"Well... sigh, alright. Here's the thing: could you give me a spatial storage ring and any piece of your equipment for me to study? I also want to improve myself and become stronger. Plus, I'm genuinely interested, as I consider myself a Scientist, although somewhat amateurish. Of course, I won't take it for free. I have some influence and capabilities in Water Seven, and I can provide you with money and materials."
Franky had always been a straightforward person, so he stopped holding back and voiced his thoughts. Naturally, he definitely wouldn't take anything from Shiro for free; Franky would never do something so shameless.
However, after the events at Enies Lobby, he truly harbored a desire to become stronger.
Since he is a cyborg, if he wants to become stronger, he needs to absorb more powerful technology to enhance himself.
Shiro was the best choice before him; her scientific research capabilities and technological achievements had greatly impressed Franky, even leading to a slight sense of admiration.
He also believed that if he could get help from Shiro and study her scientific inventions, he would definitely be able to become stronger quickly.
Franky didn't know about things like Haki, and he wasn't interested in Devil Fruit, unless it was related to scientific capabilities. But even if he did know, he would still insist on the path of continuously using scientific ability to build himself up.
Shiro was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and then immediately began to think.
Firstly, although the Pink Hat Pirates currently didn't lack money, they would definitely need a lot of money in the future, requiring more materials and supplies, especially for her projects.
She also trusted Franky's capabilities and influence here, based on their previous conversations.
Furthermore, Franky would likely become the Shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates in the future. She had heard Luna mention this before, and Luna seemed very willing to help the Straw Hat Pirates increase their strength.
How should she put it? After all, the two Pirate Crews were friends and had many connections, but the current Straw Hat Pirates were too weak, far behind them. It was impossible not to hope they would become stronger.
Therefore, helping Franky become stronger could be counted as helping the Straw Hat Pirates become stronger, and at the same time, it would give her more funding and channels for purchasing supplies and materials.
"Alright, I agree."
Thinking this, Shiro immediately agreed.
"Thank you," Franky said, immensely grateful.
The two quickly discussed the matter further and reached a series of agreements for cooperation.
Shiro gained Franky, or rather the Galley-La Company and Water Seven, as a channel for purchasing materials and supplies.
At the same time, Shiro gave Franky some Galactron equipment, a storage ring, and even some blueprints. These were, of course, encrypted; they would immediately self-destruct if anyone other than Franky touched them—an essential security measure.
It was clear from their final smiles that both were very satisfied; this was the definition of a win-win situation.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head back now."
"Haha, no problem. The things I ordered should be arriving soon, and I have work to do as well."
After locking up the factory, Franky left immediately. Shiro also took the Bei Group back to their pirate ship. Time quickly moved to evening. After saying goodbye, the Straw Hat Pirates and the Pink Hat Pirates both returned to their respective pirate ships.
But among The Girls returning, the most excited were Sana and Kuina, who had already received private messages.
The two returned to their rooms, feeling somewhat excited and stirred up.
Sana immediately picked up the martial art manual, 'Gale Tiger Roaring Fist', which was placed on the table.
After flipping through it, her eyes immediately filled with a starlike glimmer. This martial art, or rather, physical technique, was truly perfect for her. She immediately began practicing it diligently, moving like a tiger and striking as fast as the wind. Moreover, Sana already had a strong foundation in speed and leveling up, and because the technique suited her, she learned it very quickly.
She believed that soon, perhaps within the next few days, her strength would catch up to Carmen and the other two, putting them on the same level.
Next was Kuina on the other side.
She first picked up the glass container placed on the table, then sat cross-legged on the bed, looking at the crystal-clear blood inside the container, which held a slight purple tint.
This was the essence blood of one of the kings of the demon clan that Luna had mentioned, who lived on this sea long ago.
By consuming it, perhaps her strength could truly increase significantly.
Originally, Kuina was somewhat resistant because she wanted to be a purely powerful swordsman, just like Hawkeye. However, upon hearing that this drop of demon clan bloodline would only enhance her physique and deepen the dark energy already generated within her body, she immediately cast aside her concerns.
Kuina would not miss any opportunity to improve her body. Furthermore, after possessing the power and inheritance of Shadow Assassin Seven for such a long time, Kuina had indeed grown fond of dark power.
Coupled with the fact that her use of dark energy was essentially similar to Haki, it would not affect her strength or essence as a pure Sword Master in the slightest.
Thus, Kuina was able to consume this drop of demon clan bloodline without any reservations or reluctance.
She opened the lid and drank the demon clan blood from the glass container. After a while, Kuina felt her entire being restless, her whole body's blood boiling, and her skin turning bright red.
Large amounts of sweat evaporated from her body. Her body was being sublimated, and at the same time, the greatly enhanced dark energy began to seep out from her skin.
The effect of the demon clan bloodline manifested on Kuina; it was working.
Her physical quality was further strengthened, as was the dark energy contained within her body.
Even the demon blade thousand blades, which she had placed beside her, seemed very excited, its eyes blinking rapidly below.
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