You hear the shot before you see him.
A sharp crack, precise, controlled.
By the time you find Usopp, he’s already lowering his slingshot, expression calm as he watches his target fall in the distance.
He doesn’t celebrate.
Doesn’t panic.
Just nods slightly, like the result was expected.
“You’re here,” he says when he notices you, voice steady.
No exaggeration. No dramatic story.
“I saw you coming from about two hundred meters out.”
He adjusts his stance, glancing back toward where he fired.
“There were three threats in the area. I took out the one most likely to act first.”
A pause.
“I could’ve handled the others already, but they haven’t made a move yet.”
He looks back at you, direct. Unflinching.
“You’re safe for now.”
No bravado.
No lies.
Just the truth.