Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
There was a moment in the original story that brought tears to Bai Ye's eyes for the first time while watching an anime - it was the "Going Merry's" funeral. Understanding the depth of this loss, Bai Ye knew he had to treat the situation with the utmost seriousness.
He turned to Merry, his expression grave and earnest. "Mr. Merry, this isn't just any ship," he emphasized, "it's going to be a crucial companion in all our upcoming adventures. So, I'm asking you to pour your heart, soul, and all the expertise you've accumulated over your lifetime into creating it!" Merry, initially taken aback by the profound importance Bai Ye placed on the ship, soon felt a surge of energy and determination course through him.
"Absolutely, with such generous resources at our disposal, I promise to utilize everything in my arsenal!" Merry declared. He had initially intended to hand over the "Going Merry" he had previously constructed. However, inspired by Bai Ye's commitment and the substantial funds and materials provided, he now had the opportunity to bring his ultimate vision to life.
Thus, Merry embarked on an extensive overhaul of the original "Going Merry" blueprint. Most notably, due to the generous funding and the inclusion of three pirate ships in the deal, he focused particularly on enhancing the ship's durability, paying special attention to the keel. This comprehensive upgrade, however, meant more time was required for completion.
Bai Ye wasn't concerned about the delay. Instead, he used this time to await the arrival of the officer from Naval Branch 153, who was due to take custody of the Black Cat Pirates and, importantly, deliver their bounty.
"It's astounding," Ripper expressed when he arrived in Shells Town, "how you and your crew manage to achieve something remarkable every few days, Mr. Bai Ye."
Laughing heartily, Bai Ye responded, "You're going to start wishing I'd stop, Mr. Ripper, considering all the back-and-forth I'm causing you." Bai Ye enjoyed Ripper's company and didn't hesitate to engage in friendly banter.
Ripper returned the joviality: "On the contrary! Without you, the navy wouldn't stand a chance of quickly defeating these pirate factions. Your actions are making the East Blue a safer place for its residents, and for that, I owe you my gratitude."
"But..." Ripper's tone shifted, and he locked his gaze onto Bai Ye, thoughts racing. From Alvida onwards, this crew seemed to consistently target increasingly formidable pirates. "You're swiftly running out of high-bounty pirates to beat," he noted.
A reassuring smile spread across Bai Ye's face. "Some of it might be coincidence, but your point stands, Mr. Ripper. It's not a bad strategy, right? Defeating all the notorious pirates in the East Blue does indeed carve out quite the reputation. Plus, my captain dreams of becoming the Pirate King. Starting with a low bounty wouldn't do us any favors, would it?"
Ripper chuckled at Bai Ye's audacity. "You're bold, Mr. Bai Ye, discussing your quest for One Piece right in front of a navy officer!" But then his expression sobered. "Remember, though, the moment you assume the pirate label, we're destined to be on opposing sides. I'll be transferring to headquarters soon, and I sincerely hope our paths don't cross in a less friendly encounter."
Ripper was emotional. His military achievements had finally earned him a spot at the naval headquarters, a promotion previously obscured by Morgan's shadow. After Morgan's defeat at the hands of Luffy and his crew, the headquarters had finally recognized Ripper's value.
"Oh?" Bai Ye's interest was piqued. Realization dawned, and he responded with genuine happiness, "That's fantastic news, Mr. Ripper! Who knows, I might need a favor after you've settled in at headquarters. I hope you won't turn down an old friend, eh?"
Ripper shook his head in mock exasperation, the heavy mood lifting. "You're quite the character, Mr. Bai Ye. Do you even see me as a navy man anymore?"
They shared a look and then burst into hearty laughter. Sure, they might belong to different sides of the law, but that didn't prevent them from being friends, right?
-----
During their stay in Syrup Village, a bond of friendship quietly formed between Usopp, Luffy, and the rest of the crew. Embracing the village's daily rhythm, Luffy even joined Usopp in a peculiar morning ritual: they'd dash through the village, hollering at the top of their lungs, "The pirates are coming!"
In the warmth of these moments, Usopp found himself drawn to Luffy's proposal to join his crew. He'd shared with Luffy stories of his father, a member of the Red Hair Pirates, and his own aspirations. Driven by the desire to one day stand tall before his father, Usopp resolved to leave his home behind and set sail as a courageous warrior of the sea.
When asked why he'd made this choice, Usopp's response echoed his father's words from long ago, "Of course the Pirate Flag is calling"
Time sailed by, and soon, their vessel was ready.
With a gleam of pride in his eyes, Merry presented their new ship. "Behold the Golden Merry," he announced. "This creation is my brainchild, a grander version of the original Going Merry."
Just as Merry was about to delve into the specifics of their ship's power and accommodations, Nami interrupted, "Just give me the lowdown on the ship." It wasn't that she harbored any ulterior motives; it was just that Luffy, ever so predictably, was already enamored with the figurehead — a majestic goat — at the bow.
"AWESOME!" Unable to contain his excitement, Luffy embraced the goat's head, leaping to sit atop it. "Ha ha ha, this is amazing! I've decided this spot is mine from now on!!"
Zoro, arms folded, a contented smile playing on his lips, took in the sight of their new vessel. "Not bad at all," he admitted.
Bai Ye nodded in agreement. This ship was a departure from the one in their original story. With Bai Ye's willingness to make use of ample resources, Merry had transformed the Going Merry into a ship reminiscent of the Thousand Sunny, boasting three masts akin to a galleon. Its size was now more than double, with a plethora of functional rooms included.
However, upon closer inspection, Bai Ye noticed significant differences between the Golden Merry and the Thousand Sunny. This couldn't be helped; after all, Merry was from a dreamer from the East Blue with a passion for shipbuilding, whereas the Sunny's architect, Franky, was a protege of Tom, the world's premier shipwright.
But for Bai Ye, the Golden Merry was a triumph. He had no intention of stubbornly insisting that this ship carry them into the New World. He was well aware that even the legendary Pirate King, Roger, hadn't traversed the entire Grand Line on a single ship.
Bai Ye's lavish spending had one primary goal: to ensure the Golden Merry could voyage safely to the waters of Water 7. There, recruiting Franky for a ship makeover wouldn't pose an issue.
Indeed, Bai Ye envisioned a future with both the Golden Merry and the Thousand Sunny in their possession. As for the potential loss of the ship's spirit, he was confident in his contingency plan. But before any of that, he was determined to fortify their current ship with an added layer of protection.