Although Franky was currently obsessed with researching internal combustion engines, his passion for ships and weapons had not diminished at all.
He had already completed an entire set of ship blueprints long ago.
Oguro had seen them once. Although there were slight differences from his memories, he could confirm that this was the Thousand Sunny from the original timeline.
Since Luffy and the others were here, the Thousand Sunny naturally could not be left collecting dust.
And this would also allow Franky to verify some of his theories.
It was simply killing two birds with one stone.
"You plan to use us as test subjects?"
Zoro's tone was filled with displeasure.
This was the ship they would rely on to survive at sea.
If anything went wrong, they would all be buried in the ocean.
Oguro shrugged. "Don't be so tense. Even if it is experimental, everything has gone through repeated verification."
"It is just that your ship will be the first complete prototype to actually touch the sea."
"The shipbuilding level of Water 7 is known throughout the world. Even a prototype will absolutely not be low in quality."
"Of course, if you are truly worried, you can buy a fully mature ship instead. But you will have to find the money yourselves."
Seeing the Straw Hats tempted yet hesitant, Oguro decided to add a little more fuel to the fire.
He knew exactly how to attract Luffy's attention.
Oguro sighed deliberately. "Such a pity. The new ship was even going to be equipped with an air cannon. Not only can it attack enemies during emergencies, it can also accelerate your escape."
"Oh right. The ship will also have gliding wings. Combined with the air cannon, it will be able to fly for short periods. Have you ever seen a flying ship? It looks incredibly cool."
As expected, Luffy's eyes instantly burst into sparkling stars.
"Really? That's awesome. I want that ship. Karina, hurry up and pay!"
Karina could not help twitching at the corner of her mouth.
Her captain was far too easy to manipulate.
But she did not object. She knew very well how important a good ship was after being chased across the Grand Line by Marines.
Leaving aside some necessary funds, Karina took out all of the Straw Hat Pirates' treasure.
A total of three hundred and twenty million Berries.
Karina said with a heartbroken expression, "This is all the money we have. You guys better not go back on your word."
"Don't worry."
Oguro signaled Barry to take the money and go sign the contract with Luffy.
Franky was thrilled when he received the news.
He had always believed that his designs would never be realized again. He did not expect the opportunity to fall into his hands so suddenly.
"Don't worry. I will absolutely build the greatest ship in the world!"
Franky crossed his arms and struck his signature pose.
After Oguro and Iceburg repeatedly warned him, Franky's behavior was still exaggerated but at least no longer perverted.
Oguro also asked about the progress of the internal combustion engine. Franky said the project was nearly complete and the first finished model could probably be built in two to three months.
Satisfied, Oguro left the workshop.
This thing would be capable of changing the entire world.
While Water 7 was filled with energy and prosperity, on the other side of the sea, a strangely shaped ship was speeding forward with a Marine battleship following not too far behind.
The ship had two floors and was pulled by two massive sea serpents.
The Kuja Pirates' ship, the Kuja Pirates' flagship, the Perfume Yuda.
The famous ship of the Warlord of the Sea, the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock.
"Elder sister, are we really going to Water 7?"
Sandersonia looked anxiously at the Marine battleship behind them.
"The Marines already issued a compulsory summons to bring us to Marineford."
With long black hair, a stunning figure, and beauty considered the greatest in the world, Boa Hancock shot her sister a cold glance and said sharply:
"No one can stop me from going to Water 7. Not even the Marines."
"Besides, no matter who it is, they will forgive me."
"Because I am simply too beautiful."
With the powers of the Love-Love Fruit and her legendary beauty, Hancock's charm overwhelmed any resistance.
"Yes. Sister is absolutely right."
Even Sandersonia, her own sister, could not resist the charm and dropped to one knee before Hancock.
Standing on the deck, Hancock stared toward Water 7 and whispered softly.
"I must see the hero who dared to slaughter the Celestial Dragons with my own eyes."
"If it is him, maybe my nightmare can finally end."
Behind the Perfume Yuda, Vice Admiral Momonga stood on his deck with a face as dark as charcoal.
He had been ordered to summon the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock.
But not only did she refuse, she turned all his subordinates into stone.
If he had not stabbed his own thigh to stay alert, he would have been petrified as well.
Hancock knew she could not lose her Warlord status, so she reluctantly freed the petrified Marines under Momonga's threats.
But as for the summon, Hancock simply said she was busy and sailed away.
Momonga did not force the issue and simply said he would follow her until the deadline.
Yet as the Perfume Yuda drew closer to its destination, Momonga's expression grew worse.
"Vice Admiral Momonga!" His adjutant approached him with a grim look. "Ahead is Water 7. That place belongs to the Holy Sacred Spirit Empire."
The Celestial Dragon killings at Sabaody had been officially attributed to a nameless pirate's suicidal attack.
But every high-ranking officer knew that the one who acted was Oguro.
If the Marines approached Oguro's territory now, who knew whether he would consider them intruders.
If conflict broke out, their deaths would be minor compared to disrupting the preparations for the upcoming war, which would be a massive crime.
Momonga gritted his teeth and thought for a long time before speaking.
"Follow the normal procedure and contact Water 7. Tell them we want to dock for a short rest. Everyone will stay on the ship. We will not cause trouble."
Once he said it, he felt suffocated.
Since when did the Marines have to act with such caution?
But he had no choice.
If they let the Perfume Yuda reach Water Seven and Hancock decided to flee, what then?
As for staying a distance away and monitoring them from afar…
Momonga did not believe Water 7 would fail to detect a Marine battleship lurking nearby.
That would cause even more misunderstandings.
After thinking it through, this was the safest plan.
In Water 7, Oguro received two docking requests and was completely stunned.
"Hancock? What is she coming for? To find Luffy?"
***
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