#but for usopp himself it's like being back in water 7. he doesn't even mean to be silent. he's got words built up on the tip of his tongue

[camels-pen]

(i haven't read Whole Cake in a while, and i never really watched it, so bear with me)

I'd love to write a fic with Usopp on Whole Cake. it'd be sooo fucking long and i'd need to refresh myself on the entire arc, but god i'd probably be so satisfied when it's done. specifically for having brought a single moment in my head to life, but we'll get to that.

On Zou, he insists to be taken along on the Sanji rescue team and has worked himself up with a whole bunch of very good reasons as to why he should go there instead of helping in Wano, but of course Luffy just immediately accepts with a "yeah sure"

With Whole Cake, I think he'd be flipping between having fun as part of the idiot trio/quartet (Luffy, Chopper, Carrot), and being terrified with Nami. There wouldn't be that many differences in the arc as a whole, though; some things would be easier/better and some things would be worse- I don't necessarily think Usopp's presence would be overall an advantage or disadvantage, just different. Like, major events would stay mostly the same, but little details would change and maybe those little details would build to a far more drastic change-

for example, maybe one of Big Mom's kids considers themself a great sniper and wants a match with Usopp, or is motivated to work harder because Usopp is around and they want to take him out and boast about it. Maybe it means Sunny takes more damage than canon, or maybe Usopp's help means less damage to Sunny. (idk if i'd really do smth like this, but it's just an example)

skjdhf fuck i'm really not equipped to try and figure this out when i don't remember shit from Whole Cake aaaa

I do know that, despite his penchant for talking and rambling, I'd probably have Usopp be dead silent after his initial shock when Sanji fights Luffy. Everything about that is the same, except Usopp is just watching Sanji the whole time- not panicking, not moving, and not speaking. He doesn't say a word the entire time, doesn't even make a sound, and that, along with Luffy's words and Nami's begging, stick with Sanji.

(Usopp is thinking of his own fight with Luffy in Water 7, he's partially wondering if this was what it was like- if it was this painful to watch from the sidelines- and partially knowing he doesn't have to say a word, because he knew, like he knew back then, that it didn't matter what was said. It wasn't quite the same, but he could tell in the way Sanji moved, in the way he spoke and held himself, that he was putting on a front, trying to be brave in all the wrong ways. Usopp didn't say a word to Sanji because there was nothing he could say that Sanji himself didn't already know. Should've known. And his quiet, direct stare, was more than enough.)

the singular moment i really wanna write, is a scene where Sanji is apologizing for dragging them into his mess- either during the big meeting in Bege's castle or some other time- and Usopp's like "I'll do what you can't, you do what I can't, right?" and Sanji pauses, a little confused, until he remembers Enies Lobby and a stupid mask and cape and-

and tears are gathering in his eyes now, fuck, but he laughs a little. It sounds wet and his face is itchy and they're surrounded by tentative allies, but he- he laughs again and he says, "Fuck, you remembered that?"

Usopp shrugs, a little smile on his face. "They were some wise words from a wise man."

Sanji laughs a third time. "You think I'm wise?"

And they banter a little more before Bege tells them to quit it since they're on a time constraint or something. Quietly, Usopp will ask, "It-it helps. On bad days. And I figured, 'what's a worse day than this?' Ah, not that you getting married would ever be bad per se-"

"Usopp," Sanji says, looking more relaxed and settled. He smiles fondly and grabs his friend in a one armed hug, crushing him to his side. "Thanks."

And yeah, don't remember much beyond that, except the whole "hiding and then busting out of the cake" bit, which would mean Usopp in a cute little tuxedo or smth- maybe with a fedora aaaaaa <- loves fedoras- helping out with the fighting and eventually sailing with everyone to Wano.

He would be so distressed about fixing up Sunny now that the whole thing with Whole Cake is over. Maybe there'd be a gag about him promising Franky to take good care of Sunny while they were gone and being confident, after being Franky's tinkering partner and learning from him over time, that he could handle minor repair work much better than he did the first time around with Merry. And so when he finally takes in all the very-not-minor repairs he has to do, he's certain Franky is gonna strangle him for not keeping his promise. Probably also try to write in some nostalgic 'repairman Usopp' vibes from pre-Water 7.

Also something something, Sanji, wanting to do more for the crew bc he still feels guilty about Whole Cake, decides to take it upon himself to help Usopp not fall into a whole anxiety spiral about the ship. In turn, Usopp ends up helping Sanji not feel so guilty- usually by handing his own words back to him on a silver platter. And, yknow, having the two of them bonding and being buddies again like they so rarely get to be in canon nowadays qwq

#one piece #usopp #whole cake island #nemotime #that bit in bege's castle isn't exactly how it would go. just kinda. trying to get the vibe. also it's wayyy too short lol #the sanuso bit can be platonic or romantic. originally when i was gonna write out this idea a while ago i was thinking romantic with my #'they get engaged/married b4 dressrosa' au but tbh platonic works just as good #im- these guys man. i hate them so much (affectionate) #i'll get to rereading whole cake and finding a way to put him in there but for now. this. #if anyone's got other ideas im all ears #edit from like march 7: thinking about this again #maybe usopp being silent is an indicator for sanji that usopp's really fucking disappointed or shocked or w/e #but for usopp himself it's like being back in water 7. he doesn't even mean to be silent. he's got words built up on the tip of his tongue #but none of them come out. and despite sanji being Right There all he wants to do in that moment. is run. #at the very least he stays and watches the whole confrontation through. but afterwards he probably feels like shit #because he's the guy who's great with words right? he's the guy that can relate the most out of the group who went to WCI. he should be abl #to make a significant difference and help convince sanji to come home. but he feels like he failed. like he's going to lose another friend #and it's going to be all his fault. (again) #[not really. we all know merry wasn't his fault but we love old insecurities rearing their head in this house] #later he'd probably end up saying the words he wanted to say. and maybe it's better that way. that he ended up waiting #until luffy's had a proper shot at scolding sanji first. because then usopp can act as support and reinforcement. which. yknow. #a sniper's duty and all #anyway i got other shit to do so i'm cutting myself off here #wci usopp

[beanghostprincess]

I think my favorite thing about pre-timeskip Sanuso is that they are 17/19 years old. They are. So young. Teenagers. They know nothing about love and. And they are so stupid. Don't get me wrong, they still are. But they were even MORE stupid, if that's even possible.

And I love saying they started crushing on each other around Skypiea but-- Just imagine these two idiots already giggling and kicking their feet right after. I dunno. Arlong Park. Extremely early. They literally just met. And you have this casanova-wannabe having the realization™ about maybe perhaps kind of liking boys. And the other idiot who has a type™ (rich, classy, kind blondes) and won't stop asking himself why because Sanji is annoying af. He genuinely doesn't understand why he likes Sanji. Seriously. He hates it. And Sanji's sexuality crisis lasts between like, zero seconds and absolutely nothing because he sees Usopp smiling at him and his mind goes "prettyprettyprettyprettyboy" and there's no use trying to fight his demons (bisexuality).

The funniest thing about this is that they won't stop arguing like. From the moment they see each other. Usopp understands why he likes Sanji, okay? He is a pretty boy. He is also kind when he isn't being a complete jerk. He is kind of cute when he talks about the All Blue. He helps people whenever they need to. But then Sanji says something stupid and Usopp has the "fuck he is so annoying I wanna make out with him I mean---" crisis like, three times a day. While Sanji, since he has stopped fighting his demons, is a mix between "I will get over this crush fr fr he is just a guy" and "haha maybe if I save him he will give me a kiss on the cheek haha that'd be nice hahahahahahaa *gives in to gay thoughts for an hour until he sets the kitchen on fire*"

Sanji gets Usopp's goggles back in Alabasta because he is so down bad he just wants Usopp to thank him. Usopp is burning with jealousy in Whisky Peak when all those girls flirt with Sanji. They are both like "teehee it's cold out here we should probably sleep together just for warmth right hahaha". They spend all of Alabasta being annoying and everybody hates it. Vivi thinks they are dating. Sanji explains Usopp the 'Mr.Prince' trick and puts his glasses on only because Usopp thinks it's soooo cool. And Usopp thinks it is soooo fucking stupid but he wants to hype him up because, again, he is seventeen and he wants the pretty (and very stupid) blondie to kiss him.

When they get to Skypiea it is. The fucking worst. That is peak crushing on each other. It is not even realizing they are crushing, it is extreme "if we aren't next to each other constantly I think I will die" type of thing but "we can't tell each other how we feel bc what if it's not mutual". So they sleep next to each other. They hold hands. They pretend like they don't like it. They are dying from embarrassment. Sanji tells Usopp he doesn't care if he dies because he is having an "I need to look straight" moment and Usopp is having a "fuck why did I fall for a straight guy" moment. Then Sanji saves them, because he is like that but also because he is. Head over heels. Usopp takes care of his wounds right after and they are both so. So nervous.

Like-- Sanuso but they are crushing early in the story and they are both SHAKING every time they talk to each other. Sanji tries to act sooo cool and Usopp is like "haha yeah you're sooo cool" while regretting every decision he has ever made because why the hell does he want to fuck a blond loser.

By the time they get to Water 7 everything is more like. Genuine and romantic and they are basically in love with each other at this point. So I don't need to explain anything but. But. But Usopp in Thriller Bark thinking he is so cool with his little vampire hunter outfit and Sanji being down bad for him because he is, indeed, very cool. But Usopp is also having his teenage Conan Gray 'Heather' moment because Sanji won't stop saving Nami and Usopp just really really really wants Sanji to save him instead but okay fucking blond guy I hate him I hate him I hate him---

They both have their moments of screaming btw. Sanji finds moments alone to go to the kitchen and just. Scream inside of pots. Scream inside of glasses. Scream inside of cabinets. He likes Usopp so much it's physically unbearable and Usopp won't stop spending time with mosshead so of course he is angry. And Usopp goes to the boys' quarters to scream in pillows and the lockers and he is so stressed.

Sanji tells Usopp to taste his food before anybody else (please I am making this for you this food is for you love me love me love me love me) and Usopp constantly tells Sanji his stories because nobody else listens to him (do you think I'm cool please think I'm cool please please). Sanji has so many nosebleeds every day but they are not exaggerated they are. They are just there. He will constantly have nosebleeds and he lies and says it's just a weird condition because saying "please let your hair down more I am in love with you" is weird. And Usopp constantly bumps into walls and shit like that when he is trying to make Sanji look at him.

Their crushes on each other take like, at least, 80% of their time. It is insane and ridiculous and awkward and they are blushing 24/7 and kicking their feet and screaming and they like like each other. They don't say it like normal people. They like like each other. Because they're. Stupid. And young. And they make so many mistakes but they are growing up together. And I think that's beautiful and I adore them <33

WAIT WAIT WAIT EDIT: Not to mention the first time have sex. Not going into details bc. That's for another post I want to make. But they definitely had sex like. Before Sabaody. And it was the weirdest most disgusting teenage thing ever and I adore them. They were SO anxious. And it is. So cute. And I love themIlovethemwefnlwkefnln (<- normal person)

#they are so youuung #what are you overthrowing governments you should be flirtiiing #pre-ts sanuso save meee #i want them both to be awkward :(( #one piece #black leg sanji #usopp #sanuso

[lunaticus]

Thank you for what you said on that post about Usopp and Zoro’s post-water 7 relationship; I hate when Usopp’s actions in water 7 are treated like he was just being a brat. While I agree an apology was necessary, personally I think the way Zoro went about obtaining it would cause more problems in the long run if the narrative didn’t back him up. Giving your friend the cold shoulder and demonstrating that you’re fully willing to leave him without even trying to talk things out? That whole sequence left a very bad taste in my mouth. Sorry for going off in your inbox but tldr I appreciate what you said

ok ok listen, i get what you mean, ive been there as well, i too thought in the past what zoro did was wrong and unfair, and i still partially think so, but what really cured this conflict for me was that zoro said all that, thinking he's so damn rational and mature about it all, saying if the first thing usopp says isn't an apology he won't accept him back, and then usopp comes and ofc the first thing he says isn't an apology bc it's usopp, usopp who's always a little slow, usopp who always needs that extra shove to be honest, and while we probably all agree that this is a highly emotional distressing situation for an insecure guy that could have been avoided, zoro too is under a lot of stress, torn between staying true to his words or staying true to himself and the crew, the whole crew including usopp, and he too decides to not hear what usopp says, just like luffy, bc no matter how much zoro values loyalty and discipline, he breaks his own vows here for others, for usopp, bc he ofc wants usopp back on the crew as well, he said so himself that having usopp back is the best possible outcome for them (and as i like to argue, it's the only outcome for them as a crew in a long run), and they are all so young, "playing pirates" including zoro, bc they're not pirates first no matter what any of them says, they are nakama and nakama don't leave one behind

also can you imagine the dwelling anger zoro had to face from the others? nami and chopper are obvious bc they both think that this whole thing is stupid from the beginning and they are already very emotional about this, it probably feels weird to zoro that sanji is agreeing with him which kinda makes zoro wrong by default (what's up with sanji is an entirely different story but that's for another day), robin doesn't have the full picture while franky has a very one-sided picture that nearly none of the others seem to be aware of, and luffy... well luffy tries to be a good captain since being a bad captain had led to this situation in the first place, so he tries to be nonchalant about this, and im pretty sure he is to some extent, truly believing that if usopp doesn't want to return to them, he can accept that, all while stressing over so much on the tje inside bc the way he breaks once usopp apologizes speaks for itself imo

i also kinda think zoro is actively trying to be the bad guy here, but that's also for another day lol

#if w7 was easy nobody would be misinterpreting it lol #w7 feels #im also still dwelling on sanji's agenda bc it feels kinda like a u turn to agree with zoro after everything he'd done for usopp this arc #and so far the only thing i can come up with is that he thought they had enough time #and spreading more conflict within the crew was really not needed right then #but if y'all have different thoughts pls share!!! #asks

[izosdualpistols]

Zoro and The Smile He "Lost"

If I hear another fan say "Zoro lost his smile" I might actually explode and combust into flames.

I'm convinced most OP fans are either illiterate, in denial, or a mix of both. I am speaking from experience as I have argued with the "Yamato is not trans" bros.

It sometimes have me thinking that they've never read shit and just saw clips off tiktok.

OKAY. Zoro.

The man who has gaslit the entire fandom into thinking three sword style is cool - HEY! Don't run to comment something about this yet. You know full well biting down on a sword is ridiculous and if you did that in real life you'd get a fat disapproval from your fiancé's father.

That aside, I have to put it out here that Zoro is not the "I hate the world and I will slash everything" edgelord the majority of the no-brainer OP fandom takes him to be.

He's more than that and I'm here to prove it to you all.

-

It physically hurts to type this out but here is the wicked statement many fans believe to be true:

"Zoro would kill a crew member under Luffy's order."

This is where we point and laugh.

What I feel like most fans fail to understand is that Zoro is not some mindless minion that would do everything Luffy tells him to do.

Yes, Luffy is his captain, but that doesn't take away the right for Zoro to think for himself. He is able to speak and mind and lay out his opinions.

This is evident in Water 7 during the scene when Zoro finds out that Usopp wants to rejoin the crew after that harsh duel between him and Luffy.

His whole speech about "respect" was not there just for show. It gave us one of Zoro's beliefs and solidified his character even more.

-

Assuming we have that out of the way, it's time we finally get to the main topic. The topic that had me stressing ever since the discovery of it.

"Zoro lost his smile"

Don't get me wrong - I'm not encouraging emotionless jock boy Zoro. Never. But the term "lost his smile" is just so... off putting?

Zoro didn't lose his smile. He never did. Yes, we see more of his smirks and flashy evil grins than big laughs and soft smiles, but that doesn't mean he went Yaeger mode and is plotting to nuke 80% of the population.

No, no, no. Zoro is none of that!

Trust me when I say he's not gone emotionless. If we're talking about absence of emotions, we should be more worried about Sanji as a matter of fact.

Many people say he has started to be less expressive ever since his duel with Mihawk at the Baratie, so we'll start from there.

Through the duel's outcome, he comes to realize and experience for himself that the gap between his current self and the greatest swordsman is beyond far.

Not only was this a declaration of his loyalty for Luffy, but also a promise to his captain and himself.

He has set his goals straight and is now training everyday just to get even an inch closer to that title as the greatest swordsman.

He has set those standards for himself so he can have a clearer visualization of his end goal.

So when he lost to Kuma in Sabaody, not only did he break his promise, he has once again realized that gap between him and the New World. That is why he gets on his knees and begs Mihawk to train him.

The crew's separation had a big impact on Zoro, and so did the news of Ace's death (Once again realizing he wasn't strong enough back in Sabaody). So for 2 whole years, he has trained to get stronger - kicking his standards up a notch.

This flat out tells us why he delivered this line below:

"Get a grip", "This is just the beginning of New World"

Out of context, it sounds like an asshole thing to say. But if we take the reason why was so upset over Luffy letting his guard down around Ceasar (and losing once), they are words of concern in a way.

Zoro does not want the Sabaody incident to happen again. Being helpless under an opponent is the last thing Zoro wants. With this, we learn that he is not willing to let those 2 years go to waste.

His obsession with strength comes from his ambition - and his ambition is tied to Luffy's.

Zoro is a treasured member of the Straw Hats. Meaning he is aboard Sunny, under his captain, and sharing Luffy's dream. He's onboard it all.

We also get a little bit of insight on Zoro's character through Sanji, who says:

And he is absolutely correct. But Zoro is tough on himself for his ambition. He is pushing himself to be a man worthy of being the King of Pirates's right hand man.

Thus, realizing the importance his ambition and Luffy's ambition holds, this is the way Zoro becomes stronger. We are seeing Zoro, as one of the main fighters, stabilize the crew like the pillar he is - not going "emotionless" or "losing his smile" at that.

-

What a lovely post about Zoro I made. I just stated the obvious but SOME people just don't get it you know.. I am fending off any hardcore Zoro fanboys so get behind me.

#one piece #zoro #roronoa zoro #water 7 #punk hazard

[hexellent]

I sometimes think about how much Usopp genuinely means to his crew, even if he doesn't realize it. And I like to think that after Water 7, everyone is slightly more protective of him. Like clearly Usopp knows how much of a burden he'd been with his insecurities back then, and worked hard over the 2 years to have more faith in himself and become stronger. But even now, he struggles with his worth to the Strawhats, though on a less immature and outward level.

He knows he's strong. He know's he's capable. But damn if he doesn't get worried sometimes and accidentally compares himself to the others. Especially since, leading up to Water 7, as they got more crew members, Usopp was losing every temp job he had. Cook, shipwright, and general handyman, and he was spooked by everything.

I like to think Nami, Luffy, Sanji and Chopper are the most outward about their protectiveness over Usopp. However, they never do it in a way that makes him feel like he's being coddled. Just show a little extra care and faith in him, among other small things. Nami is probably the most obvious with how close they are, Sanji and Chopper being a close second with how much they worried over him in W7.

That's not to say Zoro, Franky, Robin, Jimbei and Brook don't care about him. But the OG Squad (zoro is not a big feelings guy) are def more apt to showing Usopp he means just as much as anyone else on the crew. Usopp just has a hard time conceptualizing and accepting that, thanks to his anxiety.

#don't yell at me i'll cry {ooc} #bravery at its finest! {muse: usopp} #this was not meant to be long but I'm thinking about HIM

[regnigt]

Another thought on Usopp in Water 7 / Enies Lobby (after all this time it still bothers me)... Even if Oda and many commentators says that Usopp suffers from too much pride, it doesn't look like that so much on the page to me. Usopp in previous arcs has never struck me as particularly arrogant. Of course he is full of bluster and fake bravado, but it's so obviously fake and done to puff himself up - and he's so very 1) self-aware on the one hand, and 2) an entertaining fabulist on the other, that it always struck me as more endearing than arrogant per se. I never really got the sense in previous arcs that he was given to find it hard to admit when he was wrong about something. Nor for that matter (and this is something truly arrogant people tend to do) did he seem given to push other people down in order to make himself look bigger. What he has always suffered from and which does surface in Water 7 along of course with his horrible self-esteem issues is a very strong fear of being rejected. And I'd say that's what most of his issues that can be called pride lie. That's what he tries to cover up the most. More than him being a scaredy-cat in general, or less than super-strong. He's scared of reaching out to people and ask them to belong, to make himself vulnerable that way, only to be turned down and rejected. And because of his huge self-esteem problems he does deep down think that he is more liable to be rejected than not. I feel that this tracks pretty well with how Usopp acts on the Sea Train and at Enies Lobby, and possibly even before then when talking to Franky about Going Merry. If he'd had a clear view of something he wanted to do on his own, away from the Strawhats (and not that mad plan of sailing back home by himself on Merrry, which he already knew wasn't really an option: I mean something that would seem to be feasible) then I don't think he'd have been so reluctant to face Luffy again as himself on the Sea Train. Maybe I'm viewing him too idealistically, but even if the past events would still have been too raw for him to admit he was wrong altogether, he could have been able to say that in hindsight he regretted that they left on such bad terms but that he was coming along now because he was determined to help save Robin too. But instead he donned the Sogeking mask, because (in my interpretation) he was scared of being told he couldn't even come along to help, that he was unwanted, too weak, that Luffy and the others would reject him. His fear of potentially losing Robin and the others without even having been able to fight beside them pushed him in one direction, but his fear of rejection made him do so underneath a mask - a creative if in the end pretty transparent manouevre, although it got the job done when it came to Luffy, who mattered the most anyway. When Luffy was in danger of losing to Lucci, the fear of losing Luffy made Usopp rip away the mask, overcoming the fear of rejection for something more important.

Then he put the mask back on again as they sailed away with Merry and were out of immediate danger. That point is where Oda kind of lost me and I wasn't able to really understand where Usopp was right then, emotionally. It does seem like his fear of rejection returned. He wasn't able to just say to Luffy, "hey, I thought things over and I realized I was wrong back then, I apologize." But not, I think, because he can't stand to admit he's wrong. He's been able to do that before full well. I think it was because he didn't just want to square things with Luffy, he wanted to follow that up with "and so can I come back to the crew after all?" And then that's when his fear of rejection came back in full force and he wasn't able to do it. I can analyze it like that and it makes sense, intellectually - but I'm not as sure of it as I am with his other previous decisions and reactions ever since the Strawhats arrived at Water 7. Already by this point, the development feels less emotionally convincing than the earlier parts, just as the eventual resolution feels very emotionally unsatisfying to me personally. I always felt like Usopp defying the threat of certain death (in the form of Lucci) to save Luffy should have been the true emotional capstone to his development, and I was unconvinced by the way Oda then made Usopp kind of retreat back from that moment, and how Oda then construed a situation where the narrative made it so that anything that helped Usopp feel welcome back to the crew - to feel needed and appreciated - would have undermined captain's authority and crew cohesion. That was a narrative choice on Oda's part that just never worked for me. Intellectually, yes, the arguments make sense. Emotionally, viscerally, I just don't find it satisfying or convincing. Which is a big shame because I do think Water 7/Enies Lobby is the strongest arc in all of One Piece, and I wish it had an equally strong arc ending like the Alabasta and Skypiea arcs did.

#whining #opmeta #usopp #angst #wangst #crew dynamics #storytelling #all these years and it still bothers me #water 7 #enies lobby

[jazminetoad]

It Takes One To Know One

(Just a scene of Kaku and Jazmine I made out of impulse)

"Your ship certainly got you, youngsters quite down," Kaku spoke up behind Jazmine, climbing over to sit next to the cloaked female gazing at the horizon from the top of Water 7.

"You could say..." Jazmine mumbled out, her voice sounding distant due to her presence floating in the memories she made with the straw hats. "It's just... strange how they're all acting like me..."

"I don't quite follow." Kaku turned to her, his face showing the puzzle he wasn't able to figure out.

"The crew, they're always so lively and carefree, they're filled with joy, adventure in their eyes, but after they got the news the Merry couldn't sail anymore..." Jazmine trailed off, leaving out the part of what happened with Usopp and how they couldn't find Robin.

"I'm sure anyone would be a little ruffled when parting with something they grew fond of."

"It's not that, it's the silence... how they stare off in their thoughts and their cracked hearts consuming their expressions. It's haunting how they display it, a reminder of how I've been so long."

"I see..." Kaku's gaze went back to the view of the massive city. "I'm guessing being up here makes you feel better?" He received a simple hum in response. The square-nose man grew a small smile. "The view from up here is certainly beautiful, in my opinion, no other city comes close to Water 7. The great air, the people, and Galley-la..."

"You feel at home here, don't you?" Jazmine asked, shifting the subject over to him in hopes of a lighter topic.

"Yes ma'am, I feel this place is where I truly belong." The shipwright smiled brightly. "When I was a kid my dream was to become a shipwright. I loved everything there was about the vessels, they fascinated me and I wanted to make one of my own. So when I came here and met Mr. Iceburg, and he hired me as one of his shipwrights, my younger self's dream finally came true, it made me happy..."

Jazmine took quick notice of the shift in Kaku's smile out of the corner of her exposed eye, reading in between the lines she could tell a sad reality has begun to catch up to him. It was a face she had grown all too familiar with in her life. Not wanting Kaku to lose himself in his thoughts, Jazmine turned to him for the first time since he arrived.

"Hey, do you mind if stay here for a while? I like your company."

"What kind of man would I be if I left a beautiful little miss like yourself all alone?"

So there, they stayed, watching the sun disappear and the night washing in. Slowly, the time passed and Kaku found himself asleep, his head resting in Jazmine's lap without his knowledge. Jazmine carefully watched the square-nose male snooze, knowing full well he only fell asleep and let his guard down because his instincts told him she was no threat to him. Normally, that would never happen for Kaku, but due to Jazmine's powers, it was. The cloak brunette had no intention of harming him, not someone with so much heart still left in him, not someone who was about to lose everything.

"Kaku, I know you can't hear me but, I know. I know your real job isn't a shipwright, I know you're an assassin. I can tell, I see it in your eyes, the look of someone who has killed. I can sense your hesitation and attempt to stay distant, by your actions I know you're on a mission and this lifestyle is nothing but a cover, one that will be over soon. You know it will, which means your life here will be over soon as well, and you're sad. You wish to stay but you can't. I don't know what cage you're trap in or who's keeping you in chains, but you're only temporarily free from them to live your dream and to feel truly happy. You finally got to smile for real and find a home where you belong. I know all this because I know what you feel... I've been there... so even if my gut tells me something is going to go wrong, I won't hold a grudge against you. Not to someone who reminds me of myself, not to someone who doesn't want it to be the way things are going to happen, not to someone who can't fight their fate. I forgive you, Kaku... I forgive you..."

#I don't know if this going to be canon in Jazmine's storyline or not #kaku #one piece water 7 #water 7 #galley la

[camels-pen]

post-timeskip Sanji is sent back in time to a point before Sabaody. I don't really have a whole thing for this, just Sanji having to restrain himself from yelling at his younger self to please, dear god, do NOT let Usopp get sent to Boin on his own.

He's also taking a lot of time to drag Usopp to the kitchen and give him lessons on proper nutrition and cooking. Usopp- as with everyone else- is very confused. Sanji's the cook, isn't he? That's his job, not Usopp's.

Sanji has to make up some excuse about being sick once and Usopp planning and cooking meals so badly that it has haunted him for years. Man, having a chronic liar and storyteller for a boyfriend is really rubbing off on him. Not that he's complaining at the moment.

Despite his confusion, Usopp genuinely has a good time with Sanji. Especially since he's not really cooking, more just writing stuff down in a notebook while Sanji lists off different recipes and why they're good to know off the top of his head. He doesn't understand why every recipe seems like they'd be best suited for camping out in a large, killer bug and plant-infested forest- specific, yes, but also Sanji keeps making a note about that after he lists off each recipe. Usopp is going to avoid thinking about it too deeply.

Younger Sanji, meanwhile, is pouting and denying it to anyone who points it out. His kitchen gets commandeered and it feels like his older self is mocking him. Like every time he pulls Usopp to the galley, he's saying, "Look how easily I can touch him, compliment him, make him laugh. Look how weak and cowardly you are." and younger Sanji can't stand it.

He'd grown a bit distant from Usopp since realizing his romantic feelings for him back in Water 7- and isn't that fucked up? it was only after they were in a hotel for the night, Usopp well and truly not a part of the crew anymore, that Sanji had felt an aching in his heart. The same ache that followed him now, though it's far more pleasant than it had been in that hotel.

Eventually, there's some kind of portal that appears high above Sunny and very distant high pitched screaming. Familiar high pitched screaming.

"SANJI!"

Sanji gets a big grin on his face and without thinking he uses Sky Walk to meet the quickly growing speck in the shape of a person. He holds out his arms and catches a flailing post-TS Usopp in his arms.

"Oh thank god," he said, quickly wrapping his arms around Sanji's neck. Sanji lowered them down to the deck and they were immediately surrounded.

"Holy shit, I'm buff!" younger Usopp said.

"Did Sanji-san just jump into the sky?!" Brook exclaimed, with similar sentiments echoed by Luffy and Chopper, sparkles in their eyes. "How- what- how?"

"Older Usopp's outfit is looking pretty super too!"

"You're only saying that because I'm half-naked Franky," Usopp said, unimpressed. "Don't put me on the same level as you, weirdo."

"Haha, sure thing, no need for flattery."

"It wasn't."

"Not that I'm not enjoying all this- and loving that you're here, mon cher," -younger Sanji's eye twitched- "but you have a surefire route back, right?"

"Of course!" He pointed up at the still open portal above Sunny. "Zoro's threatening the devil fruit user to keep that open until we come back. He was actually the one to find the guy in the first place."

Sanji groaned. "Mossball's never gonna let me forget it."

"It's nice that some things stay the same." younger Zoro said, smug. "I still have to bail your ass out all the time."

"Shut the fuck up!" both Sanji's yelled simultaneously.

Usopp laughed. "He gets into his share of trouble, but Zoro, you really shouldn't say anything. I mean, just wait until you lose your-"

Sanji slapped a hand over Usopp's mouth. "They're not there yet, darling."

Younger Sanji and younger Usopp's faces darkened.

Sanji could feel Usopp pout under his hand. "You don't even know what I was going to say."

Sanji rolled his eye. "I can guess."

"I could've meant his favourite haramaki. Or one of his swords. Or-"

"Dear, there's only one thing you constantly bring up that mosshead lost. I get that he's never told anyone how it happened, but you really need to let it go."

"How can a storyteller let go of a mystery like that?? You might as well ask me to cut off my tongue right now."

"Ah, but then how would you taste all the snacks I make for you?"

"You know, I survived for two years on a deadly, man eating island with nothing but-"

Younger Usopp loudly cleared his throat. Sanji and Usopp turned to him. With his flush still very visible, he said, "You can get down now."

"Aww, but Sanji's arms are comfy," Usopp whined, nuzzling Sanji's neck.

Younger Sanji stomped towards them. "Either older me lets you down, or I-"

Sanji raised a brow. "You what? You're just an arrogant brat sailing through Paradise. No matter what you do, you can't force me- either of us, to do anything."

Younger Sanji bristled and Sanji was starting to feel like taking him down another peg, make him know his own faults before they're cruelly laid out in front of him, one crewmate disappearing after another. Usopp tugged on his collar, stopping him.

"We talked about this," Usopp said.

Sanji took a deep breath. "Yeah." He turned to his younger self. "Sorry, it's- I'm angry at myself. Not you."

"But aren't we-?"

Sanji shook his head. "Don't worry about it."

And with a few more accidental slip ups and very obvious flirting, Sanji and Usopp bid their pre-timeskip crew adieu and Sanji flies them up to the portal. Usopp definitely says something along the lines of "I'm so glad you're okay, I was really worried and I don't know what I'd do without you." and then he and Sanji share a kiss mid-air before finally going through the portal.

The portal snaps shut and most of the crew ends up hanging out and talking about what the heck just happened in a "oh huh, what an interesting event" type of way. Meanwhile, younger Sanji and Usopp are staring, mouths agape and incredibly flustered, at the spot where their older selves made out with each other.

#one piece #nemotime #sanuso #usopp #sanji #time travel au #most of this is 'eventually post-ts usopp shows up' which was an accident but im nonetheless enjoying it #post-ts usopp did NOT expect the portal to appear in the air. he walked into it normally and just started falling lmao #man this time travel shit is fun #i didnt even get into the details but yeah lmao

[beanghostprincess]

Not sure if you've done a post already but curious to think how Usopp would react/what role he would play if he was at Whole Cake Island and how SanUso would change and grow as a couple after?

I was planning on doing a post like this tbh but I think I've already said a couple of times that I wanted Usopp on WCI. And it's not even because of my insane obsession with Sanuso (that too, tho) but because I think his personality would have fit the story perfectly. Also, I think that Sanji being crucial to Usopp's character back in Water 7 would have helped here too, with Usopp being present in one of Sanji's most vulnerable moments.

I think that following canon he would've been a part of the Chopper/Carrot storyline because of how fitting it would have been for his personality. We would have had so many funny moments with him there and back in the forest with Nami. However, I think that Usopp, being also part of the East Blue Crew and having a close friendship with Sanji (we don't see much of that post-timeskip, sadly, but they used to have so many interactions aaaa), he would have been there for the Luffy vs Sanji fight. I'm not sure if he would've stepped in, having more of an active reaction towards everything and trying to stop Sanji (because, well, at the end of the day, it is a Lusan scene and we can't take away their moment), but he for sure would have been there with Nami crying over everything. Idk. I think Usopp, being the first one who tried to leave the crew and having fought Luffy before, would understand Sanji. He would not be angry at his behavior like Nami, perhaps just frustrated and angry at himself and Sanji's family, mostly. It's hard to know what part of the story he would have been a part of because he already has his focus moment in Dressrosa and this is kind of to make Chopper/Carrot/Nami/Brook shine too bc they weren't there, but yeah, at the end of the day the story would have ended up being the same because the focus is Luffy and Sanji's relationship.

However, like I said, I think Usopp would understand Sanji's behavior somehow (even if the reason why Usopp tried to leave the crew wasn't the same one). We would've probably gotten a scene like the one he has with Nami after coming back to them ("coming back" meaning accepting that he wants to go back with them. That scene where she's mad and tells him and they'll never let him go again etcetc). But instead of what Nami does, I think Usopp would be just happy to have him back, and yet Sanji would feel guilty for what he had done to them. A lil scene of acknowledgment and understanding where Sanji asks why Usopp isn't angry and Usopp lets him know that he doesn't understand but understands to an extent (not feeling like he fits in and ending up in self-destructive behavior like trying to leave the crew) and they would inevitably grow closer after that.

Their dynamic within the OP world would change, of course, but when it comes to the main plot and their interactions they would pretty much stay the same because they talk like fucking twice in all of Wano and I am having a very hard moment watching this without them having scenes together- Please, being a Sanuso shipper is so hard-

But yeah, all of this is me trying to be realistic. From a more fanon perspective, I think Usopp should have just dressed up as Sogeking and saved Sanji like the superhero he is with the power of love and friendship and they would have gotten married. The end.

#i actually prefer my fanon view #sogeking should have saved sanji #i actually want to write a fic with romeo and juliet vibes except that it's sogeking saving sanji and it has spider-man's story traits #do you see my vision #sogeking would have beaten the shit out of the germa on his own btw #his personality would have been SO funny when they get to the island and start to eat everything #but yeah it's a crime that usopp wasn't there at wci bc i think oda would have found a better place for him than me #but at the end of the day it's a lusan arc and they barely give us sanuso content anymore so #not that i'm complaining btw i'm a lusan shipper too god bless being a multishipper #in my head sanji and usopp get married #one piece #usopp #black leg sanji #sanuso #whole cake island

[beanghostprincess]

What are your thoughts on lusopp? (Luffy x Usopp)

i just woke up so if my words are all over the place that's probably why! being productive right here! waking up early! somebody shoot me! fighting the urge to go back to sleep so i can reply to your silly lil awesome questions! i need a coffee.

AND!!! I REALLY LIKE THE SHIP!!! (just saw you're on impel down so i won't spoil anything!)

i mean, it's not my favorite ship and i'm not crazy about it like, idk, my fiancé is crazy about them (but again, she's crazy about zosan and lawlu and i'm not so we have to deal with each other's bullshit all the time). but i find their relationship really, really interesting and complex and cool to explore. i was just writing a fic about them being besties and super clingy, gonna cry. baby boys.

i personally see them more as just best friends, but hey! if there are cute fanarts and content i'm not going to scroll away!! it's a good and cute ship!!! they're bffs almost instantly and usopp's intelligence really disappears when he's with luffy which is, not only hilarious but extremely refreshing to see. let the anxious boy be dumb and reckless!! they're so chaotic!!

not to mention that it's not only their dynamic that makes them good, but the whole water 7/enies lobby thing. i fear that if i talk about this much i might start sobbing. but, like,,, their fight is the first time we see luffy actively cry on screen. we see luffy losing control of his crew, something he used to have control over. we see luffy lost and act impulsively and not knowing what to do because his best friend and sniper is about to go away and his heart fucking breaks into a million little pieces. because luffy sees usopp's potential and he wants him with the crew, but he can't do anything to help if usopp doesn't believe in himself. and also, the merry, which is another thing luffy loses control over and has to act like a logical captain about it but we all know it's heartbreaking for him too. and then there's usopp, who feels inferior and not worthy of being part of this amazing crew. even though he has shown over and over again to be part of this little family. he just feels like he doesn't belong here. and, you know, he says he's angry because of the merry but we all know the fight isn't about that.

so, we all agree that water 7 is very very peak lusopp (and sanuso, but tbf it's just peak usopp in general because he has great scenes with everyone. especially the monster trio, shout out to my boy zoro), and then enies lobby is when they make up and it's beautiful and heartbreaking and the way usopp yells at luffy to stand up and fight makes me want to curl up on the floor and sob for ages and ages and ag-

and i would go into detail about luffy's character but i don't want to spoil anything, so let's just focus on usopp here:

lusopp's dynamic works well both as a friendship and as a ship, mainly because they're both on the same page when it comes to silly shenanigans. we see them actively enjoying being with each other and doing stupid things together and that's just,,, so sweet. but also, usopp is one of those people that have to ground luffy sometimes and tell him "fuck, no. haha. we're so not doing that" because despite acting silly, he's pretty much more logical and rational than luffy is. but, you know, the reason he's like that most of the time is because he's scared of fucking dying (which i understand. i'd be scared too in that crew. i'm glad nami is always agreeing with him with these things), and he has to be the one to stop luffy (try to, at least. never really works) from doing extremely dangerous things. which is both hilarious and actually pretty cute to watch because it shows us how well usopp knows luffy. it's obvious that they're best friends. dude knows what luffy is going to do minutes before luffy even thinks about doing it. and luffy really, really admires and loves usopp's abilities and strengths and brains. all the things usopp is insecure about? luffy loves them!!!

and, you know, it's a good ship because they have that sort of bff energy, but if you make it romantic and angsty and more intimate? that's just better! i feel like their ship is just- those friendships that turn into romantic relationships but their dynamic doesn't really change at the end of the day? and i find that really endearing.

luffy makes usopp see the best in himself and makes him want to improve as a pirate to follow his dream and feel like he belongs in the crew. usopp makes luffy be a bit more grounded to reality whenever he needs to, and he was the first one to make luffy realize that, well, fuck, he's the captain of a ship and he needs to be responsible and make harsh decisions.

but now that they're together again, luffy is sooo not going to let him go ever again. and usopp will never try to do so because he just wants to keep fighting for him!!!

it's such an endearing and funny and angsty ship. i think i just don't really ship them much because i'm more of a sanuso/zolu kind of person. but at this point just make it poly and everybody is happy (except nami bc she has to deal with the 4 of them being in love and that would be extremely tiring. somebody bring back vivi for her PLEASE).

but yeah, cute ship. not my favorite but awesome to explore and tbh one of my favorite friendships in this show. very underrated but that's just bc usopp is underrated af and it makes my blood boil with anger and the fury of hell itself. that's for another day, though!

#they're very cutie patootie #these boys can fit so much trauma inside of them #but they're such great friends #i honestly think lusopp shippers are in a whole other level dude #sanuso and lusopp shippers should unite bc our arcs are water 7/enies lobby and we have in common that we love usopp a lot #lusopp #monkey d luffy #usopp #one piece