Two days remained until Roger's execution.
Uncle Tom had finally finished modifying the Oro Jackson. He led Rhett deep into the dockyard and pulled back a massive waterproof tarp.
"What's this...?"
"A new propulsion system I developed. Originally meant for a moving train." Pride shone in Tom's eyes.
Rhett instantly understood Tom's plan. "You adapted it for the ship!"
"Smart!" Tom patted the machine's casing. "With the Wind Dial's boost, this ship can hit three times the speed of a Navy vessel in the Calm Belt. You know what that means, kid."
Franky was practically dancing with excitement, striking his signature pose with arms raised overhead: "SUPER! This will definitely be the fastest ship in the world!"
Iceburg, however, looked worried. "Master, it hasn't undergone safety testing..."
"Testing?" Tom wrapped an arm around Iceburg. "Tell me, what's my reputation?"
"The top shipwright!!"
"That's right! And you're my top apprentice!"
Uncle Tom released Iceburg's head from his grip, a touching display of master-disciple affection.
Rhett: "..."
Any longer, and Tom might crush Iceburg's skull.
This legendary pirate ship was no ordinary wooden vessel anymore—it was a steel beast. Its hull was forged from dark crimson mithril alloy, gleaming with a cold metallic sheen under the sun.
The prow featured a roaring dragon head statue, its mouth housing a massive cannon. Rhett instantly fell in love—what man could resist a long-range, high-caliber weapon?
"It can store energy—lightning, wind, any kind of energy. When necessary..."
A man-made bolt of lightning struck down, perfectly absorbed by the device. The entire ship was instantly enveloped in blue electric light, the dragon's mouth gathering energy for a cannon blast.
The resulting explosion was apocalyptic.
Tom stroked his beard proudly. "I call it 'Dragon God's Wrath.' Not bad, huh?"
Rhett stared at the smoking cannon, practically drooling. "...So cool."
As the energy gathered, the entire ship was cloaked in lightning, impossibly cool. Rhett was nearly mesmerized. No red-blooded youth could resist the roar of a dragon.
Finally, the day of departure arrived. The newly transformed Oro Jackson lay docked at the port.
"I can't believe it..." Iceburg ran his hand along the hull. "It's a completely different ship now."
Franky was tweaking the final equipment: "SUPER—SUPER! Even the toilets are fully automated with my genius design!"
Iceburg bared his shark-like teeth. "Franky, stop making weird inventions on a guest's ship!!!"
Perona twirled excitedly on the newly installed pink observation deck. "Lord Rhett~ There's a vanity table here! And a doll shelf! I love it!"
Tom stood at the prow, his eyes gleaming. "Gol D. Roger... your old buddy can now take this kid anywhere."
Rhett gripped the helm tightly. "Old man, thank you."
"Cut the act!" Tom's expression suddenly changed as he grabbed Rhett by the collar. "Take good care of this ship! If you dare wreck it again, you're done for, kid..."
"Yeah, yeah..." Rhett raised his hands in surrender.
But Tom didn't let go. "Listen, the Oro Jackson was my greatest creation back then. It carried Roger to become the Pirate King. And this ship is my masterpiece now. Don't you dare let it fade into obscurity, understand?"
Rhett's voice grew low and serious. "Old man, this ship isn't the Oro Jackson anymore."
It deserved a new name. As the ship's builder, Tom naturally had the right to christen it.
Tom fell silent for a moment, then slowly walked to the prow. His rough hand caressed the roaring dragon head statue.
His gaze grew distant, as if traveling through time, back to the days when he set sail with Roger.
"Uncle Tom, wait for me to make the Oro Jackson famous across the seas."
"Roger's ship was called Oro Jackson," Tom said softly. "It was a vessel that carried dreams and freedom."
He looked up at Rhett, his eyes shining with resolve. "This ship is a modified Oro Jackson."
Tom took a deep breath, cigar smoke curling in the sunset. "Let's call it—"
"『Bruma Jackson』!"
Tom pulled out a bottle of treasured wine from his chest and smashed it against the prow. Amber liquid flowed down the dragon statue, glowing like burning blood in the sunset.
"As the shipwright Tom, I christen thee 『Bruma Jackson』! May you charge through blood mist, roar through storms, and become a legend of the new era!"
As his words echoed, the dragon statue's eyes lit up with a crimson glow. The entire ship seemed to come alive, emitting a low hum.
Rhett shouted, "Crew, prepare to set sail! Are you ready?"
"Ready, Captain!"
"Excellent! I declare, Bruma Jackson sets sail!"
Perona cheered as she floated to the observation deck, while Moria's zombie sailors swiftly took their positions.
Franky and Iceburg stood on the dock, waving goodbye to the ship destined to shake the world—a vessel they had also contributed to.
Just as the ship was about to depart, Tom suddenly called out, "Kid!"
Rhett turned to see the old fishman standing in the sunset.
"This ship... it's both a continuation of Oro Jackson and a brand new beginning," Tom's voice was clear in the sea breeze. "Don't let it down, and don't let Roger's expectations down. What Roger achieved, you can achieve too."
Rhett turned back, giving Tom a big smile. "I, Rhett, promise once more that I'll make the entire world remember the name 『Bruma Jackson』. Hahaha, Uncle Tom, you just wait to become the greatest shipwright in the world."
Tom smiled contentedly and waved. "Go! Let the world hear what a true dragon's roar sounds like!"
With the engine's roar, 『Bruma Jackson』 slowly left the port.
Blue flames erupted from the stern, propelling the ship like an arrow through the waves.
"Lord Rhett!" Perona leaned out from the observation deck. "Shall we test the main cannon?"
Rhett grinned, baring his teeth. "Perfect timing."
He pressed the red button on the control panel. Blood mist surged into the slots, enveloping the ship in crimson lightning.
The dragon cannon let out an ear-splitting roar. A scarlet beam tore across the sea, exploding into a massive blood-colored mushroom cloud in the distance.
The residents of Water 7 stared in awe. "Sugoi------"
"Gol D. Roger... can you see it?" the old fishman murmured. "A new legend... has begun."