Chapter 2: Usopp
"So, the golden giant ape I saw was the Monkey King? And it was the Monkey King after he became a Buddha."
Apollo had returned to human form and was sitting on a rock, secretly pondering. "Is this a fantasy reflecting reality? Or have I fallen into a fantasy?"
This was an ultimate question he wasn't going to delve into for now.
"The answer is obvious now. It's not someone playing a trick on me, but a supernatural event: transmigration!"
"During the transmigration, I met the Monkey King, and he gave me a single hair, which turned into a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit… Hiss, if a single hair from the Monkey King can become a Mythical Zoan, how powerful must his true form be? It's terrifying to think about!"
"With a Devil Fruit, then, if nothing goes wrong, this should be the world of One Piece!"
Apollo narrowed his eyes.
He had watched the anime One Piece. While he couldn't say he knew every detail, he was quite familiar with it.
Although the anime portrayed passion, humor, and warmth, the reality hidden beneath was extremely cruel.
Pirates ran rampant, burning, killing, plundering, and committing all sorts of evil. The World Government was dark and corrupt, the Celestial Dragons considered themselves gods, high and mighty, and the Marines, who represented justice, were themselves full of contradictions and internal chaos.
The strong stood high above, while the weak were at the mercy of others.
Most ordinary people in the world of One Piece lived in dire straits, their lives precarious.
"What a terrible world."
Apollo shook his head, relieved that he already possessed the capital to become strong.
Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits were one of the most precious treasures in this world.
After gathering his thoughts, Apollo began to consider what to do next.
"First, figure out what time it is and where I am."
This was vital.
If Luffy had already become the Pirate King and the World Government had been overthrown, then the world would probably be completely different from what he remembered.
"Secondly, develop the fruit and improve my strength!"
Strength was the foundation of everything.
In the world of One Piece, without strength, even surviving was difficult.
Also… he clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body, and a hint of excitement appeared in Apollo's eyes.
He didn't have this kind of power in his previous life.
"Hey! Who are you? Why are you here?"
Suddenly, a questioning voice came from behind him.
"Someone?"
Apollo was startled and quickly turned to look.
A long-nosed boy with goggles and a light brown bandana was looking at him warily.
This familiar appearance… he blurted out, "Usopp?"
The long-nosed boy was slightly stunned, then proudly put his hands on his hips and laughed, "Hahaha, so the great name of Captain Usopp has already spread outside!"
A moment later, he stopped smiling, stroked his chin, and put on a profound and serious look: "This is not surprising. I am a brave warrior of the sea, the mighty Captain Usopp! You must have heard of my deeds and come from afar to join the Usopp Pirates, right? Alright, seeing your sincerity, I'll agree, hahahaha…"
He was immersed in his own fantasy and burst out laughing.
Apollo's mouth twitched. While listening to Usopp brag, he pondered, It's definitely the world of One Piece… It seems Usopp hasn't sailed with Luffy yet, so the story hasn't started.
But it should be soon. I remember Usopp was 17 when he set sail. He looks about that age now. Hmm, I should confirm it.
He cleared his throat twice: "Usopp, how old are you?"
Usopp, still immersed in his fantasy, blurted out, "Sixteen… No, no, this captain is exactly thirty years old this year!"
Older means more stable, right?
Usopp secretly glanced at Apollo, hoping to fool him.
"Sixteen, huh." Apollo nodded.
The timeline was confirmed.
And the location was also confirmed.
If he remembered correctly, it should be Syrup Village in the East Blue.
Good news!
What did the East Blue mean?
The weakest sea!
"Weak" here referred to pirate strength.
The average bounty was only 3 million Berries; 10 million was considered a great pirate, and 20 million was the peak.
For Apollo, this meant safety!
What he needed most right now was a safe environment to allow him to develop steadily for a while.
There was no more suitable place than the East Blue!
"He doesn't seem to be fooled. What a strange person!" Usopp secretly sized up Apollo. "There are no ships nearby. How did he get here?"
"Come on, Usopp, take me to the village."
Apollo called out and walked towards the interior of the island first.
"Hey, hey, wait for me!"
Usopp was startled and hurriedly followed.
"Do you want to take the test or not?"
"Not interested!"
"What? You don't want to join the Usopp Pirates anymore?"
"I never said I wanted to join, did I?"
"I'm a great pirate with eight thousand subordinates!"
"Uh huh, you can have anything in your dreams."
"He saw through me!"
"…"
The two talked as they walked, and by the time they reached Syrup Village, they had become somewhat familiar with each other.
Led by Usopp, the two came to a small restaurant in the village.
Perhaps because he had eaten the Devil Fruit, Apollo felt especially hungry. After entering the village, the first thing he thought of was eating.
He ordered a large table full of dishes, then devoured them all like a whirlwind.
Usopp stared at him dumbfounded: "You… are you a glutton?!"
Apollo had just eaten at least ten times what Usopp would eat.
"I didn't expect it either."
Apollo shook his head, equally amazed at his own digestion speed.
During the meal, he could even feel the food he ate being rapidly digested, turning into energy and replenishing his body.
"You must be very rich," Usopp exclaimed.
Apollo's body stiffened.
Money?
He did have money, but it was all from his previous world, and it was all stored on his phone.
In this world, he was a complete pauper, unable to produce even 1 Berry.
"Usopp."
Apollo turned to look at him, revealing a smile.
Usopp was drinking tea. When Apollo looked at him, he felt a chill all over and subconsciously clutched his wallet: "What?"
"Heh heh, I forgot my money. Can you lend me some first?"
Apollo said nonchalantly.
Usopp's eyes widened, and he blurted out, "You don't have money?!"
"Keep your voice down!" Apollo awkwardly looked left and right. "I have money, I have money! I just forgot to bring it. You can pay for me first, and I'll pay you back later."
Usopp looked at him with suspicion. What he said didn't sound very credible.
"Don't be so stingy."
Apollo patted his shoulder warmly. "We hit it off right away, and we're friends. A friend in need, you wouldn't just stand by, would you?"
Usopp scratched his head: "It's not that I'm unwilling, but that meal of yours is at least 10,000 Berries. I don't have that much money at all."
Only then did Apollo remember that Usopp was an orphan. His father had gone to sea, and his mother had passed away. He lived alone and was also dirt poor.
His face fell: "Then what should I do?"
He had suffered enough from money in his previous world, and he didn't expect the first problem he faced after transmigrating to still be related to money.
Should he dine and dash?
With Apollo's current physical condition, it wasn't impossible.
The restaurant was run by a middle-aged couple who looked like they had zero combat power.
But… he couldn't bring himself to do it!
Besides, he planned to stay in Syrup Village for a while, and if he dined and dashed, that would definitely be out of the question.
Just as Apollo was in a difficult situation, a customer at the next table stood up.
"Heh heh, I'll pay for you."