บท 127: The City of Water: Arrival at Water 7

The journey after the clash with Aokiji had left the crew with some bruises, but nothing the Straw Hats couldn't handle. The crew recuperated and, after a few days, was back to full strength and ready to set sail once more. Luffy, eager to continue their adventure, took the helm as they resumed their voyage, hoping for a bit of normality after their intense encounter.

"Follow that frog!" Luffy bellowed suddenly, pointing at a massive frog in the water performing an oddly synchronized swim. The crew recognized the creature as Yokozuna, a giant frog known for swimming recklessly across the seas. As they veered towards it, the crew suddenly spotted something else—an enormous sea train barreling toward them on a track cutting through the waves.

"Turn!" Nami shouted, yanking on the wheel to narrowly dodge a collision. The crew watched in awe as the train sped past, steam billowing from its engine.

As they neared a station to investigate, they encountered Kokoro, an elderly woman with a slightly sloshed look about her, and her granddaughter, Chimney, who happily hopped around with her pet rabbit, Gonbe.

"That sea train's called the Puffing Tom," Kokoro said, gesturing to the tracks cutting through the ocean. "It connects the islands here, including the city of Water 7, where you'll find the best shipwrights around. If it's repairs you need, you'll want to see Iceburg."

While Kokoro shared details about Water 7, Raja crouched down to play with Chimney and Gonbe. He handed Chimney a bar of chocolate, which she eagerly accepted, and then handed Gonbe a small vial of medicine he'd been working on since his time in the Demon Slayer world.

"This'll do more than give Gonbe a voice," Raja explained with a grin. "It'll give him strength and a longer life, too!"

Chimney and Kokoro looked on in awe as Gonbe, after taking a dose, started speaking in a squeaky yet delighted voice. "Thanks, Raja!" Gonbe exclaimed, hopping around happily as Raja chuckled.

Upon reaching Water 7, the Straw Hats were amazed by its beauty. The city was woven with canals, bustling with gondolas, and filled with glistening fountains. They navigated the waterways, searching for a place to dock, while taking in the sights of this unique city.

Luffy, Usopp, and Nami decided to exchange some of the gold they had from Skypiea for Beli. Robin and Chopper split off to explore the city, and Zoro opted to stay behind to keep an eye on the ship.

As Robin and Chopper strolled through the lively streets, Robin felt a strange presence. A man with a mask on his face walked by her and simply whispered, "CP9," before vanishing into the crowd. Startled, Robin's eyes narrowed, and she disappeared into the city, leaving Chopper looking around, confused.

Back on the ship, Zoro found himself facing a group of local bounty hunters who'd heard of the Straw Hats' bounties. With minimal effort, he dispatched them, barely breaking a sweat.

Meanwhile, Luffy, Nami, and Usopp arrived at the Galley-La Company, a prestigious shipbuilding enterprise. They met Kaku, a tall and energetic shipwright, who wasted no time inspecting the Going Merry. After his assessment, he explained, "Your keel is sturdy, and there's no major damage. Mayor Iceburg and the crew here can make her as good as new if the ship's size fits the work."

Relieved, the trio eagerly awaited the potential repairs, unaware of the new trouble brewing nearby.

Their joy was short-lived. As they were about to celebrate the good news, a gang calling themselves the Franky Family—a ragtag group of dismantlers and thieves led by a notorious figure named Franky—swooped in. After a quick scuffle, the Franky Family made off with their newly acquired Beli. The crew was left empty-handed, and a deep frustration grew among them.

Sanji and Chopper continued their search for Robin in the bustling streets, worried about her sudden disappearance. Meanwhile, Usopp found himself separated from the group and encountered the Franky Family again. They easily overpowered him, taking the rest of the Beli he'd managed to hold onto.

The crew regrouped at the docks, deflated and furious over the theft. The empty suitcases confirmed the worst: every last Beli they had exchanged was gone.

They were ready to go to any lengths to get their ship back in shape, but they still had to recover the stolen money to fund the upgrades. Driven by anger and determination, Luffy and the rest of the crew set out to find the Franky Family and get back what was rightfully theirs.

As they ventured toward the Franky Family's hideout, Nami returned to the ship and found Usopp. She comforted him, explaining the situation to the rest of the crew, who were equally enraged. When they finally reached the Franky House—the headquarters of the notorious family—the scene they encountered was nothing short of shocking.

Raja had arrived at the hideout ahead of the crew. Franky, with his pompadour and brash mannerisms, was presenting the stolen Beli to his gang. When Raja stormed in, demanding the money back, the family attacked him immediately.

With a look of pure resolve, Raja activated his King's Haki, and the Franky Family members fell one by one, subdued by his overwhelming presence. He stood calmly amidst the chaos, waiting for Luffy and the rest of the crew to arrive.

When Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper finally arrived, they were greeted by a room filled with fallen enemies. Raja looked at Franky, who was still standing, albeit with a wary look in his eye.

Raja asked Franky bluntly, "Why did you steal our money?"

Franky hesitated for a moment before confessing. "I needed it to buy wood from the legendary Adam Tree. It's the strongest and rarest wood in the world," he admitted, a spark of ambition in his eyes. "It's nearly impossible to find, and when it is, it sells at an insane price on the black market. With it, I could build a ship that could withstand any sea!"

The crew exchanged glances. Luffy's expression softened as he listened to Franky's words, sensing the genuine passion behind them.

Raja turned to Luffy and made a suggestion. "Luffy, if Franky is so skilled and has such a vision, why not let him be the one to upgrade the Going Merry? He can use the Adam Tree wood to make it even stronger. Besides," Raja added with a sly grin, "he's a cyborg, so he's got the skills to match."

Luffy and Chopper's eyes widened with excitement at the word "cyborg," stars practically sparkling in their eyes.

"A cyborg? That's so cool!" Chopper exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet.

Luffy grinned ear-to-ear, already imagining the possibilities. "Franky, you're going to upgrade our ship!" he declared with confidence.

Franky, slightly taken aback, looked at Luffy in surprise before nodding slowly. "Alright, I'll help you. But the wood isn't cheap. Adam's wood is as precious as it is durable."

Raja smirked with a wave hand he unload a ton of Gold from inventory, Franky and his crew jaws its the floor " I want all the Treasure Wood and your best work in upgrading Merry."

As the sun began to set over the canal city of Water 7, the crew gathered back at the Galley-La Company. Iceburg and his shipwrights were informed about the plan, and even they were impressed with the idea of using Adam's wood to upgrade the Going Merry.

With their newfound ally Franky and the crew's unshakable determination, the Straw Hats were ready to make their ship stronger than ever. The promise of adventure ahead was more tangible now, with a ship that could take them through anything.

Their first step in Water 7 had been rocky, but with their spirits high and new allies by their side, the crew felt the thrill of adventure, ready for whatever lay ahead.