Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

The Strongest Bounty Hunter

The crew decided to anchor on Long Ring Long Land for four days, giving Luffy and Robin time to recover.

The First Day

“So, how long until they’re fully recovered?” Nami asked, leaning in curiously.

“For Luffy, probably a day or two. He bounces back fast.” Chopper replied, his tone hopeful.

“How fortunate! Now I can enjoy Nami-san’s company without interruptions!” Sanji declared, hearts in his eyes.

“Does she know?” Zoro teased with a smirk.

“Why don’t you mind your own business!? Go back to sleep, moss-head!” Sanji shot back.

“It’s called meditating! Not that you’d know, since your brain only kicks in around women.”

And with that, their usual banter began.

“This is going to be a nightmare…” Usopp muttered, holding his head.

“You idiots! Keep it down!” Nami barked, silencing both of them instantly.

“Yes, Nami-san!” Sanji replied, obediently.

“I don’t take orders from you.” Zoro scoffed.

“Can we slip sedatives in their food?” Usopp whispered to Chopper.

Chopper opened his mouth to object, but a brief contemplation flashed across his face before he decided against it.

Just then, Ryomen came onto the deck, his gaze settling on Usopp. He awkwardly made his way over. “Hey…”

“Hey.” Usopp replied, looking aside.

“Um…I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday.” Ryomen began, scratching the back of his head. “For leaving during the challenges…and for the way I acted toward you.”

“It’s alright…I…I’m sorry too.” Usopp admitted, meeting Ryomen’s gaze. “I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

A silence hung between them before Ryomen finally spoke. “Wanna train?” He asked, a bit hopefully.

“Is that how they make up? By training?” Nami murmured, incredulous.

“Well, it seems to work.” Chopper noted, watching them as they began to prepare.

Ryomen clapped Usopp on the shoulder. “Alright, since you’re a sniper, we’ll change things up a bit.”

“Oh? How?” Usopp asked, intrigued.

“The whole point of Observation is seeing even when your senses are deprived. We’ll try it in a way that helps a sniper.” Ryomen handed Usopp a blindfold.

“Wear this. And then…” Ryomen grabbed a peeled apple from Sanji’s hands.

“Hey, that was for Nami-san!” Sanji yelled, indignant.

Ignoring him, Ryomen continued, “You’ll shoot this apple from the other side of the ship.”

“H-Huh? How am I supposed to…?” Usopp stammered, bewildered.

“That, you’ll have to figure out. I can only guide you.” Ryomen said with a shrug.

The others quickly moved away, not wanting to get hit by stray shots.

“It could be good training, though…” Zoro mused.

“Don’t even think about it!” Chopper scolded.

Usopp took his first shot and pulled off the blindfold. “Did I hit it?”

Ryomen looked toward the distance. “Not quite…” He glanced down at a startled bird lying in the grass. “Take your time with it. This is just training, no need to rush.”