Season 8

With Nami joining as Luffy's navigator (though not as an actual member of the crew), they arrive at Syrup Village in search of a proper ship. There they meet a man claiming to be a pirate captain who also seems to have ties to Red-Haired Shanks.

Manga Chapter(s): 23-25

Anime Episode(s): 9-10

After uncovering a devious plot, Usopp warns the village and Kaya, but finds his years of lying make it difficult to convince people of the truth.

Manga Chapter(s): 26-27

Anime Episode(s): 10-11

Usopp resolves that if he is to keep the peace, the town must continue to believe he is a liar, which means he cannot let Captain Kuro’s men up the slope to the village! Luffy, Zoro, and Nami aid Usopp in his plan to keep the Black Cat Pirates at bay.

Manga Chapter(s): 28-30

Anime Episode(s): 12-13

Captain Kuro makes his appearance, and with Zoro too injured to fight, Luffy incapacitated, and Usopp and Nami too weak to make a stand, the situation is desperate. However, Kaya herself arrives, intent on bargaining with Kuro.

Manga Chapter(s): 31-34

Anime Episode(s): 13-14

While the fight between Luffy and Kuro continues, Jango works to force Kaya to bequeath her family's money to the Black Cat captain. Despite the Usopp Pirates' efforts to stop the hypnotist, it seems as if the transaction is all but inevitable.

Manga Chapter(s): 35-39

Anime Episode(s): 15-17

Kuro's ultimate move attacks everything in the area, friend nor foe notwithstanding, and Luffy becomes enraged by Kuro's lack of regard for his crew.

Manga Chapter(s): 40-41

Anime Episode(s): 17

With Usopp now on the crew and their new ship, the Going Merry, under their command, the Straw Hats head to an island said to hold a fabled treasure. There they encounter a strange man stuck in a box who has been looking for the same treasure.

Manga Chapter(s): 42, 22

Anime Episode(s): 18