Water 7, also known as the Capital of Water, is one of the most renowned islands along the Grand Line.

If there's anywhere in the world that could rival the Marines in shipbuilding technology, there's only one answer—it's Water 7.

The ship that carried the Pirate King Roger across the seas, the Oro Jackson, was designed and constructed by the shipwrights of Water 7.

It was said that the keel of the Oro Jackson was crafted from the rarest material in the world—the branch of the Treasure Tree Adam.

The ship's ability to repeatedly evade capture from Marine warships was in no small part thanks to the Oro Jackson.

And now, Garp and his crew, having left Marine Headquarters, were headed toward this very island at the heart of the Grand Line—Capital of Water!

"Tom is a fish-man, a bull-horned one," Garp explained.

"Roger's ship was built with his help."

"As Roger rose to become the Pirate King, Tom's name gained fame too, and he came to be known as the world's greatest shipwright."

"Even though there's no official competition for shipbuilding skills on these seas, his title is definitely not just for show."

"Yoriichi, if you want to travel across the New World, having him design your ship would be like adding wings to a tiger!"

The cobalt-blue sea sparkled as the dog-headed Marine warship gradually slowed down. Ahead of them, a massive island came into view.

The island was peculiar. At its center, a towering column of seawater surged straight into the sky. As the water fell, it was redirected by enormous channels and dams into seven separate torrents that flowed back into the sea from different directions.

In the gaps between the torrents were countless houses. From a distance, the entire island resembled a crown with seven flowing blue tassels.

"So this is Water 7…" Yoriichi stood on the warship's deck, wearing a loose red training outfit under his white Marine justice coat, three swords at his waist. He smiled as he looked toward the island.

The sea breeze rustled his coat and sent his long red hair fluttering behind him.

"Yes, that's right," Garp nodded.

"The shipwrights made excellent use of those seven torrents. See the numbered markers on those outlet dams?"

"Those indicate the seven shipyards."

"Each of the seven massive shipyards on this island builds ships that are then launched directly into the rivers and carried out to sea."

"The unusual currents around Water 7 are actually caused by the backflow of those seven rivers returning to the ocean."

"As long as your ship's propulsion is strong enough, the currents are no problem."

Garp waved to the lookout post above. A Marine saw his signal and quickly passed the order to the bridge. The dog-headed warship, which had just slowed down, began accelerating again, heading toward the island.

Yoriichi could feel the ship's engines running at full capacity now. As they drew closer, the warship sped up more and more until they broke through the surrounding currents. Only then did it slow again and come to a smooth stop at Dock No. 3.

"Vice Admiral Garp, our most advanced propulsion system is steam power, right?" Yoriichi asked.

"And that technology is only mastered by Dr. Vegapunk and his team."

"But this so-called greatest shipwright in the world, isn't he only capable of building sail-powered ships?"

"Is it possible to have him construct the hull while Vegapunk's team installs the propulsion system?"

"I mean… surely Marine Headquarters won't deny me that much?"

Once docked, Yoriichi, Issho, and the others disembarked under Garp's lead and began walking into the city.

Unlike the New World, the people of Water 7 were not unfamiliar with Marines. Seeing Yoriichi's group only earned a few curious glances before everyone resumed their own business. No one looked particularly shocked.

On the way, Yoriichi shared his thoughts. Honestly, if advanced tech was available, he definitely wanted to use it.

It was like a boy buying a car—if you had the money, of course you'd want the newest, top-tier model!

"You can't do that. The construction systems are completely different," Garp replied.

"But don't underestimate Tom. He's not just a sailboat builder."

"His skills go far beyond that!"

"Don't worry. You'll be satisfied with his design."

Garp clapped Yoriichi's shoulder with a grin. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he stopped a passerby to ask where Tom could be found.

Turns out… Garp had no clue where Tom currently was!

But Tom's name was famous throughout Water 7. With just a few inquiries, they quickly found his workshop.

When Garp and Yoriichi found Tom, he was at Dock No. 1, working with other craftsmen on a large project.

Just looking at the shape, Yoriichi guessed it was… a locomotive?

A train engine being built in a shipyard?

"Hey! Tom, the Marines are looking for you!"

The man who led them to Tom was a middle-aged foreman and an acquaintance of Tom's. He shouted up at a stout, muscular man on the scaffolding.

"Huh? Marines looking for me?"

"I haven't had any dealings with the Marines!"

Tom paused his work, turned his head, and spotted Garp's group. The moment he saw Garp, Tom's pupils narrowed, and his expression grew solemn.

Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp!

Tom instantly recognized him, and a heavy feeling settled in his chest. He didn't believe a high-ranking Marine coming to find him would be for anything good.

"So the Marines have finally come to settle that matter…"

"A little later than I expected."

Tom stopped his work, climbed down from the scaffolding, and approached them. Then, to everyone's surprise, he raised both hands as if surrendering.

"Tom, I've heard great things about you," Garp greeted him warmly. "Uh… what are you doing?"

Seeing Tom raise his hands, Garp scratched his head in confusion.

"Aren't you here to arrest me?!"

"Drop the act, Marines!"

"I know what I've done. Being able to contribute to a man like that… I consider it an honor!"

"Don't drag anyone else into this. I'll go with you!"

Tom held his head high, his voice proud. His words left Kyros and Issho baffled.

Garp was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing, waving his hand dismissively.

"No, no, not at all!"

"We're not here for some petty nonsense."

"Tom, the Marines would like to hire you to build a battleship."

"Our budget is… 300 million Berries."

"As for the details, I'll let this kid explain."

Garp gave a brief explanation and patted Yoriichi on the back. With that cue, Yoriichi stepped forward, extended his hand, and smiled as he introduced himself.

"Hello, Mr. Tom."

"I'm Vice Admiral Yoriichi Tsugikuni of Marine Headquarters."

"I'm the one requesting the ship."

"I'll be entering the New World soon, and I need a vessel worthy of crossing those seas. I hope you'll be willing to help!"

Hearing this, Tom's expression immediately turned awkward.

"A ship…? You should've said so earlier!"

"No problem at all! Helping the Marines is every citizen's duty, haha…"

Tom chuckled nervously, but then suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked Yoriichi over carefully.

"A Vice Admiral this young? When did the Marines start producing people like this?"

"The name Yoriichi Tsugikuni sounds familiar…"

"!!!"

"The one who killed Golden Lion Shiki?! This young?!"

As Tom studied Yoriichi, realization dawned. His gaze grew even more guarded.

"A Vice Admiral this young is asking me for a warship?!"

"Marine Headquarters already has top-class shipwrights. This can't just be about building a ship!"

Tom knew well—he wasn't just any ordinary shipwright. He also held something extremely important. Something that could make anyone's eyes go red with envy.

The blueprints of the Ancient Weapon—Pluton!

Two Vice Admirals had appeared at Water 7. One was Garp the Hero. The other, a rising star who killed Shiki.

There was no way this was just about building a ship!

Tom's heart brimmed with suspicion. Were they really here just for a warship?

He decided to probe them.

"Vice Admiral Yoriichi, what exactly are you looking for in your warship?"

Yoriichi smiled, scratching his chin thoughtfully as he answered.

"My requirements are actually simple."

"Powerful propulsion. Ideally, something beyond mere sails. It needs excellent range since New World islands are far apart."

"If possible, I want the ship to be equipped with the most advanced, most powerful weapons—like a laser cannon that could destroy an island in one shot."

"Oh, and I plan to use the ship as a mobile fortress at sea. Most of our time will be spent on board, so crew quarters must be comfortable."

"I want full facilities, thick armor, and ideally a mobile dock with enough small boats for pursuit missions."

As Yoriichi dreamed aloud, Tom's face darkened.

Not because Yoriichi was being unrealistic, but because there was only one ship in Tom's mind that matched all those requirements—

The Ancient Weapon—Pluton!

A legendary battleship said to be capable of destroying islands with a single shot!

The more Yoriichi described, the darker Tom's expression became. He was certain—these Marines weren't just here to commission a ship!

They were after the Pluton blueprints!

"Of course… they came for Pluton!"

Tom forced a smile and cut Yoriichi off.

"Sorry, Vice Admiral. What you're asking… I can't do that."

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."

His heart now pounding, Tom braced himself. If these Marines were truly after Pluton, they might show their true faces at any moment.

"Hey, hey, Yoriichi, I said to make requests, not wishes!"

"Be realistic!"

"Even if Tom could actually build all that, 300 million Berries wouldn't cut it!"

"Right, Tom?"

Garp tried to smooth things over, shaking his head helplessly.

"Y-yes!"

"Wait—no, no, I mean… I can't do it. Really, I can't!"

Tom nodded instinctively but then realized Garp's wording was suspicious, so he quickly corrected himself.

What do you mean 'even if he could'? I'm telling you—I really can't!

"...?" Garp found Tom's reaction odd, but didn't dwell on it. He patted Yoriichi's back again. "Be practical!"

"Uh…" Yoriichi closed his mouth, thought for a moment, then smiled politely at Tom.

"I'll leave the technical side to the professional."

"That's my vision, but how far we can go with it… I'll rely on your judgment, Mr. Tom."

"How long would it take you to design and build such a ship?"

Yoriichi knew better than to push further. He was aware that no matter how many ideas he had, it wouldn't matter if Tom couldn't deliver.

"Hmm…" Tom saw that they didn't intend to turn hostile and began considering his response.

"Three months. From design to completion."

"Give me three months and it'll be done."

He gave a safe answer. Garp frowned slightly, and even Yoriichi looked surprised.

"Too slow! Can't it be faster?" Garp pressed. Yoriichi turned toward him, surprised.

"Three months is still slow?" Yoriichi muttered, then immediately realized his mistake.

This isn't the modern world—this is the One Piece world.

"Yes, it's a bit long, but since it's a New World-class ship, the design and materials need to be top-notch."

"Some of the materials have to be specially sourced. A battleship is different from a standard war vessel, after all."

Tom smiled and played along, sensing no hostility from them.

"What do you think, Yoriichi?"

Garp didn't make the call himself and instead looked at the young Vice Admiral. Kyros and Issho also turned to Yoriichi, waiting for his decision.

"Three months it is."

"I'll wait on this island. Once the ship is ready, I'll head into the New World."

"Vice Admiral Garp, I'll need you to transfer a group of Marines to join me for that mission."

"As for the Marines I brought from the G-ICE Branch, please send them to Kuzan. He's probably struggling without a ship."

"No point going to the New World just to come right back. I'll stay here for the time being with Issho and the others."

Yoriichi laid out his plan. Garp nodded slightly in agreement. But as they talked, Tom's heart thudded wildly, and in his mind, a warning screamed:

"The Marines are staying on the island?!"

"For three months?!"

"They're definitely here for the Pluton blueprints!!!"

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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter

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