In the first half of the Grand Line, even though there are tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of islands scattered across this vast sea, one island stands out prominently among the top five in terms of significance.
This island is a place where natural wilderness is almost entirely absent, replaced instead by the grandeur and splendor of human craftsmanship. Yet, it lacks advanced technology, and the stone houses lining its streets exude an ancient charm.
Canals, bridges, and shipyards define the aesthetic of this maritime city. The gray of marble, the blue of waterways, and the yellow of the town together form a breathtakingly beautiful oil painting.
Countless waterways weave through the city, where creatures known as 'Fin-footed Steeds,' resembling horses with fins, leisurely carry people and goods through the streets and alleys.
With seven large shipyards on the island, it has earned the name 'Water 7' among the people.
It is globally recognized as the island with the most and the finest shipbuilders!
Originally, the atmosphere on the island was harmonious, bustling, and filled with laughter. Though the shipbuilders worked up a sweat every day, each of them wore a smile.
However, since January 1st, when the Pirate King Roger was publicly executed, accompanied by rumors of a mysterious treasure, the number of pirates arriving on the island has gradually increased.
These pirates, who have no regard for laws or rules, often refuse to pay after receiving their new ships, relying on their weapons and brute strength. This has led to repeated conflicts with the shipbuilders.
Unable to collect payment, the shipyards have gradually been unable to pay the shipbuilders' wages or afford shipbuilding materials from outside the island. Coupled with the increasing number of pirates, the already perilous maritime trade, fraught with unpredictable weather, has worsened.
For a time, a cloud of gloom began to spread visibly over Water 7. [Splash]
Suddenly, a large flock of seagulls playing by the shore was startled, scattering like a chaotic white cloud into the blue sky.
Nearby fishermen, hearing the commotion, looked up and their eyes widened in astonishment.
They saw a ship—a massive vessel estimated to be forty meters tall and about one hundred and fifty meters wide, its bow clad in blue armor adorned with golden patterns.
Some of the older residents immediately thought of the warships of the Marine Headquarters, as those 'beasts of war' were originally built in Water 7.
"Look! That's the emblem of the World Government!"
"It's a government judicial ship!"
The appearance of this colossal ship caused a stir throughout Water 7, especially when a squad of marines armed with rifles publicly escorted the bound fishman Tom, eliciting gasps from the crowd.
This towering fishman, nearly three meters tall, was a highly renowned shipbuilder on the island.
However, when the onlookers heard that Tom had been arrested for building ships for the Pirate King Roger, many found it unsurprising.
After all, Roger and his crew had caused significant trouble for the world over the past decade, especially when they destroyed a kingdom for the sake of their comrades—a deed known to all.
Building ships for such a heinous criminal, it seemed reasonable to deem him guilty. However, the situation took an unexpected turn. Tom, who was originally to be taken to Enies Lobby for execution, proposed the creation of the 'Sea Train' to connect various islands, including Enies Lobby and Water 7. This proposal earned him a ten-year reprieve from the judge.
At the same time, he gained the support and cheers of the residents, who all hoped that Tom could save Water 7.
"Hahaha, I survived after all!"
Upon returning home, Mr. Tom laughed heartily, even shedding tears of joy, showing just how happy he was.
But perhaps only he knew that this joy was because he could continue his research on the 'Sea Train,' not just for the sake of his life.
"What's so funny? Just thinking about that day still gives me cold sweats."
Kokoro, the mermaid who now served as the secretary of Tom's workshop, stood with her hands on her slender waist, looking at him helplessly.
"But then again, if everything goes smoothly, perhaps they'll forget about Roger's matter."
[Knock, knock, knock]
At that moment, the workshop door was gently knocked. Iceberg and Franky, two young boys sitting at the dining table, exchanged glances with Yokozuna, the sumo frog.
Kokoro went to open the door and found five men in black suits and leather boots standing outside. One stood in front, while the others guarded the sides.
She immediately recognized their origins.
"People from the World Government?!" Kokoro frowned with concern. "Hasn't Tom's sentence already been decided? What more do you want?"
Inside, Franky, Iceberg, and Yokozuna had already stood up, especially Franky, who was visibly angry. But Tom quickly stepped in front of him.
"Excuse us, we are not from Enies Lobby but representatives from the Administrative Department. My name is Coulson, a senior executive," the lead man in black said politely.
"Administrative Department?"
Tom and the others looked puzzled. Honestly, they hadn't heard of it.
"The World Government is very concerned and values the research on the 'Sea Train.' Therefore, our Administrative Department will do our best to assist you in your work."
"What can you assist me with?" Tom asked with a hearty laugh, seemingly unbothered.
However, Iceberg behind him suspected this was actually surveillance, but being rational, he didn't voice his thoughts and stopped the impulsive Franky from acting out.
"We won't interfere with your research, but we will improve your research environment."
"For example, the various materials needed by the shipyards in Water 7 will be provided by our Administrative Department at market prices, and the Navy will escort them to ensure that the shipbuilding business on the island is not overly affected."
"There will also be a temporary stationing of a thousand Navy troops here to ensure that Water 7 is no longer harassed by pirates and to provide security for your research."
Hearing this, everyone was shocked. Was the World Government really this kind? Tom was momentarily stunned, but when he recovered, he laughed heartily.
"Ahahaha, this is truly a great help! With this, the lives of the island's residents won't be a concern anymore. On behalf of everyone, I thank you, and thank the World Government!"
At this moment, his favorability toward the World Government soared, even though he had previously been sentenced to a ten-year suspended death penalty by the judges of Enies Lobby.
"Additionally, all the materials you need for your research on the 'Sea Train,' including manpower and scientific personnel, will be fully provided by our administrative department."
"We will also transform the poor environment of this abandoned ship island into a dedicated manufacturing facility for the 'Sea Train,' and provide a workshop equipped with the world's most advanced technology. As for meals, we will hire professional chefs to handle them."
Mr. Tom and the others fell silent, unsure of what to say. The other party had thought of everything so thoroughly—it was as if they were being treated like nobility! "I suppose there must be some cost or restriction attached to this, right?" the young Iceberg asked softly.
Coulson nodded.
"In the first year, the materials provided to the major shipyards will be at full capacity. However, starting from the second year, the supply will decrease by 10% annually. This means that if the 'Sea Train' project is not completed within ten years, only 10% of the island's shipbuilding materials will be provided by then."
"So, Mr. Tom, please complete the Sea Train as soon as possible. When the time comes, the World Government will have a surprise for you!"