In Water 7, Ace's crew had temporarily stopped for repairs, resupply, and modifications to their ship. After all, they were nearing the New World, known for its treacherous seas, and entering without a reliable ship would be suicidal.
A day later, Deuce, who was responsible for contacting the shipyards in Water 7, hurriedly found Ace.
"Ace, I have incredible news! There's a famous shipwright here who built the Oro Jackson for Pirate King Roger and the Sea King for Thunder God Nicholas. Besides these famous ships, many other renowned vessels were also crafted by this master shipwright!"
Deuce said excitedly. He knew that if they could get this master to upgrade their ship, it would be a tremendous help for their upcoming journey.
Ace was stunned by the news. He quickly swallowed the meat he was eating and asked eagerly, "Who is it? Where is he?"
Deuce's expression darkened slightly. "It seems the shipwright isn't building ships anymore. He's focused entirely on constructing sea trains. Also, to get him to work on our ship, we'll need good materials and a lot of money. But I heard he has two apprentices. Maybe we can ask them?"
"Apprentices? Who are they?"
Even if they couldn't get the master shipwright himself, getting his apprentices would be quite good.
"One is Iceburg, the mayor of Water 7. The other apprentice is very mysterious, and few people in Water 7 know about him."
Deuce quickly explained.
"Iceburg... Iceburg," Ace murmured, remembering the name he heard upon arriving in Water 7.
Without hesitation, he set off with Deuce to the mayor's office.
After a short while, Iceburg arrived at his office, parting the staff who were too scared to enter. He was accompanied by a secretary in a tight suit, black stockings, and high heels.
"Sir, you barged into my office. Is there something you need to discuss?" Iceburg asked calmly, looking at Ace sitting casually on the office sofa with Deuce beside him.
As the mayor of a famous shipbuilding city in the Grand Line, Iceburg had seen all sorts of people and situations.
"Mr. Iceburg, don't worry. I'm here to ask for your help with something."
"My help?"
Iceburg looked at Ace. He had already gathered information about this young pirate from his secretary. Starting from the East Blue, Ace had charged through the Grand Line with his strength and the power of his Flame-Flame Fruit, earning a reputation as a super rookie this year.
"Go ahead. If it's within my power, I'll help."
"Can you help me contact the shipwright who built Roger's ship?"
Ace asked directly.
Iceburg was momentarily stunned by Ace's request. His secretary's expression also changed slightly at the mention of Roger but quickly returned to normal.
"Kalifa, ask everyone to leave and close the door."
After a brief silence, Iceburg instructed. His secretary, though momentarily surprised, nodded and left, ensuring the office was clear.
"Are you talking about Pirate King Roger?"
"Yes, that's the Roger!"
Ace said excitedly. This was the second person and place closely connected to Roger since he left Loguetown.
"Roger..."
Recalling the man in his mind, Iceburg sighed.
"I know him, but shouldn't you be more interested in the master shipwright who helped Roger?"
Iceburg asked curiously.
"While I'm curious about the master shipwright, I'm more interested in hearing about Roger."
Ace said earnestly.
"Hey, Ace..."
Deuce, standing beside Ace, couldn't help but tug at him after hearing his words. They had come to see Iceburg primarily for shipbuilding, not to hear stories about Roger.
"I don't know much about him," Iceburg said. "He came to Water 7 many years ago, and I met him a few times because of Tom-sensei."
"What kind of person do you think he was?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
Ace was taken aback by this response. He had expected many possible opinions from Iceburg but not this.
"Yes, I truly don't know. We only spent a short time together, and we didn't exchange more than ten words. Can you really get to know someone through such brief encounters?"
Iceburg said calmly.
"By the way, can I ask why you care so much about Roger's evaluation?"
Iceburg asked curiously.
"I just want to know what the famous Pirate King was really like. Some say he was the freest man on the sea, some say he was the richest, and some say that with the One Piece, he had the power to control the world... But I want to know the true him."
Ace said earnestly.
"So, could you please introduce me to Tom-sensei?"
Iceburg was silent for a moment, then sighed, "I'm afraid Tom-sensei rarely sees anyone nowadays."
Ace looked disappointed. "Is there really no way at all?"
Seeing Ace's dejected expression and recognizing his potential, Iceburg made up his mind. "I can try to ask Tom-sensei, but I can't guarantee success."
"Thank you."
Ace said sincerely. Having the chance to learn about the real Roger made him very happy.
Ace then took his leave.
"So, news about Roger is more important to you than getting an excellent ship? Ace, don't you realize we're heading to the New World?!"
Deuce was almost pulling his hair out in frustration.
"Don't worry, Deuce. We'll get a ship, and it will be an excellent one. You've seen how good the shipbuilding technology in Water 7 is, haven't you? As long as we pay, we'll get a top-notch ship!"
Ace said, throwing an arm around Deuce's shoulders with a grin.
"But do we have the money?"
Deuce asked.
The atmosphere grew awkward. Although they had been at sea for a while, they didn't have enough funds to secure a fantastic ship in Water 7.
Ace grinned widely and pointed to a group of pirate-dressed men, "That's simple, Deuce. Have you forgotten who we are? We're pirates. Helping each other out is normal, isn't it? And I'm sure they'll be more than happy to assist us."
Hearing Ace's words, Deuce was momentarily stunned, then gave a thumbs up and laughed, "Captain, you're shameless! But I like it."