The sun hung low over the open sea, its warm light stretching across the waves like golden threads. The Going Merry cut through the waters, its sails full and proud as the wind urged it forward. Seagulls circled above, their cries sharp against the rhythmic slap of the ocean against the hull.

Luffy stood at the bow, one hand gripping his hat as it threatened to fly off with each gust. His grin was as wide as the horizon itself. “Look at it! Endless! Just... endless!” he shouted back to the crew, his voice brimming with uncontainable excitement.

Zoro leaned against the railing, arms crossed. “It’s the same ocean we saw yesterday.” His eyes were half-lidded, his tone laced with the usual deadpan sarcasm.

“Yeah, but it’s a whole new part of it! That makes it different!” Luffy called back, turning fully to face them. His eyes sparkled with that familiar, infectious enthusiasm—like everything was new, even if he’d seen it a thousand times before.

Nami sat nearby with a map sprawled across her lap, eyebrows pinched together in focus. “He’s got a point, you know,” she muttered, tracing a path with her finger. “We are in uncharted waters now.”

Sanji emerged from the galley, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand. The aroma of freshly cooked fish drifted with him. “Lunch is served, ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, casting a sly glance toward Nami. “Prepared with only the finest ingredients.”

“Meat?” Luffy perked up, practically vibrating where he stood.

Sanji rolled his eyes but smirked. “Of course, I wouldn’t forget the captain.”

In a flash, Luffy was at the table, hat still clutched to his head as he dug in without hesitation. His laughter mingled with the clatter of dishes and the occasional quip from Usopp, who had just joined them with his usual flair for exaggeration.

But even as he ate, Luffy’s eyes kept drifting back to the horizon, like he could already see the next adventure waiting just beyond the edge of the world.

He paused, mouth full, and looked up. “You guys ready?” he asked, voice muffled but eyes bright.

“For what?” Nami asked, eyebrow raised.

Luffy swallowed hard, flashing that signature grin. “For whatever comes next.”

The crew exchanged glances, some skeptical, some amused, but all of them familiar with that feeling—because with Luffy at the helm, whatever came next was bound to be wild.

The wind picked up, carrying their laughter out to sea, where adventure waited patiently, just beyond the horizon.