I could see tears form in their eyes and I also noticed them trying to hold them back. I think they were trying not to cry in front of me so I wouldn’t feel guilty about leaving to join my crew. All that really happened was my guilt multiplying because of how caring the brats were. Carrot refused to look me in the eyes and Onion was already crying silently. Pepper though...I could see his shoulders shake and tremble with his head low. I sigh regretfully and bring them into a group hug
"Yeah...I'm leaving." Pepper stilled in my arms and Carrot just hugged me as tight as he could. Onion's whines broke my heart. "But it'll be okay. It'll be alright. When I was young, about your age, my father left to travel on the great ocean. He couldn't let anything stop him from following his dreams of being a great Pirate. I was too young to take, it would have been dangerous, so he left me with my mom. It's the same here, you understand? I'll find someone to take care of everyone. I can't take you, you're young, too young, but what I can do is wait for you."
“What do you mean?” Onion asked.
"Well, Onion you've always wanted to become an Author right?" with his confirmation I continue."Well what better story of adventure, romance, action, and mystery is there than a life on the sea? Carrot mistaked some rum for juice one day and from then on you've bragged about opening your own bar and creating "The Best Drink in the World" for months now. And what kind of Pirate doesn't need a hearty drink on his ship? Pepper wants to become a carpenter, and a handy man is always useful out in the Blue. I can't take you guys with me, it's just not safe. But just like when I was a kid, I can wait for you all to turn 16, and join me out on the sea."
"Really? We'll see you again?" Carrot said, finally looking up at me. I smile and give him a nod.
“Of course, even if you don't decide to be Pirates, I'll come to visit the island when I can. Now wipe your tears, men must be strong enough to face the challenges of the world with a smile.”
Spoiler: Convincing Roll
Req: 40 + 10 (Children are orphans) = 50
Carrot = 48 + 20(Charisma) = 68
SUCCESSFUL
Pepper = 92 + 20(Charisma) = 112
SUCCESSFUL
Onion = 75 + 20(Charisma) = 95
SUCCESSFUL
“””Aye!””” I chuckled on the outside but sighed on the inside.
“But still though, why can’t we just go ask Kaya for food like normal?” Onion questioned with a frown. It seemed like he was the smartest of the group.
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“Because you all know Kaya is very nice to actually give us food once a week, but we already got our weeks share. We already bother her too much as is and she has to hide it from that bastard Klahadore and Merry. If she gets caught she will get in trouble and we would lose our food source permanently."
After a little bit we finally arrived at the market where just like Usopp’s knowledge predicted, were a few vendors trying to set up their stall early.
“Okay guys, here’s how this is going to go. You see that idiot over there setting up his fruits and vegetables stand?” I asked, pointing to a rather normal looking individual. They all nodded. “You 3 are going to walk up arguing about something. Just as you are about to pass by him, Pepper I need you to push Carrot into him. Not hard, but just enough so Carrot bumps into our victim. Onion, you will then push Carrot, and start a little scrap on the ground. While his attention is elsewhere, I’ll grab our breakfast. When I call your names, immediately stop and follow me. Understood?”
They all nodded with a serious expression.
“Alright, it’s showtime, go!” With that, the 3 began walking towards the vendor's direction talking about who's the strongest amongst them. The closer they got to the stand, the louder the argument became while light shoves were already being displayed. Actually, they were pretty good at acting. If I didn’t set up the scenario I wouldn’t have found anything suspicious.
Just as planned, Carrot was knocked into the man, making him drop a couple of his wares. He started to yell at them about something but they paid him no mind as they began wrestling in the dirt.
Spoiler: Distraction
Req = 30 + 10 (Troublemaker Trait from Onion) + 10 (Troublemaker Trait from Pepper) + 10 (Troublemaker Trait from Carrot) = 60
1d100 = 93
SUCCESSFUL
I casually walked behind the stand and placed several apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes in my satchel. Of course I couldn't ignore the pouch of Berri on the counter wither. Quickly, I walked away with no one the wiser. My plan however was working much better than I thought it would though, and several people were gathering around.
Not one to waste an opportunity, I didn't stop only at the fruit’s stall. I hit up other vendors. Vendors selling trinkets, meat, hell even some selling rum and alcohol since they were in my reach. I eventually had to stop when my satchel couldn’t hold more and called my group of great acting rascals. I made sure I was far enough away from my victims stands of course, so I wouldn’t draw suspicion.
Just like I told them, they got off the ground and walked towards me, still growling and snarling at each other.
Nice touch kids.
After we were sure that the poor victims couldn’t see us, we ran back to our shack, laughing and giggling along the way. I knew that grabbing straight from the strall would be dangerous so I tried grabbing most from their inventory, those still in the bags and not yet placed.
Once in the shack, I emptied the spoils of our victory on the kitchen table and I couldn’t help but laugh as I saw all of them salivating.
“Dig in guys, tonight we feast!” I scream, and they all shout in agreement before digging in with abandon. I knew that I should have been rationing out our foodstuffs but tomorrow was the day we were supposed to meet Kaya for our food anyway. And just for now, for my first day in this world, I wanted to give them a taste of freedom.
This is good. This is nice. But the question is, was it enough? Honestly, we could keep this going. Kaya gives us food weekly, but sometimes it doesn't last. We could always just do what we did today and steal a little. How do I feel about that? Well, not horrible I suppose. I could always get a job if I really wanted to stop but I don't know when Luffy and the gang will pop up and I kind of want all my free time training. Not only that, those bastards in that village won't likely hire men to do much than a few odd jobs. If I actually want stable income I would have to ask Kaya to hire me as another butler or something, and I already ask her to do so much. What do I do?
Does Usopp Get Work Or Focus On Training
[X] Focus On Training
During the mini training art, will have more time to train skills, or even just hand out with the kids
[ ] Do Odd Jobs
This will give Usopp a little money on the side but will still allow him to train a bit too. Possibility of not finding any work if Roll Req not met
[ ] Work For Kaya
This will give you enough money to take care of the kids and even have some left over for you adventure but the smallest amount of time to train.