"A city on the sea? It's like Venice!"
After entering Water 7, Aria immediately thought of the Water Capital in her previous world. "But there's something off about these people. Did something happen?"
"Water 7 had an annual storm and high tide. The residents of this island will evacuate to higher ground to avoid the tsunami, and after each tsunami passes, the foundation of Water 7 will sink a little. Because this is Grand Line, there was barely any trade between the islands around here. The major shipwright companies fought for customers, and the residents on the island were struggling. When Water 7 was on the verge of becoming a ghost town, Master Tom did his best to save this Water Capital, so he invented a Sea Train along with a railway that could float on the sea that could withstand the storm. The Sea Train plan gradually became the last hope in the hearts of Water 7 people. Master Tom's Sea Train should be completed soon, but it would take at least a few years to lay all the rails."
Because of this, the current Water 7 was far less prosperous than in the manga when Luffy and the others arrived at this place.
Hadn't Master Tom perfected the Sea Train in the next few years and laid out the sea rails, the city and Water 7's residents would have drowned eventually.
Unfortunately, Master Tom saved Water 7 but failed to save himself. Because he possessed Pluton's blueprint, he would also have to pay with his life a few years later when he finished the sea train project!
"If it is possible, I'd like to help Master Tom. It will be wonderful to have the world's best shipwright among the External Advisors." Such an idea flashed in Giotto's mind.
After all, having Verde and the others build all the ships was not efficient as they had too many things to work on. Even if they wanted to, Giotto did not have enough money, so it'd be a huge help if Master Tom joined the Family. He wouldn't mind if Verde and the others wanted to fiddle with the flagship and turned it into a moving Pluton! It wouldn't hurt to try, after all.
"Primo, there are some distinguished people on this island."
Suddenly, Aria frowned and said, "Just now, I noticed some gazes, and some of them were obviously malicious."
"It should be the people from the World Government. Don't mind them. They are just a bunch of rats hiding in the gutter. Besides, their target is not us. Water 7 is just monitoring Master Tom because he has something they want."
Giotto did not need to think to know that those guys were the Cipher Pol agent. However, they did not lay a hand on Master Tom because the Sea Train had not been completed.
Attacking Master Tom at this time was equivalent to cutting off the livelihood of the entire Water 7 residents. Moreover, Water 7 also held a certain value to the World Government. The shipwrights here were indeed the best in the world, and many Marines warships were made by Water 7's shipwrights.
"I didn't expect that Vongola Primo would come to Water 7. Do we need to report this matter to the commander?" A Cipher Pol agent watched as Giotto and the others walked further and further away. He only asked his comrade after Giotto completely disappeared from his sight.
"Do we have another choice? That is Vongola Primo. He can defeat us with eyes closed even if we all gang up on him!" The other Cipher Pol agent was well aware of how strong Giotto was. He did not intend to cause trouble because he still held his life dear.
Water 7, Scrap Island.
This was where the world's best shipwright worked. He clearly worked hard to save Water 7, but no one really cared about him as he was charged guilty of building "Oro Jackson", the Pirate King's ship!
However, Tom himself had never regretted it. According to him, he felt very honored for being able to do something for a man like Roger!
"Long time no see, Master Tom. Do you still remember me?" Giotto sauntered to the huge merman who was thinking of a way to lay the rails.
Master Tom was quite strong, too, but not in a fight. He was strong because he could lift a ship with one hand.
Hearing the voice, Master Tom slowly raised his head and just happened to see Giotto with a smile on his face. "You are... Giotto from Roger's ship. I haven't seen you for a long time. You asked someone to bring little girl Robin to me, but you didn't come by yourself. Speaking of which, I still felt a little regretful at that time. Judging from your appearance, you must have become a famous man like Roger!"
"I have to thank you for your help before. I also have something to ask of you this time. Do you mind building a ship for Vongola Family?" Giotto directly stated his purpose. He knew that the this merman in front of him didn't like to beat around the bush.
Hearing this, Master Tom also took a deep breath and said with slight regret, "I would've built a big ship that is suitable for a man as famous as you if you asked several years ago, but now I have my hands full on the sea train. The more time it takes me to finish it, the longer Water 7's resident will suffer, but..."
"But?"
Giotto, who intended to give up, suddenly heard the change in Master Tom's voice as if there was a room for negotiation.
Master Tom grinned and said, "I have something that I need your help with. If you succeed, that will buy me a lot of time. In that case, there will be no problem helping Vongola build a big ship. However, it is pretty difficult. Even you will find this difficult!"
"Don't say such things. We're not strangers. If there is anything you need my help with, just say it!" Giotto was a little confused.
In the next moment, he heard Master Tom's request. Even he could not help but frown.
"Protect Water 7 from Aqua Laguna, which will come in ten days!"