Thanks to Skull's extensive collector network and Tesoro's generous financial backing, the Black Star Pirates had already acquired eternal poses and nautical charts for numerous islands throughout the Grand Line. The location of the world-famous Water 7 was naturally among these essential destinations, allowing their ship to sail directly toward their goal via the most efficient route.
That morning had been particularly energetic aboard their ship. Perhaps inspired by Skull, Deuce, and Jerry's intense training sessions, the entire crew had thrown themselves into practice with unusual enthusiasm. Even Carina and Carrot had joined in, working on combat drills with Kotatsu providing his own unique form of sparring partnership.
Brook, despite being new to the crew and not fully understanding their training methods, had participated without hesitation. His decades of helplessness as a shadowless skeleton had taught him the bitter lesson of what happened when strength proved insufficient.
Of course, Jerry had maintained his characteristic routine of fishing for catches that may or may not ever take his bait, seemingly unbothered by the morning's intense atmosphere.
After the rigorous training session concluded around noon, everyone had returned to their individual activities, enjoying the peaceful afternoon as their ship continued its steady approach toward Water 7.
Jerry was fishing from his usual position at the bow when Carrot's excited voice rang out from above.
"Brother Jerry! There's an island up ahead!"
The young mink had stationed herself at the top of the main mast, enthusiastically performing lookout duties with a telescope. She genuinely enjoyed exploring their surroundings and always announced her discoveries with infectious excitement.
"Alright, come down from there before Carina starts lecturing you about safety again," Jerry called back, noting how Carina was already standing with her hands on her hips and a disapproving expression.
"Hehe, coming right down!" Carrot replied cheerfully, using her natural agility to descend the rigging in seconds.
Carina shot Jerry a pointed glare for his commentary but chose not to dignify his teasing with a response.
Upon hearing Carrot's announcement, the rest of the crew gathered at the bow to observe the island that was gradually becoming clearer in their field of vision.
"That's definitely Water 7," Deuce confirmed, consulting his navigation notes. "According to my research, the entire city is built on and around water, with many streets centered on canal systems rather than traditional roads."
He looked up from his notes to address the group. "Just remember—no causing unnecessary trouble after we dock. We're here for ship business, not adventures."
Water 7 didn't have the complex political situation of Sabaody Archipelago or the various dangerous factions that required careful navigation. Skull had only mentioned a few basic precautions during their approach.
As their ship drew closer, the crew found themselves genuinely impressed by the sight before them. Water 7 revealed itself as a magnificent city with distinct vertical levels, each tier flowing seamlessly into the next like a living work of art dancing on the water's surface.
The novel urban layout combined waterways, bridges, and buildings in ways that created the impression of a flowing painting. For a group that had seen numerous islands throughout their Grand Line journey, Water 7 offered a completely unique architectural style and aesthetic.
"Wow! It really does look like a major city," Carrot observed with wide-eyed wonder.
"We'll split up once we dock," Jerry announced, outlining their immediate plans. "If anyone gets hungry, go find some local food. Deuce and I will handle the ship purchase negotiations."
After Jerry finished speaking, everyone nodded their agreement. Deuce took a moment to remind Ace to actually bring money when he went exploring, then turned his attention back to the approaching metropolis.
Suddenly, Carrot pointed toward a particular structure and asked with obvious curiosity, "What's that building with the platform? It looks like some kind of station."
"Oh, that's where the Sea Train stops," Skull explained, noticing that Deuce had begun frantically scribbling notes again. Under the interested gazes of his crewmates, he continued his explanation.
"The Sea Train is an incredible invention created by Tom, the legendary shipwright of Water 7. It's a train that actually runs on the ocean surface using specially constructed tracks."
"Of course Tom can do anything... except catch Jerry," Jerry muttered to himself, gazing up at the sky with an expression of mock nostalgia.
"Boss Jerry, do you know this Tom person?" Skull and the others asked with genuine curiosity.
"I know him very well, but not the Tom from Water 7," Jerry replied with a dismissive wave. "Don't worry about my random comments—just continue with your explanation."
The crew had grown accustomed to Jerry's occasional incomprehensible statements and chose to ignore this latest example.
"Right, well, the Sea Train was successfully completed about ten years ago," Skull resumed. "It starts from Water 7 and connects to several surrounding islands, traveling quickly along pre-laid ocean tracks."
"Currently, the train can reach places like Pucci, the renowned Food City, and San Faldo, the Spring Queen City, among other destinations..."
Skull's educational presentation was suddenly interrupted when Ace's eyes lit up with intense interest. The fire-user stretched out his right hand in a stopping gesture.
"Skull! Wait! Rewind that last part!" Ace demanded urgently.
"What did you just say about food? What city?"
Ace's attention had been wandering during the technical discussion about trains and transportation, but the mention of cuisine had immediately captured his complete focus. He had been thinking about the Water-Water Meat that Deuce had mentioned earlier and was always interested in discovering new culinary destinations.
Skull realized what had actually caught Ace's attention and clarified his statement. "Oh, I said Pucci—the Food City."
"Mmm, so there's lots of delicious food there?" Ace asked, already beginning to drool slightly at the prospect.
"Yohohoho! That sounds promising," Brook agreed enthusiastically. "Cities don't earn nicknames like that without good reason, do they?"
Even though he was reduced to a skeleton, Brook still retained his appreciation for good meals and the social atmosphere of dining.
"I want to see it too!" Carrot chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious as she bounced on her feet.
"Carrot, you already eat plenty of good food with us," Carina said with fond exasperation, gently patting the young mink's head. Since Pucci was a food city rather than a treasure city, she wasn't particularly interested in making the side trip.
As various crew members began expressing their opinions about visiting the Food City, Jerry considered the logistics and feasibility of the detour.
"Let's plan to stay in Water 7 tonight," he decided. "Once we've handled the ship purchase negotiations, we'll have time for sightseeing and side trips."
They sailed along the main canal system and docked at one of the city's public ports. Jerry carefully folded up both their pirate flag and the sail bearing their jolly roger, reasoning that since they planned to acquire a new ship, there was no point in advertising their current ship's pirate origins.
"Alright everyone, take whatever personal items you'll need," Jerry announced. "I'll store the larger luggage and anything you won't be using immediately."
The crew quickly organized their belongings, and Jerry used his storage abilities to secure most of their equipment and supplies. Only basic furniture and a few daily necessities remained aboard their soon-to-be-abandoned ship.
"My word, Mr. Jerry, that's quite a useful pocket you have there," Brook observed with obvious admiration.
"Just a simple trick, nothing worth mentioning," Jerry replied modestly.
"It's probably good that I don't have eyes to be fooled by magic anymore. Yohohoho!" Brook joked, accepting Jerry's abilities with the same casual attitude as the rest of the crew.
Perhaps people in this world were naturally adaptable, Jerry reflected. With so many incredible powers and supernatural phenomena everywhere, if everyone constantly questioned and marveled at every unusual ability, they would probably die of shock before reaching adulthood.
After disembarking, the crew split into their planned groups. Ace departed with Skull and Brook to explore the city's dining options, while Carina took charge of Carrot and Kotatsu for their own exploration.
Jerry and Deuce found themselves alone together, so they approached some local residents to ask for directions to the shipyards.
After receiving clear instructions, they walked directly toward the dock district. The route took them through eighteen different waterway intersections, showcasing Water 7's intricate canal system, before they finally arrived near Dock No. 1.
Along the way, they had learned from helpful locals that Iceberg, the mayor and owner of the prestigious Galley-La shipbuilding company, happened to be working at the main dock today. This was excellent news for their ship purchase plans.
Seeing quite a crowd gathered ahead of them, Jerry randomly approached a large, burly man and asked casually:
"Hey buddy, I heard Iceberg is here today? He didn't get hit by the Titanic, did he?"