Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
After Merry's detailed tour, Bai Ye took it upon himself to explore every nook and cranny of their new ship. His journey led him to the keel, the ship's backbone. Understanding its importance, Merry had employed the finest materials and implemented numerous protective measures in its construction.
However, Bai Ye opted for an extra layer of safety. He was acutely aware that if the keel sustained significant damage, no amount of money, superior materials, or skilled craftsmanship could save it; the ship would inevitably need replacing.
With a swift motion, Bai Ye produced several prepared talismans from thin air. These weren't just ordinary symbols; they were imbued with strengthening and protective powers. With a quick clap of his hands, the talismans affixed themselves to the keel. Mysteriously, the yellow paper ignited with a yellow flame and rapidly vanished into the air, leaving behind only the intricate patterns from the talismans, now glowing faintly golden, enveloping the keel.
"Mr. Bai Ye, you've certainly gone to great lengths for this ship," Merry observed, both surprised and somewhat reassured by Bai Ye's actions.
Bai Ye's eyes sparkled with a hint of a smile as he gazed at the ship before him. "Naturally," he murmured, "this isn't just any ship. It's destined to carry the future Pirate King and make its own mark in history." His smile broadened, "It's a vital part of our pirate family."
Merry, upon hearing Bai Ye's sentiments, felt a surreal sensation, almost as if the ship beneath them had chuckled in agreement. It seemed to quiver joyously... as though it possessed life. However, he quickly dismissed this feeling as a figment of his imagination, attributing the movement to a likely surge in the sea breeze. After all, the notion of a ship having its own consciousness was a mythical concept, even within legends.
-----
The day they had all been anticipating finally arrived.
The Straw Hats, a quartet at the moment, stood at the bow in silent expectation of their final member's arrival.
"Do you think Usopp got scared?" Nami pondered aloud with some doubts.
"He's lived here all his life; he deserves to say a proper farewell," Bai Ye responded softly, shaking his head.
Elsewhere on the island, under a secretly raised pirate flag, Usopp and his friends stood face to face.
"I'm setting out to sea, to live the pirate's life," Usopp declared, his voice thick with emotion, yet his face carried a smile. "Captain Usopp," the trio replied, their eyes brimming with tears, overcome by the emotions.
"Come on, now!" Usopp, struggling with his own tears, admonished them. "I've chosen to chase my dream! Aren't you happy for me? Why the tears?!" He demanded, his voice loud, "Tell me! What are your dreams? Shout them out!"
His words, nearly a roar now, pulled determined responses from his crew, their voices strong despite the tears.
"I'll own the best tavern!"
"I'll be a top-notch carpenter!"
"I'll become a renowned novelist!"
Usopp's face lit up with expectation. "Then strive for those dreams!" With that, he seized the pirate flag, waving it vigorously, and proclaimed to the heavens, "I declare the Usopp Pirates... disbanded!"
-----
"You sure took your time, Usopp," Bai Ye chided gently as Usopp approached the Merry, lugging a hefty bag.
Rubbing his nose, Usopp laughed, "Packing took a while. But you know, I should be the captain!"
"In your dreams! That's my role!" Luffy retorted.
Their laughter was infectious as Usopp stepped aboard. The Golden Merry was set to embark! Everyone noticed Usopp's reddened eyes but chose to remain silent. Luffy, perhaps, didn't pick up on it at all, solely preoccupied with Usopp's challenge for captaincy.
Bai Ye simply gave Usopp a supportive pat on the shoulder, "Don't forget to come back here after our adventures."
Head bowed, Usopp fought back fresh tears. This was the pirate's sacrifice: leaving behind your home, friends, family, and even the one you hold dearest.
-----
Beneath a towering tree, Kaya, now in good health, watched the pirate ship drift away. Her eyes were a mix of longing and anticipation.
"Miss, if you feel this way, why not ask Usopp to stay?" Merry inquired, standing beside her, confusion evident in his tone.
Kaya's gaze remained fixed on the distant figure of Usopp, engaging enthusiastically with his companions on deck. Her voice was gentle yet resolute, "How could I justify holding back a man drawn to the sea's call?"
"Usopp dreams of becoming a courageous warrior of the sea!" she continued, and as she turned, Merry caught sight of tears streaming down her cheeks, "Plus, I long to hear the tales of Usopp's adventures at sea."
Merry chose silence, offering his quiet presence as comfort.
"Merry..." Kaya broke the silence.
"Yes, Miss?"
"I've decided to study medicine. Mr. Bai Ye gifted me several medical books before departing, and I intend to learn from them."
"Is this for Usopp, Miss?"
"Yes, the journey he embarks on is full of dangers, I hope to acquire the skills necessary to heal him when he returns."
"You're kind-hearted, Miss," Merry acknowledged with a slight nod. He believed in her, "You'll surely wait."
-----
"Captain Usopp has set sail," announced the trio of boys atop a hill, their eyes tracking the pirate ship as it faded into the horizon.
"Yes, and with that, the Usopp Pirates are no more," one voice muttered, heavy with emotion.
"Our captain tasked us with pursuing our dreams, so let's part ways and dedicate ourselves to achieving our individual goals," another declared with resolve.
"Absolutely! When Captain Usopp returns, or when we cross paths again, he'll be in for a shock," the conversation grew lively with excitement.
"So, what's next?" Onion, Carrot, and Pepper exchanged glances before unanimously bellowing, "Pirates! Pirates are invading the village! Run for your lives!"
Without skipping a beat, all three dashed toward the village, their voices unified in the warning cry. They were determined to keep Captain Usopp's spirit alive in their hometown.