Beginning of the Toxic Phase: Day 10

Chopper ran a hoof over his hat while he frowned down at the medical texts strewn in front of him. He ruled out hereditary diseases to the best of his ability from a survey of Usopp's family history, but there was not much to go on in that respect. Usopp knew little to nothing about any family illness, other than his mother, but when asked to name the disease, the boy came up blank. When asked what happened to his family history, Chopper knew better than to pry when Usopp's eyes dangerously darkened.

With a sigh, Chopper pulled his eyes away from the texts to the twenty test tubes on his desk. Most of them would be done within the hour, a couple of the more delicate ones- which he ran out of pure desperation, would not be done for another three or four.

He looked back down at his books, but the words were starting to bleed together on the page from his hours of fruitless searching. Sighing, he pushed his chair away from the desk so that he could jump down. Now would be a good time to check on Usopp.

Chopper walked down the stairs towards Usopp's factory down below. He stood outside the door for a moment before he knocked and let himself in. Usopp was sat at his desk with his back to the door. He was poring over blueprints that were spread across the desk. A frustrated mumble came from his lips as he scribbled something into the notebook that lay open in his lap. "Usopp?"

Usopp placed his pen in his notebook before putting them both on the desk and swiveling around to warmly smile at the doctor. "Hey! I was feeling better, so I thought I would get some work done."

"I'm glad!" Chopper replied earnestly, "I was thinking that if your check up goes well you can visit the island with the rest of us. We could all use a break from Sunny, no matter how much we love her."

Usopp's smile brightened further, "seriously‽" He turned and rolled up the blue prints on his desk, and threw them into his bottom drawer with gusto, "and here I thought I would need some elaborate plan to get off the ship today."

"Were those the Sunny's blueprints?" Chopper asked suspiciously.

"Copies of them," Usopp admitted with a sheepish shrug. "Franky would kill me if I were to ruin the real ones."

"Usopp," Chopper threw him a scowl but it lacked bite behind it. He would not have blamed Usopp if the older boy had tried sneaking out- they haven't seen an island in a week after all. On top of that, it had been a harrowing could of days as well.

Chopper pulled out his blood pressure kit and motioned for Usopp to lean his arm against the armrest of his chair. The doctor sighed as he worked the mechanism, a small frown on his face. "95 over 60, that is a bit low. Do you feel dizzy or tired?"

"Nope," Usopp shook his head, using the hand not occupied with the cuff to move his hair from his eyes, "I feel fine."

Chopper studied him warily before writing down a couple of notes into Usopp's medical chart and disconnecting the blood pressure cuff from Usopp's arm. He placed the cuff on the desk and pulled the stethoscope around his neck up and into his ears. "Lift up your shirt and take a deep breath."

Usopp obliged, shivering as the cold metal pressed against his chest. "Let the breath out slowly." Chopper moved the stethoscope and nodded, "once more. In, then out." He nodded and pulled the stethoscope away, hanging it back around his neck, "your wheezing slightly. I can hear it when you take breaths. Do you have any pain in your chest?"

Usopp shook his head, "none."

"Open your mouth," Usopp obediently opened his mouth allowing the oral thermometer to be slid under his tongue. He shied away from Chopper when he pressed the otoscope into his ear, but otherwise, made no other movement. When the thermometer beeped, Usopp took it from his mouth and handed it to Chopper. "101.3, that is a bit high, even for you."

"What is that in Celsius?"

"38.5."

Usopp scowled and crossed his arms over his chest. At his reaction, Chopper frowned, "it is not that much higher than your normal temperature. I have no issue with letting you leave the ship. You'll just need to make sure that you do not overexert yourself."

"I can go‽" Usopp jumped up from his chair, his hair swinging wildly around him mirroring his excitement.

"Yes, but no picking up heavy things and you need to bring water with you and make it back to the ship by lunch time!"

Usopp out the door with his jacket and bag before Chopper had even finished his sentence, "oi! Luffy, let's get out of here before Chopper decides that I am too sick to get off the ship." Usopp seized the back of Luffy's shirt and pulled him out of the kitchen.

"Ushap, mim etang!" Luffy protested, his hands still stretched towards the table as he nicked bread and other various foods left over from breakfast. He shoved the food into his mouth while he was pulled down the stairs to the main deck.

"You're always eating," Usopp pointed out as he stopped at the bottom step and frowned, looking around. He could see the island they were heading towards in the distance. "We aren't there yet? Weren't we set to land a couple of hours ago?"

Nami looked at him from over her sunglasses, "we should be arriving within the hour. The wind had stopped for a bit, so it was slow sailing. Luckily it has picked up again, so we shouldn't have any more trouble. From your enthusiasm, I would say that you have been cleared to come with us. If that is the case I will need your help today carrying my bags."

Chopper ran out onto the deck and stood in front of Nami, glaring sternly at her. "I gave him permission to explore the island under specific instructions that he is not to do anything strenuous. That includes carrying your bags, Nami. His blood pressure is a bit too low and his temperature a bit too high for him to be doing anything that may affect his health."

Nami gave Usopp a scrutinizing stare before shrugging her shoulders, "fine. I'll just get Zoro to do it."

"Dream on, Sea Witch," Zoro countered from where he lay at the mast. He was the epitome of relaxation, hands behind his head, legs folded neatly in lazy ease. "I need to go to the blacksmith."

"I guess you really want me to raise your interest again," Nami said threateningly. A snort of derision was his only reply.

"I'll help you carry your bags, Nami-swaaan!" Sanji danced onto the deck, a cool glass of fruit drink and a fancy pastry lay neatly in the middle of the tray he was holding. He bowed and presented them to her, "for you, my dearest flower."

Usopp choked back his laughter and rolled his eyes towards the sky. If there was one good thing about being confined to bed it was that he didn't have to watch Sanji drooling over Nami.

"Thank you, Sanji." Nami said sweetly, taking the glass and pastry from him and placing them on the small fold up table beside herself.

Noticing Sanji's distraction as an opening to steal more food, Luffy was marching back to the kitchen with Chopper loyally following behind him. It only took a moment for Sanji to follow after, screaming at the both of them to keep their hands off of the leftovers, while he gripped the tray in his left hand, and his right hand reached into his breast pocket for a cigarette. After watching the interaction with mild amusement, Usopp slumped down into Robin's chair and scooted up so that his head leaned over the back. He stared at the cloudless sky, a smile on his face.

Everything seemed to be going back to normal. He was feeling better and could go to the island with everyone else. Little did he know, right now was merely the calm before the storm.

o0o

Usopp sighed, and scanned the crowd for any sign of Luffy, but the captain was nowhere to be seen in the sea of people. For a few minutes he attempted to retrace his steps in the hope that he would find Luffy drooling over some window display, but slowly tiredness began to seep into his bones and he soon needed to stop to rest.

He came upon a small drawbridge that linked the residential side of the island to the shopping center and decided to stop for a bit and rest. Even Luffy could stay out of trouble the couple of minutes Usopp decided to take for himself.

He leaned heavily against the cast-iron railing and looked out at the murky water beneath him. His eyes followed the small white cargo ships as they bobbed happily, ropes keeping them secure to the port-side not too far away from where he stood on the bridge. Busy workers were loading and unloading crates as people gathered curiously around the tables lined up next to the river. Venders were there selling everything from snacks to clothing, jewelry to perfume.

A group of school children on their bicycles rode behind him, speaking excitedly in a language that seemed vaguely familiar to Usopp but not one he could quite put his finger on, as they rushed to the ice cream shop on the other side of the river. Their bikes blocked the walking path in front of the establishment as they jumped off them, leaving the bikes carelessly on the pavement, but most people did not seem to mind much, merely walking around the bikes rather than making a big fuss.

He could see Zoro and Nami about half a mile away entering yet another clothing shop where Nami was sure to swindle the poor owner out of all the clothing he possessed there. Zoro was laden with bags, but did not seem to mind much, merely following Nami into the store wordlessly. She must have struck some type of deal with him to get Zoro to come with her, probably something to do with the blacksmith in town.

Robin was in the bookshop with Chopper down the street. He could see them clearly through the meticulously clean windows. Chopper was on the second floor looking through the books in the medical section- perhaps something that would help him diagnose what Usopp had. Robin was on the first floor speaking to the store clerk, a beady eyed mousy man with long hair. She held two books in her hand, but he couldn't tell what they were from his position.

Sanji was walking past all the venders, his hands free from any bags which Usopp took to mean he was merely browsing. Had he gone to the stores, he would have had at least a bag or two of spices as were his routine. Usopp raised his hand and waved to Sanji when the older boy looked up towards him. Sanji smiled and waved back before going back to the vender he had stopped at. The vender happened to be a young girl with long black hair, so Usopp needn't guess what Sanji was up to.

Usopp could hear Franky rather than see him. The Cyborg was at the other side of the bridge talking to one of the ship mechanics about the Adam Wood he used for the Sunny and why it was better than ordinary wood. He tuned them out quickly, having heard that conversation a few too many times for his liking.

Brooke, well he stood out like a sore thumb. Not only was he eight feet tall, towering over almost everyone on the island, he was also a walking skeleton. It was a bit hard to miss him. Brooke was sitting on the railing across the boardwalk; his legs tangled into the spokes to keep himself from falling into the water and was playing with his violin. He seemed completely unaware of the small group of onlookers he had gathered, most of which were children on the way home from a long day of classes.

Usopp stiffened when someone leaded against the railing a foot away from himself. His hand began to twitch towards his bag out of habit, but he kept it firmly on the railing. He wearily studied the man beside him from the corner of his eye, hoping he would not try to strike up a conversation.

"Beautiful here, isn't it?" No such luck.

Usopp blinked and turned his head so that he could see the man more clearly. He was about his height, perhaps an inch or two taller than himself with blonde dreadlocks with skin just a tad darker than his own. He wore a white cloak with blue stars decorated on it. On his back was a musket, securely tied by red cloth.

Usopp felt a slight twinge at the back of his head, almost as if he were forgetting something, but he barely registered it as a surprised look crossed the man's face beside him. As quickly as the look had appeared, it was gone, and it took Usopp a moment before he realized what had happened. He tried using Haki on me, so rude. An annoyed look flashed upon Usopp's face and he turned back towards the river. A sniper and one that uses Haki- there aren't many of those in the New World which means he is on one of the stronger crews.

Deciding to play it cool, Usopp nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah. It's gorgeous." He pressed forward, leaning heavily on the railing. His own weapon dug into his thigh reassuringly from inside his bag. He crossed his right leg over his left, his eyes scanning the crowd again for his crew mates to make sure they were still in close proximity. If he was in trouble, he would need all the help he could get.

Franky was still behind him; with the conversation shifted from Adam Wood to this new metal that was supposed to be rust proof- something Usopp filed away to ask about later. Brooke had moved to the square in the middle of the street performing for a larger group than earlier but was close enough if Usopp needed him. Sanji was still chatting with the pretty girl from earlier. She hadn't told him to shove off and looked to be having a good time. This meant that perhaps Sanji had a chance of getting some this island. Good for him.

"The sea is beautiful, but there is something about being back on land and communicating with normal people that really makes you appreciate it all the more."

Usopp smiled despite himself, that was a feeling he knew all too well. "Heh, yeah. After a while you just need a break from it all no matter how much you love your crew." He smiled sadly as he pushed his hair from his eyes. "I don't know what I would do without them though, probably be back in East Blue struggling to keep the roof of my parents' house from caving in."

The man turned towards him, "you left your family behind?"

Who doesn't? Usopp looked straight down into the water where a group of ducks happily swam. "No, my father left to become a pirate about fourteen years ago. My mother had insisted upon it, probably hadn't planned on dying a couple years later." Usopp shrugged, "I have a couple of friends I left behind, but I am sure they are fine. I still send them letters from time to time."

He had no idea why he was spilling his life story out to the person who could potentially be an enemy of the crew eventually, but there was a presence about the man that made Usopp trust him and it wasn't the Haki.

The man beside him had stiffened a bit, "I'm sorry to hear about that. You, you must hate your father for leaving your mother and yourself. I have a son I left at home myself; my greatest fear is that he hates me."

Usopp sighed and shrugged, "I am extremely proud that my father is a pirate and I love him. I don't hate him, not anymore. I did for a while, but I was younger, and Mom had been gone for a while and I was so alone, God, I hated him so much back then, but then... then I realized that he was following his dream. I realized how amazing that was, and if I were to take anything away from him it would be to always follow my dreams. Well, that and how to shoot stuff. He taught me the basics.

"He was so awesome! I remember him forcing me to shoot leaves off the trees in our village, but I wasn't allowed to shoot the leaf part of the leaf, only the stem where it was connected to the branch. I was so frustrated because I was having trouble getting it, but eventually I got it and I was so proud of myself. My mother was so angry at him," Usopp laughed gleefully, "I don't remember ever seeing her so mad! She was screaming at him saying..." Usopp paused and frowned, scanning his memory but coming up blank. Shrugging, he sighed, "Well, it's been seventeen years, I was bound to forget some of the story eventually." He smiled sadly, "I was three at the time, so it had something to do with a three-year-old not handling a gun- I do remember that being the reason I got a sling shot."

The man seemed to stop breathing and Usopp studied him, "are you okay?"

He seemed to snap out of his reverie and turned towards Usopp with a forced smile, "yeah, just... I hope my own son sees it the same way you do."

Usopp shrugged, "that would depend on the circumstances that he has found himself in." Usopp murmured. The sun was almost at its highest point in the sky and Usopp could see the rest of the crew starting to head back to the docks for lunch.

He pushed away from the railing and stood straight, fixing his bag so that the strap lay against his shoulder more comfortably as he smiled at the stranger. "Thank you for the talk, but I need to go find my captain. He'll be upset if he misses lunch. Besides, who knows what trouble he has gotten into not being under any supervision?" Usopp cocked his head to the side, his smile growing wider. "There are no war bells sounding or explosions, so that is good news."

The man chuckled and held out his hand, "thank you for indulging me." Usopp accepted his hand, causing the man's smile to grow. "I didn't catch your name, mine is Yasopp. I am a Commander and head sniper for the Red Hair Pirates." His eyes caught Usopp's causing the boy to swallow. It was obvious that he knew who Usopp was and was merely waiting for a reaction from him.

Although shocked, Usopp somehow managed to keep a smile, albeit a forced one, on his face. "I am the sniper for the Straw Hat Pirates." He said smoothly, as if he had no idea who Yasopp was. He took a deep breath to state his name when a sudden burst of pressure pressed behind his eyes, and a burning heat flushed through his body causing him a bout of dizziness. He grabbed onto the railing to keep himself upright as he swayed in his spot.

Yasopp's smile dropped into a frown as Usopp leaned heavily against the railing and started breathing heavily as if he were having trouble taking breath into his lungs. "Hey, are you okay‽ Can you breathe?"

Usopp shook his head as Yasopp pulled him closer to steady him. Usopp pushed him away as a wave of nausea hit him, his body shaking so violently that he fell onto the floor. His hand slipping from the railing as he weakly coughed up blood and spit.

Yasopp kneeled beside him and pulled up Usopp's chin to bring his face up towards his own. Usopp felt a wetness in his eyes that was slowly making its way down his cheeks. "Shit, what the hell have you gotten yourself into?" Yasopp hissed as he wiped Usopp's eyes and cheeks with a handkerchief from his back pocket. When he pulled away, Usopp caught sight of blood staining the cloth. He leaned over and emptied his stomach onto the pavement in front of him. There was a reddish black tint to it that caused Yasopp even more alarm. "Why are you throwing up blood‽ What the hell have you done to yourself‽"

"Sick, Chopper doesn't know why... no one else is ill... only me. I was better this morning... had a physical and was cleared." Usopp leaned his head against his knees and held his stomach, "I need to get back to the ship... they'll worry if I don't show up... but they can't see me like this. Can't... I can't be a burden to them... I won't be." He closed his eyes, feeling the last remnants of consciousness leave him.

"Usopp! Usopp, I need you to stay with me, Son." Yasopp pressed his hand to the back of Usopp's head and rubbed his scalp, trying to get the long nosed teen's attention, but it was no use. He remained limp, head resting in his knees.

Yasopp lifted Usopp's head and shifted it so that he could rest comfortably on his shoulder before reaching under Usopp's knees and pulling him flush against him. He stood, pulling Usopp closer to his body as he made his way towards the docks. His doctor would be at the docks if no one else.

Quickly, he made his way through the crowds of people, ignoring the curious stares he got from people as he rushed past them. Normally he would run, but in this crowd and a sick Usopp in his arms, he could not risk hurting himself or the boy. Usopp was completely lax in his grip, but his breathing, while labored, brought some comfort to Yasopp.

He stopped just before the entrance to the docks, Luffy and Shanks walking down the road just a bit ahead of them. "Captain!" Yasopp picked up the pace as Shanks and Luffy stopped for him to catch up.

Luffy's eyes widened and he rushed to meet him half way, "Usopp!" Luffy touched Usopp's forehead before glaring up at Yasopp. "What the hell happened to my sniper‽"

"We were talking and suddenly he got really sick, then he passed out! He mentioned something about being sick for a while but being given leave from the ship."

Luffy's eyes softened in understanding but worry blossomed in its place. "Did he have a secure? Seixure?" Luffy shook his head, "something bad happened to him a couple of days ago. He almost died. He has been relieved of ballistics duty until Chopper clears him and he was getting better! Chopper would not have allowed him off Sunny if he weren't." He turned and looked over Yasopp's shoulder towards Nami and Zoro who were rushing towards them. The latter was laden down with twice as many bags as before.

"I saw someone carrying Usopp past one of the shops! What's going on?" Nami asked, skidding to a halt beside Luffy and taking his shoulders, shaking him roughly. "Tell me!"

"Yasopp said that he passed out when they were talking. Did you guys see Chopper on your way here?"

Nami pulled out her Den Den Mushi, "he was with Robin. I'll see if I can contact her."

Zoro placed the bags down and studied Yasopp for a moment before reaching out for Usopp, "hand him over."

Yasopp stared at Zoro and pulled Usopp closer to his body causing the swordsman to narrow his eye at him, his fingers grazing over his swords. Sanji turned up suddenly, out of breath as he knocked into Zoro causing the other man to take a couple steps back. Zoro pushed Sanji away, "what the hell is your issue, Curly-brow‽" he snarled.

"You were in my way, Marimo! If your dumbass wasn't standing in the middle of the road, maybe you wouldn't be knocked into!"

"I was trying to get Usopp, Love-cook!" Zoro sneered, hands on his swords readying himself for a fight.

Yasopp had backed up a bit to keep Usopp out of the line of fire, a weary look crossing his face as he turned to Luffy, "I don't know if I feel safe leaving Usopp with you guys."

Sanji turned his eyes fell on Usopp, the fight with Zoro immediately forgotten. He reached over and pushed Usopp's hair from his eyes, "he was fine this morning. Chopper told him he would be okay to leave. Why is he suddenly sick again?"

Luffy studied the scene and turned towards Nami when she popped up by his shoulder, "Chopper and Robin are on their way. They will notify Franky and Brooke if they run into them. Chopper said to get Usopp into the sickbay and if he has a fever to put a cool cloth on his head."

Luffy nodded, turning towards Zoro and Sanji, "Zoro, take Usopp there and stay with him. Nami, you go with him and help Zoro if he needs it. Sanji, you can go start on Lunch. We'll regroup by the time its ready."

Zoro reached over and took Usopp from Yasopp as Luffy walked over to him and maneuvered Usopp's head, leaning it so that it was nestled between Zoro's neck and shoulder comfortably. Nami put her Den Den Mushi away and pushed Zoro forward towards the ship. "Oh, Luffy, bring my bags back to the ship, would you?"

Luffy blinked down at the bags and shrugged, "eh, sure why not?"

"Thank you!" Nami winked and blew him a kiss, walking up to Zoro and slapping him across the head. "The ship is that way, Idiot!"

"Nami-swan is so smart!" Sanji gushed, twirling around behind them as Zoro merely gritted his teeth, and reminded himself that he had Usopp in his arms and it wouldn't do to throttle Sanji at that moment.

Luffy leaned his head down so that his hat covered his face as he rubbed his hands over his face, letting out a weary sigh. He smiled tiredly and looked up at Yasopp, rubbing the side of his eye with his wrist. "I thought he was getting better." He pushed air out heavily through his nostrils and shook his head, "I'll give you updates on him. I don't know what we are going to do yet, but if you want I can keep you updated on our plans as well. I can't allow you on the ship, any of you, because it might upset him and make him even sicker."

Yasopp opened his mouth to protest, but Shanks cut him off with a hand on his shoulder, "if you need anything don't hesitate to ask. All our resources will be made available to you. If you need other people to help watch after him, or another doctor..."

Luffy glared up at Shanks, his hands curling into fists at his sides, "why would I need another doctor?"

"Well, Luffy, your doctor let him go out when he obviously still was ill-"

"No!" Luffy snapped, "Usopp was fine. He looked perfectly happy and he was up working in his factory! It isn't Chopper's fault that he couldn't catch it, no one could have caught that!"

"I am just offering my doctor in case you needed him, I wasn't putting down your doctor I am sure he is fine."

"Luffy!" Luffy turned and smiled softly as Chopper jumped into his arms. "Is Usopp okay‽"

Robin, Brooke and Franky walked up behind him, worried looks on their faces. "Robin-sis told us what happened."

Luffy nodded, "can you guys take Nami's bags to the ship? Lunch will be ready soon and then we will talk about what we will be doing." He looked down at Chopper who was looking up at him with watery eyes, "Chopper, I need you to find out whatever you can about what is wrong with Usopp. I don't care how long it takes; I want you working on nothing else. Do you understand me?" Chopper nodded, and Luffy squeezed him tightly before placing him down on the ground. "I'll be home in a couple of minutes."

Chopper jumped up on Robin's shoulder as Brooke and Franky collected the bags from the ground and started talking a mile a minute as they walked away. Robin was petting his head, trying to soothe the doctor.

Luffy turned back to Shanks and Yasopp, "listen. Usopp is in great hands and I really need to get home now. I'll keep you updated."

"Your doctor is a reindeer, Luffy, you can't be serious!" Yasopp hissed as he pointed in the direction Chopper went in. "Usopp needs a human doctor."

"Chopper was trained by some of the best doctors in the world. He saved Zoro from the brink of death, and he will figure out what Usopp has and make him healthy again."

"Luffy-"

"No, Yasopp! I am his captain and I know what is best for him. I am sorry if you don't like it, but it is not your choice."

"I am his father!"

"You abandoned him!" Luffy snapped, before he fell silent, his head dropping into his hands. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I am just worried for Usopp. It feels like losing Ace all over again." He paused for a moment to wet his lips, "it doesn't get easier does it?"

Shanks reached over and pushed the straw hat back so that he could run his fingers through Luffy's hair, "no. Are you going to be okay?"

Luffy backed away and forced out a laugh, "of course! I have to be."

Shanks looked at Yasopp who looked as worried as he felt, "Luffy-"

Luffy chuckled and turned waving his hand, "I have to get back to my crew, lunch is about ready. I'll see you guys later!"

"Luffy!" Shanks called after him, frustration coloring his voice. He sighed and shook his head, "I have a feeling this isn't going to end well."

Yasopp shook his head, watching as the boy retreated. "It will, it has to."

o0o

Usopp whimpered and leaned over the edge of the sick bay mattress, his head bowed down towards the floor as another wave of nausea hit him. He coughed and closed his eyes and mouth tightly as he felt the bile rise in his throat, willing it back down. His clothing and sheets were soaked through with sweat, but he was shivering violently as if he were in 3-degree weather with only a t-shirt and shorts.

"Usopp, are you awake?"

He moaned in response, unable to move both from weakness and the severe ache in his muscles. "Usopp!" Luffy rushed to his side from his seat beside Chopper's desk, his eyes filled with worry. "Usopp, what's wrong?" Luffy grabbed his hand and squeezed it, a feeling of relief filling him when Usopp squeezed back.

Usopp shook his head, his eyes screwing shut even tighter. He couldn't speak; if he were to talk he would vomit. He leaned his head against the edge of the bed and lay there panting, wishing that Luffy would shut up and just leave him alone. He was being too loud, and it hurt Usopp's head. "Chopper! Usopp's awake, but I think he's even worse now!"

Chopper flew into the sick bay from the Galley with Sanji on his heels. The cook stayed by the door, apron wrapped tightly around his body and oven mitts around his hands as he shook his head and sighed wearily, "doctor! We need a doctor!"

"You're the doctor, Chopper," Luffy said firmly, moving away from the bed so that Chopper could have room to look Usopp over.

"Right!" Chopper nodded his head, eyes filled with determination as he stood on Luffy's abandoned chair with a frown on his cute fuzzy face. He pushed Usopp until he was properly sitting back in the bed and rechecked his vitals.

"Do you have any news?" Sanji asked from his spot by the door.

"Well, I am almost positive that he caught it from the last island we visited, but other than that I am clueless as to what it could be. All tests that I've run have come back negative, except for the last one which is set to be finished in a couple of hours. Once I figure out what Usopp has, I am going to have to run tests on the rest of you."

Luffy nodded his head, hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Is there anything the rest of us can do, Chopper?"

Chopper shook his head, "until I know what he has it is actually best if you guys stay as far away from him as possible.

"Very well, Brooke?"

"Yes?" Chopper blinked and turned his head towards Brooke who was sitting against the wall on the other side of the room. When he arrived, Chopper had no idea. But he had not been there when Chopper first came into the room- he would have helped with Usopp had that been the case.

"You are on night watch tonight- it was supposed to be Usopp's turn."

"Of course, Mr. Luffy," Brooke said, leaning back more comfortably against the wall as he cleaned his violin strings.

"Thanks," Luffy looked down towards Usopp with determined eyes. "We'll get out of this, Usopp. I promise. You will be at my side when we finally reach Raftel Island, when we reach One Piece and you will realize your dream. You just need to stay strong for a bit while we try and figure this out, okay?"

Luffy took off his hat and placed it beside his friend on the bed before turning and smiling at Chopper. "Remember, any news comes to me first." Chopper nodded as he rushed back and forth around his desk, various books and notes falling off his table in his haste.

Luffy took one more look at Usopp before exiting the sickbay. You'll be okay, Usopp. We won't lose you, we can't.

To Be Continued

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Chandlure