The village market bustled with life as Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp made their way through the narrow dirt paths lined with wooden stalls. Vendors called out their prices, offering freshly caught fish, ripe fruits, and various handmade goods. The air was filled with a mixture of salt, grilled food, and the chatter of townsfolk. Children weaved between adults, giggling as they played games, and elderly villagers exchanged stories under the shade of a large tree.
Luffy's eyes widened at the sight of a large meat skewer being roasted over a fire. He dashed toward the vendor with childlike enthusiasm, nearly knocking over a crate of apples in his haste. "Meat! I want that!" he exclaimed, practically drooling, his eyes fixed on the sizzling meat that dripped juices onto the flames below.
Zoro shook his head, his arms crossed. "He's hopeless," he muttered, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He had grown accustomed to Luffy's endless appetite.
Nami exchanged a glance with Zoro, then turned her attention to Usopp. "So, Usopp. You said you protect this village from pirates?" she asked, her tone laced with both curiosity and skepticism.
Usopp straightened his posture, the pride in his voice clear as he puffed out his chest. "Of course! I've saved Syrup Village from countless pirate invasions! My crew and I patrol every day to make sure it stays safe." He gestured dramatically toward the three children trailing behind them, who beamed with admiration, holding their wooden swords like prized weapons.
Nami raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Her tone was polite but doubtful. She had seen enough to know bravado when she heard it.
Usopp laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well... sometimes I might exaggerate. But it keeps everyone prepared! If real pirates ever came, they'd be ready!"
Luffy returned with a skewer in hand, grease already dripping down his chin. "You're funny, Usopp!" he said between large bites, meat juices smearing the corners of his mouth. "I like you!"
Usopp blinked, surprised. "You... like me?" His voice softened, as if he wasn't used to hearing those words from someone he had just met.
Luffy nodded with his mouth full. "Yep! You should join my crew!"
The suggestion caught everyone off guard. Nami raised her eyebrows in surprise, and Zoro smirked slightly. Usopp, on the other hand, nearly tripped over his feet. "Wh-what?! Join your pirate crew?" he stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Luffy grinned even wider. "Yeah! We need a sharpshooter. And you seem like a great guy!"
Usopp's chest swelled with pride, but his eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I... I don't know. I have responsibilities here. This village depends on me..." His voice trailed off as he glanced at his young "crew."
Nami, sensing his hesitation, changed the subject to ease the pressure. "Is there a place where we can restock supplies?"
Usopp snapped back to reality, pointing toward a larger building at the edge of the market. "The general store is over there. Old man Taro runs it. He's fair and won't cheat you."
As they approached the store, Usopp grew quieter. His usual loud bravado faded. Luffy noticed the shift. "What's wrong, Usopp?" he asked, his tone more serious than usual.
Usopp hesitated, then lowered his voice, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "There's... a mansion on the hill. Kaya lives there. She's... a good friend. But ever since her parents died, she's been sick. That butler of hers, Klahadore... I don't trust him. He's always watching, always controlling." His face tightened, frustration mingling with concern.
Zoro's eyes sharpened, his hand brushing against the hilt of his sword. "You think something's wrong?"
Usopp fidgeted. "I don't know. But I have this feeling... like she's a prisoner in her own home. I visit her sometimes, but Klahadore doesn't like it. He acts polite, but there's something behind his smile."
Nami glanced toward the hill where the mansion stood, partially obscured by trees. Even from a distance, the house seemed too still, as if holding its breath. The cheerful village seemed to darken slightly in her mind.
Luffy finished his skewer and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "Then we should check it out. Right, guys?" His eyes gleamed with determination.
Zoro nodded, his stance firm. "If there's trouble, we'll handle it."
Nami sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "Why does this always happen?" she muttered, though she already knew they would get involved. They always did.
Usopp looked at them, a mix of gratitude and hope in his eyes. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't facing his worries alone.
The Straw Hats were about to uncover a secret far more dangerous than they had anticipated. And this time, Usopp would not have to face it alone.
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