In the evening, Usopp finally woke up, and everyone gathered around him.
"Seriously," Nami scolded first, "don't make us worry like that."
Sanji added, "Exactly! Charging in alone is way too reckless. You're lucky to still be alive."
Zoro crossed his arms and said coldly, "Think before you act."
Usopp shrugged, then suddenly burst into tears. "I'm always so reckless… I'm sorry… I'm so ashamed… sob sob sob…"
Sandy hadn't expected Usopp to suddenly throw himself at his leg. "Hey—hey—!?"
"I… I actually let such important money be stolen—"
"Calm down," Sandy said helplessly. "It's fine. We understand, okay? We all understand."
"But it was such a large sum… a huge amount we worked so hard to get!" Usopp cried.
Nami raised an eyebrow, speechless. Luffy, however, kept silent—he somewhat understood Sandy's intentions. Whatever Sandy did, Luffy knew it wasn't without reason.
Sandy's true purpose was to push them to reflect on themselves and understand their roles on the ship. This wasn't about authority—it was about growth.
If they didn't learn these lessons now, how would they survive in the New World later?
Chopper stepped forward. "Usopp, you need to stay lying down. Really."
"Right," Nami agreed. "Listen to Chopper."
Usopp sniffled. "So… the money really can't be recovered?"
"No," Sandy said, "We're Pirates. Nothing is impossible. But that's not the main issue right now. Luffy…"
Sandy turned to him, waiting for the Captain to give the decision personally.
Usopp suddenly panicked. "Right—Luffy! What about the Going Merry? Maybe we can still fix it with the remaining 100 million Belly, right?
This is a first-class shipyard! We need the Going Merry to keep sailing. We should reinforce the hull! Right, Luffy!?"
Sandy frowned. Does he really not understand what I'm hinting at? This is bad… Well, training begins now.
Luffy finally spoke, smiling gently. "Usopp… about the ship… I've decided we're getting a new one."
"Huh?" Usopp froze.
"I'm really sorry," Luffy said with a soft smile.
"I made the decision while you were unconscious, but… it's decided. The Going Merry has carried us a long way, but her journey ends here."
Sandy sighed. In this world, there really wasn't another Captain as gentle as Luffy. He lowered himself again and again—for his crew's sake.
But Usopp's mind began spiraling out of control.
Luffy pulled out a booklet. "I checked Iceburg's list of ships. Even with just 100 million, we can get a second-hand ship bigger than the Going Merry."
"Wait—wait!" Usopp shouted. "This joke is going too far. You're talking nonsense! Look—Chopper actually believed you! You seem like a different person! Hey Sandy, say something!"
Sandy lowered his eyes. This is just like… the past me. Completely unstable.
But he couldn't say anything. This was the Captain's moment, not his.
The problem wasn't the repair cost—the Going Merry truly couldn't be saved.
Luffy's expression turned serious.
Usopp suddenly asked, "Is it because the repair costs aren't enough? Is it because I lost the 200 million? Is that why we can't fix her!?"
Building the Going Merry didn't even cost 100 million Belly—how could money be the issue!?
"No," Luffy said.
"Then why!?" Usopp shouted. "Explain it clearly! Are you blaming me?! Indirectly?!"
"No!" Luffy snapped back. "This has nothing to do with the stolen money!"
"Then why are you saying something stupid like replacing the ship!?" Usopp cried, eyes red.
Zoro stepped in. "Stop. Both of you. Calm down. Talk this out."
If Sandy were Captain? He would've already kicked Usopp into the ocean.
Questioning the Captain's decision again and again—any Captain would be furious.
Normally, Luffy didn't care about anything… and that laid-back personality had finally created trouble.
This was the moment Sandy wanted: Luffy needed to establish the authority of a true Captain.
A ship can only move forward if it follows one direction.
Usopp shouted, "How can I calm down!? He's talking complete nonsense!"
"Usopp," Nami pleaded, "this is an important matter. Don't get emotional."
Chopper added, "Yeah! Getting worked up will be bad for your health!"
The more they spoke, the worse Usopp got.
"My health doesn't matter!" he exploded. "How can I stay calm when the Captain casually says we're changing ships!?"
Even Luffy reached his limit. "I didn't say it casually! I was forced to make this decision!"
"'Forced!?'" Usopp yelled. "Don't give me such a lame excuse!"
He grabbed the booklet from Luffy's hand and threw it to the ground.
Sandy clenched his fists. A part of him really wanted to punch Usopp.
But he understood—Usopp's most beloved treasure was being taken away. This wasn't just his reflection—this was a reflection for the entire Straw Hat Crew, including Sandy.
"What are you doing!?" Luffy shouted.
Usopp glared. "I'm furious, that's what! It's not because the money was stolen, so what is it!? Speak! Why aren't you saying anything!?
If you're not blaming me, then explain! If you don't give me a proper reason, I won't accept it!"
Sandy: "..."
Does he even understand what a Captain is?
A Captain doesn't report every decision to the crew.
A Captain decides the direction of the ship.
Luffy inhaled deeply and said,
"The Going Merry… is beyond repair."
Usopp froze.
"…What did you just say?"
Luffy stared him straight in the eyes.
"Do you really want it spelled out? The Going Merry is beyond repair. No matter what we do, she can't be fixed. Otherwise… I would never say something like this."
...
Author's Note:
The fanfic One Piece: My Flirtatious System Adventure is now fully completed.
The entire story has been uploaded on Patreon as a dedicated collection.
📚 Category: One Piece (Chapters 1–657)
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🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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