Syrup Village
After three days of rest, it was time to depart Warship Island.
The crew received two small boats from the islanders, boarding separately—men in one, women in the other.
Having bonded during their stay, the entire village gathered to see them off.
At the pier's edge stood Apis, with Ryu-ji beside her. Behind them, villagers lined up, and four giant Millennium Dragons waded in the sea, watching.
It was a strange journey—near-death moments, despair, yet followed by a beautiful sight. That scene lingered in their hearts, warming them. This adventure wasn't wasted. They all felt it.
The Straw Hats, turning back from the boats, met Apis's smile.
No sadness in parting. They'd grown close during the rest, promising to reunite. Apis vowed to protect the dragons' nest until then, ensuring no one harmed it.
Holding something behind her back, she raised it with a bright smile.
"Hey, Luffy, can I keep this?"
"Hm? Oh, our flag."
"Yeah. It flew to the island when the ship broke."
She showed their flag—a skull with a straw hat, slightly torn but proof of their pirate identity.
Apis wanted it. Luffy tilted his head curiously.
"Fine by me, but what for?"
"We promised. I'll raise this flag so you won't get lost. Even you, directionless Luffy, will know it's Warship Island."
"That's great! I'm hopeless with directions. Hahaha!"
"Not funny, Luffy. Being directionless is a hassle," Kiri said.
Luffy laughed, hands on hips, while Zoro frowned at Kiri's comment.
No reason to refuse. If Apis chose this, they'd let her.
Silk leaned forward, concerned. She knew raising a pirate flag could draw the Marines' wrath—a warning born of kindness.
"I get it, but be careful. If the Marines see a pirate flag, they might get mad. Don't stand out too much."
"It's fine. We have strong friends."
Apis glanced at the sea. A Millennium Dragon raised its head, chirping softly, echoed by Ryu-ji.
She was bold—facing the Marines alone, seeking pirates' help. Her actions weren't ordinary, but they saved Warship Island.
Silk gave a wry smile.
With Millennium Dragons, neither pirates nor Marines would dare act. In the peaceful East Blue, few could challenge them.
Apis seemed ready to risk raising the flag. Nami sighed.
"Ugh, the world's gone mad. Another kid admiring pirates… like you, Silk."
"Yeah, I was about her age when I started liking them."
They'd talked plenty during their stay.
Little left to say. Departure neared; ropes tying the boats to the pier were tossed.
Riding the tide, the boats began to move.
Luffy looked at Apis, speaking as they parted.
"Hey, Apis, you're not just a friend—you're our comrade."
"Comrade? What's the difference?"
"Closer than friends. We'll sail the world, find One Piece, become Pirate King, and return here. Until then, guard the dragons' nest and that flag."
"Got it! Of course!"
"Don't forget you're our comrade."
"Absolutely, we'll meet again!"
Apis waved until the boats vanished.
Stopping, she held the flag, gazing at the horizon, then turned, suddenly running.
"Ryu-ji, come on!"
Ryu-ji followed, weaving through villagers to the beach.
She grabbed a long stick, tied the flag to it, and planted it in the ground.
The skull mark fluttered, facing the sea.
A pirate flag on an island typically claimed it as territory. Whether Apis knew or not, their flag stood on Warship Island.
Pleased, she smiled at the horizon.
Meeting them was truly wonderful.
She believed they'd keep their promise.
Smiling at Ryu-ji, now small, he seemed to smile back, chirping cutely.
By noon, the sun had shifted.
Clear skies, few clouds, a vibrant blue spread above.
Feeling the warm breeze, a boy atop a cliff spotted two small boats approaching.
"Hm? What's that?"
Pushing off a tree, he stood, watching the boats head toward the right-side coast.
Knowing the island's terrain, he jogged there, arriving as the boats landed.
Visitors were rare. The village, inland, was seldom found by outsiders. His curiosity drove him.
A boy disembarked from one boat, wearing a straw hat, about his age, not menacing. Assuming he was a traveler, not a pirate, he descended the slope without fleeing.
Luffy, landing first, looked up, spotting him.
"Who're you?"
"That's my line. Who're you guys?"
A boy with a long nose, in brown overalls, a bandana, and a large satchel.
His gentle face showed little wariness, nor did Luffy's. They seemed curious, instantly clicking.
While the others secured the boats, the two chatted casually.
"I'm Luffy. A pirate."
"Pirate? No way."
"Not lying, it's true."
"You don't look like one."
"But I am. We've got a mark."
"Where?"
"Don't have it now."
"No proof then."
"No proof, but I'm a pirate."
"You're not pirates. Your boats are tiny."
"We had a bigger ship before. Stole it, though."
"Don't lie to me. I'm a liar myself, and I won't lose at it."
"It's true!"
Grinning boldly, the boy pointed at himself confidently.
"I'm Usopp, captain of the Usopp Pirates, ruling Syrup Village."
"You're a pirate too!?"
"Watch out. If you attack this village, I won't forgive you. One word, and my eight thousand men will crush you."
"Eight thousand!?"
Usopp's words sent Luffy into a frenzy of excitement.
As Usopp grew smug, Nami approached from the boat.
"That's right. So watch your words. They praise me, calling me Captain Uso—"
"Liar."
"Gah, caught!?"
"Told you you'd get caught."
"I admitted it! Damn, you're cunning!"
"Hahaha! You're a fun guy!"
Nami's blunt words drew exaggerated reactions from Usopp. Luffy laughed heartily, amused.
Calling himself a liar, it was no surprise he'd be caught.
He didn't look like a captain of eight thousand.
Nami sighed, shaking her head.
As they bantered, the other three joined.
Usopp's demeanor felt harmless, sparking interest rather than caution. They joined the conversation easily.
"Fun guy. You're from Syrup Village?"
"Yeah. But who are you guys?"
"Like Luffy said, pirates."
"Really? You look like travelers."
"Can't help it. We're new, don't even have our own ship."
Kiri stepped forward, offering his right hand.
Usopp, slightly surprised, took it with a smile.
"Usopp, right? I'm Kiri. Nice to meet you."
"Yeah. Pirates, huh? Don't look it."
"So, Captain, question: any shipwrights in the village? Or someone selling or giving away a ship?"
"And a diner! Tell me about a diner!"
Usopp, unalarmed, matched their friendliness.
Thinking, hand on chin, he answered casually.
"Hmm, I can guide you to a diner. A ship? You mean a pirate ship?"
"Exactly. Anywhere we can get one?"
"Probably not. Well, maybe one place."
Looking at Kiri, Usopp spoke.
Roles seemed set—Kiri handled logistics naturally, leading discussions. The others watched without interrupting.
"There's a big mansion. If anyone has a ship, it's them."
"Worth negotiating. Let's check it out."
"You guys really pirates? I'm still skeptical."
"We are. No proof, though."
Usopp still didn't buy it. Needing a ship made sense, but they didn't feel like pirates. Luffy and Kiri's friendly demeanor didn't match the title.
Luffy, still smiling, spoke familiarly.
"Hey, Usopp, got any skills?"
"Huh? Why ask?"
"Just curious."
"I'm called the King of Snipers. No one escapes my slingshot. Hundred percent accuracy."
"Perfect for a sniper!"
Luffy's casual words stunned everyone. He continued.
"Usopp, join my crew."
"Huh!?"
His sudden offer shocked Usopp and even Kiri, used to Luffy's impulsiveness.
Silk and Zoro couldn't stay silent.
"Luffy, too sudden! We just met!"
"And we don't have a ship. You thinking this through?"
"Hmm, feels familiar somehow. Why's that?"
"Don't ask me!"
Usopp looked baffled.
Even as a liar, he couldn't tell if Luffy was serious. But his sincerity seemed genuine, puzzling him.
Luffy's grinning, earnest face felt real.
He didn't budge.
"We need a sniper. Our cannons missed, and Kiri said we need one. Plus, Usopp seems cool."
"You haven't seen his skills! At least let him prove it."
"Then let's see. Usopp, ready to be a pirate?"
"Wait, wait! We just met, and you're—"
Usopp's confusion deepened as the conversation steamrolled.
To become so friendly in minutes was unheard of. Even Usopp, sociable and proud of it, was thrown. The question of becoming a pirate wasn't simple.
He'd dreamed of it since childhood, for a reason.
Sweating, he realized they were seriously inviting him.
"Me, a real pirate…?"
"Yeah. I'll sail the Grand Line, become Pirate King, find One Piece. Adventure with us."
"Pirate King!? That's finding One Piece!"
"I'm serious. Decided it as a kid."
Luffy's unwavering eyes made Usopp tremble.
He felt urgency, pressured to decide. But they weren't waiting patiently. Kiri turned to the crew casually.
"Let's have the captain test Usopp's skills. Meanwhile, we'll buy supplies. Luffy, meat, right?"
"Yeah!"
"Hey, you guys serious?"
"You can say no. We won't force you."
Kiri's easy tone didn't ease Usopp's unease.
Patting Luffy's head, Kiri spoke.
"He's probably skeptical too. You vibe, but if Luffy's set on you, he's persistent. Say no now if you want."
"Shishishi!"
"Uh, yeah…"
Usopp, swept along, could only nod, lacking the calm to object. They kept their pace, unmindful.
Kiri scanned the crew, suggesting they split up.
With more members, roles could divide.
"No need to stick together. Luffy, test Usopp's sniping. It'll solidify your choice."
"Sounds good."
"But alone's risky. We need a stopper if things go wrong."
Kiri's eyes landed on Zoro, who grimaced.
"What?"
"No character issues, but your sense of direction's a problem. Doubles the risk."
"Shut up. Leave me alone."
"Silk's more reliable. Can you handle it?"
Silk nodded with a smile, unfazed.
She'd grown used to the crew, especially Luffy, her longest companion after Kiri. She could likely rein him in.
"Yeah, I'll watch Luffy."
"Keep him out of trouble."
"Don't treat me like a kid!"
"No choice, given your usual self."
Zoro's retort made Luffy pout.
Usopp, left behind, was bewildered, but Kiri chuckled.
"Me, Zoro, and Nami will shop. Meet back here?"
"Got it. Usopp, show me your slingshot!"
"Fine, but… a pirate, huh?"
Still undecided, Usopp was pushed to agree.
Kiri, finding it forceful, started walking, calling the others.
Zoro stayed stoic; Nami sighed, following.
"Let's go, you two. We'll ask about the ship later."
"We're not dogs."
"You use us so naturally. I'm not your comrade, just so we're clear."
The three climbed the slope toward the village. Luffy called to Usopp, who turned back.
His carefree enthusiasm, free of doubt, felt like a friend's.
Usopp's expression softened.
"Let's go, Usopp. Target practice somewhere?"
"Fine. My usual training spot, then."
"Sweet!"
"Don't get too wild, you two. No injuries."
The remaining three headed not to the village but into the forest.
Unlike the terrain-blind duo, Usopp navigated effortlessly, never losing his way, as if he knew the island inside out.
Their talk continued, and Luffy felt an odd familiarity with Usopp, despite just meeting.
The reason eluded him.
Tilting his head, he wondered where he'd seen him before.
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