In the end, Iceberg still endured the discomfort and listened to Naruto's supplementary requirements for the order.
"Mr. Naruto, do you mean that the charging part of the engine needs further strength enhancement?"
"If I may be frank, according to our original budget, Galley-La Company has already prepared an alloy that combines both strength and toughness for you."
"Doing this would not only greatly increase costs, but the performance would also be excessive."
Hearing Iceberg's words, Naruto just shook his head.
He had only realized this later.
Apart from the Wind Cutting technique, his Wind Release ninjutsu only had that rough prototype "Wind Release Rasengan" that incorporated wind-attribute chakra into the Rasengan.
In Naruto's own view, this technique's destructive power was far inferior to the propulsion it could generate, which was why it had been his optimal choice from the start.
But he had also overlooked one point.
His defensive power had already far exceeded most metals in this world.
The Wind Release Rasengan indeed couldn't break through his Haki defense, but that intense cutting property posed a great threat to metals.
"How about this, President Iceberg. Bring out the metal you've prepared for me to see, and I'll test it practically."
Hearing this, Iceberg was somewhat skeptical.
But since Naruto was a customer, after a moment of silence, he still led Naruto and Stussy to an open area next to the shipyard.
Then he had his shipwrights bring over a silver-colored alloy.
This metal met both Naruto's requirements for high strength while also having the advantage of being lightweight.
"This is unprocessed alloy. You can take a look."
With that, Iceberg indicated that Naruto could examine it himself.
In his view, Naruto must have some kind of energy technology or perhaps was simply a Devil Fruit user himself.
Only this could explain such peculiar engine requirements.
After hearing Iceberg's indication, Naruto walked straight forward, lifted the metal with one hand, then pinched it with his fingers.
The metal showed slight deformation, but when his fingers left, the metal quickly returned to its original shape.
Seeing this scene, Iceberg was first amazed by Naruto's strength, then showed a proud expression.
"Mr. Naruto, as you can see, this alloy also has certain memory capabilities and can automatically restore to its original shape."
Hearing this, Naruto just smiled, and then a small Rasengan quickly appeared in his other hand.
"This is..."
Seeing this white orb emitting a humming sound, Iceberg instinctively widened his eyes.
Meanwhile, Stussy beside them maintained her smile.
What a miraculous ability, just like how he's clearly not a Devil Fruit user yet can create countless clones.
This mysterious man always gave her little surprises.
Considering there were ordinary people around, the Rasengan Naruto released was only the size of a table tennis ball.
Then, wind-attribute chakra slowly merged into it according to his will.
The Rasengan quickly took on a slight blue color, with several wisps of breeze rapidly flowing toward the center.
Then Naruto pressed this small Wind Release Rasengan against that piece of metal.
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...
Harsh cutting sounds came from the metal surface.
Naruto's palm covered it, and from the gap between hand and metal burst forth intense air currents that even messed up Iceberg's hair that seemed welded to his head.
Removing his hand, a shallow crater had appeared on the metal's surface layer.
Now there was nothing more to say. Time to change it.
Subsequently, Iceberg had people bring out several different metals for testing.
Fortunately, thanks to previous experience building the sea train and contact with certain World Government departments, Galley-La had some special alloy scraps available.
Using them to build a large ship would definitely be impossible, but for Naruto's single-person boat it was more than sufficient.
By the time Naruto and Stussy left the shipyard, it was nearly noon, and most of their promised date had been wasted.
But Stussy's face showed no displeasure. Instead, she kept looking at Naruto with eyes sparkling like stars.
As if just being with him was enough.
This attitude made Naruto feel somewhat guilty. After scratching his head, he spoke first.
"How about we go eat first? I know a restaurant nearby with good food."
For a foodie, the greatest kindness to others was sharing treasure restaurants they'd discovered.
Puff...
"Hahahaha..."
Hearing these completely unromantic words, Stussy's face bloomed like a flower as she burst into clear laughter.
This made even Naruto feel embarrassed, and unable to hold back, he also smiled sheepishly.
After laughing for a while, Stussy wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, looking at this man who hadn't changed much over the past decade or so.
Then she took his arm again, meeting his gaze with the clear eyes that only young girls possessed.
"Alright, I'll listen to whatever you say."
The two went together to that small restaurant on a ship for lunch, then rented a Bull, a Water 7 specialty. A gentle sea creature resembling a seahorse that was the usual means of transportation for Water 7 residents.
Just like any couple you might see anywhere, Naruto and Stussy naturally strolled through this water city.
When tired from walking, they'd find a café to sit in. They even went to a theater together to watch an opera that Naruto found somewhat incomprehensible.
The afternoon passed by quickly.
During this time, both tacitly avoided mentioning their identities or what they planned to do next.
As if at this moment, they were just two ordinary people.
When the last rays of the setting sun fell back to the sea surface, this long-overdue date had come to an end.
"I should go now."
When hearing this sentence, even without using Observation Haki, Naruto could hear the certain emotion hidden within.
But he didn't say anything.
Seeing Naruto's wooden silence, Stussy couldn't help but laugh first.
"Really, after all these years, you still can't say even one sweet word?"
With that, she gently lunged toward Naruto.
Naruto also extended his arms to catch her.
"I really wish today would never end."
Quietly resting her head against Naruto's chest, feeling the strong heartbeat beneath, Stussy had another sentence she didn't speak aloud.
If only you would say it...
"If... I'm just saying if."
"One day, if I can no longer see you, would you come save me?"
Stussy knew what she wanted to do and was also clear about the fate she was destined to face.
Opposing the World Government was almost like racing against death.
Before meeting the man in front of her, she had never thought anyone could help her bear that heavy destiny.
But...
"I will, as always."
Naruto's voice was steady and strong, just like it used to be.