Chapter 40

Chapter 40 is titled "Usopp's Pirate Crew".

Cover
Volume: 5 Pg.: 91

Buggy's Crew: After the Battle! Vol. 5: "Battle of Wits"

The bird is nowhere near as impressed by Buggy's cleverness as he himself is.

Short Summary
Usopp wants what has happened this morning to be kept secret so that the village continues their peaceful life. But he has taken a decision: he will left the village and become a pirate too.

Long Summary
Kuro falls to the ground with Luffy still holding onto him. The Black Cat Pirates are amazed Luffy was able to do so and can't understand how. They demand to know who he is. Luffy explains he will never lose to a pirate who leaves the sea behind and that a Pirate only leaves his name when he dies. Luffy tells them he will become the greatest pirate in the world! Luffy tosses Kuro at the pirates and tells them to leave and never come back again, all crew members run away. Luffy collapses, Nami catches him. With the crew rushing to get away, Nami talk about pirates.

In the forest, Zoro ties his bandana around his arm and walks through the forest away from the defeated Jango.

Elsewhere in the forest Usopp has a chat with his Usopp Pirates and Kaya. He asks them to keep the event a secret form the rest of the village, even with pleas from all, he explains he is a liar, no one would believe them anyway. Usopp explains there will be must be no other pirate attacks, that life must continue on as normal with no one worrying over the possibility of what can happen. Everyone promises to keep the event a secret for the rest of their lives.

Back in the village, seven o'clock passes by and everyone notices something is missing. Piiman, Ninjin and Tamanegi return home and get scolded by their parents for one thing or another related to the events of Kuro's plan. At the coastline, Usopp thanks all the Straw Hat Pirates. Back the mansion, Kaya tends to Merry's wounds and tells him about her promise.

Elsewhere, near a cliff, Usopp calls together his Usopp Pirates and speak to them. Usopp declares he will leave the island and become a real pirate the others are shocked. He recalls the day he met them. He asks them to declare their dreams and with a tearful farewell between all four members, the Usopp Pirates are declared defunct.

Chapter Notes

 * Luffy defeats Kuro.
 * Usopp defeats Jango.
 * The gang decide to keep the event secret from the village.

Anime episode
Episode 17