Chapter 119: Fish-Man Tom
"Isn't it a bit too early to give up, Iceberg?" Kokoro smiled compassionately at the despondent figure of Tom's most accomplished disciple. "Didn't Tom say it to us before leaving this morning? The government's judges are quite interested by his plans…"
After offering some solace to Iceberg, Kokoro turned her attention to the unfamiliar figure who had abruptly appeared in the workshop.
Kindly, she inquired, "Lord White Ghost, coming to Tom's Workshop, are you looking to commission a ship?"
Adrian wasn't taken aback by Kokoro's recognition. His recent exploits had caused quite a stir, nearly cementing his identity as this year's "Rookie Pirate King."
A pirate with a bounty approaching four hundred million berries, even in the latter part of the Grand Line in the New World, would a renowned and formidable figure!
Among those who made a name for themselves on the Grand Line, every pirate knew that shipbuilding companies welcomed them as potential customers. This was common knowledge across the Seas!
"I do indeed intend to order a ship," Adrian replied. "However, my main reason in coming to Water 7 is to look for the legendary shipwright, Fish-Man Tom."
Kokoro's expression grew troubled. "But Tom was apprehended by the government's agents for questioning today. I'm uncertain when he'll return."
Adrian smiled, saying, "It's alright. I believe Mr. Tom will surely get through this incident unharmed."
Kokoro nodded, "I think so too... By the way, since Lord White Ghost wants to place an order for a ship at Tom's Workshop, may I ask if you have prepared the new ship design and shipbuilding materials in advance?"
Observing Miss Kokoro already immersed in business discussions with their guest, the disheartened Iceberg lowered the black headscarf, revealing disheveled shoulder-length blue hair. He quietly wiped his face with the scarf, diligently tidying up the cluttered surroundings.
"I do have some rough design ideas myself, but I haven't yet finalized," Adrian admitted. "After all, Mr. Tom is a legendary shipwright, and his knowledge will be most valuable in this process."
"As for shipbuilding materials... in the current Capital of Water, do ship buyers still need to provide their own materials?"
"In the past, that wasn't necessary," Kokoro explained. "However, recently, many material bound for the Capital of Water have fallen victim to pirate attacks."
Changing the topic, she continued, "Of course, if the customer doesn't have specific material requirements, Tom's Workshop can still scavenge some materials from the warehouse under the bridge."
Adrian waved his hand, "Let's forget about that. I still want a high-quality ship!"
After a moment of contemplation, he added, "If I intend to use the legendary wood—Treasure Tree Adam—as the primary building material for the new ship, does your company have the capability to make it happen?"
Treasure Tree Adam, one of the hardiest ancient trees in the entire sea, played a pivotal role in constructing both the former Pirate King's ship, the Oro Jackson, and the future Pirate King's vessel, the Thousand Sunny.
Kokoro chuckled, "Our esteemed guests hold Tom's Shipbuilding Company in high regard, especially during these challenging times…"
Adrian nodded in understanding.
Piracy ran rampant, and the overall situation in Water 7, the Capital of Water, remained precarious. Tom, the fish-man shipwright and head of the company, faced intense scrutiny from the World Government due to his association with the Pirate King.
To be honest, Tom's workshop had not yet crumbled completely—a testament to its resilience given the circumstances!
Adrian engaged in casual conversation with Kokoro about new ship ideas, left his Den Den Mushi contact information, and bid farewell.
In the afternoon of that day, Mr. Tom finally extricated himself from another round of questioning by the World Government and returned to the warehouse under the bridge.
Adrian, alerted by the Den Den Mushi, hastened back to Tom's workshop.
"Welcome to Tom's workshop! May I inquire if the guest has… huh? Mr. Tom, it's the White Ghost who visited this morning!"
The doorkeeper remained Iceburg, but his demeanor had undergone a remarkable transformation since morning, leaving a completely different impression.
Beside Iceburg stood a young man with a light blue hedgehog-like hairstyle. He sported an open floral shirt on his upper body and wore only black triangular swim trunks below.
"Hey! Iceburg! Why haven't I seen this person before?" The hedgehog-headed man playfully nudged Iceburg's arm.
"Are you an idiot, Flam? Weren't you with Mr. Tom during the trial this morning?" Iceburg nudged back.
Flam—later known as Franky—clapped his left hand against his right palm, suddenly enlightened. "Oh! Right, SUPER!"
"What are you two little troublemakers fussing about? Don't you realize we have guests?" A tall, portly fish-man with a white beard emerged from the inner room. His tanned skin bore two small, sharp horns on his forehead. He knocked the disciples' heads in mild disapproval.
At that moment, Kokoro also stepped out, casting an apologetic glance at Adrian. "Mr. Tom, your approach isn't quite fitting. You can't leave guests waiting outside the door!"
She swiftly added, "I apologize, Lord White Ghost. Please come in!"
Adrian entered the house and addressed the fish-man Tom. "Mr. Tom, you appear quite jubilant. I assume you've safely navigated the World Government's trial?
Franky arrogantly wiped his nose with his thumb and said, "Of course! The SUPER stupid World Government finally did something SUPER right!"
Iceburg swiftly wrapped his arm around Franky's neck and whispered, "Franky! You little freak, hush! Don't disturb Mr. Tom!"
At this time, Mr. Tom finally found an opportunity to say, "Yes, guest, the presiding judge acknowledged the concept of the 'Sea Train' and temporarily suspended the trial, granting me time to design and construct the Sea Train!"
Adrian offered his commendation, "That's truly good news."
After a brief discussion about the Sea Train, Adrian unveiled the true purpose of his visit to Water 7.
"Mr. Tom," he began, "aside from wanting to commission a ship, I have another pressing question."
"Go ahead."
"As the mastermind behind the Oro Jackson's design," Adrian inquired, "Do you happen to know the current whereabouts of this legendary Pirate King's ship?"
Tom's expression shifted abruptly. "White Ghost, why this sudden interest in the Oro Jackson?"
The other three occupants of the living room regarded Adrian with curious and wary glances.
Indeed, Oro Jackson—the very vessel that constantly entangled Tom in the World Government's judgments—loomed large in their collective consciousness.
Adrian had deliberately broached a sensitive topic—one that stirred memories and emotions.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone