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A few days later, in the first half of the Grand Line, the group arrived at the City of Water, Water 7.
"You can see the massive shipyard even from a distance. Is this the largest shipbuilding island in the world?" Yamato exclaimed as the sea train carried the group closer to the bustling island.
While it couldn't compare to the mythical flying islands of legend, the sight of Water 7 was still captivating. Nami and the others couldn't help but be drawn in by the island's unique charm.
The addition of the sea train had elevated the city's prosperity to a new level, making it one of the world's most prominent trade hubs.
"There must be tons of unique clothes here!" Nami said excitedly, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the lively city. While her main purpose was to gather maps, weather data, and other crucial information, she was always on the lookout for new outfits to add to her collection.
Even Alex complimented her on her style.
Carina, donning sunglasses and a mask to conceal her identity, nodded knowingly. "Thanks to the sea train, there are boutiques from all over the world here. The outfit I gave you last time? I found it in one of the shops here."
As a famous singer frequently on tour, Carina often visited cities like Water 7. She had a sharp eye for high-end fashion.
"Still, this place is most renowned for its shipbuilding industry," Law interjected, glancing at the women's animated discussion. He couldn't help but sigh.
"Big brother, you just don't get girls," Lami teased, shooting Law a look of mock disdain. Her comment left him visibly taken aback; his sister's sass was always a bit of a shock.
Pudding added fuel to the fire with a sly smile. "Honestly, you guys will never understand a woman's mind better than Lord Alex."
Her remark left Law silent.
Kuina chuckled and addressed the group. "Let's split into two teams. That'll make things more efficient."
Their mission this time was straightforward: retrieve the Pluton blueprints. According to intel from the Shadow Guard, the designs were currently in the possession of a low-level gang leader. Someone like that wouldn't pose much of a threat—even Lami, Pudding, and Nojiko, the weakest among the group, could handle them easily.
"No need," Nami replied confidently. "We can deal with them all at once. It'll be more fun to stick together anyway."
"More like you want us to carry your shopping bags," Page One grumbled, seeing through her ploy.
Nami didn't bother denying it, flashing a cheeky smile instead. Her enthusiasm had already swayed the others, leaving Page One and the rest with little choice but to go along.
With detailed intel from the Shadow Guard, they wasted no time. Once in Water 7, the group made their way directly to Franky's hideout near the coast's scrapyard. However, upon arrival, it was clear someone had beaten them to it.
The area outside was littered with unconscious members of the Franky Family, clearly roughed up in a brawl.
"Looks like someone's already made a move," Zoro remarked, eyeing the defeated gang members scattered across the ground. Turning his gaze towards the hideout, he sensed the presence of five individuals inside.
Without hesitation, the group stepped into Franky's hideout. Inside, the Straw Hat Crew turned toward the sound of footsteps.
Sanji's eyes widened the moment he saw the newcomers. He immediately ignored Zoro, Law, and Page One, his gaze locking onto the women in the group.
His heart practically exploded as he took in the sight: elegant and poised ladies, gothic beauties, and youthful charm—all gathered before him.
"Wow!!! Such gorgeous ladies!!!"
Overwhelmed by their beauty, Sanji couldn't even manage to introduce himself. His nose began to bleed, and his eyes turned to hearts before he collapsed to the ground in a dramatic heap.
"Hey, Sanji, are you alright?" Chopper hurried to Sanji's side, waving his hooves in a panic to check on him.
As if jolted awake by Chopper's frantic actions, Sanji groaned and sat up, only for an even deeper sense of despair to settle over him.
It hit him like a thunderbolt: their crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, was entirely male—not a single beautiful lady among them!
Covering his face in agony, Sanji muttered, "I'm fine... It's just... I'm struggling to accept this cruel reality."
Luffy, noticing the situation, clenched his fists in irritation. His lingering frustration from Usopp's earlier conflict mixed with his protective instincts. "Damn it! Another group of guys bullying my crew!" he shouted, glaring at Yamato's group.
"That's not what's happening at all!" Usopp and Chopper shouted in unison, exasperated by Luffy's snap judgment.
Meanwhile, Enel's attention turned to Yamato and her group. His tone sharp and dismissive, he asked, "And who are you supposed to be?" His hostility was palpable, though even he couldn't explain the strange unease he felt when looking at Yamato.
"Hey! Show some respect to these gorgeous ladies, you long-eared jerk!" Sanji, still reeling from his earlier emotional breakdown, sprang to his feet. With a theatrical flourish, he rushed toward Lami and the others. Dropping to one knee, he performed an exaggerated knightly bow.
"My lovely ladies, I am Sanji, chef of the Straw Hat Pirates, and—"
Bang!
Before Sanji could finish his declaration, Ulti stepped forward and smacked him aside with a single powerful blow. He went flying, crashing into a nearby pile of debris. The sheer force left him momentarily stunned.
"I don't care who you are," Ulti snapped, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room. "I just want to know one thing—who here is Franky?"
The rest of the Straw Hats instinctively turned toward Franky, who stood behind Luffy. Even Sanji, dragging himself to his feet, could only glare jealously at the self-proclaimed "pervert."
"Uncle Pervert, that's you, isn't it?" Ulti demanded, pointing a finger at Franky.
Far from offended, Franky puffed out his chest with pride. "That's right! You've got good taste, recognizing me as the great Franky!"
"So, you're the one with the Pluton blueprints."
This wasn't a secret mission, so she didn't bother hiding her intentions.
Franky's confident grin faltered as her words registered. His eyes narrowed. "How do you know about that?!" he barked, his tone now edged with suspicion. The only person who should know about the blueprints was his mentor, Iceburg. If Ulti knew, it could only mean one thing—Iceburg might be in danger.
"Are you with the World Government?!" Franky accused, raising his mechanical arm. His hand transformed into a cannon as he aimed it at Yamato's group. "If you are, forget it! I'd rather die than hand them over!"
Before Franky could fire, the air shifted with startling intensity. A blur of motion shot past the Straw Hats, and in the blink of an eye, Ulti closed the distance between herself and Franky.
The shock was evident on Franky's face—he hadn't even had time to react before Ulti's fist connected with his chest.
The impact sent shockwaves through the room, leaving the Straw Hats frozen in shock. Even Sanji, still recovering from his earlier antics, dropped his usual infatuation as the severity of the situation set in.