Chapter 49 West Lob Village, Usopp

"Syrup Village is just ahead!"

The morning sun illuminated the clear sky as a small sloop sailed steadily through the calm waves. Consulting the chart, Nami pointed excitedly to the island that was coming into view.

"Are we finally here?" Zoro, who had been recuperating, managed a faint smile.

After a few days of nourishing food and utilizing his exceptional physical endurance, Zoro's injuries had gradually healed, reaching about 60-70% recovery.

As a practitioner of martial arts, Zoro had resumed his restorative training on board the ship.

"I can't wait to see our pirate ship again," Luffy exclaimed, sweat beading on his forehead. With a joyous expression, he lifted his arms high in the air.

"Patience is key," Alan, seated at the boat's side, leisurely peeled an orange. He chuckled, "Perhaps, Luffy, you might find a new crewmate on this island."

Luffy's curiosity was piqued. "A new crewmate?"

"There's someone on this island named Usopp who's skilled with a slingshot," Alan explained. "He's known for his impeccable aim. He could be a great addition as our sniper."

Alan had encountered Usopp two years earlier, when he had confined him within the Universal Magic Book Teigu during a visit to the island. Usopp's father, Yasopp, was a marksman within the Red Hair Pirates, making Usopp's potential role as a sniper within the Straw Hat crew an intriguing possibility.

"Usopp?" Luffy tilted his head, sensing a hint of familiarity. "I think I've heard that name before."

Alan smiled and added, "Oh, by the way, Yasopp, Usopp's father, is also a pirate. He set sail at a young age."

Recognition lit up Luffy's face. "Oh yeah! I remember now. Let's have Usopp join us as our sniper!"

With his decision made, Luffy looked forward to the prospect of reuniting with Shanks, this time with his own sniper as part of the crew.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of the morning, Syrup Village was quiet and peaceful. However, the tranquility was abruptly disrupted by a shrill cry.

"Everyone, trouble's coming!"

A teenager wearing goggles and a long nose sprinted through the village, arms flailing like a trumpet, shouting, "Pirates are attacking! Run for your lives!"

Yet, it was as if his cries fell on deaf ears. Throughout the village, not a single person stirred from their homes. The village remained eerily silent.

Unfazed, the teen continued running and shouting, "The pirates are here!"

Still, the villagers remained indifferent to his usual antics of raising false alarms.

In a wooden house nearby, a window creaked open, revealing the bright sunlight. A middle-aged man yawned and began his morning routine. "Morning already?"

Observing the retreating figure of the frantic teen, the man grumbled, "That Usopp kid. I'll give him a piece of my mind next time."

Usopp, who had been running through the village warning of pirates, observed the lack of response with a pout. "Why doesn't anyone believe me?"

Feeling disheartened, he made his way to a cliff, leaning against a tree and gazing at the vast expanse of sea and sky. The tranquility refreshed his spirit.

However, his peace was disrupted when he spotted a sloop on the coastline in the distance. Figures disembarked from the ship.

"What's that?"

Panicked, Usopp dashed back towards the village, shouting, "No, it's true! Pirates are really here!"

But, just like before, the villagers were unimpressed by his cries.

Three children, each with a vegetable-shaped head, gathered around Usopp. "Captain Usopp, are pirates really coming?"

"Are you making things up again, Captain Usopp?"

The child with an onion head chimed in, "No one believes you anymore."

Realizing his cries were falling on deaf ears, Usopp decided to inform Kaya immediately.

Bounding toward the most luxurious villa in the village, he exclaimed urgently, "I'm not mistaken! It's him, the man who defeated Captain Crow!"

Though Usopp's voice was resolute, his determination wavered when he arrived at the villa.

Before him stood the woman he admired—Kaya. She conversed amiably with the very man who had once terrified him. Beside them stood Luffy, Alan, Zoro, and Nami.

"Kaya..."

Overwhelmed by the sight, Usopp's voice quivered, "Pirate 'Magician' Alan, step away from Kaya!"

His hands trembled uncontrollably, and fear surged as memories of their encounter two years prior rushed back. The memory of the invincible man before him, impervious to Captain Crow's attacks, filled him with dread.

...

[To be continued...]

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