Nami wanted to argue, but she held her tongue. Luffy had already made his promise, and there was no way he would go back on his word. She found some solace in the fact that they were only giving up 3 billion Berries, leaving them with a staggering 7 billion—enough to make them incredibly wealthy pirates.
The civilians whose homes were destroyed were overwhelmed with gratitude, some even kneeling and weeping. In the world of One Piece, life was a daily struggle. A house wasn't just a building; it was a sanctuary, a symbol of hope. Losing it was devastating, but the Straw Hats had given them a new reason to believe.
They were especially grateful because they knew it was Big Mom who had attacked, and Luffy had only fought to protect them, even making sure they were evacuated beforehand. This act of selflessness was more than enough to earn their respect.
Mayor Iceberg promised to oversee the rebuilding project himself, with a public audit of the expenses to ensure not a single Berry was wasted. Though the people trusted him completely, Iceberg insisted on it. This only solidified their faith in their mayor.
Watching Iceberg, Tashigi nodded in satisfaction. She had been right all along—Mayor Iceberg was a good man, and her decision to go against CP9 had been the correct one.
She knew that without someone like him in charge, even with the compensation, the civilians' money and safety would be at risk.
Franky, too, was observing Iceberg, and he was secretly proud. As Tom's disciple, Iceberg was the perfect person to lead Water 7, and he knew the city would continue to thrive under his leadership.
"Hahaha! That kid Iceberg is really growing into his role as mayor," a familiar voice boomed. "And the Straw Hat crew, they're truly something else. I never expected them to actually repel a Yonko and defeat so many powerful enemies. That young man, Luffy, he's a real looker!"
"Brother Straw Hat, you're super cool!" a little girl's voice chimed in.
"Meow!" a kitten's meow followed.
Franky's eyes widened. "Grandma Kokoro! Chimney! Gonbe! When did you guys get here?!"
Kokoro laughed, taking a long swig from her bottle. "Hahaha, I've been here for a while, old lady! I even witnessed that famous Marine Admiral's death!"
Franky fell silent for a moment, quietly drinking his cola.
"Franky," Kokoro continued, "you really like the Straw Hats, don't you? Why don't you join them on their adventures? I heard they're still looking for a shipwright."
"Don't be silly, old lady," Franky immediately shot back. "I'm super happy living free in Water 7! I'm just praising those guys because they're great, that's all!"
"Is that the truth? Is that what your heart is telling you? Don't forget what Tom said: a man has to live a life with no regrets, so don't lie to yourself! Besides, since the World Government is after you, how can you fight them on your own? Do you have what it takes to stand up to them?"
Franky had no response. He did like the Straw Hats. Ever since Luffy had saved him, he'd seen their true nature and their strength, and he genuinely wanted to join them. But he was holding the blueprint for the Ancient Weapon Pluton. If he joined them, wouldn't he be putting them in danger? He couldn't do that just to find refuge for himself.
Kokoro let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Franky, you're underestimating the Five Emperors! They already have the World Government's most wanted person, Nico Robin, on their crew. What's one more pervert like you to them?"
Franky was at a loss for words. It was true; joining the Straw Hats would be the right choice. But he felt his own strength was insignificant compared to theirs. What if he begged to join and they rejected him? He couldn't stand the thought of the embarrassment.
Kokoro seemed to sense his hesitation but didn't say anything more. Instead, she walked over to the Straw Hats with her bottle, greeting them warmly.
"Grandma Kokoro," Franky called out, "are you a mermaid? And if so, is Chimney a half-mermaid?"
"Hahaha, you've got a sharp eye, little fella," Kokoro chuckled. "You can tell the old woman's true identity."
Everyone froze, their eyes wide with shock.
Sanji dropped to his knees, pounding on the deck. "No way! That old woman is a mermaid?! Aren't mermaids supposed to be beautiful? Give me back my dreams! Waaaaah, give them back!"
Everyone just stared at him. Your dream is the All Blue, not mermaids, you pervert, they all thought. Even Luffy looked a little disturbed. "Grandma, you're a mermaid? Uh, that's kinda jarring." Sanji's reaction made sense; getting your dreams crushed like that would make anyone question their life choices.
Kokoro playfully scolded them. "You rascals, show some respect! I was a beauty in my youth! When mermaids get older, our tails split into legs. And when they get as old as me, well... you'll see a lot of beautiful mermaids when you get to Fish-Man Island!"
"Fish-Man Island? Is that a real place?" many asked, thinking it was just a legend.
"Of course it's real! It's a paradise for men!" Sanji blurted out, before catching sight of Kokoro again. He immediately knelt down and started pounding the deck again.
"Of course Fish-Man Island is real," Kokoro said with a smile. "In fact, it's not far from here. You'll understand everything once you reach the Sabaody Archipelago."
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