Mangaka in the StrawHats

[Special transformation completed...]

[Absorbing the power of the Mist-Mist Fruit, the Going Merry gains the power of the Mist-Mist Fruit.]

As the transformation progress reached 100%, the Going Merry began to shimmer, and then a soft mist enveloped its frame, giving it a surreal, almost ethereal appearance.

Logan observed as the attribute interface for the Going Merry displayed the new changes. The result was quite different from what would normally happen to a Devil Fruit user. Instead of bearing the full curse of the sea, the ship absorbed only the abilities, while remaining unaffected by the drawbacks. No loss of buoyancy. No risk of sinking.

"That's interesting," Logan mused aloud. "She absorbed the power but doesn't bear the curse."

If there had been any issue with the Devil Fruit's curse, the Going Merry would have already started sinking. But the ship floated as elegantly as ever.

"Yeah~! This is so much fun!" Little Merry's tiny figure suddenly dissolved into a swirl of mist, her form merging with the vapor that now surrounded the ship.

"You've already mastered it?" Logan looked at her, intrigued.

Merry's voice echoed from within the mist, sweet and playful. "I can only turn into mist for now, Daddy. But I'll get better at it soon!" As she spoke, her small figure reformed beside Logan, a pout on her lips.

Logan patted her head, smiling. "You'll develop more powers soon, little one."

With a proud smile, Merry twirled in the air before returning to her place on the ship, watching over the crew like an adorable guardian spirit.

Meanwhile, Logan stepped forward and waved his hand, instantly storing all the treasure chests that the Big Mom Pirates had brought out into his system space. The pirates around them gawked in disbelief.

"Boy, you took our treasures, but let me warn you…" Tamago said through clenched teeth. "Big Mom will not let this go. When she hears about this, she'll send her Sweet Commanders after you, and you'll regret it!"

Logan merely shrugged, a casual grin spreading across his face. "Then why don't you lead the way? We'll follow you to meet Charlotte Linlin. There are some matters I'd like to discuss with her."

Tamago's jaw dropped. "You're... you're insane! You want to go to her?!"

The Straw Hat Pirates exchanged glances, varying degrees of surprise and curiosity on their faces. Sanji, however, stiffened at the mention of going to see Big Mom. The Vinsmoke family might be a nightmare he wanted to forget, but Big Mom's domain was an entirely different level of danger.

Logan smirked. "If you're too scared to lead the way, we'll just head there ourselves."

"No, no! We'll lead!" Tamago hastily agreed, his tone wavering between defiance and fear. With a quick wave, he signaled his men to turn the ship around and head toward Totto Land.

The Going Merry followed closely behind, its ethereal mist form gliding effortlessly over the waves.

Inside the conference room of the Going Merry, tensions were high.

Sanji stood at the table, leaning over with his hands braced on the surface, his voice raised in frustration. "Logan, why are we doing this? We have the strength to go anywhere. Why head to Big Mom's territory when we don't have to?!"

"Sanji, calm down," Zoro said, stepping forward to intervene. "Logan's got a reason for this."

But Sanji jerked his arm away, glaring at Zoro. "I don't care! Why should we willingly walk into a place we know is a trap? I don't want to see those people again!"

Nami nodded thoughtfully, looking at Logan. "Yeah, why are we heading there, Logan?"

Logan leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Sanji, I'm sorry, but our goal is bigger than just avoiding unpleasant reunions. We're heading there because we need to meet Big Mom. As for the Vinsmokes, they're just an unfortunate coincidence."

Sanji's eyes widened. "Big Mom?! Are you serious? Why would we need to meet her?!"

Logan sighed softly, looking at his crewmates. "Because we need something that only Big Mom has: the Road Poneglyph."

The room went silent as the gravity of Logan's words sank in.

"A Road Poneglyph…?" Nami whispered, her eyes widening.

Logan nodded. "If Luffy wants to become the Pirate King, we need to reach Raftel. And to get there, we have to gather all four Road Poneglyphs. Charlotte Linlin has one of them."

Zoro's eyes gleamed with excitement. "So that's it! If we can take down one of the Four Emperors, it'll put Luffy one step closer to his goal."

"It's not about taking her down," Logan clarified. "If we can convince her to let us copy the Poneglyph, we'll do it peacefully. But if she refuses…"

He didn't need to finish the sentence. Everyone understood.

"But what about my family?" Sanji demanded. "Even if we don't want to deal with them, they'll be there. I can't… I don't want to face them again."

"Sanji," Logan said gently, "the Vinsmokes are a small part of a much larger picture. Whether we like it or not, we have to get that Poneglyph. The sooner we settle things with Big Mom, the sooner you can put your family behind you for good."

Sanji's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. "I just… I just don't want to be part of their schemes again."

"You won't be," Luffy said, his tone firm. "We're a crew. We fight together. If they try anything, we'll kick their butts."

Sanji looked at his captain, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "You're an idiot, Luffy… but thanks."

Logan glanced at Robin, who had been quiet throughout the discussion. "Robin, I know you're curious about the Poneglyphs."

Robin's eyes sparkled. "Big Mom has three Poneglyphs, you said?"

Logan nodded. "That's right. One of them is a Road Poneglyph, and the other two are regular ones. There's a lot of history written on those stones."

Robin leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "We need to get those. Every piece of history is precious."

"I knew you'd feel that way," Logan said with a grin. "Come to the studio later. We'll go over what I know about the Poneglyphs."

Robin smirked, crossing her arms. "You think you can tempt me with secrets? Fine, I'll be there."

Sanji sighed, finally calming down. "Alright, Logan. I get it. We're going to meet Big Mom… for the Poneglyphs."

Logan nodded. "Exactly. But if the Vinsmokes try to get in our way…"

Sanji's eyes hardened. "They'll regret it."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the implications of what lay ahead. The Four Emperors were not opponents to be taken lightly. But they were the Straw Hat Pirates, and they would face whatever came their way.

As the Going Merry sailed forward, mist trailing in its wake, the crew prepared themselves for the inevitable clash with one of the most dangerous forces in the New World.

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