Water 7
Situated in the middle of the Grand Line, right beside the World Government's judicial island—
Water 7 was special not only because of its location, but because it gathered the finest shipwrights in the world and boasted the most advanced shipbuilding craft anywhere on the seas.
Among all the ships born here, none was more famous than the Oro Jackson, the vessel of the Roger Pirates.
That ship had been built from Treasure Tree Adam by the "legendary shipwright" Tom the Fish-Man, and in the end, it accompanied Roger's crew all the way to the conquest of the Grand Line.
But because of that, Tom had committed the crime of "building a ship for the Pirate King," and was dragged before the judicial authorities for sentencing.
Later, he explained the design and concept of the Sea Train to the presiding judge, who changed the ruling and temporarily granted him time to complete it.
The reason Ren Kuro had come to Water 7—
was to find the reclusive Tom.
He wanted Tom to build them a brand-new ship.
The Streets of Water 7
The city buzzed with life.
Shouts and calls rose one after another, the wide streets crowded with people and busy shipwrights hard at work everywhere.
Water 7 was home to countless shipbuilding companies, and on both sides of the road, shopfronts displayed beautifully crafted ships that were a pleasure to look at.
"No wonder this is the greatest center of shipbuilding in the world," Ren Kuro said sincerely as he looked around. "Everyone here is a first-rate craftsman."
"Ren Kuro, it's livelier than I imagined." Gin Ichimaru looked around with clear interest. "At this rate, we'll be able to pick a ship in no time."
"If we're going to sail the seas properly, a ship is the most important tool we have." Byakuya Kuchiki nodded in agreement. "It must be chosen with care."
As a noble, he clearly had certain expectations about comfort and quality.
"What a waste of effort." Kenpachi Zaraki looked irritated. "Why not just kill some other pirate crew and take their ship? Why make this so troublesome?"
"That is the thinking of a barbarian, Kenpachi Zaraki." Byakuya snorted in disdain. "Our views truly could not be more different."
"Byakuya Kuchiki, if you don't like it, let's see which one of us can take more cuts!" Kenpachi bared his teeth in a savage grin.
"Oh my, are you two about to start again?" Gin smiled as though he were trying to stop them, though it was obvious he mostly wanted to watch.
"…My head already hurts." Ren Kuro rubbed his temples helplessly.
Good thing he had made them disguise themselves before arriving in Water 7.
If they kept acting this high-profile, exposing their whereabouts would only be a matter of time.
"Come on. We're here to find that man. He should be able to build us the perfect ship."
With Ren Kuro stepping in again, the three finally stopped arguing.
A While Later
At a bend in the road—
Because Tom the Fish-Man was such a legendary figure, Ren Kuro only needed to ask around a little before learning where he was.
After following the streets through another broad avenue, the group eventually arrived at an open lot.
"This should be the place."
Ren Kuro looked ahead.
At the far end of his view stood a large red building, and the signboard above it clearly read:
Tom's Workers
"You three wait outside." Ren Kuro gave them a serious look. "Don't start anything. Especially you, Kenpachi Zaraki."
Only then did he push open the door.
The moment he stepped inside, he saw a huge figure.
It was a large, broad-bodied fish-man with a white beard and immense physical strength.
The greatest shipwright in the world—
Tom.
Though Tom's size made him intimidating at first glance, his nature was warm and kind, and there was often a smile on his face.
"Hello, Mr. Tom," Ren Kuro greeted him first.
"You are… Death?" Tom froze when he recognized him.
Though he had lived in seclusion for years, he still kept an eye on major events in the world. And the recent incident involving the theft of the Heavenly Tribute had caused an enormous stir.
"So you've come here…" Tom glanced outside and immediately recognized Gin Ichimaru as well. "Those are your companions, I take it?"
"That's right. We came to Water 7 for one reason." Ren Kuro's tone turned earnest. "Mr. Tom, I want you to build us a brand-new ship. You're the greatest shipwright in the world."
"I'm sorry, Death… but I have to refuse."
Tom shook his head.
"I'm a convicted man. The World Government will not allow me to build ships. The only reason I'm still alive now is because of the Sea Train."
"If I secretly build a ship, the World Government will definitely find out. And when that happens, I won't even be able to finish the Sea Train. That would become my greatest regret. I can't agree."
"Tom-san…" Ren Kuro smiled faintly. "As a shipwright, aren't you the one who'd know best that being unable to build ships is the greatest regret of all?"
Tom's brows tightened slightly.
"That wasn't really what you wanted to say, was it?" Ren Kuro's smile deepened just a little. He had already caught the strange flicker in Tom's eyes.
"No." After a moment of hesitation, Tom shook his head again. "Back then, I already built the finest ship in the world. There's no regret left to speak of."
"I'm guessing what you're really worried about is the World Government's surveillance?" Ren Kuro probed.
"You're overthinking it." Tom forced a calm smile. "If the Government gave me time to build the Sea Train, why would they still monitor me?"
"Really?" Ren Kuro lowered his voice. "This place is right next to Enies Lobby. There should be CP9 agents around."
He looked straight at Tom.
"If I take care of CP9 for you…"
"…how many days would you need to build us a perfect ship?"
"A new ship…"
Tom's gaze flickered, his heart clearly struggling.
Everything he had said before was a lie.
As a legendary shipwright, how could he truly give up something as sacred as building ships?
After a long silence, Tom clenched his teeth—
and finally made his decision.
"One day."
"That's all I need."
His eyes sharpened.
"I'll give you the legacy of the Pirate King."
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