As the Straw Hats entered Water 7, their excitement was palpable. The city, a marvel of aquatic architecture, grew larger as the Merry approached its docking point. Luffy's enthusiasm couldn't be contained, while Nami diligently organized their tasks: exchanging the gold, finding a carpenter, and finally getting the Merry repaired.
Amidst the camaraderie and task planning, Usopp seemed a little off, his melancholy noticed by Luffy and Sanji. Lucas, atop the mast, continued his lookout role while observing the city's magnificence. "It really is a city of water," he remarked, appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. However, his words went unnoticed as the crew began focusing on their impending docking procedures.
Once they anchored and received instructions from a stranger on where pirates could dock safely, the group's curiosity was piqued. "Strange. It's like this place was built on water," Chopper noted. Robin clarified the city's foundation, explaining the visible pillars as remnants of a sunken island. The crew marveled at this detail, though Usopp remained apprehensive as a friendly but blunt local shouted directions, reinforcing the welcoming yet businesslike vibe of the city.
As tasks were delegated, Lucas volunteered to join Nami, Luffy, and Usopp on their journey to exchange gold. Sanji, meanwhile, raised his eyebrows in curiosity when Chopper revealed Lucas's secret about the gold he had taken from Eneru's ship. Zoro and Sanji processed this newfound information, connecting Lucas's calm demeanor and confidence to this little treasure trove he'd apparently been sitting on.
Luffy's delight in renting Yagara Bulls and riding through the waterways was matched by Lucas's decision to fly and observe from above. Their playful banter and Luffy's antics brought laughter, even as Nami maintained her composure. Upon reaching their destination, Lucas casually revealed his own large sack of gold, sparking shock and amusement.
"You mean you've had this much gold and said nothing about it?" Nami exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the gleaming treasure.
"Long story short, I got it from Eneru's ship," Lucas said matter-of-factly, shrugging. "And besides, you were all mad and stuff that time," he added with a mischievous grin, earning collective exasperation from the group.
The four stepped into the grand yet slightly aged building, their eyes scanning the room as they made their way to the waiting area. The air was filled with the murmur of bustling clerks and the occasional clinking of gold coins being exchanged. The anticipation in the air was palpable, at least for Luffy, whose boundless energy could hardly be contained.
"With this, I bet we'll have even more money!" Luffy exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat like a child waiting for candy.
Lucas, who had casually leaned back with his arms crossed, shrugged. "Honestly, there's not much I need it for. Well, maybe I could get some raw materials, just to stock up."
Usopp, sitting across from Lucas, raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly. "If you don't have any use for money, then why do you like it so much?" he asked, the faintest hint of suspicion in his tone. It wasn't like Lucas to downplay the importance of wealth—especially since he was always quick to argue with Nami over any mention of money.
"It's not like I can help it," Lucas replied with a small huff, throwing his hands up. "I grew up poor, okay? Back then, scraping by was all I knew. Now that I have magic, things are different. If I need something, I can probably make it with magic or use alchemy to gather raw materials. But that doesn't erase how hard it was before. You have no idea how sad it is..." He trailed off dramatically, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead in a theatrical display of despair.
"Wow, your life's going so well now," Usopp remarked, his voice completely deadpan. His unimpressed gaze nearly made Lucas fall over from frustration.
"Whatever! You wouldn't understand," Lucas shot back, turning his head away as if Usopp's words had struck a personal chord.
Before either of them could escalate their playful bickering further, a voice broke through the ambient noise of the room. "Next!"
The receptionist's call drew their attention, and the four of them quickly stood, each carrying a sack of gold in their hands. They followed the receptionist's instructions into a smaller, private room.
The appraiser, with a sly grin, initially tried to lowball them, but Nami, ever the sharp negotiator, wasn't having any of it. She swiftly put him in his place, using her charm and commanding presence. Lucas, with his calm yet slightly mischievous demeanor, backed her up. Together, they managed to push the appraiser to significantly raise the offer, securing a staggering eight hundred and fifty million Beri.
As they exited the building, the sunlight reflecting off the cases of money, Lucas casually reached out, snapping his fingers. The cases disappeared into his dimensional pocket. Luffy, who was practically bursting with excitement, immediately began shouting his plans. "So much money! I want to buy a statue of myself!" he declared, eyes gleaming with dreams of grandeur.
Usopp groaned, shaking his head. "There's no way we're getting a statue of you," he retorted, before pointing to himself with a grin. "There won't be space for it, because we'll already have a statue of me."
Lucas chuckled, adjusting his jacket. "How about we fix up the Merry first?" he interjected, his voice calm yet firm.
"To the shipyard!" Luffy exclaimed, throwing his fist into the air. Without hesitation, he leapt onto the small boat that would take them toward their next destination.
The shipyard was bustling with activity as they arrived. The sound of hammers clanging against metal, the hum of voices from workers negotiating deals, and the sight of enormous ships in various states of repair gave the place an industrious energy. The crew had passed through here before, catching a glimpse of the shipwrights dealing with some unruly pirates.
"I don't know about this. Aren't we supposed to get an appointment before we head in there?" Usopp asked nervously, clutching his bag tightly.
"It's fine, we've got a recommendation letter, remember?" Lucas replied confidently. But as they glanced toward Luffy, their confidence wavered. The ever-impulsive captain was already scaling the fence, his stretchy arms pulling him up with ease.
"Welp, that's our captain," Lucas said with a smirk, shaking his head.
"Haaa! Please don't remind me," Nami muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Hold it, buddy. Only employees are allowed in there!" a voice called out. They turned to see a man in a cap approaching them, his gait confident yet non-threatening.
Lucas grinned mischievously and nudged Usopp. "Usopp, it's your half-brother," he teased.
"What! You have a brother?" Luffy exclaimed, eyes wide with genuine shock.
Usopp's face turned red as he waved his hands frantically. "No, I do not! Don't listen to him, Luffy! He's making it up!" he yelled, glaring daggers at Lucas, who simply chuckled.
The man, unfazed by their antics, adjusted his cap. "I'm Kaku. What can I do for ya?"
Luffy, wasting no time, explained their situation. "We're here to get our ship repaired!"
Kaku nodded thoughtfully. "So that's it, huh? And you even have a recommendation letter from Kokoro," he remarked, glancing at the letter.
"Yeah," Nami added, stepping forward. "Also, do you know who Iceberg is?"
"Of course. Iceberg is the mayor of Water Seven and the president of the Galley-La Company," Kaku explained, his tone casual but respectful.
"Woah, he sounds like a really important person," Usopp said, his awe evident.
"Well, he is, actually," Kaku replied. "Anyway, before we go any further, let me check up on your ship. You want it repaired, right? Where can I find it?"
"It's by the peninsula near—" Lucas started to say.
"Okay, thanks!" Kaku interrupted, already taking off at an impressive speed, leaving the crew to watch in amazement as he dashed away.
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