Atop a windswept hill, overlooking the boundless sea, the brave warrior stood in solitude. The azure expanse stretched before him, tranquil and unyielding. The warrior, shrouded in mystery, nodded their head with a faux solemnity as if bearing the weight of the island's safety on his shoulders.
"This land is once again secure," He declared, his far too deep voice tinged with a hint of pride. His words held an air of authority. He tried to ignore the way his throat itched as he made his voice deeper. For it was necessary, warriors were not soft-spoken. A deep tone was vital for a great warrior such as him. He swiftly turned to look in the distance, where his town stood. A smirk graced his lips as he spoke. "Seriously, what would Syrup Village do without its Great Captain Usopp?"
Usopp shook his head in fake grandeur jokingly. Seventeen years of age and perpetually draped in a cloak of make-believe, Usopp embraced his love for the dramatic. He reveled in the art of assuming grandiose roles, seizing every opportunity to claim his self-proclaimed significance. "As if!" he laughed.
In truth, Syrup Village, the tranquil haven that nestled amidst emerald hills, knew nothing of the dangers that lurked beyond its shores. The island lived in harmony, blissfully unaware of the perils that plagued the world. Yet Usopp, in his ceaseless pursuit of adventure, craved a taste of the extraordinary.
His gaze settled once again on the outline of his village. A sly grin curved upon Usopp's lips, mischief gleaming in his eyes. 'It has been a while since I last did it.'
Usopp's mischievous grin remained as he descended from the hill, his excitement pulsating through his veins. The wind tousled his unruly hair as he sprinted towards the village, his voice echoing like a raucous proclamation. "Pirates! The Pirates are here! Run for your lives!"
While some villagers paid no heed to Usopp's habitual exaggerations, continuing their daily routines, a few chuckled, recognizing the jest behind his words. However, there were those who had grown weary of his constant fabrications, their patience waning.
As expected, the villagers' reaction was as funny as it was diverse.
"What!? Pirates are invading?"
"Aha, Usopp is up and about already. Guess it's time to start working the field."
"Doesn't he get tired of this?"
As Usopp darted through the streets, laughter dancing from his lips. Until a frying pan came flying, smacking him in the head. "Aie!"
"You nearly gave me a heart attack, dumbass!" yelled a man angrily as he jumped over his stall's counter.
Usopp noticed a group of villagers armed with brooms and makeshift weapons, their expressions shifting from annoyance to mild fury. Determined to quell his antics, they chased after him, their feet pounding against the ground.
"Damn brat, how many times did I tell you to stop this stupidity!?"
The laughter continued to spill from Usopp's lips as he deftly evaded his pursuers, moving with the agility of a fox darting through the underbrush. The chase wound its way through narrow alleyways, across quaint bridges, and amidst bustling marketplaces, causing a stir wherever they went.
In Usopp's vivid imagination, the villagers transformed into fearsome pirates, their brooms morphing into formidable cutlasses. With each step he took and every evasion, he felt as though he were penning a chapter in his ever-growing legend, the soundtrack of adventure ringing in his mind.
Breathing heavily, Usopp quickly turned a corner and jumped through a garden's fence, finding refuge in the branches of a sturdy tree, chuckling triumphantly as the frustrated mob dispersed below. "Here goes my good deed of the day. I made sure to put some liveliness in this boring village." he sniggered as he watched the mob pass him by.
Catching his breath, his mischievous gaze settled upon a grand mansion in the distance—the residence of Kaya, the young heiress, and perhaps his only friend.
Memories of their past encounters flooded Usopp's mind, and a mixture of fondness and longing softened his eyes. Kaya's unwavering trust in his tall tales had inadvertently fueled his desire for adventure. A part of him hated how his lies were the only thing he had to impress her.
He shook his violently at the stray thought, Lies or not, his tales never failed to make her beautiful smile come to life. For Usopp, that was worth everything. 'But one day, I will make sure to give her a grand tale when I become a great warrior of the sea!'
It has been a couple of days since he went to the mansion, he should probably visit her soon. "But what tale should I tell her this time? The time I slayed six giants? Nah, that's too boring…"
Usopp's musings were cut off as his attention was abruptly stolen by the two small familiar figures below the tree.
""Good morning, Captain Usopp!""
Niijin and Tamanegi, his loyal companions, greeted him with eager anticipation.
A wide grin lit up Usopp's face as he recognized his trusty crew. Niijin, with his wild purple hair and freckles, exuded boundless energy. Tamanegi, the bespectacled bookworm, possessed a quiet determination that often surprised everyone, including Usopp himself.
He leaped from the tree with grace, landing firmly on the ground below, with a great smile on his face. "Ahoy, my loyal crew! What thrilling escapades await us today?" he proclaimed with playful grandeur.
Though he doubted the two understood half the words coming out of his mouth, Niijin and Tamanegi exchanged glances, their excitement already ablaze. "Captain Usopp, we're ready to face any challenge!" Niijin exclaimed, swinging his wooden sword with exaggerated bravado.
Tamanegi chimed in with earnestness, "Indeed, Captain! Together, we'll conquer the seven seas, fearlessly vanquishing evil!"
Usopp chuckled, relishing these moments of camaraderie. Despite the doubts and mockery of the villagers, the three children always stood by his side, believing in his tales of grandeur.
"Very well, my brave comrades, today, we embark on a legendary quest, encountering untold dangers and bountiful treasure," Usopp said, his faithful subordinates enthusiastically replying. "But before we march, where is Piiman?"
The boys exchanged a look, before shrugging.
"He's probably still sleeping."
"Or grounded. Maybe his mom punished him for skipping chores again."
The captain of the great Usopp pirates scratched his chin in contemplation. "We can't really go through with our pranks without a a full crew. Let's head to his house and find out."
With their wooden swords clashing and laughter filling the air, the trio embarked on their destination. Though it didn't take long for the fourth member to reveal himself.
Their playful mood was abruptly interrupted by a sudden commotion. Piiman came rushing toward them, his tear-stained face and runny nose painting an unusual sight for their usually carefree crew.
Breathless and wide-eyed, Piiman blurted out, "Guys, you won't believe it! Pirate ships are heading straight for Syrup Village!"
Usopp, Niijin, and Tamanegi exchanged dubious glances, unsure whether to take Tamanegi's words seriously. They were well acquainted with his penchant for tall tales and flights of fancy.
Usopp waved his hand in disbelief. "I already did that prank today. Try another one."
Determined, Piiman wiped away his tears, his voice filled with earnestness. "No, Captain Usopp, I'm not joking! I saw their flags fluttering in the wind. We have to do something!"
Piiman's revelation about the pirate ships closing in on Syrup Village sent a shiver down Usopp's spine. The thought of facing real pirates struck fear into his heart, and he struggled to maintain a composed facade.
Attempting to conceal how scared he was, Usopp put on a brave face as Piiman asked, "Are you going to fight them, Captain Usopp?"
Usopp's mind raced, desperately seeking an escape from the impending danger. With a forced laugh, he stammered, "Fight them? Well, you see, Tamanegi, I... I forgot to take my meds today." He hoped his feeble excuse would buy him some time.
The three brats exchanged knowing glances, seeing right through Usopp's attempt to evade the situation. They pointed their fingers accusingly. "Liar!"
Usopp's expression turned serious as he continued to weave his web of deception. "No, seriously! You guys don't understand. I suffer from a rare condition called 'Body-will-explode-if-I-don't-take-my-medication' illness. It's life-threatening, you know!"
The brats leveled him with an unimpressed stare, unconvinced by Usopp's melodramatic tale. Piiman chimed in, his voice laced with skepticism. "Come on, Captain, we know you're just trying to dodge the fight. But don't worry, those pirates are probably too weak to fight. Their ships are falling apart!"
"Y-you sure?" Usopp asked, hope dripping from his words.
The boy with the apple hairdo nodded vigorously. "I saw it with my own eyes. Their ships are barely sailing. They probably got attacked by another pirate crew or a sea monster!"
Piiman's attempt at reassurance and the faint glimmer of disappointment in his friends' eyes spurred Usopp to momentarily summon his courage. With a determined expression and trembling legs, he replied, "You're right, my loyal subordinate. Those p-p-p-pirates don't stand a chance against the great captain Usopp."
The three boys let out a pathetic warcry, motivated by his words. "Yeah, let's beat their butts, captain!"
"No! I will go alone." Usopp dampened their enthusiasm before they could do something stupid. "You guys go warn the villagers. I-I will go meet the p-p-pirates al-alone."
The three boys seemed ready to protest but nodded their heads. Soon, only a trail of them remained as they ran towards the houses.
Usopp took a deep shaky breath and turned toward the direction Piiman came from.
This is a bad idea.
With each step, Usopp's heart pounded in his chest, echoing the fear that gripped him. The path to the shore felt longer than ever before, as his mind conjured up vivid images of ruthless pirates and their menacing ships. He couldn't shake off the thought of the danger that awaited him.
As he neared the coastline, his steps became slower, his legs seemingly weighed down by the heavy burden of his anxiety. The salty breeze carried the faint scent of the sea, mingled with a sense of impending doom. Usopp's imagination ran wild, envisioning the pirates' bloodthirsty stares and their swords gleaming in the sunlight.
He swallowed hard, trying to steady his trembling hands. "This is a bad idea. A really bad idea," he muttered to himself, desperately seeking the courage to turn back. But a small voice within him reminded him of the trust his young companions had placed in him. He couldn't let them down. He had to face this challenge, no matter how terrifying it seemed.
"R-right, maybe the pirates are not that bad." Usopp muttered as he kneeled, fear locking his body in place. His dad was a pirate, and he wasn't a bad guy. Probably. Maybe these pirates were nice guys, too. "If they aren't,…I'll just tell them that I have a fleet of one thousand, no…eight thousand men. That will definitely scare them off!"
With a newfound resolve, Usopp squared his shoulders and continued his reluctant march towards the shore. Each step felt like a battle against his own fears as if he was dragging himself closer to the edge of a precipice. But he had come too far to turn back now.
His mind raced with wild thoughts of escape, of diving into the safety of the nearby forest or finding a hidden underground tunnel. But his legs refused to obey, seemingly rooted to the spot. The sheer magnitude of the task before him overwhelmed him, threatening to consume his every rational thought.
His hand dug into his pocket, and his fingers secured a grip on his trusty slingshot, offering him a bit of solace. Usopp took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage he could muster. "I can do this," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible above the nearing crashing waves.
"Ah, I should probably make sure that my sling is working," Usopp said as he observed his trusty weapon. Turning it around, he found no problem. 'Maybe, I should send a warning shot..' Grabbing a rotten egg from his pouch, Usopp let it sail over the tree line.
T-that should scare them off.
NOT!
"What the hell am I doing!?" Usopp yelled as he smacked his face.
He was barely more than thirty meters away from the edge of the island, only a thick wall of trees and plants separated him from the beach. Shaking his head, he gathered his courage again. "I am the brave captain Usopp, and I will face these pirates head-on!"
Usopp's heart skipped a beat as the deafening explosion shattered the air, reverberating through the once-serene landscape. Panic and dread seized him, driving him to sprint toward the source of the blast. Fear mingled with disbelief, clouding his mind as he imagined the worst.
As he arrived at the beach, a scene of devastation unfolded before his eyes. A towering pillar of flames danced high into the sky, consuming what remained of the pirate ships. What had probably been once proud vessels now lay in ruin, reduced to charred wreckage, smoldering wood, and twisted metal. The acrid scent of burning ash filled the air, assaulting his senses.
Usopp's eyes widened in horror as he took in the grim aftermath. The magnitude of the devastation left him speechless, his jaw fell to the ground and his voice caught in his throat.
Usopp's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the beach, the sound of the explosion still ringing in his ears. His eyes widened in disbelief as he beheld the scene before him. A raging inferno consumed the pirate ships, engulfing them in an unrelenting sea of flames. The intensity of the fire was overwhelming, its searing heat melting even the hardest stone and reducing everything in its path to ash.
The towering flames reached toward the heavens, dancing and twisting with an eerie, hypnotic grace. The crackling of the inferno echoed in Usopp's ears, drowning out all other sounds. He could hardly believe the sheer magnitude of the destruction that lay before him.
Among the smoldering wreckage, Usopp's gaze fixated on a distinct emblem that briefly caught his attention. It was a pirate Jolly Roger flag, its emblem depicting a cat's head. But before he could fully process the sight, the flag was consumed by the relentless flames, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
A mixture of awe and trepidation filled Usopp's heart before he shook his head in denial. The power unleashed in this devastation seemed beyond the capabilities of mere humans. He couldn't fathom what could have caused such a cataclysmic event. It had to be the result of exploding gunpowder, he reasoned, a force beyond his wildest imagination.
Gradually, a sense of calm washed over Usopp, his racing heart finding a moment of respite. He took a deep breath, steadying himself amidst the lingering heat and smoke. The reality of the situation settled upon him, urging him to take action.
An uneasy laugh escaped Usopp's throat, betraying his underlying fear and racing heart. "D-did I do this?"
Avoiding direct eye contact with the charred remains, Usopp forced himself to focus on the immediate task at hand. He needed to return to Syrup Village as quickly as possible, warning the villagers of the danger that loomed on the horizon. It was a responsibility he couldn't shirk, even if his own courage wavered.
"Hah.. ha..Guess I-I found what story I'm telling Kaya next." Usopp joked to himself as he stood, in an attempt to divert his thoughts and regain composure. "Gonna need to change a couple of details though. Haha..ha."
Usopp continued his journey back to Syrup Village, he attempted to lift his own spirits with silly jokes about the situation. He imagined the disbelief on the villagers' faces when he told them what had happened. "They won't believe a word of it," he muttered with a chuckle, momentarily forgetting the grim reality he had witnessed.
Lost in his own comedic musings, Usopp's mind wandered to his three young friends. He imagined their wide-eyed astonishment if he were to boast that he single-handedly defeated the pirates. "Oh, they would totally buy that!" he exclaimed to himself, unable to suppress a mischievous grin. "Shame it was not the truth..."
But...
Stopped in his tracks, his eyes darting to the slingshot in his hand. What if he was actually the one to get rid of them?
Sure, that level of power and the magnitude of the explosion were obviously far out of his capabilities. It had be gunpowder or cannonballs detonating.
But those things don't explode willy-nilly with no trigger.
Maybe, his egg really did hit the powder keg!
"A...Am I an actual hero?!"
Holy shit, he really was a hero!
"I. ." he declared into the sky. The guys in the village would not believe him. They would probably throw utensils at his head for lying again. But jokes on them!
This time he has proof. he just had to show them the aftermath of the explosion, and they will believe him.
He struck an exaggerated pose, his long nose rising into the sky. "Fear not, villagers of Syrup village. The mighty captain Usopp has rebuffed the wicked villains."
'Oh, I can already picture them singing my praises.'
He swiftly turned, his arms hugging his body as he swooned and made his voice pitch higher. Kya~ Captain Usopp, you're so cool and handsome, Kya~"
Usopp folded his hands, a grave expression on his face as he puffed his chest. "I am the brave and valiant Captain Usopp! The seas will tremble in my presence."
"That so?" a deep voice said behind him.
"KYAAAAAAH!" Startled, Ussop leaped in surprise, his face nearly planting the treetop as he clung onto a branch for dear life. "W-W-W-W-W-Who's there!?" Usopp called out, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind. His heart raced, and his eyes darted around, searching for the source of the mysterious voice.
"Psst, over here, kid. Look down."
Usopp cautiously shifted his gaze downward and saw a comical sight. There, kneeling in the bushes was a huge old man desperately trying to conceal himself with two branches held next to his head. Usopp stared at him in disbelief, his fear momentarily replaced by astonishment.
"W-Who are you?" Usopp managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. "And what are you doing hiding like that?"
The old man peered up at Usopp with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I'm just an old fool trying to have a bit of fun," he replied with a wry smile. "The name's Sakazuki. A pleasure to meet you, Oh handsome and cool Captain Usopp."
Usopp tried not to cringe himself to death as his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Gently, he got down from the tree he was hanging on. He coughed in his fist as his feet touched the ground. "Ni…Nice to meet you."
Sakazuki chuckled at Usopp's evident embarrassment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No need to be so bashful, Captain Usopp. I've heard tales of your legendary exploits and your brave adventures. You're quite the renowned figure around these parts."
Usopp's cheeks reddened even further, a sense of sheepishness washing over him. He scratched the back of his head, trying to regain some composure. "Well, you know, I do have a reputation to uphold. Can't disappoint my fans."
Sakazuki barked out a hearty laugh. His laughter boomed through the air as he threw the branches aside, rising from his kneeling position to reveal his proper towering height. Usopp's eyes bulged in astonishment, and he stumbled backward, landing hard on his backside. The old man's sheer size was mind-boggling.
"Whoa! You're a giant!" Usopp exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "I've never seen someone so ridiculously tall!"
Sakazuki grinned down at Usopp, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yep, that's me! The tallest guy around these parts. Pretty impressive, right?"
Usopp scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off with a sheepish grin. "Impressive? Nah, it's more like... insanely crazy! Seriously, how do you even fit through doorways?"
Sakazuki sniggered heartily. "Well, I have my ways, Captain Usopp. Being tall has its perks, you know?"
Usopp's gaze shifted from Sakazuki's enormous frame to the world around him. He scratched the back of his neck. "I guess so. You must have a great view up there. But what brings you to Syrup Village, Sakazuki-san? It's not always that we get a giant visiting us."
The mirth in Sakazuki dampened a bit at the question. He leaned in closer to Usopp. "Well, truth be told, I'm here on a personal matter. Do you happen to know a man named Klahadore?"
Usopp's eyebrows furrowed, his mind immediately going to Klahadore, the snobbish butler who looked down on him. He hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yeah, I know him. He's the butler of Kaya, the rich girl who lives in the big mansion. Why do you ask?"
"What can you tell me about him? His appearance? Mannerisms?" Sakazuki pressed on.
"Uh..Black hair, wears glasses, a bit taller than me, I guess." Usopp crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "As for his mannerisms...Well, Klahadore may act all high and mighty, but deep down, I think he cares about Kaya. He's annoying and condescending, but he's always been protective of her. the people around here like him, too."
"I see. You mentioned a Kaya. Who is she?" Sakazuki asked.
"Uh, yeah. She is the owner of the huge mansion Klahadore works in." Usopp's face softened as he spoke of Kaya. "Well, she's sick, you see. She's been bedridden for a while now, but she's a really kind-hearted person. We've been friends for a long time, and I do my best to make her smile."
Sakazuki's expression softened, his curiosity turning into genuine concern. "I see. It's good to know she has a friend like you, Usopp. But I must ask you something important. Have you noticed anything strange or suspicious about Klahadore's behavior?"
Usopp's brows furrowed, his mind reflecting on his interactions with Klahadore. "Well, he may act all snobby and superior, but I've never seen him do anything bad. Why?"
Sakazuki sighed heavily, his hand disappearing into his jacket. With a solemn expression, he retrieved a folded piece of brown paper. Usopp's eyes widened as he recognized the distinctive shape. It was a bounty poster, something he had seen a few times before. His heart raced with anticipation and unease as Sakazuki handed him the folded document.
As Usopp carefully unfolded the paper, his hands trembled with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The image that greeted him sent a shiver down his spine. It was the face of Klahadore, or rather, Captain Kuro, according to the poster in his hands.
Usopp's breath caught in his throat as he took in the details of the bounty poster. Captain Kuro's sharp features, his cold and piercing eyes, and the wicked smirk that adorned his face. It was a stark contrast to the image Usopp had of the butler whom he had met several times.
"This... this can't be real," Usopp muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The realization slowly sank in, and his mind swirled with a maelstrom of emotions. He had interacted with Captain Kuro, albeit unknowingly, on numerous occasions. The thought of such a dangerous individual being so close to him, to his friends, to Kaya sent chills down his spine.
"I'm afraid that your friend is in grave danger, Usopp."
