Just as the Straw Hat Pirates were preparing to set off again, they arrived at the beach and were dumbfounded.
The " Going Merry," which had been their constant companion, had become somewhat dilapidated due to a lack of timely maintenance over the past year.
Perhaps it was because they did not follow their original path, and the so-called ship spirit did not appear.
Although Usopp was heartbroken and Fisher tried his best to repair it, it probably wouldn't last long.
" Luffy, the Going Merry won't last much longer. We need to find a better ship."
Molly spoke up reluctantly, knowing it might upset others, but she knew she had to say it.
"Hey, isn't Merry doing just fine? She can still sail!"
Luffy's nonchalant words infuriated Molly; she wanted nothing more than to punch him to death.
The others watched the " Going Merry " sailing on the sea, listening to its creaking and groaning, fearing it might stop halfway through its journey, and were filled with trepidation.
"I think we should find a new pirate ship. On this high seas, a pirate ship is our second life. Everyone else is fine, but if Luffy falls into the sea, that would be a real problem."
The speaker was Sanji. As the third son of the Vinsmoke Family, although he was disliked and ran away, he still had some sense.
No one paid any attention to Luffy and they all started discussing it together. Even Usopp had to admit that the Going Merry had reached its limit and could only tearfully agree to the others' opinions.
Luffy muttered angrily to himself, but those who knew him well ignored him.
"But where are we going to find a good ship? Besides, we're penniless and running out of food."
" The Water 7 has the best shipwrights, but it's now the territory of the Abyss Chamber of Commerce. We don't have enough Beli, and we can't hire anyone to build ships."
Upon hearing the name " Abyss " Merchant Guild, Luffy, who had just been nonchalant, turned grim.
"Hmph, it's just a Abyss Chamber of Commerce. At worst, we'll just rob it and leave. It's no big deal."
Upon hearing Luffy's words, the others fell silent. Although they felt incredibly strong, they had no confidence whatsoever in facing Lin Yuan's merchant guild.
"How about we wait a bit? Merry can hold on for a while longer. Let's head towards the New World first. And one more thing, Luffy, are you really going to challenge the Five Emperors?"
Upon hearing this, Luffy instantly perked up, clasped his hands together, and said seriously.
"Of course, given our current situation, we have every opportunity to challenge the Five Emperors. Don't forget, that old guy said I've already reached the level of Admiral, and with my abilities, I can definitely defeat them."
Although Luffy spirit, the others, except for Zoro, were still a little uneasy. However, Luffy was the captain they recognized, and since he wanted to, they had no reason to back down.
They quickly reached a consensus: first, they would acquire a ship, and then they would challenge the Five Emperors.
"Hey, stop chatting, there's something going on. We've spotted ships and warships ahead."
"What?"
Upon hearing the news of warships, their first thought was to prepare to flee. Although they weren't afraid, their current ships couldn't withstand their attack.
Just then, Higgins clenched his binoculars tightly, his eyes filled with hatred.
"It's those trash ships! These are Heavenly Tribute!"
Upon hearing this, Fisher also revealed murderous intent. He and Higgins both came from a small town. Because they couldn't afford the Heavenly Tribute, they were abandoned by the World Government, and their town was massacred by people pretending to be pirates.
Although they were somewhat strong, they were no match for their opponents and barely escaped with their lives, but their families were all lost.
So when they saw the World Government's ships and warships, they quickly recognized them as the vessels used to collect Heavenly Tribute.
"Captain, and everyone else, I hope you won't stop us from taking revenge this time. We must seize this ship and kill the World Government's lackeys on board."
No sooner had Higgins finished speaking than Fisher chimed in.
"Everyone, if you are pursued by the World Government and the Navy because of us, then we can leave this ship."
Although many pirates hope to have as high a bounty as possible, they generally won't touch the things of the Marines or Celestial Dragons, especially the latter, where almost anyone who touches them dies. That's why the two of them spoke like that.
"DuangDuang..."
However, as soon as they finished speaking, Molly punched each of them in the head, immediately causing large bumps to swell up.
"Damn it, what nonsense are you talking about? We're all on the same ship, how could we let you risk your lives alone?"
Seeing Molly say this, the others also supported her. As for the so-called Celestial Dragons and the Navy, they didn't hold much weight in their hearts.
"Ahem, I've heard that the World Government's ships and Marine warship are the best available, and they also possess a vast amount of treasure, perhaps..."
Sanji smiled and explained his plan, and immediately everyone's eyes lit up.
"Hahaha, it's decided then! Men, rob them!"
Luffy naturally didn't object; he directly issued the order, which deeply moved Fisher and Higgins.
Just as they were about to plunder the Heavenly Tribute, the other side discovered them.
The warship rushed over instantly and began firing.
"Clang..."
" One Sword Style: Tornado!"
Zoro reacted instantly, slicing all the cannonballs in half with a single strike, the explosions echoing across the entire sea.
Perhaps his attack alerted the enemy, for the warship suddenly changed course and began to leave.
Everyone was stunned. Given the current state of the " Going Merry," catching up with the enemy was simply impossible.
"What do we do? They're trying to escape!"
"Hehe, watch this! Rubber Slingshot!"
Luffy chuckled, immediately grabbed the gunwale of the Going Merry, stretched his arms out to a great length, and extended his legs to lift everyone up.
"Hey, you idiot, don't mess around!"
Zoro and the others frowned, surprised that Luffy recklessly again. This was the ocean; falling in would be a serious matter.
However, Zoro's words did not stop Luffy. He smiled, released his foot that was hooked on the ground, and flew out like a cannonball.
Not only him, but Zoro, Sanji, Molly, Usopp, Fisher, and Higgins also changed their expressions and followed him towards the warship.
"Bastard, I'm going to kill you!"
They all felt an urge to beat Luffy to death; if they hadn't been caught off guard, they would have already done it.
Luffy's actions seemed to startle the people on the warship as well. They had just rendezvoused with the World Government's merchant ship when they saw several people descending from the sky.
Instantly, everyone drew their weapons and began firing, but Zoro slashed them away.
With Luffy, Luffy threw Zoro, Fisher, Molly, and Higgins onto the merchant ship, while he, Sanji, and Usopp landed on the warship.
A smile appeared on Luffy's face as he watched the approaching Marines.
"Hahaha, robbery!!!"