After watching Fish-Man Island's future happily head off to school, Bright and Neptune went to Ryugu Palace together.
"The armory has already begun construction."
In the palace reception room, Neptune said, "I sent some weapons craftsmen to assist Master Tom, and they all said his skills were far beyond anything they could match."
"That's hardly surprising."
Bright said calmly, "Master Tom is Water 7's finest shipwright. Naturally, his accomplishments in weapons design are extraordinary as well."
Neptune froze for a moment.
He could not quite understand what shipbuilding had to do with weapons design.
He probably did not know that if things followed the original plot, once Iceburg united Water 7's major shipbuilding companies to establish the Galley-La Company, even the Marines would come to them for warships.
"Master Tom said he wanted to design a vessel capable of fighting underwater. It sounds rather interesting," Neptune added.
Underwater combat?
A submarine?
That technology was not particularly remarkable in this world. Even Wapol of Drum Kingdom had a submarine, not to mention Luo's Polar Diving Boat.
Bright had no doubt that Master Tom could build an even more powerful submarine.
Franky's warships could easily take down Sea Kings. His master could not possibly be any worse, right?
"Don't be stingy with the investment, Neptune."
Bright said seriously, "These weapons will become an important part of Fish-Man Island's national defense."
"Of course I know that." Neptune nodded.
Sea beasts were indeed formidable in deep-sea combat, but they still lacked destructive power.
This was where human ingenuity shone.
Come to think of it.
"Could Master Tom design weapons that sea beasts can use, or weapons mounted on sea beasts?"
Bright offered a suggestion.
"Oh! That sounds excellent!"
Neptune grew interested. "Sea beasts are naturally far more agile than ships underwater!"
"Exactly, right?"
Bright