A few seagulls flew across the azure sky, while golden sunlight shimmered across the sea.
Beneath the gentle sunshine, a small boat sailed smoothly over the blue waters, sending ripples spreading out on either side.
After leaving Verume, the Going Merry had followed the Log Pose for several more days.
On the aft deck, Lina and Zoro were training as usual, with Usopp beside them, barely alive but gritting his teeth and pushing through as their trainee.
Clang! Clang!
A hammer struck nails in a steady rhythm, ringing out crisply.
Franky's thick arms moved with meticulous precision. He treated the work as carefully as if he were cradling a baby, afraid of even the slightest mistake.
Only after fitting a plank snugly into place did he let out a long breath. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, then pulled a bottle of cola from his stomach.
"That takes care of the stern."
Franky grinned, twisted off the cap and tossed it into the sea. He tipped his head back for a drink, then turned around and said, "That Sea Serpent Current this morning was way too rough. Nami's navigation skills are super awesome!"
No wonder she was the super ship's captain who could punch the captain and stomp the ace. Of course, he couldn't say that out loud.
Nami lounged in a deck chair, reading the newspaper. Hearing his praise, she smiled smugly and waved a hand, modestly saying, "Oh, it was nothing. Everyone worked together so well."
"...1,999, 2,000. Done!"
Bam!!
The huge barbell hit the deck with a heavy thud. Lina stepped over it and pulled the towel from his neck to wipe away his sweat.
His broad, bare torso was lined with muscles like forged steel, and the scattered scars only made him look more powerful