Chapter 102: Kalifa's Lace Edging
A large square gate bore a massive '1', indicating this was Dock One.
But the gate stood solitarily on the ground, flanked only by low wooden fences. The construction site within was clearly visible to outsiders.
Thick logs were piled up like mountains. Workers, shirtless and revealing lean, strong physiques, moved back and forth.
Some carried large saws, cutting wood; others swung large hammers, forging iron; still others pushed carts, transporting building materials.
The man who had just called out to stop them was a duckbill-capped man who had been sawing wood.
"Sorry about that, but unauthorized personnel are not allowed inside."
Kaku walked forward, speaking to Luffy from across the fence.
Luffy looked bewildered, staring at Kaku's long nose for a moment before saying, "Usopp? Why won't you let me in?"
"I'm over here, idiot!!"
Hearing the loud shout from behind him, Luffy turned to glance at Usopp.
"Ah!" Luffy paused, stunned, then pointed at Kaku and exclaimed, "Usopp! Is he your relative!?"
"Relative your ass!!"
Usopp couldn't help but grimace and yell, "And stop staring at my nose!"
"Hahaha! This is amazing! Your nose is just like Usopp's!"
Luffy grinned at Kaku, then pointed towards another group of people on the other side. "But why are they allowed in?"
"."
Black lines formed over Kaku's head. He followed Luffy's gaze and saw a group of pirates in a standoff with Paulie.
"Oh, them. They commissioned us to repair their ship a few days ago. Probably here to pay today."
"We're also here for ship repairs."
Nami reached into her 'storage space', took out an envelope, and handed it over. "And this... it's a letter of introduction a granny gave us."
"I see. Let me take a look."
Kaku accepted the envelope, glanced at the writing on the outside, then looked up. "Ah, it's from Granny Kokoro at the sea station, addressed to Mr. Iceburg."
"Since that's the case, you can come in and look around first. Mr. Iceburg will be here later anyway."
Kaku led the group into the construction site, explaining information about Iceburg as they walked. Only then did they realize how high Iceburg's status was here.
They passed by a massive ship hull whose main structure had just been completed. On the scaffolding outside, a group of shipwrights stood or squatted, hammering and nailing down wooden planks.
On the other side, a ship whose repairs were already finished had just had its scaffolding dismantled and was being prepared to be pushed into a giant waterway nearby.
Water 7's highest point featured a giant fountain, from which water diverged into seven main river channels.
The next level down was here – the shipyards and Central Street where they had just exchanged their gold.
And the Galley-La Company's seven docks were each established at the source of these river channels.
Completed ships could sail directly down from here, passing through the lower levels – the outermost grand sluice gates of Water 7 – and into the ocean.
However, at this moment, the ship about to be pushed into the waterway had stopped again. An argument seemed to have broken out below.
"What's the meaning of this? You're trying to skip out on the payment, is that it?"
"Hey, wait a minute! That's not what we meant!"
The confrontation involved a group of pirates – the same ones Reiner and the others had seen before entering. Their leader was a sturdy man in a black overcoat.
And the man this pirate leader was facing off against wore goggles, a blue denim jacket, his blond hair slicked back, a cigar clamped in his mouth.
He was one of Dock One's five foremen, Paulie.
"The price was agreed upon from the start! Now that the ship is fixed, you're telling me you can't pay?"
Paulie stared coldly at the pirate leader before him. "Do you have any idea that I was planning to use the wages from this job to pay off my gambling debts!?"
"No, no, no! Not at all!"
The pirate leader, Zono, waved his hands awkwardly. He wasn't here to cause trouble, quickly explaining:
"It's mainly that expenses have been too high these past few days... I accidentally spent the money for the final payment... We're just asking to owe it for a bit, not that we won't pay!"
Seeing the other's cold expression remain unchanged, Zono hurriedly added, "Can't we just rob some other pirates and then come back to pay!?"
"Then come get your ship when you have the money."
Paulie waved his hand, signaling the shipwrights to pull the ship back, then spoke in a low voice, cigar clenched between his teeth:
"One week. If you can't produce the money, we'll sell your ship. We don't have that much space here to store your vessel."
"Hey! Don't push it, you bastard!"
One of the pirate subordinates strode forward, viciously drawing his sword and pointing it at Paulie, roaring:
"Our Captain, 'Flying Fox' Zono, is a great pirate with a bounty close to 100 million! You're just a mere shipwright! Don't be ungrateful when given face!"
"What? Meaning you intend to pay your debt with your heads?"
Paulie remained completely unintimidated, looking mockingly at the pirate. From behind him, dozens of shipwrights swarmed forward, grabbing tools and weapons.
"Almost 100 million Beri, huh?"
"Even if the foremen ganged up, it would take some effort."
"This would be much more profitable than repairing their ship."
The shipwrights chimed in one after another, a fervent glint in their eyes, like a pack of wolves staring at lambs waiting to be slaughtered.
The few pirates felt their hearts panic. Although they had heard rumors these past few days that the foremen here were strong, they hadn't expected their aura to be this intimidating.
"Wait, you idiot!"
Slap!
Zono slapped the back of the head of the pirate who had just made the threat, then grinned.
"Fine! One week is enough! Take good care of our ship! Let's go, boys! Time to go rob some money!"
With that, Zono called his few subordinates and left. Their ship was also pushed into a corner and stored away.
Reiner glanced at their pirate flag above – a white skull with two pointed ears and wings on its sides, looking entirely like a bat.
"That's the Flying Bat Pirates."
Nami looked at the departing pirates. "When we came down from Sky Island earlier, there was a bounty poster for him in the newspaper. Ninety-three million Beri."
"Is that so? Feels a bit low."
Reiner stated coolly. Frieren's Observation Haki had scanned everyone; all noteworthy individuals here were within her perception.
Excluding their Straw Hat Pirates, this Zono's strength ranked second here.
"Mayor Iceburg."
"Mr. Iceburg, good day."
A man in a red-orange striped shirt walked into the shipyard, well-dressed, his blue hair slicked back to one side.
Everyone he passed greeted him. Iceburg, with a serious expression, nodded and waved back. Behind him followed a beautiful secretary with wavy blonde hair, dressed in OL attire.
Kalifa wore a yellow shirt, its collar wide open, two snow-white mounds threatening to burst free.
Below, she wore black high heels, revealing long, slender, fair, and tender legs, up to the secret place concealed by a black miniskirt.
Her sexy attire invited endless imagination.
"Mr. Iceburg, you're just in time."
Kaku, seeing him arrive, walked up, handed over the letter, and gestured towards Reiner and the others, saying to Iceburg:
"They came with a letter of introduction from Granny Kokoro. They want to ask us to repair their ship."
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Iceburg's expression was placid. He took the envelope, tore it open, glanced at it. "Utterly artless handwriting... and this disgusting lipstick mark... Yes, it's definitely hers."
After speaking, Iceburg tore the letter of introduction into smithereens, dropped them, and even stomped on them disdainfully.
"Hey! What are you doing!?"
"Bastard!"
"Why did you tear up the letter!?" Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper grimaced and yelled angrily at him.
To this, Iceburg just clapped his hands and said coolly, "Don't worry. She and I are old acquaintances. I understand your situation."
However, just then, a golden-haired figure rushed forward from behind Iceburg.
Kalifa's expression was icy as she pushed off the ground with her toes, leaping towards the group. "You are too rude!"
Reiner, seeing Kalifa kicking towards them, reacted instantly.
This speed... is far too slow in Reiner's eyes, not much faster than an ordinary person. Is she trying to hide her identity? Since that's the case...
Slap!
Reiner lightly raised his hand and caught Kalifa's ankle. The high heel stopped right before his face, the movement bringing a light breeze that ruffled his golden hair.
"Wearing a miniskirt isn't very suitable for kicking, you know."
Reiner chuckled, holding Kalifa's raised leg, his gaze traveling up her fair skin, taking in the full view under her skirt.
"Black lace edging... and openwork too. Miss Secretary has excellent taste."
Hearing this, Kalifa's face instantly flushed with shame and anger. She tried to pull her leg free but found her strength completely insufficient.
Being held in this position, even Kalifa couldn't help but feel ashamed. More importantly!
This man is too shameless! Just staring directly like that!
"Bastard!"
Kalifa gritted her teeth, subconsciously about to use Rankyaku, but then suddenly froze, shocked – she had almost lost control and revealed her strength!
However, before Kalifa could make a move, a powerful fist flew over, directly sending the golden-haired man before her flying.
BANG!!
Reiner crashed heavily into a wall, getting embedded headfirst, only his two legs left dangling motionless outside as dust billowed up.
"Um... sorry about that," Nami chuckled awkwardly. "He's just... a bit sensitive to others' attacks. No ill intent, haha."
"Somehow, I feel your ill intent is more terrifying."
Iceburg glanced with lingering fear at the golden-haired man, now completely motionless within the smoke cloud, then looked back at Nami, his heart still pounding.
He turned to Kalifa. "Do you have their files?"
"Yes."
Kalifa replied coolly, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear with her fingertips. She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and began flipping through a stack of documents in her hand.
"Straw Hat Pirates. Originated from East Blue. Currently eight members. Three have bounties over 100 million. Total bounty: 405.5 million Beri!"
This total bounty... even Kalifa and Kaku beside her couldn't help but be moved.
They had only just passed the halfway point of the Grand Line, yet already possessed three Supernova-level crew members.
If not for their mission, they would have wanted to attack directly themselves.
"Sounds quite impressive."
A white mouse peeked its head out from Iceburg's breast pocket. He reached out a finger, gently tapping its head, then looked at Kaku.
"Back to business. Kaku, go take a look at their ship, then come back to discuss the price."
"Since it's Granny Kokoro who introduced them... let's charge them double."
"What the hell!!?"
Nami immediately grimaced and yelled, "What's the point of this stupid letter of introduction then!?"
No discount, and now an extra charge!!?
All she gave was one letter and one map, and one is more useless than the other!
"Next time I see her! I'm definitely going to kill that old hag!"
Nami was practically burning with rage. In everyone's eyes, she looked like a demon right now.
Soon, they decided to go back to the Going Merry with Kaku. Originally, Kaku had planned to go alone as it would be faster.
But Nami happened to remember Reiner had means of flight; carrying them back and forth would also be quick, and they could also conveniently put the pile of cash back on the ship.
Usopp and Luffy went to the wall, each grabbing one of Reiner's legs, and pulled with all their might, like pulling up a radish!
Bo—!
"Phew—"
Reiner stood up, letting out a long breath, and patted the dust off his clothes. "Still alive, hahaha."
"How do you manage to never learn your lesson every single time?"
Usopp fanned his hand speechlessly. "Are you practicing in advance for your future life?"
"Mah~ You wouldn't understand, Usopp."
Reiner looked at him with a cunning smile. "If you yield too easily, you'll never be able to turn things around later. The more you're oppressed, the more you must resist. Eventually, she'll learn that leaving me alone means peace and quiet."
"Sō desu ne~~" (Is that so~~) Usopp's eyes widened, an expression of understanding dawning on his face.
"Wouldn't quite recommend you learn this though, Usopp."
Reiner patted his shoulder. "Your strength isn't there yet. I'm afraid you're too weak and might get beaten to death easily."
"What kind of talk is that! What kind of talk is that!" Usopp yelled protestingly!
Soon, the group was ready and prepared to head back to the Going Merry.
"Since that's the case, let's go then," Kaku said, then directly leaped down towards the lower level.
In mid-air, his entire body, limbs outstretched, floated with the wind, gliding towards the outskirts of the city.
"Woohoo! So cool!"
Luffy excitedly ran forward, stretched his arms out to grab two iron bars, and launched himself like a rocket. "Here I come too!"
"What an idiot. What's so fun about that anyway?"
Nami facepalmed, completely unable to understand Luffy's way of thinking. "Let's go too. Reiner, undead."
"Mm. Got it."
Reiner summoned the hawk undead from an unnoticed corner and said coolly, "Be more careful next time. Don't expose my abilities."
"Ah! Right! Sorry, sorry."
"It's fine. Let's go."
Reiner jumped onto the hawk. Before leaving, he noticed several hoodlums had snuck in, apparently eyeing the large amount of cash they had.
So, he had Frieren put on a show, deliberately letting them "steal" two boxes of money. Reiner recognized their attire – members of the Franky Family.
Let them go buy the Adam Wood, Reiner thought secretly. Saves me the trouble.
The group mounted the hawk undead, catching up with Kaku and Luffy, who were continuously leaping between rooftops.
"You two really are like monkeys," Reiner couldn't help commenting, watching the two agilely jumping below.
"Yours is pretty cool!"
Kaku, while navigating between buildings, looked up and praised Reiner's hawk, simultaneously probing, "Is that a pet? Are you a Devil Fruit user?"
"No. I'm not. Don't talk nonsense."
Reiner shook his head, patting the hawk beneath him. "This is a pet I tamed. We have another mascot on our ship too."
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Kaku nodded with a smile, beginning to ponder. Seems like it matches the intel. The Straw Hat crew only has three noteworthy individuals, and there's also a swordsman who seems quite strong.
Regarding Nico Robin... Blueno should have made contact with her by now. Wonder how that's going.
That's right!
From the moment the Straw Hat crew set foot in Water 7, they had already entered their sights.
After all, this island... was crawling with World Government intelligence agents!
(End of this chapter)
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