Waking up felt refreshing. The gentle sea breeze rippled across the waves, mirroring Sandy's carefree heart.
Seeing him staring, Nami glared. "What are you looking at, huh? Like a pig!"
Sandy quickly shook his head. This woman might be beautiful, but her temper? Absolutely awful. No way she can be a partner!
Luffy, sitting at the bow of the ship, suddenly yelled, "Hey! There's an island ahead!"
Instantly, everyone perked up. Finally, they could go ashore!
As soon as they landed, Zoro stepped onto solid ground and sighed. "The land still feels more solid."
Sandy chuckled. "Of course it does. You can even buy some alcohol later."
Luffy grinned. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's eat! Let's eat!"
Nami rolled her eyes. "Shouldn't we find a new ship first? That thing we're sailing can't last much longer."
After walking for a while, Zoro suddenly warned, "Luffy, watch out!"
Biu, biu, biu!
Several marbles rolled onto the ground.
"Space Field..."
A long-nosed guy suddenly appeared in front of them — Usopp, the village slacker known for his tall tales and antics.
Usopp blinked in confusion.
Sandy flicked his nose and said, "Damn, it's real! Hey, where'd you get that nose done?"
Everyone's faces darkened instantly, and the three kids hiding behind the trees bolted, abandoning Usopp completely.
Originally, Usopp had seen the Jolly Roger flying on Luffy's ship and thought pirates were invading Syrup Village.
After discussing with his three little followers, he decided to scare them off using his slingshot.
But after firing a few shots, he somehow appeared below the cliff — right in front of Sandy.
Still dazed, Usopp puffed up his chest. "What did you do to me?! I'm warning you pirates — I have eight thousand subordinates! If you don't leave, I'll order them to attack!"
Luffy stepped forward, grinning. "Your name's Usopp, right? Your dad's Yasopp, isn't he?"
Usopp froze. "Huh? How do you know my father? Yeah, his name's Yasopp!"
Luffy laughed. "I knew him when I was a kid. He's on Shanks's ship! The moment I saw you, I figured you were his son — you look exactly like him!"
Usopp's eyes widened. "Really? My dad's on that Red-Haired Shanks's ship? That's amazing! Is he still sailing with him?"
Luffy nodded. "Haven't seen him in years, but yeah, probably still there."
"Hahaha! Then since you know my dad, we're friends!" Usopp said cheerfully. "Come on, I'll treat you all to a meal!"
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "Really? You're such a great guy, Usopp!"
Nami stepped back, sighing. What is wrong with this guy… Oh my god.
As they walked, Usopp suddenly asked, "Wait, how did you move me just now? Are you some kind of monster?"
Sandy rolled his eyes. "I ate a Devil Fruit — the Space Fruit. Within the field I create, I can control anything — people, objects, whatever I want."
Everyone, except Luffy, looked stunned.
Usopp gawked. "That's insane! Doesn't that make you invincible?"
Sandy smirked. "Invincible my ass. There are tons of powers you haven't even seen yet. You'll find out someday."
Usopp sighed. "The sea's full of surprises… Devil Fruits are real, huh?"
Nami laughed. "What's so strange? Luffy's one too."
Luffy grinned and stretched his cheek. "I'm a Rubber Fruit user!"
"Nani?!" Usopp yelped in shock.
Sandy snorted. "Why are you acting like that's weird? Zoro here fights using three swords."
Usopp squinted. "Wait—one in each hand, and the third…?"
Zoro gave him a deadpan stare. "You're annoying. Just get to the village already."
Sandy leaned closer to Usopp and whispered, "He bites the third one with his mouth. Crazy, right?"
Zoro shot them both a glare. "Keep talking, and I'll cut you both down."
"Hahaha!"
.....
"Cheers!"
Usopp brought them to a small restaurant in the village.
Halfway through the meal, he suddenly exclaimed, "Zoro! You're the famous Pirate Hunter, Roronoa Zoro! That's awesome!"
Zoro shrugged. "Not anymore. I'm part of their crew now."
After eating for a bit, Nami leaned forward. "Usopp, since Luffy knows your dad, maybe you know someone here who can sail — or who owns a big ship?"
Usopp sighed. "Sorry, this is a small village. I don't think anyone can help."
Zoro pointed toward the hill. "There's a huge mansion up there."
Nami's eyes lit up. "A friend of yours? Maybe we can borrow some money."
Usopp flinched. "That place? No way! Uh, I just remembered—I've got something urgent to do. You guys eat up. My treat!"
Before anyone could reply, he bolted out of the restaurant.
Nami groaned. "Unbelievable…"
Meanwhile, Luffy and Sandy were still eating like monsters.
Nami rubbed her temples. "Aren't you guys even worried about not having a ship or a navigator?"
Luffy smiled. "Don't worry, Nami. We'll find a ship! But first—HEY, Sandy, that's my chicken leg!"
Zoro glared. "Sandy, you bastard, get your own drink!"
Nami slammed her palm on her forehead. "I'm surrounded by idiots…"
"Mmm… so full…"
As they were resting, the three kids from earlier burst into the restaurant. One of them bravely shouted, "What did you do to our Captain Usopp?!"
Apparently, after running away earlier, guilt got the better of them — so they came back to save him. Seeing Luffy's stuffed belly, they trembled in horror.
"You—you didn't… eat Usopp, did you?!"
Sandy smirked darkly. "That's right. Your Captain Usopp was delicious, hehehe…"
"AAAAAAHH! MONSTERS!!"
The kids screamed and ran for their lives.