White clouds covered the sun. Shadows swept past, and the glittering sea gradually lost its shine as dark blue waves continuously crashed against the shore.
The rhythmic waves were uninterrupted by any sound, making the silence aboard the ship all the more apparent.
Kaku's words had been calm, yet they sent a chill through everyone who heard them.
It was precisely because he was merely stating an objective fact that it seemed all the more cruel.
"The Grand Line's climate is unpredictable. Since you've sailed this far, I'm sure you understand that."
Kaku leaned against the railing, looking around at the people gathered before him.
"Sailing on a sea like this without a professional shipwright responsible for regular maintenance will naturally shorten a ship's lifespan drastically."
As he spoke, he pointed at the mast and the triangular sail at the stern. "To you, a mast is just a huge piece of wood, sails are just two sheets of cloth, and rigging is just a few ropes.
"But to a professional shipwright, every one of those things matters. Even every plank on this ship looks completely different to me.
"There are many other factors as well, such as the materials used and the craftsmanship. You should understand by now."
As his words fell, a cool breeze blew past, chilling their hearts as they all stared at Kaku in stunned silence.
Hearing this,
Although everyone was unwilling to accept it, they could understand. They cherished the Going Merry, but that could not change what had already happened.
From the moment a ship was born, it would continue aging until it died. People were the same. Both they and the Going Merry would have to face that inevitable day.
"Damn it!!"
Usopp clenched his fists. "We should've found a shipwright sooner!"
"Don't be