The distance between the Florian Triangle and Water 7 wasn't too great.
Thanks to Ren Takashi's possession of a permanent Log Pose and detailed sea charts, the journey went smoothly.
—
About an hour later...
Ren disembarked with Perona, Domino and Sadie.
However, before stepping off the ship, he gave the three girls strict instructions about their appearance.
'No wandering around looking like escaped pirates,' he said.
As they stepped into the famous water metropolis, Sadie and Domino were buzzing with excitement and talking non-stop.
After all, they had both spent most of their lives locked inside Impel Down. This was their first time seeing the outside world.
'Whoa! What is that thing? It looks like a cow... but also a fish!"
Sadie's eyes lit up at the sight of a Bull—a seaborne creature commonly used for transport in Water 7.
With a wide grin, she leaned closer to the edge of the dock as they boarded one for a ride across the city's canals.
Eventually, they took the Aqua Elevator and arrived at their destination: the world-famous Galley-La Company.
The shipyard was enormous.
After explaining their intentions, Ren was personally welcomed by the company's president, Iceburg.
"If you don't have a particular design in mind, Mr Ren," Iceburg said with a polite nod, "I suggest you take a look at Dock One."
'That's our best dock. Even the World Government's ships are built there."
Iceburg led the way and soon Ren and his three companions arrived at Dock One.
As expected, Iceburg gave a full introduction.
He introduced the five foremen of Dock One: Barry, Kaku, Rob Lucci, Tilestone and Peepley Lulu.
Also present was the company secretary, Kalifa.
To Ren, most of them were 'familiar faces'.
Half of them were CP9 agents in disguise.
As soon as he recognised them, Ren casually glanced over.
Sure enough, Lucci and the others returned his gaze.
Before Ren arrived, the Five Elders had dispatched orders to all CP agents.
Naturally, this included the 'undercover shipwrights' who were now watching Ren closely.
Though they were surprised by his sudden appearance, they didn't show it.
They were professionals after all — trained spies who knew how to hide their intentions.
Meanwhile, Ren had no idea about the orders issued by the Five Elders.
But even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.
After all, if he dared to set foot in Water 7, he was ready for whatever came next.
Just as Iceburg was about to continue introducing the facilities—
*RING... RING...
— a call came in.
After quickly apologising to Ren, Iceburg answered the call. His face shifted slightly before he excused himself and left in a hurry.
He passed the hosting duties to Kalifa.
Ren didn't mind. In fact, this was even better.
'If you need anything at all,' Kalifa said with a gentle smile, 'please don't hesitate to let me know.'
'I'm more than happy to serve you... Lord Ren."
She had long blonde hair, wore tinted glasses and was dressed in a yellow blazer, black miniskirt and knee-high black boots.
It was quite the visual.
Unapologetically bold.
"You could give me a—"
Ren didn't even get to finish his sentence.
Kalifa's expression hardened and she snapped reflexively.
'Lewd request... That's sexual harassment!"
—