A Promise to Find Their Way to Each Other

East Blue · Syrup Village

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle sea breeze was blowing.

Luffy, Nami, and Usopp's small boat slowly approached the shore of the Jekuo Islands.

The familiar beach, the lush forest, the scattered houses—all of this made Usopp pause slightly.

He gazed at the coastline before him, his expression dazed, as if he had instantly returned to his youthful days when he used to boast and shout "Pirates are coming!"

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of soil and grass from my hometown, touching the softest corner of my heart.

Nami gently patted his back, a smile playing on her lips, "What's wrong? Why are you spacing out now that we're home?"

Usopp snapped out of his daze, scratched his head, and gave an embarrassed smile, "Nothing... it just felt a little strange. It's been too long since I've been back..."

Luffy, carrying a large bag, turned around and grinned, his smile as innocent as ever in the sunlight.

"Every time I return to Dawn Island and see Grandma Airin, I have the same feeling!"

The three of them walked step by step along the familiar path toward Syrup Village.

Luffy and Usopp both carried enormous backpacks, their naval uniforms gleaming in the sunlight.

Just as he stepped into the village, an old fisherman who was drying his nets suddenly looked up, his gaze fixed on Usopp's signature long nose, and his eyes widened instantly:

"That... that long nose?! Is that Usopp?!"

This exclamation was like a pebble dropped into the center of a lake, creating huge ripples.

Soon, villagers from all directions flocked over.

People ran out of the houses, some put down their hoes on the ridges of the fields, and some threw down their fish baskets. They all crowded in front of the three men and surrounded them.

"Wow! It really is Usopp! You're back!!"

"You joined the Navy! We saw the news in the newspaper! You're awesome!!"

In the crowd, an elderly woman with a full head of white hair tremblingly reached out her wrinkled hand and tightly grasped Usopp's hand, tears welling up in her eyes.

"If Banchina knew, she would be so proud of you..."

At that moment, Usopp was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

Looking at these villagers who had watched him grow up, who had laughed and tolerated his boasting, and who had secretly brought him food when his mother was seriously ill, his eyes instantly reddened, but he suddenly straightened his back.

Under everyone's gaze, he suddenly gave a standard naval salute, his voice ringing out:

"Everyone! I'm back—as a naval soldier!!"

In an instant, Thunderclap cheers erupted from the entire village entrance.

The children jumped up excitedly and touched the naval badge on his chest, the old people wiped away tears of joy, and the fishermen patted him on the shoulder and laughed.

Luffy and Nami stood to the side, smiled at each other, and quietly took a half step back, leaving this glorious stage to the true heroes of the day.

Usopp grinned and skillfully unscrewed the enormous backpack on his back.

When the thick fabric is unfolded, it is filled with local specialties and exquisite snacks from all over the world: bubble gum from Sabaody Archipelago, desert dates from Alabasta, and sea salt shortbread from Fish-Man Island.

"Everyone, come and have a taste!" Luffy and Nami helped distribute the food, one on each side.

The children, upon grabbing the candy, immediately ran around excitedly, blowing bubble gum that was bigger than their heads;

The elderly people carefully took a bite of the jujube, their mouths filled with its fragrance, and they couldn't help but marvel at it.

"This is what the open sea tastes like... It's really good!"

Laughter and exclamations rose and fell, and the entire Syrup Village was instantly filled with a festive atmosphere.

Just then, a commotion arose from the crowd. "Make way! Usopp is our boss!!"

Three boys squeezed their way in—it was Carrot Top, Chinjao Head, and Onion Head!

Years have passed, and the three have lost some of their childishness and grown taller, but their eyes, which admire Usopp, have remained unchanged.

They surrounded Usopp, gazing up at his now tall and muscular physique, his crisp navy uniform, and the gleaming badges on his shoulders that made their eyes sparkle.

"Usopp, you're so cool!!"

"Naval uniforms are way cooler than Pirate capes!!"

"We, the 'Usopp Self-Defense Group,' will always follow our leader!!"

They were so excited they danced around, circling Usopp like little dogs.

Ever since Usopp resolutely chose to join the Marines, these three kids have never mentioned the word "Pirate" again, and instead spontaneously formed the "Usopp Self-Defense Group."

Patrolling the village, helping with farm work, and even occasionally catching thieves, he has become the "guardian angel" of Syrup Village.

Usopp's eyes welled up with tears as he was surrounded by people, but he tried to lift his chin and straighten his chest.

He gently patted the three men on the shoulders, his tone firm yet gentle. "Well done... Keep protecting the village."

"You are true warriors too!"

The three little ones instantly teared up, almost hugging him and bursting into tears.

Nami and Luffy, who were standing nearby, knew very well that at this moment, Usopp had finally fulfilled his boastful dream from back then.

The two exchanged a smile, genuinely happy for Usopp as he was surrounded by the villagers and children.

After a lively exchange of greetings, the villagers' attention gradually focused on the White Manor on the hillside.

The villagers understood each other perfectly, exchanging knowing smiles.

Someone even secretly slipped him a small bunch of wildflowers, their eyes filled with a knowing yet warm gaze. "Go on, Miss Kaya... she's been waiting for you."

Usopp blushed and couldn't help but scratch his nose.

Amid the villagers' good-natured laughter, he solemnly straightened his naval uniform, took a deep breath, and his gaze was firm.

He then strode onto the stone path leading to the manor.

Behind him, the entire village rejoiced and offered their blessings.

Ahead lay the person who had been waiting for him all along.

Syrup Village · White Manor

The afternoon sun shone through the white curtains and gently fell on the desk.

Kaya was sitting at her desk, her slender fingers clumsily wrapping bandages, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Her movements were slightly clumsy, but they were filled with a firm and resilient spirit.

Her frail and sickly body often left her breathless, but after seeing Usopp's adventures in the New World in the newspaper, she made up her mind—

Even if we can't fight side by side, we should be the ones who can heal him when he returns.

The medical books on the desk were open and worn at the corners, and next to them were a straw figure for practice and a jar of herbs.

Merry stood in the doorway, quietly watching her.

His eyes held worry, but even more so, relief.

Kaya's parents were also standing nearby, exchanging glances and nodding silently.

Although they felt sorry for their daughter's overwork, they understood that this was the first time she had truly given her all for someone.

Suddenly, Merry and the two elders seemed to hear a whisper, and they silently withdrew, leaving the quiet space for what was about to happen.

Inside the room, Kaya remained, diligently studying.

She seemed to sense something, paused, and subconsciously looked up.

Golden sunlight streamed in through the doorway, against the light.

A tall and familiar figure stood there, his crisp naval uniform gleaming in the light.

In his hands, he held a small but sincere bouquet of wildflowers.

Kaya

Kaya paused for a moment, then her eyes curved into a smile so gentle it seemed to melt the entire world.

"You're back."

Usopp smiled, his nose tingled slightly, but he tried to suppress his emotions, his voice loud and firm:

"Ah... I'm back."