Chapter 23: The Truth Unveiled and a New Recruit
As the Freedom Rider approached Syrup Village, the crew took the time to rest, train, and discuss their next steps. Lucky, however, had his own plans. Without a word, he disappeared into the shadows, his presence vanishing from the ship.
Luffy, now used to Lucky's unpredictability, simply grinned. "He'll be back."
Zoro scoffed, crossing his arms. "He better not take too long."
Coby, Zane, and Nami continued their training, perfecting their Devil Fruit techniques as the ship finally docked.
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Meeting Usopp
The crew disembarked, and before they could explore, a loud voice echoed from a nearby cliff.
"PIRATES!!"
A long-nosed young man stood tall, aiming a slingshot at them. "I AM THE GREAT CAPTAIN USOPP! IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIVES, TURN BACK NOW!"
Luffy tilted his head. "Huh? Who's this guy?"
Nami sighed. "Just ignore him."
Zoro smirked. "You don't look like much of a captain."
Usopp flinched but quickly regained his composure. "I—uh—OF COURSE I AM! I HAVE A HUGE CREW!"
Before the argument could continue, Lucky reappeared, his expression unreadable. "We need to talk."
His voice was colder than usual, making the crew fall silent.
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The Fall of Kuro
That night, at Kaya's mansion, Lucky revealed everything.
Kaya sat in shock as Lucky laid out Kuro's entire scheme.
"Kuro was alive this whole time. He was planning to kill you and take your family's wealth. But… he won't be a problem anymore."
Everyone in the room felt a chill. Lucky didn't say how, but they all understood.
Kaya swallowed hard before finally speaking. "Then… I owe you all my life."
Usopp clenched his fists, his usual playful nature gone. "That bastard… And to think I never knew."
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A New Ship, A New Recruit, and a Rebuild
After learning the truth, Kaya and her family insisted on rewarding the crew. Along with supplies and weapons, they presented a brand-new ship—the legendary Going Merry.
"We had it built long ago, but… it seems it was meant for you," Kaya said warmly.
Luffy's eyes lit up. "IT LOOKS AMAZING!"
Zoro inspected the ship, impressed. "Solid structure. This'll hold up in battle."
Nami nodded. "I'll make sure it sails perfectly."
However, instead of simply taking it as it was, the crew decided to rebuild and reinforce the Merry using the extra supplies and materials they had stolen from the Marine Base.
Zane and Coby handled strengthening the hull. Lucky used his knowledge to modify its speed and durability. The training room was expanded, and extra compartments were added for storage, medicine, and navigation tools. By the time they were done, the Going Merry wasn't just a simple ship—it was a battle-ready vessel that could take on the harsh seas ahead.
Meanwhile, Usopp trained alongside them. Though he wasn't strong yet, he refused to be useless.
On the final night, Luffy made an announcement.
"Usopp! Join our crew!"
Usopp blinked. "M-Me?"
Lucky smirked. "You've got potential. You just need to work harder."
Usopp hesitated—then grinned. "Alright! I, the Great Captain Usopp, will grace you with my presence!"
The crew officially welcomed their newest member before setting sail once more.
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New Bounties Announced
Before they could leave, a Marine patrol ship docked at Syrup Village, carrying new bounty posters—ones that shocked the locals.
The Straw Hats were officially on the world's radar.
Updated Bounties:
Monkey D. Luffy - 250,000,000 Berries (Known for defeating multiple Marine bases and high-profile pirates)
Lucky - 320,000,000 Berries (Recognized as the mastermind behind the crew's tactics and responsible for various high-profile raids)
Zane - 90,000,000 Berries (Due to his King Kong Devil Fruit and combat skills)
Coby - 85,000,000 Berries (Acknowledged for his Water-Water Fruit mastery and Marine raids)
Roronoa Zoro - 60,000,000 Berries (For his growing reputation as a swordsman and his escape from captivity)
Nami - No Bounty Yet (Though now known, she has not yet received a bounty)
Usopp - No Bounty Yet (Still unknown to the Marines)
With their reputation rising, the crew knew that from here on out, there was no turning back.
With Usopp officially aboard and their newly enhanced Going Merry, the Straw Hats sailed toward their next adventure, stronger than ever.
Their next destination: The Baratie.
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Crew Status Upon Departure from Syrup Village:
Luffy: Admiral-Intermediate (Awakened)
Lucky: Admiral-Peak (Awakened)
Zane: Rear Admiral-Peak (King Kong Fruit | Devil Fruit Mastery: High)
Coby: Rear Admiral-Peak (Water-Water Fruit | Devil Fruit Mastery: High)
Zoro: Rear Admiral-Intermediate (Haki Mastery: High)
Nami: Captain-Peak (Wind-Wind Fruit | Devil Fruit Mastery: High)
Usopp: Lieutenant-Beginner (No Devil Fruit, still training)