On Ron's side, the girls were visibly uncomfortable seeing the defeated men lying in agony. Kaya, Makino, Apis, and Aisa turned their heads away, unable to bear the sight.
However, they understood Ron's actions. As Nojiko had pointed out earlier, if these men weren't dealt with harshly, they might attack others in the future. Judging by their ruthless behavior, anyone else would have likely been killed.
After Ron finished dealing with the thugs, he ignored their cries and turned back to the girls, smiling. "Let's keep shopping, shall we? Don't let these guys ruin our day."
"Let's go, let's go! We need to get out of here!" Kaya covered her nose, the stench of blood making her uncomfortable. Though she was a doctor and used to the smell, the screams were still hard for her to stomach.
"Hmm!" Vivi and Raki reflexively grabbed the suitcases they had set aside, preparing to leave with the group. But before they could take more than a few steps, a man with blue, flame-like hair and sunglasses jumped out from a nearby alley.
"Ah! A pervert!" Kaya shrieked.
The other girls stared at the man in confusion. His blue hair resembled flames, his nose was covered with an iron plate, and he wore sunglasses. His upper body was draped in a beach coat, which was open, exposing a large patch of chest hair. His lower body was clad only in a pair of shorts, and his muscular arms and chest made him look imposing. He had leaped out just in time to block their path.
"You pervert! Who are you?" Kaya demanded, glaring at the man. "Why are you stopping us? Are you here to rob us, too?"
The corners of the man's mouth twitched before he replied, "I'm not a pervert! And no, I'm not here to rob you... Cough!"
"You're not here to rob us?" Kaya raised an eyebrow, still suspicious. "Then why are you blocking our way?"
Ron also eyed the man curiously, recalling the original storyline. In the original plot, when Luffy and his crew arrived in Water 7, a large portion of the treasure they obtained from Skypiea—about 300 million Berries was stolen by Franky's gang. The money was used to buy a legendary wood, which was later used as the keel for the Thousand Sunny.
Franky was a top shipwright, though unfortunately, his ship didn't accept male crew members. Otherwise, Ron might've considered recruiting him.
Ron and the others watched Franky, waiting for him to explain.
Franky looked embarrassed. From Vivi and Raki's movements alone, he could tell he wasn't a match for them. As for Ron... Franky's eyes, hidden behind his sunglasses, narrowed. He was certain this man was Ron.
Ron! The name echoed in Franky's mind.
This man was the captain of the Sword and Rose Pirates. His rise in the East Blue was legendary, having repeatedly defeated the East Blue Navy fleets. After entering the Grand Line, Ron's reputation grew further—he had bested Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords, killed Crocodile, and even single-handedly defeated a massive Navy fleet, taking on two Admirals in the process.
With such a terrifying resume, even Franky, known for his fearlessness, didn't dare provoke him.
But Franky was desperate. As a shipwright, his dream was to craft the ultimate ship, and the branch of the Treasure Tree Adam was the perfect material. He couldn't walk away from it.
Clearing his throat, Franky said, "Uh... My name is Franky, and I own the dismantling dock here in Water 7. I'm stopping you because... well, I'd like to borrow some money from you. Don't worry! The name Franky is well known in Water 7, and I'll definitely pay you back!"
"Borrow money?" Kaya and the others exchanged bewildered looks.
Borrowing money from strangers? They didn't even know this guy!
Nami's expression turned cold as she scoffed, "Borrow money? No way. Who are you to us? We don't even know you. Get out of our way, or we'll make you."
Ron watched Franky with some amusement. It seemed like Franky had recognized him, yet still had the nerve to ask for money. He had to give it to the guy—Franky was bold.
But...
Ron couldn't help but think of the Going Merry. He had taken Kaya out to sea on the Merry, and it had been with him ever since. Even though it was the Straw Hat crew's ship in the original story, he had taken on Nami and Robin, effectively altering the course of events. In some way, he owed Luffy's crew a favor.
Besides, Ron had plenty of money on hand now. Helping Franky would just be another favor in the long run—one that could come in handy during future events, like the Summit War (TN - It could also be called Paramount War or War of the Best), where saving Ace and Whitebeard was part of his plan. Strengthening his ties with the Straw Hat crew wasn't a bad idea.
"How much do you need?" Ron asked calmly.
"Huh?" Nami's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're actually going to lend him money? We don't even know this guy!"
Even Franky looked surprised. Was Ron truly impressed by his talent and willing to lend him money just like that?
"Haha! I knew you'd understand!" Franky grinned widely. "I don't need much—just 200 million Berries. Don't worry, I, Franky, always keep my word! I'll pay you back."
"What?! 200 million?" Nami shouted, clutching the suitcase tightly. "No way! We're not lending you that much money!"
"200 million Berries?" Ron said, unfazed. "Alright, here you go." He casually tossed the two suitcases in his hands to Franky.