As the Merry continued its voyage, the legendary City of Water 7, often referred to as the "Water City," gradually emerged on the horizon.
What caught everyone's attention first was a magnificent fountain that stood proudly at the heart of the city, towering over the surrounding structures. Waterways flowed gracefully from the fountain, weaving through the city like a network of veins, making the entire city appear as if it were floating on water. The buildings seemed to rise from the sea itself, casting a dreamlike spell over the scene.
"It's like the city is part of the ocean," Raki said, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "So beautiful, so surreal."
The chef of Ace's crew, Raki, felt a sense of fulfillment. Being part of Ace's journey across the vast seas was more than she had ever imagined. Her eyes shone with happiness, a warm smile gracing her lips as she took in the view.
Conis, moved by the breathtaking scenery, gently took out her harp and began to play a soft, romantic melody. The notes flowed through the air, adding to the already enchanting atmosphere. The girls all sighed in contentment, swayed by the music.
"This is pure romance!" Nami said, her voice full of delight, eyes gleaming as she listened to Conis' tune. The beauty of the Water City was different from anything they'd seen before, a charm unlike Sky Island, but no less captivating.
The serene ambiance brought out tender feelings. Kaya, smiling sweetly, hugged Ace's arm, her golden hair flowing in the gentle breeze. She felt that the most romantic thing was not just the beauty of the city, but sharing it with Ace.
Ace, noticing Kaya's affection, playfully tapped her nose, making her giggle. Vivi, with her long blue hair catching the sunlight, also leaned into Ace, resting her head on his shoulder as she admired the scenery.
"This city and your hair, Vivi, they're both perfect shades of blue," Ace teased with a grin.
Vivi blushed but couldn't hide her smile, her eyes shimmering with joy. Nami and Nojiko exchanged glances, amused by Vivi and Kaya's affection toward Ace, but they couldn't resist joining in either.
Nami, always the bold one, hopped onto Ace's back with a playful grin. "Have I gained weight?" she pouted, teasingly.
"Not at all, but you've certainly grown in other ways," Ace chuckled, clearly enjoying her company. His words made Nami's face flush with embarrassment.
Nojiko watched the scene unfold, smiling at how comfortable everyone was. Ace, ever the charmer, turned to her and grinned, "Want to join us, Nojiko?"
She glanced at Vivi, Kaya, and Nami all cuddled up around Ace, and with a wry smile, replied, "Is there any room left for you?"
Ace laughed. "There's always space up front," he joked, causing the girls to flush red with embarrassment as they remembered Ace's "special training."
Kaya and Vivi, now flustered, avoided his gaze, but neither was willing to let go of his arms. Nami, in typical fashion, bit down lightly on Ace's neck, sending small jolts of electricity through him. Her devil fruit powers were always entertaining, even in playful moments.
Ace's amused grin spread wider. He could sense the girls' blushes as they relished the lighthearted teasing. Robin, sipping her tea with her usual calmness, and Conis, her face slightly flushed from the romance of the moment, both smiled softly. Even Tashigi seemed lost in her own thoughts, polishing her sword with quiet intensity.
Amidst the laughter, Ace turned his attention back to the horizon. The music from Conis continued to play softly as the Merry sailed closer to the Water 7 City, a place teeming with life and charm. The city was as vibrant as it was romantic, full of energy.
"This is the Water 7 Capital," Nami announced, resting comfortably on Ace's back. "According to Granny Kokoro, the magnetic log takes a week to reset here. We'll have plenty of time to reinforce Merry."
Kaya smiled at the ship's spirit, Merry, who stood at the bow, her eyes full of hope. "That's great, Merry," Kaya said, her heartwarming smile lighting up her face.
Merry nodded, her expression bright with excitement, eager to take everyone further across the seas once the ship was strengthened.
"But where do we dock?" Vivi asked curiously, peeking around the bustling city.
"Hey, pirates shouldn't enter from the main port! You'd better use the back streets!" an old man called out from the shore, waving them toward a quieter area.
Vivi and Kaya quickly pulled away from Ace's arms, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
"Got it! Thank you!" Nami replied cheerfully, jumping down from Ace's back as she waved at the man.
Following the old man's advice, the Merry made its way toward the city's quieter waterways. Along the way, they met several friendly locals who offered more guidance, leading them to a secluded dock on a promontory.
Nami glanced at Vivi and playfully said, "People here sure remind me of the folks from Whiskey Mountain."
Vivi blushed at the mention of the place where she first met Ace and joined his crew. Her heart swelled with gratitude as she remembered that moment.
"It's great to have met Ace," she whispered, her eyes softening as she smiled warmly at him.
"The main industry here is shipbuilding," Nojiko mused aloud. "No wonder they don't seem afraid of pirates. They probably see us as customers."
"Which is great!" Nami chimed in, carrying a bag stuffed with gold from their Sky Island adventures. "I bet I can sell this gold for a good price here."
Ace chuckled as they made their way into the city. "Let's explore this place a little first."
The girls followed Ace eagerly, all excited to see what the City of Water 7 had to offer.
"Having Nami's power is really convenient," Kaya said with a soft laugh, referring to the fact that no one needed to stay behind to guard the Merry. With Nami's devil fruit abilities, they were certain the ship was safe.
"Of course," Nami replied confidently, her Observation Haki and Thunder Fruit abilities ensuring that anyone daring to touch their treasure would face swift punishment.
Raki, meanwhile, was already eying the city's unique ingredients displayed at the local stalls. "I can't wait to try cooking with these," she said, smiling as she imagined the new dishes she could prepare for Ace and the girls.
Robin nodded. "I'll go with you, Raki. My abilities can help us carry more."
"And I'll replenish some medicinal supplies," Kaya added thoughtfully.
The group, brimming with excitement, dispersed into the lively streets of the City of Water 7, ready for new adventures.
Although Kaya really wanted to stay with Ace, the medicinal supplies on the ship were nearly depleted. Replenishing them was more important, especially since she had urged Ace to follow her medical advice and take a few more treatments.
Kaya's smile grew as she thought about how, even though Ace didn't like taking medicine, he still followed her instructions and applied the necessary treatments.
"Let me join you," Nojiko said with a laugh. "I want to see if I can find a good quality gun here in the City of Water 7."
The gun she had been using was bought back in LogueTown, and it was starting to lag behind her growing strength. Now that the Entei Pirates had plenty of money, this was the perfect opportunity to find something more suited to her needs.
"Alright, let's split up for now," Ace decided. "After we sell the gold, we'll meet up here and head to the Galley-La Company to ask about upgrading the Merry."
All the girls nodded in agreement. With their strong Observation Haki, reuniting would be no problem.
Ace, Nami, and Vivi then took the bulk of their gold and went in search of a store to sell it. Conis headed to a music shop, Kaya and Nojiko to the pharmacy and gun store, while Raki and Robin went off to buy ingredients and restock the ship's supplies.
Thanks to Nami's Observation Haki, enhanced by her Thunder Fruit powers, Ace and his group quickly found a large store willing to purchase their gold. Once the manager saw the massive haul they had brought, he promptly invited them into the VIP room.
"Guests, I can offer 300 million Beli for this amount of gold," the manager said, eyeing the pile with greedy excitement.
"Are you serious?" Nami's expression darkened instantly.
The manager looked up, startled to find Nami glaring at him.
"Take a good look," she said, pulling Ace forward. "This is Portgas D. Ace, with a bounty of 150 million Beli. You really think you can rip off our captain?"
The manager paled, trembling as he realized who he was dealing with.
Outside the shop, Nami was all smiles as she carried several boxes of Beli. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she said, "Ace, your reputation really paid off!"
Vivi, also laden with bags of money, was equally amazed. "I can't believe we got a full billion Beli," she remarked, never having seen so much cash—even as the princess of Alabasta. And they hadn't even sold all the gold from the Merry yet!
Nami, beaming, stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to Ace's cheek. "Ace, you're the best!"
Not to be outdone, Vivi's face turned red as she shyly followed suit, planting a kiss on Ace's other cheek. "Well, I'm a member of the Entei Pirates too, and I want to thank Ace for getting us such a good deal," she explained, her cheeks flushed as Nami looked on teasingly.
Ace was in high spirits, but suddenly, his expression changed. Nami's face darkened as well.
"What's wrong, Nami? Ace?" Vivi asked, confused.
"There's a thief near the Merry," Nami said, her voice cold as her eyes filled with anger.
For Nami, money was nearly as important as her crew and captain. And someone dared to steal from her?
Lightning began to crackle around her body as she raised her finger toward the sky.
"What is that?" a bystander exclaimed, startled by the display of Devil Fruit power.
"Thief Sanction!" Nami declared, and a terrifying bolt of lightning shot into the sky.
Near the Merry, a group led by a man in strange glasses approached the ship. The leader, Zambai, grinned at the sight. "Another job. Looks like this pirate crew left their ship unguarded—how careless."
Behind him stood members of Franky's family, a notorious group in the City of Water 7.
"Quick, take anything valuable, and dismantle the ship to sell for scrap!" one of the underlings said eagerly.
But when they saw the pirate flag, their expressions changed.
"Wait, isn't that the Entei Pirates? Portgas D. Ace's crew, with a bounty of 150 million Beli!"
Zambai sweated but quickly tried to rally his crew. "So what if it's 150 million? We've got Brother Franky behind us!"
Just then, the sky above them lit up. "What the—?" Zambai began, before a massive bolt of lightning crashed down upon them, followed by an earth-shattering roar.
Elsewhere in the city, Raki smiled as she carried bags of unique ingredients. "Ace is going to love these! Robin, I wouldn't have been able to gather so many without your help."
Robin was about to respond when a tall, masked figure passed by, whispering, "I am CP9."
Robin's eyes narrowed. CP9... The world government's shadowy agents were here, and they were after her.
The man in masks snorted in his heart. He didn't expect to meet the Entei Pirates and Nico Robin here.
The world government has long regarded Nico Robin as a huge threat. As long as Nico Robin is brought back, it will be a great achievement.
According to the information their CP9 has, Nico Robin is extremely afraid of the World government.
Just say the name of CP9, and they just need to wait for Nico Robin to come to him.
"Seis Fleur(Six Flower)!!"
Before he could finish his thoughts, countless arms made of flowers suddenly appeared on his body.
"Iron Body!"
He was suddenly attacked, his eyes turned blood red, and he let out a low roar.
"Armament! Clutch!"
With a low shout, a touch of black suddenly appeared on the petal arm.
"Crack!"
"AAHHH!!!"