Ryuya looked at Ace, then turned to Tom, "Mr. Tom, a deal?"
"A deal?"
"Yes. This is the Pirate King's son. He feels guilty for the trouble he's caused you."
Ryuya paused, "He's my subordinate. I'm responsible. I'll ensure you're safe from the Navy, and I'll protect Water 7 in times of crisis. What do you say?"
Tom was stunned.
He heard "Pirate King's son"!
He couldn't believe it!
Gol D. Roger had a child!
This would cause a huge uproar!
The Pirate King's son was Zero's subordinate!
Unheard of!
Tom fell into thought.
Ryuya's offer was tempting!
He was tired of the Navy's pressure!
He wanted to research peacefully.
In Water 7! His homeland!
Tom laughed, "Since you've offered, I agree. But if the Navy catches me while building the ship, don't blame me."
"They won't."
Ryuya waved his hand, and Adam Wood appeared before Tom.
"Unlimited budget. I want a ship surpassing Roger's."
Ryuya looked at Ace.
"I want Ace to command this ship!"
Ace was shocked.
He understood Ryuya's meaning.
Ryuya believed he could surpass his father!
This was unprecedented recognition!
"Boss, I won't disappoint you!"
Ace said, "Boss, let Weevil and I wait here for the ship's completion!"
"As you wish."
Watching Ryuya leave, Ace realized Ryuya, though strict and unpredictable,
was good to his subordinates!
Ace vowed to support Ryuya.
Leaving the shipyard, Ryuya strolled around, seeking Water 7's famous water meat.
But he sensed someone following him.
Robin said, "Don't turn around. We're being followed."
Robin's awakened Devil Fruit allowed her to sense this.
She was cautious, constantly spreading her abilities around her.
She had noticed Lucci's group.
"Ignore them. They're observing, not attacking!"
Ryuya, as White Dove, knew Sengoku's plan.
They walked towards a water meat stall.
They smelled the sweet aroma.
It was delicious!
Not at all cloying.
Lucci and his group followed from afar.
Lucci, with his sharp eyesight, saw they were going to eat water meat.
They would open their mouths!
Lucci took out a photo Den Den Mushi.
But as Lucci was about to take a picture, Ryuya stopped.
His ability to communicate with all things let him hear someone calling him from the sea.
It was the Sea King he had easily subdued in Fish-Man Island's deep sea.
"I need to leave for a moment. Wait here."
The women stopped. Ryuya floated away, like a silent ghost.
He disappeared from sight.
Lucci was shocked!
He had never failed a mission.
Then, Lucci noticed.
A familiar figure followed Zero.
It was Kalifa!
Seeing Kalifa follow, Lucci felt uneasy.
Floating quickly through the island, Ryuya sensed Kalifa.
But his current identity couldn't be revealed.
He didn't want Kalifa to discover what would happen next.
He stopped, turning to the empty street, and said lightly.
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