Farewell at Dawn!
Although Usopp ultimately did not arrest Yasopp, he could never completely let go of the matter.
At Nami's suggestion, the three of them stayed at Kaya's White Manor temporarily, ostensibly to recuperate, but in reality to secretly monitor Yasopp's movements.
Usopp always says he "doesn't care," but he always stands on the terrace late at night or early in the morning, looking at the old house in the distance that is gradually being renovated.
On the other side of the field, Yasopp's figure was busy on the rooftop, the rhythmic sound of his hammer echoing, as if he were knocking on a confession that was more than a decade overdue.
After repairing the roof tiles, he went to the old apple tree, knelt down to clean Banchina's tombstone, and finally sat quietly under the tree, watching the village children from afar, his eyes filled with relief and tranquility.
Usopp witnessed this scene time and time again, but remained silent throughout.
One evening, Nami quietly walked to his side and whispered, "Usopp, your father... he's probably really come to his senses."
Kaya quietly approached, her slender fingers gently taking Usopp's hand in hers, her voice tender. "For someone who considers 'freedom' a principle of life..."
"Self-imprisonment in one's hometown is perhaps the heaviest punishment."
Usopp remained silent, the tension in his shoulders and neck slowly relaxing. He didn't respond, but simply gazed deeply into the distance.
A moment later, he turned and led everyone away from the terrace.
In the distance, Yasopp stopped hammering and quietly looked up.
He watched his son's departing figure, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and remained silent for a long time.
She lowered her head and murmured to herself, her voice carried away by the sea breeze. "Banchina... now she knows she was wrong, but it's too late..."
After a long pause, he looked up, tears welling in his eyes, but with a relieved smile, "Thank goodness... he's grown up healthy..."
A gentle breeze rustled the apple tree branches, as if the departed wife were tenderly soothing the still-healing wounds of the father and son.
The moment of parting finally arrived.
A gentle sea breeze blows in front of the White Manor, carrying the salty and grassy scents.
The group stood before the stone steps, all feeling reluctant to part.
Kaya held Usopp's hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry and reluctance. "No matter what, please be careful!"
Usopp nodded solemnly, forcing a relaxed smile, "Don't worry, I will."
He pulled a delicate little Den Den Mushi from his pocket and solemnly placed it in Kaya's palm. "Keep this. No matter what happens, be sure to contact me."
Kaya gently pressed the Den Den Mushi to her chest, her eyes resolute. "I will study medicine diligently... I will definitely be able to protect everyone."
"Kaya..." Usopp called softly, his eyes slightly reddening, but in the end he just nodded deeply.
Luffy was standing to the side, couldn't contain himself any longer and grinned, "Let's go! I can't wait to see Grandpa Rock and Grandma Airin!"
Nami sighed and rubbed her forehead, but couldn't help smiling as she followed him onto the small boat.
The three waved goodbye, the sails billowed, and the ship slowly sailed away from Syrup Village as the villagers watched them go.
As the shoreline gradually disappeared from sight, Luffy could no longer suppress his excitement at returning home.
"Hurry up!"
With a cheer, his body suddenly shone with golden light, and in the next moment he transformed into a majestic dragon, lifting the small boat into the air. He became a streak of light that cut through the sky, rushing towards Dawn Island.
In the fields, the afterglow of the setting sun spills across the golden waves of wheat.
Several children excitedly held up wooden slingshots, imitating Usopp's posture when he was a child, and took turns aiming at the scarecrow Shot.
"Bang!"
The marbles missed, but the children burst into laughter.
They shouted, "I am the brave warrior of the sea—Lord Usopp!"
"Boss Usopp will definitely hit the target with one shot!!"
Laughter echoed across the fields, carried by the gentle breeze.
In front of the old house, Yasopp sat quietly under the apple tree. He didn't approach the children, but just watched them silently.
His gaze seemed to travel through time, gazing upon the skinny boy who had boasted back then, now running and laughing alongside today's children.
Usopp's figure seemed to still be protecting them.
Yasopp exhaled softly, sensing the familiar scent fading away with the wind. He didn't need to look up; he already knew.
"Go." His voice was deep, tinged with relief and pride.
"Go your own way..."
He looked up at the distant horizon, where only a small black dot remained, gradually fading away.
"I will protect Syrup Village."
Apple trees, old houses, fields, and children's laughter blend together into one.
A sniper who heads towards the sea with Justice and responsibility.
A sniper who stayed in his hometown to atone for his sins and to watch over his homeland.
Under the setting sun, the village was peaceful and serene, the sounds of wind and laughter mingling together, as if telling a story:
Even though time cannot erase all scars, the tradition and protection continue here.
East Blue · Dawn Island
Pink Dragon broke through the clouds and silently swept across the sky above the island.
Luffy carefully transformed into his half- Dragon-Man Form, lifted the small boat with both hands, and gently landed on the shore, afraid of disturbing the peaceful island.
He couldn't wait to take off running, his smile as bright as a child's, and headed straight for that familiar little house.
"Grandpa! Grandma! I'm back--!"
The wooden door creaked open, and Grandma Airin, holding a teapot, looked up, her face instantly lighting up with joy.
"Luffy! Nami! And... who is this?"
Usopp immediately straightened his back and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Grandma! I am Usopp, Luffy and Nami's comrade-in-arms!"
Nami gently took Airin's arm, her laughter filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion. "Grandma, we're back!"
The atmosphere inside the room was quickly filled with lively chatter.
In the Kitchen, Nami expertly chopped vegetables, while Grandma Airin carefully guided her.
Usopp diligently started a fire at the stove, which made Grandpa Rock nod repeatedly in approval;
Luffy, meanwhile, squatted to the side like a greedy child, constantly reaching out to steal some side dishes, only to be mercilessly smacked on the head by Nami.
At dinner time, the five people sat around a table.
The aroma of stewing soup filled the air, and laughter echoed under the eaves, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere as if time had never changed.
--
The next morning, the sun shone brightly outside the window.
However, the warm atmosphere was interrupted by a sudden, urgent ringing of Den Den Mushi).
Nami answered quickly, listened for a moment, and then her expression suddenly became serious.
She closed the Den Den Mushi, took a deep breath, turned around, and looked sharply at Luffy and Usopp: "We have to get back!"
Luffy was engrossed in his breakfast, his mouth still full of food, and mumbled indistinctly, "What's going on? I just got back!"
Usopp immediately stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "What happened?"
Nami's voice was cold and heavy. "Marineford —tomorrow will see the public execution of Dark King Rayleigh, the Right Hand of the Pirate King! The Fleet Admiral has ordered us to return immediately and accompany the army!"
She paused, her gaze deepening. "Furthermore... Ace, Zoro, Kuina have already arrived on Onigashima and are awaiting orders."
The atmosphere inside the room froze instantly.
Even the oblivious Luffy realized the gravity of the situation at that moment—it wasn't just an execution, but the dividing line between the old and New Eras.
Rock and Airin had approached without anyone noticing, their expressions calm but unable to hide the worry in their eyes.
Rock said in a deep voice, "If you have something to do, go back first. Business is more important!"
Grandma Airin held Luffy and Nami's hands, her gaze gentle. "Safety first! Luffy, you must protect Nami!!"
"Hehe! Of course!!" Luffy grinned.
Grandpa Rock looked at Nami, his eyes filled with entrustment. "This kid's too carefree, I'm leaving him to you."
Nami nodded, her smile resolute, "Don't worry, Grandpa."
The situation was urgent, and there was no time to linger.
Luffy grabbed Nami and Usopp with both hands, shouted goodbye to Rock and Airin, and then suddenly stomped off the ground!
"Boom!!"
The three of them instantly transformed into streaks of light and soared into the sky.
Nami was enveloped in a light mist, Luffy's body rapidly expanded, and Pink Dragon reappeared, steadily supporting Nami and Usopp as they roared towards Marineford!
In front of the house, Rock put his arm around Airin's shoulder, and the two old people looked up at the dragon's shadow gradually disappearing into the distance.
Airin sighed softly, her eyes slightly moist.
Rock chuckled and patted the back of her hand, "Don't worry... the children have all grown up."