POWAAAA...
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Thought of the day:
Life is hard, so is my dih~~ Some random ass man.
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By the council of WHO, it is said that: Spreading Agendas are beneficial for your health.
AGENDAS<------
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Attendance Please:
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After confessing his feelings to Kaya, Usopp returned home to pack his belongings and prepare to leave with Luffy and the others.
Yuji and Nami also returned to retrieve their belongings.
Yuji packed his backpack and slung his guitar over his shoulder. Nami gathered her carefully rolled maps and her single bag of treasure, the one she had stolen from the Buggy Pirates.
"We'll wait for you outside," Yuji said, patting Usopp on the shoulder. "Take your time."
Usopp simply nodded and watched them walk away. The wooden door clicked shut, and suddenly the house felt both larger and smaller than before.
He looked around the main room and took a deep breath, inhaling all the memories. The scent of aged wood, dried herbs hanging from the ceiling, and the faint trace of his mother's cooking still clung to the walls after all these years.
He walked to the room that had once belonged to his mother.
He stepped inside slowly and looked around. Everything was neat and tidy, as always—because he always kept it clean to remember her. The curtains were open just the way she liked them. The bed was made with the same quilt she had sewn, now soft with age. Dust floated in the afternoon light like tiny golden specks.
He walked slowly to the nightstand and looked at the two photographs there.
The first depicted his mother and father standing together, embracing him as a toddler between them. Both were smiling down at him. His father's arm was around his mother's waist, while her hand rested gently on young Usopp's head. It was a perfect moment, frozen in time.
The second photo was taken when he was six years old. He sat on his mother's lap as she hugged him from behind, resting her chin on top of his head and smiling. In that photo, Usopp was laughing—a big, toothy, innocent laugh he hardly recognized as his own anymore.
Usopp looked at the photo and smiled, remembering that day. He could almost feel her arms around him again and almost hear her voice calling him her brave little soldier.
He brought his right hand to his lips, kissed it, and then pressed it against the photo. His fingers lingered on the glass longer than necessary.
"I'm leaving, Mom," he said softly. "I'm finally ready to face the world." He paused, his throat tight. "But I promise I'll come back one day. And when I do, I'll have so many stories to tell you! Wait for me, okay?"
With those final words, he left the room and closed the door behind him. The latch clicked, producing a sound of finality.
He packed only a few clothes, his sniper goggles, and his trusty slingshot. Although Old Man Taro had given him his father's old rifle and pistols, they still needed repairs—and the parts weren't available in Syrup Village. He would need to visit another island and hope they had a weapons or hardware store with the right components.
He stopped at the doorway, his hand resting on the frame. He wondered: when his father left through this very door years ago, had he looked back as well? Had he hesitated? Had he felt the same mixture of fear and excitement?
Usopp stepped outside.
He turned and looked behind him one last time—at the house, the small flower fields he had tended, and the little farm that had sustained him through the lonely years.
He sighed.
Then he gave a two-finger salute, turned, and walked away.
Soon, he joined Luffy and the others who were waiting near the tree line.
He nodded to them.
They nodded in return.
As they walked, they took a different route to the beach. Usopp didn't want the whole village to know he was leaving. It was better to slip away quietly than to face tearful goodbyes and awkward questions.
But it seemed that someone had heard after all. Usopp's little followers, Carrot, Onion, and Pepper, stood in their path, staring at him with wide eyes.
The group stopped and looked at the three boys.
"So, it's true!" Pepper said, seeing the backpack over Usopp's shoulder. His lip was already trembling. "You really are leaving!"
Usopp sighed and looked at Luffy, Yuji, Zoro, and Nami. "You guys go ahead; I'll catch up."
They nodded without a word and walked past the three boys. As he passed, Luffy squeezed Usopp's shoulder. Yuji gave him a small, encouraging smile. Zoro just grunted—which, coming from him, was almost like a hug.
Then Usopp was alone with the three boys who had accompanied him on every childhood adventure.
He looked at them and took a deep breath.
"Carrot, Onion, Pepper—this is it. Time for us to part ways." He straightened up. "Five years ago, when you were four, we formed our Pirate Brotherhood. Those were our best days, and I'll never forget them. You boys fought bravely and protected Kaya to the end. You've made the Usopp Pirates proud!" His voice cracked a little, but he kept going. "As your captain, I'm very proud of you!"
He then walked past the trembling boys and stopped a few meters behind them, his back turned.
"Thanks for everything, my brave men." He stared ahead, refusing to let the tears fall just yet. "I'm not going to say goodbye to the villagers. Just… give them my best."
Tears streamed down the cheeks of the three boys as they listened. Carrot sobbed openly, Onion clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and Pepper kept wiping his nose with his sleeve.
Usopp bit his lip as tears welled up in his eyes. 'Don't cry. Captains don't cry in front of their men. Don't cry.'
"Always remember," he said softly, "to follow your dreams. But never leave behind the people who care for you, because in the end, they'll be the only ones standing by your side. Always."
He paused, the next words pressing against his chest.
Then he finally said it.
"I hereby declare…" He closed his eyes. "The Usopp Pirate Crew… disbanded!!!"
For a moment, no one moved. A bird called out somewhere in the trees, and the wind rustled the leaves.
Then Usopp walked away, leaving behind the three children who had been his companions for five years. He did not look back. He couldn't look back because if he did, he would see their small, tear-streaked faces—and he would break.
Behind him, he heard Pepper whisper, "Goodbye, Captain…"
He continued walking.
Now it was time for them to walk their own paths.
And for him to walk his path.
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He reached the beach where everyone was waiting.
He saw Luffy and the others standing with Kaya, Old Man Taro, and Aunt Mia.
"Took your sweet time, huh, brat?" Taro said, then noticed Usopp's wet eyes. His rough voice softened just a little. "What happened? Got a tearful goodbye with those boys?"
Usopp looked away quickly. "No, I just got something in my eye!"
"Sure, kid," Taro said.
Then Kaya stepped forward and gently took his hands, rubbing her thumbs over his knuckles.
Usopp smiled at her.
She looked back at Luffy and the others. "Come, let me show you your new ship."
She led them toward the shore, where a sizable ship with a large sheep's head carved at the bow floated on the water. Sunlight gleamed on its hull. The sails were furled but ready, and the ropes looked new.
"WOW!!!" Luffy's eyes sparkled at the sight. He was practically shaking.
"A caravel!" Nami said with a big smile.
"Looks great!" Zoro said, nodding with approval.
"Yeah, it does!" Yuji replied with a soft smile.
Kaya stepped forward and showed them the ship. "Look! She's not the newest model, but Merry himself designed her," she said with a sad smile. "She's a caravel with a jib and a central stern rudder." She spread her arms. "I give you… the Going Merry!"
"WOHOOO!!!" Luffy cheered, throwing his hands up. "You're really giving us this ship!?"
"Yes, please take it," Kaya replied with a smile.
"I've also stocked it with everything you might need at sea," Taro said to Luffy. "Food, water, spare ropes, medical supplies—nothing cheap, either."
"Oh, thank you! You're really adding insult to injury, old man!" Luffy replied with a wide grin.
"It's 'adding icing to the cake,' idiot," Zoro said flatly.
Taro's eye twitched at Luffy's words.
Kaya chuckled at their silliness. Then, she walked over to Usopp and handed him a small box wrapped in plain cloth.
"Huh!?" Usopp looked at the box, then at Kaya with a raised eyebrow. "What's this, Kaya?"
Kaya just smiled. "Why don't you open it and see for yourself?"
Usopp took the small box, unwrapped it, and opened the lid. His breath caught in surprise.
Inside was a ring, featuring a skull and crossbones etched into the metal—reminiscent of a pirate flag, but smaller and more intimate. The band was silver, polished to a shine like moonlight. The skull's grin appeared almost friendly.
"It's a small gift from me," Kaya said softly, her cheeks flushing pink. "A reminder that even if we're far apart, we'll always be close."
Usopp took out the ring with trembling fingers. He was about to place it on his middle finger when Kaya stopped him.
"No." Her voice was barely a whisper. "L-let me do it."
She took the ring from his hand. Her fingers were warm and slightly sweaty against his calloused palm. Slowly and carefully, she slid the ring onto the ring finger of his left hand.
The metal was cool at first, then it warmed against his skin.
Usopp blushed so deeply that his face turned as red as a tomato. He looked away in embarrassment, suddenly very interested in the horizon.
The others watched with smiles and amusement.
Luffy tilted his head in confusion, glancing between Usopp's flushed face and Kaya's shy smile. Fortunately, Nami kept him quiet by pressing her hand firmly over his lips.
"Well, well, well," Mia said with a sharp smirk. "Looks like we have an engagement going on here, eh, Taro?"
Taro smirked. "Ahh… young love! It reminds me of my younger days when you used to chase after me!"
"Huh!?" Mia looked at Taro with a twitching eye. "What did you say, you old fart? Who would chase after you!?"
"Well then, why aren't you married yet, you old hag?" Taro shot back.
"Oh, I could say the same about you, you old bachelor!" Mia fired back.
They glared at each other, their noses nearly touching, then looked away with matching huffs.
Everyone burst out laughing.
Soon, Luffy, Yuji, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp boarded their new ship and unfurled the sails. The canvas caught the wind like a living creature, and the Going Merry seemed to come alive beneath their feet.
They stood by the railing and waved to Kaya, Taro, and Mia.
Kaya waved back, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked at Usopp one last time. The afternoon sun caught the moisture on her face, transforming it into sparkling diamonds.
"Come back safely, Usopp," she whispered as the ship finally disappeared over the horizon. The wind carried her words away before they could reach anyone.
Taro and Mia each patted her on the shoulder, one on either side.
"So, what will you do now, sweetie?" Mia asked gently.
Kaya kept her eyes on the distant sea where the Going Merry had disappeared. The last trace was a white speck, and then nothing.
Finally, she spoke. "I'm going to become a doctor."
Taro's eyebrows rose, and a smile spread across his weathered face.
"Splendid," he said. "A very good goal."
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ON THE GOING MERRY—
"Gather up all of the crew!
It's time to ship out Bink's brew!
Sea wind blows
To where? Who knows?
The waves will be our guide!
O'er across the ocean's tide
Rays of sunshine far and wide
Birds they sing of cheerful things, in circles passing by!"
Luffy and Usopp, with their arms around each other's shoulders, were dancing and singing, each holding a glass of orange juice. They spun in clumsy circles, nearly tripping over ropes and each other's feet, laughing every time they stumbled.
"Bid farewell to weaver's town!
Say so long to port renowned!
Sing a song, it won't be long, before we're casting off!
Cross the gold and silver seas
The salty spray puts us at ease!
Day and night to our delight
The voyage never ends!"
Zoro sat on a barrel, drinking his booze and watching the two idiots fool around. His swords leaned against the mast behind him, within easy reach—old habits die hard.
He was glad to see Usopp back to his cheerful self. The sniper's earlier tears had disappeared, replaced by a flush of joy and camaraderie.
"Gather up all of the crew!
It's time to ship out Bink's brew!
Pirates we, eternally are challenging the sea!
With the waves to rest our heads
Ship beneath us as our beds!
Hoisted high upon the mast our Jolly Roger flies!"
Nami walked over to Zoro, smiling as she watched Luffy and Usopp. The afternoon light bathed everything in a golden glow.
"So, where's Big Bro?" she asked.
"Hmm…" Zoro hummed and took a long sip of his drink. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "He's inside, doing something—I don't know!"
Nami nodded and left the main deck. She descended the short stairs and entered the dining hall, where she found Yuji sitting at the table, scribbling in what appeared to be a diary.
His guitar leaned against the bench beside him, and his backpack sat on the floor near his feet. Yet, all his focus was on the pages, his brow furrowed in concentration.
She walked over and gently tapped him on the shoulder.
Yuji looked up from the diary and blinked at her. "Oh, Nami! Do you need something?"
Nami shook her head. "No, I'm just curious." She peeked at the diary and saw something written in it, but she couldn't understand the language. The characters were unlike anything she had ever seen—curving, elegant, almost musical in shape. "What are you doing!?"
"Oh, I'm writing a log!" Yuji said with sudden excitement. "I want to write everything down in a journal—our whole adventure: the journey, the meetings, everything—and create a record for when our journey is over." He held up the diary for her to see. "This diary will be like a treasure, containing every single story of our adventure! So that when we're all gone someday, we'll leave something behind for future generations!"
Nami's eyes widened. "That's really thoughtful of you."
She looked at the diary again, observing how the light danced over the strange characters. There was something almost hypnotic about them—loops, lines, and dots arranged in patterns that felt both meaningful and ancient.
"But I don't understand one thing," she said. "What language are you writing in?"
At that, Yuji grinned. "This is Sanskrit." He turned the diary toward her, pointing to a line of text. "It's an ancient, sacred language of my religion. It's really hard to understand, but once you start reading it, you'll see its true beauty."
Nami raised an eyebrow and looked at him in surprise. "You're religious!?"
"Well, yeah, I am!" he said with a shrug. "You see, my religion is very vast, with many parts and traditions, making it difficult to describe in just words. But the main principle we follow is 'The Way of Life': karma, samsara, and moksha. It explains the cycle of life, death, and liberation." He spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Karma is the law of cause and effect for actions. Samsara is the cycle of birth and rebirth. And moksha is the ultimate freedom from that cycle."
Nami remained completely silent, listening intently. The creak of the ship's timbers sounded louder in the stillness.
"That's… really profound," she finally said.
Yuji chuckled. "Oh no. Believe me when I say this, Nami… this isn't even the tip of the iceberg."
He stood up from the chair and closed the diary.
"Well, let's not dwell too much on my religion," he said, patting her shoulder. "Or it'll literally fry your brain!"
Nami just nodded absentmindedly.
They left the dining hall and stepped onto the main deck. Usopp was busy painting something on a large black cloth, while Luffy directed him with animated hand gestures and excited shouts.
"Yeah, that… yes, yes… make it bigger!" Luffy was practically bouncing on his heels. "Hmm, hmm… the grin should be wide so everyone can see it! And the straw hat…"
Yuji and Nami walked over and saw what Usopp was creating.
He was creating the Jolly Roger for Luffy.
A grinning, quirky skull with crossed bones behind it, topped by a giant straw hat resembling a crown made of woven grass.
"It's done!" Usopp said as he stood up, proudly displaying the Jolly Roger. Paint stained his fingers, and there was a smudge on his cheek.
Luffy immediately began clapping and cheering. His grin was so wide it looked as if it might split his face.
Zoro looked at the flag with a raised eyebrow but nodded in approval.
Then Usopp climbed up to the crow's nest, holding the flag in his teeth, and tied the Jolly Roger to the top of the mast. The wind immediately caught it, snapping it open like a challenge to the world.
When he climbed back down, he stood beside the others and looked up at the Jolly Roger waving against the blue sky. The black flag stood out sharply and proudly against the clouds.
"Now we're officially a pirate crew," Luffy said with a big grin.
"Yeah," Yuji said with a smile.
"That means other pirates and the Navy will be targeting us now," Zoro said, staring at the Jolly Roger. His hand instinctively drifted toward his swords.
"So, who cares!" Usopp replied with a big grin, crossing his arms. "We can take them. Together."
But Nami remained silent.
She stood apart from the others, watching the Jolly Roger fly. Her right hand moved to her left bicep and gripped it tightly, her fingers pressing into the skin beneath her sleeve, where something was hidden. Where something always ached.
'One day,' she thought, 'one day I'll be free.'
"YOSH!!!" Luffy's cheerful voice broke Nami out of her thoughts. "Let's celebrate finally becoming an official pirate crew!"
She smiled awkwardly.
They returned to partying, dancing and singing as the Going Merry cut smoothly through the waves. The afternoon sun warmed their faces, and the wind carried their laughter across the open sea.
None of them noticed a dark speck on the horizon that was slowly growing larger.
A Navy ship with a dog-shaped figurehead, its sails full and its course true, sailed steadily toward them through the golden afternoon light.
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See you in next chapter....