Chapter 60: Water 7
"Da Vinci, have you ever thought about using your Swallow-Swallow Fruit ability to make toys?"
"Hm? I've been busy researching alloy production and designing the warship—I don't have time for idle stuff like that." As expected of a genius, though lacking any business sense. In this world, the easiest money comes from the elderly, women, and children.
With the end of the month not yet reached, the rewards for Monthly Task 5 hadn't been settled. Eric still didn't know how much they'd be short on funds. Yet Wapol had managed to rake in a massive fortune by making and selling toys within two years—enough to bribe the Celestial Dragons and gain their recognition, becoming king of the evil Dark Drum Kingdom. Clearly, this business was extremely profitable. Most importantly, they already had the Swallow-Swallow Fruit ability, the core of this business—so why not do it themselves?
"Da Vinci, look, we need a ton of money right now. There's no other way—we need your help."
"Captain-kun, Speaking so politely all of a sudden… I'm not used to it. You definitely dug a pit for me to fall into, didn't you?"
"How could you say that about me? I just want to use your Devil Fruit ability to create some toys and sell them!"
"To raise money for the ship, right? No problem. Captain-kun, just wait here a moment."
In just a short while, several dozen exquisitely crafted toys were placed on the table. Calling them "toys" wasn't quite accurate—they were more like works of art.
"Ara, what beautiful artwork. As expected of Da Vinci, one of the three great minds of the post-Renaissance."
"I don't know much about art, but these really are pleasing to the eye. Can I put a few in my room?"
"Geez~ I'm way past the age of playing with toys, how could I possibly…"
Everyone marveled at Da Vinci's "artworks."
"...Well, kids don't really have money. Let's sell these to those dim-witted nobles!" Eric felt he had just discovered another goldmine.
"I don't want to be used as a money-making tool. I'd rather invent and conduct scientific research."
"But all those inventions and experiments require tons of funding, don't they? How do you plan to get that money, Da Vinci?"
"Back then, I relied on noble patrons. Now, I'll rely on you, Captain Little Bro~"
"..."
[Monthly Task 5 Complete: Pirate Scavenger. Eliminated pirate crews such as 'Baruch' and 'Thorn' (others not described in detail to avoid filler). Rewards being calculated: (75M + 69M + 135M + 81M + 73M + 38M + 45M) × 3 / 7 Achievement Points / 7 Bond Points]
[Total: 1.548 Billion Berries]
The system's payout notification at midnight woke Eric from sleep. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but after counting the digits several times, he realized he now possessed over 1.5 billion Berries. Thank the system for coming through—now they didn't have to go door-to-door selling toys to raise funds for the warship.
"So this is the Water 7 you spoke of—the world's top shipbuilding city?" Esdeath asked, glancing around. The buildings were rundown, the streets broken, and the people lifeless. Many men sat idly on the ground with slumped shoulders, making Esdeath frown.
Currently, Water 7 was in decline. The Puffing Tom sea train had been built, but its tracks had not yet been laid. The city faced yearly "Aqua Laguna" tsunamis, and due to magnetic anomalies on the Grand Line, trade between islands was unstable. Shipbuilding companies constantly fought over clients, leaving the residents in a state of despair.
"Yeah. Water 7's struggling due to tsunamis and poor trade. But once the sea train tracks are done, things will improve. Want to rent some 'Bulls' and take a look around?" Eric suggested. After all, shopping was a woman's favorite pastime.
"Bulls?" Da Vinci, always curious about new things, leaned in, eyes sparkling.
"They're small sea beasts that look like horses, used by locals for water transportation. The city has more waterways than roads—like Venice. There are canals everywhere, even flowing ones that cut through the city vertically. It's tough to get around without one."
Esdeath asked with confusion, "Can't you just teleport? Why do we need transportation?"
Eric : "..."
"Ara, Esdeath- can slowly jump across each river herself. Eric and I will ride one 'Bull' together."
"Heh, I'll freeze you into a boat shape and ride with Eric on top of you for an all-day date."
"Eric isn't cold-blooded like you. He'll freeze sitting on your ice!"
"Looks like the last battle didn't teach you who's the superior one." Esdeath slowly drew her western sword.
"STOP! Here's your allowance. Water 7 has a specialty—Aqua Meat—it's said to be delicious. The island after Water 7 is Sabaody Archipelago, the midpoint of the Grand Line. It's where all strong pirates gather. And Water 7 itself, being a hub for shipbuilding, likely has many powerful pirates around. So please, don't start fighting here."
Gulp—the sound of Akame swallowing was audible. "Polky, let's go find something delicious to eat." She'd completely adopted Polky as her little sister.
Esdeath showed a bloodthirsty smile. "The pirates on Drum Island were boring. Let's see if the ones here can satisfy me."
Eric couldn't help but warn, "Please don't destroy buildings or harm civilians."
Kurumi smiled as well. "Then allow me to buy some ingredients. Tonight, I'll conquer Eric -'s stomach with my cooking."
"Ah, I'm really looking forward to Kurumi's food. I bet it'll be amazing."
Kullikay, exhaling smoke rings, had already been force-fed enough dog food. "I'll stay here and guard the ship. You guys go have fun."
"Thanks, Uncle. Da Vinci and I will go look for the world's number one shipwright—Tom. Not sure if he's taking shipbuilding requests right now."
"Without me explaining things, Captain-kun probably wouldn't even be able to talk business with the shipwright."
It was true, but… he couldn't admit it!
"Don't joke around! I was known as the 'Little Prince of Chemistry' in high school! I can read a few ship designs!"
Da Vinci frowned in confusion. "But warship blueprints have nothing to do with chemistry…"
"..."
When Eric and Da Vinci found Tom, he was working on a construction site full of scrap, alongside two men and a frog, busy and focused.
"Hm? Visitors?" The round, chubby Tom was the first to notice Eric and Da Vinci.
"Hello. I'm Eric . I'd like to commission the world's greatest shipwright, Master Tom, to build an unparalleled ship."
(END CHAPTER)
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