Swamp Trial Zone
Usopp and Chopper cautiously moved along the Cloud River, walking back-to-back. They were on high alert, expecting danger to strike at any moment.
"Chopper, we've been walking for ages. Why hasn't that priest shown up yet?" Usopp whispered to his companion.
"I don't know! Maybe he's scared of us!" Chopper replied, glancing around nervously.
Usopp's eyes brightened. "You know what? You might be right! I mean, just look at us—we probably look so strong that the priest ran away the moment we got within a hundred meters!"
"Hahaha, yeah, I think so too... Ah! A spider!"
Chopper's smile vanished as he shrieked, leaping onto Usopp.
Initially startled by Chopper's scream, Usopp burst out laughing when he saw the supposed "spider."
The creature, perched above a bush, was only the size of two adult heads.
"Chopper, is that what you're scared of? This spider is barely a fraction of the size of the one I crushed during our sea battle! No big deal at all."
"Really, Usopp?" Chopper's wide eyes filled with admiration.
Feeling Chopper's awe, Usopp puffed out his chest with pride. "Watch this. I'll catch it for you in no time!"
Usopp confidently approached the spider. Having dealt with all sorts of bugs since childhood, this would be a piece of cake, right? Unless the creature was ridiculously large, this was well within his expertise.
"Alright, Chopper, I'll show you what it means to be a true warrior of the sea!"
Without hesitation, Usopp grabbed the spider.
"Wait… what?"
"This spider's not that big, so why is it so... heavy?"
A confused look spread across Usopp's face as he tugged harder. Despite his efforts, the spider wouldn't budge.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, especially under Chopper's watchful eye, Usopp couldn't shake the growing awkwardness.
(•́へ•́╬)
Backing up a few steps, Usopp refused to admit defeat. "Alright, I'm not losing to a spider. Let's do this!"
He spat into his hands, rubbing them together vigorously.
Watching from behind, Chopper's expression shifted from confusion to disgust. His head itched as though his brain was trying to reject what it was seeing. What am I witnessing? he thought, his stomach churning.
I think I'm going to throw up from dinner...
Unbothered by Chopper's reaction, Usopp's confidence only grew as he prepared for round two. He flexed his newly "lubricated" hands and grabbed the spider again. His eyes narrowed in determination, and he used all his strength.
Still... the spider didn't move.
However, this time Usopp didn't give up. He pulled with all his might, his face turning red with effort. Finally, just as he was about to burst a blood vessel, he felt the creature shift. With a grunt, he yanked it free.
But wait… was his vision playing tricks on him? The spider looked more like… a human?
With a loud bang, both Usopp and Chopper turned their heads in shock, watching as a figure slowly rose from the ground.
The two stared, wide-eyed, at the figure standing before them. For a moment, an invisible force seemed to draw them closer together. Usopp wasn't an idiot; when he realized the "spider" was actually a person, a thought crossed his mind.
The priest in charge of the Swamp Trial!
Usopp and Chopper exchanged serious glances, quickly assuming defensive positions. The figure stared back at them quietly, but neither side made a move.
Five long minutes passed~
Usopp and Chopper tilted their heads in confusion.
???
Despite the intense staring contest, nothing happened. No attacks, not even a single word exchanged. Usopp squinted and noticed that the man in front of them was sweating profusely, biting his lower lip as if trying to hold something back.
Suddenly, Usopp had an idea.
"Uh… maybe you can't speak because you're biting your lip?"
"Ah!" The figure gasped, startled. "I forgot!"
Usopp and Chopper shared a bewildered look. Is this guy… an idiot?
The man, now freed from his self-imposed silence, struck a strange pose and declared, "I am Gedatsu, the priest of the Swamp Trial!"
"For reminding me just now, I'll make sure your deaths are painless!" Gedatsu sneered, then abruptly dropped into a defensive stance.
"What kind of trickery is this? Why can't I see anything all of a sudden?"
Both Usopp and Chopper flinched at his sudden movement, but then they realized… they hadn't moved an inch. Gedatsu, however, stood before them, eyes rolled back in his head.
Usopp sighed in disbelief. "I checked my eyes... this guy's an idiot."
Turning to Chopper, Usopp whispered, "Chopper, he's a fool. We can—"
Half a minute later~
"Got it, Chopper? That's our battle plan."
"Yeah! I understand!" Chopper nodded excitedly.
"What are you mumbling about over there? Do you think making me invisible will help you? You're so naïve!" Gedatsu shouted.
With a wave of his hand, Gedatsu created a strange cloud that quickly filled the area. "I've surrounded myself with swamp clouds. The moment you step into them, you'll be trapped and unable to move!"
"Now, let's see how you plan to beat me!"
Usopp didn't respond with words. Instead, he calmly pulled out his slingshot, aimed it at Gedatsu, and fired.
"Gunpowder Star!"
The projectile hit Gedatsu squarely, setting his clothes on fire.
"Ahh! Fire! Where did this fire come from?!"
In a panic, Gedatsu began tearing off his burning clothes. Meanwhile, Chopper had already circled around behind him, transforming into his enhanced form. His muscles bulged as he clasped his hands together, preparing for an attack.
Just as Gedatsu removed his final piece of flaming attire, Chopper leaped high into the air.
"Carved Hoof!"
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.