Chapter 8 The Merry and the Baratie

.

Usopp sat back after explaining his tale.

'And that 's how I accidentally took out the pirate Captain Kuro. I really did mean to wait for you guys. To be honest I 'm a little worried the crew might come here for revenge. And really, all of this 'it 's not fair. I mean- it 's a little cool that I handled things on my own. It 's just that last time ' I was able to leave here knowing the village was safe and that it would continue on just as it was. It 's different now. With everyone knowing about Klahadore. It 's like it broke something. Everyone is angry or suspicious or sad. It 's like my sleepy little village woke up. I just want them to go back to being naive and happy. I feel like it was better last time around. I just made a big mess. ' Usopp stared at the clouds instead of his friends. He wrapped his arms around one knee, hugging it to his chest.

'You did good Usopp. ' Zoro declared firmly.

'Yeah! I know it didn 't go the way you 'd like but changing the future won 't always go our way. You saved lives. You saved your friend. Most importantly, you stayed alive. I am so,

so

glad that you are here to set sail with me. I 'm sorry about your village. I know these people are precious to you. ' Luffy gripped his unbandaged shoulder. 'I 'm sorry I underestimated the danger you were in. I should have gotten here sooner. '

'I remember last time you gave up so much to make sure they stayed safe and could go on thinking you were just a liar rather than face the danger they denied. I know what it 's like to take on the weight of a village. ' Nami gave him a half smile. 'Things changed in Cocoyashi too. We left Arlong Park standing, although we tore down the sign and had all the crew arrested. It 's hard because there are conversations I had last time that I didn 't have this time around and I 'm left wondering if the people I love will change for the better or worse. I don 't know whether to laugh or cry sometimes. '

Usopp nodded hard and reached forward to awkwardly pat Nami 's knee. He wasn 't entirely surprised when Nami launched herself at him. It was strange to realize she was taller than him. Usopp settled back with Nami in his arms and Luffy at his shoulder. He stared at the clouds and pretended that it was the sun making his eyes water.

XXXxxx

Luffy hummed to himself as he walked around the small village. The rest of the crew were helping Usopp pack. He 'd been kicked out of the house after he dropped a box, shattering the cups inside and the box itself. He didn 't really mind, packing was boring. He couldn 't imagine clinging to so much

stuff.

First Nami wanted a whole cabin full of important map papers. Now Usopp wanted a whole

house

full of things! No wonder Usopp had fallen down the slope last time, trying to carry all that stuff.

It was a little strange to look at the kitchen plates and realize they were the same pattern he 'd seen on the Merry ' That was before their first big storm taught them what it really meant to secure their belongings.

What a crazy day!

They were lucky not to tear the Merry apart, there were so many flying projectiles and shattered parts. Nami had not been pleased with the bill replacing just the essentials had cost them.

He was less worried about the work than about not being near his people. He wanted to go back inside and tell them he would behave and help. He just wanted to stay there with them. It wouldn 't help though. It would only make everyone more anxious. He walked on, even if the separation made his chest hurt and his breath sound funny.

He would make space for Usopp, who was looking sad about his village. He would be strong for Zoro who was acting stressed the way he acted after every major injury. The swordsman hated being weak in any way and Luffy knew this situation made them all feel weak. His usual method of having Chopper lecture Zoro into submission would not work with this. Nami was having nightmares and faking more of her smiles than he could ignore. Her still healing bruises were the most obvious of all the ways he 'd failed her lately. He was not doing a good job keeping them together. He wanted to punch someone in the face, but there was no enemy to kick around. Punching wouldn 't help his crew this time.

He hummed softly again and turned down another street. The three shadows followed him. For a moment Luffy almost lashed out and pined the stalkers but an overloud whisper stopped him. Luffy felt his breath hitch as he realized he 'd nearly attacked a bunch of kids. Usopp 's little pirates if he was remembering. The brave, stupid, little boys who 'd challenged Kuro and refused to run away without a direct order from their captain. The little idiots had no concept of danger, and unlike his own brothers who knew when to hit-and-run, these three had nearly been killed for their bravery Before. His palms were sweaty, and he walked for a moment until he could breathe properly again. He made another circle around the block and was impressed that they kept pace. They were terrible at hiding themselves and the littlest one was very loud. He snickered and wondered how long they would follow him in circles. He was on his third circle around the square when one of the shop owners leaned out.

'Are you lost, boy? '

'Oh no, just playing a game. ' He assured with a laugh and wide smile.

'By walking in circles? ' the man looked skeptical.

'It 's follow-the-leader. ' He explained with a thumb over his shoulder.

'Oh no! He spotted us! ' The little boy with glasses jumped out of their hiding spot looking panicked.

The shop owner looked at the three boys jumping around and laughed. 'I see. Sorry to spoil your game. '

'Ah, no problem. It 's almost dinnertime anyway. I guess I should head back. '

'Are you staying at Mrs. Maazel 's? ' the man asked, curious.

'Who 's that? I 'm staying with my friend Usopp. '

The man looked startled, his eyebrows going up.

'I didn 't realize Usopp had friends his own age. Are you from the city? How did you and Usopp meet? '

'His dad sails with my friend Shanks. ' He proudly remembered one of the not-lies he practiced with Nami. 'I came to get Usopp to join my crew. He 's going to set sail with me and be a brave warrior of the sea. '

The three boys stopped their panicked reaction and stared. The shop owner looked shocked, mouth falling open dramatically. Luffy waved his hand in front of the man for a moment. He shrugged and started walking back towards Usopp 's house.

'Wait a moment lad. You can 't really mean to be pirates! ' the old man jumped back into motion. 'You 're much too young and it 's extremely dangerous. You don 't understand what you 're doing! '

'I understand alright. ' He said sternly. 'I can handle the danger and protect my crew, whatever my age. I 'm taking Usopp and setting out to sea. It 's decided. '

He turned and began walking again. He was not going to let some old man tell him he couldn 't be a pirate. He 'd had plenty of that. And he

definitely

couldn 't tell him to leave Usopp behind. Luffy hummed to tune out the words called after him. He would do what he wanted. He was free. He 'd get his crew, and nothing would stop them.

XXXxxx

Zeff watched as his little eggplant finished with the transponder. The blond boy looked both elated and depressed. Having raised the overly emotional brat, Zeff translated his mood easily.

'Your crew caught up to the girl? '

'Yeah! Luffy and Zoro handled things with Arlong. I 'm so glad they 're all alright and Nami is safe from that fishman bastard. '

'But they 're not coming here next? ' he asked knowingly.

'It makes sense. They have to go get our ship. Nami made it sound like they were traveling in a rowboat. ' Sanji answered defensively, shoulders up around his ears.

'They would need space and supplies, that 's true. I 'm sure it 's been a challenge so far if they haven 't had a proper ship. ' Zeff soothed. 'If I recall the little carvel you mentioned was a token from a young lady your crew saved. Do you think they would go for the same ship or are they trying to procure a new one? '

'There 's no replacing the

Going Merry! '

Sanji declared passionately. 'Did I tell you how her Klabautermann saved our lives? '

'A Klabautermann, truly ' Zeff was shocked. This was not where he 'd intended to take this conversation.

Sanji was looking at him with bright, rounded eyes and the excited look of mastering a new dish or speaking of the All Blue. His boy wore his emotions on his face so easily. Zeff reached out and ruffled his blond hair. Sanji, naturally, pushed at him and fussed with his hair.

'Let 's hear the tale. ' He sat on one of the hammocks to ease the weight off his peg leg and stroked his long mustache letting it spring back in a way that always made Sanji smile.

'Well we knew she was dying, and it started all kinds of trouble with the crew, but the real problem was the weather and our missing crewmate ' '

~

He spent hours telling tales about Merry and Robin who they 'd challenged the World Government for. Zeff had been alarmed and exasperated over

that

story. Both of them were startled when Patty knocked on the door demanding to know if they were coming down for the dinner rush. Sanji went back to work, throwing himself into the bustle of a busy kitchen.

When the Restaurant emptied and the guests were cleaned up after, Sanji was shocked to notice the Baratie was turning. They usually just floated with the current from one end of the East Blue to the other only steering to avoid large storms, reefs and to stay in deep waters, not hover close to islands. Every two years or so they would get a glimpse of the Red Line and Zeff would have them turnabout and catch the East Stream or the West Current, so they were pulled in the opposite direction. It made their course predictable enough for customers to find them, but their exact coordinates were largely based on the whims of the ocean. A full turn usually indicated trouble.

'Is it a storm? ' Sanji asked Carne as the other chef came to restock the produce bins.

'Nah. Owner Zeff said something about a special customer. '

'We don 't change course for a damn customer. ' Sanji replied flatly.

'Maybe they 're royalty. Fuck, you don 't think we have to host some Tenryubito? ' Patty looked terrified at the thought.

'Hell no. Zeff discourages that by being so rude. ' Sanji was a little panicked now.

He couldn 't recall any circumstances like this in the Before time. They couldn 't have done anything in the past three weeks that would affect the Restaurant.

Right?

He finished mopping the floors in record time. He ran up to the bridge finding Zeff bent over a chart with their navigator.

'Zeff? ' he couldn 't keep the edge of uncertainty out of his voice and the geezer caught on immediately.

'Nothing to worry about Sanji. '

'Carne is spreading rumors about kings or World Nobles visiting. ' He tugged at his hair and wished for a cigarette but there was no smoking on the Bridge.

The navigator snickered and Sanji whirled to give him a kick but Zeff tisked at him, knocking the foot down before he could even land a hit properly.

'That man is the world 's biggest blabbermouth. I can 't do anything around here without one of you housewives underfoot, gossiping and starting rumors. ' Zeff tapped his peg leg against the deck threateningly.

'Then it 's nothing like that? ' Sanji relaxed and leaned against the doorway.

'Nah. I just thought we 'd head a bit more south, see if we don 't run into our special guests a little sooner. ' Zeff smirked.

'Special guests? ' Sanji shifted, confused.

The navigator was muffling chuckles and trying to look busy. Sanji looked back and forth between the two men. He clenched his jaw.

This isn 't a joke!

'Relax, Sanji. I just wanted a chance to meet your Nami. ' Zeff smirked again.

Sanji swallowed because he could hear the silent.

I want to meet your Nakama. I want you to get you there as fast as I am able.

'Shitty old geezer. Are you sure that 's worth turning the ship for? You 're going to throw off reservations for the next month. '

'Not my problem! ' the old man lied.

'It 's your business! You will lose a ton of money! '

Zeff stared him down. Exasperated he threw his hands in the air and stormed away. He needed a shower.

'And she 's not my Nami! '

The gathering of chefs blatantly listening in made him blush. He kicked the lot of them down the stairs like bowling pins in retaliation. He could hear the gossips starting as he grabbed his towel.

Housewives is right!

XXXxxx

Sanji watched the waters with anticipation. Zeff was the absolute best. He couldn 't believe they were sailing towards the Gecko Islands! Okay so they were sailing for the open waters some 50 nautical miles from the coast of the Gecko Islands, but nonetheless, they were going to meet his nakama part way!

He didn 't even mind getting the waiter shift and serving customers today. They at least had a small handful of actual waiters still working for them. Sanji only beat up

half

the rude customers when he could reassign

actual waiters, not chefs,

to those tables. Zeff actually complemented his ability to handle the pirate customers yesterday. Apparently sailing with Luffy had taught him to balance aggression and respect in a way that most of the pirates responded to. Sanji wondered when he had become diplomatic. It was a little terrifying.

A delicious lunch and a fresh breeze as they made way to see his crew. Sanji couldn 't imagine a better day on the Baratie. Nami would call soon. It was already two days since their last call. They would have just arrived at Syrup. It shouldn 't take much to handle whatever trouble was there, and then they would call to meet up and he could surprise them.

I 'm coming Luffy! Let 's do this!

XXXxxx

'So, uh with Klahadore gone ' what does that mean will happen to the Merry? Did Kaya still offer her? Are we buying her? Oooh! Do we need to

steal

her? ' Luffy looked eager to perform the heist.

'Sorry Luffy, I don 't think we need to steal her. Kaya and Merry said they owed me and asked what I wanted. It was so strange, because last time they knew you wanted a ship and gave it freely. This time I told them I wanted to set sail to be a pirate and asked if they knew where I could get a ship. It felt so wrong asking for her. Like I was taking advantage by asking for something so big. ' Usopp looked uncomfortable and frowned at them. 'They showed me the Merry and Merry, uh Steward Merry, he said it would be ready for me whenever I wanted to go. I could tell he wanted me to wait a few years. If I were actually fifteen, I might really have procrastinated and just practiced sailing around the island maybe. I didn 't have the heart to tell anyone I might leave any day now. '

'It will be fine Usopp. We 'll give you time to say goodbyes. I 'm sure that Kaya is fine giving you the Merry. She would want you to chase your dream. I remember she was very generous and wished you well last time. ' Nami encouraged.

'I hope so. I just feel a bit scummy about it anyhow. I didn 't save her for the reward. Merry is our ship though, our nakama. We can 't just take a different ship! '

'Definitely not! ' Luffy declared slapping fist to palm. 'If you didn 't ask, we would have taken her some other way. Kaya might like it a lot less if we sailed off with her ship without asking. '

'That 's true. ' Usopp confirmed. 'And stop implying you want to steal the ship! '

'But it 's

Merry. '

'Kaya already said we can have her! '

'I just meant if we needed to do it, we would. '

'We don 't need to you idiot! '

'Don 't be stupid. I didn 't say we needed to. '

'Knock it off! ' Nami shouted at them.

'Sorry Nami ' they apologized in sync.

'Do you idiots think we should go and visit Kaya this morning? You 're packed and we can bring the ship around to stock it while you say all your goodbyes. '

'Yeah. Yes, let 's do that. ' Usopp looked uncertain so Luffy hopped up.

'Let 's go! To get the Merry! ' he cheered with a wide smile.

Usopp could only smile back. It sounded like an adventure. Luffy could make a walk up the hill sound like an epic quest. Although now that he thought about it like that, he was a little worried this might turn out like some of Luffy 's other impossible adventures. He didn 't think he could handle any unexpected trouble right now. He glanced over at Nami and Zoro who had identical looks of enthusiasm. They pumped fists and got to their feet, heading out of town. Usopp absently reached to pull Zoro in the correct direction and cringed a bit as his stitches pulled.

The swordsman was at his side instantly, running practiced fingers over his bandages and silently assessing his injuries even as they walked. Zoro gave a few small tugs to his wraps and it actually felt a lot better.

'Thanks. ' He quietly acknowledged, not wanting to draw Luffy and Nami 's attention.

'It was twisted and putting pressure wrong. We 'll rewrap it when we get back to your place, yeah? '

'Sure. Sounds good. Thanks. '

'Eh. ' Zoro gave a little shrug and looked away.

~

Luffy let Zoro attend to Usopp. He felt a little shaky at the realization no one had checked on Usopp 's injuries. He was used to Chopper being with them. Their reindeer doctor was so attentive to every small injury that Luffy was comfortable just continuing as normal unless someone told him they couldn 't do tasks. Chopper was very upfront about any injuries that would hinder one of the crew in a fight or just playing on deck. Everyone knew Luffy had trouble judging normal limits. It was like Nami 's fever all over again. He was neglecting his crew and they were hurting for it. He needed to do better.

Luffy tried to regain his positivity. He was going to get the

Going Merry.

They would have

their

ship and Usopp would paint their flag and they would be the Strawhats again. He could set sail for Sanji and the Grand Line.

I am the man who will be King of the Pirates. I have the best crew in the world, here and waiting for me.

He turned to Nami who was also pretending not to notice their friends. He reached out and pulled her close.

'We 're going to be sailing free! The freest crew in the world. ' He promised her.

'Naturally! ' Nami leaned into him and reached back.

Usopp grabbed her hand immediately and pulled Zoro along so they were walking four across and tangled in each other.

'We 're going to trip. ' Zoro protested. 'This is not comfortable. '

'Well if you 're so clumsy ' ' Nami challenged.

'I 'll show you clumsy. I can manage just fine! I just don 't want to fall on my face when you bring down the whole line. '

'Me? ' she shouted back at him.

Luffy laughed, clear and bright. His nakama were so funny. He looked to the bright blue sky as the gentle weather called him to the sea. It would be a good day to be on the water. His heart soared and he just couldn 't wait to see full sails and bright decks.

'Let 's go! ' he released Nami and took off at a slow run, bouncing back to his friends and swinging off trees as he tried to be conscious of the injured members of their party. Zoro understood him perfectly and set a casual run pace that stayed steady as Nami raced ahead and fell behind and Usopp stayed close to the swordsman. Luffy grinned and tried not to stray or push. He stopped to pet some goats and considered riding one but Usopp was telling him to leave the animals alone.

They made it to the manor quickly and Usopp was welcomed at the gate. The small sniper blushed and fidgeted under the attention of the two guards. They were letting the group inside before Usopp even finished explaining. The gardener waved sheers at them and someone was there to open the door at their approach. Luffy approved. His sniper deserved the recognition and should be praised for his efforts. They were guided to a small sitting area with pretty furniture that was stiff and not comfortable at all. Nami was looking around with barely contained money eyes. He wasn 't worried, she only liked stealing from bad guys and rude people, like marines and some pirates. Zoro looked tired and uncomfortable in the little chair. Thankfully, a blond girl entered quickly.

'Usopp! '

'Kaya! '

'Is it true? You 're really setting out with these strangers? ' she looked teary eyed.

'Where did you hear that? ' Usopp looked shocked.

'Greg-san said that his brother heard from his neighbor that Pepper-chan came home talking about how his Captain was leaving the island and already had a crew. '

'Wow. You guys sure know how to spread news. ' Nami commented.

'Nosy. ' Zoro muttered.

'But where did Pepper hear that? I didn 't see him at all yesterday! ' Usopp protested arms waving.

'It 's not true then? ' she asked hopeful.

'Uh ' well, actually, it 's a fairly accurate description. ' Usopp looked thoughtful.

'Pepper is the little one? ' he indicated someone ankle tall and made finger glasses.

'No, he 's the one with green hair, kind of pointy at the top. ' Usopp corrected absently. 'But where did he ' wait a minute. Luffy! What did you do? '

'What? ' he sat back against the couch, confused. 'I did something? I don 't think I did. '

'Luffy, ' Nami started in her danger-sweet voice 'what did you do on your walk yesterday? '

'I 'walked? ' he was sweating a bit, suddenly uncertain.

'And did you see or talk to anyone? ' she asked.

'Uh 'sure. I played follow-the-leader with some kids, but this old guy thought I was lost and tried to send me to some lady 's house. Then I told him I was staying with you and that you were going to sail with me! '

'Luffy! ' his crew all despaired.

'You didn 't think that was important to mention? ' Nami questioned.

'What for? ' Luffy tipped his head in confusion. 'You already knew I wanted Usopp to leave with us and you were staying at his house too. '

'I think she means how you went and told people. ' Usopp used his explaining voice.

'I don 't get it. ' His eyebrows came together as he tried to understand what the problem was.

Kaya giggled at their antics, breaking the Strawhats out of their fight. Luffy smiled widely at her. Just like Usopp, she was littler than he remembered. This girl was responsible for giving them the

Merry

and for being Usopp 's friend for many years. She was a special person. She blinked at him a moment, then gave a smile of her own, soft like Makino.

'Hi. My name is Monkey D. Luffy and I 'm going to be King of the Pirates. Usopp is my sniper. He is going to join my crew and be the Bravest Warrior on the Sea. ' He explained easily.

'Oh! ' She stared at him with big eyes for a moment. 'That 's wonderful! '

'Yeah! But ' what part exactly? ' he asked a bit thrown.

All I did was introduce myself. She 's supposed to say her name. Did I do it wrong?

'Don 't mind him. ' Nami cut in. 'Our captain doesn 't really notice when he makes sweeping declarations of loyalty and affection. My name is Nami and this is Zoro. '

'Oh, how rude of me! I 'm Kaya. Wait, did you say Nami? ' she blinked before looking at Usopp who suddenly looked nervous. 'You weren 't raised on a cloud island by chance? '

'What? No. I was raised in Cocoyashi. '

'Right of course, sorry, that was silly. ' Kaya blushed.

'I traveled on a cloud island for a time though. Why do you ask? ' Nami pushed.

'It 's just so like the stories! ' Kaya looked at Usopp who had his face buried. 'Stormchaser Shami controlled lightning and could conquer any storm. She was in Usopp 's best stories! '

'He 'll have to tell me all about those. ' Nami replied with a dangerous smile.

Luffy laughed again. Zoro snorted and smirked at Nami. Kaya looked confused but smiled at them all. Luffy leaned forward with an eager expression.

'Is it true you 're giving us a ship!? '

'Luffy! Show more tact! '

'No, it 's fine. ' Kaya assured them. 'Yes, Usopp saved my life and I promised him a ship when he is ready to set sail. The

Going Merry

is small but she 's a good ship. I can send Merry to bring her around to the North shore. ' She looked up at the sheep-butler and Luffy watched them nod.

'At once Miss Kaya. '

'Are you guys really going to set sail now? ' she questioned suddenly. 'We would be happy to host you here or to find you a house in the village. You can stay for as long as you like. A few months, years even. It might be a good idea to ' to do some study ' or something ' before you set out. '

Luffy watched her blink back tears.

'Kaya. ' Usopp took one of her hands. 'The sea is calling, and we must go. I 'm sorry to leave you. I had so many stories to tell. I promise to come back some day. When Luffy is King and we 've conquered the Grand Line, I 'll come back with stories so wild you 'll think they must be lies. '

'Oh Usopp. I 'm so sorry. I 'm sorry about Klahadore and how you were hurt. You don 't have to leave! ' she gave a little sob.

'It 's okay Kaya! You have nothing to apologize for! You 're my friend. I 'm not leaving because of anything that you did or anything that happened. It 's just time. I have to follow my dream. '

'With these people? I 've never seen them before. I thought you wanted to be the Great Captain Usopp? Are you really going to follow this boy instead? '

'Yes. ' Usopp said simply.

Luffy was bouncing with pride. Usopp sounded so resolute.

'He 's going to take this world by storm Kaya and I 'm going to be there for it! ' he grinned. 'You 'll see. Watch the papers. You 'll hear wild tales about the Brave Warrior of the Sea, Usopp. You 'll be proud to know me. '

'I already am. '

'Aw. Kaya! ' Usopp looked away with a blush. 'Anyways you have to chase your own dream while I 'm gone. I know you can be strong. '

'My own dream ' ' she looked thoughtful. 'For so long I couldn 't seem to do much of anything for myself. You were my happiness Usopp. I don 't know how I can brave the days without you here. '

'You 're stronger than you know. ' Usopp encouraged. 'You can do anything you set your mind to. '

'I 'm not sure. '

'Then trust me. ' Usopp said simply. 'Trust that I know you can do it. Tell me Kaya, if you could do anything, what would you do? '

'I would ' I want ' If I could dream it, I would be a doctor! ' she finally declared.

Luffy whooped throwing his hands up. Nami and Zoro joined his cheer as Usopp shouted that they were ruining a moment. Kaya went pink then laughed. Luffy gave her a bright smile and she smiled back.

'Come. I 'll show you to your ship. It 's a good day for a walk. ' Kaya stood, blue dress swaying, and pulled Usopp by the hand.

The Strawhats followed at their heels, thrilled.

The Merry. We 're going home.

The walk was too long and too short. They reached the downward slope, and the anticipation was too much. Luffy wanted to charge ahead but was terrified it wouldn 't be the same. He looked and there she was. Merry smiled at them, sheep figurehead proud and unmarred. She was pristine with shining white rails, smooth brown wood, and neatly furled sails. Reverently, Luffy approached and placed his hand on her hull.

'Hello Merry. I promise, we 'll take good care of you. You don 't know it yet, but we 're going to be family. ' He whispered softly so only the ship would hear.

With the utmost care, he gently stroked the ship 's side. He looked to his crew watching him and waiting at the gangway planted in the sand. He gave a little nod and they rushed aboard touching and exclaiming. Usopp pulled Kaya along, letting her share this moment as they took in the ship that was so familiar. Each of them offered her their thanks. Nami listened patiently as the sheep-like butler explained the rigging she was so familiar with. Luffy took a seat in his special spot and looked to the sea.

Zoro was the first to wander off the ship. Luffy watched him walk over to their little boat and open the little cabin. His first mate grabbed a stack of Nami 's important map boxes and carried it back to the Merry. He grinned. Zoro was so practical. The sheep-butler was also watching and moved to make the return trip and help Zoro. Luffy grinned and jumped down. He carefully carried a tangerine tree as the two men grabbed boxes. Usopp, Kaya and Nami were soon helping as well. The little boat was quickly emptied.

'Is this all you have? ' Kaya sounded alarmed.

'Usopp has a bunch of stuff. ' Luffy waved. 'And we are going to resupply now that we have a real ship. We need plenty of meat for a long journey, and paint so we can do the jolly roger. '

'Not to mention the other essentials. ' Nami added wryly. 'We will probably spend the day in the village gathering what we need. '

'You can come if you like. ' Zoro gave a shrug, his tone indifferent.

'I 'd love that! ' Kaya insisted.

'Miss Kaya, please. Let me go fetch a cart. You 've been exerting yourself all morning! ' the butler fussed.

'I suppose. ' She looked distraught but also pale.

Luffy worried a bit, remembering she was sick or something. Usopp was also looking pale.

'It would be good for you too Usopp. ' Luffy commented bluntly.

The others looked at the sniper obviously also remembering his injuries. Usopp ducked and pulled his hat down.

'We probably shouldn 't have let you two move boxes. ' Zoro agreed.

'Thank you for thinking of a cart! ' Nami latched on to the man. 'That was very clever of you. '

'No problem at all Miss! ' he assured looking nervous. 'I 'll just go do that and we 'll get you all sorted. '

Luffy stretched a long arm to give the ship a pat. He had Usopp and now Merry. Next, Sanji.