Chapter 113: Water 7 – Franky's Grand Entrance & the Gold Heist Attempt
The Merry slowly pulled into the harbor of Water 7. The bustling scene at the docks came into view. Workers in uniform were methodically directing ships in and out. One shipwright spotted the Merry flying the Straw Hat flag and walked over without the slightest fear.
"Merchant ships to the right—move quickly!" he shouted to other vessels, then turned to size up the Merry. "Never seen that pirate flag before… You're here to sell a new ship, right? Head left and go straight to Dock 1—they'll receive you there. Don't linger here." He hurried off to continue directing traffic.
Zoro raised an eyebrow: "The people here are awfully relaxed about pirates. They just let us through like that?"
Robin smiled thoughtfully: "It seems pirates are just customers to them. This island must have strong enough defenses to afford such composure."
Sure enough, as they entered Dock 1, they witnessed a rowdy group of pirates being effortlessly subdued by the shipwrights. Nami quickly flipped through her wanted posters. "Found them—Captain of the Big Helmet Pirates, 36 million Berry bounty."
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring, mildly surprised: "A 30-million-level pirate gets taken down just like that? These shipwrights are as fierce as the cooks back at Baratie."
Guided by one of the workers, the Merry docked at the repair port. Nami handed the recommendation letter to Usopp and Luffy: "You two take this and go explain the situation to the president of Galley-La first. Everyone else is free to wander—meet back at Galley-La later."
The moment she finished speaking, Sol leaped off the ship in one bound. The instant his feet touched solid ground, he spread his arms wide in excitement: "Land! The feeling of solid ground!" He bounced up and down like a child, making Chopper bounce excitedly too.
Vivi gazed at the bustling water city before her and sighed in wonder: "This place is even more spectacular than the rumors."
Zoro lay sprawled on the deck, glanced around lazily, and yawned: "You guys go ahead. I'll sleep here and watch the ship…"
Meanwhile, Sanji's eyes had already turned into hearts: "Robin-chan Vivi-chan How about letting me show you around?"
"Everyone look!" Luffy suddenly stretched his neck and pointed into the distance. "There's a meat shop over there that looks super delicious!"
Usopp hurriedly grabbed Luffy before he could dash off: "Hey! We still have actual business to take care of!"
"Oh Customer! Wanna try our Water 7 specialty—Water Meat? Super tasty yo!" An enthusiastic stall owner called out to Luffy.
Luffy's eyes instantly turned into Berry symbols: "Meat! I want ten!" He took the water meat, bit down, and immediately melted like jelly. "So tender juicy ahhhh~~" His voice floated dreamily as his body twisted like noodles.
The exaggerated reaction instantly piqued everyone's curiosity. Usopp and Chopper leaned in: "Is it really that good?"
On another street, Sol carried the heavy sack of gold over one shoulder while continuously stuffing water meat into his mouth with the other hand: "Mmm! This water meat is seriously amazing!" He ate messily, oil dripping from his mouth, eyes narrowed in pure bliss.
Nami also nibbled delicately at her piece: "It really is delicious… but we need to hurry to the exchange office—it's just around the corner over there." Though her words were practical, she was clearly eating much faster than usual, thoroughly conquered by the unique delicacy.
"Exchange office?" Franky, who had just stepped out of an alley, caught the word. His gaze immediately locked onto the heavy sack on Sol's back. He pushed up his sunglasses, a playful smirk spreading across his face: "Super~ now this is an interesting find…"
"Welcome! I'm the manager of this establishment. How may I assist you today?" A middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache hurried forward and bowed politely.
Sol shook the heavy cloth sack in his hand; the gold inside clinked with a crisp, pleasant sound. "We'd like to exchange some Berries."
The manager's sharp ears instantly recognized the unmistakable tone of high-purity gold. Years of experience told him exactly what he was hearing. He gave a slight bow and gestured gracefully: "Esteemed guests, please follow me to the VIP room."
Inside the spacious, brightly lit VIP room, a senior appraiser wearing white gloves carefully examined each piece of gold. He pushed up his glasses, unable to hide his astonishment: "The purity of this gold is exceptional, and it carries remarkable historical value. If you're willing to sell, we're prepared to offer 300 million Berries in cash—ready immediately."
Nami suddenly lifted her long, slender leg and slammed it onto the polished table. She narrowed her eyes and flashed a dangerous smile: "Listen up. I'm only going to say three things." She raised slender fingers: "First, the man beside me is a pirate with a 100 million Berry bounty. Second, your offer just now made me very unhappy. Third…" Her voice turned icy cold. "…if I find out you're playing tricks, I'll twist your head off and use it as a soccer ball."
When the two walked out of the exchange office, Sol was carrying a bulging suitcase. "As expected of our navigator," Sol said admiringly. "In the blink of an eye, we've earned an extra 200 million Berries."
Nami flicked back her orange hair triumphantly, eyes gleaming with cunning: "Of course. I already calculated—this batch of gold is worth at least 400 million. That swindler dared offer only 300 million? He clearly didn't know who he was dealing with."
Sol carried the suitcase and deliberately led Nami through a maze of alleys. At first she was puzzled—until Sol gave her a knowing look. She immediately understood, spreading her Observation Haki outward. Sure enough, not far behind them, a pervert in a loud Hawaiian shirt and speedo was sneakily tailing them.
"Super!" An exaggerated shout suddenly came from behind. Franky leaped in front of them in one bound, striking his signature bizarre pose: "You're the 'Fire Dragon' Sol with a 100 million Berry bounty, right? Hand over that suitcase to this big bro right now!"
"Who the hell is this pervert?!" Nami's eyes widened as she stared at the weird guy in just a floral shirt and speedo, unable to hold back her comment.
"Oh? This lady's got good taste!" Franky suddenly turned to Nami and struck an even more exaggerated pose. "She saw right through me and called me a pervert! Owww~!"
Sol and Nami waved their hands in perfect sync: "No, that was not a compliment!"
"Cut the crap!" Franky swiped his thumb under his nose and struck a cocky stance. "This big bro's name is Franky—profession: ship dismantler and bounty hunter! That suitcase is full of Berries, right? I've got my eye on it!"
Nami facepalmed and sighed: "We got targeted this fast… guess we were too flashy…"
Sol slowly set the suitcase on the ground and studied Franky with interest: "You've got some guts, huh?"
"Hell yeah!" Franky thrust his thumb upward proudly. "This big bro is super brave, alright!"
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