章 71: Chapter 71
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Dak has created a red-shelled Pokédex, shaped like a horizontal console, much like a NDS handheld device.
It allows for active input of Pokémon names for searching and can scan Pokémon through the camera on the back to gather basic information, also featuring a Pokémon directory.
"The color might be related to the berries added; perhaps trying a different berry could work."
Dak looked at the color of the Pokédex and thought about a berry used during the material mixing process.
He didn't know what that berry was for when buying the materials. It was just an ordinary berry without any special effects, now thinking it might be used as a kind of dye.
Then there's the 500 Magic Coins value-added service, which makes up most of the value of a Pokédex.
Simply put—technical protection.
The function is straightforward: no matter how one studies it, no one can extract any key technologies from the sold Pokédex.
Once they dismantle it, they'll just end up destroying the Pokédex, unable to reassemble it, because the moment it is opened, all rare materials instantly turn into waste plastic, making it impossible to study these materials from other worlds.
Dak was quite hesitant when purchasing this feature.
Because this feature really seemed unnecessary.
What's there to study about a Pokédex? The valuable part is just the Pokémon data, which they could simply organize themselves after buying a Pokédex to create their own specialized database.
By then, the Pokédex would lose any other usefulness or value. Why would anyone bother researching or copying it?
A Pokédex lacks some 'exclusive, necessary, rare, valuable' features. Only with such features would the 500 Magic Coins value-added service truly show its worth.
For such features, Dak already has his own ideas.
For instance, the VIP feature.
As for what kind of treatment one can receive at the Mystery Hatchery House with VIP status, that's still under design.
Because of such ideas, he purchased this value-added service to prevent others from producing counterfeit Pokédexes for special treatment at the Hatchery House in the future.
As for this first Pokédex, it can only be considered a prototype at present, later to be used for experimental modifications and testing new features.
The current Pokédex doesn't even match its cost price of 600 Magic Coins, let alone doubling that for sales.
"Let's give this one to Bon first."
Dak looked at the incomplete version of the Pokédex in his hand, fiddled with it a bit, and felt it was of no use to him.
If there's anything unclear, Dak can query it for free from the system, which has more comprehensive information than the Pokédex.
The Pokédex doesn't even include data on legendary Pokémon, and its various introductions compare to the system like a castrated version, truly a bit rubbish for him.
As for why give it to Bon instead of Robin.
Robin likes to read and has a good memory. She has already studied half of the Pokémon book; on the other hand, reading seems torturous for Bon Clay, who finds it painfully hard to memorize.
Bon Clay will need to go out for business dealings in the future, and it would be embarrassing if he encountered Pokémon he couldn't introduce.
Having this Pokédex would make things much easier for him, helping him perform better at work.
Moreover, Dak compared the book and mechanical versions, and the book version's descriptions are more detailed, rigorous, and even include things like a list of skills a Pokémon can learn, obviously more suitable for someone like Robin who likes to trace origins.
The book version is like material organized by the system for people to read.
While the mechanical version is like material directly transferred from the Pokémon world, meant as introductory reading for novice trainers.
[Dak/System > Book Version >>> Mechanical Version]
That's roughly the relationship.
Dak and the system jumble up the book and mechanical versions.
One jumble, one chaos.
As for spending another 600 Magic Coins to build a Pokédex for Robin, he'd rather not.
Dak could already foresee the life of that machine, left in a corner collecting dust, as Robin who has books would definitely not consider the machine.
Spending 600 Magic Coins seems a bit too wasteful—that's almost ten million Belly.
[Version Number: 001]
Dak, using the Dark energy of Darkrai, engraved a sort of anti-counterfeiting mark on the back shell of the Pokédex.
He then left the manufacturing room and handed it to Bon Clay.
"What is this?"
"A Pokédex, mechanical version. It's not as detailed as the book version, but it suits you."
Dak handed the mechanical to Bon Clay, and his half-hearted explanation instantly quelled much of Robin's interest.
However, she still came over to take a look, willing to learn about new things, especially those produced by the Hatchery House.
"How does it work?"
Bon Clay wasn't disappointed; in fact, he found the high-tech aspect cool and was motivated to study it thoroughly.
"You can directly enter names to search, or point it at a Pokémon to take a photo, or browse through the directory."
Dak personally demonstrated it for Bon Clay.
Bon Clay also tried putting Smoochum down from his arms onto the ground, then scanned it with the camera.
The next moment, information appeared on the Pokédex's electronic screen, with a colorful photo of Smoochum on the right.
Not only that, but there was also a narrated voice, but not the mechanical voice of Professor Oak, but Dak's mechanical voice! Even Dak himself hadn't expected this.
It was as if Dak himself had entered the information.
[Smoochum]
[Type: Ice and Psychic]
[Ability: Oblivious]
[A kiss Pokémon, it's evolved form is Jynx, a curiously spirited Pokémon with extremely sensitive lips. It touches everything with its lips first to try out, remembering things it likes and dislikes with its lips.]
"Good stuff."
Bon Clay's eyes lit up, finding the device incredibly convenient.
"It's missing a lot of things though."
Robin wasn't very impressed with the device.
She immediately noticed the huge difference between the mechanical version of the Pokédex and the book version.
"I plan to sell these later."
Dak smiled.
"That's indeed a decent product, but what if others organize the data into a book and then resell it?"
This slightly changed Robin's opinion about the mechanical, "Also, how should we price it?"
"I've considered that too. This thing is still a prototype, its features aren't fully developed yet. I'll study it in the next few days, and once the branch store is set up, it can be sold. We'll consider the pricing then."
Dak shook his head and walked toward the store exit, "I'll make a trip to Water 7, Bon, you take care of the branch construction."
"Oh."
As Dak left the Hatchery House and arrived on the streets of Water 7, the scene was quite different from before.
The last time he came to meet Morgan, it was the day the Water Gods were about to arrive, and most people had run to the inner city, but now it was the recovery phase, people from the outer city were back cleaning and airing out their flooded homes, making the city quite lively.
You could also see many people collecting sea salt on rooftops, which is a specialty of Water 7.
The Aqua Laguna was not destroyed by Sceptile, but dispersed by him, falling as raindrops over Water 7, so they didn't interfere with the locals' sea salt collection.
As for the leaves that fell with the rain a week ago, those were magical leaves made from Grass-type energy by Sceptile, which soon disappeared.
Dak's appearance was on the northern edge of the outer city.
This was also one reason why Dak wanted the branch store built on the north shore, to make it convenient for the staff to commute.
Sceptile didn't come along this time, because his presence had left too deep an impression on the residents of Water 7, and his appearance would certainly cause a huge stir, whereas today's business was meant to be secretive.
Dak was also worried about being recognized, so he dressed quite conservatively, hiding his hair inside a hood to avoid exposure.
His hair was too conspicuous.
Green.
It took less than ten minutes for Dak to reach the North Coast.
This place is known to the residents of Water 7 as Shipwreck Island, essentially a styled junkyard, only the junk thrown here consists of one thing—discarded ships.
Some might be failed creations by local shipwrights dumped here, others were ships slapped over by the Water Gods,
[Tom's Shipbuilding Company] was located here, and their building costs were virtually zero, as materials were directly salvaged from the surrounding discarded ships.
Dak walked on Shipwreck Island, his feet stepping on various shipwrecks, hardly seeing any intact ground.
"Being able to build ships from this scrap metal, these people are quite impressive."
Dak looked at the unwanted materials on the ground.
Wood covered with unidentified fungi, iron sheets streaked with rust, hardly anything intact.
In the past, the Water Gods would slap ships from unlucky sailors onto this land, but this year the Water Gods were directly smashed by Sceptile's tail, naturally leaving no new materials on this land.
But it didn't matter, as Tom's Shipbuilding Company was currently striving to build a sea train, and they didn't need to provide the materials—the World Government would.
In Water 7, nine years later, Shipwreck Island no longer exists, indicating that it will be submerged due to the lowering of Water 7's foundations over these nine years.
But if Tom survives, Franky doesn't disappear, and with the help of Pokémon, this situation might not happen again.
Dak leisurely walked, soon spotting a one-story cottage amidst the vast ruins.
It was only one story high, perhaps better described as a coffin plank.
It resembled the house he used to build when playing MC.
(End of Chapter)
章 72: Chapter 72
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In Dak's memory, the images of Franky and Iceburg as adolescents still linger. However, upon seeing them in person on Shipwreck Island, Dak realized these two were contemporaries of Shanks, and it wasn't possible for them to be young.
Iceburg is now 29 years old, famously known in Water 7 as the "Genius Shipwright," and Franky is 25 years old, both older than Dak.
"Hello, are you looking to order a custom ship? I'm sorry, but we are not taking orders from others during this period. I know skilled shipwrights in all seven shipyards on the island, and I could introduce you."
As Dak approached the small house, a person emerged from behind a nearby derelict ship.
Dak turned to look, not recognizing him at first due to his ordinary appearance. However, he identified him as Iceburg by his hair color.
At this time, Iceburg had a clearly visible stubble on his face, presumably left after shaving.
"No, I'm not here to order a ship. I originally planned to discuss this with Tom first, but since you're here, I'll tell you instead."
Dak considered his words and changed his initial plan upon seeing Iceburg now.
Tom the fish-man is stubborn and, even if informed of the World Government's true intentions, would still insist on completing the sea train he has been building for over a decade. It's his lifelong dream to save Water 7.
But Iceburg is different.
The current Iceburg already possesses some of the demeanor of a CEO at Galley-La Company, appearing as a successful and composed businessman. Telling Iceburg should ensure he makes the right decisions at critical moments.
"What's the matter?"
Iceburg is unaware of what he's about to hear.
Unlike Franky, who dreams of building the world's finest ship, his goal is simply to help Tom save their hometown of Water 7.
"Let's talk somewhere private; this place is a bit too conspicuous."
Dak glanced around, noticing other people nearby.
It seemed some were scavengers living off materials from Shipwreck Island.
To their eyes, Dak, with his handsome appearance, must be a noble from the inner city, either coming to buy materials or to order a ship from Iceburg.
Some of their looks were unfriendly, clearly harboring ulterior motives.
"Alone? Alright, please follow me."
Iceburg scratched his head in confusion, then led Dak towards the seaside.
There, a small-scale sailboat was docked, about half the size of the Going Merry.
It looked like a ship Iceburg had been working on himself, quite exquisitely made.
"Did you build this?"
"Yes."
"Nice craftsmanship."
"Thanks."
Iceburg showed no pride in his skills, perhaps viewing them as just average.
Dak's appreciation for Iceburg grew the more he got to know him.
In the original story, Iceburg's role isn't prominent, but he might be remembered for sewing up the Going Merry alone on a stormy night, helping it complete its final journey, saving his crew.
But as Dak got to know him personally, his opinion of Iceburg improved.
"Please sit."
Iceburg led Dak into the small cabin, "I didn't expect someone wielding the miraculous power of Pokémon to seek me out."
"When did you recognize me?"
Dak was a bit surprised, removing his hood that covered his hair, curious about Iceburg's response.
One week ago, on the night the Sea Gods arrived, he wasn't seen by many.
"Ah, up close, your hair stands out. I remember you're the only one with that hair color."
Iceburg pointed at Dak's green hair draped over his shoulders.
Upon closer inspection, Iceburg realized just how strikingly handsome Dak was.
It seemed impossible to find a more attractive man in Water 7.
And so young.
Iceburg wondered how such a young man could command such powerful and mystical creatures.
Was it some special Devil Fruit?
"Well, that saves me the trouble of proving my identity. I'm Dak, the manager of the Mystery Hatchery House. My employees should have visited you recently."
Dak extended his hand, and they shook.
"Employee."
Iceburg frowned, then asked, "You mean the talking bird, or the strange creature riding the bird?"
"..."
The talking bird should be Bon Clay, and the strange creature must be Smoochum.
Dak massaged his forehead, feeling like the Mystery Hatchery House was lacking normalcy. Who talks business with a bird?
"Anyway, let me tell you what I came to inform you about."
Dak glanced outside as he spoke.
Though his Observation Haki is weak, he could still sense ordinary human presence, and someone was outside.
Dak tapped his forefoot, and the shadow beneath him moved slightly, then settled.
"Please, go on."
"Do you know your master Tom has the blueprints for one of the legendary Ancient Weapons, Pluto?"
"I didn't know."
Iceburg shook his head, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
But that was all, just a perfunctory shock.
This was indeed his first time hearing this, but he didn't feel the need to exaggerate his reaction, unlike Franky who might have collapsed in shock.
Boom!
"Who's there?!"
Iceburg instantly turned and rushed outside.
That information must not be known to anyone!
Although Iceburg didn't show much reaction, he knew the disaster that could follow if that information leaked. He had to suppress this news.
When Iceburg opened the door, he found Franky sprawled on the ground, mouth agape.
"Franky!"
Iceburg's eyes widened slightly, then angrily grabbed the other's shoulders, "How many times have I told you not to eavesdrop on my conversations with guests!"
"Iceburg, is what he said true?"
Although Franky is now 25, he still appears as a youth.
Just like the Franky Dak remembered who stood in front of a sea train as a normal human, marking his last moments as such.
"Come in."
Iceburg dragged Franky inside, then checked outside thoroughly, even going around twice to ensure no one was following, before returning.
"Don't worry, those who were tailing just got beaten away by me."
Franky guessed what Iceburg was doing based on their long history of bickering and fighting. They knew each other so well that one could tell what the other was up to just by a gesture.
"Phew."
Iceburg breathed a sigh of relief.
Franky had inadvertently done a good deed; if others had heard, it would have caused a major issue.
"Hey, you"
"Franky! Don't be rude!"
Iceburg slapped Franky on the back of the head. He knew his adoptive brother's way of speaking wasn't always polite, but it was never malicious.
"Then you ask, you clear it up."
Normally, Franky would have fought with Iceburg.
But he was also anxious about Dak's earlier remarks, knowing he wasn't good at speaking, so he nudged Iceburg.
"Mr. Dak, about earlier."
"How do you think the World Government wouldn't be aware of information that even we at the Mystery Hatchery House could obtain? The power of Pokémon far exceeds anyone's imagination."
Dak waved his hand, pointing behind Iceburg and Franky.
They instinctively looked back.
Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious dark creature with piercing blue eyes had appeared behind them.
"Wow!" x2
Even Iceburg couldn't keep his cool this time.
If such a creature decided to attack, they might not even know how they died.
"..."
Dak watched silently as they imagined various scenarios.
For many at sea, appearing silently behind someone wasn't difficult, especially since Iceburg and Franky were just ordinary people, and Iceburg would remain so in the future.
"He's called Darkrai, my partner, and also a Pokémon. You've seen his power. So, by using the power of Pokémon, we can accomplish a great many things. You also saw how the Sea Gods were destroyed last week by another Pokémon called Sceptile."
Dak calmly introduced Darkrai, showing off Sceptile.
"Darkrai."
Darkrai waved, then retreated and vanished into the shadows under their watchful eyes.
Gulp. x2
The sound of swallowing came from both men.
They were completely shocked by the Pokémon, mentally classifying the Mystery Hatchery House as a powerful, mysterious force.
From now on, whatever Dak told them, they would likely believe without hesitation.
What reason would such a powerful being have to lie to two ordinary men?
"Wait! Mr. Dak, did you just say the World Government knows about the Pluto blueprints on Tom?!"
At that moment, Iceburg suddenly remembered Dak's words, his face paling, panicked like Franky.
"Ah, yes. After the World Government learned of this, they've been eyeing the Pluto blueprints."
Dak nodded.
According to the original story, the World Government indeed had designs on the Pluto blueprints, but they didn't plan to kill Tom. They didn't care about his life and might even spare him to have him build Pluto for them.
Tom's death had more to do with Spandam's personal actions and emotions.
However, to make these two take the matter seriously, Dak skipped a large part of the causality, mentioning only the beginning and the end.
"Do you believe the World Government would execute Tom if they can't get the Pluto blueprints?"
(End of Chapter)
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