DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING, EXCEPT RAGNAR AND ALL VIKINGS IN THIS STORY! ONE PIECE BELONGS TO EICHIRO ODA, VIZ MANGA, TOEI ANIMATION AND FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT/CRUNCHYROLL LLC


Chapter 9: The Honorable Liar? Captain Usopp!

Five days into their voyage from Orange Town, the Straw Hat Pirates were already running into trouble. The food and alcohol that the townsfolk provided was all that could be spared for them: not nearly enough to make it on a long sea voyage.

"There's absolutely no way we'll make it to the Grand Line in this condition," said Nami, who was by now annoyed, namely because Luffy was eating at such a dire point. All they had now was just a barrel that was half-filled with apples.

"She's right," said Ragnar, taking stock of the inventory they had, "What meager food we were able to procure at Orange Town won't be enough to satiate us." Luffy only turned to his navigator and quartermaster, both of whom were obviously more skilled at planning than he or Zoro were, biting an apple core in his teeth.

"Yeah, we're gonna need a whole lot more meat," said the captain as he threw the apple core into his mouth, "Eating fruit everyday is for the birds."

"We'll also need some booze," added Zoro, before an apple hit him in the chin.

"Shut up, you boneheads!" Nami shouted, "That's not what either Ragnar or I mean. The Grand Line's a dangerous place, and we'll need more than beer and meat to survive there! Not to mention, the place is crawling with pirates that are also in search of the One Piece, and they all have ships that are way better than these boats!"

"And forget booze, Zoro, we're almost low on water!" Ragnar added.

"Plus, we don't have much of a crew," said Luffy as he ate another apple.

"We don't have a crew, nor do we have any equipment or a real ship for that matter!" Nami yelled, "There is no way we'll ever make it like this!"

"We'll need a cook, or maybe even a musician to keep us entertained," suggested Luffy, blissfully unaware of the reality of the situation.

"A cook, yes, but more importantly, we'll also need a doctor, a shipwright, a blacksmith and a helmsman." Ragnar only looked to Nami, all while Zoro laughed at the prospect of having a musician aboard. "Nami, what's our course?"

"A little to the south of here is an island with some settlements on it," she told him, "And it looks like we might be able to get a ship and some of the supplies we need there."

"Fresh meat at last!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Lots of booze as well," added Zoro.

"Is that all you two ever think about!?" Nami asked frustrated.

"They are men of simple pleasures," Ragnar explained, "And they are all the happier for it. The island could also be a decent place to trade with the locals, assuming that they're welcoming to pirates such as we."


On that very island, however, the silence of the morning was shattered by a harsh cry.

"SOUND THE ALARM! THEY'RE HERE! THEY'RE HERE AND THEY'RE GONNA KILL US ALL! PIRATES! PIRATES! PIRATES ARE ATTACKING! RUN!" Running towards the nearest village was a tan-skinned teenage boy with black curly hair that reached down to the back of his neck, and an incredibly long nose. On his head, he wore an olive-green plaid bandana, clear rectangular goggles hanging from around his neck. He wore no shirt, but he did wear a pair of brown overalls with a white sash, and a yellow satchel that hung from his shoulder, attached to which was a quiver full of arrows. A blue and white striped bracer covered his right forearm and wrist. All throughout the village, the boy shouted at the top of his lungs, "EVERYBODY, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! PIRATES! EVERYBODY RUN! PIRATES ARE COMING! THE PIRATES ARE COMING! RUN, IF YOU WANT TO LIVE! THEY'LL BE HERE ANY MINUTE NOW! RUN! THE KILLERS ARE ON THE SHORE! THEIR BLOODLUST IS UNQUENCHABLE!" However, even as the boy tried to warn the whole village, nobody dared respond to his cries of danger. Eventually, he lost his stamina and placed both hands on his knees, catching his breath. "The pirates…are…a…LIE!" he suddenly exclaimed, laughing like a madman, only for a pan to hit him in the back of the head. "That hurt!" He cried out.

"You little liar! You're not gonna get away this time!" Yelled a man armed with a broom, the one who threw the pan at the boy's head. Yet he was not alone, other villagers began coming out with brooms and other home tools, glaring at the boy.

"We've had enough!"

"This little game is over!"

Yet much to the sheer insanity of the situation, the boy only smiled. He wanted this reaction!

"Wait! Wait! Wait!" He muttered as he watched the angry mob come charging towards him, and as they drew nearer, he bolted off like an ostrich, "Now RUN!" Even as he was being chased, the boy cackled and laughed like a hyena by how slow these villagers were, "Just try and catch me! C'mon, slowpokes!" He taunted as he laughed, running towards the countryside. All throughout the road leading to the village, the townsfolk searched the bushes for this 'boy who cried pirate'.

"Aww man! Looks like he got away again!" One man shouted in frustration.

"That kid's a no-good troublemaker."

"He'd better hope I never get a hold of him."

"Looks like nobody's getting a hold of him today."

What the villagers didn't suspect was that, up in a tree, the boy they were looking for was giggling at their failure to apprehend him. For all their rage, he was as fast as an ostrich with the cunning of a fox. He only laid back on the sturdy branch he was crouching on and only felt the wind rustling in the leaves.

"Ah, yet another job well done," he muttered, satisfied with what he'd achieved, "It is my solemn duty to send the wind of excitement through this boring old village."

"There he is!" a voice cried out, and the youth looked down to see two little boys holding wooden swords and an impressively designed jolly roger on their clothes.

"Hey you guys! What's going on?" He called out as he saw the children below.

"I bid you good morning, Captain Usopp!" One of the boys, a green-haired one exclaimed.

"Fear not, your loyal crew, the Usopp Pirates have arrived!" Another shouted, a boy with purple hair that hid his eyes. Usopp only jumped down from the tree, happy to see his companions in arms.

"Carrot, Pepper! It's just the two of you today, huh?" He asked with a smile, "Where's Onion? Have you seen him around today?"

At that moment, another shrill cry was coming from the direction of the shoreline. Usopp and the two boys looked to see what was going on. Running towards them was a little boy with light brown hair and glasses, about the same age as Carrot and Pepper, wearing a yellow shirt and a blue winter style waistcoat. From the look on his face, he was terrified to the core.

"SOUND THE ALARM! THEY'RE HERE! THEY'RE HERE! THEY'RE HERE, AND THEY'RE GONNA KILL US ALL!" The boy cried out, sobbing in terror as he sprinted for his life.

"Hey, it's Onion," muttered Carrot.

"I wonder what he's freaking out about," wondered Pepper.

"PIRATES! PIRATES ARE HERE!" Onion screamed at the top of his lungs, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! PIRATES! WE DON'T STAND A CHANCE! BLOODTHIRSTY MURDERERS HAVE LANDED! RUN, EVERYBODY! RUN!"

The two other boys looked at Usopp, who only shrugged in utter confusion. Did Onion not get the memo that Usopp already pulled this stunt earlier?

"Stop playing," said Usopp as Onion finally stopped running, panting as he looked up to his role model.

"I'm not playing!" Replied Onion, shocking everyone, especially Usopp.

"It's for real!?"

"Yes, it's for real! Pirates are here!"

"Gotta go!" Usopp yelled as he took off at high speed, "Time for me to have my snack!"

"YOU CHICKEN!" The boys screamed in unison.

"You always told us that you wanted to become a real pirate, someday and now's our chance!" Carrot reprimanded.

"Yeah! What's with you!?" Pepper yelled, "What kind of a pirate is afraid of other pirates!?"

"If I recall correctly, it was Buggy the Clown's mark," said Onion, remembering what he saw, "And there could even be Vikings among them."

"B-B-Buggy the Clown!? And V-V-V-Vikings too!?" Usopp stuttered, frozen in sheer terror, slowly turning to run, "I think I'll just…"

"But I only saw three tiny boats, and there were just four people," explained Onion. Hearing this, Usopp turned round with a smile.

"It's go time, Usopp Pirates!" He exclaimed, relieved that it was only a small force, "We do have a village to protect! Let's go, men! Move out!" The three boys were just so confused. How could their so-called captain be scared one moment, and then happy the next? Yet their initial confusion dispersed as they smiled and followed their role model loyally towards the coastline.


At the coast of the island, the three boats all beached ashore without incident. As they did, the Straw Hat Pirates disembarked, glad to finally have reached solid ground.

"It feels good to be on dry land again!" Zoro remarked as he stretched his arms out.

"Indeed, praise Ægir the sea and weather were calm," said Ragnar, getting two additional shields for both the first mate and Luffy. "Everyone take shields, in case the villagers aren't as friendly as the townsfolk of Orange Town."

"There's a village around here somewhere, right?" Luffy asked as he took the shield and began to look around. He saw a series of cliffs and a natural causeway leading further inland.

"Yeah. It looks like a small one, though," said Nami as she looked at the map.

"Ooh! Ooh! Then there's meat! There's meat!" Luffy exclaimed, "There has to be a place with meat in this village!"

"How are you still hungry at a time like this?!" Nami asked, just utterly dumbfounded as to how the boy who saved her life was still able to eat so much food. All of a sudden, both Zoro and Ragnar readied their weapons.

"Careful, we're being watched," the pirate hunter warned his comrades.

"Ja. It seems they were expecting us," added Ragnar, sniffing the air for any scent of hostile militias. Luffy heeded the advice from his quartermaster, and began to scan the cliffs. Something was definitely off. He only looked at Ragnar with a nod: at any sign of danger, they had to be ready. Suddenly a whizzing was heard through the air and the sky above them suddenly blackened. The four all looked up and saw arrows raining down towards them. "SHIELDS UP!" Ragnar shouted, and the four crouched down and raised their shields to protect themselves, interlocking their protective gear for better coverage. The arrows sunk into the shields, but were thankfully unable to pierce the rawhide and wood. Other arrows sunk into the sand all around them. As soon as silence fell over the coast, they all recovered and got up, with Nami having hid behind Luffy. "Is everyone alright?" Ragnar asked.

"I think so," Luffy replied.

"I know I'm fine," said Nami, grateful that Luffy was once again able to protect her. Zoro gave no response, but only a nod to confirm as he readied one of his swords. Ragnar drew an axe that hung on his belt while Nami prepared the linstock she still had on her, wielding it as if it were a spear. She, Luffy and Ragnar quickly formed a shield wall at what they saw next: at least a dozen jolly roger flags popped up from the bushes.

"Stand ready, everyone!" Ragnar ordered, ready for a potential fight. Yet before them on the clifftop with the tree, they saw quite a sight: Usopp was standing before them laughing as if he were a champion of sorts.

"I am Usopp, leader of the invincible nation of pirates who reign over this island!" He declared, "You stand before a living legend! The most revered pirate who ever lived! I am the great Captain Usopp!" As he made his speech, Luffy only stared blankly at the newcomer. "Surely, you know that plotting an attack on this island would mean certain death! My army of 80 million super mean pirate soldiers would squash you like bugs!"

Luffy just looked at Nami, Ragnar and Zoro, who all had the same thought: Was this kid actually serious? An army of 80 million men? Who had the funds, logistics and charisma to gather that many warriors?

"You expect us to believe that?" Nami asked, calling Usopp's bluff.

"She knows!" Usopp muttered, shocked that someone suspected his deception failed.

"Yep. Well, now I know."

"How could I have been so dumb!? I practically told her I was lying! I'm such an idiot! So stupid!" Usopp only wriggled as an eel upon realizing his bluff was called, causing the four to raise an eyebrow in equal confusion. Yet Usopp quickly regained his composure, "Curse you, you crafty tactician!" He yelled at her, "Eighty million may have been a bit of an exaggeration, but I have a great many men under my command!"

"Impossible. I'm guessing you have around closer to 3," said Ragnar. Luffy only nodded in agreement

"AAAAAAHHHH! THEY DO KNOW!" Carrot, Pepper, and Onion all screamed in unison, and then ran as fast as they could.

"Hey! Where are you boys running!? Come back here!" Usopp yelled, but obviously to no avail. Frustrated, he turned to face the four pirates, noticing Nami grab one of the arrows that was at her feet.

"A pirate using a bow and arrow, huh? Well, now I've seen everything," she muttered, further intrigued as Luffy only laughed it off.

"That's pretty cool!" He chuckled.

"Shut your mouth, or I'll shut it for you!" Usopp yelled, grabbing his bow that he had slung over his shoulder, and reaching for an arrow in his quiver, "I'll have you know, I'm a proud man and I won't stand for it!" As he finished, Usopp nocked an arrow on his bow, and drew the weapon back past his ear – a clear indication of his skill as an archer. "This is your last warning! Turn back now, or you'll get to see why they call me 'Proud Usopp' and not 'Pushover Usopp'. Is that clear? You've already seen for yourself how skilled I am with a bow, so you know I can rival anyone armed with a pistol!"

"Now that you've drawn your pistol are you willing to use it?" Luffy asked in an intimidating tone, his hat pulled over his eyes. Ragnar and Nami were wondering what the heck was wrong with their captain for mistaking a bow with a pistol, but Zoro saw what Luffy was doing and smiled. Usopp only froze up, since hearing Luffy's words scared him to the bone. "Guns aren't for threats, they're for actions. Are you willing to risk your life?" He asked once more. Ragnar knew exactly what Luffy was saying instantly now. Those words were the very ones Shanks spoke years ago! Luffy had quite the good ear, it seemed. Zoro only began to draw his sword at that.

"I can assure you, we're real pirates," he warned, "Consider your next move very carefully." It was evident that whatever this guy was planning for, the Straw Hats were ready regardless, and given that Ragnar was also a Viking, the outcome was already decided. With none of his friends to back him up, Usopp realized he had no other choice. As Luffy continued staring him down, he loosened his grip, letting the bowstring back to rest, and causing the arrow to fall, the tip sticking into the dirt atop the cliff while he dropped to his knees in shame.

"Real pirates definitely have a lot more punch behind their words because they can actually back them up," he lamented, "That's so cool…"

Luffy and Zoro only laughed, knowing that they finally got him. Even Ragnar let out a chuckle.

"I stole that," said Luffy, explaining himself with a smile, "I stole those words from Red-Haired Shanks, a pirate I know."

"What!? You know Red-Haired Shanks!?" Usopp asked in pure disbelief, "You really are a real pirate! Wait, you gotta be lying! Do you really know him?"

"Yep! I know your dad too. His name's Yasopp, right?"

Hearing his own father's name, Usopp stumbled down the cliff, his shock overwhelmingly mixed with the temporary pain he felt as he finally fell flat on his back on the shore. He then got up, to look right up at Luffy.

"You're right. My old man's name is Yasopp," he confirmed, "But…how in the world do you know him?"

"It's a long story," said Ragnar, as he and Nami broke their shields up, allowing them to move freely, "One we would be happy to discuss over food and drink. We have been 5 days at sea with barely enough rations to feed ourselves. If you could lead us to the local tavern or alehouse, we would be forever in your debt."


Happily, Usopp led them all into town, to the local tavern. There, they all began feasting in earnest. Luffy was happily stuffing his face on a huge slab of meat, while Nami and Usopp had the daily special. Ragnar and Zoro chose the finest ale to accompany their respective dishes. It was evident, however, that Luffy was a boy of massive appetites, given that he finished six meals already!

"So, I met your dad when I was just a little kid," Luffy explained to Usopp, glad to tell their new friend more about his father.

"Hold on! Are you saying that my old man really knew Shanks?" Usopp asked, equally enthralled by the fact that his father knew one of the greatest pirates the world had ever seen.

"Knew him? When I met your dad, he was part of Shanks' crew, so they're probably pretty good friends."

"I can't believe it! My old man sailing the high seas with famous pirates!"

"I haven't heard from them in a while, but I bet he's still with them. He was a heck of a sharpshooter. I'd keep him on my crew," Luffy praised, recalling how Yasopp was not only a great marksman, but also fond of his son, "Still, he also used to go on, and on, and on, about his son. I think I heard enough about you to make my ears bleed. And let me tell you, he was a great pirate!"

"Yeah? Really?" Usopp asked, listening intently, "I sure am proud of my old man. He left for a pirate life on the endless sea…and chose a life of real adventure."

"Then in that case, maybe you could help us," said Nami, "Do you know someone who could provide us with a decent ship, or anyone who knows how to sail for that matter?"

"Well, it's a pretty small village," Usopp told her with a sigh, "Sorry, but I just don't think we'll be able to help you. Though, I do know some Vikings that settled down on the eastern side of the island. They're the ones who taught me archery, as a matter of fact."

"What about that huge mansion on the top of the hill?" Zoro asked, causing Usopp to freeze up, "Looks to me like that's the home of whoever runs this village."

"Do you know them, Usopp?" Nami asked, "With all that money, surely they could help us get our ship."

"You stay away from there!" he angrily told them, causing the four to look on, shocked by Usopp's reaction. The lad then realized what he just said. "Uh… I just remembered something that I really gotta do." He then got up with a forced smile, "Everybody knows me at this place, so stay and eat as much as you want before seeing those Vikings."

"Do you know the name of whoever is leading them?" Ragnar asked.

"Oh, I think her name was Sigrun Varinsdottir or something like that." Usopp then took his satchel and smiled as he headed out the door, "Anyway, I gotta go!"

"Why was he in such a hurry to get outta here?" Nami asked, curious as to why Usopp reacted the way he did.

"And why'd he insist we stay away from that mansion?" Luffy added as he bit into an apple.

"It's evident that he's hiding something. I could smell it on his scent," Ragnar mused, "But, at any rate, we best not linger here longer. Usopp did mention a local clan of Vikings and their jarlskona on the eastern side of the island. Best we head there first before we investigate that mansion."


Meanwhile, at said mansion, a lone young woman sat in bed, looking out over the courtyard. Her butler, though, poured her a glass of water and left a satchel of powder.

"You wish to see Usopp?" he asked in a condescending voice, "Don't start this again, milady."

"May I see him? I like talking to him," she told her butler.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but that man is without a doubt a chronic, pathological liar," he replied, slipping his glasses forward with the palm of his hand, "For someone in your weakened state, Usopp's outlandish stories may be too much to handle."

"But you let me listen to those Vikings' sagas whenever they stop by to trade all the time."

"Those are different. They are just tales of heroes and their Gods, nothing more," The butler only sighed in frustration, "Your late parents instructed me to protect you to the fullest of my ability. It would be against their wishes for you to see him, Ms. Kaya. Now then, I've left your medicine by the dresser. Please be sure to take it." And with that, the butler began to head for the doors.

"Killjoy," Kaya muttered under her breath.

"Killjoy will do. A name I'll bear if you're kept safe," said the butler as he headed out. Kaya only sat in her bed, pale and despondent, until she heard a stone tap at her windows. Instantly she knew what that meant. Opening them, she saw him sitting in the tree outside.

"Usopp! You came!" She exclaimed.

"Of course, how are ya?" He asked happily, "You seem a little down."

"I guess I am. I'm tired of talking with you like this, I'd like to invite you inside as a proper guest, but there's just no way Klahadore would allow that. He's not a bad person, though."

"Don't sweat it. Remember, I was trained in archery by Vikings, so I crave for the thrill of adventure. Houses weren't made for warriors like me; I'd probably just feel crammed in there."

"So, what adventure are you going to tell me about today?"

"Hmm…well, let's see…" "Oh, I know! How about that one about the time I fought against two berserkers in the Wolf Clan's longhouse?"

"Two berserkers?"

"Oh yeah! I was only just starting my archery lessons, when these two guys wearing bearskins just started wrestling and I had to get involved! I ended up covered in beer!"

Kaya and Usopp both just laughed, as if nothing was wrong with the world.


Elsewhere in the village, Carrot, Pepper, and Onion were out looking for their friend, when they came upon the tavern.

"Are you sure that this is the place they took him?" Pepper asked Onion.

"Yeah, those terrible pirates dragged him inside," said Onion, "And now, it's up to us to save our captain."

"But guys, those are real pirates!" Carrot reminded them, "What if they've grilled and eaten them already? Or what if that Viking of theirs sacrificed him to his Gods?"

"You idiot! It's grizzly old witch-hags who eat and sacrifice their victims, not pirates!" Pepper reprimanded. The three little boys looked inside the doors, to notice Luffy drinking his tankard of ale, enjoying himself. "Okay, you guys," Pepper began, "This time, it's for real. This is gonna be the most brutal and epic battle of our lives. We must show no mercy, because they'll never show it to us!"


Inside the tavern, the Straw Hats were just about finished with their feast, as Ragnar began to stand.

"Well, shall we head out towards this encampment Usopp spoke of?" He asked.

"According to the map, it looks like it's on the eastern side, overlooking the cliffs," said Nami, noting it on her map, "It looks like they've even managed to create a port for longships as well. We can haul our boats there for safe keeping, can we?"

"As long as we let them know that the 5 million berries worth of treasure is ours, and is not to be touched," Ragnar replied, but before they could get up and leave, the three boys burst into the tavern.

"THE USOPP PIRATES HAVE ARRIVED!" They declared in unison.

"Who are these kids?" Nami asked.

"Weren't they with Usopp when we first met him?" Ragnar added, "The ones holding up those flags?"

"Captain Usopp is gone!" Carrot muttered. As soon as the three of them noticed this, they began to suspect the worst.

"Fess up, you filthy pirates!" Pepper shouted, "What have you done with our beloved captain!? Tell us now!"

"Yeah! Tell us now!" the other two boys demanded in unison.

"Phew! That meat sure was good!" Luffy exclaimed, rubbing his belly, and feeling both satiated and satisfied. However, the three boys jumped back.

"W-What meat?" Carrot asked, frightened.

"Th-These pirates are cannibals!" Onion muttered, both he and Carrot hiding behind Pepper. Seeing their reactions, Nami only giggled at such behavior from kids.

"What have you done…you barbarians?" Pepper asked, shaking with fear like the rest of his friends.

"If you're looking for your captain…" Zoro told them, grinning maniacally, "…we ate him!" The look on his face said it all, and the boys immediately began fearing the worst! Their captain was horrifically devoured!

"AAAAAHHHH! CANNIBALS!" The boys all screamed in unison.

"What are you creeps screaming at us for!?" Nami yelled at them, all the while Ragnar, Luffy and Zoro laughed at this seemingly boyish prank. "You just had to say something stupid, didn't you?" Nami reprimanded.

"It's all right boys," Ragnar told them, "Your 'captain' only left recently. He said he had something to do and recommended we speak to the local Vikings on the eastern coast about a ship." Upon hearing this, Pepper and his friends let out a sigh of relief.

"You really had us going there," he replied, pointing to the mansion on the hill.

"If our captain ran off at this hour, then the mansion is the place he's gonna be at," said Onion, confirming it.

"What does Usopp go there for?" Luffy asked, curiously.

"He comes to lie," Carrot explained.

"He lies!? That's terrible!" Nami told them.

"He's not a bad guy, he's great, isn't he?" Pepper asked his comrades.

"Yeah, he's awesome!" Onion remarked.

"How is a liar awesome?" Zoro asked, his and Ragnar's arms both crossed defensively.

"Maybe I ought to explain," Pepper began, "Kaya, the girl who lives there is going through a terrible depression that left her weak since her parents died a year ago. She's very rich, but all that money couldn't help her recover from her sadness."

"So, our captain tells her special made-up stories to laugh and make her cheer up," said Onion.

"Captain Usopp is the best at telling lies," said Carrot.

"Those aren't lies," Ragnar told them, "He's basically telling her myths that he makes of his own accord. If he wasn't such a good archer, he'd be more than welcome to join the crew as our skald." Ragnar then realized that the boys didn't know what he was talking about, "That's what we call poets and storytellers in my land."

"Still, that's a pretty nice thing for him to do," said Luffy.

"The best thing about him is his mysterious side," said Carrot.

"I like him because he's not afraid to be silly," added Pepper.

"And I like the captain's crazy myths," concluded Onion.

"So, when he tells her those stories, he makes her feel better?" Nami asked.

"Yep! Lots better."

"Great!" Luffy exclaimed, "Maybe if those Vikings can't help us, we should ask her for a ship."

"We're not the ones who make her feel better," Zoro reminded Luffy, "Usopp is."

"Getting in is impossible," Onion explained, "The guards at the gate don't let anyone through, except those Vikings who go there to trade."

"Then, let's go meet these Vikings!" Luffy declared, "Then we'll go see this girl Kaya!"


Elsewhere on the island, a strange man moonwalked throughout the town, wearing a blue jacket and hat, and heart shaped sunglasses. Nobody knew it at the time, but this man was just the start of something far awful that was coming to the island…


A/N: At last...Captain Usopp has arrived! Now, you may be curious as to wonder, why did I replace Usopp's slingshot with a bow and arrow? Well, in the Boss Luffy Historical Special, Usopp is depicted as wielding a bow, plus I've seen art of him done by Oda wielding a bow, so I figured it would add into the whole aesthetic of this storyline. Besides, the white and blue striped wristband he wears on his left forearm looks a lot like a bracer for archery.

Also, we have another Viking clan mentioned, led by a woman this time! This is not to be something related only to this story. We have both written and archaeological evidence of Norsewomen from the Viking Age taking up weapons and fighting alongside men as well. So, expect to see much, much more in the next chapter!