19: Chapter 19 The Going MerryAfter defeating Kuro, Luffy strolled back to the mountaintop villa.Kaya, tears of gratitude glistening in her eyes, walked towards Luffy, bowed deeply, and said sincerely, "Luffy, thank you.If it weren't for you, I think I would have died at Kuro's hands."
Luffy waved his hand to indicate that it was nothing to worry about, but Zoro complained from the side, "Luffy, you've taken care of the enemy again.I haven't had a real fight since we set sail!" He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, looking somewhat indignant.
Luffy patted Zoro on the shoulder with a grin and said, "Don't worry, Zoro.There will be plenty of opportunities for you to show off your skills in the future."
Luffy's lips curled into a mysterious smile.Their next stop was the Baratie, a sea restaurant where Zoro would meet the person he'd been searching for.But before that, Luffy would exchange his system for something to enhance Zoro's strength.Kaya watched Luffy and his crew playfully, envying their freedom to adventure on the boundless ocean, while she herself was confined to home due to her health condition.Just as Kaya was feeling envious, Luffy waved his hand, and countless vines appeared around her feet, enveloping her.The vines emitted a gentle green light, and as they withered and dispersed, Kaya immediately felt much of her previous discomfort dissipate."Although I couldn't completely remove the chronic toxins from your body, thankfully most of them have been removed.Don't worry about the rest; your body will gradually eliminate these toxins.All you need to do is recuperate."
Kaya, feeling her body brimming with energy, once again sincerely thanked Luffy.When Merry learned that Luffy and his crew needed a ship, to express his gratitude, he immediately gifted them the Going Merry, a fast sailing ship he had designed himself, featuring a triangular sail on the stern and a central rudder.A look of surprise flashed in Luffy's eyes.The departure of the Going Merry in his previous life was a source of deep regret for all One Piece fans.Watching Luffy and his crew burn the Going Merry with tears in their eyes, and witnessing the touching confession of the ship spirit born from the Going Merry, countless fans shed tears for it.But this time, with him there, he wouldn't let the tragedy of the anime repeat itself.
Nami, watching the cheerful group ahead, struggled with conflicting emotions.After so many days together, she could see that Luffy wasn't the kind of pirate who enjoyed plundering and pillaging, but rather someone who simply loved adventure.He would do his best to help those in need, and Luffy's strength far exceeded her expectations.Nami could also sense that Luffy considered her a true comrade.Therefore, Nami wanted to ask Luffy for help, but the thought of the tattoo on her arm that she loathed and even found disgusting made her hesitate.She didn't want to give up after so many years of effort; she was so close, so close to buying back the entire village from Arlong.Usopp then stepped in front of Luffy and solemnly said, "Luffy, take me with you!Take me to the boundless sea!I want to become a true warrior of the sea!"
What happened today filled Usopp with lingering fear.If Luffy hadn't come here today, Kaya would have died, the villagers of Syrup Village would have been killed by Kuro and his men, and he would have been powerless to stop it, and in the end, he himself would have been killed.
Usopp walked resolutely to Kaya, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for adventure.He straightened up and said gently to Kaya, "Kaya, I'm going on an adventure with Luffy.When I come back, I'll definitely tell you the real adventure story."
Usopp's voice was full of determination, as if he were making a promise to Kaya.His words revealed his anticipation for the future and his passion for adventure.
A flicker of surprise crossed Kaya's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by gentleness.She smiled and softly replied, "Alright, Usopp.I'll wait for your return and look forward to hearing your adventures.Until you come back, I'll study medicine diligently so that I can heal Mr.Usopp no matter how badly he's injured."
At that moment, the atmosphere between the two was filled with trust and understanding.Kaya's smile was like the spring sunshine, warming Usopp's heart.Her answer was concise and firm, making Usopp even more determined in his choice.Their gazes became increasingly ambiguous.Luffy coughed lightly, and the two separated like startled birds.Kaya blushed and hid behind Merry, while Usopp looked at Luffy with a resentful gaze.
"Everyone get ready, we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning.Also, Mr.Merry, we'll need your help to prepare plenty of food and fresh water for us."
As the night passed, Luffy and his crew arrived at the beach early.A sailboat with a ram's head came into view, and the group eagerly boarded to explore.Just as Merry was about to explain the ship's functions to Luffy, Luffy suggested explaining it to his navigator instead.He said he was good at fighting, but not at understanding such complex things.Nami rolled her eyes and listened attentively to Merry's explanation.Soon it was time for Luffy and his crew to set off, but Usopp was nowhere to be seen.Just when everyone thought he wasn't coming, Usopp was seen rolling down a hillside in the distance, being carried by his enormous bundle.Luffy and Zoro exchanged a knowing glance, jumped off the ship, and kicked Usopp straight into the bundle.After getting up and barking at the two with his shark-like mouth, Usopp turned and gently said goodbye to Kaya.The manly Usopp then officially embarked on his voyage.The Merry slowly sailed away from Syrup Village, with Luffy standing at the bow, his straw hat billowing in the wind.He reached into his robes and pulled out the Devil Fruit and the all-purpose slingshot that the system had rewarded him with.Usopp stood to the side, watching curiously.What Luffy held in his hand.Without hesitation, Luffy handed the Devil Fruit and the universal slingshot to Usopp.Usopp accepted the gifts, his face showing surprise and joy.
Usopp carefully examined the Devil Fruit in his hand and the cool-looking slingshot.After listening to Luffy's explanation, he unhesitatingly shoved it into his mouth and ate it.Although he was also curious about how Luffy obtained such a Devil Fruit without side effects, Luffy didn't say, and Usopp didn't ask.Everyone has their own secrets, and besides, Luffy was his captain.Usopp believed that Luffy was doing it for his own good.The moment Usopp ate the Devil Fruit, the gentle Luffy's expression instantly changed.A sly glint flashed in his eyes, and the next second, he unhesitatingly grabbed Usopp by the collar and dragged him into the Time Warp Battle Room.
Luffy's movements were swift and decisive; Usopp didn't even have time to react before he was dragged into the perilous Time-Traveling Battle Chamber.Luffy's true purpose was finally revealed: he wanted Usopp to master the power of his Devil Fruit in a very short time, and the best place for that was the Time-Traveling Battle Chamber.He didn't want to face those trash fishmen from Cocoyasi Village and have his crew member beaten so badly.Once inside, Luffy first explained to Usopp how to use his Devil Fruit power, but seeing Usopp's bewildered expression, Luffy had no choice but to isolate his area, releasing enemies slightly stronger than Usopp to fight.Since words didn't work, he had to resort to force.Watching Usopp being chased around by enemies, Luffy steeled himself and left the battle chamber, leaving Usopp bewildered