The conversation between them grew heavy, tense, as the topic deepened.
Dark clouds gathered overhead, the light dimming. A storm was coming.
On the Moby Dick's far side, the commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates and the officers of the Red Hair Pirates stayed in their respective areas. No one approached.
They felt the oppressive pressure radiating from the two Emperors. They looked up. The clouds were changing rapidly.
Lucky Roux, chewing a large piece of meat, said through a full mouth: "Doesn't sound like it's going well."
Benn Beckman exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes sharp. "It's about family. Matters of principle."
Then—
CRACK!
A massive bolt of lightning split the sky. Thunder followed.
"Negotiations broke down," Marco said, looking up.
The clouds above them had visibly split apart. As if the sky itself could not contain the collision of wills between two Emperors.
The sky split open.
Days later. Water 7.
With Iceburg and the Galley-La shipwrights watching—their farewells reluctant but full of goodwill—the Straw Hats prepared to set sail.
At the dock waited a new ship. Sleek. Alive with energy. A vessel of craftsmanship and innovation.
The Thousand Sunny.
Designed by Iceburg. Built by Franky, who had poured his heart—and his Battle Franky ideas—into it. Treasure Tree Adam formed its core. A ship made for the Straw Hats.
Beside it, the Going Merry—smaller now, refitted—was welded alongside. The two ships, one large, one small, joined together.
Little Merry was the most excited of all. She darted between the ships, her face bright, announced: "I'll get along with Sunny! Together, we'll carry everyone further!"
"To the furthest seas!" Luffy laughed, waving to the shore.
Franky, of course, was coming aboard.
Not just because of Merry—though that helped. He had a bounty now. Staying in Water 7 was too dangerous.
He stood at the rail, adjusting his sunglasses. "You idiots!"
"Franky. Your guys didn't come to see us off." Luffy touched his hat, looking back.
"Hmph. They were probably afraid I'd change my mind."
Franky crossed his arms, posing. "Goodbyes don't need to be sad. We'll meet again when we meet again."
"That's surprisingly deep."
"Naturally!"
Franky turned. Behind his sunglasses, his face was serious. Two streams of tears were flowing freely.
Everyone: "..."
Luffy stood on the Thousand Sunny's lion figurehead, arms wide, facing the wind. "Everyone! We set sail!"
"Ooh!"
The crew cheered.
Then—
BOOM!
BOOM BOOM!
Shells screamed across the water, exploding near the two ships. Pillars of water shot up.
"Waaah! What is it?!"
Usopp ran for cover.
They turned. A dog-headed battleship was bearing down on them. At the bow stood Garp, wearing his dog hood, hands on his hips, laughing.
"Old man! You said you weren't going to catch us!"
Luffy jumped on the figurehead.
"Puhaha!" Garp's voice boomed across the water. "Times change, brat! Let your grandfather put on a show! Fire a few shells—otherwise Sengoku will give me hell!"
The Marines on his ship: "..."
Could you at least pretend in front of us too?
"This isn't good. We need to go!"
Nami was already in navigator mode, shouting orders. "Franky, your secret weapon! Everyone, hold on!"
"Got it! SUPER!"
Franky hit a button on the console.
The Sunny's stern opened. The Going Merry was drawn smoothly into the internal dock.
Then—twin thrusters extended from the stern.
"Coup de Burst!"
A blast of compressed air erupted. The Sunny shot forward like a giant hand had pushed it. Its bow lifted, almost flying.
Vivi stood on deck, her hands moving, calling the wind to fill the sails.
Merry pushed herself, the ship spirit guiding the waves, adding her strength.
Three forces combined. The Sunny became a golden streak, cutting through the waves, flying across the sea. Garp's ship shrank to a speck on the horizon.
Garp watched the golden light vanish. He scratched his messy hair. Not frustrated. Something else—pride, maybe. Loneliness.
"That brat. Moves fast."
His Den Den Mushi rang.
Buruburu buruburu. Click.
Sengoku's enraged face appeared on the snail. "Garp! Where the hell are you now?!"
Garp picked his ear. "Sengoku. I found Straw Hat. Didn't catch him."
"Don't give me that act!"
Sengoku's voice was sharp. "Two things. First, Whitebeard and Red Hair met in the New World. Don't know what they discussed, but their Haki clash caused abnormal weather. Our surveillance fleet was completely destroyed."
Garp's eyes narrowed.
Two Emperors meeting.
Sengoku took a breath. His voice was heavier. "Second. CP0 sent word. The legendary pirate who escaped Impel Down—the only one in twenty years—Golden Lion Shiki. His floating island fleet has been active near the South and West Blues. Signs of large-scale mobilization."
Garp's easy grin was gone.
A legend from Roger's era, still alive. Twenty years without moving. Now he was moving.
"That old madman finally couldn't sit still anymore."
The wind caught his Justice coat,snapping loud.
"This sea is in for a storm like never before."
***
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