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[email protected]/Heroicverse
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While Franky was currently focused on his research into the internal combustion engine, his passion for ships and weaponry hadn't diminished in the slightest.
He had long ago completed a set of ship blueprints. Auguro had seen them once, and although there were slight differences from his memory, he was certain it was the Thousand Sunny from the original timeline!
Now that Luffy and his crew were here, the Thousand Sunny couldn't be left to collect dust! Moreover, it was a perfect opportunity for Franky to validate some of his theories. It was truly a win-win situation!
"Are you planning on using us as guinea pigs?" Zoro's tone held a hint of dissatisfaction.
This was the ship they relied on for survival at sea! If anything went wrong, everyone would be swallowed by the ocean!
Auguro shrugged, "Don't be so tense! While it's experimental, it has been proven multiple times through deliberation!"
"It's just that your ship will be the first complete prototype to be put out to sea."
"The shipbuilding expertise of Water Seven is known worldwide! Even a prototype will definitely not be low-quality!"
"Of course, if you are genuinely concerned, you can buy a tried-and-true vessel, but then you'll have to figure out the money yourselves!"
Seeing the expressions of Luffy and the others—tempted but hesitant—Auguro decided to add some fuel to the fire! He knew exactly how to capture Luffy's attention!
Auguro deliberately sighed, "What a pity! The new ship was going to be equipped with a Coup de Burst! In an emergency, it could be used not only to attack enemies but also to accelerate and escape!"
"Oh, and the new ship will also have a Gaon Cannon and glider wings! Paired with the Coup de Burst, it can achieve brief flight! Have you ever seen a flying ship? It's incredibly cool!"
As expected, upon hearing this, Luffy's eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
"Really? That's awesome! I want a ship like that! Carina, hurry up and pay!"
Carina couldn't help but twitch her lips. Her captain was way too easy to fool!
However, she didn't object.
After all, this was all the money they had, and the new ship Auguro described was indeed very suitable for them. Having been chased by the Marines all the way through the Grand Line, Carina understood the importance of a good ship too well.
Apart from reserving a bit of necessary cash, Carina handed over all the Straw Hat Pirates' treasure.
A total of 320 million Berries!
Carina said with a pained expression, "This is all the money we have! You can't go back on your word!"
"Don't worry!"
Auguro signaled Paulie to accept the money and proceed with the contract signing with Luffy.
Franky was also thrilled to receive the notification. He had always thought his design might never be realized, but the opportunity had arrived.
"Don't worry! I will build the best ship in the world!"
Franky clapped his forearms together, striking his signature 'SUPER' pose. Thanks to continuous warnings from Auguro and Iceburg, while the guy's behavior was still a bit exaggerated, he was at least less perverse.
Auguro also inquired about the progress of the internal combustion engine, and Franky reported that it was nearing its final stages. He estimated that the first prototype would be ready in two or three months.
Auguro left the laboratory satisfied. This invention was a game-changer that could alter the global balance of power!
While Water Seven was thriving, out on the open sea, a strangely shaped ship was sailing rapidly, with a Marine warship following closely behind.
The peculiar ship had two layers and was being dragged forward by two giant sea snakes!
This was the Kuja Pirates' ship, the Perfume Yuda! The flagship of the infamous Warlord of the Sea, the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock!
"Sister, are we really going to Water Seven?" Sandersonia nervously glanced at the Marine warship trailing them.
"The Marines have already forcefully summoned us to Marineford!"
Hancock, with her long black hair and exquisite figure, renowned as the world's most beautiful woman, cast a cold glare at her sister and stated fiercely, "No one can stop me from going to Water Seven! Not even the Marines!"
"Anyway, everyone will forgive me!"
"Because... I am beautiful!"
The power of her Mero Mero no Mi (Love-Love Fruit), combined with Hancock's stunning beauty, created an unparalleled attraction for all living creatures around her.
"Yes! Elder Sister is absolutely right!"
Even Hancock's own sister, Sandersonia, couldn't resist such charm and immediately knelt before Hancock.
On the deck, Hancock gazed in the direction of Water Seven and murmured, "I must see the hero who dared to slaughter the World Nobles with my own eyes!"
"If it's him, perhaps he can bring my nightmares to a complete end!"
Behind the Perfume Yuda, Vice Admiral Onigumo stood on the deck, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot.
He was under orders to summon the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock. However, not only did the woman refuse to accept, but she also petrified all of his subordinates!
If he hadn't reacted quickly enough, using his blade to stab his own thigh to snap himself out of it, he too would have fallen under her spell!
Fortunately, Hancock knew she couldn't afford to lose her Warlord status, so under Onigumo's threat, she reversed the Marines' petrification.
But regarding the summoning, Hancock simply declared she was busy and didn't have time to go, then immediately turned her ship and sailed away.
Onigumo didn't immediately take a final stand, merely stating that he would follow the Perfume Yuda until the deadline.
However, as the Perfume Yuda's destination got closer, Onigumo's expression grew darker and darker.
"Vice Admiral Onigumo!" the deputy came up to him, his expression grave, "That is Water Seven ahead! That's the territory of the Holy Spiritual Empire!"
Although the murder of the World Nobles at Sabaody Archipelago was publicly declared an act of mutual destruction by a desperate, unknown pirate, those in the higher ranks knew very well that the perpetrator was Auguro!
If the Marines went to Auguro's territory now, who knew if the other side would perceive it as an attempt to arrest someone? If a conflict were to break out, their deaths would be a minor matter; interfering with the deployment for the Summit War would be a monumental sin!
Onigumo gritted his teeth, pondered for a long time, and then ordered, "Contact Water Seven according to normal protocol and tell them we need to rest and resupply for a while. Everyone on the ship will remain on the warship and won't cause them any trouble!"
After giving the order, Onigumo felt utterly frustrated. When did the Marines have to be so subservient?
Yet, he had no choice but to do so. If he allowed the Perfume Yuda to enter Water Seven and she ran off, what would he do?
As for monitoring from a distance, Onigumo didn't believe for a second that Water Seven wouldn't detect the movements of his warship. Wandering around their territory without any notice would only increase the chances of misunderstanding!
After much deliberation, this was the safest option.
In Water Seven, Auguro was also puzzled to receive the two requests for anchorage.
"Hancock? What is she doing here? Looking for Luffy?"