Summary:
Usopp is finally reconciled with the Straw Hat Pirates and has been drawn aboard their new ship. But they remain under attack from Vice Admiral Garp. Franky orders Zoro to lower the sails so he can start the secret escape mechanism.
But before they set off, Franky insists they name the ship first. Luffy comes up with a bunch of weird, inappropriate animal combos. Franky says the name should be based on the mast, which is shaped vaguely like a lion’s head, although most at the Galley-La Company “mistaken” it for a sunflower. Iceburg and Franky agree that she is suitable for the Pirate King’s future ship. Iceburg is inspired and envisions a ship that can sail a thousand seas as brightly as the Sun. He therefore suggested the name Thousand Sunny. The crew ignores Franky’s idea for a name based on lions and goes with Iceburg’s idea instead.
Franky goes below deck to turn on his escape device, noting that Water 7 will be out of sight for a while. Luffy calls out to his grandfather and says they are leaving. He says goodbye to Koby, but still doesn’t know Helmepp’s name. He rips the last cannonball from Garp and tells him it’s pointless, which infuriates Garp, who has to be restrained by Helmeppo. Luffy then says his thanks to Iceburg, Galley-La, and the Franky Family, but he’s too far away for them to hear him. Garp then pulls out a comically huge cannonball and swings it at the Thousand Sunny. Just when the crew thinks they’re all going to die, Franky’s “Miracle Emergency Acceleration Device” goes off: Coup de Burst! Powered by three cola barrels, the Thousand Sunny suddenly launches into the air and gets away.
Everyone on Garp’s ship is surprised, even Aokiji. Garp almost looks pleased with his grandson’s escape and begins to laugh, remarking, “That’s not bad Luffy.” As the Straw Hats sail off into the sky, Usopp remembers the feeling of flying as the Going Merry flew up the Knock Up Stream to Skypiea. Franky brags that Going Merry’s soul lives on in the Thousand Sunny. There is nothing the Merry can do that the new ship can’t do. Back in the Water 7 Oimo and Kashii help the rebuilding process. The Franky Family is struggling a bit because they don’t have food, but Iceburg comes to their rescue and gives them a job at Galley-La. Word is starting to spread about the new Straw Hat rewards. Smoker gets new wanted posters from Tashigi after the pirate bust. He says that the other pirates will now obey the Straw Hats and vows to crush Luffy when they reach the New World.
On Baratie, Zeff immediately recognizes the horrible composite sketch made of Sanji. His former fellow chefs all laugh at it. Regardless, his poster replaces Luffy in the middle of the restaurant and they use it as a selling point that the restaurant is Sanji’s home. In Foosha Village, the villagers once again rejoice at Luffy’s increasing infamy. Woop Slap, on the other hand, is bothered by exuberant partying. Makino likes his crew, especially his “cute pet”. Woop Slap is upset that an enemy of the World Government came from Foosh and wonders what Garp is doing about it. He also wonders if Dadan knows about Luffy’s recent actions. In Syrup Village, Usopp The Pirates and Kaya immediately recognize Sogeking as Usopp. But the rest of the village doesn’t believe it. Kaya goes back to her medical studies so she can be ready if Usopp needs healing if/when he returns. The boys say they will beat up Usopp if he ever hurts Kaya.
In the village of Shimotsuki, Koushirou confesses to his students that he taught Zoro to fight, but swears that he did not teach Zoro how to be a pirate. Now all the kids want to be pirates in addition to being great fighters. He doesn’t mind too much as long as Zoro has kendo in his heart. In Cocoyashi Village, Genzo is angry at Nami’s wanted poster, yet he blows it up behind the table. Nojiko satisfies him by pointing out Nami’s expression, saying that it’s proof that Luffy really didn’t take her smile away. In the Sakura Kingdom, Dalton calls Dr. Kureha down from her castle and shows her the latest wanted posters for the Straw Hats. Dalton is sure the Marines are wrong about Chopper’s measly Beli50 reward. Dr. Kureha is happy to see him again.
At Arabasta, Igaram, Chaka, Pell, and King Cobra are shocked that Nico Robin, “Miss All Sunday” of the Baroque Works, is now associated with the Straw Hats. They worry that Vivi won’t take the news well, but she already knows and doesn’t care. He trusts Luffy’s decisions, even though no one ever understands his motives. Again, they are surprised by the princess’s maturity. On Baltigo, a never-before-seen island on the Grand Line, the revolutionary army discusses the successful coup at Centaurea in South Blue. Their leader, a “revolutionary” dragon, sees a stack of wanted posters for the Straw Hats. It should be noted that the Marines forced the entire crew due to the events in Enies Lobby. His co-workers mention Luffy’s relationship with Garp, apparently unaware of their leader’s relationship with both men. The dragon believes that his son’s actions will cause more people to question world government, and he welcomes the day when they finally meet. Back on the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hats celebrate the return of Usopp and Robin; their new boatman Franky; and their new ship.