Administrative Department in Water 7!

In the first half of the Grand Line, even though these waters contained tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of various islands, one island's presence was enough to rank among the top five.

It was an island where almost no untamed wilderness could be seen. Everywhere displayed the greatness and splendor of human craftsmanship, yet it possessed little advanced technology. The stone buildings lining its streets all exuded an ancient air.

Canals, bridges, and shipyards defined this maritime city. The gray of marble, the blue of the waterways, and the yellow of the town together formed an exceptionally beautiful oil painting.

Dense waterways flowed through the city, while creatures called Yagara Bulls, resembling fine horses with fish fins, leisurely carried people and cargo through the streets and alleys.

Because the island had seven large shipyards, it was known throughout the world as Water Seven.

It was universally recognized as the island that gathered the greatest number of the finest shipwrights in the world!

Originally, the atmosphere on the island had been harmonious and lively, filled with laughter and cheer. Although the shipwrights sweated profusely every day, every one of them wore a smile.

But ever since January 1, when One Piece Roger was publicly executed, the number of pirates coming to the island had gradually increased alongside that strange rumor about a great treasure.

These pirates, who had never cared for laws or rules, often relied on their weapons and personal strength to refuse payment after receiving their new ships, sparking conflict after conflict with the shipwrights.

Unable to collect payment, the shipyards gradually could no longer afford the shipwrights' wages or purchase shipbuilding materials from outside the island. With the continuous increase in pirates, maritime trade—which had already been fraught with danger due to the complex and ever-changing climate—only became worse.

For a time, clouds of gloom visibly spread over Water 7.

[Flap, flap, flap]

A large flock of seagulls playing by the shore was suddenly startled by something and flew messily into the blue sky like a white cloud.

The residents fishing nearby looked up at the commotion, and their eyes immediately widened.

They saw a ship—a massive vessel estimated to be forty meters tall and around one hundred and fifty meters wide, its bow wrapped in blue armor adorned with golden patterns.

Some of the older residents immediately thought of the warships of Marine Headquarters, for those so-called War Beasts had come from their Water 7.

"Look! That's the symbol of the World Government!"

"It's a government judicial ship!"

The appearance of this enormous vessel instantly threw Water 7 into an uproar. Especially when a squad of Marines armed with muskets publicly escorted Fish-Man Tom, whose arms had been bound, it drew cries of shock from many people.

This towering Fish-Man, nearly three meters tall, was an extremely famous master shipwright on the island.

However, when the onlookers heard that Tom had been arrested for building a ship for One Piece Roger, quite a few of them did not find it surprising.

After all, Roger's crew had caused plenty of trouble for the entire world over the past decade or so. In particular, everyone knew about how they had destroyed a kingdom for the sake of a companion.

Building a ship for such a vicious criminal—calling him guilty did not seem unreasonable.

But events developed beyond everyone's expectations. Tom, who had originally been sent to Enies Lobby for execution, proposed building a Sea Train to connect the various islands, including Enies Lobby and Water 7, and thus received a ten-year suspended sentence from the judge.

At the same time, he gained the support and cheers of the residents. Everyone hoped that Tom would be able to save Water Seven.

"Uwahahaha, I survived!"

The moment he returned home, Mr. Tom burst into laughter, even laughing until tears came out. It was clear just how happy he was.

But perhaps only he himself knew that this happiness came from being able to continue researching the Sea Train, rather than merely from having his life spared.

"What's so funny about that? Whenever I think about that day coming, I break out in a cold sweat."

Kokoro, the mermaid currently serving as Tom's Workers' secretary, placed her hands on her slender waist and looked at him helplessly.

"But then again, if everything goes smoothly, they should be able to forget about Roger, right?"

[Knock, knock, knock]

Just then, someone lightly knocked on the workshop door. Iceburg and Franky, the two boys sitting at the dining table, exchanged looks with the sumo frog called Yokozuna.

Kokoro walked over and opened the door, only to find five men wearing black suits and leather boots outside. One stood at the front, while the others waited on either side.

She immediately recognized where they had come from.

"People from the World Government?!" Kokoro frowned and asked worriedly, "Hasn't Mr. Tom's sentence already been decided? What else do you want?"

Inside, Franky, Iceburg, and Yokozuna had already risen to their feet. Franky in particular wore an angry expression, but Tom immediately stepped forward and blocked him behind his back.

"Forgive the intrusion. We are not personnel from Enies Lobby, but representatives of the Administrative Department. My name is Coulson, and I am a Senior Director." The leading Black-Clad Man smiled politely.

"Administrative Department?"

Tom and the others all looked puzzled. To be honest, they had never heard of it.

"The esteemed members of the World Government are deeply concerned with and place great importance on the research surrounding the Sea Train. Therefore, our Administrative Department will do everything possible to assist your work from now on."

"How can you assist me?" Tom asked with a cheerful laugh, looking not the least bit bothered.

However, Iceburg behind him suspected that this was actually surveillance. But being rational, he did not speak up, while also stopping the impulsive Franky from doing anything rash.

"We will not interfere with your research, but we will improve your research environment."

"For example, the various materials required by Water 7's major shipyards will be supplied by our Administrative Department at normal market prices. The Marines will then be responsible for escorting them, ensuring that the island's shipbuilding business will not be overly affected."

"A Marine force of one thousand men will also be stationed here temporarily, ensuring that Water 7 will no longer suffer harassment from pirates and providing security for your research."

Hearing this, they were all stunned. Could the World Government really be this kind-hearted?

Tom himself froze for a moment, but once he came to his senses, he let out a hearty laugh.

"Uwahahaha, that really is a tremendous help! That way, the lives of the island's residents won't be something to worry about. This old man thanks you on everyone's behalf. Thank you, World Government!"

At that moment, his favorable impression of the World Government rose greatly, even though he had just been sentenced by an Enies Lobby judge to ten years of suspended execution.

"At the same time, our Administrative Department will fully provide all materials you need during your Sea Train research, including labor and research personnel."

"As for the terrible environment of this Scrap Island, we will turn it into a dedicated Sea Train manufacturing plant and provide a workshop equipped with the world's most cutting-edge facilities. We will also hire professional chefs to handle your three daily meals."

Mr. Tom and the others fell silent, because they did not know what to say. The other side had considered everything so thoroughly—they were practically being treated like nobles!

"I assume there's a price for all this, or some kind of restriction?" the young Iceburg asked softly.

Coulson nodded.

"The materials supplied to the major shipyards will be provided in full during the first year. But starting from the second year, the supply will be reduced by ten percent each year. In other words, if the Sea Train project is not completed within ten years, then only ten percent of the shipbuilding materials needed across the entire island will be provided at that time."

"So, Mr. Tom, please complete the Sea Train as soon as possible. When that time comes, the World Government will have a surprise for you as well!"

Readers who have made it this far, please leave more comments—they're good for your physical and mental health!

Also, regarding the issue of this book supposedly lacking anticipation: the protagonist will use the World Government as the core to integrate all the combat power, talents, troops, technology, and resources of the One Piece world, constantly cooperating with, infiltrating, ruling, and even waging war against other anime worlds. It will gradually develop into a super multiversal World Government spanning multiple planets, star systems, universes, and planes. Isn't that enough to raise the anticipation to the max?

As a One Piece fan, whenever I think of the grand scenes to come, my blood boils with excitement!