The Thousand Sunny, the ultimate creation of shipwright genius Franky, has been the Straw Hats’ primary means of traversing the seas since the Enies Lobby Arc in the Water 7 Saga of One Piece. This titanic vessel, a successor to their beloved Going Merry, surpasses its predecessor in size and capabilities. With a figurehead resembling a lion with a stylized mane akin to the sun, the Sunny has been the crew’s home and loyal companion throughout their journey across the Grand Line.
The Birth of a Legend: From the Ashes of the Going Merry
The Going Merry had been a gift to the Straw Hat crew from Usopp’s friend Kaya, and despite the wear and tear from their many adventures, the crew’s love for the ship was undying. After learning that the vessel was beyond repair, the crew reluctantly decided to commission a new ship, leading to a temporary rift between Luffy and Usopp.
As the Going Merry made its final voyage, saving the Straw Hats from marine capture, the crew gave the ship a Viking funeral, bidding a heartfelt farewell. It was then that Franky, the newest crew member, pledged to build a new ship that would retain the soul of the Going Merry.
Meeting the Straw Hats’ Every Need and More
Franky designed the Thousand Sunny to be more than just a ship, but also a home for the Straw Hats, accommodating their unique interests and needs. Features such as an aquarium bar, crow’s nest, survey room, library, sick bay, and workrooms for Franky and Usopp were included. The ship also houses separate quarters for men and women, Sanji’s spacious restaurant-style kitchen and dining room, and an observation deck with Nami’s mikan trees and Robin’s flower garden.
The deck boasts a lawned area, slide, and swing on a series of terraces. The helm, equipped with a built-in Log Pose, is located at the front, while hatches provide access to the Soldier Dock System, the ship’s main source of offensive weaponry.
A Ship Fit for the Future Pirate King
The Thousand Sunny is armed to the teeth, boasting 16 cannons and two powerful cola-powered cannons, the Gaon Cannon in the lion figurehead’s mouth and the Coup de Burst at the rear. The Coup de Burst can propel the ship into the air for a quick escape or stabilize the vessel during the Gaon Cannon’s use.
Franky’s pièce de résistance is the Soldier Dock System, a turntable with six compartments housing various devices and weapons. These include paddle wheels, the Mini Merry II shopping boat, the Shark Submerge III submarine, the Kurosai FR-U IV motorcycle, the Brachio Tank V, and an inflatable pool. The motorcycle and tank can combine to form the Iron Pirate “General Franky,” the strongest weapon at Franky’s disposal.
With the Thousand Sunny’s impressive arsenal and features, and Jinbe at the helm, the Straw Hats are well-equipped to face the challenges of their final saga in One Piece.
