Usopp's Promise
On the deck of the Redfors
Many crew members leaned against the side of the ship in groups of three or four, looking at the island that was getting closer and closer.
Punch pointed at the small black dot jumping around on the beach: "Hey, is there a person on the beach?"
Gob looked at it and said, "It seems... to be a child. He looks quite lively."
Laqilu patted Jesus's shoulder and jokingly said, "This is your hometown. Could it be your son?"
The people around him suddenly burst into laughter, and Jesus Bu also started laughing.
"What nonsense are you talking about? How could I have a son?"
Hearing this, Meli's heart moved. Is this island the hometown of Jesus Bu?
Meli couldn't help but squeeze to the bow of the boat and look at the figure on the shore. It was a little boy with black curly hair and a long nose.
This, this is indeed Usopp, the son of Jesus!
The dock behind Usopp also looks very familiar. Isn't this the hometown of Go Merry?
Thinking of the happy times on the Advance Merry, Merry couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat and two lines of tears flowed uncontrollably.
Seeing Meili crying, Hong Xiang, who was standing next to her, immediately tried to comfort her, "Meli, why are you crying all of a sudden?"
"Is the sea breeze too strong?" Laqilu asked with concern.
"Or is there sand in your eyes?"
Meili wiped her tears and smiled: "It's okay, I'm just happy."
Finally! Home!
When I bought oranges before, I missed the chance to meet Nami. This time, I can finally meet my little friend Usopp!
Merry's heart was full of anticipation, however, Usopp on the shore suddenly ran away.
What happened to Usopp? A trace of doubt flashed in Merry's eyes. She was about to call out to Usopp, but she saw Jesus Bu next to her move first.
Before the boat came to a complete stop, Jesus seemed to remember something and suddenly jumped off the deck.
"Boss! I'll go first." Jesus Bu threw down a sentence and chased in the direction Usopp left.
Shanks looked at the running figure and gave a knowing smile: "It seems that Jesus is missing home very much."
The other crew members nodded in understanding.
"This guy Jesus Bu said he didn't want to go home, but he ran away so fast."
"Well, I can understand Jesus' feelings. After all, he hasn't been home for several years."
"Haha, let's pack up and go into the village together."
"Don't forget to bring all the souvenirs for Banchina, such as oranges, pork belly, ham and cantaloupe."
"Don't worry, Boss, we won't forget."
...........
Usopp's home is located on a small hill at the edge of the village.
This place is quite far from the village, so it seems a bit quiet and deserted on weekdays.
But tonight, this little house has become the liveliest place in the entire village.
The space in the house is limited and cannot accommodate all the members of the Red Hair Pirates.
They didn't care, but built a bonfire, set up tables and chairs, and started a banquet in the open space outside the house.
The other people in the village were attracted by the liveliness here, and Shanks warmly invited them to join the party.
Everyone drank, sang and danced to their heart's content, and the whole hill was filled with laughter and joy.
The unique appearance of Merry the octopus mermaid attracted a lot of curious eyes. Although other villagers were curious, they did not dare to approach casually.
With the encouragement of Jesus and Banchina, Usopp mustered up the courage to approach Merry and Uta.
The three children were of similar age and soon became friends.
As the night deepened, Merry, Uta and Usopp slowly dozed off and were carried into the house by Jesus and Shanks and placed on the big bed.
Outside the house, Shanks, Beckman and others were still drinking, playing finger-guessing games, and laughing. Some of those who could not drink much simply slept on the floor.
......
The sky was just beginning to turn pale, and the morning light was faint and a little chilly.
Usopp suddenly sat up in bed, his face full of confusion. Thinking of the lively banquet last night, he always felt that it all seemed unreal, like a dream.
The little kid ran out of the room barefoot.
The air was still filled with the aroma of barbecue and wine. Men were lying all over the open space, and Jesus was lying casually on the doorstep, sleeping soundly.
When Usopp saw his father, the nervous expression on his face disappeared.
It’s not a dream, Dad is really back!
"Dad!" Usopp rushed over happily, bumping into Jesus' arms and waking Jesus up from his hangover.
Jesus opened his eyes and looked at the little guy in front of him sleepily. He hugged Usopp in his arms and said with a smile: "Son, why are you up so early?"
Usopp threw himself into Jesus' arms, his face full of excitement: "I can't sleep. Dad, please chat with me."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Is it fun to be a pirate?"
“Adventures at sea are thrilling, exciting, and very interesting.”
"So, Dad, have you ever encountered any scary sea monsters?"
"Of course, we once encountered a giant goldfish that was bigger than our island..."
Usopp's eyes widened when he heard this: "Wow! How can we beat such a big goldfish?"
"If you can't fight, just run away."
"Huh?" Is it really that lame? Usopp was a little disappointed.
Jesus ruffled Usopp's hair and laughed: "That goldfish is really big. If we don't run away quickly, our entire ship will be swallowed by it, and you will never have the chance to see your father."
"Well, Dad, you better run away. I don't want to not be able to see you."
"Don't worry, your father isn't someone who can be defeated so easily." Jesus Bu deliberately lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Another time, we encountered a three-headed hellhound. It had three heads, each as big as a hill, and it spewed flames from its mouth..."
Usopp was stunned and full of admiration: "Dad, you are not dead at all, you are really amazing!"
"Hahaha, don't you see who your dad is?"
"Can I become a powerful pirate like my dad?"
"You are my son, Jesus. You can do it."
When the father and son were chatting excitedly, Banchina walked out of the house with a gentle smile on her face.
"Good morning, Usopp, Jesus."
"Bankina, good morning," Jesus stood up holding Usopp. He looked at Bankina, feeling a little embarrassed. "Did you sleep well last night? Were we too noisy?"
"Don't make a fuss. I slept well when I thought you were by my side." Banchina shook her head and smiled happily. "I'm so glad you're back."
"I'm sorry, I..." Jesus felt a little uneasy and wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Banchina.
"I'll go prepare breakfast for you."
"Mom, I'm here to help too."
"No, you and your father should stay a little longer."
Banchina put on an apron and skillfully began to prepare breakfast.
Looking at the gentle figure, Jesus felt warm in his heart. He couldn't help but step forward and hug Banchina from behind. The masculine breath surrounded her for the first time in a long time.
Banchina was slightly startled, and a chin was placed on her shoulder, and she was hugged gently.
"Banchina, I missed you so much."
Usopp saw the image of his parents hugging and a knowing smile appeared on his face.
He hadn't seen his parents for a long time, so he shouldn't disturb them.
Usopp retreated quietly.
"Don't be like this, the child is still here."
"It's gone now." Jesus buried his head in the crook of Banchina's neck, nuzzled it, and whispered, "I'm sorry, Banchina, you've worked hard over the years."
A tear flashed in Banchina's eyes. She couldn't help but turn around and hug Jesus tightly, feeling his body temperature and familiar breath.
The embraced hands gradually tightened, as if they wanted to integrate all their thoughts and concerns into each other's bodies.
—
When Meli and Uta woke up, the table was already filled with a sumptuous breakfast.
Shanks and the others drank too much last night and were still lying on the ground, snoring.
"Come over and have breakfast." Banchina greeted the children gently.
"Don't pay attention to those guys, eat first."
"Yeah, that looks delicious."
"As long as you like it, eat it quickly."
"I'm starting!"
After breakfast, Jesus brought Usopp to the open space, taught him some shooting techniques, and played a lot of games with him, Merry and others.
Banchina had been sitting nearby, watching them with a smile.
......
Merry, Shanks and others stayed in Xiluobu Village for several days, and there were banquets almost every day.
Shanks and his friends brought the excitement and joy of adventure stories, as well as the freedom and enthusiasm of pirates. Laughter and joy echoed in every corner of the village.
As she wished, Merry became good friends with Usopp. She and Uta told Usopp many stories about their adventures over the years.
That day, after dinner, Shanks, Merry and others did not continue the party, but returned to the Redvers docked on the seashore to rest, leaving the Jesus family some time to reunite alone.
Usopp sat between Jesus and Banchina, and the family sat side by side on the bench, looking up at the starry sky.
Jesus pointed at the starry sky and told Usopp the story of the stars.
"...That's the Southern Cross. It can be used to guide you when sailing across the vast oceans... However, within the Grand Line, the geomagnetic field, celestial phenomena, ocean currents, and air currents are so chaotic that these methods will be ineffective..."
Usopp was listening intently. He asked expectantly, "Can I go to sea with Dad?"
Jesus touched Usopp's head and said, "You are too young now. Wait until you grow up before setting off."
Usopp asked unwillingly: "But aren't Merry and Uta still children?"
Merry is a mermaid, and her fighting power is not weak. Uta has also eaten a devil fruit. Although they are children, they are not ordinary children.
Jesus was silent for a moment. He remembered that he accidentally overheard the conversation between Beckman and Shanks a few days ago.
They mentioned that the next voyage would be very dangerous, and Shanks even thought about leaving Uta in the East China Sea. Even such a powerful leader did not have the confidence to take Uta with him.
Not to mention that Banchina and Usopp are just ordinary people. Jesus Bu is not sure how he can guarantee that he can protect them, mother and son?
Sensing Jesus's pause, Banchina sympathetically spoke to the rescue, "Usopp, I don't really like the life of sailing. I feel a bit lonely staying here alone while you and your dad leave."
"Ah——" Usopp was stunned. He looked at his father and then at his mother, feeling a little embarrassed for a moment.
Jesus looked at Bankina with gratitude, and raised a fist towards Usopp: "Usopp, you are already a man. Daddy doesn't have time to accompany you and Bankina. Can you help Daddy stay and take good care of Mom?"
"Of course! Leave this task to me!" Usopp stretched out his fist and bumped it with Jesus's fist, "I will take good care of Mom!"
"Good boy, I know you can do it."
The night sky was full of twinkling stars, and Usopp leaned in Jesus' arms and fell asleep unknowingly.
Banchina looked at Usopp's sleeping face and asked with some disappointment, "Are you going to leave again after you come back this time?"
Jesus held Banchina's hand and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, the pirate flag is calling me."
"I see."
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