The forest at night was quieter than ever.
After the morning's disaster and the afternoon's calamity, this seemingly ordinary peace felt exceptionally precious to the creatures of the island.
In the central clearing of the forest, a massive bonfire, built from what seemed like half the forest itself, blazed high.
The glow of the flames reflected a group of people laughing and enjoying themselves.
…
"Sanji! This meat is so delicious! I want more!"
"Alright! Little Merry, just wait a moment~"
"Ahahaha~ It's been over a hundred years since I drank such fine wine!"
"Hey! Big guy, don't drink all my stock!!!"
"Ahahaha! Who cares? A warrior drinks with a full heart!"
............
The clearing was filled with laughter.
Occasionally, the soothing melodies played by Brook could be heard drifting through the air.
Fully recovered, Brogy held his enormous custom cup and poured himself Zoro's favorite East Blue specialty wine. Ignoring Zoro's pleading look, he gulped it down heartily.
It had been over twelve hours since Merry and Brogy's battle.
During that time, Luffy and the crew had explored the entire island, capturing hundreds of dinosaur and strange creature hatchlings.
They were now carefully stored in the hold of the Going Merry.
Soon, with a little effort, the crew could recreate an ecosystem inside the ship nearly identical to the Little Garden.
This way, life aboard the Going Merry could be just as rich and immersive as life outside, preventing any psychological strain from long-term confinement.
Though Luffy thought with this crew, such problems were unlikely.
Still, creating a comfortable environment for his friends was part of his duty as captain.
After all…
No one knew what awaited them in the vast, distant universe.
A purposeless wandering? Endless wars?
Everything remained unknown.
Better to be careful than regretful.
…
The night's banquet stretched on endlessly.
Even as dawn broke, Zoro and the two giants continued their drinking contest, showing no sign of stopping.
Nami and Robin had already returned to the Going Merry with Merry and Vivi, enjoying a comfortable bath and rest in their quarters.
The rest of the burly crew slept scattered on the clearing's ground.
…
The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the trees, casting mottled patterns across the forest floor.
Little Merry, ever playful, wielded a random foxtail grass she had found, waving it at Koby and Usopp's noses.
The two tried desperately to shoo her away, but she persisted, disturbing their morning slumber.
Their antics made Merry cover her mouth, giggling mischievously.
…
"Good morning, Merry!"
Startled, Merry froze, quickly hiding her "toy" behind her back. She turned, looking a little embarrassed:
"G…Good morning, Luffy…"
Luffy stepped forward, ruffling her hair and shaking his head with mild exasperation.
He knew exactly what mischief she had been up to, but indulging her was far easier than scolding her.
So poor Usopp and Koby bore the brunt.
After all… this wasn't the first time.
…
"Hehe!"
Seeing that her prank had been noticed, Merry grinned, revealing two rows of tiny white teeth. Then she quickly changed the subject:
"Luffy, when are we leaving? Are we going to have a ten-day banquet here?"
"A banquet, huh…"
Luffy glanced at the three still drinking at full force.
Even with flushed faces, they kept pouring themselves wine after wine, sake, spirits, beer, wine…
Zoro and the two giants had nearly emptied the Going Merry's wine cellar overnight.
These were rare, expensive drinks, treasures that even wealth couldn't easily buy.
Treasure Zoro had carefully stored.
Luffy shook his head in exasperation. Fortunately, the Going Merry still had enough supplies. He just hoped Sanji's brewing skills matched his culinary talents.
To avoid disturbing the two who had already passed out, Luffy quietly pulled little Merry aside.
He glanced at the morning sun, thinking for a moment before answering:
"Soon, our wine will be gone. When that happens, no more banquets."
"Why? Don't we still have milk and yogurt?"
Merry tilted her head, puzzled.
Whether because of Luffy or her young age, Merry had become the third member of the Starry Sky Pirates to love milk.
In her mind, as long as there was milk, a banquet could happen.
"Hahaha…"
Luffy patted her head but didn't correct her. Instead, he said:
"If we hurry, we'll likely depart this afternoon."
After all, Princess Vivi was aboard, and the situation in Arabasta was urgent.
He had promised to help her and didn't intend to go back on his word.
During yesterday's banquet, everyone was happy, except Vivi, who looked anxious and out of place.
Next, they'd visit Drum Kingdom, recruit Chopper, and then head straight for Arabasta.
…
"Mmm…"
Biting her nails thoughtfully, Merry asked Luffy again:
"Luffy, can we bring my pet with us!?"
"Pet? What pet?"
Luffy asked, curious.
Merry pointed at Brogy, who was frantically shaking empty barrels in search of nonexistent wine:
"That big chubby guy! Yesterday he said if I beat him, he'd be my pet!"
"Eh!"
Luffy froze at her question.
Normally, space aboard the Going Merry was ample, even a hundred Vivi's could fit.
But… looking at Brogy's massive size, his hand alone was half the size of the ship.
There was no way even one finger could fit through the Going Merry's narrow hatch. He simply couldn't come along.
Luffy gently explained to Merry:
"That's probably impossible…"
"Brogy's too big. The Going Merry can't hold him. Besides, he has his own life, maybe he doesn't want to join our adventure…"
It was the first time Merry had asked, and Luffy couldn't fulfill her wish. He felt a twinge of pity.
In the past, the gadget shop in Doraemon's world had a "Shrink Ray" that might've solved this problem.
But Luffy didn't know why, and the price was absurd, he'd never have saved enough gold in ten years.
So… no solution.
"Hmm…"
Merry didn't seem ready to give up.
Perhaps it was the joy of her first truly fun battle, she had grown fond of Brogy.
After thinking a moment, her eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant idea:
"Then we'll sail slowly and let him swim behind the Going Merry, following us!!!"
Luffy stared at Merry's serious, eager eyes and silently screamed in his mind:
"Are you a devil, little Merry!?"
=============
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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