Iceburg, also known as President 'Iceberg', is the owner of Galley-La Company, the most famous shipbuilding corporation in Water 7.
Not only has he successfully merged seven shipyards over the past eight years, but he has also won the bid to become the official shipbuilding company for the World Government.
In terms of achievements alone, he is already an undeniably successful businessman.
What's even more infuriating is that this guy is also the mayor of Water 7.
It just goes to show how ahead of its time the world of pirates really is.
Of course, stripping away these external identities, Iceburg is also an extremely skilled shipwright, having been apprenticed under the great shipbuilder Tom the Fishman, the creator of the Oro Jackson, Gol D. Roger's legendary ship.
"So, these are the client's requirements?"
Iceburg carefully examined the order brought to him by his secretary, Kalifa, before speaking.
"Yes, the client is currently waiting for you in the reception room."
When Iceburg pushed open the door to the reception room, he saw Naruto sitting there, leisurely sipping tea.
Seeing Naruto's tall stature, Iceburg wasn't particularly surprised.
After all, in a city like Water 7, there was no shortage of unusual individuals. A height of two or three meters was nothing… even Franky had subordinates like that.
"Greetings, sir. I am Iceburg, the president of Galley-La Company. A pleasure to meet you."
"Oh, hello there! My name is Uzumaki Naruto."
The two shook hands amicably, and then Iceburg got straight to the point.
"Forgive my bluntness, but the design of this... new ship you've requested has some impractical aspects."
"Oh? Tell me about it~"
Naruto looked at him with curiosity.
Though Water 7 was known as the holy land of shipbuilding, most of the ships produced here were either two-masted or three-masted sailing vessels.
Even the warships commissioned by the Marines and the World Government were mostly just ironclad, with steam engines added at most.
For a place like Water 7, which had developed the Sea Train, this wasn't particularly difficult.
But Naruto's request was something Iceburg had never heard of before.
"The main issues lie in the propulsion system and speed requirements."
"An engine capable of collecting wind, electric, and thermal energy and converting them into kinetic power… individually, we can manufacture each of these."
"But combining all three functions presents a problem with the engine's material durability."
"Not to mention the significant increase in weight. And if speed is also a priority, the ship's structural stability would be compromised."
Hearing this response, Naruto showed a thoughtful expression.
'It seemed that while this place excelled at shipbuilding, their technological research was still somewhat lacking.'
'Aside from certain islands in the New World and the scientists working for the World Government, the South Blue was likely more advanced in this field.'
Unfortunately, Naruto was too lazy to make another long journey, so he decided to compromise.
"Hmm, then wind power alone will suffice."
In fact, it wasn't really a major issue. After all, no matter which type of energy was used, it would all come down to consuming Chakra to perform Ninjutsu… the only difference was the form it took.
'It would've been even better if they could build a ship powered by Haki.'
But for that kind of pure sci-fi technology, Naruto had no intention of entrusting it to a shipbuilding company in the first half of the Grand Line.
'They probably didn't even know what Haki was.'
Seeing how accommodating Naruto was, Iceburg relaxed a little.
"Understood. Next is the matter of the ship's size…"
The two continued discussing in the meeting room, though most of the time, it was Iceburg doing the talking while Naruto occasionally chimed in with a request or two.
The atmosphere is very harmonious.
Faced with such a technically challenging order, Iceburg, a shipwright who hadn't worked hands-on in a while, couldn't help but feel his craftsmanship itch.
'Come to think of it, Franky probably had the skills to build this kind of specialized vessel too.'
But considering Franky's personality and the unreliability of his subordinates, Iceburg quickly dismissed the thought.
'Better to let that guy keep running his ship dismantling business.'
Outside the meeting room.
Kalifa, who had just finished serving tea and stepped out, adjusted her glasses. Her previously expressionless face now carried a trace of coldness.
…
The conversation with Iceburg had gone smoothly. They had settled on an estimated construction period, and Naruto had paid a portion of the deposit upfront.
About a week or so.
The total cost, covering production, design, and materials, was 3,000,000 berries, with most of the expenses going toward the engine and other functional designs. The ship's hull itself wasn't that costly.
After all, Naruto's request was simply for 'a small boat for one person to pilot'.
"Well then, Naruto-san, you can come pick up the ship in about a week. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy your stay in Water 7."
"This city is sure to offer you a unique experience."
"Haha, I don't doubt that at all."
Naruto chuckled and nodded before walking out of Galley-La's headquarters alongside Iceburg.
Seemingly intent on personally seeing Naruto off, Iceburg continued making small talk as they strolled.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Iceburg, your shipwrights are quite lively, aren't they?"
Just earlier, Naruto had witnessed a group of troublemaking pirates being effortlessly subdued by those very shipwrights.
"Hahaha, that's right. They're the best shipwrights at Galley-La."
While listening to Iceburg's words, Naruto's eyes quickly swept across certain figures without any trace.
"Yeah… really great shipwrights."
…
Night.
Blueno's Bar.
The bar was closed for the night, its doors firmly shut.
But inside, a few figures were deep in discussion.
Among them were the bar's owner, Blueno, as well as two shipwrights Naruto had spotted earlier at Galley-La's shipyard… Kaku and Lucci.
There was also a woman, who was none other than Iceburg's secretary, Kalifa.
Of course, these four had another identity… they are members of CP9, the World Government's secret intelligence agency.
"Confirmed. The visitor is the [Great Criminal]… Uzumaki Naruto."
Kalifa pushed up her glasses and spoke in a cold tone.
"Why would someone like him come to Water 7?"
The person who spoke was the bar owner, Blueno.
"Probably just to commission a ship, right? Didn't he say as much to Iceburg?"
Kaku, the shipwright with a long nose like Usopp, spoke, as if his companions were overreacting.
"We can't rule out the possibility that it's related to the blueprints of [Pluto]."
"Should we notify-"
"Send a message to Spandam."
The one who made the final call was Rob Lucci, the strongest member of CP9.
Unlike the usual silent and reserved demeanor he showed when working on Galley-La Company, the real Lucci was cold and arrogant.
…
On the other side, on the Judicial Island, Enies Lobby.
Spandam, who had inherited his position as the direct superior of CP9 from his father, stared at the message from Water 7.
Clap!
He clapped his hands together excitedly.
"You three, head to Water 7 immediately and capture that so-called [Great Criminal], Uzumaki Naruto."
'This is perfect!'
'Fantastic!'
When Spandam heard that someone like Naruto had appeared in Water 7, his first reaction wasn't caution… but sheer delight at the huge merit that had fallen into his lap.