One Piece: Getting Stronger by Writing a Diary

For Conis and Raki, being chosen by Arton to participate in the next operation was an enormous honor.

There was even a chance that something might happen between them and Arton during the mission.

With such a wonderful opportunity before them, how could Conis and Raki possibly refuse?

Although Nami, Carina, and the others said nothing aloud, both women knew they were extremely envious of them.

Still, just as Arton had said, there was nothing they could do about it.

Nami and Carina both had bounties on their heads, while Hina was a familiar face within the Marines.

If they appeared before Marines or World Government personnel now, there was a high chance they would be recognized.

That would work against Arton's plans.

As for Carina and Raki, very few people who possessed voyage diary copies could recognize them.

Allowing them to act would therefore greatly increase the chances of the next phase succeeding.

"In any case, let's get moving."

"We're going to meet Mayor Iceburg."

"Kalifa happens to be away from his side right now."

Arton withdrew his hands from Carina and Raki's embrace, then placed them around their waists and led them into Water 7.

As for the pirate ship, Arton felt completely at ease leaving Nami, Carina, and the others to watch over it.

Both Carina and Raki came from Sky Islands, so Water 7's scenery naturally fascinated them.

When they finally saw a blue-haired man wearing nothing but a pair of briefs, both initially assumed this was simply one of Water 7's local customs.

"Um... that isn't a local custom. That guy is just unusually shameless."

Arton shook his head and explained to Conis and Raki while looking at Franky in the distance.

"I see. So that person is simply unusually shameless."

Conis nodded.

"Look closely. The people around him are calling him a pervert too."

Raki glanced around at the nearby crowd and nodded.

"Hm? Is someone praising me?"

Hearing Arton and the others, Franky strode over to them.

"We weren't praising you."

Raki shook her head.

"No, I clearly heard you call me a pervert."

"That's the highest praise imaginable..."

Franky exclaimed excitedly.

"You're right, Captain. This guy really is a pervert."

Raki looked at Arton as she spoke.

Because they needed to conceal their identities, Raki did not directly call Arton by name this time.

Even so, merely hearing the word "captain" made Franky somewhat suspicious.

"Captain?" Franky stared at Arton behind his sunglasses. "You wouldn't happen to be the captain of some pirate crew, would you?"

"Come to think of it, you do look rather familiar. I feel like I've seen your face somewhere before."

"Where could that have been?"

Franky rubbed his chin and sank into thought.

"Take your time thinking. I still have business to handle, so I won't keep you company."

Arton had no intention of becoming entangled with Franky.

Franky was indeed a skilled shipwright, but the ship Arton currently wanted to build was a dismantling ship. He had no intention of asking Franky to construct it.

Compared with Franky, Arton felt that Iceburg, who was more mature and dependable, was the safer choice.

Iceburg's examination and approval procedures were far more complete than Franky's as well.

...

"Wait! I remember who you are!"

Franky suddenly shouted and quickly blocked Arton's path.

"What is it? Is there something else?"

Arton raised an eyebrow and looked at the man before him.

"I should be asking you that. Why have you come to Water 7?"

Franky stared at him solemnly.

Arton's reputation was simply too notorious.

Even a ruffian like Franky could not ignore it.

What Arton intended to do in Water 7 should have had nothing to do with him.

However, the mayor of Water 7 was his senior disciple-brother. That fact alone forced Franky to remain vigilant.

Whatever Arton planned to do in Water 7 would surely involve Mayor Iceburg somehow.

If possible, Franky did not want Arton's actions to affect Iceburg.

"I came to Water 7 for one reason, of course—to have a ship built."

"Fine. Since you're only someone who dismantles ships, I have no interest in you."

"Please don't get in the way of my going to speak with Mayor Iceburg."

Arton waved a hand dismissively.

"Iceburg?"

Franky's eyes widened.

So Arton really had come looking for Iceburg. That immediately filled Franky with unease.

"You're still not moving? What, are you planning to build my ship for me?"

Arton asked.

"Of course not. I don't know how you found out, but as you said, I'm only a ship dismantler."

"Um... may I ask whether you're only looking for Iceburg because you want him to build a ship for you?"

Franky swallowed before asking.

"What else could I want from him?"

"Could I ask him to give me the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon instead?"

Arton complained.

"The Ancient Weapon?"

Franky's mouth fell open. He looked around and, after confirming no one nearby had noticed them, finally relaxed a little.

"That's not right. If you want the Ancient Weapon blueprints, there's no need to look for Iceburg."

"You could just come to me, couldn't you?"

"Let me think. The blueprints for the Ancient Weapon Pluton should be inside your body."

The corners of Arton's lips rose with interest.

Franky froze completely upon hearing this.

He had never imagined Arton would reveal his greatest secret so casually.

By the time Franky recovered, Arton had already moved past him and taken Conis and Raki quite some distance away.

Franky frowned deeply. He wanted to follow Arton and question him about how he knew, but he was also worried that asking would only confirm Arton's words.

For a moment, Franky found himself deeply conflicted.

"No. Iceburg has to be warned about this."

Franky drew a deep breath, turned, and hurried into an empty alley.

After confirming no one was nearby, he pulled a Den Den Mushi from inside his modified body and dialed a number he had not called in many years.

Before long, a calm voice came through the receiver.

"You actually called this number. What happened, Franky?"

The speaker was Iceburg. Although his voice was steady, he was deeply astonished.

After all, the two had once agreed not to contact each other unless something truly extraordinary happened.

...

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