Seeing Franky's face light up with a mixture of excitement and concern, Luffy suddenly remembered that the cyborg was an enthusiastic fan of Dr. Vegapunk.

Though he couldn't recall exactly when that admiration had begun. Either way, watching Franky's expression shift from curiosity to awe at the mere mention of the scientist's name was entertaining.

Based on Franky's animated gestures as he spoke about the Stormbreaker's schematics and the laser weapon, it seemed his admiration had blossomed after studying those technical drawings.

A sly grin spread across Luffy's face. This could be interesting. Especially since Vegapunk was now within his territory.

"So you admire Vegapunk, huh?" Luffy leaned back in his chair, casually taking a sip of his cola wine. "Don't worry about it. I've been friends with the old man for many years now."

Franky's jaw dropped slightly, his eyes widening.

"He wasn't kidnapped by the Revolutionary Army like the World Government claims," Luffy continued, enjoying the shipwright's stunned expression. "That whole story was just government propaganda. In truth, he accepted my father's invitation willingly and joined the Revolutionary Army of his own accord."

Luffy paused, taking another slow sip of cola while glancing sideways at Franky, preparing to deliver his knockout blow.

"Besides," he added casually, "he's currently in Wano, which falls under my jurisdiction. He's conducting his research on a Sky Island floating 10,000 meters above Wano, away from prying government eyes."

"WHAT?! He's in WANO?! AND on a LEGENDARY SKY ISLAND?!" Franky's mechanical arms shot up in astonishment, nearly knocking over the table between them. His nose began to leak oil in excitement—a quirk of his cyborg modifications.

The revelation had the exact impact Luffy had hoped for. Not only was Franky completely shocked about his idol's whereabouts, but the existence of Sky Island—a legendary phenomenon many considered mythical—had the shipwright visibly shaking with excitement.

Even Iceberg, who had been quietly nursing his drink, sobered up instantly. His mouth formed a perfect "O" of surprise—the trademark shocked expression common throughout the Grand Line when someone heard truly astonishing news.

Luffy couldn't help but smile smugly behind his glass. There was something deeply satisfying about surprising people like this.

"Yes, the doctor is with me now," Luffy confirmed, setting down his drink. "Even if the World Government searches every corner of the Blues, they won't find him."

Franky took a deep breath, his massive metal hands clenched into fists as he tried to contain the excitement bubbling up inside him. But his heart began whirring loudly, betraying his emotional state.

The urge to meet his scientific idol suddenly overwhelmed him. Once the thought took root, he couldn't suppress it any longer. Driven by pure fanboy determination, Franky shoved Iceberg aside, who had been sitting between them.

Under Luffy's surprised gaze, Franky grabbed both of Luffy's hands, tears welling in his eyes.

"PLEASE!" he begged, his voice cracking with emotion. "PLEASE let me meet Dr. Vegapunk! I have so many questions I want to ask him in person! Please give me this opportunity!"

Luffy was momentarily taken aback by Franky's passionate outburst, but his surprise quickly gave way to delight. This was perfect! He had originally planned to find some way to recruit one of the world's finest shipbuilders after their meeting. Now Franky was practically volunteering to come to Wano—it couldn't have worked out better if he'd planned it.

"Of course," Luffy replied, hiding his satisfaction behind a thoughtful expression. "But I still have a mission assigned, so I can't return to Wano anytime soon."

Before he could continue, Franky cut in eagerly:

"No need to worry about me! I can go by myself!" The shipwright's eyes were practically sparkling. "If it means meeting the doctor, I'd be willing to go to Mariejois itself—Wano is nothing in comparison!"

Looking at Franky's determined expression—the face of a man ready to risk life and limb for a chance to meet his idol—Luffy angrily shook off the cyborg's grip.

"Idiot!" Luffy scolded, though there was no real heat in his voice. "Don't talk like you're marching to your death. It's just Wano. It's perfectly safe there now."

He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head.

"The New World has become much quieter since Kaido's defeat. It's not nearly as dangerous as it used to be. With the relationship between the Galley-La Company and the Marine, you can easily take the Marine-protected route and reach Wano safely."

Luffy grinned confidently. "I'll make arrangements for you in advance. Just tell them you're my friend, and they'll take you to see the doctor."

With Luffy's reassurance, Franky's excitement reached new heights. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he began sobbing dramatically.

"SUUUPEEERRR!" he cried, striking his signature pose despite his emotional state. "This is... this is what it feels like when dreams come true! I can't wait to meet the doctor and share my cola technology with him!"

As Franky continued his emotional display, Iceberg, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke up with confusion evident in his voice.

"Franky, didn't you say you wanted to start a company? Are you really ready to leave Water 7 just like that?"

Wiping tears from his eyes, Franky turned to face his foster brother, his expression suddenly conflicted. If Iceberg hadn't mentioned it, he might have completely forgotten why they'd come to see Luffy in the first place.

But now that the chance to meet Vegapunk was within reach, he couldn't possibly give it up.

Luffy, pleased with having essentially recruited another valuable ally, perked up with interest at Iceberg's words.

"Company? Franky? What's this about?" He leaned forward, genuinely curious. "Tell me more."