CHAPTER 14

(Scene opens in front of Xiluobu Village, perched cliffside above the sea.)

"Is this it? The rich village Buggy mentioned?" Luffy's voice trembled with disbelief as he stared at the modest seaside settlement of huts and docks.

Zoro folded his arms and surveyed the village. His voice, low and gruff, carried a serious edge. "We traded a big ship for a tiny one? Only you, Luffy, could consider that a fair deal."

Luffy's expression hardened. "Don't underestimate this village—it's full of merchants! We can get a better ship here!"

From below, Rokuro slammed open the fish bucket. "And you wasted fifty berries on food! If that's on my tab, I'll reevaluate this pirate career!"

Zoro chuckled in agreement, revealing he'd tipped the fishermen with some berries too. Luffy gulped, "I did? I was just hungry!"

Nami cut in, folding her arms sternly. "Let's be realistic. This village deals in big trade. We can't afford to blow our budget on food and drinks. And Rokuro—" she glared at him — "that fish is a trophy, not collateral!"

Shi Kan, feeling cornered, twisted his lips. "I want to keep it! My Golden Koi King!"

Luffy winced at the rising tension. "Okay, okay…" he soothed. "Fish stays. We just need a plan to negotiate without fighting."

Arriving at the Village

They rowed ashore to find a group of villagers—mostly women and children—gathered by the water's edge, eyes wide as though a pirate invasion was underway.

"Who's out there?" called a voice from a cliffside house.

Zoro narrowed his gaze. "I've got a bad feeling."

Suddenly, Usopp burst from the house with his trademark slingshot at the ready. "You pirates! Leave now—or face my 8,000-men brigade!"

Nami rolled her eyes. "Who is this guy?"

Luffy yelped: "Aha! A big pirate with belly and slingshot!" He barreled forward like a cannonball.

Zoro muttered: "Show-off with no sword…"

Usopp froze and quivered as Luffy reached him. "Meat! We don't have meat!" Luffy roared, grabbing Usopp.

Usopp squealed and sputtered, "I swear I know you guys… I'm a great pirate myself! Rich! Terrifying!"

Usopp stumbled back, offering tomato juice as blood, and collapsed theatrically, clutching his chest.

Rokuro Saves the Day

Luffy dived to rescue Usopp. Zoro yanked him off, growling, "Don't scare another guy to death, rubberhead."

Nami handed Pronto a first-aid pouch. Usopp sniffed back tears—"Don't eat me!"

The trio of kids behind Usopp hissed, "You tried to eat Captain Usopp!"

Nami hissed, "Cut it out!"

Moments later, everyone realized Usopp was fine. Luffy gently helped him up, ushering him away. "I'm Luffy! I want a ship! Want to be friends?"

Usopp glanced sideways at Nami and Rokuro. Grinning, he nodded. "Yes… friend. Let's eat!"

Negotiation Begins

At the village's small taverna, they sat around low tables stacked with rice balls, stews, and barrels of iced water.

Luffy devoured stew messily. Nami counted berries on her tiny pad. Zoro chased fish bones with sake. Rokuro held the Koi King fish trophy, looking sheepish.

Usopp stood, clearing his throat. "So you want a ship. I… have one."

Luffy froze, mouth open. "You do?"

Usopp puffed up. "Yes. My ship, Midnight Sniper. Small but fast! If you help me solve one problem, we'll trade."

Zoro hissed. "What problem?"

Usopp's eyes darted. "Buggy the Clown's pirates stole my mock Golden Sail blueprint and stole supplies—especially meat. I can't challenge Buggy alone. I need fighters."

Luffy's eyes glittered. "We fight pirates? Really? Let's go!"

Nami raised an eyebrow. "And how do we even pay?"

Usopp swallowed. "Just help me get the stolen design and deliver it back. No sweets, dangerous sea—if we do it, I'll give the ship."

Rokuro folded his arms. "That's doable. Pirates are worse than this Buggy crew."

Zoro nodded. "I want a ship with a decent hull—and swords."

Luffy punched the table. "Yes! We fight Buggy's crew! Then we sail with Midnight Sniper and never be lost again!"

A Pirate's Agreement

Shouts and laughter filled the taverna as Nami counted berries and scribbled the agreement. Rokuro smirked, passing over the fish trophy for trade credit.

Zoro: "I'll sharpen edges and clear the way."

Rokuro: "Ninjas provide infiltration."

Luffy: "I punch everything!"

Usopp: "I… uh… provide backup?"

Nami: "I'll finance and navigate."

They all erupted in cheers and prepared a celebratory feast.

Departure from Village

The next morning, the crew—with Usopp aboard—pulled Midnight Sniper from a hidden cove. The villagers waved tearfully as they left.

Nami quietly counted berries: "Hmm… 500 mil stock, minus ship fee, minus feast… ended up with 35… not bad."

Rokuro patted her shoulder. "Next mission: secure the ship's hull, recruit a cook… and figure out how to face Buggy's devil fruit."

Luffy pulled out a small clover flag. "From today on, we are official pirate crew. Straw Hat, swordsman, ninja-fisherman, navigator, and sniper."

Zoro watched the horizon intently. "Next stop: Grand Line."

Usopp slipped him a hand-carved knife. "Don't lose your way."

Nami slapped Luffy on the head. "Keep your hat on."

As the wind filled the Midnight Sniper's sail, they knew the world was about to change — and their dreams would set sail with it.