Introducing Captain Usopp

As the small crew sails the East Blue, Nami stresses how poorly prepared they are for the Grand Line and steers them toward a nearby island to acquire a proper ship and supplies. While Luffy and Zoro insist food and drink are all they truly need, Nami begins mapping out a real plan, directing them south to the next port.

On the island, Usopp barrels through his village screaming that pirates are coming, then gleefully reveals the lie and outruns the angry residents. He regroups with his young Usopp Pirates, and when Tamanegi reports an actual ship flying the Buggy Pirates' flag, Usopp tries to flee until he hears only three pirates approach. Spotting Luffy, Nami, and Zoro, his followers scatter, leaving him to bluster about commanding a vast army. He soon shares a meal with the crew, telling them a sick, fabulously wealthy girl in the mansion might sell them a ship. The chapter closes on that bedridden girl, Kaya, asking her butler to meet Usopp.

This Syrup Village arc chapter introduces Usopp, Kaya, and the trio of Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi. Kuro appears only in shadow as the butler Klahadore. The Animal Theater cover shows Zoro, Luffy, and a giant frog making barrels.