Becoming Usopp

“Okame? Were you secretly hearing our conversations?” Koza asked as he saw Okame standing right in front of the door.

“Yes, I did and I want to follow along with him,” Okame replied which made Koza furrow his eyebrows.

While massaging his forehead in an irritated manner Koza said, “No you can’t, it’s dangerous too dangerous,”

“I’m a swordsman and I’m fully capable of defending myself,” Okame said with defiance. Koza asked her to come inside so that others wouldn’t be able to hear what they were talking about anymore.

“You’re always so quiet why are you making such a scene today Okame? Why do you want to join this guy so much?” Koza finally couldn’t help but ask.

“After knowing that Crocodile did all of this how can I just stay here and do nothing? I want to contribute to this task not only for myself but also for Okarin! Therefore, no matter what you say I’m going to go with them!” Now that were inside closed doors Okame saw no reason to hold herself back and let all her misgivings out.

Koza who was about to rebuke Okame became silent when he suddenly heard her mentioning her brother, Okarin and couldn’t help but sigh and could only depend upon Sanji for convincing her.

“Even if I agree it’s not like Sanji here would agree with it,” Koza said as he gave Sanji a pleading look which clearly indicated that he wanted him to reject her demand.

“Sanji san, please…I request you to take me with you. I won’t be a burden I promise!” Okame sincerely looked towards Sanji to convince him.

Looking at the scene that was currently playing Sanji couldn’t help but be amused. It was true that taking Okame with him would not be much of a help to him but his feelings to irritate Koza further took precedence over it and he said, “Since Chopper is quite fond of you, I don’t mind. Hopefully, you won’t make us lag in our task,”

“Thank you, Thank you! I promise to perform exceptionally,” Okame thanked and promised Sanji that she would do her utmost which Sanji didn’t take into heart as what could he possibly expect from a supporting character that only made its appearance twice or thrice in the anime? He was more interested in the hateful gaze that Koza was directing towards him to which he replied with a smug smile further infuriating Koza.

With things all been decided Sanji returned to the main room where Buggy and Chopper were still there and called Buggy towards him. Now that Chopper had been found out Buggy had completed and if Sanji played by the rules, then he would finally be getting his feet back from him but he had been in the pirate business for too long and was very familiar with how despicable the pirates can be so he was also prepared to fight his way out to get his feet by taking Chopper his hostage if need be.

To his delight though he didn’t need to rely on the despicable means as Sanji readily handed him his two feet from his bag which he delightfully hugged and kissed right in front of everyone before finally putting them back to their rightful place.

“Ah, it feels so good to have legs,” Buggy said while hopping on his two feet.

“So what do plan to do from now on?” Sanji asked.

Buggy who was in a good mood replied without a second thought, “First I’ll escape from this kingdom and start looking for my crewmates, before thinking of the next plan,”

“Alright, I’ll be resting here till dawn breaks out do you want to do the same or go now?” Sanji asked considering that it was past midnight at the moment.

“Now, it’s better for me since I’m a wanted man,” Buggy replied.

“Alright, I’ll arrange a transport for you with the help of these people,” Sanji said and went to Okame and requested her help for arranging a transport for Buggy to Nanohana.

She said that it was not a problem and quickly got some men to arrange the transport for Buggy.

“Hopefully we’ll meet again,” Sanji said with a smile as he shook Buggy’s hand during his departure.

“Never! I never want to meet a rascal like you again!” Buggy replied without holding himself back and sat on his cart which soon left Katorea leaving behind a trail of dust.

Sanji could only smile after hearing Buggy’s reply and seeing him disappear into the dark horizon as he knew for a fact that they were going to meet again soon. He wondered how Buggy would react when he came to know that both Chopper and him were part of the Straw Hat Pirates.

“Can you show me a room to rest?” Sanji asked Okame who was right beside him.

“Sure,” He was soon guided to his room and after informing Okame about all the necessary things he would be requiring for the journey he bid her good night and entered his room. Sanji was exhausted from today’s happenings so the moment his head touched the soft pillow he entered into the land of dreams giving his body its much-needed rest.

____

Usopp and Nami were currently at the ship’s deck past midnight. Nami had an exhausted expression written on her face as she had been practising her devil fruit powers for the last three hours while following Usopp’s instruction.

“This is not fair…which man makes his woman work so hard,” Nami whined.

“A man who knows that his woman is capable, now stop resting and perform another set,” Usopp said without a thought making Nami pout in frustration as she once again began to transform her body fully into mist and stayed like that for fifteen more minutes before finally giving out.

“Good, that would be enough for today’s practice. Have a good rest,” Usopp told Nami who was back to her normal form and was puffing for air as her stamina had been completely depleted by the repeated use of her powers.

Usopp soon helped Nami out and supported her to her room which she was sharing with Vivi. Nami was inwardly a bit annoyed at not being able to share a room with Usopp because of her presence but she could only sigh as it was her own decision to accept Vivi’s request in the first place and also the fact that after spending so many days with her…she had also grown fond of her a bit.

“Good night,” Usopp said as he let go of Nami to allow her to enter her room.

“What about my good night kiss?” Nami looked towards Usopp with pleading eyes.

Usopp could only shake his head wryly as he saw her expression and gave her the kiss that she so desired.

“Mhmm” Nami enjoyed the sensation until the last second before Usopp separated, making her feel slightly disappointed.

“What are you making that face for? Always craving into one’s desires is not always good for the body and mind,” Usopp lectured and spoiled Nami’s mood as she stuck out her tongue to Usopp to show her annoyance before going inside her room.

Usopp didn’t mind her behaviour and instead went back to practice his aura-hiding skill for another hour before retiring to his bed.