"I didn't expect to build a new ship with that little money. I just plan to go to Water 7 and have the shipwrights there make some modifications to the Dark Maru.
Forget about everything else for now, but at the very least, I need them to create another separate room. The snoring you guys do at night is way too loud—I've nearly developed a nervous disorder over these past few months!"
The days spent squeezed into the large cabin with Ruth and the others had been a torment for Wood. It wasn't just the stink of feet or the frequent bouts of drinking that left the cabin reeking; the collective snoring at night made it seem like even the deck was shaking.
Moreover, due to the system, Wood sometimes needed to do things he preferred to keep private. Sharing a room with Ruth and the others always led to inconvenient situations.
So, while modifying the ship's layout might seem trivial, to Wood, it was currently the most pressing issue.
Water 7 is a floating city where transportation relies primarily on creatures called "Bull." These creatures are incredibly strong and can swim at remarkable speeds, making them the go-to transport for locals.
Upon arriving at Water 7, Wood and Robin rented a small Bull with a double seat for 1,000 Berries to use as a means of getting around the island, while Ruth and the others stayed on the Dark Maru to keep watch.
Currently, Water 7 boasts many shipwrights and shipbuilding companies, far from the monopoly of Iceburg's Galley-La Company over a decade later.
Of course, due to having built ships for pirates, the most famous shipwright and company in Water 7 was that of the Fish-Man Tom.
On the Grand Line, Fish-Men and humans typically hold mutual disdain for each other, but Tom, a Horned Fish-Man, had earned the respect of everyone on Water 7.
Not only was Tom's shipbuilding skill widely recognized, but he had also made significant contributions to the city itself.
Every year, Water 7 experiences the "Aqua Laguna" (the Great Tsunami), forcing the island's residents to flee to higher ground. But after each tsunami, the water level rises significantly.
With trade on the Grand Line hindered and little communication between islands, the various shipbuilding companies on Water 7 often fought over customers, pushing the island's residents toward slow destruction.
Tom sought to save the island and spent a long time developing floating tracks and designing the sea train that would be immune to the Aqua Laguna's destruction.
To the people of Water 7, Tom was undoubtedly a hero.
Because of Tom's contributions, the island's residents weren't as prejudiced against Fish-Men, and his shipyard even employed other Fish-Men.
When Wood and Robin arrived at Tom's workshop riding the Bull, they were greeted by a middle-aged woman with green hair and red lipstick.
Though she wasn't particularly attractive, Wood immediately recognized her as Kokoro, who would later work as the ticket inspector on the sea train. She was also, to Sanji's dismay, a mermaid.
After Wood explained their intentions, Kokoro wore a troubled expression.
Due to his focus on building the sea train and the tracks, Tom was currently busy with his two apprentices, Iceburg and Franky, testing the train.
Initially, Kokoro planned to outright refuse Wood's request, but when Wood mentioned that he had been sent by Fisher Tiger, she found herself in a difficult position.
Who was Fisher Tiger? He was a hero among the Fish-Men!
No, after the events at the Holy Land Mariejois, Tiger had become a hero to Fish-Men worldwide.
Tom, as a Horned Fish-Man, had also been deeply impressed by Tiger's actions. Since Wood claimed to have been introduced by this Fish-Man hero, Kokoro couldn't just send him away.
As it turns out, Fisher Tiger's reputation worked wonders. After learning that Wood wasn't asking for a new ship but merely a minor modification that wouldn't take much time, Tom agreed to the commission.
However, as Tom was currently busy with his apprentices testing the sea train, any discussion about modifying the Dark Maru and other matters would have to wait until the evening.
Kokoro, feeling a bit embarrassed, explained that Tom and his apprentices were workaholics who often lost track of time while working, and suggested that Wood and Robin spend some time exploring Water 7.
Wood and Robin, satisfied with this suggestion, nodded in agreement. After all, it was a great honor to have the world's top shipwright, Tom, agree to their request.
Riding the rented Bull and eating Water 7's specialty "Water Meat," Wood and Robin leisurely explored the city.
Due to its unique geographical features, Water 7 was a vibrant and beautiful city, and for Robin, this was her first time enjoying such a carefree outing.
As a child, Robin had been kept on her island by her mother, who loved archaeology. It wasn't until she met Saul that she realized how wonderful the outside world was and began to yearn for it.
But then, the nightmare of the Buster Call shattered her dreams. While she did eventually see the world, it was nothing like she had imagined.
"Wood, how do you know someone as important as Fisher Tiger?"
Sitting on the Bull, holding her Water Meat in one hand and a newly purchased book in the other, Robin looked content. Soon, however, curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to ask the man sitting behind her.
Robin loved reading and kept up with the news daily. Her years as a pirate had made her well aware of events across the seas.
Though she had been in the West Blue, the incident at Mariejois had made headlines across the entire ocean, so Robin knew about it.
What puzzled Robin was how Wood, who had been a mere Marine captain, could possibly know someone as significant as Fisher Tiger.
No, even if Wood had been a big shot in the Marines, it would still be strange for him to know Tiger, given that he was a notorious criminal hated by the World Government, and the Marines served that very government.
"It makes sense, doesn't it? You, the 'Demon Child,' are also a criminal wanted by the World Government, yet here you are riding in front of me.
Besides, I said I know Fisher Tiger—I never said he knows me. But look at you, you know the hero of the Fish-Men too, don't you?"
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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 230+ at patreon.com/Betek.