"Sniping is about support, the unsung path. It may not steal the spotlight, but that's why it can save your crew, pushing them to move freely," Daddy Masterson said.
On a modest island, a scene unfolded. The island, not vast, featured a sandy beach with two low mountains, dotted with cottages forming a sprawling hotel-like estate. Usopp, having washed up here, aimed his slingshot at a small target—a tin can 100 meters away. Beside him stood Daddy Masterson, a middle-aged bounty hunter, coaching him with a fatherly demeanor.
"Clear your mind when you shoot. No stray thoughts—don't think about hitting or missing. Empty your heart and fire. That's when you're sharpest," Daddy said.
"Easier said than done! How do you not think?" Usopp replied.
"All great snipers do it. Never forget: your shot can shift the battlefield. Hit, and you save your allies; miss, and you doom them," Daddy said.
"Ugh…" Usopp grimaced.
"You're the safest, farthest back. That makes your shot carry the weight of responsibility," Daddy added.
Usopp's jaw tightened, nerves rising. He'd aimed, ready to release, but Daddy's words—"don't think"—clashed with creeping doubts, making his hand freeze. His breathing faltered. He'd shot before, but this was his first true sniping attempt at such a distance. The stakes stiffened his body.
Repeating Daddy's advice in his head, Usopp exhaled deeply, trying to relax. Daddy clapped his back gently. Looking away from the target, Usopp saw Daddy's kind smile. "Don't worry. I believe in you. That's why I'm helping."
The words calmed him. Shoulders loosening, Usopp nodded, refocusing on the can. Confidence surged—not just a hope to hit, but a certainty. After a few deep breaths, he held one, and in that still moment, released. The pellet soared, striking the can with a faint clink, sending it spinning.
Usopp stood stunned. He'd fired with strange assurance, but hadn't expected to hit. His slingshot, powered by rubber tension, was no match for a pistol or sniper rifle in range. He'd secretly doubted it would reach. Yet it did, and hit perfectly. Shock gave way to a shout. "I hit it?!"
"Well done. You've got skill," Daddy said, nodding calmly, unsurprised.
Usopp turned, curious. Daddy's words hinted at foreknowledge, as if he'd expected the shot to land. "What do you mean, 'well done'? Have we met before?"
"No, but I know your father," Daddy said.
"What?! My dad?" Usopp gasped.
"Your father, Yasopp, beat me in a duel. He's a sniper," Daddy said, walking toward the can. Usopp hurried alongside, the conversation continuing.
"Years ago, I was a Marine sniper, somewhat known," Daddy said.
"A Marine?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah. Met Yasopp then. He was a pirate, I a Marine—natural enemies. I challenged him to a duel, cocky, thinking I'd win," Daddy said.
"Wow… you dueled my dad?" Usopp said.
"Yup. Got crushed. He won," Daddy said.
Reaching the can, Daddy picked it up, inspecting the precise hit at its center. Satisfied, he tossed it to Usopp, who caught it clumsily. "I should've died for losing, but Yasopp spared me. My daughter, Carol, stepped in, begging for my life. He lowered his gun."
"So Dad's a pirate, but not a bad guy," Usopp said.
"He told me to cherish my kid, not to be like him," Daddy said.
"Huh?" Usopp asked.
"Later, I learned he'd left his family to become a pirate," Daddy said, facing Usopp with a gentle, paternal gaze. Usopp swallowed, speechless. "I knew you were his son the moment I saw you."
"Really? I barely remember him; we parted when I was a kid…" Usopp said.
"I'm a bounty hunter now. If you're a pirate, I should turn you in. But I owe Yasopp. I won't capture you," Daddy said.
"Thanks, that helps," Usopp said.
"But only today. Next time, I'll see you as a man, not Yasopp's son, and challenge you. This is the last help you get," Daddy said.
"Got it… Can I ask one thing?" Usopp said.
"Sure," Daddy replied.
"What kind of pirate was my dad?" Usopp asked.
Waves lapped softly, the azure sky and towering mountains enveloping them in calm. Daddy's steady voice sank in, stirring thought. "Met him over a decade ago. Best sniper I've known. Shame he was a pirate—though maybe that's why he was so good."
"Heh, yeah. My dad's a proud pirate," Usopp said, shoulders shaking with pride.
His faith in his father wasn't misplaced. Meeting someone who knew him, even indirectly, was enough to thrill him. Daddy smiled fondly at the young sniper, seeing potential. Usopp's shot—factoring trajectory, wind, and slingshot limits—was near miraculous, a blend of sharp instinct and years of practice. No mere hobby; it was dedication.
Daddy sensed brilliance. Usopp would grow, blood undeniable. He smirked inwardly. "Never forget a sniper's code. You're far from the enemy, so you must hit what you aim for—to protect your crew. A sniper's no coward's title. Remember that."
"Not a coward's title… Got it. I'll keep it in mind," Usopp said.
"Usopp-aniki!" Johnny's frantic shout cut through. They turned to see him running across the beach, stopping to yell, "Kiri-aniki… he's awake!"
"What?! For real, Johnny?!" Usopp shouted.
"Hurry! He just woke up!" Johnny urged.
"Got it!" Usopp said, turning to Daddy. "Sorry, gotta go!"
"Go on. We can talk later," Daddy said.
Usopp sprinted with Johnny toward a cottage on the right mountain's mid-slope, where Kiri had slept for five days since washing ashore. Worry had gnawed at them. Bursting through the door, they found Kiri propped against the bed, bandaged heavily, blinking slowly. They'd never seen him so battered.
His eyes were open. As they rushed in, he turned, blinking rapidly, then grinned weakly. "Usopp… Johnny? Morning…"
"Kiri, you okay? Anything hurt?" Usopp asked.
"Not sore anywhere? We'll do anything we can," Johnny added.
Kiri shifted slightly, wincing as he stretched. "Slept too much. Back's stiff."
"That's it?! You know how worried we were?!" Usopp snapped.
"Wounds aren't bad. He heals fast. Bandages stay for now," a voice said.
Usopp turned, startled. A rotund middle-aged man in a tiger pelt stood by the bed, his gentle face belying a daunting presence. The island's hotel owner and sole employee—cook, cleaner, repairman, accountant, and doctor—had saved Kiri from near-fatal wounds. Munching a donut, he smiled.
"Thanks, old man. Really, thank you!" Usopp said, beaming.
"If not for you, Kiri-aniki might've died. How do we repay you?" Johnny asked.
"No need. You helped with work. Want a donut?" the owner said.
"Nah, I'm good," Usopp said.
Kiri tried sitting up. Johnny rushed to support him, though Kiri's steps were steady. Still, they hesitated to restrain him. Kiri sat hunched on the bed, exhaling, his face relaxed, scanning the unfamiliar room. No swaying—land, not sea. Nodding, he looked at Usopp. "How long was I out?"
"About five days. You nearly died from blood loss," Usopp said.
"Feels like longer… Glad I'm not dead," Kiri said.
"Not funny! We were freaking out!" Usopp said.
"Aniki, you must be starving. Here's water," Johnny said, handing Kiri a glass from a bedside table.
Kiri drank slowly, throat rasping. The water tasted divine, shaking off his grogginess. Though still frail, his mind sharpened. "Where are we?"
"My hotel. Donut?" the owner offered.
"Thanks," Kiri said, taking one.
"You're eating a donut right after waking?!" Usopp exclaimed.
"Sugar for fatigue. Why? It's delicious," Kiri said.
"Is this guy really a doctor?" Usopp muttered.
Kiri nibbled, his gaze falling to his bandaged left hand. Memories of his fight surfaced—he'd taken a severe hit there. Testing it, his fingers moved with slight pain. Not fully healed, but usable. A relief. "Arm's still here. Good," he said.
"Was rough to look at, but this guy saved you," Usopp said.
"Didn't do much. Body's a marvel—helped it along, that's all," the owner said.
"Guess we need a ship's doctor soon," Kiri said, eating thoughtfully, his usual calm returning. He spoke through mouthfuls. "Luffy and the others aren't here?"
"Nah, but we reached them. They're at a sea restaurant," Usopp said.
"Directionless as they are? Lucky," Kiri said.
"They ran into trouble too. Zoro's hurt, but details when we meet. Oh, we contacted Silk too, via Merry's Den Den Mushi," Usopp said.
"What'd Silk say?" Kiri asked.
"With Nami, heading to Cocoyasi Village, Nami's hometown. That's where we'll meet," Usopp said.
"Cocoyasi, huh," Kiri murmured.
The owner frowned, unable to stay silent. "Cocoyasi's trouble. Rumors say fishmen took over a decade ago. No one gets in or out."
"Fishmen in charge?" Usopp asked, grimacing.
Johnny perked up. "Heard that too. Arlong's crew, ex-fishmen pirates, rule the area. Thought it was a lie, though."
"Arlong's cunning, bribing local Marines to hide their actions. Villagers suffer under their grip, and no one can touch them. Just rumors from guests, mind you," the owner said.
"If that's true, that's bad. Marines protecting pirates? That's court-martial stuff," Usopp said.
Kiri, finishing his donut, spoke. "Makes sense."
"What's that?" Usopp asked.
"Nami's hometown suffering under corruption. That's why she stole Merry—she's a pirate thief for a reason. Arlong's wanted poster makes sense now," Kiri said.
"Oh, right," Usopp said.
"We've gotta go," Kiri said, moving to stand. Johnny rushed to help, but Kiri's steps were firm, leaning lightly on him.
It was sudden. Awake mere minutes, and already set to leave. Usopp and Johnny panicked, but Kiri's resolve was unshakable. "Aniki, you sure? Don't push it," Johnny said.
"Just woke up. No rush for a day," Usopp added.
"Been asleep too long. Body's rusty. Gotta move to recover," Kiri said.
"But… what do we do, Usopp-aniki?" Johnny asked.
"No choice. He's stubborn. Let's go," Usopp said.
As they prepared to leave, the owner offered Kiri a donut. "Thanks," Kiri said.
"Don't overdo it. Avoid heavy activity until you're healed, or your arm might tear off," the owner warned.
"I'll be careful. A little strain's fine if it holds," Kiri said, eating casually.
Usopp and Johnny sighed, exasperated but relieved at his normalcy. The trio stepped outside to prepare. Morning sunlight dazzled Kiri, the sea breeze refreshing, loosening his cheeks into a smile.
The owner gifted them a small boat. While Kiri slept, Usopp and Johnny had helped with chores, earning free meals and now a vessel. Grateful for his generosity, they accepted supplies too. Kiri checked the sea chart aboard, Johnny loaded gear, and Usopp met Daddy and his daughter Carol at the pier.
"Thanks, old man. I won't waste what you taught me. Watch out—I'll be a sniper to shock you and Dad," Usopp said.
"Looking forward to it. Odd words from a bounty hunter," Daddy chuckled.
Carol, releasing Daddy's hand, offered Usopp something hidden behind her back. Surprised, he took it—a pair of unique goggles, not ordinary. Puzzled, he looked at her delicate, doll-like face as she smiled faintly. "What's this?"
"A gift. North Blue's specialty," Carol said.
"For real?" Usopp asked.
"Take it. She's acknowledged you," Daddy said, pulling a long-barreled pistol from his coat, handing it over. Usopp gripped it tightly, startled.
"A parting gift. Take it," Daddy said.
"A pistol? I've never shot one," Usopp said.
"Your slingshot's range is limited. Hitting 100 meters was near miraculous. With your skill, this'll ensure hits," Daddy said.
Usopp stared at the pistol, Daddy's serious words sinking in. He'd learned a sniper's needs over five days. Swallowing, he met Daddy's gaze. "You'll need range eventually. Use it or not, your call, but keep it."
"Got it," Usopp said, bowing, clutching the goggles and pistol. Kiri, watching, chuckled. "Your mentor, Usopp? Sounds like a story."
"Yeah, wasn't just lounging," Usopp grinned, boarding the boat as Johnny finished loading.
Waving to the owner, Daddy, and Carol, they prepared to sail. Cocoyasi wasn't far; with the chart and route set, they'd arrive by nightfall—reuniting today. The trio smiled at their send-off party.
"Thanks for everything," Kiri said.
"Appreciate it all. Don't forget Captain Usopp's name! It'll echo worldwide! Keep an eye on me!" Usopp boasted.
"See ya, let's meet again!" Johnny called.
Waving, they set sail, Kiri's awakening sparking a whirlwind departure.
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