Chapter 83: Usopp's first experience

"Hahahahaha!! Guys, bring out my Buggy Cannon!"

"It's time to show this sea the might of the Buggy Pirates!!!"

On the vast blue ocean, a peculiar-looking pirate ship sailed swiftly with the wind. Unlike other pirate ships that strive to appear as menacing as possible, this one had a comical skull with a giant red nose painted on its sail. It seemed to mock the very sea it sailed upon.

Above the ship's mast, a pirate flag bearing the same ridiculous design fluttered proudly.

However, despite its humorous appearance, this pirate crew struck fear into the hearts of countless merchant ships across the East Blue!

Buggy the Clown!

A legendary figure!

A former crew member of the Pirate King Roger and an old friend of the Four Emperors' Red-Haired Shanks. His mere name is enough to make countless people tremble in fear.

Even when faced with legendary pirates like Whitebeard and the Golden Lion, he would swing his sword with unwavering courage.

Yet, despite his potential to leave a mark on history, Buggy chose to remain in obscurity, not venturing into the New World but instead living in the East Blue as a small-time pirate.

So much so that even the ever-watchful World Government intelligence network failed to realize that this Buggy of the East Blue was once a crewmember of the Pirate King!

But today, Buggy was brimming with pride.

After months of dedicated research, he had finally developed a cannonball more powerful than any naval artillery—Buggy's Shell!

Today was the day to declare his dominance over these seas.

Boom! 

A cannonball trailing red flames struck the merchant ship opposite, creating a massive crater on its deck. Moments later, flames erupted from the dark pit!

Although the fire was quickly extinguished by the rising waves, the merchant ship lost all hope of outrunning their pursuers.

One shot was all it took to cripple a ship!

"Wahahahaha..."

Seeing the immense power of his Buggy Cannon, a smug grin spread across Buggy the Clown's face.

"Boys, cease fire! Don't let all the valuable treasures sink to the bottom of the sea!"

He licked his lips, eyes gleaming as if he was about to feast on a gourmet meal, and waved his hand to give the order:

"Full speed ahead, get close to that merchant ship!!!"

"Aye, Captain Buggy!!!"

The comical clown pirate ship cut through the sea, sending waves crashing as it quickly closed in on the Kaya family's merchant ship.

...

...

"What do we do, what do we do!?"

On the deck of the merchant ship, Usopp's legs were trembling, his vision swam with stars, and he muttered nervously to himself.

Just moments ago, he had valiantly escorted the Kaya family to the safety of the cabin, but the thought of facing a crew of bloodthirsty pirates sent shivers down his spine.

It wasn't about his strength—this was just his nature.

Meanwhile, Rowlet, his loyal companion, looked at his trembling trainer and promptly slapped Usopp across the face with its powerful wings.

The force bent Usopp's nose out of shape.

Perhaps Usopp never imagined that his first injury at sea would come from Rowlet trying to knock some sense into him.

"Gu Gu Gu~~ (Don't worry, just watch me!)"

"Rowlet!"

Tears welled up in Usopp's eyes from the slap, but he found renewed determination and quickly hid behind Rowlet, forgetting his own fear.

"I'm counting on you!"

"Gugu~ (Just wait and see!)"

Rowlet was full of confidence.

Since arriving in this world, it had been used mainly as an assistant in experiments, never getting the chance to fight seriously. But today was finally the day!

The fighting spirit within its body began to surge!

In the blink of an eye, Buggy's pirate ship had drawn close.

While the crew frantically worked to repair the massive hole left by Buggy's cannon, Usopp and Rowlet were the only ones left on deck.

"Hey, there's only a kid here?"

As the two ships neared each other, the pirates caught sight of Usopp and were momentarily taken aback.

But then, Buggy burst into a triumphant laugh.

"Hahahaha! They must have heard that the great Captain Buggy was coming and sent out a child to surrender!"

Buggy waved his hand.

"Men, attack and take everything valuable!"

"Oh!!!"

The pirates roared with excitement, clambering over the sides of the ship and leaping onto the merchant vessel.

As the pirates charged forward, Usopp's fear grew stronger, but strangely enough, so did his resolve. His heart steadied, and the slingshot at his waist tightened in his grip.

In a trembling voice, Usopp muttered, "You unlucky fools are about to witness my growth!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Three black marbles shot out in rapid succession, striking three pirates in the eyes with precision.

"Ah!!!"

The hit pirates screamed in pain, their bodies tipping over the side of the ship and into the sea.

The other pirates froze in disbelief. They hadn't expected a mere brat to attack their crew of over a hundred men.

But their shock quickly turned to rage.

"Damn it! This kid's not surrendering! Kill him!"

The pirates roared in anger.

However...

What greeted them was a barrage of even more rapid-fire marbles.

Usopp was astonished to discover...

These pirates aren't so tough after all!?

Swish, swish, swish...

He didn't even need to use his special Energen Stars—just ordinary lead bullets were enough to keep the pirates at bay!

"Gugu?"

Rowlet, perched on the ship's rail, turned its head in a unique owl-like fashion, staring at Usopp in confusion.

What's going on, little buddy? Weren't you going to let me show off?

Usopp chuckled.

He hadn't anticipated that his fifteen years of single life would have honed his hand speed to the point where he could fend off pirates on his own!

Especially those standing by the edge of the ship—every hit sent them plunging into the sea.

"Huh?"

Buggy, who was standing at the bow, quickly noticed what was happening and shouted:

"Get out of the way, you worthless idiots!"

He roared in anger, and his upper body suddenly detached from the rest of his body, flying over the heads of the pirates toward Usopp, with several steel knives clutched in his hands.

As a user of the Chop-Chop Fruit, Buggy had the ability to split his body into pieces and have them float independently.

"What!?"

Seeing Buggy's body suddenly split apart, Usopp's face paled in horror.

And in that moment of hesitation, Buggy bellowed:

"Split Cannon!"

Boom!

With a slight sound, Usopp saw Buggy's palm detach from his arm and fly toward him, knives aimed directly at his head like a cannonball.

Panic-stricken, Usopp shouted:

"Rowlet, save me!!!"

"Gu!"

Rowlet, who had already sensed the danger, reacted instantly, its body launching forward with immense speed.

Boom!

Using its Impact move, Rowlet collided directly with Buggy's hand.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!"

The pain shot straight to Buggy's brain.

Even though his body was split apart, he could still feel the pain.

The force of Rowlet's impact sent Buggy's hand flying away, the steel knives embedding themselves into the deck.

But with Buggy's attack disrupted, the remaining pirates had all boarded the Kaya family's merchant ship.

Dozens of them surrounded Usopp.

Despite the danger, Usopp found himself surprisingly calm.

"A Devil Fruit user?"

He muttered to himself as he watched Rowlet charge at Buggy.

Then, he slowly reached into the pouch on his waist, drawing out three Energen Stars that glowed with a green light.

"It's time to get serious!"

(End of this chapter)