Chapter 16: The Administrative Department is in Water Seven!
In the first half of the Grand Line, even though this sea area contains tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of various islands, the presence of one particular island is enough to rank among the top five.
This is an island where almost no natural wilderness can be seen; everywhere displays artificial greatness and splendor, yet it doesn't possess much advanced technology. The stone houses on the streets reveal an ancient atmosphere.
Waterways, bridges, and Shipyards are the main visual style of this maritime city. The grey of the marble, the blue of the waterways, and the yellow of the town collectively form an extremely beautiful oil painting.
Dense waterways flow between the city. Creatures named 'Bull', resembling horses with fins, leisurely shuttle through the streets and alleys, carrying people and goods on their backs.
Because there are seven large Shipyards on the island, it is also known to the world as 'Water Seven'.
It is the island universally recognized as gathering the most and the best Shipwrights in the entire World!
Originally, the atmosphere on the island was harmonious, lively, and full of laughter. Although the Shipwrights sweated profusely every day, everyone wore a smile.
However, since January 1st, when the Pirate King Roger was publicly Executed, accompanied by that strange Great Treasure Rumor, the number of Pirates coming to the island gradually increased.
These Pirates, who already disregarded laws and rules, often refused to pay after receiving new ships, relying on the weapons in their hands and their own Combat Power, triggering conflict after conflict with the Shipwrights.
Shipyards that couldn't collect payment gradually couldn't afford to pay the Shipwrights' wages, nor could they buy Shipbuilding Materials from outside the island. Coupled with the continuous increase in Pirates, the Sea Trade, which was already fraught with danger due to the complex and changeable climate, only worsened.
For a time, a cloud of worry began to visibly spread over Water Seven.
Splash, splash, splash
A large flock of Seagulls playing by the sea were suddenly startled by something and flew chaotically into the blue sky like a white cloud.
Residents fishing nearby heard the commotion, looked up, and their eyes widened instantly.
They saw a ship, a large ship estimated to be forty meters high and about one hundred and fifty meters wide. Its bow was covered with a layer of blue armor with gold patterns.
Some older residents immediately thought of the Marine Headquarters' Warships, because those existences, which could be called 'War Beasts', originated from their Water Seven.
"Look! That's the World Government's symbol!"
"It's the government's Judicial Ship!"
The appearance of this giant ship caused an uproar throughout Water Seven. Especially when a team of Marine Soldiers holding Muskets publicly escorted the Fish-Man Tom, whose arms were bound, it caused many people to exclaim in surprise.
This tall Fish-Man, nearly three meters in height, is a very famous Master Shipwright on this island.
However, when the onlookers heard that Tom was arrested for building a ship for the Pirate King Roger, a considerable number of people felt it wasn't strange.
After all, Roger's crew had caused a lot of trouble for the entire World over the past decade or so, especially the matter of them destroying a Kingdom for their comrade, which was known to everyone.
Building a ship for such a heinous villain, saying he was guilty, seemed reasonable enough.
However, the turn of events exceeded everyone's expectations. Tom, who was originally to be taken to Enies Lobby for Execution with the Death Penalty, proposed building a 'Sea Train' to connect various islands, including Enies Lobby and Water Seven, thereby receiving a ten-year Suspended Sentence from the Judge.
At the same time, he also gained the support and cheers of the residents, everyone hoping that Tom could save this Water Seven.
"Er ahahaha, I survived!"
As soon as he returned home, Mr. Tom burst into laughter, even laughing to the point of tears, showing how happy he was in his heart.
However, perhaps only he himself knew that this happiness was because he could continue his Research on the 'Sea Train', and not just for the sake of his life.
"What's so funny about that? Now, whenever I think of that day coming, I break out in a cold sweat."
Kokoro, the Mermaid who currently serves as the Secretary of Tom's Workers, placed her hands on her slender waist and looked at him helplessly.
"But then again, if all this goes smoothly, maybe they'll forget about Roger's matter..."
Thump, thump, thump
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the workshop. Iceberg and Franky, the two young boys sitting at the dining table, and the Sumo Frog named 'Yokozuna' exchanged glances.
Kokoro walked over and opened the door, finding five men dressed in Black Suits and Leather Boots standing outside. One of them stood in front, while the others stood guard on either side.
The former immediately recognized where these people were from.
"World Government people?!" Kokoro frowned and asked worriedly, "Hasn't Mr. Tom's sentence already been decided? What else do you want?"
Inside, Franky, Iceberg, and 'Yokozuna' had already stood up. Franky, in particular, looked furious, but was immediately blocked by Tom, who stepped forward.
"Excuse us, we are not personnel from Enies Lobby, but representatives from the Administrative Department. My name is Coulson, and I am a Senior Officer," the leading man in black smiled very politely.
"Administrative Department?"
Tom and the others were all confused. To be honest, they hadn't heard of it.
"The great individuals of the World Government are very concerned about and attach great importance to the relevant Research on the 'Sea Train'. Therefore, our Administrative Department will do its best to assist your work from now on."
"How can you assist me?" Tom asked with a cheerful laugh, seemingly not minding at all.
However, Iceberg behind him suspected this was actually surveillance, but being rational, he didn't speak up, and at the same time stopped the impulsive Franky from acting rashly.
"We will not interfere with your Research, but we will improve your Research environment."
"For example, the various materials needed by the major Shipyards in Water Seven will be provided by our Administrative Department at normal market prices, and the Marines will be responsible for escorting them to ensure that the shipbuilding business on the island is not overly affected."
"Also, a Marine Military force of one thousand people will be temporarily stationed here to ensure that Water Seven is no longer harassed by Pirates and to provide security services for your Research work."
Hearing this, everyone was shocked. Is the World Government really that kind?
Tom was stunned for a moment, but after he reacted, he laughed heartily.
"Er ahahaha, this is truly a great help! This way, the lives of the island residents won't be a concern. This old man thanks you on behalf of everyone, thank you World Government!"
At this moment, his goodwill towards the World Government greatly increased, even though he had previously been sentenced to a ten-year Suspended Sentence by the Judge from Enies Lobby.
"At the same time, all the materials you need during the Research process for the 'Sea Train', including labor and Researchers, will also be fully provided by our Administrative Department."
"Including the poor environment of this Scrap Island, we will also develop it into an Exclusive Manufacturing Plant for the 'Sea Train' and provide a workshop equipped with the World's Cutting-edge Equipment. As for three meals a day, we will also hire professional Chefs to be responsible."
Mr. Tom and the others fell silent, because they didn't know what to say. The other party had thought of everything so thoroughly, it was practically treating them like Nobles!
"I imagine there must be a price for all this, or some restrictions?" the young Iceberg asked softly.
Coulson nodded.
"The materials provided to the major Shipyards in the first year will be at full capacity, but starting from the second year, the supply will decrease by ten percent each year. This means that if the 'Sea Train' project is not completed within ten years, only ten percent of the total island's Shipbuilding Materials will be provided at that time."
"So, please, Mr. Tom, complete the Sea Train as soon as possible. At that time, the World Government will have a surprise for you!"