Much like Luffy, the Straw Hats were apart most of the day doing their usual things and having fun.
Right now, Nami and Robin were shopping. Nevertheless, their purchases were very uneven, with Nami having over 20 bags of clothes and Robin only two. Seeming to have no pity for UA's finances, the redhead made no effort to limit her expenses and, after Luffy, she was surely the one who cost Nezu the most.
As they walked, they felt people watching them, mainly because of the interview Nami had arranged. It seemed like everyone recognized the redhead, despite Luffy drawing all the attention to him.
"Damn it, I feel like someone with a contagious disease." Nami said, all embarrassed.
"I thought you liked the attention." Robin remarked, with a smile.
''Yes, when money is at stake. Not for scandals. "It's like someone finds out I'm a pirate." She said, pouting.
"Sometimes, Nami, you're very hard to understand. '' Robin said.
"I guess so, but what can you do? By the way, have you heard any news of something that can take us home? Like a special Quirk or a device?'' asked Nami hopefully.
''Nope. I still haven't heard anything from Nezu.'' Confessed Robin, much to Nami's frustration.
''Oh come on. I saw a hero who's pretty much a guy dressed like a washing machine but none of that can put us back in our world.'' Nami stated, all irritated.
'' I'm sorry ! I will be more persistent on my next request. '' Robin said.
"You also heard news of our hate mail? '' Robin said bluntly.
It sounded like a joke, but it wasn't.
"Luffy apparently received thousands of insulting letters." Robin affirmed.
"Never mind, these guys can go to hell. '' Nami said irritably.
She hated that social media shit.
Continuing to walk, they suddenly saw a person running out of a jewelry store, while holding many golden necklaces in his hands. It was a giant tortoise-like guy. Nevertheless, having kept the speed of a human, he fled at full speed, while he had just committed a theft. Just looking at him, Nami and Robin saw a lot of people screaming for someone to stop him.
''Stop this thief. a random person shouted.
"Oh boy. '' Nami said, putting her bags in the ground.
"Should we do something? '' Asked Robin.
"I think maybe it's a good way to make people forget the hatred towards us. "
Smiling, Robin put her hands in position, while Nami grabbed her weapon. Then, twirling her staff between her fingers, she quickly created clouds of thunder, which rose into the sky, while following the thieving turtle.
"Huh?" The thief wondered, seeing the sky darken above him, while a black cloud formed. " What is that ? "
"Today, the sun is forecast for the whole day." Nami affirmed. "Nevertheless, lightning is likely to be present above the Villains! THUNDER TEMPO !"
Lowering her Climate-tack, she brought down lightning that blasted the turtle-man, causing him to scream in pain.
" AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH ! "
The people around only looked confused, as the lightning continued to fall, before creating an explosion.
"What just happened?" Asked a random civilian.
''We don't care ! The Villain has been defeated.'' Said another civilian.
"Not quite yet." Robin said, staring at the cloud of smoke in front of her.
At that moment, a gust of wind blew away the smoke, and everyone could see that the thief had taken refuge in his shell. Even so, he felt the ill effects of electrocution. Nevertheless, still conscious, the thief stared at Nami, through one of the holes in her shell, and roared.
" You will pay for that. "
Then, starting to spin at full speed, his shell took on the appearance of a spinning top, before propelling himself towards Nami.
" GIGANTESCO MANO! "
Stunned, the turtle became immobilized, while a gigantic hand came out of the ground and managed to grab him and stop his rotation.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" The thief shouted, popping his head and limbs out of his shell.
Serious mistake. Arms grew over the gigantic hand and gripped his head and limbs.
'' DOS FLORS . '' Robin said, conjuring up arms near the mean turtle and breaking a few of its bones.
CRACK
Grimacing, several people heard the awful sounds of bones breaking apart, while the thief remained motionless. Finally, when the arms and the giant hand disappeared, he collapsed to the ground, with foam coming out of his mouth.
''The thief is down.'' Said a civilian, quite pleased.
"Yeah someone saved the day." A woman said, seeing the thief lying in the ground.
"These two women are the ones working for UA." Another person said. "I don't like Mugiwara, but those two have real heroic powers."
Seeing the joy on the civilians' faces, Nami sighed.
"Finally, they change their minds about people very quickly! I wonder how they would have reacted if it was Luffy who went after that thief."
"Aren't you happy to be considered a heroine?" Robin questioned her.
"That's satisfying. "Nami said simply. "But I'd rather have a reward than cheers."
"No wonder from you. '' Robin said.
Suddenly someone claps his hands.
''Ladies, my congratulations! I was going to intervene but I think this thief is already down and will be for a long time. Said a man with a big denim outfit and a stylish haircut.
''Best Jeanist.'' Said a civilian.
"Pro Hero Number Four is here. He's so handsome. " Another said.
''Hero number four? " Nami repeated. "What is he doing here?" "
Being accompanied by two other people, Jeanist waved and one of his men crouched down in front of the thief, before tying him up.
"If you allow it, my sidekick will deal with that thief and put him in jail." Jeanist said, making sure the situation was secure.
Then he turned his attention to see Nami and Robin, who were both wondering if he was here by mere coincidence or if they were the reason he was here.
"You two." He said, looking at Nami and Robin. "I must confess to being interested in you."
'' We ? '' Nami said, pointing at herself.
"I saw your interview and I have to admit that All Might has already told us about you… Mugiwara's crew. "
Hearing his last two words, Nami and Robin got back into a fighting position, ready to retaliate at the slightest aggression. However, positioning his hands in front of him, Jeanist assured.
"No, no, no! I'm not here to fight you! At the moment, they seem like we might be potential allies! And given how powerful your leader is, I don't think that would be very smart of you." fight and risk putting multiple people in danger."
"What do you want from us, then?" Robin asked skeptically.
Crouching down, to position his face in front of the women's, the hero declared.
"I have to admit you two have such beautiful faces."
"Huh…Thanks. '' Said Nami, a little nervous.
"But that's not all." Jeanist asserted, stepping back. "Your way of fighting was perfect! No unnecessary gestures! Impeccable composure! And perfect teamwork! It was magnificent to see! However..."
Positioning a finger at the pair, he declared.
"It's not your job to stop the Villains! What would you have done if your intervention could hurt someone?"
Knowing what he was talking about, Nami groaned, before picking up her bags. being of the same opinion as Luffy, she had no desire to rant with this man, who thought that the heroes could ensure flawless justice.
"We'll let the Villains do whatever they want the next time we see them." She stated, walking away.
"Wait." Jeanist cried. "Even if your intervention was against the rules, I think what you just did deserves a reward."
"Huh?" Nami said, turning to him.
"Since I'm here, let me offer you something. Boy, you know what I need.'' Said to his sidekick.
''Yes, sir.'' said the remaining acolyte, as he held up bags of clothes.
Inside was his latest fashion line of jeans.
"Allow me to offer you this."
"Do you always have bags of clothes with you when you're on patrol?" Robin asked with a drop of sweat.
''You never know what can happen to you. " Jeanist retorted. "I hate meeting people with dirty clothes!" That's why I offer them but clothes to make sure they are all as impeccable as me. "
" Very narcissistic. " Nami and Robin thought.
"So, what do you think?" Jeanist asked, handing Nami and Robin denim jackets, pants, and other materials.
"They… Wait a minute how much do they cost? Because get ready for negotiations." Nami said eager to start negotiating.
"No, they're free." He told her, with a serious face and that got Nami's full attention. "Like I told you, it's a reward!" Nevertheless, I count on you to let me do my job in the future. "
"FREEEEEEE! Nami shouted, in pure joy and happiness.
"Glad to see you like it. "
''YEAH, I love free stuff.' Said Nami clutching her new clothes.
Robin, however, was a bit wary.
''That's suspicious. Nami is smart but when it comes to money, her mind is completely alternative. When we get home, I'll have Usopp and Frank check them out. " Robin thought.
"Are you sure you'll give them to us?" Robin asked.
''Sure. Sometimes even people who cause confusion need to be pretty,'' Said Jeanist.
What Robin and Nami didn't know was that all the jeans had little trackers and a mini camera in them. They were recording and taking pictures of every activation the wearer did. Best Jeanist remained perfectly neutral as he thought.
"A pirate remains a pirate."
On the other side of town, Zoro was walking around town after a long day at the gym. It was still early, so he decided to relax.
"Dude, I need some alcohol. '' He said to himself.
He walked into a bar, while the school had no trace of alcohol or other stuff. He sits down on a stool and looks at the bartender who had the face of a bull. ''
"Hi, man. Here's the credit card and give me a big bottle and leave it." Zoro said, giving his credit card.
For the man he didn't care about, he started drinking like there was no tomorrow. Zoro was drinking till he filled his throat, but what he didn't know was that Edgeshot was watching him on a rooftop, completely silent, watching the green haired man's every move.
''I'll be here as long as necessary.'' The ninja hero said to himself.
5 hours later, Zoro was now sleeping on the bar. After finishing the bootle, he took a nap right there. He wasn't mugged because no one had the guts to try to rob him. In the meantime, Edgeshot has spent all this time watching Zoro.
" This man needs some serious help. '' thought the hero.
''Sir, wake up.'' said the Barman bull.
"What?" Zoro asked grumpily.
''It's already afternoon! It's time for you to go.'' Said the bartender
''Truly ? Thanks for the alcohol.'' Zoro said, stretching, before leaving the bar.
Then, continuing to walk, while yawning, he finally stopped, seeing a building, on which was a neon representing a muscular man.
" Huh? " Zoro wondered, entering the building.
inside, he quickly saw several men gathered in a few rooms, filled with weightlifting equipment or other, in order to exercise their already very large muscles.
"A gym?" Zoro wondered.
Seeing a real stone golem, lifting dumbbells weighing almost a ton, Zoro approached him, while looking at his training equipment with interest.
"That's some interesting training material." The swordsman affirmed. "Much better than the one I can find in the school."
Then, looking at the golem, he questioned him.
"Hey, how much for your dumbbells?"
Surprised, the stone man stared at him, before asking him.
" Sorry ? "
"Your dumbbells, can you sell them to me?" Zoro asked. "I want to train with it."
Looking at Zoro, to know if he was serious or not, the golem was about to say something, when a female voice was heard.
"I don't think a customer can have the right to sell our equipment."
Turning around, Zoro saw a woman behind him, who was moving on a crutch. Showing a smile, she said.
"I can't sell you the equipment my brother had a hard time finding! Without it, a lot fewer customers could come here."
"Your brother?" Zoro repeated.
"He's the manager of this gym." She affirmed. "I introduce myself: I am Ai Katara! And my brother is Tairo Katara! Sir, if you want equipment, why not just pay a subscription to be able to train here, whenever you want?"
"A subscription?" Zoro repeated. "Train here?"
Seeing him surprised, Ai wondered if he was a little stupid. Nevertheless, thinking she had found a new client, she kept her professional look, and affirmed.
"By paying 5,500 yen per month, you have the right to come here to use all the materials there! All we ask is that you don't damage anything! Otherwise, the bill will be on you."
"And I really can't just pay for the dumbbells to train where I live?" Zoro asked.
"Dumbbells this big are hard to find! And having them is the only argument we have to persuade Rocko-san and other customers like him to stay at our establishment."
Hearing this, Zoro sighed. Then finally, looking at the sports equipment around him, he noticed that maybe it wasn't a bad idea to come here every day. He could warm up by running to come here and even go to the bar next door after his training.
"I accept your offer."
"Congratulations." Ai told him, turning around. "Please follow me! We will proceed with the signing of the documents and payment.
Simply following her, Zoro saw her move forward with a bit of difficulty because of her crutches, while her left leg looked almost totally disabled.
"Training here hurt you?" Zoro questioned him.
"Not at all! It's by birth." Ai retorted. "Compared to my brother, I was born with a weak body and one of my legs was malformed! Today, I am unable to walk without my crutch."
Suddenly, a scream was heard and a person flew through the air, before landing not far from the duo. Startled, Zoro looked in the direction of a training ring and saw a dozen people there, surrounding a man who was motionless, with his eyes closed.
"A fight?" Zoro asked.
"He's my brother." Ai affirmed. "It's time for his training! And to do so, he uses the presence of this team of professional wrestlers."
at that moment, several men on the ground began to rush towards Tairo. Hearing them coming towards him, he suddenly opened his eyes, before hitting the ground with his foot. Immediately, a shock wave spread throughout the arena and unbalanced the men around him.
Then, putting his hands in prayer, Tairo concentrated for a few seconds, before managing to increase the size of his muscles tenfold.
"Tairo is an amazing person." Ai asserted, looking at her brother proudly. "He was born with two Quirks."
"Two Quirks?"
"Yes! He is able to use shockwaves to push back his enemies! And his second Quirk allows him to intensify his muscle power for a few seconds."
Feeling much more powerful than before, Tairo rushed towards the wrestlers in front of him and, despite their imposing builds, each of them was quickly sent flying through the air, while Tairo charged them, like a bull.
Seeing him do this, Zoro muttered.
"Oh...he's strong enough."
"My brother is super strong." Ai retorted. "Besides, everyone will know him all over Japan! Because he's the one who's going to win the next All Stars Tournament."
" The what ? "
" You do not know ? "
Speaking with stars in her eyes, Ai explained to him.
"It's an international tournament that takes place once a year and pits teams of three people against each other! Anyone can participate, but it's obvious that amateurs will be quickly defeated by facing the most powerful people of this world! This year, the tournament is held in Japan, because the team that won last year was All Might."
" All Might ? "
"Yes! And since he was the one who got the final victory in this tournament, everyone considers him the strongest man in the world! But this year, that will change."
Seeing Tairo being alone in his ring, she declared.
"This year, the Katara establishment will participate in the tournament, and it is their team that will win."
Listening to him, Zoro was somewhat interested in this tournament. Still, unsure if he was really interested in fighting against people considered second-class fighters, he ended up following Ai, simply caring about his own training.
For his part, wearing a pair of sunglasses and a fake beard, Usopp walked the streets, all the while hoping not to be spotted.
"Where's Luffy?" He growled. "I barely turned my back on him for two seconds when he took the opportunity to disappear! This is not the time to be spotted."
" Usopp-san ? "
Freezing, the sniper turned slowly, while speaking in a deep voice.
"No, you are wrong! My name is not Usopp, nor Usopp."
However, he fell silent as he recognized the blonde woman in front of her.
"You're Usopp, aren't you? It's me, Foire."
Quickly recognizing the woman he had met at the supermarket, the day before the tournament, the sniper began to stutter a little, before finally saying.
"Ah...yeah! I remember you."
Then, looking at her disguise, Fair looked surprised.
"Why are you dressed like this?"
"Huh...it's that..."
Suddenly displaying a mischievous smile, Foire declared.
"I know the reason! I saw you on TV! You were one of the people hired to protect her from children during the UA tournament, weren't you?"
"Huh…yes, that's right." Usopp affirmed, while looking around. "But if it could stay between us..."
"Why?" Asked Foire. "Even before I knew it was you, I was impressed with Usopp's performance."
"Really?" Usopp asked, losing all his embarrassment.
"Of course! You were truly amazing! The way you beat your opponents in your last two matches! When you quit, I wondered why, but after hearing your interview, I understood everything! Nevertheless , that was a shame! If you had continued, I was sure you could have won."
Hearing this, the sniper laughed stupidly, while Foire's words flattered his ego.
"HAHAHAHA! I have to admit that if I hadn't given up, I might have made it to the final."
Suddenly he saw Foire hand him a piece of paper.
" Huh ? "
"Can I have your autograph?"
"Huh?" Usopp wondered.
"Someone like you...I'm sure you'll soon become a legend! I want to be the first person who can call themselves your fan."
"A... A legend...?" Usopp wondered. "But…I'm a Quirkless ! I thought people like me were worthless."
"Don't listen to what idiots say." Foire retorted. "I'm sure you have a much better chance than them of becoming a professional hero! You have nothing to prove to them."
Hearing this, Usopp's ego intensified again, as he grabbed the paper before signing it.
"If I may please a my first fan..."
But as he signed the paper, as he overflowed with joy, he didn't see Foire's smile turn a little mocking, as she saw that he believed everything she said. Now she could begin the mission that Galadriel had given her. Placing a hand in her pocket, she touched a small crystal ball that allowed to visualize but also record everything that Usopp was going to say.
"Usopp-san, I heard that you are part of a group that now works for UA! That means you must be very powerful."
"HAHAHA! You gotta admit, I've fought a lot of people whose power defies anything people can imagine."
"Oh? So Mugiwara is your boss?"
"Yeah, but in truth, I reprensent over 60% of our group's offensive strength." Affirmed Usopp.
Changing his main lies, he declared.
"My group can be called mercenaries! We travel the world to track down any potential threats that may befall this world! I was recruited from among them after world governments heard of my exploits! "I'm a man who managed to defeat a horrible man named Kuro! That's when I met Luffy! He was supposed to fight Kuro but, in the end, it was me who defeated him."
Then, feeling his nose lengthen, he continued.
"There were also fearsome fights against criminal organizations! Baroque Works for example! Without my precious help, Luffy would never have been able to defeat his leader! To tell you the truth, everyone in the group considers me to be the vice -chief! By the way, that's how my code name became: God Usopp."
Hearing him, Foire kept her smile, as she tried to figure out if Usopp was telling the truth or exaggerating his exploits. During the tournament, he hadn't really accomplished any feats that could prove he was as threatening as Luffy or Zoro.
Still, it wasn't stupid to think that he had no reason to fight to the maximum of his ability against children. So he could very well be hiding potential that Nazarick was unaware of.
And if so, then maybe Shalltear or even Rubedo was going to be needed to fight him.
"I also know another person who wanted to destroy this world." Affirmed Usopp, who now seemed unstoppable. "His name was Kaido! Even he dreaded me joining the fight to help Luffy defeat him."