AN:
This chapter is coming out later than I wanted it to. FF has been really finicky this month as I'm sure many of you have seen. Anyway, this chapter is a little slower in regards to action, but it finally feels like we are almost there! The Grandline awaits! Sorry to those of you that feel like things are moving too slowly / but we still have a couple more chapters before we get there so hang in if you can. Lol.
On another note, we skip around a little bit in this chapter, but I hope it feels cohesive like I wanted and not too confusing. As always I appreciate all of you and hope you enjoy the chapter. I'm excited about the coming updates so I'm already in the process of getting the next chapter finished. See you guys then!
Chapter 41: United
Usopp stared up at the blue sky and sighed, his hand lightly rubbing the wood underneath him. He was glad to be back on the Merry… He'd missed his second home... A boom sounding through the air brought the sniper out of his thoughts, eyes wildly searching for its origin.
"DAMN IT! COME ON!", Luffy screamed as he soared through the air. His legs shot out in front of him in an attempt to stop his descent but nothing accompanied the action and he groaned at the sight of the quickly approaching water, "WHY THE HELL IS THIS SO HA-".
Usopp saw his captain's form crash into the ocean and couldn't help the laugh that left his throat… Still though, as funny as it was watching him fall into the water for the hundredth time… He really couldn't believe Luffy could actually fly… Well… Kind of… He shook his head and stood, leaning over the rail of the crow's nest. "You alright, Luffy?!", he yelled down to the rocking waves below.
The pirate captain broke the surface and moaned in annoyance, just barely catching the other boy's words. "Yeah!", he replied with a loud sigh, irritation clear in his voice, "I'm fine!". He looked up at the sky and pouted… Why couldn't flying be as easy as swimming?… He shook his head, expelling the bad feelings with the smile that rose to his lips, "Levi!"… He'd had enough practice for one day. "Let's race!", he exclaimed excitedly as the beast's head rose out of the water beside him.
More laughs rose from Usopp's lips while he watched the interaction from above and when the two dove under the water for their competition, he sat back against the mast. It had taken Luffy until the day prior to heal enough to take all of his bandages off and he'd barely been on the Merry since. The thought kept his smile in place… He'd been swimming with Levi and practicing flying almost constantly, something Nami wasn't too happy about… And, he couldn't lie… She kinda had a point… They were a lot slower without Levi pulling the ship…
Still though, they were close, and the long-nosed teen couldn't help but be excited. He couldn't wait to gather everyone else up and head for the Grandline… It was strange, but for the first time in his life, he was equal parts scared and excited… As crazy as that was... He knew their journey would be nothing short of the most dangerous undertaking of his life… And yet… Still, the grin stayed glued to his face… The fear was still there, and he knew it probably always would be, but now it was accompanied by a small fire burning in the pit of his stomach.
Usopp let his heart rate settle and leaned back on the mast, looking up to the sky. One of the white clouds floating above caught his vision and he couldn't help but think it was reminiscent of the silhouette of a girl… A head of blond hair floated through his head and his eyes softened as he watched the wind blow the image away… He was going to miss her… And his three brave crew members… Well… Ex-crew members… The thought made him sigh and he closed his eyes, his exit from Gekko playing in the darkness of his mind.
"Listen guys.", Usopp said softly, getting down to his knee. He looked each one of them in the eye before grabbing them in a hug, "You three have been the best subordinates a captain could ask for…". He pulled away to look at them. "But…", tears sprang from his eyes and he wrapped his arms around them once again, "It's time for the Usopp Pirates to disband…".
Onion, Carrot, and Pepper all three looked at each other blankly, the same thought rolling through each of their heads… He'd told them this was going to happen when he'd gotten back from bounty hunting… They'd cried then, but they understood and were over it now… So… Why the heck was Usopp crying so hard?…
The long-nosed teen released his grasp on the boys and sniffled, sucking snot back into his nose. "Take care of Kaya while I'm gone. Alright, boys?", he managed to choke out.
The three looked at each other before small giggles began to leave their lips… They were going to miss their funny captain… They all stepped forward and wrapped their arms around him, more laughs leaving them when the teen's cries picked up again.
Carrot stepped back and smiled, the two beside him doing the same, "You got it, Usopp! You can count on us!".
"Count on you for what, Carrot?", Kaya asked with a smile, walking down to the dock with Merry in tow.
Usopp turned and immediately sucked his tears back up, standing to his feet and clearing his throat as the pretty blonde girl stopped in front of him.
"We're gonna protect you while Usopp's out being a pirate!", the young boy replied enthusiastically, his two friends nodding their heads in agreement.
Kaya looped her arm through Usopp's and leaned on his shoulder, looking at the three boys appreciatively. "Well, I thank you, my three brave guardians. There are no others I would rather have watching over me.", she smiled tenderly.
"Alright, Usopp! We're getting ready to set sail!", Nami yelled, stepping back on the dock and waving him in her direction. Her eyes caught the Kaya's and she smiled waving her over as well, "Come give me a hug before we leave, Kaya!".
Carrot, Pepper, and Onion all three visibly paled at the sight of the orangette… They almost hadn't made it through their initial run-in with the girl… At least she was wearing a dry shirt now… The moments before they all passed out were still ingrained in their minds… So much jiggle…
Red suddenly consumed each of the boys' faces and their hands shot down to cover their crotches as they turned to run back up to the mansion, blood flowing heavy from their nostrils.
"W- We'll be b- back at the m- mansion!… By- Bye, Usopp!", Pepper yelled over his shoulder with an embarrassed stutter. The two in front of him waved with the same sentiment and the three made their exit as quickly as possible, the same thought passing through each of their minds… Girls were scary…
Nami knowingly smirked at the rapidly retreating trio… It was nice to know she still had that kind of effect on boys… The small boost to her ego was appreciated after watching Luffy's reaction to her practically bare chest from earlier… Or lack thereof… She glared over her shoulder at her captain making his way to the dock to give his goodbyes… Idiot…
Luffy stopped beside the orange-haired girl and smiled at the two walking in their direction before rushing forward and grabbing Kaya in a tight hug. "Bye, Kaya!", he said, releasing her and pulling back to bow in her direction, "And I really can't thank you enough for giving me Merry.". He stood and turned to face his beloved vessel, his smile softening, "I can't think of a better ship to take us to the Grandline.".
"It was my pleasure, Luffy.", the blonde replied genuinely, "I'm glad I found someone who will give her the love and care she deserves.".
Luffy turned back and his soft smile morphed into a grin, "You know it!". He gave the girl one last hug before turning and making his way back onto the ship, waving over his shoulder, "Bye, lamb guy! I think your horns are really cool!".
Kaya giggled at the comment before she was grasped in a hug once again, her smile returning as she wrapped her arms around Nami's back, "It's always nice being able to talk to you, Nami". The two released each other and the orange-haired girl stepped back enough for her to notice the ill-fitting shirt she wore. "And sorry I couldn't find anything that fit better…", she apologized with an embarrassed laugh.
"Nonsense.", Nami replied, looking at the shirt that looked like a crop top on her, "I like wearing shirts like this.". The other girl went to argue, but she silenced her with another hug. "It's ok, Kaya. I promise.", she said, a smile rising to her lips, "And I had just as nice of a time talking to you.". She squeezed the blonde one last time before releasing her and turning away, "Hope we can do it again sometime in the future.". She didn't turn, but she waved behind her at the girl's butler while continuing to make her way up to the deck of the Merry, "See ya, Merry. Take care of her for us.".
"… And then there was one.", Usopp sighed, turning to his blonde-haired friend. He returned the smile she was sending him and grabbed her up in a hug, "I'll miss you, Kaya.".
Kaya wrapped her arms around the boy's back, smiling into his shoulder as they embraced, "I'll miss you too, Usopp.". She pulled back and as she did, her lips softly brushed his cheek. Red immediately sprouted onto the long-nosed teen's face and she couldn't help her small giggles while she finished pulling away. "Now, go out there and have a ton of crazy adventures so you can tell me all about them when you get back.", she said, lightly pushing him in the direction of the Merry.
It took a moment, but the sniper eventually regained his bearings and his smile returned, red still making his cheeks look like a pair of cherries. "You got it.", he replied taking the girl in for a moment longer before looking past her waving form and to her butler. "Like Nami said, Merry.", he shouted, "Take good care of her.". With one final smile and wave at Kaya, he turned away and walked up to the ramp to join his crew members.
Luffy waited for everyone to get settled and Merry to pull in the ramp connecting them to the dock before looking down to the water. Alright, Levi!", he shouted excitedly, "Head for the Baratie! We're gonna pick up Zoro and Sanji!".
The bell above the entrance rang and Zoro groaned, turning to grumpily greet the newcomers.
"Welcome to the Baratie. Thank you for choosing to dine with us today… Blah, blah, blah… Some other stuff.", the swordsman sighed, his boredom-glazed eyes settling on the trio stepping into the restaurant. He continued while he let the group come into focus, "Now, if you'll follow me, I can seat you at a ta-".
The verdet stopped before he could finish, his black orbs widening when he finally realized who it was he was talking to, and a sigh of relief left his mouth. He immediately turned in the direction of the kitchen, beginning to loosen the black tie around his neck, "I'm quitting old man!".
A short moment passed before Zeff burst through the kitchen door and he immediately caught sight of the group standing at the front, a small smile replacing the scowl on his lips… So… It was that time…"Bout damn time, you useless brat!", he replied, turning to walk back into the kitchen, "Sanji! Get your ass back inside! Your other little friends are here!".
Zoro grinned at the reply, dropping his tie to the ground and untucking his white dress shirt. He unbuttoned the top three buttons and turned back to the group at the door. Before he got the chance to greet them, however, he was tackled to the ground.
"Zoro!", Luffy exclaimed excitedly, laughing at his friend trying to push him away, "I'm glad you and Sanji didn't kill each other!".
The green-haired boy growled and shoved his captain away in irritation, "… It was a damn close thing."… He'd gotten used to living with the cook over the course of the week or so he'd been there but he still couldn't stand the damn pervert… He was infuriating.
Luffy went to reply but his eyes caught sight of someone walking out of the kitchen door and he lifted his head. Within moments, he was back on his feet and joyfully rushing in the figure's direction, "Sanji!".
A small smirk rose to Zoro's lips at the sight of the now groaning cook as he was tackled to the ground and he stood, turning to face the other two accompanying his captain. He smiled when his eyes met Nami's, "I'm assuming Luffy caught up to you in time?".
The orangette returned the gesture and nodded. "Yeah.", she replied softly, stepping forward to wrap her arms around his middle, "Good to see you, Zoro.".
The swordsman's features softened slightly and his arms snaked around the girl's shoulders, "Glad to have you back, Weather Witch.".
"Glad to be back.", Nami smiled, stepping away and moving past him, in the direction of the two wrestling forms at his back. "Oh, Sanjiii.", she singsonged at the rolling bodies.
Zoro groaned… The damn chef was bound to be even worse now… He shook his head and turned to the final member of the group, his frown replacing itself with a grin. "Hey there, Long-Barrel.", he greeted with a small laugh, "Long time no see.".
The sniper couldn't help the matching grin that rose to his lips and he rushed in the other boy's direction, "Zoro!".
The verdet grunted when Usopp's form crashed into him and laughed through the pain, arms wrapping around his friend's back, "Good to see you too, Usopp.".
"You'll never believe it, Zoro!", the long-nosed teen exclaimed, pulling away excitedly, "I took out a whole pirate crew by myself!".
Zoro stared blankly at his crew mate for a moment, "… Haven't you already done that before?…".
Usopp groaned in exasperation, "Well… Yeah… Kinda… But this time, I was all by myself!".
The words brought a smile to the swordsman's face and he threw his arm over the other boy's shoulder, turning them in the direction of the rest of their crew, "Well then, I can't wait to hear about it.".
"Alright guys!", Luffy exclaimed excitedly, sprinting back in the direction of the entrance, "Enough talking! Let's get back on the ship and get going!". He grinned in anticipation… They had one more stop but, after that… It would finally be time… He almost ripped the front door off in his violent opening of it and was already halfway to the Merry before the rest of his crew could even register his words.
Zoro and Usopp watched their captain make his rushed escape and couldn't help the laughs that rose from their lips.
"Looks like someone is in a hurry.", the swordsman mused, turning back to the two approaching in their direction.
"You must be the Long-Barrel Usopp I've read so much about.", Sanji said, stopping in front of the boy. He stuck his hand out and smiled, "I'm Sanji. It's nice to finally meet you.".
Usopp brightened at the introduction, taking the chef's hand and vigorously shaking it. "It's nice to meet you, Sanji! I've heard a lot about you, too.", he laughed, "I think Luffy mentions your cooking close to every day.".
The words made Sanji grin and he released the hand in his grasp, turning to head back to the kitchen. "Glad to have you on board.", he said over his shoulder, making to speak to the whole group, "You guys head to the ship. I'll be out in a minute. I've gotta grab a couple things first.".
"Sounds good, Sanji!", Nami replied, stepping toward the entrance and motioning her companions to follow. "I hope you wouldn't mind making me something sweet once we get going.", she smirked at the blond's back, licking her lips in remembrance of the few ready-to-pick tangerines in her small grove, "I'm thinking something citrusy.".
The chef's form immediately morphed into a tornado, his eyes sprouting into hearts, and he almost ripped the kitchen door off its hinges, "Your wish is my command, Nami-Swannn!".
Two in the group giggled at the reply while the other simply sighed in irritation as they turned to walk back to the Merry.
"HURRY UP, GUYS!", Luffy shouted in impatience from his place on the ship's figurehead, "AND, SANJI, MAKE ME SOMETHING TO EAT WHEN YOU GET ON THE SHIP!". He turned back toward the restaurant and groaned when he saw one of his crew members missing from the group walking through the door… Actually, the most important one at the moment… His stomach grumbled loudly and he grabbed it in annoyance, "WHERE THE HELL IS SANJI?!".
"QUIT YELLING, DAMN IT!", Nami screamed back with shark teeth. She huffed when she saw the boy sufficiently cowed and led the trio down the steps to the restaurant's fin, "He's grabbing a few things. He'll be joining us soon.".
Zoro grumbled, following in their navigator's footsteps with Usopp on his heel, "… We should just leave without him…", he whispered to himself in annoyance… They were probably better off without the damn cook anyway…
Sanji placed his last knife in the box he held in his hand with a sigh and shut it to place in the bag at his feet.
The chef lifted the bag and looked around the kitchen as he walked toward the door… He was going to miss it… He was going to miss the Baratie in general… All his fellow chefs… Even the old geezer… He shook his head and stepped through the swinging door, a smile rising to his lips… He'd be back to see them again someday…
The blond let his feet carry him through the dining room and he eventually stopped at the entrance, smile softening when he turned to take one last look at the place he'd called home for most of his life. A moment passed while he let his eyes shift across the familiar space before he turned away, his smile morphing into a grin as he pushed the door open… It was time to get going.
Luffy immediately jumped to his feet when he saw his chef step out of the door to the Baratie, "HURRY UP, SANJI! IT'S TIME TO GO!". His stomach grumbled again and moaned in frustration… He wanted to eat Sanji's cooking so bad…
"I'm coming. I'm coming.", Sanji appeased, stepping down the steps and in the direction of his new home.
"Hey, brat.".
The black-suited teen halted in place at the sound of the gruff voice.
Zeff leaned over the railing of the second-floor balcony and couldn't help the small smile that rose to his lips, "Don't catch cold out there.".
Sanji looked up at the sky when he heard the words, emotion making the corners of his eyes prickle… Words couldn't express how thankful he was for the old man… And they probably never would… They just weren't really like that… He shook his head and sucked up his tears, wiping the corners of his eyes. His lips quirked up into a smirk and he turned to look up at the man he regarded as a surrogate father, "Don't die before I get back.".
A belly laugh rolled from Zeff's throat and he stepped away from the rail, looking down for a moment longer at the boy he saw as a son in some ways… He was going to miss the brat. He turned to walk back into his restaurant and sent one last wave over his shoulder, "… Be safe out there, Sanji.".
"Thanks… Zeff.", the blond replied with a soft smile, watching the man walk back inside with a sigh… He really was going to miss this place…
"SANJI!", Luffy yelled once again, grabbing the other boy's attention. He locked eyes with him and pointed downward at the ship, "MERRY. NOW.". His hand shifted to point at the galley door and he made sure the chef followed it. "FEED ME!", he desperately cried.
Laughter bubbled from Sanji's chest and he took a few more steps before hopping from the wooden fin he stood on and sending himself into the air. His soles found the main deck of the Merry and he sighed, already making his way in the direction of the galley, "You got it, Captain.".
"Don't forget my something sweet, Sanji!", Nami added as she exited the storeroom, "I put two tangerines out for you to use.".
The words sent the chef spinning and he tornadoed his way up the steps, into the galley… He had work to do. "I'll have it ready in no time, Nami-Swan!", he exclaimed, smashing through the galley door on a very important mission.
"Alright, Levi!", Luffy yelled in excitement, crossing his legs under Merry's figurehead, "Let's get going!". He looked down to the water as the ship began to move, "You know how to get there, buddy?". A rumble came from his friend and he laughed, tightly gripping the reins in his hands, "Yeah. Yeah. Just get us there, you big know-it-all.".
"Get us where?", Zoro asked as the boat began to lurch forward, stepping up to the front deck with Nami and Usopp at his side.
The pirate captain pulled his eyes away from the now-moving water below and turned to the members of his crew, his body practically vibrating in anticipation. "We're making one more stop before heading to the Grandline!", he exclaimed joyfully, turning to look in the direction they were moving.
Luffy's excited gaze met the horizon and he looked past it as if laying his eyes on their very destination itself, "We're headed to Lougetown!".
A boom sounded through the air and Zoro almost dropped the reins in alarm, eyes shooting to the sky. Another boom sounded and he barely caught a red-vested form flashing through the air, yet another boom sounding not a moment after. He watched his captain ping through the air for another few seconds before the usual misfire came.
"DAMN IT!", Luffy screamed, slamming his legs outward over and over again to no avail.
The swordsman almost dropped the reins once again, this time from the laughter escaping his lips… As amazing as it was that his captain could somehow fly, he never got tired of seeing him crash into the ocean… Still though, he was getting better at a scary pace… He couldn't help but think it wouldn't be long before those misfires all but disappeared.
Luffy burst through the surface of the water and pouted for a moment before laughter eventually began to leave his lips… As annoying as it was when he messed up, he couldn't lie… Diving into the ocean from that high was pretty fun.
"You're getting a lot better, Luffy!", Usopp yelled down from the crow's nest through his cupped hands, "I counted twelve that time!".
The pirate captain looked up and waved at the sniper high above, "Thanks, Usopp!". He dropped his hand down and caught back up to the Merry, climbing up the side to pull himself over the railing. He was definitely getting better, but he wanted to be able to fly freely, without the worry of an impending fall back to the earth… And that meant more practice… But, for now… His stomach grumbled… "Sanji!", he shouted, his dripping form stepping up the stairs to the front deck, "Lunch!".
An affirmative shout came from the galley and Luffy grinned, licking his lips. He really had found the best chef ever… He shook his head and walked up to the Merry's figurehead, stepping up behind his first mate, "I can take the reins for a while, Zoro.". While he waited for Sanji to make lunch, he wanted to chat with Levi for a little bit… Maybe the beast would tell him about some more of the cool places he'd been to…
The swordsman immediately acquiesced, knowing how his captain felt about others sitting in his 'place', and handed the reins off, stepping down to make his way to the main deck… A workout before lunch sounded nice… He shrugged and turned to open the door to the storage room underneath the front deck.
Usopp's feet slammed into the wood below as he finished sliding down the mast. "Did someone say lunch?", he asked hungrily. Nami said they'd be getting there soon so he'd been up in the crow's nest almost the whole day looking for signs of land… Obviously, he'd yet to see any…
"Sanji is making it right now.", Nami answered from her lawn chair, eyes staying glued to the parchment in front of her.
The long-nosed teen turned to face the orangette and almost immediately had to turn away… That was probably something he was never going to get used to… He cautiously glanced over at the girl lying on her stomach as she tanned her back and looked for anything else to focus on besides the copious amount of skin his friend was showing. His searching gaze found the map she seemed to be drawing and he laser focused on it. "W- whatcha drawin'?…", he asked, slowly shaking himself of the heat consuming his body.
The orangette smiled and motioned the other boy over, unaware of the internal battle he was fighting. "It's actually a map of Gekko.", she said, shifting her drawing out from under her shadow so he could look at it.
"Really?", Usopp asked in interest, moving to get a closer look. When his eyes settled on the almost completed map of his island, he was stunned… It was so detailed… The topography was beautifully translated from above… And as a Gekko native, he was fairly certain it was accurate… When had she even had the time to gather the information to make this?… He shook his head… Regardless… "It's amazing, Nami!", the long-nosed teen exclaimed in wonder, his eyes continuing to roam over the drawing.
The words made the orange-haired girl smile and she pulled the page back to continue her work, flashing the sniper a smile, "Thanks, Usopp. It's not done yet, but I'll be sure to show you once I'm finished.". Before she got started again, however, she glanced at the compass lying next to her map, looking up from the directional instrument and in the direction they were traveling. A sigh left her lips… She'd just have to finish later.
"I'm gonna go wash up before lunch.", Nami said, gathering her things and standing from her chair, "We'll probably be getting there pretty soon after we finish.".
Usopp stared at the girl as she walked away because it was all he could physically do… He just couldn't pull his eyes away… So much jiggle…
When the door to the storeroom closed, the long-nosed teen violently shook the indecent thoughts away, snapping out of his petrification, and made to walk up to the galley, praying to the blonde-haired goddess in his mind for strength in the many 'battles' to come.
"Alright, Levi!", Luffy shouted down to the waves below, "This is far enough! Nami can take us the rest of the way in!". The rope in his hands slackened and he didn't even listen for the beast's reply, already turning to shout in his friends' directions. "I'll see you guys when you get there!", he exclaimed excitedly, turning to face the island in the distance once again, "I'm going for a swi-".
"Oh, no you don't.", Nami chastised grabbing the boy by the collar of his vest before he could make his exit. She dragged his struggling form from Merry's figurehead and pulled him down to the deck, "You're helping us dock.".
Luffy crossed his arms in consternation, reluctantly letting himself be dragged across the ship's wood… Wasn't he supposed to be the captain?…
The orangette dropped her captain next to the mast, calling out for the rest of the crew to gather, and they set out to ready the Merry for docking. The deck quickly turned into a bustle of activity and with only moments left before their arrival, the navigator deemed their vessel sufficiently prepared, moving back to the front deck. Her eyes landed on a figure watching their entry and she waved to get his attention, "Excuse me!".
"Dockin's a thousand and hour.", the man replied, waving the vessel in. He glanced up at the jolly roger hanging from the mast and sighed. They were the first pirates they'd had in a while…
"A thousand?!", Nami complained, throwing her hands in the air, "That's highway robbery!".
The dock worker sighed… They'd probably be arrested within the hour anyway… "Fine… Five hundred up front for the first hour and then an extra five for every hour on top.", he replied tiredly.
A moment of silence passed between the two as the Merry continued to drift into its docking spot. "…Three-fifty.", Nami eventually rebutted.
The man stared at her blankly, "… Four-fifty.".
The orangette narrowed her eyes, "… Three-seventy-five.".
The staring match between the two continued all the way until the ship stilled, floating in its place now parked at the dock.
"… Four-hundred.", the man revised, breaking eye contact with another sigh, "And that's as low as I'm go-". A pair of feet slammed into the area directly in front of him and he yelped.
"Deal.", Nami smiled, reaching into Genzo's wallet and handing over the agreed-upon amount of money. She shooed the man away and turned to yell up to the deck of the Merry. "Alright, boys! Drop the anchor and tie her off.", she ordered. A splash echoed from the side of the ship and four forms hopped over the railing, their feet slamming into the wood of the dock.
As soon as his feet were back on solid ground, Luffy was almost immediately sprinting past Nami and in the direction of the main part of town… He couldn't help but be excited! This was the Pirate King's home!… The place where he died!… The thought sent shivers down his spine and he turned to yell in the direction of the group just now beginning to follow his lead, "I'm going to the execution platform!".
The straw-hatted pirate captain tuned out the rising exclamations of his crew and bolted out of their sight, his smile growing with every step… He was totally gonna get on top of it… As he continued to push toward his destination, twisting and turning through various dark alleyways, he suddenly skidded to a halt, realizing something… Something very important… He had no idea where the execution platform actually was…
Luffy looked around at the various branching paths surrounding his position for a moment before shrugging and picking one of the alleyways at random… He was bound to run into someone who knew at some point…
The crew of the Straw Hat Pirates watched their captain's form disappear with a collective sigh, not one of them knowing when they would see him next.
"Alright.", Nami eventually said, breaking the rest of the group out of their stupor. She faced the sniper of the crew, "Usopp, you said you wanted to shop for some souvenirs, right?".
"Yeah!", Usopp replied, excitedly, "I mean… This is Lougetown, after all!".
The orangette waved the long-nosed teen over, "Then, you're with me. I've got some shopping I want to get done. Plus, I can tell you what's good stuff and what's cheap stuff. I've got a good eye for that kind of thing.". She shifted her gaze to Sanji and Zoro as Usopp shouldered past them to stand beside her, "You two go pick up anything you need and, after you're finished, we'll all meet up at the execution platform to look for Luffy… Sound good?".
Nami smiled when they nodded their heads in confirmation and looped her arm through Usopp's, turning them both toward the denser areas of town, "Come on, Usopp! We've got shopping to do!".
Zoro and Sanji watched the two rush away until their figures disappeared before turning to one another, their eyes battling for a moment. Silence consumed the air between them when, suddenly, it vanished, grunts leaving both of their mouths.
"Don't get lost, Mosshead.", Sanji jabbed, turning to walk in the opposite direction.
Zoro growled at the comment, "Just shut up and go perv over some girls, Cook. It's all you're good for.". He smirked at the tensing of the blond's form and turned in the opposite direction, ending the interaction as he let his feet carry him to wherever it was he needed to go… Now that he thought about it… He did need some new sharpening stones…
With a final destination in mind, the swordsman's gait grew in confidence and he continued on his chosen path… However, his confidence was unfounded… As he was completely unaware of the fact that the place he was looking for was in the exact opposite direction…