Usopp's face flushed the color of pig liver.
His fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his flesh.
Shame, anger, unwillingness... all sorts of emotions churned within his chest.
He remembered the helplessness of being able to do nothing but watch when facing the Fish-Men in Cocoyasi Village. He remembered all the boasts he had made, and his vow to become a "Brave Sea Warrior."
If he fell too far behind... if he really became deadweight who only ate and did nothing...
"B-Bastard!!"
Usopp suddenly raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes. It was an eruption after being driven into a desperate situation, as well as an enraged roar born of humiliation:
"Who says I'm useless?! I'm Captain Usopp, commander of eighty million subordinates!!"
"Then I'll train! Isn't it just getting beaten up?! This Lord is a man who can't even be blown to death by explosions!!"
"I'm not scared!!"
Though he shouted that he was not afraid, his legs were still trembling violently.
"Good! You've got guts!"
The corner of Ronan's mouth curled into a smile of triumph.
He gave the three people beside him a meaningful look.
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji instantly understood, identical wicked grins spreading across their faces—the kind that said, "Welcome to hell."
"Hehehe! Usopp, I knew you'd join us!"
"Hey, Long Nose, now that you're here, don't even think about walking out in one piece."
"For Nami-swan's safety, I'll train you properly!"
Before Usopp could react, three large hands had already seized him like iron pincers.
"Ah! Wait! I'm not mentally prepared yet! Help! Nami, save me!"
Amid screams like a pig being slaughtered, Usopp was forcibly dragged to the center of the deck.
"Let's begin! Phase One—impact resistance training!"
Ronan hastily found a thick wooden stick and raised it high, then brought