Iceberg, also known as President "Iceberg," was the owner of Galley-La, the most famous shipbuilding company in Water 7.
Not only had he merged seven shipyards over the past eight years, he had also successfully won the contract to become the World Government's official shipbuilding company.
In terms of achievements alone, he was already an undeniable successful businessman.
What was even more impressive was that this guy was also the mayor of Water 7.
It could only be said that the pirate world was too advanced.
Of course, aside from these external identities.
Iceberg was also a shipwright with extremely high craftsmanship, trained under the master shipbuilder fishman Tom, who was also the creator of Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson.
"So, these are that customer's requirements?"
After carefully examining the order that secretary Kalifa had brought over, Iceberg said.
"Yes, the customer is currently waiting for you in the reception room."
When Iceberg pushed open the reception room door, he saw Naruto sitting there leisurely drinking tea.
Seeing Naruto's tall stature, Iceberg wasn't particularly surprised.
After all, Water 7 had all kinds of people. Just two or three meters tall. Never mind his company, even that guy Franky had subordinates like that.
"Sir, I'm Iceberg, president of Galley-La Company. Hello."
"Oh, hello, hello. I'm called Naruto Uzumaki."
The two shook hands amicably, then Iceberg got straight to the point.
"If I may be direct, this new ship design you want us to build still has some unreasonable aspects."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
Naruto looked over with curious eyes.
Although Water 7 was called the shipbuilding holy land, in reality most of the ships manufactured by the shipyards here were two-masted or three-masted sailing vessels.
Even the warships needed by the Navy and World Government were mostly just covered with iron armor, at most adding steam power.
This wasn't difficult in Water 7, which had built the sea train.
But Naruto's requirements were unheard of to Iceberg.
"It's mainly the power system and speed requirements."
"An engine that can collect wind, electrical, and fire power and convert them into kinetic energy. We can manufacture these separately."
"But if we want to create something with all three functions combined, the material strength of the engine becomes an issue."
"And the weight would increase significantly. If we also need to consider speed, then the hull structure wouldn't be stable enough."
Hearing his response, Naruto showed a thoughtful expression.
It seemed that while they were skilled at shipbuilding here, they were still lacking somewhat in technical research.
Aside from certain islands in the New World and the World Government's research personnel, South Blue should be more skilled in this kind of research and manufacturing.
Unfortunately, Naruto was too lazy to make another long trip, so he decided to settle for second best.
"Mm, then just wind power is fine too."
Actually, it wasn't much of an impact, since regardless of which type of kinetic energy it was, he'd be consuming chakra to release ninjutsu anyway.
The only difference was in the form.
It would be even better if they could build a ship powered by consuming Haki.
However, for this kind of pure black technology requirement, Naruto didn't plan to entrust it to shipbuilding companies in the first half of the Grand Line.
They probably didn't even know what Haki was.
Seeing how accommodating Naruto was, Iceberg also relaxed.
"Good, then there's also the matter of the ship's size..."
The two discussed back and forth in the conference room, though most of the time it was Iceberg speaking while Naruto occasionally put forward a requirement or two.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
For this kind of technically challenging order, Iceberg, a shipwright who hadn't worked with his hands in a long time, inevitably felt his skills itching.
Speaking of which, his junior apprentice should also have the ability to build this kind of special vessel... but considering Franky's personality and his unreliable subordinates, Iceberg silently discarded this thought.
Let that guy continue running his ship-breaking yard.
Outside the conference room.
Kalifa, who had just finished serving tea and exited the room, pushed up her glasses. Her originally expressionless face showed a hint of coldness.
The conversation with Iceberg was pleasant. The two set an estimated construction period, and Naruto also paid part of the deposit.
About a week.
Manufacturing costs plus design and materials: 300,000 berries all-inclusive.
Most of this expense was for the engine and other functional designs. The hull itself didn't cost that much.
After all, Naruto's requirement was just "a small boat for one person to operate."
"Then Mr. Naruto, you can come pick up the ship in one week. During this time, please enjoy touring Water 7."
"This city will definitely give you a unique experience."
"Haha, I'm very confident about that."
Naruto smiled and nodded at him, walking shoulder-to-shoulder out of Galley-La Company headquarters.
Iceberg seemed to plan on personally seeing Naruto out, continuing to chat casually as they walked.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Iceberg, your shipwrights here are really energetic."
Just now, he had personally witnessed a group of pirates trying to cause trouble being easily dealt with by those shipwrights.
"Hahahaha, that's right. They're all Galley-La's finest shipwrights."
While listening to Iceberg's words, Naruto's gaze imperceptibly swept quickly over certain figures.
"Yes, really excellent shipwrights."
Night.
Blueno's Bar.
It was already closed, the shutters sealed shut.
But several figures were still conversing inside the bar.
Among them were Blueno, the owner of this bar, and the shipwrights Kaku and Lucci, whom Naruto had seen when passing the Galley-La shipyard during the day.
There was also a lady, none other than Iceberg's secretary, Kalifa.
Of course, these four also had another identity: they were members of the World Government's secret intelligence organization, CP9.
"Confirmed. The person who came is the 'Great Criminal,' Naruto Uzumaki."
Kalifa pushed up her glasses, speaking in a cold tone.
"Why would such a person come to Water 7?"
The speaker was owner Blueno.
"Should just be for shipbuilding, right? Didn't he tell Iceberg that?"
The long-nosed shipwright Kaku spoke up, seeming to think his companions were making too big a deal of it.
"Can't rule out a connection to the 'Pluton' blueprints."
"Should we notify..."
"Send a message to Spandam."
The one making the final decision was Rob Lucci, the strongest in CP9.
Unlike his usually silent image, Lucci's true personality was cold and arrogant.
On Enies Lobby, Spandam, who had taken over the position of CP9's direct superior from his father, looked at the information transmitted from Water 7.
Slap!
He directly clapped his hands together.
"You three, immediately depart for Water 7 and capture that so-called great criminal Naruto Uzumaki for me."
Wonderful!
Fantastic!
When Spandam heard that someone like Naruto had appeared in Water 7, his first reaction wasn't wariness, but rather joy at seeing a great opportunity for merit.