Zoro frowned, seemingly finding Usopp's reaction a bit excessive.
He wanted to say something more, but at that moment—
Nami sighed softly, breaking the tension that was about to erupt.
"Alright, what's all the fuss about?"
She glanced at the agitated Usopp, then at the calm expressions of Zoro and Sanji.
Her tone carried a hint of persuasion: "The going merry is indeed no longer suitable for continued sailing.
But it's too early to draw conclusions now... let's talk about it later."
Usopp's lips trembled slightly; he wanted to argue more but ultimately fell silent.
The kitchen fell into a sudden quiet.
Outside the window, the sea breeze gently blew, the night as dark as ink, spilling onto the going merry's deck.
But in this tranquil night, an invisible rift quietly appeared in the Straw Hat Pirates' hearts.
Could this golden going merry, laden with memories, truly continue to accompany them?
The atmosphere in the kitchen had just become heavy due to the argument.
But Lin Ning's words were like a wisp of fresh air, dispelling the gloomy haze.
He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his lips, his gaze calm and firm as he looked at everyone:
"Then, we can use this gold to build a top-tier pirate ship and load the going merry onto it.
After all, the going merry is our companion, and we can't abandon it!"
In an instant, the previously aggressive Usopp froze.
His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something.
But in the end, he just gave Lin Ning a deep look and remained silent.
Not abandoning the going merry... loading it onto a new ship to become a backup vessel... perhaps this suggestion was the best outcome for the going merry?
He didn't want to admit it, but he knew in his heart.
The going merry's condition could no longer sustain their continued voyage.
All this way, he had tried his best to repair it.
But each repair merely delayed its breakdown.
If the going merry could continue to accompany them in this way... then perhaps, it was also a good choice.
Usopp lowered his head, silent for a moment, then finally nodded gently.
Seeing that Usopp was no longer insistent, Luffy suddenly stood up.
Excitedly raising his fists, he laughed loudly:
"Great! Then we'll build a super big pirate ship!
Let's bring the going merry along and continue conquering the Grand Line together!!"
His voice echoed in the kitchen, carrying his usual determination and carefree spirit.
Nami, hearing these words, also showed a relaxed smile and clapped her hand on the table.
"It's not certain yet how much money we'll spend on the ship, so the gold won't be divided evenly for now."
"Let's use it as funds for shipbuilding first."
Her tone carried an undeniable decisiveness; she had clearly made up her mind.
Zoro slowly nodded, looking at Usopp, and said faintly:
"Yes, Usopp's patching up is pretty much at its limit."
Usopp looked up, glared at Zoro, and mumbled:
"Just so you know, I'm a sniper! Not a Shipwright!"
Sanji, with a cigarette between his fingers, his lips slightly curved upwards, slowly exhaled a puff of smoke and leisurely said:
"Then let's go to a proper shipyard and ask around; there are always top-tier Shipwrights on the Grand Line anyway."
Just as everyone was discussing how to find a shipyard.
Luffy suddenly stood up, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Then why don't we just find a Shipwright to be our companion!"
"Our journey is still long!"
The kitchen fell silent for a second, and then—
"Hahahaha, you're right!" Sanji was the first to laugh.
Waving the hand holding the cigarette, he agreed:
"If we have a big ship, a Shipwright is indispensable."
Zoro also smiled helplessly, looking up at Luffy, his tone carrying a hint of emotion and sarcasm:
"This guy... he hit the nail on the head again by chance."
Nami smiled slightly, crossing her arms over her chest, showing a knowing smile:
"Since it's decided, let's go find the most amazing Shipwright!"
Luffy hadn't stopped yet; he grabbed his straw hat, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Oh, right! We should also find a Musician!!"
"How can a long sea voyage be without music?!"
"...Huh?!" Everyone collectively froze.
Zoro rubbed his forehead, speechless: "At a time like this, you're still thinking about a Musician?"
Nami couldn't help but retort: "We haven't even built a new ship yet! And you're thinking about a Musician?!"
Sanji "tsk"ed, shaking his head with a smile:
"What an impulsive guy... but it wouldn't be bad to have a Musician on board."
Usopp laughed heartily, hands on his hips:
"If we're looking for companions, let's find a great one!
A Musician is a Musician, who knows, he might even be a super amazing guy!"
"Hahaha, then it's settled!!!"
Luffy slammed the table, announcing with a loud laugh.
Under the vast starry sky, the going merry sailed quietly through the night.
At dawn, the sky turned a fish-belly white.
The warm morning breeze ruffled the going merry's sails, and the sea sparkled.
Lin Ning stood on the deck, gazing at the distant horizon.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed slightly; faintly, he saw the outline of an island slowly emerging from the morning mist.
"Hey, everyone! I see an island!" Lin Ning pointed forward, his voice tinged with excitement.
"An island?!"
Luffy, who had just finished his training, his eyes immediately lit up upon hearing the news.
He jumped up abruptly, rushed to the railing, and eagerly looked ahead.
"Are there towns on the island? If so, it would be even better if we could find a shipyard!"
Nami rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and sternly reminded him:
"Luffy, you can't just land immediately! Why can't you be a little more cautious?!"
However, Luffy's attention was already completely drawn to the island, and he didn't listen at all.
Chopper excitedly lay on the railing, his eyes sparkling, and said expectantly:
"Will there be a good Shipwright joining us?"
Luffy cheered: "We're approaching the shore! Prepare to drop anchor!"
As the going merry slowly approached the shore, everyone finally saw the full view of the island—
An endless grassland, occasionally dotted with scattered trees, appearing vast and tranquil.
Sanji glanced around, a hint of disappointment in his expression: "Tsk, there's nothing here."
But Luffy's eyes gleamed, and he shouted excitedly as if discovering a New World:
"Wow! What is this place?! It's amazing! An endless prairie!!"
"What a dull place." Sanji shrugged, a cigarette in his mouth, exhaling a puff of smoke with disinterest.
Robin smiled softly, her gaze gently sweeping over the surroundings: "Will anyone live here?"
Nami was about to say something, but before she could speak.
Luffy couldn't hold back anymore; he leaped directly from the ship, excitedly jumping onto the grassy shore!
"Hey! Luffy! You guy!!" Nami roared, almost stamping her foot in anger.
But before she finished speaking, Usopp and Chopper also shouted "Me too!" and followed him down.
The three of them rolled and played on the grass, their laughter echoing in the morning breeze.
Nami watched them, sighing helplessly, hands on her hips, and said indignantly:
"I can't stand these guys! Being so reckless on unknown land..."