Capítulo 72: Chapter 72
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
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)
Capítulo 73: Chapter 73
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
"What should we do now?! Was the sea train made in vain? Mr. Tom spent over a decade on it!"
Franky was utterly convinced by Dak's words, becoming instantly flustered.
"Idiot! Calm down! Regardless of the World Government, Mr. Tom would never stop working on the sea train. He had already decided to build it before the World Government even approached us."
Here, the difference in their temperaments was apparent; Iceburg was significantly more composed, even though he was still visibly anxious.
Dak sat back leisurely, watching the two as if observing a drama unfold.
"Mr. Dak, how can we save Mr. Tom?"
Iceburg pondered for three seconds before confronting reality.
They lacked the means to save Mr. Tom themselves and couldn't stand against the World Government. Thus, Iceburg turned to the younger man before him.
This man had come here and disclosed such critical information, and Iceburg was certain he had some plans in mind.
"Why should I tell you?"
Dak didn't mind sharing the information directly, but he posed the question to see if it might lead to some unexpected benefits.
"We'll build the best shop in Water 7 for you! We might not be as skilled as Mr. Tom, but aside from him, there are no better shipwrights on this island."
Before Iceburg could respond, Franky eagerly jumped in.
Shipwrights possess diverse skills, not limited to shipbuilding but also designing various room layouts on ships, so constructing a top-notch shop was well within their capabilities.
"That's fine then, you'll do."
The branch's shop environment didn't need to be too exquisite, as it was merely meant to facilitate access.
However, Sceptile was to be stationed there, so perhaps designing the branch in a forest style would make it more comfortable for him.
Indeed, this was a pleasant surprise.
"So, what are the methods?"
"There are three."
Dak raised three fingers.
"That's great!"
Iceburg and Franky were already delighted before Dak detailed his suggestions, hopeful that at least one would succeed.
"First, Tom could hand over the blueprint of Pluto; second, you all could leave Water 7 and perhaps flee to Fish-Man Island; third, join an organization that isn't afraid of the World Government, preferably an enemy of the government, like the Revolutionary Army or... us."
Although Dak mentioned three methods, in reality, only the last was viable.
Tom would neither hand over Pluto's blueprints nor leave his beloved Water 7.
If Franky and Iceburg truly wished to save Tom, they would ultimately join the Mystery Hatchery House, though it remained uncertain if the master-apprentice trio would all join.
"This..."
Iceburg's face was grave, realizing immediately that the second method was impossible; he knew Mr. Tom too well.
As for the first method, he saw little hope.
"You could try convincing Mr. Tom to hand over Pluto's blueprints. The World Government's only goal is that; they wouldn't mind sparing his life."
Rayleigh, Crocus, Bartolomeo, Buggy, Shanks—all these individuals had survived; surely Tom wasn't doomed to die?
"I'll go and persuade Mr. Tom."
Franky didn't think twice, rushing outside impulsively.
"Discuss it somewhere private."
Iceburg didn't follow but reminded Franky as he disappeared into the cabin. Once alone, Iceburg turned back to Dak.
Thump.
Without wasting words, Iceburg knelt before Dak.
Dak raised an eyebrow, surprised, but then realized that kneeling wasn't such an extraordinary gesture in their world—it was often used in requests or to express gratitude.
"What are your plans?"
Dak could tell Iceburg had probably anticipated the eventual outcome and solution.
"If I join the Mystery Hatchery House and serve you for life, can we save Mr. Tom?"
Iceburg spoke plainly, as if selling his life was an acceptable trade for him.
Indeed, both Franky and Iceburg would lay down their lives for Tom.
Even Franky, who seemed a bit dim-witted, would try to save Tom in his own way, such as recklessly throwing himself in front of the sea train.
Stupid but touching.
"Welcome aboard, Iceburg. There are no hierarchies within the Hatchery House; from now on, we are partners."
Dak stepped forward, pulling Iceburg to his feet without directly addressing his question, "From now on, your family is our family, your dreams are our dreams; together, we'll create our era."
Although Dak initially targeted Tom, Iceburg was a fine addition too, younger and perhaps capable of surpassing his master in the future.
Plus, it wasn't certain whether Tom would join.
Dak planned to construct many special and mobile structures across the sea, such as gyms, Pokémon Centers, and other branches.
Without skilled shipwrights like Tom and Iceburg, those future plans would be challenging to realize.
"Ah, okay."
Iceburg seemed unaccustomed and awkwardly scratched his head.
"You'll see, I'm not just all talk."
Dak noticed Iceburg's reservation, which was normal since they had only just met.
Over time, Iceburg would see that Dak wasn't just a smooth talker.
Having gifted eggs of Smoochum and the Feather of New Moon—items worth billions of Belly—as welcome gifts, he had nothing else to be stingy about.
"What do I need to do?"
Suddenly being part of an organization left Iceburg feeling strange and somewhat lost.
"First, finish building the branch with Franky. I'll have Bon Clay bring people to help you. We might have two big deals in a week; then continue helping Tom with the sea train."
Dak nodded, recalling the plot details for this period, "The branch should have a forest-like style. Get some fresh, lush trees; Sceptile will guard the branch."
"Sceptile is?"
"That green big guy from last week."
Dak grinned and gestured.
"!"
Iceburg immediately remembered the powerful Pokémon that had scattered the Aqua Laguna with a flick of its tail.
No one understood the destructiveness of the Aqua Laguna better than these shipwrights, especially Iceburg, who had seen countless shipwrecks on Shipwreck Island.
Knowing Sceptile would be arriving soon eased Iceburg's mind considerably.
"When is the sea train expected to be completed?"
"If all goes well, by early next year."
Iceburg estimated before responding.
"That soon?"
It was now October of the year 1511 in the Sea Circle Calendar, just two months before the chaotic year 1512.
Dak hadn't expected the sea train to be completed so quickly, recalling it was supposed to finish in the latter half of the following year.
"Yes, because the Aqua Laguna didn't come to destroy this time, our progress wasn't severely disrupted like before."
Iceburg revealed a reason Dak hadn't considered.
This was not mentioned in the original story, and Dak had overlooked this detail.
"No problem, the difference isn't significant. On the day Tom goes to court, take Sceptile with you. Though he doesn't obey others, he won't allow harm to come to his companions."
Dak waved his hand, now that they were involved, Tom's death was out of the question, "Then bring Tom and Franky back to the main store."
Dak handed Iceburg a pocket token, demonstrating its use in person.
This deeply impressed Iceburg, who had never left Water 7. The wonders shown by the Mystery Hatchery House seemed like another world to him.
Iceburg clutched the pocket token tightly, understanding its life-saving importance—more crucial than any Pluto blueprint.
He resolved to keep it close even while sleeping.
"For now, just focus on that. Once you've dealt with the sea train, come help manage the branch. We're really short on hands."
Dak stretched and prepared to leave.
This visit had been very fruitful; Iceburg's joining meant that the Mystery Hatchery House had a solid technical foundation for its future endeavors in opening eight gyms and Pokémon Centers across the sea.
The Mystery Hatchery House needed such talents.
As for whether the World Government would agree—
That's a huge joke!
From the moment the Mystery Hatchery House decided to usher in the 'Pokémon Era,' the World Government had been a major obstacle, a bigger thorn than even the pirates, an organization that must be dealt with.
Whether or not Robin, Tom, or the Revolutionary Army was involved, the World Government would stand in their way.
Not acting now was partly because Dak had crossed too early and the original hadn't finished, so the full extent of the World Government's power was unclear.
If the Sky King Uranus was in their hands, the Mystery Hatchery House couldn't act recklessly, not knowing what it entailed.
The strength of Imu, the Five Elders, and the Knights of God was also unknown.
On the other hand—
The sea couldn't withstand the chaos of losing the World Government yet.
A supreme force needed to dominate the sea, more precisely, to suppress those ambitious figures.
Without the World Government, and before the Mystery Hatchery House could grow, the world would turn into a hellish place.
(End of Chapter)
Status de energia semanal
200+ Ranking de
Poder 
54 Pedra de
Poder Você também pode gostar
Comentário de parágrafo