Merry's Revenge surged through the waves, dragged by the massive sea cow, Momoo. Its dark hull cut through the water like a blade, with the elegant figurehead of a lady boldly challenging the sea ahead. Kaya stood at the bow, her pale blonde hair flowing in the breeze, while Sham remained on deck, meticulously sharpening the metal claws of her combat gloves. Carmen's soft, melancholy humming from the galley drifted through the air, accompanied by the mouthwatering aroma of her latest creation.
As for me, I sat atop Momoo's sturdy head, guiding the beast with a rope tied securely around its nose ring. After our meeting on deck, we finalized our strategy: Operation Tangerine. The plan was simple—lure the fishmen away from their base and draw them into the island's heart, far from the sea where they held the most significant advantage.
The horizon stretched endlessly before me, a vast expanse of tropical blue. The sun beat down, and sweat began to gather at my hairline. I tied my shoulder-length, curly hair into a ponytail, enjoying the pristine, fresh air—a hallmark of nearly every place I'd visited in the East Blue, save for Gray Terminal, which reeked of garbage.
Still standing at the bow, Kaya glanced down at me with a radiant smile. "You're amazing, Usopp!" she called out, her soft voice brimming with admiration. "I can't believe we've come this far without a trained navigator on board."
"Of course!" I boasted, sitting cross-legged on Momoo's head. "With our brains and bravery, nothing can stop us!" Sometimes, it was necessary to channel the bravado of the real Usopp.
Carmen poked her head from the starboard railing, wiping her hands on a handkerchief. "Capitano, we're running low on supplies, and I'm not about to start rationing my spices. Cooking without spices is like living without purpose."
I chuckled nervously. "No worries, Carmen! I've got everything under control. We'll be on land soon, and when we do, you'll have all the ingredients you need for the best feast yet!"
Carmen raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm counting on it, Capitano."
Over the past few days, Carmen had started opening up more, often chatting about her cooking plans and the ingredients she needed or asking if I could help catch fresh fish. Though she still had her bouts of depression, Kaya was always there, crafting herbal antidepressants to help her through the rough patches.
Speaking of my two official crew members, Kaya and Sham, I noticed subtle yet remarkable changes. They seemed more agile and physically more potent, and their skills rapidly sharpened. Sham, who had always been quick, could now perform flash steps effortlessly and had become adept at maneuvering the ship. Without a formal apprenticeship, Kaya could read complex medical texts and craft herbal remedies with impressive skill. Was this all thanks to Usopp's legendary luck?
The weather grew warmer, the air thicker, as the silhouettes of islands emerged on the horizon, tinged in bluish hues with patches of green—the Conomi Islands.
When I saw the coastline, a cold shiver ran down my spine. East Blue Pirates were one thing, but the Arlong Pirates were a different breed entirely. They weren't from East Blue—they were fishmen, a species far superior to humans. Hailing from the Grand Line, they were infamous for their strength, said to be ten times that of an ordinary human. And here I was, responsible for protecting three ordinary girls. Carmen had the powers of a Logia Devil Fruit, but her control was still shaky. Sham could handle herself in a fight, but going up against multiple fishmen would be challenging, even for an experienced assassin like her. And then there was Kaya—brave but untrained for what lay ahead. Sometimes, I couldn't help but wish for a system that could instantly strengthen my harem—I mean, crew.
From the bow, Kaya noticed the change in my demeanor. "Usopp? Are you okay?" she called out, her voice laced with concern.
I forced a grin. "Of course, I'm okay! What we're up against today isn't your run-of-the-mill pirates. They're… different. I guess I'm a bit worried things might not go as planned. And honestly, I'm not even sure if the navigator I'm looking for is here."
I was tracking down someone as elusive as Nami was no small feat, even for a seasoned bounty hunter like me.
Sham stepped up beside Kaya, always eager to please, wiping her hands on a towel. "And what exactly is this 'problem,' Captain?"
I looked between them, my expression serious. "Sham, you've been with Kuro for four years. What do you know about the Arlong Pirates?"
Sham's confident smile wavered, her eyes flickering with unease. "You mean the fishmen, Captain? They… they live here?"
Kaya's brows furrowed in confusion as she turned to me. "Usopp, are they… dangerous? More dangerous than Kuro?" Her soft brown eyes held a mix of worry and sadness.
I nodded grimly, the weight of what lay ahead settling over us.
"Arlong and his fishmen hail from the Grand Line, which means they're bound to be far stronger than any pirate we've faced in the East Blue. Their bodies are tougher than ours—stronger than normal humans—and they harbor a deep hatred for us. This battle will be our toughest yet. So, if either of you," I caught a glimpse of pink hair from the portside, "wants to stay back and guard the ship, I wouldn't blame you."
"Nonsense, Captain!" Sham declared, her voice firm. "I will fight by your side! What kind of loyal servant would I be if I let my beloved Captain face danger alone?" Her grip on the bow tightened, the wood beneath her hands cracking slightly. "Besides, I've nearly mastered the technique my former captain was so proud of." Her eyes met mine with fierce determination, though I could sense a flicker of hesitation beneath her bravado.
Kaya stepped forward, her gaze steady. "I may not be fond of fighting, but knowing Arlong hates humans makes me worry for the people on that island." Her hands gently caressed the flintlock pistol I had explicitly crafted for her, resolve shining in her soft brown eyes.
"I'm sure he's done terrible things to them," Carmen murmured from the portside railing, her gaze fixed on her hands. A small flame flickered to life on her smooth, delicate fingers, dancing across her palm like a torch. The condensed seawater bracelet on her wrist gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. "Fishmen, huh? I've heard stories about them—not the kind you'd want to run into. I was in Oykot once when I saw a family adrift on a makeshift raft. Their hands and feet were mangled as if mauled by wild animals. The wife told us it was Arlong's men who had done it."
"That's terrible…" Kaya whispered, her eyes misting with emotion. "How could the Marines allow something so cruel to happen?"
Sham scoffed, crossing her arms. "You think the Marines care? They're just a bunch of corrupt rats who only look out for themselves."
I nodded grimly. "Arlong and his crew are vicious, fueled by their hatred for humans. And with the Marines too corrupt to intervene, they've probably been terrorizing this place for years without resistance. We must be cautious if you're willing to help me fight them."
"Alright, enough talk!" I announced, gazing toward the now more apparent silhouettes of the Conomi Islands. I could make out the stunning white sands lined with palm trees from here. "We'll land on the other side of the island, near Cocoyashi Village. It should be safer there."
"Safer?" Sham smirked, her eyes glinting. "Captain, if you're with me, nowhere's too dangerous."
I chuckled, giving her a thumbs-up. "Exactly! Now, how about perfecting that flash step of yours? Might help me feel a bit safer, too."
Without a word, Sham vanished, reappearing effortlessly on the opposite side of the ship, a sly grin on her face.