Everyone on deck saw everything—
and for a long second, no one could breathe.
The sea had already returned to calm, gentle waves lapping against the Merry's hull, as if nothing monstrous had just happened.
Usopp's jaw trembled.
"W–Whaaaaaat…?! That— that was a tsunami?!"
Jonny spun in place, panic written all over his face.
"Out of nowhere?! That's impossible!"
Yosaku nodded furiously.
"Yeah! The sea was calm just a second ago!"
Zoro stood still, one hand gripping the hilt of his katana. His eyes were sharp—focused—but not alarmed.
"…It must be her," he said quietly.
Then he loosened his grip and let go of the sword.
Luffy burst out laughing, hands on his hips.
"Shishishishi! That was amazing!"
Nami nodded, her expression calm but knowing.
"A tsunami with no warning… no storm… no wind."
She glanced toward the cabin below deck.
"If it wasn't Cry, then who else could do something like that?"
Usopp, Jonny, and Yosaku froze.
"…What do you mean?" Usopp asked slowly.
Jonny and Yosaku swallowed hard, eyes wide.
Nami just shook her head.
"Don't worry about it."
She clapped her hands once, snapping everyone back to reality.
"Alright, gather up. We're heading to Baratie."
She turned toward the helm, wind catching her hair.
"Fix the sails—set our course."
The Merry shifted, sails tightening as she began to move forward again—
leaving behind shattered Marine pride…
and carrying a sleeping goddess toward the sea's next chapter.
After twenty minutes, everything was back to normal.
The sea rolled gently again, the sky was clear, and the Merry cut through the water as if nothing terrifying had ever happened.
Jonny scratched the back of his head, still trying to process it all.
"So, Zoro-bro… you're telling us that tsunami was some kind of Devil Fruit ability?"
He laughed nervously. "Man… stuff like that really exists, huh?"
Yosaku swallowed hard.
"Just… who was that girl?" he said, voice low. "Just standing near her makes my skin crawl."
He shook his head quickly. "I don't even wanna think about it."
Zoro leaned against the railing, eyes half-closed.
"She's strong," he said.
Then, after a brief pause, he added,
"Stronger than you think."
Jonny and Yosaku froze.
Those words—coming from the Pirate Hunter himself—hit harder than any wave.
They both gulped at the same time.
"…Then it's true," Jonny muttered.
Suddenly—
"WOW!" Luffy shouted, pointing ahead with both hands.
"Look! A fish! A big fish!"
Everyone turned.
And there it was.
Baratie.
A massive sea restaurant floating proudly on the water, shaped like a gigantic fish. Its mouth formed the entrance, wide and welcoming, while wooden decks stretched out like fins. Tall masts rose from its back, flags fluttering in the sea breeze, and the structure itself looked sturdy enough to withstand storms and battles alike.
Smoke drifted from the kitchen vents, carrying the scent of real food—rich, warm, irresistible.
Luffy's eyes sparkled like stars.
"…Food," he whispered.
The Merry sailed closer, the legendary restaurant growing larger on the horizon—
and with it, the next chapter of their journey.
"Let's go! I wanna eat!" Luffy shouted, bouncing on his feet like a kid who'd just spotted treasure.
Nami had both hands on the helm, calmly adjusting the wheel as the Merry glided forward.
"So this is Baratie…" Usopp said, eyes wide as he stared at the massive fish-shaped structure looming ahead. "It's not even a ship anymore—it's like a floating island!"
"Come on, faster!" Luffy urged, leaning over the railing.
"Let's gooo!" he yelled again.
"Shut up," Zoro snapped, irritated, one eye half-open. "All you ever say and think about is food."
Nami sighed and shook her head. "Every. Single. Time."
She turned the wheel slightly, guiding the Merry toward the outer docking area of Baratie—a long wooden pier extending from the restaurant's side, reinforced with thick pillars driven deep into the sea. The water here was calmer, designed for ships to approach without being tossed around by waves.
The Merry slowed as its bow aligned with the dock. Usopp hurried forward, rope in hand, while Zoro stood by in case they needed to jump. With a soft thud, the ship eased in alongside the pier.
Ropes were thrown, tied securely around iron posts, and the Merry finally came to rest—rocking gently, safely docked beside the legendary sea restaurant.
"We're here!" Luffy grinned.
The smell of cooking drifted over the deck.
And suddenly, even Zoro felt a little hungry.