The Going Merry sailed forward on its own, following the most precise course possible, without a single hand at the helm.
This naturally piqued Nami's curiosity, she had always been responsible for steering the ship.
Who exactly is controlling the Going Merry?
But glancing around, she saw everyone else's faces filled with anticipation.
Better not ask, she thought, wisely remaining silent. Slowly, she returned to her place among the crew, sharing in their excitement for the legendary world they were about to enter.
…
The Going Merry passed perfectly through the canal that connected the East Blue to the Grand Line.
It had now entered a mystical current, formed by the convergence of the seas, which could carry a ship all the way up to the peaks of the Red Line in a perfectly logical arc!
As the ship rose, its speed increased rather than slowed.
The raging current carried the entire ship and everyone aboard forward with fearless momentum, plunging them into ever-wider horizons!
Gradually, the mountaintop emerged, rising higher and higher into view.
"Crew!!"
Luffy planted a foot on the railing and shouted, brimming with excitement.
Everyone turned to him.
In this exhilarating moment, even the strongest of the Starry Sky Pirates could feel a heartfelt tremor, a pulse stirred by a moment worth remembering!
Luffy's eyes shone with a strange light, his radiant, sun-like smile illuminating him. His energy seemed to linger in the ascending current, suspended in time.
Perhaps it was Luffy's genuine emotion, or perhaps it was the irresistible magic of the Grand Line.
Whatever it was, his passion radiated differently than usual.
And quickly, that fervor infected everyone around him.
Though their expressions varied, each crew member's eyes reflected the same emotion, a yearning for the stars, a wonder for the unknown, and a deep care for their comrades.
Life needed moments like this. Moments that made it feel alive.
As the ship entered the central flow of the upwelling, Luffy continued, his voice filled with power:
"Maybe the Grand Line isn't really dangerous for us anymore!"
"Maybe our dreams aren't the ridiculous fantasies others say they are!"
"In a world ruled by strength, we have strength!"
"In a world with no freedom, we have freedom!"
Luffy strode to the bow and gently rested a hand on the Going Merry's figurehead, then spoke again:
"If there's anything I want to achieve in this world…"
His bright eyes blazed with pride, drawing everyone's hearts toward him.
The crew stepped up behind him, faces full of their usual, unshakable confidence.
What he said was true, they were within reach of their dreams.
Yet it was also false, because Luffy's dream remained distant, still just beyond grasp.
Being a comrade doesn't mean just taking without giving back.
When their dreams came true, it would mean one thing, they would go all out to support Luffy and reach for the stars together.
…
At this moment, no one interrupted Luffy's impassioned speech, after all, he was their captain.
"If there's anything I still want to achieve in this world…"
"It's to take you all with me and see the endless world out there!"
Luffy leapt onto the bow, unfazed by the rocking deck.
The brilliant stars, the unknown world, they were far from boring!
Countless adventures awaited them ahead!
The Going Merry had now reached the ridge of the peaks, even catching sight of the channels leading to the other seas.
The turbulent currents converged at the summit, forming a violent cascade.
Luffy turned, raising his arm high toward the crew, shouting:
"The Grand Line is no longer our goal!"
"Let's make this clear once and for all!"
Blood pumping, he howled at the sky:
"Our goal is—!!"
The crew already guessed what was coming and smiled at one another.
Following Luffy, they raised their arms and shouted in unison:
"To the stars and sea!!!"
"To the stars and sea!!!"
"To the stars and sea!!!"
Fueled by unstoppable momentum, Luffy pointed toward the Grand Line below and bellowed:
"Full speed, Going Merry!!!"
At his command, a mysterious force surged through the ship, enveloping it completely.
The three-pronged mouth on the sheep-shaped figurehead beamed in joy.
Power erupted from the ship, striking the sea below so forcefully that the rising current momentarily faltered.
With a massive BOOM, the little ship soared into the sky.
The upwelling waters sprayed violently, waves reaching high into the air as rain-like torrents fell around the crew, who were all smiling brightly.
=======
The Going Merry, untethered, plummeted from high above toward the Grand Line entrance.
The ship had no intention of following the slower currents anymore.
But in her exuberance, the Going Merry forgot one tiny detail, she was carrying a crew.
The sudden drop flung everyone into the air.
"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"
"Help!!!"
Usopp and Koby, thrown into midair, plummeted toward the ocean below, powerless to fly.
Their screams tore through the sky, noses running with panic.
"Dos Fleurs: Grab"
Robin's hands formed a rapid prayer, summoning pale arms that connected into two rope-like strands.
They shot upward, latching onto the two airborne crewmates.
Yet even Robin could not slow the descent, the ship and crew continued plummeting from thousands of meters above.
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Luffy clutched the bow, laughing joyfully, fearless even in freefall.
Sanji and Brook gritted their teeth, clinging to the railing.
Zoro hugged the mast awkwardly, while Robin sprouted two arms under each crew member's feet, curling tightly on deck for stability.
Only Nami remained calm, floating alongside the ship like a swift swallow, arms spread wide, teasing the panicked Usopp and Koby with laughter like silver bells.
But even her playful laughter couldn't revive the two, who had gone completely numb from fear.
In less than thirty seconds, the crew had experienced a lifetime of adrenaline.
The Going Merry, now surpassing the speed of sound, plunged toward the sea below.
BOOM!!!
The little ship hit the water like a rocket.
So gracefully that aside from the deafening impact, barely a splash was seen, just a massive column of bubbles rising from the depths.
The ship's speed gradually slowed under the ocean's resistance.
On the shore, lighthouse keeper Crocus, wearing his gaudy floral clothes, watched everything quietly.
Adjusting his glasses, he murmured to himself:
"Luck's been on my side lately… seeing old friends often."
=============
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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