Chapter - 19

Usopp didn't expect this uncharted abandoned island to have a complex network of underground caravans. He could only assume the island was previously used for slave trading. The celestial dragons would come and go as they please buying people like cattle; it sickened him. If all those self righteous pricks were wiped off the earth he was sure no one give a shit. He could still see the chains and dried blood from all those years ago.

It was no wonder the Blackbeard Marksman led him to this place. He was cunning knowing full well to take advantage of the lack of visibility. The two shared more in common than Usopp was willing to admit. But he knew better to be the best, he had to beat the best.

Continuing to walk, the straw hat marksman, freezing mid stride to listen to rustling of rocks coming from the cavern up ahead. Looking towards the ceiling, he notices a crack shining a ray of light near the commotion.

The barrel of the rifle appearing just inside the ray of light allowing Usopp to dodge the incoming shots.

Quickly ducking behind a pile of rocks breathing heavy. He had to think of something fast or this fight was over. The greatest sniper in the world would not miss twice like that even with the lack of visibility.

"Okay get ready.." Usopp spoke pulling out a few items from his nap sack attached to his belt.

A puppy sized blackboard sat on the Straw hat marksman's lap. "Get ready. FOR THIS!" Usopp began furiously scratching the blackboard with his nails causing an unholy screech to reach Augur's ears causing him to step just enough in the light for Usopp to get a clear indication of where his target was.

He had to use this chance now. It might be the only one he'd get. "Flaming Star!" Usopp shouted shooting the ceiling of the cave,only to cause a large chunk of the ceiling to fall to ground creating a jumping point to close the distance. Not wasting his opportunity to reach his opponent Usopp took it. Running along the downed ceiling turned ramp, shooting another capsule, only for it to transform into a large venus fly trap.

Augur recovering from annoyance that was the chalkboard began firing away at the plant. If he didn't take it out now, the marksman would be dealt a lethal blow he could tell that much.

The plant lunged full tilt at the Blackbeard Marksman only to get shredded within a few seconds; it was all Usopp needed, he was in striking distance.

Realizing he only had a limited amount of time Augur pointed Senriku towards the younger Marksman preparing to fire. It was over, he would end the young man's life.

At the last second, Usopp casually revealed a large sized tone dial from under his sleeve. "IMPACT DIAL!"

Augur made the mistake of pulling his trigger causing a massive blowback sending the two combatants flying backwards a good distance from the other. Usopp could tell right away his right shoulder was strained and his forearm was badly hurt maybe dislocated. However the sacrifice was well worth it. Augur lay face down in a pool of his own blood with his legendary weapon Senriku by his side, broken.

Walking over to check to see if he was alive was a lot harder than he thought. The pain in his shoulder starting to emit from his shoulder down, the adrenaline was wearing off.

Augur began to stir immediately going into a sitting position. Looking over he saw his most prized possession, his life, now laying broken on the ground.

"Senriku..." Augur started to sob weakly. "Senriku..I'm so sorry." The man continuing to let his tears flow.

This caught Usopp off guard. "Hey buddy, take it easy you alright?" The curly haired marksman inquiring curiously. Augur has an interesting attachment towards his weapon of choice. Usopp understood it was a legendary weapon and all, but he was really broken over it, becoming a shell of himself; he pitied him.

"What the hell do you care.." Augur growled. "Finish me, what are you waiting FOR?!" The Blackbeard commander screamed showing anger.

"Did that weapon really mean that much to you?" Usopp asked not expecting much of a response.

Fearing he was going to die anyway he might as well say his final words. He owed the enemy who bested him that much.

"Senriku was my... wife.." pausing to compose himself once more before continuing. "When we were young she was with me everywhere, we were inseparable, she was always by my side. This was her weapon she handed to me before she passed. Our crew was ambushed by the Navy, who were looking for food to scavenge off of other ships. I vowed to avenge her by taking down the Navy with her by my side...Senriku.." Augur said trailing off with a far away Look in his eye.

Usopp asked another question that this time caught Augur off guard. "You loved her.. didn't you?"

Augur hesitates before responding, "of course I did.. more than anything.. the day she passed, a part of me did as well and forever remain that way." he was about to let his tears spill again. "She would be ashamed of what I've done to get here.. I've looted, betrayed, and killed all in the name of the Blackbeard Pirates.. if she were here.. how could she even look at me.." The greatest marksman in the world was really a broken person. It didn't click in Usopp's head right away but he understood what he needed to do.

"Finish me straw hat marksman.." Augur said barley audible. Usopp walks over standing between him and Shenriku.

Augur just looked on indifference not fearing his death, accepting it.

"What are you waiting for..?" The Blackbeard commander spoke barley above a whistle. "Do it...DO ITTT!" Augur shouted pointing to his forehead making sure Usopp got the message to end his life.

The straw hat marksman's eye were currently unreadable. Slowly he reaches for Senriku picking up the half broken rifle.

"So your Senriku.. it's nice to meet ya, how bout we get you all fixed up." Usopp spoke to the rifle.

Augur was in shock. What the hell was going on? This strange man was talking to his weapon.

"Don't worry Augur we can fix this up for you." Usopp said with a smirk. This only causes the commander more confusion.

"On one condition, you pledge yourself to our cause and redeem your past actions, we will get Senriku on her feet back in no time."

Augur could only render himself speechless after Usopp's spoken words. He had had an opportunity to turn it all around. All this sins he confessed to the young man could be somewhat redeemed. Even if he said no and somehow managed to beat his opponent, Blackbeard would kill him anyway for his Shenriku being in tatters claiming he was not fit to be apart of the Blackbeard Pirates.

"Well whatdya say buddy? I'm Usopp by the way." The young man smiles resembling his captain for an instant.

Augur looked at Usopp then back to his hand not seeing any intention to take his life. Everything he said seemed to be completely genuine. Wondering if his crew could really fix his weapon..his world. Finally Augur stood up to the surprise of Usopp.

"I'm Van Augur, and I pledge myself to your cause." Augur said standing up with a slight smile. The two men firmly shook hands.

It was the beginning of a powerful marksman alliance.