40: Chapter 40 Going MerryWhile Luffy was pondering how to make his crewmates stronger, Kaya, supported by Merry, arrived at the shore.After looking around and finding Usopp, her eyes lit up.She broke free from Merry's support and walked up to Usopp, softly apologizing, "Usopp, I'm sorry, I was too harsh with my words just now."
Seeing Kaya's distress, Usopp hurriedly waved his hand and said, "It's alright, I'm a great warrior of the sea, how could I possibly take those words to heart?"
Luffy asked Kaya, "Miss Kaya, do you have a bigger ship at home?The ship we're on now is too small; it can't sail at sea for long at all."
Then Merry said, "There is one, a fast sailing ship that I designed and built when I was a child.It has a triangular sail on the stern and a center rudder.It's a bit old, but I hope you won't mind."
A glint of surprise flashed in Luffy's eyes.The departure of the Going Merry in his previous life's storyline had truly left him heartbroken.Seeing Luffy and his crew, though reluctant, suppressing their grief as they burned the Going Merry, and then the Going Merry's ship spirit bidding them farewell—it almost made him cry.But this time, he wouldn't let the Going Merry leave them.Nami watched Luffy's retreating figure with complex emotions, her gaze filled with both reluctance and struggle.She hesitated, wondering whether to ask Luffy for help.So many days of travel had stirred up a strange feeling in her towards him, but remembering her promise to Arlong, she shook her head, banishing the thought of asking for help.Usopp approached Kaya and said gently, "Kaya, I've decided to go to sea with Luffy to experience a real adventure.When I return, I'll definitely tell you about these adventures." Kaya looked at Usopp affectionately and said, "Yes, I'll wait for you.In the meantime, I'll study medicine diligently so I can help you when you're sick."
Seeing this, Luffy coughed lightly.Kaya, blushing like a startled rabbit, hid behind Merry, while Usopp glared at Luffy with a resentful expression.Luffy pretended not to notice and ordered, "Prepare well today, we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."
The night passed, and Luffy and his crew arrived at the shore, where they saw Kaya and Merry waiting for them.A small sailboat with a ram's head prow was anchored on the sea.Merry introduced it, saying, "This is the Going Merry." Just as Merry was about to explain the ship's features, Luffy casually remarked, "Mr.Merry, you should talk to my navigator.I'm good at fighting, but I'm really no good at this." Nami rolled her eyes but didn't argue with Luffy, listening attentively to Merry's explanation.Luffy and the others jumped aboard and began to tour the ship.Once Nami was on board, she asked curiously, "Where's Usopp?Hasn't he arrived yet?Is he not coming?"
Luffy said, "No, I believe he will come." Just then, a figure tumbled down the hillside.When the person came to a complete stop, the others realized it was Usopp.Usopp stood up, dusted himself off, and said goodbye to Kaya, "Kaya, I'm leaving now.Take good care of yourself." He then climbed onto the ship using a rope.Seeing that everyone was there, Luffy shouted, "Let's go!Towards the next island!"
Kaya watched the departing ship and silently said to herself, "Mr.Usopp, I'll be waiting for you here.Please be safe and sound."