After the "friendly" meeting with Garp concluded, the Roger Pirates' days returned to their usual boisterous rhythm. The crew laughed, shouted, and bickered as if last night had never happened, their energy practically vibrating through the ship.
However, as the crew grew, a practical problem became impossible to ignore. The small ship that had carried them across so many adventures was starting to show its limitations.
"Hey! Nozdon! Move your foot! You're stepping on my logbook!" Bluemarine's irritated voice rang out from a corner of the deck.
"Ah? Sorry!" Nozdon, the large, pointy-headed pirate, moved hastily. His back collided with Miller Pine, who was carefully polishing his massive hammer.
"Bastard! Do you want to die?!" Miller Pine bellowed, gripping his hammer as if it were a living creature. It lay across the deck, occupying nearly a third of the walkway, a silent warning to anyone who dared approach carelessly.
"It's all Punk Rock's fault! He piles his junk everywhere!" Nozdon shouted, flailing his arms defensively.
"What did you say?! This is my latest invention—Portable Fully Automatic Barbecue Machine Number Three!" Punk Rock's voice rang from the ship's rail, indignation clear as he defended his creation like a proud parent.
Meanwhile, Kyle and Isaac were attempting a sword-fighting practice on the already cramped deck. Every swing and step was a delicate dance to avoid collisions with drying clothes, barrels, and the occasional errant limb. Several times, Kyle nearly tripped over hanging garments, forcing him to use his Boba Fruit ability, Sonic Step — Instant, to regain balance and space.
He sighed helplessly, surveying the chain of chaos on the deck. For over a dozen tall, boisterous pirates, this ship—"donated" from who-knows-where—was nothing more than a sardine can. Sleeping required shifts, eating required queuing, and holding even a modest banquet felt impossibly cramped.
Rayleigh, who had been quietly wiping his sword, glanced around the deck. "It seems it's time for a bigger ship," he commented, his tone calm but tinged with amusement.
"Kuhahaha! I was thinking the same thing!" Roger shouted from the Captain's cabin, leaping onto the railing for dramatic effect. "Lads! This ship is no longer worthy of us! Let's build the best ship in the world!"
The complaints and bickering on deck instantly dissolved into cheers.
"Build a ship? Where do we even build it?" Jabba asked, taking a long swig from his flask.
"Speaking of shipbuilding, there's no place more famous in the entire Grand Line than Water 7," Spencer said, thoughtfully stroking his chin. "The craftsmanship there is unmatched."
Kyle's eyes sparkled. Water 7—the birthplace of legendary pirate ships and the home of the world's finest shipwrights. The name immediately brought to mind the legendary Fishman shipwright, Master Tom.
"Good! Then it's decided!" Roger roared, pointing into the distance. "Destination: Water 7! Set sail!"
---
Days later, the Roger Pirates approached a massive city rising from the water. Awe erupted across the deck.
Giant fountains jetted into the sky, while countless canals crisscrossed the city like a delicate spiderweb. Sleek, seahorse-like creatures called Buru pulled small boats through the waterways, creating a scene both whimsical and vibrant. Layered architecture with bold, unconventional designs added a sense of majesty and creativity to the cityscape.
"Wow—! Sugoi! Such a big city!" Nozdon's jaw literally dropped.
"A city on water… truly a marvel of craftsmanship," Spencer said, impressed despite his well-traveled eyes.
As the Roger Pirates' ship glided into the harbor, Roger grinned at his crew. "Alright, lads, dismissed! Before we find a shipwright, go experience this city to your heart's content! Meet back at the harbor this evening!"
"Oh oh oh oh!" The crew cheered and scattered. Miller Pine dashed straight for a tavern, Colonel Mu Gulian, cigar in mouth, wandered toward a weapons shop, and others paired off to explore the city.
Soon, only Roger, Rayleigh, Jabba, and Kyle remained on deck.
"Alright, gentlemen," Roger said, clapping his hands. "Time to get down to business. Let's ask around and find the best shipwright here."
"I'm afraid it won't be that simple," Rayleigh said, analyzing the situation. "The most skilled shipwrights often have peculiar temperaments. They might not want to work for pirates."
"That is… a problem," Roger muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Kyle spoke up just in time. "I might… know a name," he said cautiously.
All three men turned to him, intrigued.
"Oh? Tell us, little Kyle," Jabba urged, leaning closer.
"Master Tom," Kyle said, pretending to recall with effort. "He's said to be a Fishman, and possibly the best shipwright in the world. But… he's known to be stubborn and only takes jobs he approves of."
"A Fishman? The best in the world?" Roger's eyes lit up. "Kuhahaha! Interesting! He's the one! Let's go find Tom!"
Following Kyle's guidance and their own inquiries, they quickly located Tom's shipyard—Tom's Workers—on the outskirts of the city. The air smelled of fresh sawdust and machine oil, while the rhythmic clang of hammers and laughter resonated from inside.
Upon entering, a bull-horned Fishman in a blue shirt immediately drew their attention. Round and robust, he was pounding a thick plank into a keel groove with precise, powerful strikes, as if sculpting art rather than mere wood.
"Hey! Who are you?" a young shipwright asked, stepping forward.
"We're here to see Mr. Tom," Rayleigh said politely.
The bull-horned Fishman paused, his broad face splitting into a hearty smile. His voice boomed like a bell: "I'm Tom! What can I do for you? DON!"
Roger stepped forward boldly. "We're pirates. We want you to build us the best ship in the world!"
"Pirates?" Tom's smile faded slightly. He scrutinized them from head to toe. The other shipwrights watched warily.
"We're not just any pirates!" Roger said, grinning widely. "And the ship we want isn't just any ship. We want a ship that can carry us around the world, a ship that can conquer the seas!"
Roger's words carried weight. The Haki-infused dream behind them silenced the shipyard. The initial disdain on Tom's face melted into intrigue as he peered at Roger, as if trying to see the fire in his soul.
"Around the world?" Tom repeated, then laughed thunderously. "Wahahaha! What a big-mouthed brat! DON!"
He stepped closer, his massive presence casting a shadow over them. "You want me to build a ship? Fine! But why should I believe you're worthy of a 'King's' ship?"
Kyle understood immediately. This was a test—not of wealth, but of the crew's spirit and capability.
Roger's smile only widened. "Because I am Gol D. Roger—the man who will conquer the seas!"
Tom's laughter grew louder. "Wahahahaha! Interesting! Very interesting!"
He grabbed a bottle of sake, took a long swig, then tossed it to Roger. "Brat, I admire your spirit! But spirit alone isn't enough."
"How about this," Tom extended his massive hand, "let me see your current ship. A ship carries its owner's soul. I want to see your soul!"
For the next hour, Tom and two apprentices inspected the Roger Pirates' ship. He tapped planks, examined mast scars, and noted repairs made after battles with Marines and Sea Kings. His expression shifted from amusement to surprise, then to deep respect.
"You've sailed through storms in this small ship?" Tom asked Roger, eyes wide.
"Kuhahaha! She's our reliable companion!" Roger replied proudly.
Finally, Tom grinned broadly, a hearty smile that radiated approval. "Good! I'll take this job! DON!"
Roger punched the air in triumph....
"But…" Tom's voice turned serious. "To build a ship that can conquer the world, ordinary wood won't suffice. You'll need the strongest wood—Adam Treasure Tree."
The crew's eyes sparkled with excitement, knowing their legendary shipbuilding adventure was about to begin.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)