Translator: PapaSmurf0700
The technological landscape in the world of One Piece always seemed a bit skewed to Bai Ye. Despite having advanced enough to transform human bodies, the civilization still predominantly relied on sailboats, which are comparatively primitive. This inconsistency had puzzled Bai Ye during his time watching the anime, but his own adventures had begun to shed light on potential reasons.
Like Tom's creation of the sea train, the use of outdated sailing tools could be seen as illogical unless considered under a different light. The World Government's reluctance to advance shipbuilding technology was not due to incompetence but a deliberate choice.
Bai Ye had come to understand that this decision likely stemmed from fear—fear of the resurrection of ancient weapons. One such weapon, the battleship Pluton, represented a significant leap in maritime technology. By hindering the development of the shipbuilding industry, the World Government was likely trying to prevent such powers from falling into the wrong hands.
This wasn't mere speculation. In the original storyline, when Spandam presented his proposal for the Pluton design to the five elders, he argued passionately: "The era dubbed 'The Great Pirate Age' has been underway for over a decade, with the number of pirates increasing every year. It's outdated to merely prevent the production of ancient weapons. We, the upholders of justice, must possess such weapons to terminate this era of piracy!"
Whether or not Spandam believed his own rhetoric, his points were valid. For the World Government, the highest authority over the seas, possessing ancient weapons was an optimal strategy against the surge of piracy.
Yet, the response from the five elders was curiously nonchalant. They tasked the somewhat incompetent Spandam with obtaining the blueprints, advising him to "get the blueprints first, then think about it." This casual delegation to Spandam alone raised questions about their true intentions and the depth of their strategic planning.
There are two main reasons for this. First, it's believed that the World Government possesses a military force that rivals the power of ancient weapons. However, this notion contradicts their previous policies. Even if the World Government were to possess Uranus, an ancient weapon, it's considered to be on par with Pluton, not superior.
The second reason is that the World Government never truly wanted the return of the ancient weapons. To them, permanently erasing these weapons from history is preferable to holding onto them. This is just speculation on Bai Ye's part, but it seems consistent with what he knows.
In Iceburg's office, the shipwright settled into his chair and began to explain, "It's entirely impossible to upgrade the original ship with current shipbuilding technology."
Iceburg chose to disclose everything, possibly because he had grown fond of the Straw Hats' actions or perhaps he was tired of keeping secrets. He explained, "Today's shipbuilding relies on the keel as the core structure, which limits all potential modifications. Shipbuilders often say, 'replacing the keel is akin to building a new ship.'"
Bai Ye, sensing the lengthy explanation might bore Luffy into sleep, interjected, "But those capable of constructing Pluton, like Master Tom, must possess such technology."
Apologizing for the digression, Iceburg agreed, "Indeed, I've never seen Pluton, but I've viewed its blueprints and can confirm such technology exists. Master Tom was familiar with it, too—a truly remarkable shipwright."
He paused, a look of sorrow crossing his face as he remembered Tom, "It's a pity… he's no longer with us."
Bai Ye nodded, his suspicions confirmed by Iceburg's revelations.
The World Government doesn't want Pluton resurrected, possibly because it challenges their rule. But the true power of Pluton might not be its most frightening aspect to them. If we consider Neptune's power, the technology within Pluton could pose an even greater threat.
The technology behind Pluton could radically transform maritime travel, similar to the way Tom's sea train revolutionized transportation between islands. Normally, sailing between two nearby islands could take a week under favorable conditions, but the sea train reduces it to just an hour. If this kind of technological advancement were applied globally, the interconnected islands would lessen the World Government's control significantly. Their power largely stems from their advanced warships and control over the windless belts—key strategic advantages.
This explains why they might prefer Pluton remains a relic of the past.
And here we are, contemplating the impact of Pluton's technology itself. Even the concept of modular shipbuilding—something Iceburg hinted at—could fundamentally alter the seascape. Originally, Bai Ye thought he could address the issue of keel replacement using his own methods, which involved melding the new and old keels. However, upon hearing that Iceburg might possess this advanced shipbuilding knowledge, Bai Ye was eager to learn more.
Yet, one critical question remains unanswered. Luffy, impatient as always, voiced it clearly: "Uncle, do you know that technique? Can you help us upgrade the Golden Merry?"
Iceburg responded with a regretful tone, "Sorry, I don't know this technique. When Master Tom passed and left me the Pluton blueprints, I only glanced over them. I've blamed those plans for his death, so I never truly studied them."
He continued, "As for Franky, he might have delved deeper than I did, but he still doesn't fully grasp it either."