[Spirit Body Transformation]: Can freely switch between spirit form and physical form. (When in physical form, the mental power attribute becomes hidden and spiritual powers cannot be used. Other physical stats are equally divided from the mental power attribute, and mental manipulation of the Going Merry is impossible. When in spirit form, the other three attributes become zero, spiritual powers can be used, and the Going Merry can be mentally controlled.)
"Physical form!!!"
Luffy leapt to his feet in an instant, quickly closing all system interfaces and returning his vision to the real world.
His eyes, shining with excitement, immediately found little Merry, still sitting on the deck, playfully swinging her feet.
"Merry?"
Luffy's sudden shout immediately caught her attention.
The little loli, her face mostly hidden by her cloak, tilted her head in confusion, staring at him.
She didn't understand why he suddenly seemed so excited.
"Merry!"
Ignoring her puzzled look, Luffy's gaze shone with enthusiasm as he asked:
"Merry, do you feel… anything strange about yourself right now?!"
"Merry?"
Merry made a soft, questioning sound, still unsure what Luffy meant.
Strange?
She examined her body adorably.
Nothing felt strange!
Then, just as she started following Luffy's suggestion to check herself…
A peculiar sensation suddenly surged within her.
It felt innate, like something she had been born with.
A strange, switch-like presence whispered deep in her heart:
"Left… or right?"
"Merry???"
Merry carefully felt this switch-like sensation, and in an instant, she understood everything.
Excitedly, she decided to experiment with this unfamiliar-yet-familiar new experience.
With her intention, the switch changed instantly!
The next moment brought a wondrous transformation to her body.
From Luffy's perspective, the first change appeared in Merry's mysterious, ethereal cloak.
The cloak solidified, as if it had transitioned from a mere illusion into something real.
A gray-black canvas cloak materialized and rapidly grew in size.
Yet even with the cloak's expansion, it now only covered half her body.
Because Merry, who had once looked like a five- or six-year-old child, began rapidly growing thanks to the Spirit Body Transformation skill!
Her pale golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, spilling out from the cloak and draping in front of her.
Her height surged dramatically.
In no time, little Merry had transformed into a young, adorable girl of around fifteen or sixteen.
She remained seated, just as before, but her big eyes now gazed around with a hint of bewilderment.
Though something felt odd, her playful childlike mind hadn't yet realized the full extent of the transformation.
Her large, round eyes blinked curiously, still full of innocent wonder.
"M-Me… Merry?"
Luffy was stunned, staring at the beautiful young girl before him, and for a brief moment, felt a small pang of disappointment.
The system description for Spirit Body Transformation only mentioned switching between spirit and physical forms.
It had never explained that Merry would take on this appearance.
"Merry (^～^)!"
Oblivious to everything, still thinking she was the tiny loli, Merry laughed joyfully, now aware she had transformed into her physical form.
Seeing Luffy call her name in surprise, she quickly responded with delight.
This time, Luffy finally saw Merry's smiling eyes.
Watching the young girl who still wanted to sit on the ground, Luffy realized, what difference does it make if she's little or grown? She's my Merry no matter what.
He smiled warmly once more and stepped forward, extending a friendly hand.
This time, Luffy's hand grasped not the ethereal spirit, but a small, warm hand.
When Merry fully stood, she suddenly realized…
She…
She felt different!!!
…
The feast gradually wound down, and even Sanji's glowing dishes were left uneaten.
From the untouched plates, it was clear some food had been intentionally left for Luffy.
No one knew why he had suddenly left his seat.
Even Zoro and Robin, who knew him best, remained quietly at the table.
The others wisely didn't ask, and the banquet concluded normally.
Then… something unexpected happened!!!
…
Less than an hour later, Luffy reappeared, holding the delicate hand of a beautiful young girl, walking slowly from the direction of the Going Merry toward everyone!!!
As wild guesses ran through everyone's minds, love at first sight, hero saving beauty, all sorts of odd scenarios, Robin, ever composed and elegant, finally spoke:
"Luffy, who is this… young lady?"
Robin's expression remained calm, but her slight pause and emphasis revealed a subtle tension.
Even from the way she held the segmented soup ladle, it was clear she wasn't entirely pleased.
Luffy laughed awkwardly.
He had no improper intentions toward little Merry.
If his feelings for Nami were like an older brother's love for a younger sister…
His feelings for Merry were like a father's affection for his daughter.
Scanning the group's varied expressions, Luffy didn't bother to tease them, and patted Merry's hooded head:
"Introduce yourself to everyone!"
Merry smiled cutely at Luffy, then stepped confidently in front of everyone, bowing lightly as she began:
"Hello everyone! I'm Merry! Thank you all for taking care of me! Please continue to look after me in the days to come!"
"Ehehe (^～^)!"
Merry squinted, beaming with delight.
"M-Merry…???"
Everyone gasped.
After all, the name Merry was one they all knew so well!
Luffy didn't make them think too hard. He patted her head again:
"Merry is the ship spirit of the Going Merry, and our long-time companion.
She just hadn't had the chance to appear before, but with everyone's growing love for the ship, she can now join our lives like a normal companion.
She's still young, so please take care of her!"
"Ship… ship spirit…"
As soon as Luffy finished, Kurokasu exclaimed in shock.
Even if Luffy had secretly hidden a little sister on the ship, he might have believed it.
But… a ship spirit?
As crewmates of the Pirate King, they had heard of all sorts of strange things.
Some had even sensed other presences aboard the ship.
Yet seeing this youthful, beautiful girl, they could not connect her with the legendary form of a ship spirit.
Luffy didn't offer further explanation. For the Starry Sky crew, miraculous things were nothing new.
Sanji, realizing the girl's identity, immediately had hearts in his eyes.
Like the wind, he dashed to Merry, kneeling on one knee, one hand behind his back, the other over his heart.
"Oh beautiful maiden, I am the chef of the Starry Sky Pirates, my name is—-"
"I know you!"
Before Sanji could finish, Merry interrupted, then continued:
"I know all of you! Sanji, Zoro, Robin, Nami, Usopp, Koby… and Luffy and Laboon!
I know all of you!!!"
The cute young lady's proud expression melted everyone's hearts.
A crowd of them surrounded Merry, chattering endlessly.
Luffy watched, smiling, and shouted at Sanji:
"Sanji! Make more food! This banquet is going to last all night!!!"
"Yes, Luffy!!!"
Finally, the Starry Sky Pirates had a beautiful young girl to sweetly converse with. Sanji felt like he was dreaming.
He rushed happily to the Going Merry's kitchen, bringing along Koby, who had also been charmed by Merry.
The crew under the Starry Sky banner had just grown stronger.