Chapter 45 - The Gift of a Merry(for shadow of yandere Lucy)
Sunny's POV
The Black Cat Pirates were finished, their reign of terror reduced to nothing more than scattered whispers on the wind and the faint echoes of their defeated cries. The last traces of their dead had long since been swept away by the relentless salt air blowing in from the sea, mingling with the cries of gulls wheeling overhead like opportunistic scavengers. The sun hung low in the sky over Syrup Village, casting a warm, golden hue on the cobblestone streets and the manicured lawns surrounding Kaya's mansion. For the first time in days, the air felt peaceful—too peaceful, almost, as if the world was holding its breath, waiting for the next storm to brew. The villagers bustled about, patching up minor wounds with makeshift bandages, sharing nervous laughter that bordered on hysteria, still trying to convince themselves that the nightmare was truly over. Kids chased each other in the courtyard, their giggles a stark contrast to the fear that had gripped the town just hours ago, while elders nodded solemnly, exchanging stories of the "heroes" who had saved them.
I leaned against the cool stone wall at the side of the courtyard, my eyes half-closed, arms crossed over my chest. On the outside, I looked the picture of calm—relaxed, even bored. But on the inside, my mind was a whirlwind, buzzing with the aftermath of the battle and the constant chatter of my internal companions.
{ego}: Heh, you're holding back that smug grin again, aren't you? You basically terrified a whole pirate crew into wetting themselves and running for the hills. Admit it, you're enjoying this. Feels good to be the big bad wolf, doesn't it?
[system]: Don't tease Sunny like that. He's tired after all that soul-absorbing drama. And besides… he looked cool. Really, really cool~. Like a dark knight stepping out of the shadows. Ara ara, my heart's all aflutter~
I smirked slightly, keeping my expression neutral as I scanned the crowd. Usopp was in the thick of it, helping Kaya hand out water to the villagers, his long nose twitching with every exaggerated gesture. Kaya leaned on his arm, her pale face flushed with a mix of exhaustion and relief, her blonde hair still a bit disheveled from the chaos. The villagers clapped them on the back, calling Usopp a "hero" and Kaya their "guardian angel." It was almost comical how quickly the town had bounced back—resilient folks, these Syrup Villagers. But I could sense the undercurrent of lingering fear in their auras, faint ripples that my Observation Haki picked up like distant thunder.
"Both of you shut up," I muttered under my breath, low enough that no one nearby would hear. "I need to focus. He's coming."
And sure enough, as if on cue, my vision flickered like a glitch in reality. The world around me shimmered for a heartbeat, colors bleeding at the edges, and the oppressive voice of RBG coiled into my mind like thick, acrid smoke, wrapping around my thoughts with that familiar, grating amusement.
RBG: Sunny boy… You did well. Crushed Kuro's little circus act like the pathetic clowns they were. Earned yourself more than scraps this time. So, as agreed, I'll give you what you want. A proper ship. Something worthy of your little band of misfits—stretchy idiots, sleepy swordsmen, and all.
I felt a twitch in my eyebrow, my fingers flexing involuntarily at my sides. The voice was like nails on a chalkboard, laced with that mocking laughter that always set my teeth on edge. "You said I'd get a vessel. Don't trick me, you troll. I upheld my end—no survivors to tell tales."
RBG: Kuhahaha! Do I look like I break contracts? Well, don't answer that—you'd probably say something cheeky. The ship will be docked by dawn. Sleek, sturdy, with a few… extra touches courtesy of our bargain. Think of it as a thank-you gift wrapped in shadows.
A shadow of unease curled in my stomach, cold and insistent, like a warning from my Haki. "Extra touches? What kind of strings are you attaching this time, RBG? I'm not in the mood for your games."
RBG: Let's just say the interior space has been… expanded. More room than it should have, even if you walk its halls for hours on end. Kitchens that never run out of flame, no matter how much that rubber glutton eats. Storage that doesn't rot, even if you stuff it with month-old meat. Rooms that always feel… lived in, like they remember your presence and adjust accordingly. A moving fortress, tailored for your little family. Oh, and don't worry—it won't bite. Much.
I gritted my teeth, my hand clenching into a fist. I hated the idea of owing RBG anything, hated the way his "gifts" always came with invisible chains. But a ship was what we needed—our dinghy was falling apart, and the Grand Line wouldn't wait for us to paddle our way there.
{ego}: Tch. Sounds shady as hell. Expanded spaces? Eternal flames? This thing's probably cursed. But admit it—convenient. No more Lucy whining about hunger strikes.
[system]: A cozy home! Sunny, I want the room next to yours! We can decorate it with all the souls you've collected~ Fufufu, it'll be perfect for us.
I ignored them both, focusing on RBG's fading presence. And then, as his voice began to ebb like a receding tide, a final whisper slithered through my mind, cold enough to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
RBG: Oh… I didn't say this last time, did I? That girl, Lucy? She's a yandere. You'll know it soon enough. Enjoy your new toy, Sunny boy. Kuhahaha—
The voice vanished, leaving a ringing silence in my head. My eyes snapped open sharply, scanning the courtyard, but no one had noticed my momentary lapse. The villagers were still laughing, Kaya was busy smiling weakly at Usopp as he regaled a group of kids with an over-the-top tale of his "sniper prowess," and the sun continued its lazy descent. Only I knew. Only I had heard it.
{ego}: Lucy? A yandere? Ooooh, this is going to be *good*. Rubber girl going full possessive mode? Grab the popcorn, Sunny-boy.
[system]: Noooo! Sunny's mine, not Lucy's! Don't you dare even think about it—I'll glitch her into oblivion if she tries anything! Ara ara, my Sunny is off-limits!
I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache brewing. "This is going to be a headache… Great. Just what I needed—more drama on top of a cursed ship."
Later, as the chaos of the day finally settled into a quiet evening glow, Kaya approached our group. She was still a bit unsteady on her feet, her recent illness not fully shaken off, but there was a determined spark in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Usopp supported her arm gently, glancing at her like she was made of fragile porcelain, his usual bravado softened into something almost tender. The rest of us—Lucy munching on a stolen apple from the mansion's orchard, Zoro dozing against a tree, Nami sketching a quick map of the village's coastline—gathered around, sensing something important was coming.
"I have something for you all," Kaya said softly. She clasped her hands in front of her, her elegant dress fluttering slightly in the breeze. Usopp hovered protectively, ready to catch her if she so much as swayed.
I couldn't help myself—the opportunity was too perfect. I grinned, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in my eye. "You two really look like boyfriend and girlfriend right now. All supportive and lovey-dovey. When's the wedding?"
"Wha—w-w-what?!" Kaya's face ignited into a crimson blush, her eyes widening as she nearly tripped over her own slippers in shock. She steadied herself on Usopp's arm, which only made the scene more incriminating.
"I-I'm not—he's not—we're just—" Usopp stammered, his arms flailing like a malfunctioning windmill, his long nose turning as red as his cheeks. "Sunny, you jerk! Stop saying that!"
The crew burst into laughter instantly. Lucy slapped her knee so hard she nearly dropped her apple, howling with glee. "Kyaaa! Usopp and Kaya sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" She stretched her arms to mime hugging, nearly knocking Zoro over in the process.
Zoro, jolted awake from his nap, grunted and smirked behind a lazy yawn. "Heh. About time someone called it. You two have been making googly eyes since we got here."
Nami hid a chuckle behind her hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sunny, you're terrible. But… yeah, it's kinda obvious. You're like a bad romance novel cover, Usopp."
Usopp buried his face in his hands, groaning dramatically. "Why is everyone ganging up on me?! I'm the brave warrior of the sea! Not some… some lovesick puppy!"
Kaya, still flushed, fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her voice a whisper. "I-It's not like that… but Usopp has been really kind…"
{ego}: Nice one. You broke them both. Look at 'em squirm—pure gold.
[system]: He's so mean sometimes, but that smile when he teases… ugh, so unfair. Sunny, you should tease *me* like that~
I winked at Kaya, ignoring the internal commentary. "Take care of him, alright? He's fragile. One wrong word and he'll shatter like glass."
"I AM NOT FRAGILE!" Usopp bellowed, his voice cracking hilariously mid-sentence, which only set off another round of laughter from the crew. Even the nearby villagers joined in, chuckling at the spectacle.
The next morning, the village gathered at the docks in a colorful procession—farmers in their overalls, kids waving homemade flags, elders leaning on canes, all buzzing with excitement and gratitude. The sea sparkled under the rising sun, waves lapping gently at the wooden piers like an invitation to adventure. And there, moored at the pier like it had always belonged, was a ship that didn't quite fit the humble vibe of Syrup Village. Sleek white sails billowed softly in the breeze, the sturdy hull gleaming with fresh varnish, and at the bow—a carved figurehead of a sheep with wide, innocent eyes, looking both adorable and oddly mischievous.
"The Going Merry…" Kaya whispered, tears welling in her eyes as she stood at the edge of the dock, Usopp by her side. "It's my gift to you. To thank you for saving me. For saving all of us. She was designed by my family's shipwrights, but… after everything, I want you to have her. Please, take her and chase your dreams."
The crew fell silent for a moment, struck by the sight. The Merry bobbed gently, her lines elegant and strong, with plenty of deck space for training, lounging, and whatever chaos Lucy would inevitably cause. I rested a hand on the railing as we approached, feeling the faint, otherworldly pulse beneath the wood—RBG's "extra touches" humming like a secret heartbeat. Expanded interiors, eternal flames in the kitchen, storage that defied logic. It looked ordinary enough on the outside, but I knew better. This ship was a wolf in sheep's clothing, literally.
{ego}: A wolf in sheep's clothing, huh? Fitting for you, Sunny-boy. Bet it's got hidden compartments for all your shady soul-collecting hobbies.
[system]: Home. It's going to be our home. I can already picture the cozy rooms… and locking Lucy out if she gets too clingy~
Lucy was the first to break the silence, her eyes lighting up like stars. "IT'S SO CUTE! LOOK AT THE SHEEPY FACE! SHEEP-CHAN, I'M COMING!" She sprinted forward, bounding onto the deck with zero regard for decorum, hugging the figurehead like a long-lost friend.
Zoro folded his arms, eyeing the ship skeptically. "Hmph. As long as it floats and has a spot for napping, I'm good. Better than that leaky rowboat we had."
Nami touched the railing gently, her fingers tracing the smooth wood, her eyes softening with rare wonder. "It's… beautiful. Roomy, too. I can already map out the navigation room." She glanced at me, her smile warm and inviting, making my chest tighten a little.
I said nothing at first, just nodded, feeling that pulse again—stronger now, like the ship was acknowledging me. Whatever twisted strings RBG had woven into her, the Merry was ours now. A fresh start on the waves.
And when Kaya whispered to Usopp, "Please take care of each other out there… and Usopp, don't forget us," I saw it—the look in Usopp's eyes, torn between the call of adventure and the pull of something deeper, something that looked suspiciously like love.
I grinned again, unable to resist one last jab. "Boyfriend, don't make her cry. Send her a postcard from the Grand Line or something."
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Usopp shrieked, his face exploding into red as he flailed. Kaya turned an even deeper shade of crimson, covering her face with both hands while the villagers chuckled.
The laughter rolled across the dock, loud and warm, like a new beginning washing over us all. We boarded the Merry amid cheers and waves, the ship creaking welcomingly under our feet as we set sail, the horizon calling like an old friend.
The Merry's First Laughs
The sails of the Going Merry billowed proudly in the sea breeze, catching the wind like eager wings as the ship cut across the waves with surprising smoothness, as if she had always been meant for us. The deck was spacious, polished wood gleaming under the midday sun, with sturdy railings that begged for leaning and a central mast that towered like a sentinel. The air was alive with the scent of salt and freedom, the endless blue stretching out in all directions, dotted with distant islands like forgotten jewels. Gulls wheeled overhead, their cries a soundtrack to our new adventure, and the waves slapped rhythmically against the hull, a gentle reminder that we were finally on a real vessel, not that creaky excuse for a boat we'd been suffering through.
Lucy was sprawled across the sheep figurehead at the bow, her arms stretched wide like she was trying to hug the entire ocean. "FLYYYY FREEEEE, SHEEP-CHAN!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, her straw hat flapping wildly in the wind. The gulls cawed back, circling curiously, probably wondering if this rubbery girl was some new species of bird.
"Oi, get off there before you fall in and drown!" Zoro barked from his spot lounging against the mast, his swords propped up like makeshift pillows, eyes half-lidded in his perpetual near-nap state.
"I won't fall! I'm light as a feather! Wheeeee—" Lucy leaned too far forward, her balance tipping precariously, and with a dramatic yelp, she slipped right off the figurehead, plummeting toward the waves below. "SHEEEEEEP SAVE MEEEE!"
I sighed, not even bothering to look up from my spot at the railing where I was sipping a cup of tea I'd brewed in the galley. With a casual extension of my arm, I caught her midair by the back of her shirt, hauling her back onto the deck like a wayward puppy. "How many times are you going to test gravity today, Lucy? We've only been sailing for an hour."
Lucy clung to my arm like a limpet, her eyes wide and innocent. "At least five more times! But thanks, Sunny! You're the best catcher ever!" She beamed up at me, completely unfazed, before scampering off to find more trouble.
{ego}: Push her overboard and be done with it. She's like a rubber ball of chaos—endless bouncing, zero sense.
[system]: Nooo, keep her! She's funny. Like a pet, but louder. And besides, if she's really a yandere like RBG said, maybe she'll be useful for scaring off rivals~ Fufufu.
I shook my head, taking another sip of tea. The galley had been a pleasant surprise—RBG's touches at work, no doubt. The stove flames flickered eternally, never needing fuel, and the pantry seemed to subtly replenish itself, though I wasn't about to test how far that went with Lucy around.
On deck, Usopp puffed out his chest like a peacock, standing at the helm with one hand on the wheel, pointing dramatically at the horizon as if he owned the sea. "Behold! Your new captain has arrived! Captain Usopp of the Going Merry, conqueror of seas and slayer of beasts! Under my command, we'll sail to glory and riches beyond imagination!"
Nami, who had been charting our course on a makeshift table nearby, smacked him over the head with a rolled-up map, the thwack echoing across the deck. "You're not the captain, long-nose. And if you steer us off course, I'll tie you to the mast as bait for Sea Kings."
"Y-You can't deny destiny, woman!" Usopp cried, clutching his skull dramatically, his eyes watering. "The stars aligned for this moment! I'm the chosen one!"
"Chosen for what? Most likely to get lost?" Zoro snorted from his nap spot, not even opening his eyes. "Better let her have her way, Usopp. Otherwise, you'll end up swimming home. And with that nose, you'd make a great buoy."
"Some first mate you are!" Usopp wailed, throwing his hands up in exaggerated despair. "Betrayed by my own crew! This is mutiny!"
Lucy, who had somehow climbed the mast in the meantime, stretched her neck down like a giraffe. "Mutiny? Sounds fun! Can I be the mutineer captain? I'll make everyone eat meat all day!"
The deck erupted into more chaos—Usopp protesting, Zoro grumbling about "too much noise," Nami threatening to charge them all "noise taxes." I watched it all with a faint smile, the warmth of the sun on my face mirroring the odd sense of contentment settling in my chest.
I wandered toward the railing, away from the fray, my senses sharpening as I tuned into the ship itself. With my Observation Haki, I could feel it—something faint, flickering like a candle in the dark, a heartbeat soft and shy emanating from the wood beneath my feet. It wasn't just RBG's modifications; there was a spirit here, nascent and curious, like a newborn taking its first breaths.
I rested a hand on the polished railing, letting my blue Haki flow gently into the structure. "…You're alive, aren't you? Little sheep. Got a name? Going Merry… suits you."
The Merry's timbers seemed to hum under my touch, a subtle vibration that felt almost bashful, like the ship was blushing at the attention. A soft creak followed, as if she was whispering back.
{ego}: Hah. Your ship has a crush on you already. What's next, the ocean getting jealous?
[system]: She knows Master is the best. Even wood falls in love with him~ Ara ara, I approve. As long as she doesn't try to steal you away.
I shook my head with a faint smile. "Not everything is in love with me. It's just… aware. Sentient, maybe. RBG's doing, or something more?"
"Wanna bet?" Nami's voice purred near my ear, startling me out of my thoughts. She leaned against the railing beside me, close enough that her shoulder brushed mine, her orange hair catching the sunlight like flames. Her smirk was smug, playful, with that hint of challenge that always drew me in. "Everything good on this sea will end up mine… including you. And now this ship? She's already under my navigation spell."
I turned to her, my smirk mirroring hers as I stepped closer, our faces inches apart. The wind tugged at her hair, carrying the faint scent of tangerines that always seemed to cling to her. "Pretty sure I already belong to you, Nami. But if you're staking a claim, I'm not complaining."
Nami blinked, caught off guard, her cheeks flushing a faint pink as she looked away quickly, busying herself with adjusting her map. "D-Don't say it like that, idiot… You'll make me drop my compass." But she didn't pull away, her hand brushing mine on the railing, lingering just a second too long—a quiet promise amid the noise.
{ego}: Pathetic. You turn into a lovesick fool so easily. Snap out of it before I gag.
[system]: Nooo, it's perfect! Kiss more! Hug more! Claim each other! Fufufu, this is the romance arc I've been waiting for~
I ignored them, savoring the moment as the ship creaked softly beneath us, almost like approval.
Meanwhile, Lucy had discovered a barrel of apples in the galley—probably part of RBG's endless storage trick—and was rolling around the deck with them, juggling four at once while balancing on one foot. "APPLES FOR EVERYONE! Catch, Zoro!" She hurled one his way.
Zoro caught it without looking, biting into it with a crunch. "Thanks. At least it's not meat again."
Sunny caught one midair, tossing it behind his back to Usopp, who fumbled it spectacularly, the apple bouncing off his nose before rolling away. He scrambled after it like it was a priceless treasure, tripping over his own feet in the process. "I got it! No—wait—come back, you fruity traitor!"
Lucy gasped dramatically, clutching her sides. "Usopp! You dishonor the fruit! The apple gods will curse you!"
"I DIDN'T DROP IT—THE SHIP MOVED!" Usopp shouted defensively, finally snagging the apple and taking a victorious bite, only to choke on a seed and start coughing.
"Sheep-chan would never betray us!" Lucy cried, rushing back to the figurehead and hugging it tightly. "Right, Merry? You're the best ship ever!"
The Merry creaked faintly under Lucy's touch, a sound that almost resembled laughter—a light, playful groan that made the deck vibrate ever so slightly. I felt it again, that pulse, stronger now, like the ship was joining in the fun.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sea in hues of gold and crimson, the crew gathered on deck for our first proper dinner aboard the Merry. The eternal flames in the galley had made cooking a breeze—I'd whipped up a simple spread of grilled fish, fresh bread, and veggies from the mysteriously stocked pantry. Lucy gnawed on a drumstick like a starving wolf, sauce smeared across her face. "Meat is happiness! More meat, Sunny! You're the best cook ever!"
"Chew properly, or you'll choke," Nami scolded, but Lucy ignored her, stretching her arm to snag another piece from Zoro's plate.
"Oi, that's mine," Zoro grumbled, swatting her hand away half-heartedly before resuming his own methodical eating.
Usopp, buoyed by the meal, launched into another tall tale, gesturing wildly with his fork. "And that's how I singlehandedly defeated a hundred Black Cat pirates with nothing but my slingshot and sheer willpower! They begged for mercy, but I said, 'No! This is for Kaya and the village!' Pow! Bam! They scattered like leaves in the wind!"
Zoro leaned back against a barrel, his eyes closing as he let out a loud, exaggerated snore that drowned out Usopp mid-sentence.
"ARE YOU IGNORING MY HEROICS?!" Usopp screeched, jumping to his feet and pointing accusingly.
"Yes," Zoro muttered in his sleep, smirking faintly without opening his eyes.
Even Nami cracked a smile at that, covering her mouth with her hand as laughter bubbled up. Lucy howled, pounding the deck, and I couldn't help but chuckle too.
I leaned back, watching them all bicker and laugh under the emerging stars, the sea rocking us gently like a cradle. For a moment, I let myself relax, the salt air filling my lungs, the Merry's newborn soul thrumming beneath my feet like a lullaby.
{ego}: Don't get soft. Storms are coming—literal and figurative.
[system]: Let him rest. Just for tonight… this is happiness.
I closed my eyes, the corners of my lips tugging upward. "Yeah… happiness."
And the Going Merry creaked warmly in agreement, her first whisper of laughter joining the crew's.