In the end, despite his discomfort, Iceburg endured and listened to Naruto's additional requests regarding the order.
"Naruto-san, you're saying the energy-charging part of the engine needs further reinforcement, correct?"
"With all due respect, based on our original budget, Galley-La Company has already prepared an alloy for you that balances both strength and flexibility."
"Doing this will not only significantly increase costs but also result in excessive performance."
Hearing Iceburg's words, Naruto simply shook his head.
It had only occurred to him later.
Aside from the Wind Cutter Technique, his Wind Release Ninjutsu only included that rudimentary [Wind Release: Rasengan], where he infused Wind Attribute Chakra into the Rasengan.
In Naruto's own view, the offensive power of this move was far less impressive than the propulsion force it could generate, which was why he had initially deemed it the optimal choice.
But he had overlooked one thing.
That is, his defensive capabilities now far surpassed those of most metals in this world.
The Wind Release: Rasengan might not be able to breach his Haki defense, but its intense cutting properties posed a severe threat to metals.
"How about this, President Iceburg, bring out the metal you prepared for me, and I'll test it myself."
Hearing this, Iceburg was skeptical.
Still, Naruto was the client. After a brief silence, he led Naruto and Stussy to an open area next to the shipyard.
Then, he had his workers bring over a silver-colored alloy.
This metal met Naruto's requirements for high strength while also being lightweight.
"This is the unprocessed alloy. You may examine it."
With that, Iceburg gestured for Naruto to inspect it himself.
In his view, Naruto likely possessed some kind of energy technology… or perhaps he was simply a Devil Fruit user.
'That would explain the unusual engine specifications.'
After hearing this, Naruto stepped forward, lifted the metal with one hand, and pinched it between his fingers.
The metal deformed slightly, but as soon as he released his grip, it quickly returned to its original shape.
Seeing this, Iceburg first marveled at Naruto's strength before proudly explaining:
"Naruto-san, you see, this alloy also has a degree of memory function… it can automatically restore its original shape."
Naruto merely smiled in response, then formed a small Rasengan in his other hand.
"This is-"
Upon seeing the buzzing white sphere, Iceburg instinctively widened his eyes.
Meanwhile, Stussy, standing beside them, maintained her usual smile.
'Truly a fascinating ability. Just like how he can create countless clones despite not being a Devil Fruit user.'
'This mysterious man always managed to surprise me in small ways.'
Considering there were ordinary people nearby, Naruto kept the Rasengan small, only about the size of a ping-pong ball.
Then, with his will, Wind Attribute Chakra gradually merged into it.
The Rasengan took on a faint bluish hue as gusts of wind swirled inward.
Then, Naruto pressed the miniature Wind Release: Rasengan against the metal.
Zzzzt-
A harsh grinding noise erupted from the metal's surface.
Naruto's palm covered the spot, and from the gap between his hand and the metal, a violent burst of wind exploded outward… strong enough to mess up Iceburg's usually immovable hairstyle.
When Naruto removed his hand, a shallow dent had formed on the metal's surface.
No further explanation was needed.
They had to switch materials.
Later, Iceburg had his men bring out several different metals for testing.
Fortunately, thanks to their prior experience building the Sea Train and their connections with certain World Government's departments, Galley-La Company still had some leftover special alloy scraps.
While they couldn't be used to construct large ships, they were more than enough for Naruto's personal speedboat.
By the time Naruto and Stussy left the shipyard, it was nearly noon. What was supposed to be a date had consumed most of the morning.
Yet, Stussy showed no signs of displeasure. Instead, she kept gazing at Naruto with a starry-eyed expression… as if simply being by his side was enough.
This attitude actually made Naruto feel a bit guilty himself. Scratching his head, he was the first to speak up.
"How about we grab something to eat first? I know a pretty good restaurant nearby."
For a foodie, the greatest kindness one could offer was sharing their treasured dining spots.
"Pfft-"
"Hahahahaha-"
Hearing this utterly unromantic remark, Stussy burst into a fit of clear, melodious laughter, her face blooming like a flower.
Even Naruto couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed.
After laughing for a while, Stussy wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and gazed at the man before her… a man who hadn't changed at all in over a decade.
Then, she looped her arm through his again, meeting his eyes with a clarity only a young girl could have.
"Sure, I'll leave it to you."
The two of them ate lunch at that little floating restaurant, then rented a [Yagara Bull], a docile, seahorse-like creature native to Water 7, which is commonly used by locals for transportation.
Like any ordinary couple, Naruto and Stussy strolled leisurely through the watery city.
When they got tired, they stopped at a café. They even went to the theater together to watch an opera that Naruto couldn't quite appreciate.
The afternoon passed in a flash.
Throughout it all, the two of them tacitly avoided bringing up their identities or their next plans.
It was as if, in this moment, they were just two ordinary people.
By the time the last rays of the setting sun dipped below the horizon, this long-overdue date finally came to an end.
"I should get going."
Even without using Observation Haki, Naruto could hear the unspoken emotions hidden beneath those words.
Yet he said nothing in response.
Seeing Naruto standing there like a block of wood, Stussy was the first to crack, laughing softly.
"Really? After all these years, you still can't even say something sweet?"
With that, she gently threw herself into Naruto's arms.
And Naruto caught her, wrapping his arms around her.
"I wish today would never end."
Resting her head quietly against Naruto's chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, Stussy left one last thought unspoken.
'If only... if only you would just say it-'
"One day, I can't see you anymore... will you come to save me?"
Stussy knew what she wanted to do. She also knew the fate that inevitably awaited her.
To oppose the World Government was like racing against Death itself.
Before meeting the man in front of her, she had never imagined that someone could share the weight of her heavy destiny.
But-
"I will. As always."
Naruto's voice was firm and steady, just like it had been all those years ago.