The Thousand Sunny, serving as the flagship for the Straw Hats after the Enies Lobby Arc, is a state-of-the-art vessel capable of navigating the harshest seas in the World of One Piece. Constructed using the rare and sturdy wood of the Treasure Tree Adam, the Sunny, affectionately called by the crew, replaces their previous ship, the Going Merry, which had deteriorated by the time of the Water 7 Saga. By building and sailing the ship through the Grand Line, the Straw Hats' shipwright, Franky, is fulfilling his own dream.
However, the creation of the Thousand Sunny and the incorporation of Franky's numerous design modifications were not accomplished in solitude. Assisted by Iceburg and the renowned Galley-La Company on Water 7, Franky also drew inspiration from his time on Karakuri Island in the Future Country Baldimore during the time skip. It was there that he stumbled upon the old laboratory of Dr. Vegapunk, a esteemed scientist whom Franky idolizes for his genius. Now, following their encounter on Egghead Island, fans eagerly speculate how Vegapunk could assist Franky in enhancing their beloved ship.
How Did Vegapunk Influence The Sunny?
Franky's own ingenuity and years of experience in building Battle Frankies and modifying his cyborg body allowed him to create the original design of the Thousand Sunny and all its weapons. This version of the Sunny was exceptionally advanced, making it one of the top ships on the sea during that time. It is a testament to Franky's skill and craftsmanship.
During his time on Karakuri Island, Franky extensively studied Vegapunk's work and became well-acquainted with it. He delved into Vegapunk's research and gained in-depth knowledge of his old inventions. As a result, Franky became one of the few individuals who truly understood and could recreate the complexity of Vegapunk's work.
Drawing from this knowledge, Franky successfully replicated the lasers used by the Pacifista, which were based on the powerful abilities of Admiral Kizaru's Pika Pika no Mi. These lasers were then integrated into Franky's own cyborg body, enhancing his fighting capabilities.
After the time skip, Franky implemented the Brachio Tank V into the Soldier Dock System. Although there is no direct correlation between the two, it is likely that Franky's exposure to new technology and ideas on Karakuri Island influenced his decision to upgrade the soldier dock system. The wealth of knowledge he gained during that time skip must have played a role in this decision.
What Additions Could Vegapunk Make?
Franky drew inspiration from Vegapunk's work while designing the BF-38 Iron Pirate, also known as "General Franky." This impressive mecha is a combination of the Kurosai FR-U IV and the Brachio Tank V, which can be docked together to form the massive machine. The BF-38 is a remarkable achievement and represents the culmination of Franky's lifelong passion for creating Battle Frankies, which he began as an apprentice under the Fishman Tom in Water 7. Without the valuable knowledge gained from Vegapunk's research, Franky would not have been able to implement the upgrades that he later incorporated into the Sunny before the Straw Hats ventured into the New World. Although the influence may not have been direct, it is undeniable that Vegapunk played a significant role in Franky's innovations.Considering Vegapunk is now the sole person in the world of One Piece possessing knowledge about the Void Century and the technology of the Ancient Kingdom, it wouldn't be surprising if he decided to further enhance the ship's already formidable power. In the Enies Lobby Arc, the Ancient Weapon Pluton was introduced - a battleship capable of obliterating entire islands in an instant. Since Franky destroyed the only existing blueprints of the vessel, it is possible that Vegapunk obtained some valuable insights into the warship and its weaponry from the remnants of the Library of Ohara.
Since he has successfully concealed his knowledge of the research conducted by the scholars of Ohara from the World Government, it is conceivable that he possesses additional information regarding the Ancient Weapons. This potential knowledge might contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the Sunny. Similarly, should Uranus be disclosed as a man-made weapon akin to Pluton, Vegapunk could integrate its features into the design of the ship. Additionally, he could build upon Franky's original designs and improve the Soldier Dock System by incorporating additional channels.
The exact role Vegapunk may play in the Straw Hats' adventure remains uncertain, as he may meet his demise at the hands of his satellite York or be confronted by the Marines who are under orders to execute him. Considering the chaotic situation on Egghead Island, it is unclear if he will even have the opportunity to join the crew. However, having Vegapunk on board would undoubtedly make the future of One Piece significantly more captivating, and it is hoped that he will assume a significant role as the story progresses towards its climactic resolution.