The air in the repair workshop was hot and stagnant from the welding torch's lingering heat. Even the sea breeze could not dispel the tension.
Usopp stood frozen in the workshop doorway, trembling uncontrollably. Tears cut two pale tracks through the dust on his face as he stared at Luffy, his voice as rough as sandpaper. "Luffy... what did you just say? Say it again!"
Luffy clenched his hands at his sides until his knuckles turned white. He met Usopp's gaze without flinching, his voice hoarse but unwavering. "I said we're getting a new ship. The Going Merry... can't carry us any farther."
Those words were a spark, instantly igniting the emotions Usopp had bottled up throughout their journey. He lunged forward and grabbed Luffy's collar, his eyes so red they looked ready to bleed. "Can't sail? What gives you the right to say that?! Merry came all the way here with us from the East Blue, crossed Reverse Mountain, flew over Sky Island, and risked its life to save us so many times! And now you want to throw it away?!"
"I'm not throwing it away!" Luffy's voice abruptly rose too, his chest heaving. "It's our companion! But it can't withstand the wind and waves of the New World! I'm the captain! I'm responsible for everyone's lives! I can't take everyone to their deaths on a ship that could fall apart at any moment!"
"Our deaths? You just think it's too battered! That it's useless!" Usopp shouted hysterically, shoving Luffy away and staggering back two steps. His smile looked worse than tears. "Of course! You're a great pirate worth a hundred million, the man who's going to become Pirate King! Naturally, a wreck about to fall apart isn't good enough for you! But I'm different! I'll stay with Merry!