novelnext Chapter 140: Water City
Chapter 140: Water City
Matsumoto Rangiku, arm in arm with Robin, smiled and said, "It seems our days are going to get lively again. Shiraha will probably be doing some modifications to the ship here."
Nico Robin gazed at the vibrant shipbuilding city, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Yes, the first half of the Grand Line is known as paradise, but the New World is far more dangerous and requires even more perfect ships, and this is where that can be done."
The two were still talking about flowers, but Artoria had already been drawn to a street food stall. Standing there, she stared longingly at the golden, crispy fried seafood in the stall owner's hands, and asked softly, "Um... is this good?"
The stall owner enthusiastically handed over a skewer: "Beautiful lady, have a taste!"
Artoria carefully took it and gently took a bite.
The crispy outer layer cracks between your teeth, releasing tender shrimp meat with its sweet juices, and the aroma fills your nostrils.
Her eyes suddenly lit up, as if her whole being had been illuminated.
"Delicious! So delicious!"
Artoria stood on the bustling streets of Water Seven, oblivious to the stares of others, as happy as a child who had found the most precious treasure. She was completely unaware of the crumbs on her lips, only pure joy remained.
Bai Yu walked to her side, looked at her starry eyes, and sighed softly.
The chef hasn't been found yet, but the competitive eater has already completely let loose.
but……
He looked up at the shimmering, vibrant water city and thought to himself.
"By the way, is CP9 still not on this island?"
Lucci, Kaku, Bruno, Kalifa... these shadowy figures from the original series, who have been lurking for many years, seem to have not yet truly landed on the island, or are still under the World Government's orders and have not yet arrived in this shipbuilding city.
But that doesn't mean it's absolutely safe here.
"Let's go find Mr. Iceberg first."
Robin's voice was as calm as ever, but with a hint of barely perceptible caution: "If you want to modify a ship, or even build a sturdy ship that can set sail into the New World, only the Carrera Company of Water Seven can do it on the entire Grand Line."
Matsumoto Rangiku, arm in arm with Artoria, watched the blond knight king beside her eating as they walked, and couldn't help but add, "No rush, no rush, let our king enjoy the street food first~"
Artoria nodded vigorously, a freshly bought biscuit still dangling from her mouth, her cheeks puffed out as she mumbled in agreement, "Um... I need to eat, eat my fill before we repair the ship! As a king, the ship is a mobile fortress, and before the fortress is strong, we must first fill our stomachs!"
Robin followed quietly beside her, her gaze occasionally sweeping over the passersby on the street. As an orphan of Ohara who had been wanted by the World Government for ten years, she was particularly sensitive to any scrutinizing or prying gaze. However, at this moment, the city was mostly filled with simple craftsmen, enthusiastic merchants, and travelers, and there were no gazes that would truly make her uneasy.
But now she is fearless, except for that Demon-Slaying Order...
After a leisurely journey through waterways and streets, the group finally arrived at the Carrera headquarters.
The building is grand and sturdy, standing in the heart of the Seven Waters City, exuding a sense of exquisite craftsmanship.
After being informed, the group was quickly invited into the reception room, where they met the ruler of this shipbuilding city, Iceberg.
He was dressed in a neat shirt, with a calm and gentle demeanor, but his eyes held a shrewdness and vigilance that did not match his appearance. As Mr. Tom's apprentice, and as the man who single-handedly supported Water Seven and Carrera Corporation, he possessed an aura that inspired trust.
Upon hearing that Bai Yu and his group wanted to completely renovate the ship and even prepare for entering the new world, Iceberg showed no hesitation after seeing Bai Yu's sincerity.
He inquired in detail about the ship's current status, needs, and future modifications. When he heard Bai Yu's professional insights on the ship's structure and its ability to withstand wind and waves, his eyes showed even more approval.
"You have a good eye. If you want to survive in the new world, a ship is your second life."
Iceberg tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his tone solemn: "The most outstanding craftsmen and technologies in the entire Carrera Company are all in Dock No. 1. I will personally take you there and have them fully cooperate with you, ensuring that materials, craftsmanship, and design are all done to the highest standards."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Nico Robin, who stood quietly to the side, his eyes flickering almost imperceptibly for a moment. He didn't ask any further questions, but continued, "The craftsmen at Dock One are the people I trust most. Their skills are absolutely reliable. You can entrust them with your work without worry."
Iceberg's attitude was impeccable—warm, polite, and professional—but beneath that overly calm politeness seemed to lie a deliberate sense of distance.
Bai Yu could clearly sense that in the instant the iceberg looked at Robin, there was surprise, but also regret...
After leaving Carrera headquarters, the group headed to Dock No. 1, located on the east side of the city, under the guidance of their guide.
The closer they got to the dock, the louder the clanging and hammering became.
A massive slipway stands on the water, with keels, planks, masts, and steel parts piled up like mountains. Dozens of craftsmen in uniform are busy at work, their clothes soaked with sweat, their movements skilled and powerful.
This is indeed the most prestigious shipbuilding site in Water Seven.
They were received by Kazhen, the chief craftsman of Dock No. 1. He was tall and had a cheerful voice. He enthusiastically led them on a tour of the dock and introduced the craftsmanship and materials.
The surrounding craftsmen also cast their gazes, mostly with curiosity and friendliness, but a few of their gazes were like cold needles, piercing straight at Nico Robin.
That wasn't ordinary curiosity, nor was it a scrutiny of a strange woman; it was a hostile, critical, and cold gaze.
Artoria also sensed that something was wrong.
As a knight queen, her sensitivity to hostility and killing intent far surpassed that of ordinary people. She had been secretly observing the huge shipyard and planning where to have dessert later, but she suddenly stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowing slightly beneath her golden hair, and one hand quietly resting on the hilt of the sword at her waist.
Matsumoto Rangiku's smile faded slightly, and her lazy gaze instantly sharpened.
Only Robin remained calm, though the fingers hanging at her sides curled up slightly.
Bai Yu, from the moment he stepped into Dock No. 1, took in all the auras.
He didn't react immediately, but stood calmly beside Robin, protecting her with his body, his gaze slowly sweeping over the seemingly ordinary craftsmen who were engrossed in their work.
They wore the same uniforms as the other craftsmen and carried tools, but it was clear that they were quite skilled.
More importantly, Bai Yu was extremely familiar with that aura.
It has a cold, sinister feel, belonging to a secret intelligence organization directly under the World Government.