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Iceburg and Franky had both worked on the Sea Train. They were intimately familiar with the technology.
They had built the Thousand Sunny for Luffy. Jin suspected that it incorporated some of Pluton's technology.
'Steamships?' Iceburg was lost in thought. A flood of ideas filled his mind. As a key member of the Sea Train construction team, he was no stranger to steam power, but to build such a ship...
Jin saw his hesitation. "As long as you can build them," he said with a smile, "I'll handle the World Government. Ten ships. I've looked into it. A Marine steamship costs about 500 million Berries. We'll use that as our price."
Was it expensive? No. It was the standard price. A Marine sailing vessel cost 300 million, and about 30% of that was graft and kickbacks. The cost of a steamship was undoubtedly higher.
And when the age of ironclads arrived, a single warship could cost tens, even hundreds of billions of Berries. It was a money pit.
Of course, the technology tree in the world of One Piece was a mess. Some islands were still in the dinosaur age. The world was still in the age of flintlocks and black powder.
And yet, eight hundred years ago, "robots" had existed.
Vegapunk, the scientist who was 500 years ahead of the world, was more of an archaeologist, recreating super-ancient technology.
In short, not only was the world fragmented, but so was its technology. There was no "industrial revolution" to speak of. You couldn't just apply the logic of his old world to this one. After all, cola could be used as fuel.
If space pirates suddenly invaded, or if a "space age of sail" began, Jin wouldn't have been surprised.
Ten ships... five billion Berries?? Iceburg was stunned. He didn't know where Jin's confidence came from, but there was no reason to turn down an order like that.
"As long as the World Government gives its approval for Water 7 to build steamships," Iceburg said, his voice firm, "the Galley-La Company can get it done."
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After seeing Jin off, Kalifa immediately relayed the news to Blueno at the tavern, who then reported to Spandam.
"Ten steamships?" Spandam was shocked.
"We have to stop..." He caught himself. "How much?? Five billion Berries??"
A greedy glint entered Spandam's eyes. The number made his mouth water.
A plan began to form in his mind.
"No, don't stop it," he said. "On the contrary, we're going to help him. We're going to help that king complete this transaction. This is our chance to test Iceburg. The construction of a steamship is much more complex than a sailing vessel. The secret might be hidden in the real blueprints. Lucci and Kaku, as two of the five foremen, will undoubtedly be involved in the construction. Then, all we have to do is create a few... technical problems. Put Iceburg in a difficult position. To solve the problem, he'll have to consult the blueprints. Hahaha! And then, your mission will be complete, won't it?"
Of course, Spandam had his own selfish motives. While capturing Iceburg and stealing the blueprints, he would also be pocketing the five billion Berries.
No—
It was because of that idea that he was now so eager to facilitate the deal. He even contacted his father.
Spandam was a vile and despicable man. He would do anything to advance his career.
And his father, Spandine, the former commander of CP9, was the one who had ordered the Buster Call that had destroyed Ohara and had signed Nico Robin's first wanted poster. He was just as rotten.
Upon hearing his son's plan, Spandine had agreed without a second thought.
And so, when Jin contacted the Five Elders, CP9's intelligence and recommendations had already been discussed. They found the plan acceptable.
However, they wanted a 10% "surcharge" for the license to build the steamships.
Jin agreed, but on the condition that he could pay in installments over five years.
With his expanding territory, his annual Heavenly Tribute was increasing. And there was the fee he had to pay as a Warlord. His expenses were considerable.
Fortunately, his businesses on Drum Island, Hannabal, and Asuka Island were starting to turn a profit. And his trade with the Four Blues, and the spoils from his "pirate hunting," were also bringing in a decent income.
And there was another benefit: he could use "Dream" to offset the Heavenly Tribute. The hallucinogenic mushrooms were a huge hit with the Celestial Dragons.
—
With the World Government's permission in hand, Jin and Iceburg finalized the contract at the Galley-La Company.
The commander of CP9, Spandam, had come all the way from Enies Lobby by Sea Train to witness the signing. He was exceedingly polite to Jin, all bows and smiles.
Although Jin was now a Warlord, he wasn't a pirate. His bounty was "0."
In Spandam's eyes, they were the same kind of people: nobles, the elite.
And besides, he was planning on stealing Jin's five billion Berries. Unfortunately for him, Jin had only paid a 500 million deposit. The rest would be paid in installments as the construction progressed.
'500 million? I'll let Iceburg hold on to it for a while. It'll be mine soon enough.' A dark look crossed Spandam's face.
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During his stay, Jin wandered around the city, sampling the local cuisine. He confirmed that CP9's Blueno had already obtained the Door-Door Fruit.
But he didn't make his move just yet.
After the contract was signed, he left without any fuss. The Empress set sail for the Florian Triangle, the location of Thriller Bark.
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Night.
In the ship-disassembly district, the Franky Family was having a rowdy party in their bar.
Led by "Iron Man" Franky, the "Family" was a group of ship-disassemblers and bounty hunters.
As the night wore on, the partygoers began to drift away, until only Franky was left, sitting alone on a sofa, nursing a bottle of cola.
A look of loneliness crossed his face.
In the midst of the noise and the revelry, the joy had belonged to everyone. Only this moment belonged to him.
Creeeak...
The door opened.
"Hey, we're closed," Franky said without looking up.
"It's me."
Iceburg walked in.
"Well, well, what a surprise. The mayor himself, gracing our humble abode." Franky said, pretending not to know him, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"You've probably heard about the steamship order. I'm going to need the help of every shipwright in Water 7, including you."
Ten steamships was a massive order. Iceburg asking for help wouldn't arouse CP9's suspicion. And besides, he wasn't just asking Franky.
"And we get a piece of the action? It's too late now. We'll discuss it tomorrow and give you an answer."
"Alright."
"I'll see you out," Franky said. He got up and walked over to Iceburg. As they shook hands, he passed him a slip of paper. He then walked him to the door.
Just as they were about to say goodbye, a ship docked in the waves, and a tall, bear-like figure leaped from its deck.
"..."
Franky and Iceburg's eyes both went wide.
That man...
Kuma glanced at the two of them. "Is CP9's Spandam still on the island?" he asked politely. "Where is he staying? Do you know?"
The "slaves" who had been captured during the Sorbet Kingdom incident... it was all closely tied to Cipher Pol. It was far from a righteous organization.
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