The Going Merry cut through the waves, its sail billowing against the wind as it charted a course toward the shipbuilding city of Water Seven. On board, the Straw Hat Pirates were exhausted from everything that happened. But they were at least in high spirits. Not only did they get back Franky and Groot from the Enies Lobby, they also managed to do without getting connected as the straw hat pirates.
Still, the pirates were tense, and the observation haki users, mainly Usopp and Aisa were on the lookout for any unexpected ships.
As they sailed, a distant shape emerged on the horizon, a vessel adorned with the emblem of both the Franky family and the Galley-La Company. The people on the ship were surprised and thrilled to see Franky, while the others sighed in relief. At least it wasn't the Marines.
"Wait!" Franky said looking with teary eyes toward Iceburg, "You are alive! How…?!"
After a brief explanation of what actually happened to Iceburg, Franky was back to his usual self, and acting nonchalant about the whole situation. The cyborg was too embarrassed to admit that he cried for his not-so-dead friend.
The Franky family, huddled together on the Going Merry's deck, exchanged glances with the Galley-La shipwrights. "You're back so soon?!" exclaimed Paulie, the foreman of Galley-La. "We were just going towards Enies Lobby, it was quite hard to go due to the storm… but how did you guys come back so soon?!"
Hearing that Usopp and Nami perked up and explained how their small ship could go really fast compared to other ships. Franky also preened like peacock when it was mentioned that his last-minute upgrades also helped for the whole process.
After that was over, the Going Merry and the ship of Gally-la started going towards Water Seven. Only for Iceburg to stop them.
Franky blinked, "What do you mean, I can't go back to Water Seven? That's my home! Damn it!" He said, ignoring his wounds that were hissing at him for the unwanted movements. "Have you lost your mind, Ice for Brains?!"
Iceberg didn't back off, looking at him right in the eye, "You are the one that lost his mind, Flunky." He growled, pointing towards the general direction of Water Seven. "You might have had a day or two if the marines hadn't spotted you… but as they did find you going towards Water Seven. They will send their forces to capture you again. So it's better that you don't go back."
Before Franky could say anything, the square sisters, Zambai, and the other members of the Franky Family came over, "Yeah, Big Bro! You can't get back! The marines will try to capture you again!"
Franky gritted his teeth, "Why is it that the only time you guys agree are when it's against me."
"Don't joke around Franky," Iceburg said, before looking towards Sogeking and walking over to him. Of course like others, Usopp was bandaged up pretty bad, mainly his arms, but he was still on the deck for the whole conversation. "Please, Sogeking, you have to take this guy—" Jabbing towards Franky, "—with you. Your crew is strong… so if you guys don't mind…"
"We'll take him!" Gin gave them a thumbs up. Now that he was bandaged up, he was back to wearing his knight's helmet to hide his face. The previous one got destroyed in battle, but Anchor had made him a new one. But that didn't help much since Franky recognized his identity, and by extension the whole crew's real identity, but as he didn't mention it. The straw hats just thought that Franky was unable to recognize him.
"What… but I…" Before Franky could finish Anchor cut him off.
"Think about it, from one craftsman to another, Water Seven might hold a lot of value to you. But if you get there, you might not be able to build new ships… the world government for what it's worth, can keep a grudge for a long time." Anchor said, making Franky hesitate.
He knew what happened to Tom-san, but still. He couldn't just leave all of it.
Seeing the stick not working, Nami tried to give him the carrot instead, "Our crew could use a good shipwright," She said almost casually, "Unlike other crews, funds aren't an issue for us. Prove your worth, and you might be able to build your dream. And besides, we were planning to build a new ship…"
Seeing what Nami was doing, Usopp joined in, "Yeah, didn't you say something about buying Adam Wood. We can help you buy that, if you join us." He said, before winching, "It might sound like we are trying to buy you into joining our crew, but take it from a man that has a dream. You are worth all the money, if you join us. And we will be glad to have you."
"I am Groot!"
"Yeah, join us!" Aisa said, picking out a maple candy from her little pockets, "We also have candy."
Franky's brow furrowed in contemplation. He glanced at the Pirates, a motley crew that had already defied the odds. Memories of their camaraderie during the Enies Lobby rescue stirred within him, tugging at the edges of his resolve.
A moment of silence lingered, pregnant with anticipation, until Franky's lips curved into a grin. "You guys are crazy! But I like that!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a newfound enthusiasm. With a dramatic flourish, he extended a hand towards Usopp. "I'm in! But under one condition!"
Usopp smiled, "Sure, as long as it's not something unreasonable…"
"I want to know about your crew…" Franky said, narrowing his eyes behind his glasses, "Your real crew…" Usopp tensed up a bit, knowing exactly what he meant. But rather than backing off, he gave a serious nod. Franky smiled, "Then I'm in. Let's sail together!"
Usopp was surprised this time, "Wait? That's it?!"
Franky just grinned, "I can't be too greedy, can I?"
With that the Straw Hat crew erupted into cheers, congratulating Franky on becoming the latest addition to their crew. Franky really didn't mind joining the crew, mainly as they had impressed him with their tenacity.
They even went as far as to raid a whole government island to save him and one of their crewmates. And as a man, he found it super manly. So of course he was curious about the whole crew.
With that in mind, the crew changed courses and started sailing towards Jaya instead. They had enough rations for the journey and also an eternal log of the island. Iceburg promised to deliver and buy Adam wood for them, free of charge for taking Franky in.
Usopp was reluctant at first, but Nami pounced on the chance and took the offer.
A few hours later Water Seven was filled with marines searching for Franky's and the pirates whereabouts.
If Franky had destroyed the blueprints of the ancient weapon, he might not had that many marines after him. But as he kept it hidden all the time, some still thought that he had the blueprints. Whether it was true or not the straw hats didn't care. They were just happy to have a new crew-member.
But while they were celebrating, a certain hostage was wiggling like a warm trying and failing to get free.
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