At this moment, Franky, who had been busy for quite a while, also walked over and said with a grave expression: "We must change ships. This ship... No, the Going Merry can no longer continue sailing. Even the fact that it can still sail now is already a bit beyond my expectations."
At this point, his tone could not help but carry a hint of amazement and admiration. "To be honest, I have never seen a ship damaged to this extent still be able to sail, and even give birth to the legendary spirit. This is a miracle that is hard to see even once in a lifetime."
If he had not gone through this adventure together with them, he probably would not have believed it.
Looking at the Straw Hat crew in front of him, who became dejected because of his words, Franky, as a shipwright, seemed to have already guessed what they were thinking inside.
After being silent for a moment, he said in a comforting tone: "I can tell that you cherish your partner very much, but it's already tired; you should let it rest."
Everyone: "..."
As these words fell, everyone lowered their heads. The people who had been excited, frustrated, or dejected all now showed sorrowful expressions on their faces.
Even Usopp, who had previously opposed abandoning the Going Merry, now lowered his head in silence and did not say any more stubborn words.
After a moment, they seemed to hear a voice, the same voice they had heard earlier on Enies Lobby.
It was apologizing, and also persuading them not to be sad.
That was... The Going Merry's voice.
The Straw Hat crew all raised their heads and looked at one another.
Then everyone showed a determined expression, as if they had already made some kind of decision.
As the captain, Luffy lowered his hat. His eyes were filled with sadness, but there was a smile at the corner of his mouth as he said, "We'll listen to you, Franky. Let the Going Merry rest well!"
As soon as these words fell, everyone seemed unable to hold back any longer. They all lowered their heads, their eyes shimmering with tears.
"I understand."
Franky nodded solemnly, then smiled and said, "Don't be sad. I already asked the Going Merry just now. It said it can still hold on for a while. Please rest assured. In the coming days, I will take good care of the Going Merry."
As he said this, he frowned again, his face showing a troubled expression. "But where are we going to build the ship? Some materials are quite hard to buy!"
He could no longer return to Water 7.
Just as they were about to approach Water 7, Iceburg sent word that the so-called Buster Call fleet seemed to have sealed off the entire Water 7.
Although he had left in a bit of a hurry, as a gentleman, he did not want to bring disaster to his family.
He hoped that after he, the boss, left, Zambai and the others would be able to live well.
Speaking of which... He was clearly captured, so how did he end up becoming part of the Straw Hat crew?
"Where to go?"
Hearing Franky's words, the Straw Hat crew also fell into distress. They did not know where the next island was either.
And listening to Franky, it seemed that there were some shipbuilding materials that were very difficult to buy.
But just as everyone was troubled, a simple and honest voice came from the side: "How long can the Going Merry hold on? If it can still hold on for a while, I suggest you go to the Sabaody Archipelago to buy them. There, as long as you have money... You can buy anything there."
"Sabaody Archipelago?"
"That's right. That place is the entrance to the New World. All rookie pirates will pass through there to enter the New World."
Looking at the puzzled expressions of everyone in front of him, Teach, who seemed to have recovered somewhat, did not hide anything and directly explained: "And the New World, the latter half of the Grand Line... is also known as the pirates' paradise. There are countless powerful pirates there!"
He realized that if he did not find the Dark-Dark Fruit, then he could not expose his ambitions and dreams.
Moreover, without the strength to confront the World Government, the role of being honest, simple, and righteous had to continue to be acted out.
Once he lost this facade, he estimated that he would have to face the World Government alone.
Furthermore, Luffy was Ace's younger brother, and this group of people seemed to have an extraordinary relationship with the Umbrella Corporation.
Perhaps he could obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit through this group, or even after earning money, use his money... to purchase it from the Umbrella Corporation?
Therefore, no matter what, whether to divert the World Government's attention or to obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit, he had to stay with the Straw Hat Pirates for the time being.
He planned to wait until they entered the New World and met Whitebeard, and then subtly ask Whitebeard whether there were other methods.
"A sea filled with danger and opportunity. In that sea area, every day, new pirate crews become famous across the seas, and powerful pirates are also defeated and erased by the sea. But if you want to become the King of the Pirates, you must enter the New World!"
Straw Hat Crew: "...?!"
As soon as these words fell, the Straw Hat crew froze in place.
Danger and opportunity.
The pirates' paradise?
No one knew how much time passed before everyone came back to their senses.
After exchanging glances, the corners of their mouths slowly curved upward, and firm expressions appeared on all of their faces.
"Then it's decided, we're going to the Sabaody Archipelago."
As the captain, Luffy stood up directly, grinning as he raised his right hand.
Grabbing the bow of the Going Merry, he directly flew up to the bow, sat there, and looked out at the sea ahead. "And then, we'll enter the New World."
As he said this, he also took a deep breath, raised both hands, and shouted loudly: "Set sail now, we're heading for Sabaody Archipelago! I'm the man who's going to become the King of the Pirates!"