"In other words, a man who looks very young defeated you with a single blow and then destroyed your ship."
The island's tavern.
Ufian stood by the bar, reporting to a man seated across him. The man wore a top hat, a curved mustache, a smile, white gloves, blue trousers, and a flowing blue-purple cloak.
This was Vista, fifth division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, nicknamed "Flower Sword."
"Yes!" Ufian replied, ashamed.
Vista's eyes were sharp. "Do you know this young man's name? Where did he go?"
Ufian shook his head. "I don't know his name or his destination, but he's with the Montblanc Pirates. I saw them board his ship."
"The Montblanc Pirates? Those who harm my family cannot go unpunished, Ufian. I will avenge you," Vista said firmly.
Ufian clenched his fist. "I'd rather wash away this shame myself. Please, let me go with you!"
---
Seven Islands of Water
The sea train had breathed new life into the city, yet it hadn't solved its fundamental problems. Seven shipbuilding companies were in cutthroat competition, undercutting each other's prices. Profits declined, forcing layoffs. Many unemployed shipwrights, desperate to survive, turned to robbery—or piracy. The area they gathered became a den of thugs and highway robbers.
Lister walked down the street with the white-haired old man Wiesdorf in a white robe, and the tall, burly Montbli. Two days ago, they had returned to the Sabaody Archipelago, meeting Wiesdorf's companions—five seasoned old men who might have collapsed on the street if not for Lister's help.
After thanking Rayleigh and Shakky, Lister traveled with Wisdom and the others by boat to Water Seven.
The Grand Line's Paradise section begins at Twin Capes and splits into seven forward-only routes. Permanent markers exist to allow return trips to islands. Water Seven, world-renowned for shipbuilding, demanded high quotas, while remote islands were sold at exorbitant prices.
Returning from Sabaody, travelers pass through the Magical Triangle. Gecko Moria still lurked there, digging up corpses, but Lister had no interest in provoking him. Moria's status as one of the Seven Warlords meant any conflict would attract Navy and World Government attention—something Lister preferred to avoid.
Lister had wanted to meet Brook but hadn't.
Near the dock, boatmen lounged on timber piles, drinking wine, idle.
A gust of wind flipped a wall poster to the ground. Lister picked it up—it was an old bulletin board announcing Fishman Tom's execution for building a ship for the Pirate King. This had happened three months ago.
"Excuse me, are you looking to buy a boat?" A shipyard manager appeared, hopeful.
"No," Lister said, producing Baileys instead. "I'm asking about someone. If you can help, the money is yours."
The man glanced at the fifty-thousand-peso stack, eyes brightening.
"Who?" he asked.
"Carrera Shipbuilding Company—Espagu."
Espagu, Tom's apprentice and Water Seven's most famous shipwright, had recently founded the Carrera Shipbuilding Company. A newcomer in a struggling industry, he already attracted attention due to his pedigree. He received some regular orders, but not enough to fulfill his dream of revolutionizing Water Seven's shipbuilding.
When a World Government ship supplier tender appeared, Espagu saw an opportunity. But he wasn't the only one eyeing it—the seven major Water Seven companies and other shipyards were all competing fiercely. To participate, Espagu needed a prototype ship, and he pondered which design would win the bid.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. Espagu frowned and opened the door.
Currently, Carrera Shipbuilding was more a personal studio than a company. Espagu handled design and outsourced the work to trusted shipwrights. His office doubled as his residence.
At the door stood three visitors: a thin white-haired old man, a tall muscular man, and a young man in a black suit.
Even before Fishman Tom's body had grown cold, Espagu understood the World Government's cautious approach—they would stop at nothing to secure the Pluton blueprints.
"I am from the Arkham Merchant Guild," Lister said. "We've come to discuss a business deal."
Espagu had never heard of the guild but, assuming it was legitimate, he invited them in.
The room was small and cluttered. Espagu tidied the sofa.
"Please sit. Would you like something to drink?"
"No," Lister replied, and both he and Wisdom took their seats.
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