The village lay nestled between swaying coconut palms and weather-worn stone shrines. The air smelled of salt and spice, and colorful kolams decorated the thresholds of every home. The villagers stared wide-eyed at the Straw Hats, whispering to each other in excitement.
Then suddenly, one of the elders pointed a trembling finger at Usopp.
“It’s him… the Tiger of the Pandyas has returned!”
“Eh?!” Usopp nearly fell backwards. “M-me?!”
The children swarmed him, tugging at his clothes. “Look at his nose! Just like the paintings!” “And he carries a bow! He’s the hero reborn!”
Sanji lit a cigarette, smirking. “Guess you finally found a place where your nose makes you famous.”
“Shut up!” Usopp hissed, sweating bullets.
The villagers explained: long ago, a warrior called Pulikesi the Tiger defended their land against invaders with a bow that never missed. He vanished mysteriously after guarding a sacred chart said to hold the path to Kumari Kandam.
“Pulikesi swore,” the elder said, bowing deeply to Usopp, “that he would return when the enemies of the Pandyas sought our knowledge again. And now you are here.”
Before Usopp could deny it, shouts echoed from the jungle. A band of armed raiders stormed into the village, mercenaries flying strange black flags with no nation’s mark. Their leader sneered, “Hand over the astral chart, old man. Or we’ll burn this village to ash.”
The villagers trembled. The elder glanced at Usopp.
“It is time, Tiger. Lead us once more.”
Usopp’s knees knocked together. Why me?! I’m no hero! I’m gonna die…!
But Nami put a hand on his shoulder, whispering: “You can do this. Bluff them. Stall until we step in. Just… believe in your lies.”
With his legs shaking, Usopp stepped forward, raising his slingshot. “Y-you fools! Do you not see who I am?! I am the mighty Pulikesi reborn, the Tiger of the Pandyas!”
The bandits laughed, until Usopp fired a shot. It burst into a cloud of chili powder, blinding half their men. Then he unleashed fireworks from his pouch, painting the sky with roaring tiger-shaped sparks. The villagers gasped, awestruck.
“Run, before my celestial arrows rain from the heavens!” Usopp bellowed, voice cracking.
The mercenaries, panicked by the chaos, stumbled back into the jungle. The villagers erupted in cheers, chanting: “Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!”
Usopp collapsed to his knees, trembling. “I… I’m alive?”
The elder approached with tears in his eyes. “Pulikesi has returned to us. As promised, the astral chart is yours.” He revealed a rolled parchment, edges lined with fading gold leaf. On it was drawn a night sky filled with constellations; matching the engravings on Zoro’s Sword of Starlight.
Robin’s eyes gleamed. “So… the sword and this chart are two halves of the same truth.”
The elder’s face darkened. “Be warned. Many hunt for this chart. They serve masters far darker than the bandits you saw today. If you follow it, you may awaken enemies greater than any pirate or navy.”
Luffy grinned, slapping Usopp’s back so hard he choked. “Shishishi! Nice work, Usopp! You’re a real hero after all!”
Usopp puffed out his chest nervously. “O-of course! I told you I’m destined for greatness…” (he whispered under his breath: I almost died though!!)
As the Sunny sailed off with the astral chart secured, the villagers bowed in silence, praying to the waves. The legend of the Tiger had returned, but destiny was only beginning to roar.