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"So, you want to modify the current ship to expand its scale," Tom said thoughtfully, sitting cross-legged on a floor covered in drafts after Kokoro's introduction. He then looked at Zyhark and asked, "What exactly are your requirements?"
The sea train project required a significant amount of funds. Taking on this two-billion-Beri deal would indeed alleviate much of the financial pressure.
"Our current ship is a sea restaurant. If possible, I'd like to convert it into a conventional ship suitable for the New World," Zyhark replied.
They were now major criminals wanted by the World Government, and continuing to run a sea restaurant would draw too much attention. In the chaotic New World, it would be easy to expose themselves, attracting unnecessary trouble and danger.
Besides, given the team's current strength, they could easily capture some pirates for money. Being bounty hunters meant they didn't have to worry about maintaining their reputation.
If necessary, there was also a whole city of gold on Skypiea.
"The size and scale of a ship are determined by its keel. If it's a spacious sea restaurant, the effect of the modification will be quite significant," Tom said, standing up and patting his knees. "However, I must say, with a budget of two billion Beri, it might be more cost-effective to build a new ship."
Even with his top-notch skills, modifying a ship couldn't escape the limitations of the original framework. Simply put, he could use two billion Beri to build a large ship nearly a hundred meters long, but he couldn't expand a twenty-meter ship to fifty meters.
"Sorry, but we prefer to modify it. Money is not an issue," Zyhark replied without hesitation.
He understood the value and potential of building a new ship, but the Endless Dream, a gift from three carpenters in Windmill Village, had been with him and Aqua from the beginning.
They had crossed the East Blue, Reverse Mountain, and Skypiea together, growing into a team of six. The bond with the ship was irreplaceable; it was like their seventh crew member. Unless it was beyond repair, he couldn't abandon it.
As he had named it, the ship represented an endless dreams.
"That's right, that guy has been working really hard too!" Aqua chimed in.
After this period of adventures, she had long regarded the Endless Dream as her home. With her sharp senses, she even perceived a deeper existence within the ship.
"I see, you truly love your ship," Tom said, laughing heartily at their determination. "In that case, I'm looking forward to seeing it."
Taking a deep breath, Tom extended his hand to Zyhark, "I'll take the job. I'll send someone to inspect the ship, and then you can bring it to the modification dock."
"Looking forward to working with you," Zyhark said, shaking Tom's large, powerful hand.
"Looking forward to it."
"By the way, I'd like our shipwright to participate in the modification process."
Zyhark introduced Meowth, "Don't be fooled by his appearance; he's a very skilled scientist on our ship."
"Even if you compliment me, I won't be happy, meow~"
Meowth, pleased with the title of "very skilled scientist," scratched his head with a proud smile.
"A talking pet? That's quite a rare creature," Tom said, examining Meowth.
For safety, Meowth also wore a specially made mask, but his fur and small stature clearly indicated he was a pet.
"I'm not a pet; I'm a cute and charming Pokémon!" Meowth retorted, looking fierce.
"It seems he has a good personality. No problem, I'll consider his suggestions," Tom laughed.
Since his death sentence and dedicating himself to the sea train project, Tom hadn't met such interesting humans or creatures.
Kokoro, standing in the corner, stared at Meowth's tail, wondering, 'A talking cat walking on two legs? Why does that seem familiar?'
Before she could recall why it felt familiar, a blue-armored arm wrapped around her waist.
"Hey, sister, let me have a taste of that wine," Aqua said, drooling as she stared at Kokoro's wine bottle.
"This taste isn't for everyone," Kokoro said, but handed the bottle to Aqua generously.
Aqua waved her hand dismissively, grabbed the bottle, and just as she was about to lift her mask to take a sip, she convulsed as if shocked.
No, she was actually shocked.
"Uh, never mind."
Understanding the reason, Aqua laughed awkwardly and returned the bottle to Kokoro.
She knew the difference between a full meal and a constant supply.
"Ha, just the smell was too much for you?"
Kokoro laughed, taking a swig from the bottle.
The audacity of this old hag to flaunt her drinking skills in front of the goddess!
Aqua's pride couldn't handle such provocation, and just as she was about to prove herself, the door to the workshop swung open with a bang.
"Mr. Tom, I heard someone needs a ship dismantled. Where are they?!"
Wearing goggles and a floral shirt, a spirited young man strode in, carrying a large wrench.
Tom's apprentice, who hadn't yet evolved into the ultimate pervert, Cutty Flam, later known as Franky.
"Flam, how many times have I told you not to barge in on Mr. Tom like that?"
"And Barry clearly said it was a modification, not dismantling. Can you get your facts straight before acting?"
Tom's other apprentice, wearing neat casual clothes, followed closely, shutting the door with an annoyed look.
"Haha, what's the difference? It's a big deal either way."
Flam laughed, oblivious to his mistake.
Only Zyhark remained calm, while the contrasting apprentices left Aqua and the others bewildered.
"Flam, Iceburg, just in time. I was about to call you."
Tom introduced Zyhark's group to his apprentices, "Zyhark, these two will be inspecting your ship."
"Thank you," Zyhark greeted.
After a brief introduction, Flam and Iceburg quickly grasped the task. Learning the job paid two billion Beri or more, they became serious, knowing how much Mr. Tom needed the money.
Even Flam, typically reckless, donned his goggles and got to work.
Zyhark couldn't help but observe Flam's earnest demeanor. Though Flam was happy without losing Mr. Tom, his less perverted behavior felt unusual.
"Mr. Zyhark, please lead the way. We need to thoroughly inspect your ship," Iceburg said calmly.
"No problem."
Zyhark nodded, said goodbye to Tom and Kokoro, and led his team out.
Iceburg and Flam followed.
As they passed the shipyard gate, Zyhark saw an unexpected figure, making his eyes widen.
With a yellow-sleeved Justice cloak lightly fluttering, it was a familiar, sleazy, and lazy-looking face.
They encountered Admiral candidate Borsalino, also known as Kizaru, leading a squad of marines!
Seeing the marines, King and Meowth tensed up. After all, they were now wanted criminals.
Luckily, the marines weren't there to arrest them. They exchanged glances and continued on their way.
"Damn annoying World Government marines. Don't they trust Mr. Tom's skills?!" Flam spat as the marines left.
Marines visiting the shipyard wasn't new. Ever since Mr. Tom promised to build the sea train, they frequently checked the progress, which was irritating.
"Whatever, they'll leave in a few days as usual," Iceburg said, his eyes flashing with a hint of knowing.
Unlike impulsive Flam, Iceburg knew more about the situation.
"Looks like the World Government values your sea train project," Zyhark remarked casually.
"Of course! Mr. Tom's project is incredible!"
Talking about the sea train made Flam proud and excited.
Meanwhile, the inspection team inside the shipyard had different concerns.
"Mr. Borsalino, that skeleton and the cute girl seem to be the ones who captured thousands of pirates."
The lieutenant repeatedly looked back at Zyhark's group.
"No need to be overly sensitive. Skeletons are common on the Grand Line. I've even met kung fu sea cows."
Kizaru lazily observed the shipyard workers, not taking the lieutenant's words seriously.
"But Mr. Borsalino, they really seem suspicious, especially those masked ones. Shall we investigate further?"
The lieutenant insisted, suggesting, "Why don't we turn back and check?"
Kizaru stopped, turning to the lieutenant.
"The sea train project is crucial to the World Government. We're here to oversee it, not waste time on unrelated matters. Keep that in mind."
Despite his lazy tone, the lieutenant dared not argue under Kizaru's gaze, quickly nodding, "I understand. Please forgive my doubts."
Withdrawing Kizaru's attention from Zyhark, he resumed leisurely watching the shipyard workers.
He seemed to have sensed something.
...
"This ship is well-maintained. It seems to be very happy."
"Hey, these weapon systems are incredibly advanced. Super cool!"
Led by Zyhark, Flam and Iceburg reached the port and saw the Endless Dream.
Their exclamations revealed their specialties. Iceburg was detail-oriented, while Flam focused on dismantling, building, and weaponry.
After a quick inspection, they confirmed the ship met modification criteria.
Thus, the Endless Dream was brought to the modification dock.
With ample funds, Iceburg and Flam suggested replacing the planks with the finest Adam Wood.
Zyhark agreed, as he had originally planned to use this rare material.
Tom was busy with the marines, leaving him no time to inspect the ship himself.
So, Zyhark took the rare free time to explore Water 7 with Aqua, eager to shop (for alcohol), Brook, and Kanna.
Ship modifications weren't quick, so he planned to find a suitable inn in town.
Meowth stayed for the modifications, while King, uninterested in venturing out, stayed with Meowth, resuming their fighting game after a month.
By sunset, Zyhark returned, having secured accommodations, but Tom was still absent.
Apologetically, Iceburg informed Zyhark that work would start the next day, so he took Meowth and King back to the inn.
Though still on the ship, the noisy factory wasn't conducive to sleep.
As night fully enveloped Water 7, Tom finally came to inspect the Infinite Dream personally, ready to devise the best modification plan.
But seeing the ship, he froze, shocked beyond belief.
Standing rigid, Tom's usually calm face was filled with near-ecstatic astonishment.
Under the faint moonlight, a hazy figure stood on the deck, staring back at him amidst thick, mysterious mist.
It was a legendary, extraordinarily rare...
Ship Spirit!
(End of Chapter)