Chapter 29 - Syrup Village 08.

[Chapter Size: 2875 Words.]

Third Person POV

Syrup Village, East Blue.

...

...

A few hours later, the group gathered at Kaya's mansion. The tension that had dominated the previous moments had given way to a sense of relief and gratitude for having averted the imminent danger that loomed over the village. The battle against Kuro and the desperate fight to protect the peaceful Syrup Village were still fresh in the minds of Usopp and Kaya, but most of the village residents remained unaware of the true peril they had faced.

Usopp, injured during the confrontation, had been brought back to the mansion and was being taken care of. Kaya's emotional reunion with her friend, who had risked everything to protect her, had been a touching moment.

"You're really a mermaid!!!" Kaya exclaimed in amazement as she saw Shirahoshi's tail on the sofa, revealing the secret the princess had guarded so carefully. Surprise and admiration shone in her eyes as she beheld the majestic mermaid tail.

"Yes, I am, Kaya-Sama," the princess responded with a shy tone, her voice revealing a mix of pride and humility in the face of recognition.

Nami's announcement added extra excitement to the atmosphere. "So, for our help, I believe we deserve at least 10 million berries!!" Nami exclaimed, referring to the payment for the assistance provided. Her eyes sparkled with the prospect of a reward, while Merry, who was sitting in a corner of the room, watched with a surprised expression at the audacity of the group's current maid.

The atmosphere in the mansion had transformed into a space of celebration and gratitude. The group came together to celebrate the success of their mission in helping Kaya and the village rid themselves of the threat posed by Kuro and his gang. The tense mood that had dominated the village had been replaced by a feeling of relief and gratitude, and everyone enjoyed this moment of shared joy.

The atmosphere in the mansion was relaxed as the group enjoyed a brief moment of peace and celebration. They all settled in, savoring the delicious treats Merry had provided, demonstrating that her culinary skills extended beyond making tea.

"This tea is delicious, Merry," Kuina commented serenely while sipping her favorite drink, maintaining a dignified posture that set her apart from the others.

"The sake is great too!" Zoro added, drinking directly from a barrel, his throat burning from the liquor he enjoyed. Meanwhile, Kuina couldn't help but make a playful comment, "And to think that idiot Zoro has become an alcoholic."

"What's the problem? Sake is really good!" Luffy chimed in cheerfully, drinking from another barrel nearby. However, Kuina couldn't let the opportunity pass and complained again, "Great, the captain is an alcoholic too!"

"Woof! Woof!"

"SHARKY!"

However, the relaxed atmosphere was abruptly interrupted when the group's pair of pets, the shark and the dog, began to express their displeasure with barks and growls. Zoro, curious, asked, "Why are they so mad?"

"Hahahaha, it's because I ate most of the food!" Luffy proudly replied, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Although he didn't consume food with the same voracity as the original Luffy, his body still required a significant amount of food to maintain his manatee form. His insatiable appetite was a notable characteristic, and his joy at the meal was evident on his face.

Kuina watched the scene with a perplexed expression, not surprised to see that the captain was also a voracious glutton, just like his friends. "No surprise there, the captain is a glutton too," she muttered, somewhat lost in the midst of the gastronomic festival.

Luffy laughed merrily, ignoring Kuina's observation. "Hehehehehe. Don't worry, there's more food, Merry! Ask for more food!" Kaya suggested with a warm smile, appreciating the lively interaction among her guests.

However, the relaxed atmosphere was momentarily disrupted when Nami noticed Yamato eating raw fish. She exclaimed, leaving Merry behind and pointing with disbelief at Yamato's unusual meal. "Hey, why are you eating that raw fish!?"

Yamato looked at Nami and, with her mouth full, replied with a muffled voice, "It's Oden's favorite food!" She picked up a piece of salmon and savored it.

Nami was clearly perplexed. "Who?"

Yamato tried to explain, but her mouth full of food made her words unintelligible. "Hmm hmm hmm."

Nami shook her head, feeling frustrated with Yamato's lack of clarity, and then ignored her, turning her attention back to the food and the pirate group she had infiltrated.

Meanwhile, Usopp was sitting alongside the animals, sharing stories and laughter with the group, despite his injuries, which had been properly bandaged after the intense battle. His eyes roamed the scene, absorbing the nuances and peculiarities of that eclectic group.

Usopp couldn't help but notice the special dynamic that existed among these people and animals with such diverse personalities. The room was filled with an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. Despite their striking differences, they seemed perfectly in tune, like a true crew. It was hard for Usopp to believe that they had come together and formed this bond so quickly, in just a few days.

"So, this is how crews are..." Usopp murmured to himself, his voice almost a whisper as he reflected on what he saw. He looked at his own hands, which he observed with a glint of realization in his eyes. Those hands were witnesses to the changes that had occurred in the past few days. He had finally found the courage to protect what he considered most precious, a desire rooted in his childhood, which had led him to aspire to become a brave sea warrior. Now, he glimpsed the possibility that this dream was not as far off as he had imagined.

Kaya waited for the opportune moment and, amidst the atmosphere of camaraderie that pervaded the room, she addressed everyone with words of gratitude and reflection. Her tone was gentle and cheerful, a contrast to the concerns that had haunted the village before.

"You came to us like ill-intentioned pirates, but in the end, you saved our lives," declared Kaya, her voice filled with sincere appreciation, causing everyone to turn their attention to her words.

Luffy, as always, responded with simplicity, as if it were a common occurrence in his hectic life. "It was nothing. At first, we came here to sell a ship. It was mere luck that we found someone with so much potential and a butler hiding his true identity."

Luffy's unpretentious comment brought a smile to Kaya's face. She admired the casual way Luffy treated remarkable deeds, as if they were nothing more than everyday actions.

However, the impact of Luffy's words did not go unnoticed by Usopp, who was still stunned by the idea that someone would believe so much in his potential, something that had seemed unattainable until then.

Kaya was not about to let the gratitude go unexpressed. She made a surprising announcement: "Even so, all of this resulted in saving our lives. As a token of my appreciation, in addition to buying your ship, I intend to gift you with your own vessel!"

Kaya's generous gesture was even more striking, considering that Luffy and his crew had acquired their ship by stealing it from the Navy. Her sincere words and the gesture of gratitude demonstrated how much she valued the help they had provided to the village.

Luffy expressed a genuine smile, although his thoughts on the matter were a bit more complex than his initial reaction suggested. Initially, he had hesitated about Kaya's offer, considering that the Merry Going was not originally designed for the challenges of the New World or sailing in waters full of similar dangers. He pondered the possibility of declining the ship and asking for money instead, with concerns that acquiring a ship that didn't perfectly fit their needs might end up being a burden, forcing him to abandon it in the future.

However, a viable alternative soon emerged in his mind, thanks to the system that assisted him on his journey. An option where Luffy could pay for the ship's refurbishment with his points, shaping it and making it more powerful according to his needs. This prospect convinced him to accept Kaya's ship gladly.

"I accept, but I have one condition: I want to give the ship a name!" Luffy announced, his voice filled with excitement.

Kaya considered the suggestion, glancing at Merry, who nodded in approval. The governess soon clarified, "The ship was completed yesterday, but due to the confusion caused by Kuro, we haven't had the chance to name it yet. I was planning to do so tomorrow, so the ship the young miss is offering still doesn't have an official name, and you'll have the privilege of naming it as you please."

Luffy was pleased with the news. He wasn't interested in keeping a name like "Merry Going" or "Sunny Go." Although there was nothing wrong with those names, they didn't match his personal style. He aspired to something more powerful and iconic, like Whitebeard's Moby Dick or Gol D. Roger's Oro Jackson. The opportunity to choose the name for his own ship was a chance he welcomed wholeheartedly.

"Perfect! I'm looking forward to naming our ship!" Luffy declared, radiating joy and anticipation.

The celebration continued throughout the night, turning Kaya's mansion into a place of joy and celebration. The mansion was alive with laughter, animated conversations, and the echo of shared stories among the eclectic group that had gathered to celebrate the victory over Kuro and his gang.

As the night advanced and the celebration banquet went on, Luffy and Zoro consumed numerous barrels of sake and other alcoholic beverages, showing little restraint. Their loud laughter and drunken antics stood out among the others as they competed to see who could drink more.

While the party continued to be lively, Shirahoshi, the young mermaid, was enchanted by Kaya. The girl, who had lived most of her life in isolation and confinement, found in Kaya someone who understood and shared her life experience. She felt immediately drawn to Kaya's generosity and the warmth of her heart, which welcomed her as part of the celebration.

The heroes of the day, exhausted but happy, shared stories about their adventures, funny memories, and details of the battle against Kuro and his gang. There was a sense of unity and camaraderie, as if they had formed an improvised crew for one night. Smiling and grateful faces filled the room, and the bonds that were formed that night seemed unbreakable.

As the night neared its end, sleepy eyes replaced the lively gazes. The celebration finally came to its conclusion, and one by one, the participants bid their farewells and went to their rooms to rest.

Luffy woke from his slumber in Kaya's mansion, finding himself ensnared in the warm embrace of Yamato, who was softly snoring in one of the guest rooms. With considerable effort, Luffy managed to free himself from Yamato's grip, still feeling somewhat taken aback by the unexpected gesture from the princess. He then focused on straightening his clothes, which had been wrinkled by the embrace.

As he adjusted his attire, Luffy glanced out the room's window, observing the peaceful scene outside. His eyes settled on Usopp, who was walking in the mansion's yard with his bandages visible. The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates saw this situation as an opportunity to test the young sharpshooter's courage and determination, to determine if he would be a valuable addition to the crew.

"Hey!" Luffy greeted, causing Usopp to jump in surprise at his sudden appearance.

"Lu-Luffy!" Usopp nearly shouted in surprise.

"I remembered that you were alone here and thought we could talk," Luffy said with a friendly smile.

"Talk?" Usopp asked, curious, although he already suspected what it was about.

"Yes, talk. I want you to join my crew. But I won't force anyone to enter it. However, I believe in you, Usopp. I'm sure that if you join us, you'll become a brave warrior, respected in every corner of this world. It'll be a challenging path, with trials and suffering, but I'm confident you'll overcome it all. If you accept, your dreams will come true!" Luffy spoke with confidence, his faith in Usopp clear in his words.

Usopp looked at Luffy with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "What if I'm not strong enough, Luffy? What will happen then? What if I'm just a burden to all of you?"

Luffy responded with a calm smile, "Don't worry, Usopp. You're already strong, and I'm sure you'll become even stronger. We're here to support each other. No matter how tough it gets, we'll face it together. Plus, I've seen your courage. You stood up to Kuro to protect your friend, and now, you're willing to embark on an adventure with us. I believe in you, and I'm sure you'll be an amazing addition to our crew. So, what do you think?"

Usopp reflected for a moment, recalling all the experiences of the past few days. It was a chance to pursue his dreams alongside reliable and strong people, like those he had crossed paths with.

"I... I want to join you!" Usopp declared, overcoming his hesitation. He was determined to embark on this adventure and knew that, with that group, he could achieve his goals.

"That's great!" Luffy celebrated, excited about Usopp's decision. "Now, we're officially crewmates! Get ready for many adventures, Usopp!"

Usopp smiled, feeling nervous yet excited. He was ready to face the challenge that lay ahead, confident that with his new friends, he could overcome it. Luffy's faith in him motivated him to give his all on the journey about to begin.

[System - Crew: Usopp has joined your crew!]

Luffy opened a sincere smile when he saw the system notification confirming Usopp's entry into his group.

"That's great! Let's announce your entry to the crew during breakfast when everyone is gathered!" Luffy suggested, and they went back inside the mansion.

Luffy found the crew gathered in the mansion's kitchen, where each member was busy eating and drinking something. The wooden table was filled with food dishes, fruits, and juices, creating a lively atmosphere. Yamato was particularly visible, expressing her dissatisfaction quite audibly.

"You shouldn't have left the room, Luffy! You should've been resting," Yamato grumbled, eating a piece of fruit with a scowl on her face.

Luffy, always in a good mood, ignored Yamato's comment and the questioning looks from some of the girls. With that, he continued to smile at Usopp, who was a little bewildered by the scene.

"Everyone, I have fantastic news! We have a new member joining us!" Luffy announced with excitement, casting a warm glance in Usopp's direction.

The news was received with enthusiasm and curiosity by all crew members, who looked at Usopp, awaiting a brief introduction, even though they already knew the boy.

"This is Usopp, the brave and courageous sharpshooter we met on Syrup Island," Luffy proudly introduced Usopp. "He's incredible and will help us in our adventures! Welcome, Usopp!"

"A new member!" Shirahoshi exclaimed, her voice sounding like music to Usopp's ears.

"WOOF!" Chouchou barked cheerfully, making Usopp smile.

"Sharky! Sharky!" Megalo also joined in the celebration, greeting Usopp with enthusiasm.

Zoro greeted Usopp with a simple nod of his head, but there was a hint of recognition in his eyes.

"Hahaha, we have a new crewmate!" Yamato expressed her joy with a warm smile, despite her earlier complaint.

Nami and Kuina remained silent, observing the scene with neutral expressions, but they couldn't help but smile at Usopp's happiness.

Kaya, seeing the warm interaction between the crew members, felt a twinge of sadness in her eyes, knowing that her friend was about to leave in pursuit of his dreams. However, Usopp's happiness was contagious, and she couldn't help but be happy for him.

"Thank you... I think..." Usopp responded timidly, still processing the warm reception from his new crew.

Luffy made the announcement with his typical enthusiasm, but with a touch of seriousness.

"Anyway, let's save the celebration for the ship. We're leaving as soon as possible, so I'd like Usopp to prepare his farewell and collect any equipment that is still useful from the fight against Kuro. Meanwhile, the rest of you should also get ready. I'll take care of business with Kaya and Merry here," Luffy communicated, making it clear that time was of the essence.

"Wait! Let me go with you!" Nami quickly shouted, showing her eagerness to handle financial matters.

"Alright, you might be useful!" Luffy thought for a moment and agreed to the idea of taking Nami with him. He knew that Nami had a talent for squeezing every bit of money out of any situation, and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to make the most of the people's generosity in front of him.

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