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The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters of the East Blue. The waves gently lapped against the hull of the newly completed **Merry Go**, a ship that seemed to carry within it the hopes and dreams of all who gazed upon her.
After claiming their bounty rewards, **Luffy** and **Zoro** regrouped with **Buggy**, setting sail on a small boat back to Syrup Village. Three days later, the **Merry Go** was finally ready for its maiden voyage.
It was a magnificent sight—a double-masted sailing vessel with a square mainsail on the foremast and a triangular sail on the mizzenmast. Four cannons were mounted onboard, one positioned prominently at the bow as the main cannon. At the prow stood a finely carved sheep's head figurehead, its serene expression giving the ship an almost lifelike charm.
**Monkey D. Luffy:** "It's Merry...!"
As he stared at the freshly built ship, memories flooded back to him—memories of another timeline, where they had bid farewell to this very same vessel under heart-wrenching circumstances. That day, as flames consumed the **Merry Go**, raindrops mingled with what could only be described as tears streaming down the sheep's eyes. It was their final goodbye.
But here, in this moment, things were different. This wasn't the battered old ship nearing the end of its journey—it was the **Merry Go** at the dawn of its existence, brimming with potential and life.
**Usopp:** "Wait, wait, wait!! They actually got to witness the birth of the **Merry Go**?! Even I haven't seen that!"
**Nami:** "Ah... such an important moment, and I wasn't even there...!!"
**Roronoa Zoro:** "Haha! Looks like it's just me and Luffy from that side who got to see the **Merry Go** come into this world!"
**Vinsmoke Sanji:** "Damn moss-head, don't get so cocky!"
**Usopp:** "Damn it! Over there, I'm not even part of the crew yet..."
**Monkey D. Luffy:** "Huh? Usopp... hold on! If you're over there now, how did you join my crew without meeting me first?"
**Usopp:** "You idiot! You used Haoshoku Haki and knocked me out cold! How am I supposed to interact with you after that?! Damn it... does that mean I never became everyone's nakama...?"
Usopp's voice trailed off, tinged with worry. Unlike Nami, whose future aboard the ship seemed inevitable thanks to events at Cocoyashi Village, Usopp's fate appeared far less certain. If Luffy left Syrup Village soon, Usopp might never have the chance to board the **Merry Go**.
**Zoro:** "Don't rush it. Let's wait and see. Something might still change..."
Though his words reassured Usopp somewhat, even Zoro couldn't shake the unease growing in his chest. Based on how events were unfolding, it seemed likely that Luffy, Zoro, and Buggy would set sail immediately after acquiring the ship. And if that happened...
Usopp would be left behind forever in that remote village.
Meanwhile, the scene shifted to **Merry**, the steward who designed the ship. His eyes shone with emotion as he spoke to Luffy:
**Merry:** "Luffy-san, do you know? I started designing the **Merry Go** when I was just a child. But building her required money—something my family couldn't provide. A month ago, Master mentioned needing a new cargo ship, and I volunteered my design."
**Merry:** "Throughout this past month, I've often felt like this is all too surreal. After all, strictly speaking, the **Merry Go** isn't really a cargo ship. She won't significantly increase the merchant fleet's capacity..."
**Merry:** "And yet, Master approved her construction anyway. It made me feel like I was living in a dream!"
**Merry:** "But now, I understand! Because of your arrival, Kuro's sinister plans were thwarted. Master and I survived, and the **Merry Go** was truly brought to life. And now, she has found owners worthy of carrying her across the Grand Line—you!"
**Merry:** "This must be what Master meant when he said you and the **Merry Go** share a special bond!"
Tears welled up in Merry's eyes as he handed the ship over to Luffy. "Luffy-san, please take good care of her! Don't ever let her down!"
Luffy looked at the ship with genuine affection, his heart swelling with determination. He took a deep breath and promised solemnly:
**Luffy:** "Merry-san, rest assured! As long as I live, I swear I will protect the **Merry Go** no matter what!"
As these words echoed through the screen, the members of the Straw Hat Pirates watching from the chatroom were moved to tears.
**Monkey D. Luffy:** "That version of me... you'd better keep your promise and protect Merry, alright...!"
**Nami:** "Red-Luffy, give it your all!"
**Usopp:** "Over there, Merry, make sure you stay with us till the end of the Grand Line!"
**Roronoa Zoro:** "I believe we can pull it off on that side too!"
The camera panned to the **Merry Go**, basking in the morning light. Its gleaming surface reflected the azure waters, while the golden rays of dawn draped the scene in warmth. The ship rested quietly by the shore, exuding an aura of serenity.
When Luffy declared his vow to protect the ship, the camera focused on the aft deck. There, amidst the interplay of light and shadow, something extraordinary occurred. The ship gave a barely perceptible sway—and suddenly, a small figure materialized.
She wore a bright yellow raincoat and carried a wooden hammer. Her movements were curious but deliberate; she climbed onto a barrel, leaned against the railing, and gazed intently at Luffy. Once her eyes met his, she froze, captivated.
"Ship Spirit!!!"
The chatroom erupted in gasps and cheers from the Straw Hat crew as they witnessed the manifestation of the **Merry Go's spirit**.
For the first time, the connection between the ship and its crew was laid bare—not merely as wood and canvas, but as a living entity bound by destiny to protect and guide them. It was a poignant reminder of the bond shared between sailors and their vessels, one that transcended mere ownership.