Water Seven, Dock One
Hammering sounds and shipwrights' shouts wove together into a bustling scene.
A man wearing overalls and a black top hat with a white pigeon perched steadily on his shoulder was methodically assigning tasks to his subordinate shipwrights. His expression was stern, gaze sweeping over every detail like a hawk's.
At that moment, the square-nosed shipwright quietly emerged from behind a pile of lumber, making a specific gesture discreetly.
The man's face remained unchanged as he continued assigning the remaining work in steady tones before seemingly naturally turning and walking toward an inconspicuous residence behind the dock.
The square-nosed shipwright was already waiting inside. The white pigeon on the man's shoulder spoke first. "Kaku, what emergency situation requires face-to-face reporting?"
The square-nosed shipwright, actually CP9 agent Kaku infiltrating Water Seven, was used to this. He silently cooperated with his partner's peculiar habit. "Lucci, Natural Disaster Kai appeared in Water Seven."
Lucci's brows furrowed imperceptibly. A trace of doubt and worry crossed his mind. Water Seven is the world-famous shipbuilding holy land. Pirates come here for nothing but shipbuilding or repairs. If Kai's purpose is also this, we'd be at ease.
But if...
"Regardless, report the intelligence first."
Lucci's voice transmitted through the pigeon. "Also, immediately notify Kalifa to raise vigilance and stay by Iceburg-san's side at all times."
As long as we grasp the key to the problem, we control the situation. Whether Kai came for the possibly existing Pluton blueprints or not, as long as Iceburg stayed safe, their mission still had completion potential.
Meanwhile, near Jaya Island waters, aboard the Marine flagship, the atmosphere had grown oppressively stifling.
Akainu and Aokiji had waited here for several days, but the Rayquaza that Clown CP0 confidently promised would walk into the trap hadn't shown even a shadow. The ship's atmosphere grew increasingly gloomy.
"Buru buru buru..."
Urgent Den Den Mushi ringing suddenly broke the cabin's silence. Clown CP0 immediately answered. The Den Den Mushi mimicked an obsequious, nearly twisted face.
"It's me, Spandam! Do you still remember me? The one who sent you that specialty box last time."
"Shut up!"
Seeing the two Admirals' amused expressions from the corner of his eye, Clown CP0 sharply interrupted this loose-lipped idiot. "Just say it directly! What do you want?"
Damn, what an imbecile. Are these off-the-books matters things you discuss over military Den Den Mushi?!
"Ah, yes! Yes!"
Spandam seemed to finally realize his slip-up and hurriedly got to the point. "Reporting, sir! I have accurate news about Natural Disaster Kai! My subordinate personally saw him and his ship in Water Seven!"
"What?!"
At these words, not only Clown CP0 but even seemingly resting Akainu and Aokiji instantly cast sharp gazes.
Clown CP0, who'd waited so long and finally received a lead, suppressed his excitement and confirmed gravely. "You're one hundred percent certain? Spandam, if the intelligence of this level is wrong, even your father can't protect you!"
But Spandam was supremely confident, boasting. "Absolutely certain, sir! Rayquaza and Kai himself were both clearly seen at Water Seven's dock!"
"Good! If the intelligence is accurate, you'll be credited after the mission!"
Clown CP0 quickly painted a rosy picture before decisively hanging up amid Spandam's profuse thanks.
"Seems CP department's intelligence network isn't that accurate after all." Aokiji yawned and stretched lazily, tone carrying mockery.
"Elite agents?" Akainu rarely cooperated with a remark, mouth curving into a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
Clown CP0's earlier dismissive attitude toward Marines had actually put these two ideologically opposed Admirals temporarily on the same side.
Clown CP0's eye twitched violently behind his mask. Knowing he was in the wrong, he could only pretend not to hear this veiled sarcasm.
"Well, now's not the time to pursue subordinate agents' dereliction of duty."
After quietly shifting blame to his subordinates, Clown CP0 loudly ordered, "By my command, the fleet immediately changes course. Full speed ahead, destination Water Seven!"
"Wait." Akainu stepped forward. "By the time the entire fleet arrives, the target will likely have fled. I propose immediately forming an elite advance squad to rush there at maximum speed first!"
Clown CP0 considered briefly before directly agreeing to Akainu's proposal.
Before long, a Marine fast ship shot forth like an arrow, carrying several high-ranking combatants and cleaving through waves at maximum speed, racing toward Water Seven.
Water Seven, dock
Upon receiving news, Water Seven's mayor, also Galley-La Company's owner, Iceburg, arrived at the port with his bespectacled, professionally dressed, capable-looking secretary, Kalifa.
Facing the notoriously infamous Natural Disaster Kai, the outwardly shrewd and tough Iceburg showed no excessive timidity. His attitude, neither servile nor overbearing, he spoke. "Kai-san, I've long admired your reputation. Welcome to Water Seven."
"Mm."
Kai merely responded neutrally before raising his hand and pointing at Rayquaza behind him, getting straight to the point. "My ship needs a comprehensive inspection. See how long it takes."
Coming to Water Seven naturally required a reasonable public excuse, and having the flagship undergo maintenance was undoubtedly the best pretext.
As long as he isn't here to cause trouble, that's good. Iceburg secretly sighed with relief upon hearing this.
After quickly and professionally examining Rayquaza once, he confidently answered, "If no major structural problems are found, three days should suffice. I'll arrange Galley-La Company's best shipwright team for this work."
"Then I'll trouble you."
Kai nodded before gesturing to nearby Nico Robin. "Discuss specific costs with my secretary."
Robin stepped forward appropriately, with a smile, to negotiate inspection details and costs with Iceburg.
Meanwhile, Kai seemed weary of such formulaic pleasantries. Somewhat impatiently waving his hand, he brought the enthusiastically interested Yamato and turned to merge into Water Seven's winding waterways and streets, beginning their sightseeing tour.
According to the pre-arranged plan, to conceal Violet's movements, other companions temporarily remained aboard the ship.
Honestly, though, Water Seven didn't have much worth touring. Here were only intricate waterways without particularly special scenery. What could pique Yamato's intense interest was only the tender-textured Water-Water Meat.
That was a meat delicacy shaped like plump water balloons that bounced delightfully when held.
"Kai! This looks so delicious!" Yamato pointed at the stall's bouncing Water-Water Meat, eyes sparkling.
"Buy it!"
Besides what they'd eat, wealthy Master Kai also ordered two hundred Water-Water Meats for direct delivery to Rayquaza, so the crew could try something fresh.
Finally, their steps stopped before the Sea Train station.
"Wow! A train that runs on the ocean! Amazing!"
Yamato's eyes sparkled like a little girl discovering novel toys.
"Want to experience it?" Kai smiled and suggested.
"Of course!" Yamato nodded enthusiastically, face full of anticipation.
Their luck was good. The Sea Train, following strict tidal schedules, currently had one train at the platform preparing to depart.
"Where should we go?"
Yamato tapped her chin, carefully studying the route map hanging on the wall, falling into indecision. The map marked "Spring Queen City," "Gourmet City," and "Carnival City." Each name sounded attractive.
"Since you like them all, let's visit them all." Kai waved magnanimously.
When encountering desired things, just take everything. That was his life philosophy.
However, today's remaining time only allowed choosing one destination for a brief tour. After a brief internal struggle, Yamato, with zero resistance to food, ultimately selected the delicious "Gourmet City" as this trip's final stop.
Whoo!
The whistle blew long. The Sea Train slowly started, speed increasing as it smoothly traveled on tracks laid across the ocean surface.
"It's really running! So fast!"
Yamato excitedly pressed against the window, watching the rapidly retreating sea level and occasionally leaping fish outside, feeling extremely novel.
Yes, it is truly remarkable. Kai also gazed outside, but his eyes seemed to pierce through the scenery before him, reaching toward the more distant past.
Twenty-four years ago, the Fish-Man Tom, hailed as the world's greatest shipwright, was brought aboard a judicial ship for trial because he'd built ships for Pirate King Roger, and was sentenced to death.
However, to achieve his dream, Tom successfully convinced the presiding judge to postpone execution so he could complete his great invention that would connect the islands and save Water Seven —the Sea Train.
The judge, moved by this beautiful vision, even promised that if the Sea Train successfully operated and achieved expected results, Tom's crimes would be pardoned.
Unfortunately, after fourteen arduous years, when the Sea Train finally roared toward the seas, bringing new life and hope to Water Seven, then-CP5 Chief Spandam became enraged after failing to obtain Pluton's blueprints and conspired to frame Tom.
Ultimately, to protect his disciples, Tom resolutely shouldered fabricated charges and willingly went to his death. A great shipwright who'd made tremendous contributions to Water Seven thus met his end.
As the Sea Train advanced, the sky gradually darkened.
Water Seven's highest point
Beneath the rarely-visited giant fountain, two black-cloaked shadows hid here. Precisely Enel and Violet, who'd infiltrated ahead.
Enel casually sat cross-legged on the ground. Violet raised both hands in an OK gesture, using her clairvoyance ability to observe every corner of Iceburg's office.
"Crunch, crunch!"
Clear, continuous chewing sounds inappropriately rang nearby. Over ten apple cores already piled at Enel's feet, yet his arms still held a small heap.
"Hey, can you stop for a bit?"
Violet finally couldn't help lowering her hands, somewhat irritably turning around. "This sound interferes with my concentration too much!"
She was impressed. First time seeing someone who loved apples this much. How poor was Sky Island that it didn't even have decent fruit?
Enel didn't even bother lifting his eyelids, merely glancing at Violet dismissively before refocusing on the plump apple in his hand as if it were the world's only treasure.
Since accidentally eating apples on a pirate ship that invaded Sky Island, I've fallen for this unique fruit. If Kai hadn't brought me down, I would've wanted to plant apple trees in Upper Yard myself.
However, coming to the Blue Sea has turned out pretty well. At least I can enjoy this delicacy anytime without having to grow them myself.
Violet sighed helplessly, forcibly suppressing the urge to snatch and throw away that apple. She concentrated again, scanning Iceburg's office another time. Still finding nothing.
"No, can't keep wasting time like this."
Violet frowned. "I've checked his office and home back and forth five or six times. Haven't seen any blueprint shadow. Just found piles of useless documents and ordinary objects."
"Then just act directly. Grab him and ask, won't that work?"
Enel took a huge bite of an apple, suggesting unclearly.
"Can only do that." After pondering, Violet decided to execute the final plan.
Though this increased exposure risk, with no leads, there seemed to be no better choice. However, one obvious obstacle existed. That secretary named Kalifa. She'd been ordered to stay by Iceburg's side constantly.
Under Enel's Mantra covering the entire island, Lucci and Kaku's supposedly secret conversation had long been overheard.
"Clairvoyance" Violet + "Super Hearing" Enel = Full Map Hack.
Violet pressed her lips. "Wait until deep night to act. I don't believe Kalifa can stay with him while he sleeps!"
Iceburg's home has no women's items.
Enel looked at her strangely, tone carrying incomprehension. "Can't she? That Kai guy's secretary sleeps with him."
Hearing this, Violet's pretty face instantly flushed bright red, somewhat embarrassed as she retorted, "That's different! They're a couple."
"Fine." Enel shrugged indifferently. He wasn't interested in these matters of male-female relations. He'd rather eat two more apples at that time.
Crunch crunch.
The irritating chewing sounds resumed.
Night deepened
Galley-La Company, boss's office.
Iceburg put down his pen, rubbing his slightly weary brow, neatly organizing the last signed document. He looked up apologetically at his waiting secretary. "Sorry, Kalifa, making you work overtime so late. Now work's finished. You can go rest."
Kalifa elegantly adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, face showing an alluring smile incompatible with her usual capable image. "Just doing my duty. Not hard at all."
She subtly angled her body to let the office's soft lighting better outline her graceful curves, especially those slender legs wrapped in her professional suit.
"Rest well. Call me anytime if you 'need' anything. I'm available immediately."
Kalifa spoke with suggestive implications. She'd originally created an aloof, professional secretary persona, but with Lucci's death order to watch Iceburg, she could only do this.
Unexpectedly, Iceburg seemed oblivious to this vivid scene before him, instead frowning. "No need. Off-duty time belongs to yourself. Go properly enjoy your personal time."
"Yes, boss. I'll take my leave."
Kalifa's smile stiffened momentarily as she responded dryly, doubting her charm for the first time. She bowed slightly before withdrawing from the office.
Seems I'll have to execute Plan B.
Kalifa didn't truly leave. She silently hid in a corner outside the office where she could monitor the door, preparing to surveil all night, ensuring Iceburg wouldn't escape control.
But she hadn't expected that after the door closed, barely a minute passed. An imperceptible electric current flashed through the office.
The next second, Enel appeared without warning before Iceburg's desk.