Several seagulls flew across the azure sky, while golden light shimmered over the rippling sea.
Under the warm sunlight, a small ship sailed steadily across the blue expanse, sending ripples spreading out to either side.
After leaving Vilmeu, the Going Merry had followed the Log Pose for several more days.
On the stern deck, Reiner and Zoro trained there as usual, with Usopp beside them, half-dead yet gritting his teeth and persevering.
Ding! Ding!
A hammer struck nails rhythmically, producing crisp sounds.
Franky's thick arms moved with meticulous precision. He handled the work as carefully as if he were tending to a baby, afraid of even the slightest error.
Only after fitting a wooden plank seamlessly into place did he let out a long breath, wipe the sweat from his forehead, and pull a cola from his stomach.
"That takes care of the stern!"
Franky grinned, twisted off the cap and tossed it into the sea. After taking a swig, he turned back and said, "That serpent current this morning was seriously fierce! Nami's navigation skills are super awesome!"
Truly worthy of the ship tyrant who punched the captain and kicked the ace. Of course, that was something he could not say aloud.
Nami lounged in a deck chair, reading the newspaper. Hearing the praise, she smiled smugly and waved a hand modestly. "Oh, not really. Everyone just worked well together."
"...1,999, 2,000, done!"
Bang!!
The huge barbell crashed heavily onto the deck. Reiner stepped over it and pulled the towel from around his neck to wipe away his sweat.
His bare upper body was lined with powerful muscles that looked forged from steel, while several scars scattered across them gave him an even more violent, formidable air.
He accepted the blue shirt offered by a fair, jade-like hand and