A red beam of light shot into the sea.
The beam expanded rapidly underwater, pushing aside swaths of ocean with its sheer force.
"Bwooooh~"
Laboon, having not appeared in the outside world for so long, immediately stood tall upon entering the open sea.
Like a child suddenly released from a long confinement by their parents, he joyfully lifted his head and let out a triumphant roar.
Luffy stepped forward, gently stroking Laboon's smooth skin, a hint of apology in his voice:
"I'm really sorry, Laboon.
It took so long to let you out."
Though Luffy's hand was no larger than a mere hair to Laboon, the warmth radiating from it was unmistakable.
Laboon, playful as ever, let out a low, childlike growl:
"Bwo…ooohhh~"
It was almost as if he were scolding Luffy for neglecting him for so long.
Even with his deliberately lowered tone, Laboon's naturally melodious voice still carried far above ordinary pitch.
Fortunately, Luffy's bond with Laboon was strong enough for him to understand exactly what the ship spirit meant: a little complaint, asking for more attention.
"Hahaha… okay, okay."
Luffy continued to gently stroke Laboon:
"I won't keep you in your orb for so long anymore. The Grand Line is the perfect stage for you to run free. Forgive me, okay, Laboon?"
Treat children like children, this method never fails.
Soon, Laboon squinted his enormous, hundreds-of-meters-high eyes in delight, completely pacified.
At that moment, Crocus slowly approached, his eyes glimmering with a hint of tears.
Watching Laboon, he seemed like a parent seeing their child return safely from a long journey.
After a long pause, he spoke gently:
"You've grown so much… Laboon…"
Sensing the moment, Luffy stepped back, leaving the father and son reunion undisturbed.
…
Time passed quickly during their reunion.
Crocus, uncertain if he would ever see Laboon again, stayed by the shore, quietly talking with the ship's spirit.
At night, the crew did not return to the Going Merry.
Instead, they built a simple round table on the shore, holding a small celebration for Crocus and Laboon's reunion.
While the crew reveled, Luffy quietly slipped away under Zoro and Robin's curious gazes.
…
On the Going Merry, Luffy sat alone at the bow, cross-legged, holding a large cup of fresh milk.
This milk came from premium cows he had bought in Loguetown.
The finest source, perfectly processed by Sanji, sprinkled with special West Blue sugar.
The taste… indescribably delicious!
Gulp gulp gulp~
With a burst of energy, Luffy drank nearly half of the two-liter cup in one go.
"Ah~! That's life!!!"
He reveled in the simple happiness, speaking aloud as if sharing with someone:
"Come to think of it… We've only known each other a few months so far…"
He gently stroked the bow beneath him, took another sip, and wiped milk from his mouth with his sleeve:
"But…"
"You wouldn't know it, but I've actually known you for a long time!
That day, I cried for you… for so long…"
Looking up at the star-filled sky, Luffy recalled the scene he had seen on the screen.
The raging fire… it had burned away so many hearts.
Back then, his mother on Earth had heard him crying and rushed into his room in worry, thinking something had gone wrong.
But he was in his rebellious phase, wanting only to live in his own world, rejecting interference from anyone.
Caught in the act, he argued fiercely and sent her out of the room.
I really regret that now…
He had thought that with the money he earned from making videos, he could save enough to get them a bigger, better house.
I wonder how they are doing now…
Which of these countless stars belongs to Earth… or maybe none at all?
And even if it exists… does time flow, or is it frozen?
Will I ever see them again… even just once…
Drip!
A tear fell onto the bow.
Luffy didn't wipe away the tears streaming from his eyes. He lifted the cup and took another sip.
I remember…
In high school, he loved having a glass of milk with breakfast.
His grandmother would wake before five every morning to fetch fresh milk from the dairy.
He had been so immature back then, occasionally complaining when the milk wasn't the perfect temperature.
Now… no milk had ever tasted sweeter.
Drip!
Tears gathered.
Drip!
Each droplet fell, producing a crisp, delicate sound, like a small stream rippling through his heart.
Drip!
…
Tears continued down Luffy's face.
After a long while, he whispered softly:
"When you're alone… you really can't stop your mind from wandering, huh…
Right, Merry?"
A soft chirp suddenly echoed in Luffy's mind, as if comforting him:
"Pyee~"
"Huh?"
Luffy blinked. The sadness lingering in his memory softened, his expression slowly changing.
Tears still lingered, but a small smile formed.
"Merry…" he murmured softly.
"Pyee~"
Another hesitant sound followed, as if Merry didn't want Luffy to see her fully, reluctant yet endearing.
Though Luffy didn't know why, it seemed every ship spirit disliked exposing themselves fully to their crew.
He had once asked the system whether a spirit orb could be used on a ship spirit.
The answer was yes.
This strengthened Luffy's resolve: he wanted Merry as a companion.
He would never let her cry again.
And he didn't want to cry again himself.
…
Luffy slowly stood, holding his cup, and turned toward Merry.
He closed his eyes briefly, spreading his Observation Haki over every corner of the Going Merry.
After a moment, he opened his eyes, stepped lightly, and approached the mast.
He offered the trembling Merry a sip from his cup, smiling:
"Do you want a little, Merry?"
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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