After choosing one of the most famous and crowded restaurants in Water Seven, Eli Winters and his companions enjoyed a hearty meal. Once everyone was full and satisfied, Eli finally revealed the true purpose of their journey to the city.
When they learned that Eli intended to build an entirely new dream ship, every face around the table showed the same emotion: reluctance.
That plan meant parting with the Silver Dragon.
For them, the Silver Dragon was more than just a ship. It had sailed with them through violent storms and endless dangers, carrying countless memories. Over time, it had become something closer to a living companion, quietly woven into their lives.
Seeing their expressions, Eli spoke gently.
"You do not need to feel this way. Even if the Silver Dragon no longer sails with us, we will never abandon her. When our long journey finally comes to an end, she will still be there, waiting for us, bearing witness to everything we have experienced."
His words eased their hearts, though the sadness did not disappear entirely. Deep down, they all understood the truth. The Silver Dragon, no matter how exceptional, had been rebuilt from the Flamingo. In certain details, it simply did not fully suit their team.
The most obvious issue was the reserved cannon mounts. Ordinary cannons were useless to them, so they had never installed any. The empty mounts ruined the ship's appearance and caused constant inconvenience.
After a while, the heavy atmosphere faded, and the discussion naturally shifted to the future.
Everyone began enthusiastically sharing their expectations for the new ship. Ideas flew back and forth, the table buzzing with excitement.
Eli listened quietly, carefully noting every request and suggestion. He knew this was not just a ship. It was a shared dream. When he spoke with the shipwright later, he would present all these ideas, because this ship belonged to every one of them.
Once a rough consensus was reached, they decided to split up for the time being. Finding a shipwright did not require so many people.
Felina, Robin, and Kori went together toward the library, hoping to find books that interested them. Meanwhile, Big Pan, Chiyo, Reiju, and Fiona eagerly set off to explore the city, eager to experience Water Seven for themselves.
Eli walked toward the inner city with Dotai.
Because Water Seven suffered massive tidal surges every year, the roads were built lower than the surrounding buildings. Still, the drainage system was remarkably well designed, easily handling seawater flooding.
Not knowing Tom's address, Eli had to ask for directions along the way. Eventually, they arrived at a workshop and met the large, oil-stained fishman himself.
"Speak," Tom said without turning around, still tinkering with a machine. "I am very busy. If you want a ship built, I cannot take the job."
Originally, Tom had not planned to meet them at all. His Sea Train project was nearing completion, and he had no time for other work. But the messenger mentioned that one of the visitors was a fishman, so he reluctantly agreed to see them. Even then, he never stopped working.
"If you are referring to the Sea Train," Eli said with a faint smile, "then I suggest you slow down a little."
Tom turned, his round face darkening.
"What do you mean, kid?"
"Years ago, you were imprisoned for building a ship for Gol D. Roger," Eli continued calmly. "Later, you proposed the Sea Train project, and the World Government released you on the condition that once it was completed, your crimes would be forgiven. Am I wrong?"
Tom froze.
Very few people knew that story. He stared at Eli, his tone sharp.
"Who are you? How do you know this?"
"My name is Eli Winters. This is my partner, Dotai. How I know is not important. What matters is this. You have been deceived. The World Government will never let someone who possesses the blueprints of Pluton walk free."
That was the final straw.
Tom shot to his feet, his massive body radiating pressure as he glared at Eli.
"Boy, I do not care who you are. There are no Pluton blueprints here. Leave now, or I will not be polite."
Eli laughed.
"Relax. I am not interested in Pluton. I came to have you build a ship, and also to save your life."
Tom snorted.
"I can recommend other shipwrights. As for saving me, that is unnecessary. You may have some strength, but those people are not enemies a young man like you can face."
"You will see my strength in time," Eli replied casually. "For now, just take a look at the ship I want you to build. It will be even more impressive than the one you made for Roger. Do you really not want to see it?"
Tom laughed dismissively.
"Kid, how old are you? Do you even know what makes a great ship? Roger's ship was my masterpiece. No random blueprint can compare."
"Then take a look," Eli said lightly. "Unless you are afraid it might shake your confidence."
"Hmph. Your tricks will not work on me," Tom said, though his curiosity had clearly been piqued.
"So, will you look?" Eli asked.
"I will," Tom replied. "If it does not impress me, do not come back."
Eli smiled and retrieved a thick stack of blueprints from his storage space. The moment he had seen these designs, he had been captivated by them. Powerful, elegant, and highly functional, they could accommodate many of the tools and equipment he already possessed.
Tom took the blueprints.
Then he fell silent.
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
Eli and Dotai did not interrupt him, wandering the workshop instead.
More than an hour later, Tom's roar echoed through the room.
"Perfect! This is incredible! Kid, where did these designs come from? Who drew them? I have to meet them. This is genius!"
For a shipwright, a flawless blueprint was irresistible.
"Just tell me whether you can build it," Eli said calmly.
Tom clutched the blueprints, his expression conflicted. How could he not want to personally create the greatest ship in the world? But his circumstances weighed heavily on him.
In the end, he returned the designs with a sigh.
"I am sorry. I cannot accept this job. But my two apprentices can build it for you. Their skills are only slightly below mine. They will not disappoint you."
Eli frowned.
"I already told you. The World Government is lying to you. They only want to drain your value. Why insist on this path?"
Tom smiled bitterly.
"I know. But if I refuse, my family will be dragged down with me. And the Sea Train is my life's dream. I will not abandon it halfway."
Just as Eli was about to say he could protect them, someone hurried into the workshop.
The man glanced at Tom, then at Eli and Dotai, his heart tightening. These were two of the people who had slaughtered pirates outside the city.
He stepped forward and stood between them.
"Who are you? Were you sent by the World Government?"
Eli blinked, puzzled. The blue-haired man before him was clearly Tom's apprentice, Iceburg. Why such hostility?
"And you are?" Eli asked calmly.
"This is Iceburg," Tom said proudly. "One of my apprentices. He is also the mayor of Water Seven. Iceburg, this is Eli Winters. The fishman beside him is Dotai."
"Old man, why are you telling them so much?" Iceburg said coldly. "They are not good people."
"They are not?" Tom asked, confused.
"Mayor Iceburg," Eli said mildly, "we have just met. On what grounds do you call me a bad person? Careful, or I might sue you for slander."
Dotai glared at Iceburg, clearly annoyed. If not for Tom's sake, he would have already taught him a lesson.
"You slaughtered people at the entrance of Water Seven," Iceburg said with disgust. "How could you be good people?"
Eli froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Dotai snorted.
"Cold-face, do you even know who those people were? They were pirates. Brutal pirates. You call them innocent? Do you have water in your brain or what?"
Iceburg was left speechless but forced himself to reply.
"That is only your side of the story. I saw you kill them."
"You are unbelievable," Dotai snapped. "How did someone like you become mayor? Why not investigate? Plenty of people saw them. The leader was Goli, also known as Firewood Dog Goli, a pirate with a 130 million Beli bounty. Now tell me, should you really jump to conclusions so easily?"
Iceburg's face reddened in shame.
Tom quickly intervened.
"Enough. This was my apprentice's mistake. I apologize on his behalf."
He bowed deeply.
Eli and Dotai immediately stepped aside.
Iceburg panicked.
"Teacher, this is my fault. I should be the one apologizing."
He bowed to them sincerely.
"I am sorry. I misjudged you."
This time, Eli and Dotai accepted the apology.
Tom laughed heartily.
"Well then, since everything is cleared up, Eli, discuss the shipbuilding with Iceburg."
Knowing Tom had made his decision, Eli could only sigh inwardly. Stubborn old man.
Iceburg looked confused.
"Shipbuilding?"
Eli handed him the blueprints and explained everything.
As they discussed the future ship, unseen eyes were already watching Robin in the library, waiting for the right moment to act.