Trees heavy with ripe fruit blanketed the mountains and plains.
From the branches hung strange produce, and from each fruit drifted the unmistakable scent of freshly cooked fish and chips. The aroma spread far and wide, strong enough to drown out hunger itself.
"Mama, it's so good!"
"Yes… thank God. Thank God for giving us food, for giving us hope to live."
The refugees ate with gratitude written across their faces, laughter and relief filling the air. Not one of them spared a glance toward the true source of their salvation, the man they had once considered devouring when desperation consumed them.
Shirogai stood at a distance with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the scene with an unreadable smile.
"Was it really worth giving up the Book Book Fruit, the ability you preferred, just to obtain the Mori Mori no Mi?" Shirogai asked calmly.
"All for people who won't even look your way."
Usopp slowly reverted from his tree like state, the wooden texture fading from his body. He stared quietly at the children sitting beneath the trees, chewing happily while their mothers shielded them protectively. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"…It was worth it," Usopp said softly.
"My conscience is clear. I didn't do it for them. I did it for myself."
Shirogai nodded in approval.
"That's the correct mindset. There are countless things happening in this world, and not all of them deserve our intervention. We only need to do what we can, and what we believe we should."
His smile suddenly sharpened.
"However…"
In the next instant, Shirogai reached out and grabbed Usopp by the head. His fingers dug in mercilessly as he began kneading Usopp's skull with unrestrained force.
"Heh," Shirogai scoffed.
"Earlier, when I skimmed through the thoughts of those refugees, I saw something interesting. A certain long nosed idiot refusing to admit he was my companion, preparing to face death alone."
Shirogai's grip tightened.
"How foolish. Have you forgotten how to threaten people? Or did becoming stronger give you some ridiculous pride? Beg when you need to beg. Run when you need to run. You survive first, dignity comes later. You already rely on tricks and deception in battle, so why pretend otherwise?"
Crunch. Crunch.
Usopp's head produced alarming sounds under the pressure.
"Vanity will get you killed," Shirogai continued coldly.
"You absolute idiot."
Usopp screamed in agony.
"Ahhh! Help! My head! It's going to break!"
This time, Shirogai showed no restraint at all. Fortunately, after consuming the Mori Mori no Mi, Usopp's body possessed extraordinary vitality and regeneration. Even under such treatment, his life was never truly in danger.
From now on, his durability was no longer something to be laughed at.
"You deserve it," Zoro added flatly from the side.
"Do you really think Shirogai cares if you use his name to scare enemies? You were ready to die just to protect some imaginary reputation?"
"I'm wrong! I'm wrong!" Usopp wailed.
"My head is really going to explode!"
Suddenly, his struggling stopped.
"…Shirogai," Usopp said, his tone turning strange.
"Do you think these people can really be saved?"
Shirogai loosened his grip slightly.
"I spent time with them," Usopp continued quietly.
"Their thinking feels wrong. They never thank the ones who save them. Instead, they always thank God, like everyone else is just a tool."
Shirogai released him completely and turned his gaze back to the refugees, who continued eating without sparing them a second glance.
"Then their suffering is the result of their own choices," Shirogai said calmly.
"It has nothing to do with anyone else."
He continued, his voice steady and emotionless.
"If the people of a country believe that others are obligated to save them because they are chosen by God, then that country is destined for collapse."
Shirogai's eyes darkened slightly.
"Look at the former king of Bashar. He tried to change that twisted system. He sought to expand territory on Sky Island so the common people could survive. What happened?"
"He was overthrown," Shirogai said.
"By the very people he tried to save, allied with the nobles who exploited them. All because they believed stepping onto Sky Island was blasphemy."
He let out a quiet breath.
"The Sky Island Alliance could not interfere in internal affairs. In the end, all they could do was relocate the king and his supporters to other Sky Islands."
Usopp clenched his fists.
"But the children… they're innocent," he said.
"Will they grow up the same way?"
"Accept it," Shirogai replied calmly.
"This is their fate. Even I have no right, nor any desire, to interfere further."
He reached out and rested his hand on Usopp's curly hair, patting it lightly.
"Since they believe their God will protect them, then let it be so," Shirogai said with a faint smile.
"Hopefully, when the end of the world arrives, when massive tides and monstrous waves swallow the islands, their God will descend."
Usopp's eyes widened.
"The end of the world?" he asked.
"You mean the sea will cover everything?"
If that happened, Syrup Village would not be spared.
Zoro frowned, unease flickering across his face.
"Will this affect other seas too? The East Blue?"
Shirogai nodded once.
"Global tides will rise," he said calmly.
"Most islands will be submerged. Even the highest ones will only have small portions left above sea level."
Seeing their expressions, he added reassuringly,
"Do not worry. The East Blue is already under the Sky Island Alliance's protection. Artificial Sky Islands are being constructed above most major islands."
…
Syrup Village
"Sister Kaya, Sister Kaya!"
Onion ran toward the villa in excitement.
"I heard the Sky Island above us is almost finished! The Sky Island Alliance said we'll be able to visit soon!"
Kaya, holding a medical book and wearing a light jacket, stepped out into the courtyard. Her shoulder length blonde hair swayed gently as she smiled at Onion, Bell Pepper, and Carrot Head behind him.
"Yes," she said warmly.
"Merry told me earlier. I never thought Usopp's old stories would turn out to be real."
"Hehehe," Bell Pepper laughed.
"Captain Usopp is definitely going to be jealous when he hears this. We're going to the sky!"
Carrot Head smacked him lightly on the head.
"Idiot. Captain Usopp has probably already been there. The leader of the Sky Island Alliance is the vice captain on his ship."
"Ow! Right!" Bell Pepper exclaimed.
"Then Captain must know what the sky is like already. I'm so jealous!"
Onion laughed.
"Just wait. In a few days, we'll see it ourselves."
Kaya watched the three of them bicker, her smile gentle yet distant.
In her heart, she thought of the long nosed man who used to lie shamelessly just to make her laugh.
Are you doing well, Usopp…?