

"I know so," Shanks affirmed, a genuine smile on his face. "You've grown so much since the first time I met you. Back then, you were just a kid with a big dream. Now, you're a captain leading a crew, making tough decisions and taking responsibility for your friends. You're going great."

Luffy shifted his weight. "Usopp's my best friend, you know? I don't want to have to walk around eggshells and treat him like an enemy."

"I understand, Luffy. But sometimes, being captain means making difficult choices, even if they hurt. It's about protecting your crew and looking out for their well-being. And that's what you're doing."

"I know that, but…"

"Remember, you aren't alone, Luffy. You have your crew, and me, and Law. Lean on us for support."

Luffy nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "Thanks, Shanks."

Shanks patted Luffy's back and walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He looked to where Nami sat with Chopper and Sanji, flipping through medical books.

They were a family and would face whatever came their way together.

~o0o~

"Zoro?

Zoro lifted his head and turned his gaze to Usopp, who was watching him as he lay pale against his bedsheets. "Hm?"

Usopp turned his attention to the ceiling and wheezed out a breath. "I'm glad at least you and Sanji are acting normal." He gave a weak laugh that rapidly progressed into a violent coughing fit. "The others try, but I can see the sadness, even on Luffy."

Zoro merely stared at Usopp, not knowing what to say.

"I've got the same thing millions have died from, but…" Usopp shifted his gaze back to Zoro and smiled. It was almost too innocent and pure to be Usopp. "I'm going to be all right, right, Zoro?"

Zoro's eye widened, and his breath caught in his throat, practically suffocating him. He schooled his expression and nodded stiffly. "Don't ask stupid questions. You'll be fine."

Zoro merely stared at his friend, not making a move to say anything.

Usopp laughed, his chest heaving as another coughing fit ensued. He reached over and took one of Zoro's hands, squeezing. "Thank you for lying to me, Zoro."

"Go to sleep so you can get better."

Zoro gave him a soft smile and allowed his eyes to only slip closed against the dimly lit Sick Bay. Other than the occasional cough from Usopp, silence filled the room, and soon those faded into the slightly less harsh breaths taken in his sleep.

Zoro waited until he was certain Usopp was asleep and then stood from his chair, stretching. His eyes moved over Usopp's thin figure, a frown on his face. In a rare moment of sentimentality, Zoro leaned down and brushed the hair sticking to Usopp's forehead away from his face. He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to his forehead. He reached over and squeezed Usopp's hand before pulling away and straightening the blankets around Usopp.

Giving Usopp one last glance, Zoro bent down to retrieve his swords from where they lay on the floor beside the bed and turned away. He exited the Sick Bay and closed the door firmly behind him, sliding the lock in place. He took a deep breath, ignoring the sudden wetness on his cheeks and made his way through the kitchen to the main deck.

"Zoro, are you okay?" Nami asked over her magazine. He turned to look at her, noting that her eyes were just as red and puffy as many of the other crew members were these days— not that his eyes were much further behind.

Zoro grunted his affirmation and climbed the ladder to the crow's nest. It was only after the door was closed did the barely held-together facade in the Sick Bay finally crumble. He stormed over to his weights, ignoring the tears that began to fall unashamedly. He took his heaviest weight and began to do reps, ignoring the protest of his muscles. He would likely be feeling the soreness for days, but at that moment, he could not find himself to care.

Zoro threw his hand out in front of him, almost hitting Sanji in the cheek as he entered the crow's nest. Sanji ducked and kicked the offending weight away from him and out of the swordsman's grip. "Oi, Moss Head! Are you trying to fucking kill one of us? What if that had been one of the girls or Chopper!?"

"Fuck off, Shit-Cook!" Zoro snapped. He winced inwardly, not liking how his voice revealed that he had been crying. "And take that toxic smoke with you. I told you to stop smoking in here."

Sanji threw his cigarette out the window and placed his hands in his pockets. He stood quietly, watching Zoro, a twisted smile on his face. "So the so-called heartless demon Roronoa Zoro can cry," Sanji mocked. "Pathetic."

Zoro turned, moving to punch Sanji, but was effortlessly blocked. "What did you just say!?"

Sanji stepped close so that they were nose to nose with each other. "I said, it's pathetic that you are crying."

Zoro pushed away and threw another punch, only for Sanji to kick the offending fist away and slam his foot, none too gently, into the swordsman's side. He fell suddenly, his leg weakened from Usopp's attack earlier that day. "Shit," he growled, holding his calf.

"One of our friends is dying, and you are acting as if you don't even care," Zoro said darkly.

Sanji ignored the jab, peering down at his calf, where blood started to run down his leg. He had opened his stitches. With a sigh, he pulled his pant leg back down and glared up at Zoro. "Have you no faith in him?"

Zoro stared down at him as if he had a second head. "What? Of course I—"

"Obviously not if you are in here crying."

"Have you seen him?"

"Yes, I got up close and personal, protecting you from going blind in your second eye," Sanji said pointedly.

"He's getting worse by the hour!"

Sanji blew his bags from his face and leaned against the workout bench. "I know it looks bleak, but Usopp is strong. He'll hold out for as long as we need to. Or maybe his body will heal itself before we get to that point."

Zoro stayed quiet.

Sanji looked up at the ceiling, staring out at the skylight towards the full moon above. "We always tease him about being a coward, but in reality, he's probably braver than most of us."

Zoro grunted his agreement.

"Yes, he runs away sometimes, but even when he's scared, he comes back and fights. Isn't the definition of bravery someone who fights even when they are scared?"

"What are you getting at?" Zoro asked suddenly, agitation clear in his voice.

"Usopp is brave, and his will is as strong as any of ours. He will be all right."

Silence fell over the duo. Sanji continued to stare out the skylight, chuckling suddenly and catching Zoro's attention.

"What?"

"Usually, you would be on my side of the conversation." Sanji directed his gaze to Zoro and graced him with a rare smile. "I'm glad I could be there for you, for once. Don't think this will change anything, though. I still hate you."

"I wouldn't think of it."

Sanji nodded, wavering before holding out his hand for Zoro to lift him from the ground. Zoro hesitated before taking the cook's hand in his, dragging him up to his feet. A moment later, he was shocked to find himself in Sanji's arms.

Sanji hid his face in Zoro's neck, his hands shakily gripping the back of his shirt. "Usopp's gonna be fine." Zoro nodded, freezing when he felt fat tears fall against his neck. Tentatively, he hugged Sanji back, patting him awkwardly. "This changes nothing, you bastard," Sanji mumbled into his shirt.

Zoro closed his eyes and pressed his cheek to the top of Sanji's head, trying but failing to hide his own tears.. "I know." Sanji choked back a sob, and Zoro rubbed his back soothingly. "I know."

~o0o~

Robin and Yasopp stepped cautiously into the dense, humid forest—the canopy above blocking most of the sunlight and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was thick with humidity, and the chirping insects and distant calls of unknown creatures created the cacophony. It was a foreboding place, but they had no choice. The Omnia Remedia was their only lead for a cure.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the vegetation became thicker, and the vines intertwined like serpents around the ancient trees. They skillfully parted the foliage, eyes peeled for any sight of the flower.

"Be careful. It feels like we are being watched," Yasopp whispered.

"Oh, Usopp gets his paranoia from you," she said lightly. "I had wondered. From reading your wife's journals, I hadn't got the impression it was from her."

Yasopp snorted, "Banchina? No, she was never paranoid and always ran into things headfirst without thinking. I was always the more cautious one."

They continued to tread carefully, the forest becoming more enigmatic with each step. Then, as if sensing their purpose, a soft glow caught their attention up ahead. They pushed through a particularly stubborn cluster of ferns, and there, in all its glory, was the Omnia Remedia flower.

It was mesmerising. The petals were a vibrant yellow, giving it a very ethereal quality. Each petal had a pristine white tip, and the stem and leaves seemed to glow blue.

"It's beautiful," Yasopp whispered in wonder.

"But cursed," Robin cautioned. "It possesses great power, but it will only give up that power for a

price."

As Yasopp reached to touch the flower, a haunting voice echoed through the air.

"Beware, those who dare pluck the Omnia Remedia. A curse will befall upon the one that disturbs its tranquillity."

"We have no choice. My son's life is at stake."

"No, we don't."

Yasopp took a deep breath and reached forward, closing his eyes as his fingers brushed the stem.

Please let me know what you think (or any issues you see). We've only one more chapter to go!

Thank you to everyone who has stuck it out this long (it's been a thing since 2018!).

All my love,
Chandlure