The Cloud Chaser

The massive airship stood proudly in the clearing of Ironroot Island, gleaming in the daylight. Its design was breathtaking—sleek, robust, and heavily inspired by old sailing ships, complete with towering masts and intricate detailing. Wolf had outdone himself, incorporating every piece of Adam Wood and innovation I had dreamed of into the design. The result was a masterpiece that would soon defy gravity and take to the skies.

The crew gathered around the finished ship, admiring its grandeur. Carrot was practically vibrating with excitement, bouncing from one end of the vessel to the other, while Reiju stood to the side, arms crossed, her subtle smile betraying her approval. Bellemere leaned against a tree, looking smug, while Kaya and Nojiko admired the craftsmanship. Sham, as usual, seemed indifferent, but even she couldn't hide her appreciation for the ship's elegant lines.

"Alright, crew," I said, stepping forward and gesturing to the ship. "The ship's ready. But before we take her out for her maiden voyage, we must name the airship."

Carrot's hand shot up instantly. "How about Sky Bunny? Because we're going to hop through the air!"

Bellemere rolled her eyes. "We're not naming it after a rabbit, Carrot."

"Why not?" Carrot protested, pouting. "It's a great name!"

Kaya spoke up, her tone more serious. "It should reflect all of us—something that shows our strength and unity."

Aerwyna nodded in agreement. "A name that inspires respect. Something powerful."

"Or hilarious," Sham added with a smirk. "How about The Big Nose?"

I groaned, rubbing my long nose as the crew burst into laughter. "We're not calling it The Big Nose."

"I was kidding, Captain," Sham said, though her smirk said otherwise.

"Explosive Majesty," Carmen suggested dramatically, striking a pose. "It captures the grandeur and the chaos of our crew."

"It's too long," Nojiko said calmly. "What about something simpler, like Wood Wing? It fits the ship's design."

"That's a bit dull, kiddo," Bellemere chimed in. "What about Sky Fury? Sounds like it could scare off anyone who tries to mess with us."

Reiju tilted her head, considering the options. "Or Poison Pink. It is poetic but also speaks to the ship's power and beauty."

Carrot frowned. "Too fancy. I still think Sky Bunny is the best."

Wolf, who had been silently watching the discussion, finally spoke up. "You're all overthinking it. Just pick something that feels right."

The crew fell silent, looking at me expectantly. I swallowed, feeling the weight of my crew's trust and the significance of this moment. My mind raced through all the names, but none seemed right. Then I looked at the ship again, its strong masts, its powerful sails, and how it seemed ready to conquer the skies.

"How about…" I paused, glancing at my crew. "The Cloud Chaser?"

The name hung in the air momentarily before Kaya smiled, nodding her approval. "I like it. It's fitting."

"Agreed," Aerwyna said, her calm voice carrying weight. "It's simple yet strong and commanding."

Bellemere grinned. "Alright, Captain Longnose. You might've nailed it with that one."

Carrot still pouted but eventually nodded. "Fine. But I'm calling it Sky Bunny in my head."

Reiju smirked faintly. "Cloud Chaser it is, then."

Wolf gave a small grunt of approval. "Good name. She deserves it."

As the crew cheered and toasted the new ship, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The Cloud Chaser wasn't just a ship—it embodied everything we had worked for, our shared dreams, and the challenges we had overcome. And soon, it would carry us to the Calm Belt, the Grand Line, and beyond.

***

The evening was bittersweet as we stood on the shore, gazing at the Merry's Revenge one last time. She had been our lifeline, shelter, and home through countless adventures, but her journey was over. Before us now stood the Cloud Chaser, a testament to our growth and ambition. It was time to move forward.

Kaya placed a hand on the side of the Merry's Revenge, her eyes glassy. "She carried us so far. It feels wrong to leave her behind."

"She's served her purpose," Aerwyna said calmly, standing beside her. "But we've outgrown her. The Chaser will take us where we need to go."

Carrot sniffled dramatically. "Goodbye, Merry! You'll always be my favorite ship!"

Bellemere, standing off to the side with her arms crossed, didn't seem as sentimental, but her expression softened as she watched us. Then, her tone grew serious. "Before we set sail, I have news. Some drunk Nobles leaked about Germa 66's whereabouts—he spotted them heading toward the eastern waters of North Blue."

I raised an eyebrow. "Leaked? By who?"

"No clue," she said with a shrug. "But they're moving quickly, and it sounds like they're gearing up for something big."

Standing near the gangplank, Reiju didn't react outwardly, but her eyes narrowed slightly. She said nothing, but I could tell the news unsettled her.

"We'll deal with them when the time comes," I said, trying to steady the mood. "Let's focus on the Aquaferrum and Pyrolith Island."

As the crew loaded the last supplies onto the Cloud Chaser, Nojiko pulled me aside. She had been quiet all day, but there was a determination in her eyes I couldn't ignore.

"What is it?" I asked.

She held out the chest containing the Devil Fruit I had found on Rubeck Island. Its swirling patterns almost seemed to glow in the fading light, and just looking at it sent a strange chill down my spine.

"It's time," Nojiko said.

I blinked. "Time for what?"

"For you to eat it," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "That fruit didn't come to you by accident, Cap. Devil Fruits have a way of finding the people they want. You told me that."

I hesitated, my mind racing. I had been holding onto the fruit for weeks, unsure what to do with it. The idea of gaining powers was tempting, but the risks—losing the ability to swim, the potential for lousy devil fruit like the jacket fruit—made me hesitant.

"I don't know," I said, running a hand through my hair. "What if it's not the right fruit? What if it doesn't fit me?"

Nojiko's expression softened, but her voice remained steady. "Usopp, you've been chosen. That fruit didn't just appear in your path for no reason. Think about everything you've accomplished without it. Now imagine what you could do with it."

I looked at the fruit again; its strange patterns were almost hypnotic. My crew had grown more robust with each challenge, and I had worked tirelessly to keep up, relying on my inventions, wits, and growing Haki. But the thought of unlocking a new ability—a power that could amplify everything I'd worked for—was hard to ignore.

"Cap," Nojiko said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You've led us through impossible situations, and we trust you completely. This fruit is just another tool for you to use. But if you don't take this step, you might regret it."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. The crew trusted, relied on, and believed in me—even when I doubted myself. Maybe she was right. Perhaps I was meant to eat this fruit.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the fruit and held it. Its surface felt oddly warm, almost alive. I glanced at Nojiko one last time, and she gave me an encouraging nod.

With a final gulp of air, I bit into the fruit. The taste was revolting—bitter, sour, and unlike anything I had ever experienced—but I forced it down, grimacing as I swallowed.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a strange sensation coursed through my body, like a wave of energy igniting every nerve. My vision blurred, and my eyes flashed images of places I had been—Syrup Village, Goa Kingdom, Flevance, Cocoyashi Village, Loguetown, Rubeck Island, and Swallow Island. It was as if I could feel the essence of each place, the memories and emotions tied to them.

"What's happening?" Kaya asked, rushing over.

I staggered back, holding my head as the sensation faded. When I opened my eyes, I felt different. Lighter. As if the boundaries of distance no longer applied to me.

"I think…" I said, my voice shaky, "I can teleport."

The crew exchanged wide-eyed glances, and Carrot nearly fell off a crate in her excitement. "Teleport? Like, anywhere? That's amazing!"

Reiju, always the calm observer, stepped forward. "Teleportation could be invaluable. But how does it work?"

"I'm not sure yet," I admitted, trying to focus on the sensation. "It feels like I can only go to places I've been before. But I'll need to practice."

Nojiko smiled, her earlier seriousness giving way to warmth. "See? The fruit chose you, Captain. Now let's see what you can do with it."

As the crew cheered and celebrated my newfound power, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with the Cloud Chaser beneath us and my crew by my side, I knew we were ready for whatever came next. And now, with the power of the Recall Recall Fruit, I could lead us further than ever before.

***

The Cloud Chaser soared quietly through the skies as we approached the Germa 66 fleet. Their massive, castle-like ships floated ominously over the sea, casting long shadows on the water below. The air was tense as my crew gathered on the deck, preparing for one of our most dangerous missions yet.

I stood at the helm, plotting the move. Bellemere, still adjusting to her newfound powers, was perched on the rigging above us, her sharp eyes scanning the enemy ships. She looked fierce and intimidating in her hybrid form—a mix of humans and her ancient zoan creature, the Dimorphodon. Her bat-like wings flexed in the wind, and how she crouched with those sharp claws made her look ready to pounce at any moment.

"Kiddo, what's the plan?" she called down, her voice rough with adrenaline.

I glanced at her, then at the rest of the crew. "We're hitting their main storage ship. That's where they're keeping the Duranium. They heavily guarded the place, but I've got a plan."

"Of course you do," Sham said, leaning against the railing with a smirk. "And how much of this 'plan' involves us doing the heavy lifting while you sneak around, Captain?"

"About 90 percent," I admitted, grinning. "But that's why I have you."

Sham rolled her eyes. "Fine. But if I get shot at again, I'm charging you extra sex."

Nojiko, standing nearby, frowned. "She's not charging you any extra sex."

"She's joking!" I said quickly. "Mostly."

I glanced at Sham, then at the rest of the crew. Kaya stood ready with her medical kit and Titan Pill. Carrot bounced with energy, and Aerwyna sharpened her six swords in eerie silence. Carmen, leaning against the rail, absentmindedly let a small flame dance between her fingers, her expression surprisingly severe for once.

"We hit them hard and fast," I said, pulling out the map I had sketched of the Germa fleet. "Our goal isn't to destroy everything—just to take what we need. We're looking for their technology, research, and anything else we can use to strengthen the Cloud Chaser and prepare for the Grand Line."

"And if they put up a fight?" Bellemere asked, smirking as she loaded her rifle.

"They will," Reiju said softly, standing at the edge of the group. She gazed at the Germa ships below, her expression unreadable. "They always do. But I'll guide you through their defenses."

"Good," I said, nodding at her. "You know them better than anyone."

Bellemere, in her complete zoan form, leaped from the ship and took to the skies, her massive wings propelling her toward the fleet. She scouted the layout from above and relayed the information back through a Den-Den Mushi.

"Looks like they focused most of their infantry on the storage ship. They're expecting us." Belle's voice crackled.

"Perfect," I said, adjusting my crossbow. "That'll make it easier to take the enemy down."

Aerwyna stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "Who's taking point?"

I smirked. "That'd be me. I'll teleport onto the lead ship and cause chaos to draw the soldier's attention. Nojiko and Carmen, you'll take the rear. Use your Devil Fruits to create a barrier between their ships and reinforcements."

Carmen cracked her knuckles, flames sparking from her fingertips. "Finally, a chance to burn something."

Nojiko gave her a sidelong glance. "Just try not to set the whole ocean on fire."

Sham braced her metal claws. "And what about the rest of us?"

"Kaya stays on the Chaser to monitor and provide backup," I said. "Carrot, you're with Aerwyna to cut through their infantry. Reiju, you'll help me get to their command center."

Reiju nodded, her calm composure unshaken. "Understood."

The first explosion rocked the night, flames bursting across the side of the storage ship. Carmen's fire-based attacks lit up the darkness as she moved with deadly precision, her flames forcing the Germa guards to scatter. Sham darted through the chaos with her flash step, claws slashing through their armor like butter.

"Faster, slow cat!" Carmen called out as she launched a fireball toward a group of soldiers.

"Keep talking, fire cook," Sham shot back, ducking under a counterattack. "We'll see who's cleaning up whose mess later."

Meanwhile, Bellemere swooped down from above, her mighty wings kicking up gusts of wind that knocked soldiers off their feet. In her hybrid form, she slammed into the deck with a deafening roar, her claws tearing through the metal like paper. "You're all out of your league," she growled, her tail whipping behind her as she cut a swath through the guards.

Carrot and Aerwyna held the perimeter, cutting down reinforcements with surgical precision. Carrot's punches incapacitated entire squads, while Aerwyna's mastery of armament haki ensured no one got close.

With the chaos in full swing, I teleported with Reiju onto the storage ship's lower deck, using my Recall Recall Fruit to bypass the guards entirely. The interior was a maze of metal corridors, but my Observation Haki guided me toward the storage room. I could sense the faint, cold presence of the Duranium ahead.

When I reached the storage room, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Stacks of Duranium sheets and blocks gleamed under the dim lighting, their surface unnaturally smooth and reflective—this duranium — the key to fortifying the Cloud Chaser.

"Jackpot," I whispered, pulling out my portable transponder cart. As quickly as I could, I began loading the Duranium onto the cart, my heart pounding with every second that passed. I was then promptly teleported to the Chaser.

I saw a glimpse of Nojiko and Carmen unleashing their powers. Nojiko's plant-based Devil Fruit caused massive vines to erupt from the sea, wrapping around the smaller Germa ships and holding them in place. Carmen, meanwhile, sent a torrent of fire roaring down onto another boat, forcing the soldiers to abandon it as flames consumed the deck.

"You're enjoying this way too much," Nojiko muttered as she directed her vines to entangle another ship.

Carmen grinned, flames swirling around her hands. "And you're not enjoying it enough."

On the main deck of the lead ship, Bellemere and Aerwyna tore through the Germa infantry. Bellemere used her zoan form and automatic rifle with surgical precision, picking off enemies from a distance, while Aerwyna's swords flashed like lightning, quickly cutting through any resistance. Carrot was a blur of energy, leaping from one soldier to another, her powerful punch sending them flying.

Meanwhile, Reiju and I teleported back to the research center. The ship's halls were cold and sterile, filled with the hum of machinery. Reiju guided me through the labyrinthine corridors, and her familiarity with the layout proved invaluable.

"Do you think we'll run into your family?" I asked as we crept forward.

She hesitated momentarily before replying, "If we do, don't hold back. They won't."

I nodded, gripping my crossbow tighter. "Got it."

When we reached the command center, it was heavily guarded. Reiju stepped forward, her hands glowing with the toxic energy of her Poison Pink abilities. "I'll take care of the guards. You get what we came for."

She moved with deadly grace, incapacitating the guards before they could react. I darted into the room, my eyes scanning the rows of monitors and control panels. There was a console containing blueprints, schematics, research notes, and a lot of molten metal called duranium. I quickly downloaded the data onto a small transponder device Wolf had given me and took all the duranium into my backpack.

"Usopp, we've got company!" Reiju's voice snapped me back to the present.

I turned to see a familiar figure stepping into the room—Ichiji, her brother. His red hair caught the dim light, and his eyes locked onto Reiju with a mixture of anger and disdain.

"So, you've betrayed us again," he said coldly.

Reiju didn't flinch. "I made my choice a long time ago."

Ichiji smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Then let's settle this."

"Go," Reiju said, her voice firm. "I'll handle him."

I hesitated, but her expression left no room for argument. Grabbing the transponder device, I activated my Recall Recall powers, teleporting back to the deck just as the battle erupted behind me.

The crew regrouped on the Cloud Chaser, and the Germa ships were in disarray behind us. Reiju joined us moments later, her calm composure intact despite the faint scorch marks on her armor. We had the data, the resources, and, most importantly, what I was looking for: the duranium. The Cloud Chaser soared high into the sky.

***

The Cloud Chaser glided through the air, its Adam wood frame gleaming in the sunlight. It looked indestructible, like a fortress that could withstand the harshest conditions and deadliest enemies.

Below deck, I sat at my workbench, tinkering with my newly modified trick bullets. The Duranium had opened up new possibilities—bullets that could withstand the force of my more volatile explosives, ensuring they'd hit their target before detonating. My tinkering filled the air with the rhythmic clicks of tools and the faint scent of oil and metal.

"Perfect," I muttered, holding up a completed bullet. Its reinforced casing shimmered with the faint blue sheen of Duranium, giving it a sleek, almost futuristic look.

"Usopp Kun," Aerwyna's calm voice called from the door. "The crew's waiting for your promised tour of the ship."

I grinned, sliding the bullet into the chamber of my customized FN FNC rifle. "About time they see what this beauty is capable of."

I stood at the center of the main deck, and my crew, who went with Belle, gathered around me. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as they waited for the grand tour. I raised my arms dramatically.

"Ladies, welcome aboard the Cloud Chaser, the greatest airship to ever take to the skies!" I declared, earning a mix of cheers and sarcastic claps from the crew.

Carrot bounced excitedly. "Show them everything! I wanna show them all the secret compartments!"

"All in good time," I said, leading them to the first stop. "Let's start with the Captain's Quarters."

I opened the heavy oak door to reveal a room with maps, blueprints, and journals pinned to the walls. My workbench dominated one side, cluttered with tools, weapons, and half-finished projects. A large bed is set near the window, offering a view of the endless sky.

"This is where the magic happens," I said, gesturing to the workbench. "And by magic, I mean creating the tools that keep us alive."

"Or blow things up," Sham muttered, earning a laugh from the crew.

Next, I led them down a corridor to the armory. I lined the walls with weapons racks, from crossbows and pistols to heavier artillery. My customized FN FNC rifle and High-Power pistol hung prominently, their sleek designs catching the light.

"This," I said proudly, picking up the rifle, "is the FN FNC. Fully automatic, Duranium-reinforced, and capable of firing my new trick bullets without a hitch."

I smirked, setting up a target at the room's far end. With a quick burst of fire, the rifle hit the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy. The crew let out an appreciative murmur.

"Not bad," Bellemere said, though she was impressed.

We moved on to the crew quarters, a spacious room with curtained beds and personal lockers for each member. Nojiko and Kaya had already added plants and flowers to brighten the space, while Carrot's corner was cluttered with random trinkets she had picked up on our adventures.

"This is where you'll be resting when we're not busy having sex," I said, earning a few chuckles.

"Looks cozy enough," Carmen said, lounging on a single bed with a curtain as privacy. "But I hope you don't expect me to share space with her." She gestured at Sham, who rolled her eyes.

"Relax," I said quickly. "Everyone has their spot. No fighting."

Next, we entered the galley, where Carmen's culinary domain was in full swing. The room was warm and inviting, with a large stove, a well-stocked pantry, and a long table for communal meals.

"And here's where Carmen works her magic," I said, gesturing to the kitchen. "She keeps us fed and fueled for battle."

Carmen crossed her arms, smirking. "As long as you all stay out of my way, we won't have any problems."

Carrot sniffed the air. "What's for dinner?"

Carmen grinned. "You'll have to wait and see."

The navigation room was a hub of activity, with charts, compasses, and a large map table dominating the space. Kaya had added shelves filled with medical books and herbs, making it a shared space for navigation and medical planning.

"This is where we plan our journeys," I said, tapping the map table. "And thanks to our Adam Wood, no storm or enemy will stop us."

Kaya nodded approvingly. "I'm also working on emergency rations and supplies here. Just in case."

Finally, I led the crew to the engine room, where the heart of the Sky Sovereign thrummed with power. The massive turbines, reinforced with Duranium, gleamed in the dim light.

"This," I said, my voice filled with pride, "is what makes us fly. Wolf and I worked day and night to perfect this system. It's efficient, powerful, and nearly indestructible."

Reiju ran her fingers along the metal, her expression thoughtful. "Impressive. But we'll need to test it in harsher conditions."

"And we will," I said, grinning. "The Grand Line will be the ultimate test."

Back on the main deck, I turned to face the crew, my confidence unwavering. "This ship is more than just a vessel. It's our home, our weapon, and our symbol. Together, we'll take on the Grand Line and anything else the world throws at us."