Straw Hat's Guardian

Chapter Fourteen: Everything Comes to a Close! Usopp Makes a Difficult Decision!

The group of pirates all regrouped back at the slope to find Kuro defeated by none other than Luffy and the Black Cat Pirates retreating.

Everyone relaxed in their desired places on the slope, Lambo opting to sit cross legged, back leaning against the side of the cliffs, his injuries throbbing.

Usopp chuckles, "Thanks guys, without you, I wouldn't have been able to protect the village."

"Give credit where's credit due, if you just stood by and done nothing, I wouldn't have done anything either.", Zoro said, smiling smugly at the sniper.

"Yeah, same here.", Luffy agreed from his starfish position in the middle of the slope.

"Face it, you're the real reason this village was saved.", Lambo said quietly, but a noticeable smirk appeared on his features.

"Who cares about any of that?", Nami asked rhetorically, practically nuzzling the bag of treasure she took from the Black Cat Pirates, "I got my hands on this sweet sweet treasure and I couldn't be happier."

Usopp laughed at the crew's indifferent responses to his gratitude.

Lambo stared at the sniper out of the corner of his eye, noticing the stern expression he now wore as he stared off to the sea.

His eyes trailed back to his lap ad he couldn't help but to snort quietly to himself. Ten years living with Tsuna and the rest of the Vongola Famiglia, and Lambo never would have imagined becoming anything else but a mafioso. Now look at him, joining a pirate crew. One that held big dreams for themselves and the world.

This group couldn't be any more different than his famiglia back at Vongola, and yet, they couldn't be any more similar too when Tsuna first started his training to become the Tenth Decimo of Vongola.

A group of friends fighting for each other and what they believe in, whether it's for what's right or for their goals and ambitions.

But that's the main difference between the two.

Ambition.

And Lambo couldn't help but feel that, in a way, the crew's individual ambitions is what makes them stronger and closer than any other group he has ever seen.

Is it enough of a difference that will drive this crew into big things?

Honestly, who knows. Lambo doesn't care. Just the prospect of going on an adventure with people that seem to believe in his strength fills Lambo's entire being with a thrill that causes shivers to run down his spine.

Yeah, this will be amazing.

...........................................................................................................................................................

Usopp and the pirate crew made their separate ways, the crew tended to their bumps and bruises, Lambo helped Zoro wrap the bandages around his chest since his wounds were already treated, as well as freshen themselves up. Lambo buttoned up his cow print shirt, left the suit jacket unbuttoned this time, keeping the sleeves pushed/rolled up to his elbows for more comfortable arm movement, but it allowed his left forearm to show the bandages covering his entire arm, that he wouldn't need after a day or two.

Once everyone was satisfied, they left their ships and headed towards the Meshi, the restaurant that Usopp first took them when they first met the other day, for a nice hearty meal after that hectic battle.

God, meeting Usopp felt like years ago when it only happened yesterday.

Lambo stretched out while Luffy chewed on a meatless fish bone. Only wincing slightly from bothering his wounds by the action, but it felt nice after finishing the well-deserved meal.