Chapter 56: The Mark of Our Dream
**Sunny's POV**
The sea stretched out before us that morning in a way that felt almost deliberate, as if the ocean itself had decided to grant us a momentary reprieve from its usual capricious moods. The waves swayed gently, like the rhythmic breathing of a colossal beast in slumber. Sunlight spilled across the horizon, transforming the water into a vast expanse of molten gold flecked with sapphire blues, each ripple catching the light and reflecting it back in a dazzling display that could make even the most jaded sailor pause in awe. The air was crisp, carrying the faint salty tang mixed with the distant scent of far-off islands—perhaps a hint of tropical flowers or volcanic earth, teasing adventures yet to unfold. Aboard the Going Merry, a gentle hush enveloped the deck, broken only by the occasional creak of wood or the soft flap of sails adjusting to the breeze. It was peaceful. Serene. The kind of calm that wrapped around you like a warm blanket, making you forget, if only for a moment, the chaos that inevitably followed.
But peace, as I'd learned time and again, never lasted long—especially not with Lucy around.
"ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! ASSEMBLE ON DECK RIGHT NOW!" Her voice exploded across the ship like a cannonball fired from point-blank range, shattering the tranquility and sending a flock of nearby seagulls scattering in panicked flight. She stood atop the forecastle, hands cupped around her mouth, her wild hair whipping in the wind like a banner of untamed energy. Her grin stretched from ear to ear, eyes sparkling with that infectious enthusiasm that could rally armies—or, in our case, a ragtag crew of misfits.
Zoro, who had been dozing against the mast with his swords propped beside him like faithful companions, cracked open one eye, his expression a masterpiece of grumpy reluctance. His green hair stuck up in defiant spikes, and he let out a low groan that rumbled like distant thunder. "What now... another one of your 'friendship contests'? If it involves hugging or some crap, count me out. I'm training."
From the galley below, a resounding crash echoed—pots clattering, utensils flying—as if the kitchen itself had come alive in protest. "LUCY-SWAAAN!!" Sanji's voice rang out, laced with his signature dramatic flair, as he burst through the door like a knight charging into battle. He still clutched a ladle in one hand, dripping with what looked like marinara sauce, his curly eyebrow twitching with excitement. Hearts practically materialized in his eyes, swirling around him like a romantic aura. "Whatever your radiant heart desires, my soul, my sauté pan, and my entire culinary arsenal are at your eternal service! Shall I prepare a feast to commemorate this momentous occasion?"
Aqua, lounging gracefully on a deck chair with a delicate teacup balanced in her hand—her long blue hair cascading like a divine waterfall—didn't even flinch at the outburst. She took a serene sip, her ethereal glow flickering faintly in the sunlight, before muttering dryly, "Here we go again. Another impromptu 'meeting' that's bound to end in property damage, divine intervention, or both. Why do I even bother with mortals?"
Nami, seated beside her with a map unfurled on her lap, smirked without looking up from her sketches of potential routes. Her orange hair caught the breeze, framing her face in a way that made her look both mischievous and effortlessly beautiful. "She said 'important,' not 'organized.' So yeah—chaos is definitely incoming. But hey, at least it's not a storm... yet."
Nojiko, ever the calm counterpoint to the group's energy, laughed softly from where she leaned against the railing, her blue hair tied back in a practical ponytail. She glanced toward the horizon, a thoughtful expression softening her features. "I'll go grab Bell-mère's letter. She'd want to be part of this, even if it's just in spirit. Who knows—maybe it'll bring us some luck."
Her words hung in the air like a gentle mist, shifting the atmosphere ever so slightly. Even Lucy, our eternal sunbeam of unbridled joy, quieted for a heartbeat, her grin faltering into something more tender. The mention of Bell-mère stirred that soft ache in my chest, a lingering echo from our farewell in Cocoyasi Village. It hadn't been long since we'd left, but the memory felt both fresh and distant, like a song we weren't quite ready to let fade.
I could still picture her standing on the shore, her arms wrapped around each of us in those strong, unyielding hugs that spoke volumes without words. Tears had glistened in her eyes, but her voice had been steady, laced with that gruff affection. "Go live free out there. That's all I've ever wanted for you kids—freedom to chase whatever crazy dreams pull at your hearts." Freedom. It was a heavy word, weighted with responsibility, yet it felt like wings unfurling, ready to carry us into the unknown.
Nojiko returned moments later, cradling the folded letter with the care one might reserve for a priceless artifact. The paper was slightly worn at the edges, bearing the faint scent of tangerines and cigarette smoke—a tangible piece of home. She placed it gently beside the railing, letting the sea breeze brush against it as if inviting Bell-mère's spirit to whisper through the waves.
Lucy took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with renewed determination. "Bell-mère's watching over us, right? Then we can't just sail around aimlessly, looking like a bunch of random troublemakers drifting on the currents!"
Aqua tilted her head curiously, her blue eyes narrowing in mock confusion. "Lucy, dear, we are random troublemakers. That's kind of our whole vibe—divine disasters and all."
Lucy puffed up her cheeks indignantly, planting her hands firmly on her hips in a stance that screamed captain-in-training. "Not until we have a flag! A real one that screams 'Here comes trouble—and awesomeness!'"
Usopp, who had been idly polishing his slingshot nearby with a rag that looked suspiciously like one of Sanji's napkins, blinked in surprise. "Wait—you mean like... an actual pirate flag? The kind that strikes fear into marines and makes legends tremble?"
"Exactly!" Lucy's grin returned in full force, lighting up the deck like a second sun. "We're making our mark! Our symbol! When people see it fluttering in the wind, they'll know—that's us! The crew that's gonna shake the world!"
Zoro raised a skeptical eyebrow, his arms crossed over his chest. "You mean it'll make us a giant target for every bounty hunter and navy ship in a hundred-mile radius. Sounds thrilling."
Lucy pointed at him dramatically, her finger jabbing like a sword. "A big dream, mosshead! Not a target—a declaration!"
Sanji chuckled around his cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke that formed vague heart shapes in the air. "Heh. Whatever makes you happy, captain-chan. If it's a flag you want, I'll embroider it with threads of pure devotion!"
"I'm dead serious!" Lucy insisted, puffing out her chest with exaggerated pride. "Every great crew has one! Roger had his iconic mustache-skull! Shanks has that fierce red-haired vibe! Even Buggy—clown-nose and all—has one, and we're way cooler than that exploding circus act!"
The deck erupted in laughter at that, even Aqua couldn't suppress a snort, her teacup nearly spilling as she doubled over. "Oh, please—Buggy? The man who trips over his own ego? If we're cooler than him, that's setting the bar pretty low, rubber girl."
"Alright, alright," Nami interjected, folding her map with a resigned smile as she stood up. "So, what's the design going to be? Something simple? Symbolic? Or are we going full chaotic with clouds and water spouts?"
Lucy blinked, her enthusiasm momentarily derailed. "...I was kinda hoping Usopp would handle that part! He's the creative genius!"
"EH?!" Usopp pointed at himself in wide-eyed panic, his long nose twitching nervously. "Me?! Why me? I'm a sniper, not a... a flag Picasso!"
"Because you're the artist of the crew!" Lucy exclaimed, clasping her hands together pleadingly. "You've got the imagination of a thousand suns exploding in a fireworks factory! Remember that time you drew that map of the 'Lost Island of Sweets'? It was epic!"
Usopp rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and flattery. "Well, when you put it that way... yeah, I guess I am pretty legendary with a brush. I once painted a seagull in mid-flight so realistically, it fooled a whole flock into thinking it was their leader!"
Zoro frowned, his interest piqued despite himself. "That's... oddly specific. And probably a lie."
"It's totally true!" Usopp defended hotly, puffing up like a challenged rooster. "You just weren't there to witness my artistic brilliance!"
Aqua leaned in closer, her smirk teasing. "Sure, sure. Just don't draw a stick figure this time. We need something that screams 'epic'—not 'elementary school doodle.'"
As another wave of laughter rolled across the deck like a gentle swell, Nojiko handed Usopp a set of brushes, inks, and a large swath of white cloth she'd scavenged from the ship's stores. "Go on, Picasso. Make something that'll go down in history. No pressure or anything."
"Legendary, huh?" Usopp's eyes glinted with a spark of inspiration, his earlier nerves melting away under the weight of the challenge. He crouched down on the deck, spreading out the cloth and dipping his brush into the black ink with theatrical flair.
[system]: Fufufu~ initializing observation mode~ Look at them, my beloved… how lively your little family is. That chaotic sunshine Lucy really does shine too bright for her own good.
{ego}: And here we go again. Sunshine incarnate is cranking up the volume. Somebody fetch me sunglasses—and a tranquilizer dart for the lot of them.
I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath, the sound escaping before I could rein it in. The internal banter never failed to amuse, even in moments like this. "You two still bickering in there? It's like having a comedy duo lodged in my skull."
{ego}: "Bickering? Darling, I'm narrating history in the making here. Someone's gotta keep your story entertaining—otherwise, it'd just be endless sailing and staring at waves."
[system]: Ara ara~ jealous, are we? Her light suits our captain. Though… it's a bit rude to interrupt your calm morning when I was enjoying your heart rate steady and peaceful~♥
{ego}: "Oh gods, here she goes. Yandere.exe flirting before breakfast again."
[system]: It's called affection, darling. Don't be shy~
Yeah, that sounded about right. Their constant back-and-forth was like oil and water, but somehow, it kept things balanced in my head.
After a few more minutes of frantic brushwork—complete with Usopp muttering to himself, tongue sticking out in concentration, and the occasional splash of ink that nearly hit Zoro's boots—we all leaned in as he leaned back, wiping his brow with dramatic satisfaction. "BEHOLD! Our glorious symbol of freedom, terror, and unbreakable spirit!"
The crew crowded around, anticipation buzzing like static in the air.
...It was awful. Gloriously, hilariously awful.
The skull at the center looked less like a fearsome pirate emblem and more like a terrified cartoon character who'd just seen a ghost—eyes wide and bulging, mouth twisted in a lopsided grimace that screamed 'help me' rather than 'fear me.' The crossbones beneath it were uneven, one thicker than the other, as if they'd been drawn during a minor earthquake. And the hat atop the skull? It tilted at a precarious angle, like it was about to slide off into oblivion.
Lucy froze, her eyes widening in a mix of shock and dawning horror. "W–what... is that? It looks like the skull is about to puke!"
Usopp puffed up defensively, crossing his arms. "It's art! Raw, emotional, terrifying art! The kind that evokes deep fear and respect! This skull represents the horrors we've overcome—the lopsided hat is for our quirky crew dynamic!"
Aqua blinked slowly, tilting her head as if trying to make sense of it from a different angle. "It's terrifying, alright. Terrifyingly bad. Did you draw it with your eyes closed?"
Zoro deadpanned, not even bothering to hide his smirk. "Looks like it fell down some stairs. Twice. And then got run over by a Sea King."
Sanji exhaled a long plume of smoke, his expression a blend of pity and amusement. "Even Picasso would file a lawsuit for defamation of art. Or demand royalties for the inspiration."
Lucy blinked twice more, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water... then, in a twist that surprised no one who knew her, she snatched the flag up and hugged it tightly to her chest, her face breaking into a beaming smile. "I LOVE IT! It's perfect!"
Everyone: "HUH?!"
"It's messy! It's loud! It's unpredictable! It's us!" she declared, waving the flag around like a trophy. "The crooked grin? That's our off-kilter adventures! The scared eyes? The surprises we face! It's honest—imperfect and full of heart!"
Nojiko chuckled warmly, her eyes softening with affection as she watched Lucy's enthusiasm. "You really can find beauty in anything, can't you? That's one of the things I love about you."
Lucy winked, her cheeks tinting pink at the compliment. "That's what captains do! Or... aspiring captains, anyway."
[system]: "Crew bond increased by 27%. Analyzing: Positive emotional reinforcement detected."
{ego}: "Aw, look who's getting all sentimental now. You overheating yet, tin can? Gonna short-circuit from the cuteness overload?"
[system]: "Incorrect. My core temperature is merely... elevated. Possibly due to Master's smile registering at optimal charm levels."
{ego}: "Sure. Blame the smile, cling-bot. We all know you're just soft for these sappy moments."
[system]: Fufufu~ keep teasing and I might replace your sarcasm module with empathy protocols.
I snorted mid-laugh, drawing a few confused glances from the crew. Nami arched an eyebrow at me, her hand brushing mine in a subtle away that sent a warm spark through me. "You've officially lost it, haven't you? Talking to your 'voices' again?"
"Maybe," I admitted with a grin, lacing my fingers with hers briefly before letting go—just enough to savor the connection. "But at least we've got a flag now. Crooked or not, it's ours."
Lucy raised it high above her head, the morning sun glowing behind it like a halo. The crooked skull shimmered in the light, transforming its flaws into something almost endearing. Imperfect. Honest. Ours.
---
By afternoon, the flag fluttered proudly atop the Merry's main mast—defiant against the wind, alive with the spirit of our crew. The breeze caught it just right, making the lopsided skull seem to wink at passersby, as if daring the world to challenge us.
Lucy beamed from ear to ear, hands on her hips as she admired her—er, Usopp's—handiwork. "Alright! The Lucy Pirates are officially born! Watch out, world—we're coming for ya!"
Zoro, sharpening his swords nearby, paused mid-stroke. "Hold up—I thought we agreed not to name the crew after you. Something about it being a group decision?"
Lucy tilted her head innocently. "Did we? Must've slipped my mind amid all the excitement!"
Everyone chorused in unison: "Yes, we did!"
Lucy: "...Oh. Well, oops!"
Aqua smirked, lounging dramatically against the railing with her dress billowing like a goddess's cape. "How about 'The Absolute Chaos Crew'? Fits us to a tee—divine disasters, rubbery rebels, and all."
Usopp gasped, his eyes lighting up. "That actually sounds awesome! Like something out of a legend—'Beware the Chaos Crew, harbingers of hilarity and havoc!'"
Nami sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Please, something that doesn't sound like a hurricane warning broadcast. We're pirates, not a natural disaster alert system."
Nojiko chuckled beside her, nudging Nami's shoulder affectionately. "Well... you kind of are a natural disaster. In the best way, of course."
Then, as if on cue for maximum drama, the galley door burst open with a theatrical bang.
"My heart!! My poor, bleeding, eternally devoted heart!!"
Sanji stumbled out onto the deck, hearts swirling in his eyes like a lovesick tornado, blood geysering from his nose in exaggerated fountains. He clutched his chest as if struck by Cupid's entire arsenal. "So many goddesses gathered under one flag... and all unattainable to this humble servant! I, Sanji , shall serve you for eternity, my flames of passion burning brighter than any star!"
[system]: Warning: Subject Sanji entering Simp Overflow Mode. Blood pressure critical. Recommend mop.
{ego}: "He's basically a walking fountain now. Someone get hazard tape."
[system]: I can neutralize the nosebleed with one little pulse~ Fufufu~ should I?
{ego}: "No murder attempts during comedy hour, please."
[system]: Ara ara~ you're no fun.
Zoro muttered under his breath, sheathing his sword with a click. "Guess we've got a chef powered by chronic blood loss. Efficient, if messy."
Sanji spun on his heel, his eyebrow twitching like a lit fuse. "WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU MOSS-HEADED MARIMO?! I'll have you know my passion is the fuel of legends!"
"You heard me, curly-brow simp," Zoro shot back, rising to his feet with a lazy grin. "Keep bleeding like that, and we'll use you as chum for sharks."
Cue the chaos: Sanji lunged with a fiery kick, Zoro dodged with effortless grace, and the deck devolved into a whirlwind of insults and near-misses.
Lucy cheered from the sidelines, pumping her fists. "Fight! Fight! But don't break the new flag—it's our baby!"
Aqua pulled out a seashell-shaped camera from... somewhere divine or just Sunny's inventory, snapping photos with glee. "For the archives! This'll make great blackmail—or motivational posters."
Usopp climbed halfway up the mast, narrating dramatically like a sports announcer. "AND THUS, THE LEGENDARY DUEL OF WHO'S DUMBER CONTINUES! In one corner, the mossy swordsman! In the other, the lovesick chef! Who will prevail?!"
Nojiko sighed beside me, her hand slipping into mine in a quiet romantic gesture that grounded me amid the madness. She leaned her head onto my shoulder, the scent of tangerines from her hair a sudden comfort. "You'd think they'd tire of this routine by now. It's like clockwork—insult, fight, makeup over food."
I smirked, squeezing her hand gently, feeling the warmth of her palm against mine. "You'd think. But where's the fun in that? Besides, it keeps things lively." I leaned in closer, whispering just for her, "Though I'd take quiet moments like this with you over their brawls any day."
She blushed faintly, her eyes meeting mine with a soft sparkle. "Flatterer. But... same."
After ten minutes of yelling, one broken railing (courtesy of Sanji's spinning kick), and a near-miss that almost singed Usopp's nose, Lucy jumped between them with rubbery agility. "Enough, you two! Save the energy for dinner! Because tonight—we're having a cook-off! Winner gets bragging rights and extra dessert!"
Sanji froze mid-punch, his eyes widening in ecstatic realization. "A duel... in the kitchen? Against the fair Nojiko-san? My heart races at the thought! It shall be a symphony of flavors, a battle of passions!"
Nojiko cracked her knuckles with a confident smile, her eyes glinting with competitive fire. "Bring it on, chef boy. I've got Bell-mère's recipes up my sleeve—you're in for a fight."
[system]: "Warning: Culinary combat imminent. Sensory overload probable."
{ego}: "Oh great. It's Food Wars: East Blue Edition all over again. Someone get the popcorn—and the censorship for the nosebleeds."
[system]: "Already preparing it. Salted, not sweet. Your preferences noted, sarcasm-bot."
The deck transformed into a makeshift arena of spices and flames, the air thickening with the tantalizing aromas of roasting garlic, zesty citrus, sizzling butter, and earthy herbs. Sanji danced through the heat like a romantic tempest, his knives flashing in rhythmic precision as he julienned vegetables with anime-level flair—steam rising dramatically, his shirt somehow billowing despite the lack of wind. "Behold! The essence of the sea captured in pasta—Ocean Love Delight! Each bite a kiss from the waves themselves!"
Nojiko moved like flowing water—calm, focused, precise—stirring her pot with measured grace, incorporating fresh tangerines from our stores for that homey tang. "And here's Home by the Sea Stew. Simple, hearty—the taste of family gatherings and warm hearths."
Lucy bounced on her toes, sniffing the air ecstatically. "WAAH! They both look and smell amazing! It's like my nose is in heaven!"
Aqua sampled Sanji's dish first, her fork delving into the pasta. As she took a bite, her cheeks flushed crimson, eyes widening in euphoric surprise. "Oh... this... it's like being kissed by a chorus of angels! The flavors explode—creamy, spicy, divine!" She fanned herself dramatically, her glow intensifying.
[system]: "Emotional overload detected in Subject Aqua. Possible culinary-induced euphoria. Monitoring for fainting spells."
{ego}: "Stop moaning like that, goddess—this ain't that kind of fanfic. We'll get rated M for mature at this rate."
Then she tasted Nojiko's stew—and froze mid-chew. Her eyes welled up, tears shimmering like dewdrops. "It's... it's like home. Bell-mère's recipe... the warmth, the love... it's all there."
The world went still, the banter fading into a poignant hush.
Nojiko smiled softly, her voice gentle. "I used her special spice blend—the one she guarded like treasure. Figured she deserved a seat at our first dinner under the new flag. A little piece of Cocoyasi with us."
Lucy wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, her voice thick. "That's... perfect. Like she's sailing with us."
Even {ego} went uncharacteristically quiet, the internal snark pausing in respect.
Then [system] whispered gently, her tone uncharacteristically soft—
[system]: Fufufu..."Crew unity reached 100%. Mission complete... It's warm here. Archiving this moment for eternal playback."
{ego}: "...Heh. Look at you catching feelings, glue-bot. Didn't think circuits could get misty-eyed."
[system]: "Ara Ara. Misty-eyed? No, my dear. This is dedication. I will protect this warmth — even if I must delete you to do so."
{ego}: "Aww, you do care~. Fine, truce—for now, cling-bot."
Sanji sighed dramatically, setting down his utensils with a flourish. "I... can't even be mad at losing to that. It's poetry in a bowl—heartfelt and unbeatable."
Nojiko grinned triumphantly. "Good. Because you did lose. Dish duty's on you tonight."
Sanji: "AAAAH! The agony of defeat at the hands of beauty!" He collapsed theatrically, though his smile betrayed his good spirits.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we gathered around the long table on deck—messy, laughing, bickering, but undeniably alive. Plates were passed, stories exchanged, and the crooked flag waved overhead like a guardian spirit.
Lucy raised her cup high, her voice ringing clear. "To Bell-mère! To our flag! And to a dream that'll never die—no matter how many marines or monsters try to stop us!"
Everyone cheered, cups clinking in unison. Even the waves seemed to join the toast, crashing a little louder in approval.
The crooked skull above us caught the last glow of dusk, its lopsided grin a promise of more chaos, more laughter, more bonds to come.
[system]: "Mission logged. Crew established. Ready for Phase Two: World Domination... or at least, fun adventures."
{ego}: "And thus begins the legend of the loudest, dumbest, happiest idiots to ever sail the seas."
[system]: "Correction: strongest. Most lovable."
{ego}: "Same thing, sweetheart. Same thing."
I looked around the table—Lucy's infectious grin, Aqua's sly smirk, Nami's quiet pride as she leaned against me, Nojiko's warm gaze meeting mine with a subtle wink, Zoro's calm nod, Usopp's animated chatter, Sanji's fiery passion.
Yeah... this was home. Crooked, chaotic, and utterly perfect.
[A/N:life is busy I have to make one chapter a day around 2500-4000 words in a chapter.
I have a small deal you can always cool dudes can take
Every 50 power stone I will make one chapter Max out up to 10 chapters per week.]