Little Usopp was no ordinary child. Growing up with a chronically ill mother had forced him to mature far earlier than most kids his age. He was far too familiar with sickness, with fear, with long nights sitting awake while his mother struggled to breathe.
So when he saw what happened before him, his young mind could barely keep up.
The unfamiliar big brother standing beside his mother glanced at her once, frowned slightly, and then lifted his hand. A faint red mist flowed from his palm like living smoke and wrapped gently around her frail body.
If the earlier scene was already difficult for Usopp to understand, what came next was nothing short of a miracle.
His mother's pale cheeks filled with color. Her trembling breaths gradually calmed. The thinness in her voice dissolved as warmth returned to her skin.
"Mom!" Usopp rushed to her bedside, clutching her hand with both of his tiny ones. "How do you feel? Are you okay?"
Banchina blinked in disbelief. She sat up slowly, pressing her palm against her chest as if confirming her heartbeat. "This... this feels unbelievable." She lifted her gaze toward the doorway, searching for the man who had healed her, but Ritter was already turning to leave.
"Wait!" Usopp bolted out the door, catching Ritter in the small yard. "Big brother! What's your name? You're amazing!"
Ritter didn't stop walking. He waved a hand lazily behind him. "Ritter. Take good care of your mother. I'm only doing someone a favor." His voice drifted off as he disappeared down the dirt path.
(Ritter: Cool, right? Baby!!!)
Usopp froze for a moment, his eyes sparkling with unfiltered admiration. Then he dashed back inside.
"Dad! Did you see him? His name is Ritter! He's incredible, like... like a god!"
Yasopp ruffled his son's curly hair, his voice unsteady with emotion. "He's not just some big brother, Usopp. He's Ritter the Mist Wielder, my captain's older brother, and... the one who saved our family."
Banchina gently pulled Usopp into her arms, her strength finally returning. "Remember this day, Usopp. No matter what happens in the future, never forget gratitude."
"I won't!" Usopp nodded vigorously. Then his expression lit up again. "Dad, can you tell me more about Ritter? And your adventures too!"
For the first time, Yasopp was truly glad he had chosen to come home. He lifted his son into his arms. "All right. But your old man's stories might not be as exaggerated as the ones you make up."
"I don't believe that at all!" Usopp laughed, kicking his legs excitedly. "Dad is the strongest warrior on the sea!"
The rest of the day passed peacefully, filled with warmth that had been missing from this house for years.
The next morning, five little ones gathered beneath a large tree. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, speckling the grass with gold. Ann wore her miniature red cloak, face expressionless as always, but she was swinging her heavy sword with surprising intensity while telling Ritter's stories.
"So Ritter just stood like this..." Ann suddenly stood up, gripping the sword with both hands. She imitated Ritter's stance with impressive precision. "And then... boom!"
She swung down hard. The resulting gust scattered fallen leaves into a swirling dance.
"Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun~ dun dun!"
"Wow!!" Usopp and Uta exclaimed at the exact same time, their eyes wide and sparkling.
Ann tilted her head, noticing their admiration. Her expression stayed neutral, but a faint, shy confusion flickered across her face. She awkwardly swung the sword again.
Usopp and Uta, very cooperative, gasped together: "Wooooow!"
Ann's cheeks turned slightly pink. Even so, she raised the sword again.
"Swish"
"Wow!" they echoed in harmony.
"Swish"
"Wow!"
"Swish swish swish swish!"
"Wow wow wow wow!" they cried in stereo.
Usopp practically jumped with excitement. "That's amazing! Ann, is it true Ritter can cure any sickness with his mist?"
Ann nodded seriously. "Yes. Uncle said as long as someone hasn't died completely, he can save them."
"Whoa!" Usopp's jaw dropped so far a whole orange could fit inside. "Then... can he defeat a Sea King?"
Sabo pushed up his goggles. "Sea Kings? That's nothing. Ritter doesn't even take Marine Admirals seriously."
Ace smirked proudly. "Last time, a pirate with a three hundred million bounty tried challenging him. One look from Uncle Ritter and the guy fainted."
Uta rested her chin in her hands. "Amazing. Is he stronger than Shanks?"
Silence. All five children paused.
Ann thought hard before answering. Then she nodded solemnly. "Shanks... gets his head flicked by Uncle Ritter." She mimicked Ritter's motion, tapping the air with a tiny "bonk."
"Pffft!" Ace and Sabo burst out laughing.
Usopp, however, grew unusually quiet. He lowered his voice. "Then... will Ritter take an apprentice?"
All four children turned to stare at him.
Ann shook her head. "Uncle said he only teaches family."
Usopp's shoulders slumped for a moment. But then he clenched his small fists, eyes burning with determination.
"My dad said Ritter is our family's benefactor. Then I'll become super strong. I'll become the bravest warrior on the sea. I want to protect Ritter too!"
Ace clapped him on the shoulder. "Good spirit! But first..."
He pointed wickedly at Ann. "You need to beat Ann."
Ann silently lifted her huge sword and tilted her head at Usopp. "Want to try?"
Usopp stared at the sword that was bigger than he was. He gulped. "M-maybe next time..."
On the beach, Ritter and Shanks stood side by side, watching the children play.
"Big brother," Shanks finally said, "thank you for giving Yasopp this chance."
Ritter snorted. "Don't flatter yourself. I did it for the kid. Children are innocent." He pointed at Usopp, currently being thoroughly "trained" by Ann. "Oh wow that looks painful. I didn't expect my quiet little Ann to be that ruthless when training someone. Just looking at it hurts."
Author: Tell me these training moves don't look familiar????
Shanks laughed lightly but his expression soon grew serious. "About Mary Geoise..."
"We leave tomorrow," Ritter interrupted. "Let the kids enjoy today. While we're gone, they'll be safest in Frostmoon Village. This place is still too dangerous. And besides, Yasopp deserves time to be with his wife and son."
Ritter smirked. "Who knows when we'll be back. Might as well let him enjoy it while he can."
Shanks burst into laughter. "Ritter, you're the most thoughtful man alive! So considerate!"
"Thud!"
"Ow!"
"You idiot Shanks. Who are you calling considerate?!"
The kids turned their heads toward the sound. Usopp waved excitedly. "Dad! Mister Ritter! Look at the new move I learned!"
Yasopp stepped out of the house. "Careful! Don't hurt yourself!"
Banchina leaned against the doorframe, now healthy and glowing. "Everyone, lunch is ready!"
As the five little ones sprinted toward the house, Shanks exhaled softly. "Big brother... you really are a lot like Whitebeard Newgate."
Ritter grew quiet for a moment. His blood-red eyes softened. "When you've lost something before, you learn what family is worth. You've experienced that too."
He didn't continue.
"Come on," Ritter said at last, turning toward the house. "Let's eat. Tomorrow we have business to take care of. The old fools in Mary Geoise are waiting for our little 'visit'. If we're lucky, maybe they'll even treat us to dinner."
Shanks grinned fiercely. "This time, I'll show them I'm not someone to mess with!"
"Bonk"
"Ow!"
"Don't get cocky. If I weren't going with you, they'd have you kneeling and calling them dad already."