Luo Lan was stunned.
But after thinking it through, his requirements were actually pretty simple:
The ship just needed to be big enough, have enough space inside, and be able to move.
Speed didn't matter—he didn't even need sails.
Just attach a few auxiliary wheels. After all, Rhodes Island was only three nautical miles away from the Calm Belt. He wasn't planning to go anywhere else.
Even if it moved at just 1 knot, that was acceptable.
With that in mind…
The shipyard had over 200 workers.
In a day…
It might actually be doable.
After all, in the original story, two people built a super-complex ship—complete with interior decoration—in just three days.
Compared to that, his requirements were absurdly simple.
---
"Captain, there's only one issue left!"
"What's that?"
"We... don't have any materials!!"
Uh...
Luo Lan suddenly realized.
Right.
How do you build a ship that big with nothing to build it from?
"What about the forest on the island? Can we use that wood?"
"No can do—especially not for the keel. If we use local timber from Rhodes Island, it won't have the necessary strength or flexibility. Forcing it would drastically shorten the ship's lifespan and make it incapable of withstanding harsh sea conditions."
Luo Lan sighed lightly.
This was…
Troublesome.
But soon, a new thought crossed his mind.
"Kairo, when you say it affects lifespan, how much exactly are we talking about?"
"Hmm... even if it only sails in calm conditions, at most it'd last a year."
A year?
Did he need the ship to last a year?
Nope.
He only needed it to get into the Calm Belt and hunt Sea Kings. Then haul their flesh back.
Besides, his port had a self-repair trait:
+1% durability recovery per day.
In other words, as long as the ship didn't sink on its first trip, it essentially had infinite lifespan, right?
And harsh conditions?
He was only three nautical miles from the Calm Belt, and inside it, there was no wind—no rough waves either.
So really…
There was no problem.
"Kairo, just use the island's trees. Pick the best ones and get to work immediately!"
"As for future needs, I'll figure something out."
With that, all issues were resolved.
Luo Lan felt a heavy burden lift from his chest and gave the order.
"Yes, Captain!"
---
For now, it was fine to use this approach for less important ships.
But the shipyard would eventually need to produce warships.
Forget about Luo Lan's dream of steel battleships—even standard navy warships in this world couldn't be built without quality materials.
The worst part?
This world was ridiculous.
All the best resources—wood, ore, whatever—were concentrated in the Grand Line.
The Four Blues had nothing.
And asking Aunt Tsuru for help?
Not realistic.
The volume required was too massive—and would only increase over time.
So how to solve it?
Maybe…
That guy could help.
Luo Lan pondered for a long time before finally making up his mind.
Up until now, he'd been relying on the black market to buy materials—but barely enough for current use.
If he wanted to start large-scale shipbuilding or acquire higher-grade materials…
The old sneaky black market method just wouldn't cut it anymore.
In the end, there was only one real option:
Partner with that person.
---
One day later.
On a deserted island somewhere in the East Blue…
A familiar scene unfolded.
A news coo flying overhead was suddenly caught in a giant net launched from the ground.
Before it could even cry for help, it was knocked unconscious.
When it woke up, the net was gone.
All that remained was a single letter on the ground.
The envelope read:
"To: Morgans — Private."
The news coo didn't dare delay. It immediately took off.
It had heard stories—just two months ago, another bird in the East Blue selling newspapers went through the exact same thing…
And was later rewarded by President Morgans himself.
Could this be its lucky break?
Its wings flapped furiously, flying so fast they nearly caught fire.
All it could think of was getting back a second faster.
---
Half a day later, the letter reached Morgans' hands.
The handwriting was instantly recognizable.
He smiled, rewarding the news coo on the spot before opening the letter.
"A direct meeting?"
"How interesting… Very interesting indeed. Let's see who you really are!"
---
Two days later.
The Sword and Forge Workshop
—was complete.
It wasn't a large building, only took three days to construct.
Once the construction order for the Naval Design Bureau had been issued, Loran immediately began drawing for building traits.
His luck this time?
Excellent.
No need to refresh—it was a perfect roll on the first try.
[Building Trait 1: Product Compatibility +50%]
[Building Trait 2: Product Quality +80%]
The first trait meant any sword forged here would have 50% better user compatibility.
The second was a simple, straight boost to quality.
Aside from traits, Luo Lan also spent over 10,000 points hiring:
1 A-rank blacksmith
3 B-rank blacksmiths
20 apprentice-level smiths
He couldn't help but sigh.
Points really did burn fast.
At this rate, he might have to go back to "borrowing" from Nami again.
Her vault still had nearly a billion Berries sitting there.
"Satou, what kind of swords can you forge right now?"
Luo Lan asked the newly recruited A-rank smith.
"With the materials currently in stock, we can only make standard-grade weapons. If we want famed blades or anything higher… we'll need better materials."
Back to the material issue again.
Luo Lan was starting to get a headache.
Still, the meeting with Morgans was tomorrow.
Hopefully, that conversation would yield a solution.
"All right then. Satou, have your team start forging standard sabers. Make sure every frontline marine has one."
"As for better materials... I'll handle that soon."
"Yes, Captain!"
With that, Satou got to work, the forge coming alive with the heat of flames and ringing of hammers.
---
That night.
The Danaan returned to Rhodes Island.
As soon as Smoker stepped off the ship, he began grumbling.
He had just arrived in the South Blue—hadn't even started anything—when Luo Lan summoned him back with a single call.
"All right, enough complaining," Luo Lan said.
"I'm heading to the Grand Line. And I need to leave tomorrow."
"Only the Danaan can manage this trip."
"When I return, you can go back to your mission."
Ignoring Smoker's endless cursing, Luo Lan walked straight into the Danaan.
A few minutes later—
The ship that had just docked…
Set sail once more.
---
A/N: If you want an early updates, you can visit my Ko-Fi as I update there much early.
Currently at Chapter 78 for free chapters on my Ko-Fi and at Chapter 280 for advance chapters.
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27