Water 7 appeared on the horizon shortly before sunset.
Franky stood at the bow, staring at the distant city without saying a word.
The familiar fountain, the waterways, and the Sea Train tracks slowly came into view.
Several years had passed since he left.
He had traveled across the Grand Line, joined White Ghost's crew, and helped build ships far beyond anything he had once imagined.
Yet when Water 7 finally appeared before him again, Franky found himself unusually quiet.
Jango walked past and glanced at him.
"What's wrong with you? Feeling nervous?"
Franky folded his arms.
"Who's nervous? I'm just thinking about how shocked everyone will be when they see my masterpiece."
Jango looked back at the Dragon Emperor beneath his feet.
"You didn't build it alone."
"Details!"
A long whistle came from the distance.
Chopper rushed toward the railing and saw the Sea Train racing across the water.
"A train! There's really a train running on the sea!"
The three Lapahns crowded around him, blocking his view.
"Move! I can't see!"
Chopper pushed against them, but the three rabbits did not budge. One of them finally picked him up and placed him on its head.
Chopper immediately stopped complaining.
"Thanks!"
White Ghost stood nearby, smoking a cigar.
Nami and Nojiko came onto the deck after hearing the commotion.
Nami spotted the city in the distance and hurried to White Ghost's side.
"White Bro, can we go shopping after we arrive?"
"We have business first."
"How long will it take?"
"I don't know."
Nami frowned.
"What kind of answer is that?"
White Ghost flicked her forehead.
"Ow!"
She covered her forehead and glared at him.
Nojiko pulled her away before she could start arguing.
"You can shop afterward. The stores aren't going anywhere."
Nami looked toward the city again.
"They might close."
"You'll survive."
Nami sighed heavily, as if she had suffered a terrible injustice.
Kuro approached from behind.
"Captain, both parties have reached Water 7."
White Ghost nodded.
"Any trouble?"
"Nothing so far. They're waiting separately and haven't contacted each other."
"That's for the best."
Neither side knew exactly what the other was bringing to the table.
They only knew that White Ghost had arranged two trades in the same city.
Kuro adjusted his glasses.
"Do we meet them tonight?"
"After we settle the matter with Iceburg."
Kuro glanced toward Water 7.
"He still hasn't given you an answer?"
"No."
White Ghost had warned Iceburg about the four CP agents two days earlier.
He had also offered to take Iceburg, the Pluton blueprints, and anyone Iceburg cared about away from Water 7.
Once Iceburg left with him, the World Government would have no reason to continue searching the city.
White Ghost would handle the agents before departing, removing the danger completely.
It was the safest choice.
Unfortunately, Iceburg had not agreed.
He had only said he needed time to think.
Reiju came out of the laboratory, removing a pair of gloves as she walked.
"Have the people involved in the trade arrived?"
"They're already waiting."
"Is the scientist among them?"
White Ghost glanced at her.
"Probably."
Reiju frowned slightly.
"You arranged all this without telling us much."
"I told you we were bringing in another scientist."
"You neglected to mention what kind."
White Ghost exhaled a stream of smoke.
"As long as he can work, does it matter?"
"Yes."
Reiju stopped beside him.
"A capable scientist with no restraint can cause more damage than an incompetent one."
"Then keep an eye on him."
Reiju gave him a flat look.
"So that was your plan."
"You're suitable for the job."
"I don't feel complimented."
White Ghost patted her shoulder.
"If he refuses to listen, beat him."
Reiju was silent for a moment.
Crude as the suggestion was, it would probably work.
She had already discovered that most people on this ship were surprisingly easy to manage once they understood that disobedience came with consequences.
Issho sat near the railing with a bowl of noodles.
Hearing their conversation, he smiled faintly.
"Captain, using force to settle every disagreement may not be the best habit."
"It saves time."
"That does not make it right."
"It works."
Issho had no response to that.
Bellemere walked past with a bottle in hand.
"He's been like this for years. There's no point trying to change him now."
White Ghost ignored her.
The Dragon Emperor continued toward Water 7 at a steady pace.
The Guroseadi followed farther behind.
Because of its size, the island ship would remain outside the city with part of the crew. Laboon would stay with it as well.
There was no suitable place for either of them inside Water 7.
Chopper leaned over the railing and called toward Laboon.
"We'll come back soon!"
Laboon answered with a long cry.
The sound rolled across the water, startling several ships in the distance.
White Ghost rubbed his brow.
"That whale is going to frighten half the city before we even arrive."
Chopper waved both arms.
"He's just saying goodbye!"
"He can say it more quietly."
"How is a whale supposed to do that?"
White Ghost decided not to argue with him.
Franky was still standing at the bow.
As the city grew closer, more familiar buildings came into view.
The shipyards.
The stations.
The bridges connecting the different districts.
He could not see the old workshop from here, but he knew exactly where it had once stood.
A rare trace of unease appeared beneath his usual confidence.
He did not know whether Iceburg would be pleased to see him.
Perhaps the man would punch him first.
Franky would not blame him.
Lafitte suddenly emerged from the cabin with a Den Den Mushi.
"Captain."
White Ghost looked over.
"Iceburg?"
Lafitte nodded and handed him the receiver.
The Den Den Mushi's face looked tense.
White Ghost stared at it briefly, then turned toward Issho.
"Come with me."
Issho put down his bowl and rose.
Franky glanced back at them.
"You're talking to Iceburg?"
White Ghost did not answer.
He and Issho entered the cabin, and the door closed behind them.
Franky watched the door for a moment before turning back toward Water 7.
The city was almost within reach.
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