"SUPER! Let me show you this genius's ideas!"
Franky excitedly spread the blueprints on the ground and began explaining with spittle flying:
"Look here. I designed a Cola Power Conversion System that can provide explosive propulsion at critical moments. Ever seen a ship that can fly?"
"Here are retractable stabilizer fins for handling rough seas."
"And this! The SUPER Soldier Dock System can carry small scout boats—perfect for accommodating your old ship. Though with your idea of having a large ship carry a smaller one, you'd need to weld them together."
"There's also a built-in aquarium, a training room, and even a small music hall."
As Franky rattled on, Usopp's eyes grew wider and wider. He let out exclamations of amazement.
"Ohhh!"
"That's possible?!"
"Incredible!"
He pointed to several clever structural details on the blueprints, giving Luffy and the others a thumbs up as he praised loudly: "Luffy, this guy is a real professional shipwright! His ideas are amazing!"
Seemed like this shipwright was highly skilled.
Seeing Usopp's reaction, Luffy's eyes lit up.
Weren't they missing a shipwright on their crew?
It might not be nakama recruitment day, but when it came to nakama, if you liked someone, you just invited them.
So.
"Hey, Franky."
"Huh? What is it, Straw Hat?" Franky was in the middle of his enthusiastic presentation.
"Do you belong to a pirate crew?" Luffy asked.
"Huh? No. I'm the boss of the Franky Family," Franky answered reflexively.
"Then do you want to become our nakama? Be our shipwright!"
"EHH?!!"
The Straw Hats collectively fell silent.
But then they immediately understood how Luffy's mind worked.
They really did need a top-tier professional shipwright on board.
Usopp could manage, but he was self-taught. Maintaining the Going Merry was already a stretch. Facing a more complex new ship and whatever damage they'd encounter ahead, a professional shipwright was essential.
And this Franky guy—even if he was a bit of a pervert—seemed to have incredible skills. He was also a disciple of the legendary shipwright.
Franky's throat bobbed. "Hey, are you joking?"
"Why would I joke? I never joke."
"We just met!"
"Yeah, I have experience with this."
Zoro waved a hand. "Most of us were recruited on first meeting."
"I guess that's true..."
Franky took a deep breath but still shook his head reluctantly. "Sorry. I have a lot to do. My Franky Family brothers need me. I can't just abandon them and go to sea."
His dream was to watch the ships he designed sail the seas. But protecting Water 7 and the Franky Family he had built was also his responsibility.
Just then, a small figure hopped nimbly off the Going Merry. She pattered over to Luffy and tugged at his pants leg. Looking up, she reported in a clear voice:
"Luffy! I docked the ship over there. It's super hidden!"
"Good work, Merry."
Franky's attention was instantly captivated.
He stared at Merry, eyes bulging like saucers, mouth hanging open wide enough to fit an egg. He didn't even notice his own nose running.
"Th-th-that..."
He pointed at Merry, his hand trembling. His voice grew shrill with excitement. "It actually exists?! Is this the ship spirit Kokoro mentioned?!"
For any shipwright who considered shipbuilding their life's dream and art, seeing a ship spirit in person—even communicating with one—was the ultimate dream!
It represented a soul-level connection between ship and shipwright—the highest possible recognition.
Franky looked like he might faint from excitement. He circled Merry at a loss, wanting to get closer but afraid to intrude. His fervor surpassed even that of a man seeing the most beautiful woman in the world.
Seeing how Franky looked like he wanted to hold Merry in his hands, Luffy got an idea.
He gave Merry a look.
Merry understood.
"Merry, come here."
"Coming, coming!"
Merry obediently jumped up like a little koala, climbing expertly onto Luffy and wrapping her arms around his neck. She pressed her little face against him and nuzzled affectionately.
"!!!"
Franky felt like an arrow named Envy had pierced his heart.
Nami and Vivi's fists clenched too.
What was happening here?!
Franky started pacing frantically, scratching his head, his metal arms clanking. "A living ship spirit! Snuggling with Straw Hat! SUPER! So jealous!"
Pfft.
Robin was the first to laugh.
Usopp and Chopper caught on, seeing Franky looking like he wanted to switch places with Luffy. They burst out laughing.
Sanji, cigarette in mouth, shook his head helplessly. "What an idiot captain. But... it's pretty effective."
The Merry Trap!
"Never thought you'd play dirty like this, Luffy!"
"You sly old fox!"
Luffy held the soft Merry in his arms, grinning smugly at Franky, who was now as agitated as ants on a hot pan.
Water 7, after the Aqua Laguna's onslaught, the air was thick with the salty sea and the damp smell of waterlogged timber.
Though disaster had just passed, this shipbuilding city showed its resil
ient spirit. Shipwrights and residents were everywhere, busy with cleanup and rebuilding.
Damaged buildings, scattered debris, and puddles that hadn't fully drained painted a picture of the aftermath—but beneath it all pulsed vibrant vitality.
Franky was now circling Luffy and Merry.
Luffy had him completely hooked.
One moment he'd strike his signature SUPER pose, the next he'd squat down with his head in his hands, making unintelligible whimpers. His gaze never left Merry, who sat on Luffy's shoulder, curiously surveying her surroundings.
A ship spirit! A living ship spirit!
Snuggling with Straw Hat! SUPER! So jealous!
Sanji, who shared some of those feelings, took a drag of his cigarette and patted Franky on the shoulder.
Some things you just couldn't envy.
Perhaps because the city had weathered Aqua Laguna many times before, the locals on the streets wore expressions of routine acceptance.
Just then, a commotion came from the other end of the dock.
"Mr. Iceburg! The Straw Hats are over there!"
A sharp-eyed shipwright called out.
Paulie led a large group of Galley-La Company shipwrights in a grand procession toward them.
The crowd parted. Iceburg, in a black coat, walked forward.
***
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