"So… you're the Marines looking for our shipyard?"
Franky stood at the entrance, arms crossed, his expression openly hostile as he sized up the group before him. There was no attempt to hide his distrust.
"What business do you have with us?"
Iceburg, standing beside him, was far calmer. Though he didn't stop Franky, he stepped forward and addressed the leader directly, his tone measured but firm.
Saint Roselith Seraphina met their gaze without the slightest change in expression.
"I came on behalf of Mr. Tom."
The moment those words left her lips, both men froze.
"Master Tom?!"
"You know where he is?!"
For once, Franky and Iceburg spoke in perfect unison, their emotions laid bare. Suspicion, anxiety, and hope all collided in that single moment.
"I do," Seraphina replied calmly. "He is aliveand well."
The tension in the air shifted instantly.
"He will likely depart for the East Blue soon," she continued, her voice steady. "His current work… is related to a project similar to the Sea Train."
"The Sea Train…?"
Franky muttered, his eyes widening slightly.
Iceburg, however, exhaled slowly. Though he didn't fully relax, the weight pressing on his chest clearly eased.
"Franky… that's enough," Iceburg said quietly. "Knowing that Master Tom is safe is already more than we hoped for."
He understood the implications.
If Tom was alive and free enough to continue shipbuilding, then whatever situation he was init wasn't immediate execution or imprisonment.
That alone was enough.
Seraphina observed their reactions before reaching into her coat.
"There's no need to guess."
She handed over a letter.
"This is something Mr. Tom entrusted to me."
Iceburg accepted it carefully, and together, the two read:
"Long time no see!
There's no need to worry about meI'm doing well. I've met many like-minded craftsmen, people who truly understand the joy of building ships.
I may head to the East Blue soon to complete another great project.
You've already learned everything I could teach you. From here on, walk your own path.
The ocean is vast. Build ships that will conquer it.
I'll be waiting for you at the pinnacle of this world."
Tom
"…This is his handwriting."
Iceburg's voice softened, almost imperceptibly.
Franky clenched the letter, his usual bravado nowhere to be seen.
"…That old man…"
For a brief moment, silence filled the shipyard.
Then
"Thank you, Rear Admiral," Iceburg said sincerely.
Seraphina smiled faintly.
"There's no need to thank me just yet."
Both men looked up, confused.
"I didn't come here out of goodwill alone."
Iceburg's eyes sharpened slightly.
Here it comes…
"Think of it as a condition," Seraphina continued calmly. "If you truly wish to repay this favorthen accept my offer."
She placed a document on the table between them.
An employment contract.
Franky blinked.
"…What?"
Iceburg picked it up slowly, his gaze scanning the contents.
Seraphina spoke, her tone steady but filled with ambition.
"I intend to establish the largest shipbuilding enterprise in the worldhere, in Water Seven."
Both men stiffened.
"I will integrate the existing shipbuilding industry, introduce structured production systems, and expand output beyond anything seen before."
Her vision was clear.
"Mass production, coordinated design, and advanced research facilities."
"This will not just be a shipyardit will be the future of maritime engineering."
Franky stared at her.
"…You're serious?"
"I want you two," Seraphina continued, unfazed, "to serve as the General Manager and Deputy General Manager of this new company."
Silence fell once again.
"…Are you recruiting us?" Franky muttered.
"Or using Tom's name to force us into it?"
Seraphina didn't deny it.
"You can interpret it however you like."
She added calmly,
"I'm also willing to merge your current shipyard into this new entity. Ownership, naming rights, and shares will be distributed accordingly."
Franky frowned.
"Tom's Workers isn't just ours! The old man has a share too!"
"He already entrusted everything to you," Seraphina replied without hesitation. "Including the future of this place."
That single sentence carried weight.
Iceburg fell into deep thought.
Franky, meanwhile, still looked unconvinced.
"The World Government is still watching us," Iceburg said at last. "Do you really think a company involving us can operate peacefully?"
He knew the truth too well.
Spandamand by extension, Cipher Polhad never let go of the Pluton matter.
Trouble would come again.
Seraphina's lips curved slightly.
"Let them try."
The confidence in her voice was absolute.
Iceburg's eyes narrowed.
That level of certainty…
She's not just a Marine.
"If that's your concern," Seraphina added, "then you don't need to worry."
Franky stepped forward, clearly dissatisfied.
"We're not joining some Marine-backed"
"Franky."
Iceburg cut him off sharply.
"We accept."
Franky froze.
"…What?!"
Iceburg didn't waver.
"As long as we're valuable to her, we're protected."
His voice was calm, but decisive.
"And if that's the case… then Master Tom is also safe."
That was the key.
Seraphina had given them leverage.
And protection.
"…Tch."
Franky clicked his tongue but said nothing more.
He understood.
"May I ask your name?" Iceburg asked.
"Saint Roselith Seraphina."
She didn't hide it.
The name alone carried weight far beyond that of a Rear Admiral.
Iceburg's pupils shrank slightly
But he didn't comment.
"…Very well," he said. "If you're truly not afraid of the World Government…"
"Then I'll join."
Seraphina nodded.
"A wise decision."
She added casually,
"Though aside from funding, I won't interfere in operations. Everything else is up to you."
Franky stared at her.
"…Wait, you're just giving us money and leaving?"
"I'm not interested in management."
Iceburg let out a small breath.
Now he understood.
"She's a hands-off investor…"
"In that case," he said, straightening slightly, "we'll handle everything."
Seraphina nodded.
"Even the company name?"
"Yes."
Iceburg paused for a moment.
Then, with quiet determination
"Then let's call it…"
"Galley-La Company."
"The Galley-La Company of Water Seven."
A new era of shipbuilding had just begun.