Water 7 was a beautiful island. Aside from the unavoidable trouble of the so-called "God of Water," Aqua Laguna, it was truly a good place to live.
The city of Water 7 was a hub of intersecting canals. Even before Tom built the Sea Train, it was world-renowned as a great shipbuilding island. With the help of the Sea Train, Water 7's development was destined to become even more prosperous.
Tom's Workers was a shipbuilding company run by a Fish-Man named Tom. He wasn't famous for how excellent his skills were, but because he had built the Oro Jackson for the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
It had to be said, for a craftsman to become famous in such a way was also a kind of tragedy. The world saw the Pirate King first, then the ship Tom had built, and only finally was Tom himself mentioned.
Tom was completely dragged into Roger's affairs. As a shipwright, when a customer comes to your door, can you really refuse?
After Roger was executed, Tom was brought before a judicial ship to be tried for the crime of building a ship for the Pirate King. It was then that he explained the design and concept of the Sea Train to the presiding judge. The judge, moved, amended his sentence, postponing the execution to give him time to build it.
After fourteen years of construction, Tom finally laid the tracks for the Sea Train, the "Puffing Tom," fulfilling his dream and generously meeting his death.
In Doflamingo's view, Tom was a victim of circumstance. But whether it was because of Roger or not, with the blueprints for Pluton in his possession, he could never have truly escaped. It was something that kept the World Government on edge; how could they possibly not deal with him?
On this day, a special guest arrived outside Water 7. The Donquixote Pirates had made their grand entrance, officially entering the city's vicinity.
Previously, to find the Log Pose for Water 7, Doflamingo had spent over a month visiting numerous black markets before finally obtaining what he wanted.
After all this time, Doflamingo and his crew had finally reached their destination.
It was worth mentioning that in the month and a half it took, everyone's injuries had mostly healed. Even Diamante had woken from his coma seven days after the great battle and was now full of life and vigor.
Law's skills were just that good. And as expected of the Op-Op Fruit, it truly had the power to turn decay into magic.
"Young Master, we've entered the waters of Water 7," Bepo reported to Doflamingo.
"We're finally here?" Doflamingo couldn't help but sigh. The journey to Water 7 had been quite the ordeal. First, he had to scour the black market for a Log Pose, and then he had to educate the three little ones. His life was certainly interesting.
"Bepo, go and inform everyone. It's time for us to disembark. The Ark deserves a good rest," Doflamingo said, looking at the ship, which had lost its former glory, a hint of pity in his voice.
"Right away!" Bepo hurried off to inform Robin and the others.
Soon, a crowd had gathered on the Ark's deck. Whether they were busy training or relaxing, everyone came to await Doflamingo's instructions.
"Brother, have we arrived at Water 7?" Robin walked forward and asked.
"Mm, we're almost there," Doflamingo nodded.
"That's great! We should go ashore and have a look. We've been at sea for so long, we're all feeling a bit lost," Buffalo said excitedly.
"Doffy, is this the famous holy land of shipbuilding?" Enel asked. His main concern right now was whether the Ark could be repaired.
"Don't worry. Their craftsmanship will definitely satisfy us. After all, this is the man who built a ship for the Pirate King," Doflamingo said, patting Enel's shoulder reassuringly.
"The Pirate King?"
Everyone looked at Doflamingo in surprise. Another legendary figure. The last time had been at the Twin Capes, but that man was already at the bottom of the sea, keeping his captain company.
Doflamingo didn't answer their questions, instead looking out at the distant city of Water 7.
Seeing that he wasn't going to answer, the crew followed his gaze and looked out at the city as well.
Intricate waterways, bustling ships, pirate flags flying high, and even the occasional sight of a Marine patrol. As expected of the long-renowned Water 7, it was truly a lively place.
The Ark docked, and the members of the Donquixote family curiously observed everything about Water 7, shocked by its prosperity.
"What a bustling place!" Baby 5 couldn't contain her excitement and cheered.
"It certainly is prosperous," Robin said, carefully observing every detail of the city.
An ancient island. Robin's archaeological instincts were kicking in again. She was very interested in the island's history.
"Prepare to disembark. You're free to do as you please. Enel, you're with me. We're going to check out the shipyard here," Doflamingo said to the excited crew.
"Yes, sir!" they all answered enthusiastically. They couldn't wait to have some fun in Water 7.
"Ibes, Monet, would you like to walk around together?" Robin extended an invitation, pointedly ignoring Baby 5.
"Of course," Ibes replied softly.
Monet had wanted to follow Doflamingo, but since he had business to attend to, she had to give up the idea. "Alright," she nodded coolly in response.
"Hey, hey, hey! Law, Buffalo! Should we go for a walk?" Baby 5 asked her usual playmates.
"No. Don't you think you're weak?" Law shot back mercilessly.
Baby 5 looked as if she was about to cry, and Buffalo had no choice but to comfort her.
Doflamingo paid no mind to their little squabbles. Everyone had their own plans, and he wasn't about to micromanage them. Giving his subordinates the appropriate amount of space would only make their relationships more harmonious.
Doflamingo was the first to jump off the Ark. Enel followed closely behind him, and the two of them headed for Tom's Workers.
Seeing that Doflamingo had already left, the others began their own activities.
Law dutifully stayed on the ship to train. Inspired by him, Baby 5 and Buffalo did the same. Bepo, however, took the opportunity to sneak away while Robin and the others weren't looking, off to sample the delicacies of Water 7. It seemed Bepo had been truly traumatized by Robin and her group; the moment he saw the three women together, a lingering fear made him run for the hills, leaving them without a good candidate to carry their bags.
Diamante, Pica, and Gladius, on the other hand, gathered together and headed for a bar. A rare chance to relax. For men, what could be more relaxing than drinking? Of course, there were other things... those who know, know.
Walking along the main street of Water 7 and admiring the beautiful scenery, Doflamingo's mood improved considerably.
I wonder if I'll be able to meet Tom, he thought. But I'll definitely not miss his two apprentices, Iceburg and Franky.
After wandering around and asking for directions, Doflamingo and Enel finally arrived at Tom's Workers.
Looking at the shabby place before them, Enel felt an indescribable disappointment. This was the place Doffy said had built the Pirate King's ship?
Doflamingo was also a little surprised by the state of the place. There weren't many people around, just a few busy workers.
Actually, for a shipbuilding company, this was quite normal. They dealt with ships. What did it matter how luxurious the company building was? It would just be flashy without substance.
"Hello, excuse me, is Mr. Tom here?" Doflamingo politely asked a busy worker.
"You're looking for Mr. Tom? Sorry, he's not here," the person answered casually, without looking up from his work.
"Then how can I see him?" Doflamingo pressed, not giving up.
"What do you want with Mr. Tom?" The man was finally intrigued by Doflamingo's words. He looked up at the newcomers, his tone wary.
"Business, of course," Doflamingo said, exasperated.
"Whatever it is, you can just tell me," the man said rudely.
"You..." Enel was a little angry at the man's impertinent attitude.
"I'm afraid that won't do. You're not qualified," Doflamingo said with a smile, his words a ruthless taunt.
"You two bastards!" Hearing Doflamingo's words, the man flew into a rage and looked as if he was about to teach them a lesson.
"Stop! Franky!"
A voice stopped Franky's actions. The newcomer was Iceburg.
"Iceburg, stay out of this! These two don't look like good people. I was just about to teach them a lesson," Franky said to Iceburg.
"Stand down, Franky," Iceburg said, shaking his head.
"Fine."
The two apprentices were clearly at odds.
Franky and Iceburg, huh? So he had finally met them in person. It had to be said, the current Franky wasn't a cyborg yet, nor was he very... perverted.
Fate will ultimately guide you to become your true self. Unless, of course, you meet someone like Doflamingo.
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