Chapter 116: CP9's Secret Meeting – The Shadow Behind Water 7
"You two… you're really trusting me that easily?" Franky couldn't help confirming again, his voice trembling slightly.
"Because you're a pervert—I believe in you!" Luffy flashed a thumbs-up at Franky; his teeth gleamed with a dazzling "ding" that nearly pierced through Franky's sunglasses.
"It's not an illusion! This guy's light… it's shining so bright even through my shades I can't open my eyes! I'm so moved!" While speaking, Franky somehow pulled out a small guitar from nowhere and began strumming passionately.
Just as he was pouring out his gratitude through music, his subordinate Zanbay finally came running up gasping for breath, carrying a sack of money: "Boss! We scraped together 10 million Berries to ransom you!"
"You idiots! By the time you brought the money I'd have already been dismantled! Does it really take this long to gather 10 million?!" Franky grabbed Zanbay and roared.
"Franky big bro, don't you remember? We just had a huge party two days ago—we spent all the money… This 10 million is what we got after capturing several pirate crews on the island. A lot of the guys got hurt!" Zanbay hurriedly explained.
"Zanbay!" Franky burst into tears upon hearing this.
"Franky big bro!" Zanbay also started crying emotionally.
"What the hell are these two even here for… their tears are gonna flood the deck," Zoro muttered speechlessly as he watched the two tearful men.
"…Exactly 10 million." Nami remained completely unmoved, calmly counting the ransom money. Seeing this, Luffy and the others whispered in unison: "Nami's so ruthless…"
"What do you know! This is completely separate! Got a problem with that?!" Nami swept them with a glare; everyone instantly shut up.
She handed Franky a heavy sack: "Here—300 million Berries."
Franky solemnly accepted the money bag, firmly promising to complete the task and swearing he'd notify them the moment he secured the wood. Before leaving, he warmly invited everyone to come find him later at Franky's Dismantling Shop in the back streets.
With that, he hurriedly left the Merry with Zanbay—his top priority now was rushing to the black market to buy the "Adam Wood"!
Watching Franky's retreating figure, Sanji turned to Sol: "Come give me a hand. Since everyone's here, let's eat and talk—it'll be more fun that way."
As night fell, warm lamplight spilled across the kitchen table. The crew sat together enjoying dinner. Usopp gazed at the familiar surroundings and sighed softly: "I never thought we'd really have to build a new ship… but since it's Merry's own wish, we have no choice but to accept it, right?"
Once Usopp opened the topic, everyone excitedly began discussing their hopes for the new ship.
Chopper was the first to raise his hoof: "I want a dedicated infirmary!"
Robin elegantly set down her teacup: "I'd like a quiet study where I can read in peace." Nami quickly added: "Me too—I want a room just for drawing sea charts!"
Vivi and Zoro—rarely agreeing—spoke at the same time: "It'd be best to have a training room!" Sanji exhaled a smoke ring and insisted as always: "We absolutely need a giant locked fridge!"
Sol smirked slyly and suggested: "I think everyone should have their own private cabin."
Usopp jumped in excitedly: "And we need to reserve a section for my invention workshop!"
Everyone chimed in one after another, quickly compiling a long list of requests. Sol carefully folded the paper full of demands and announced loudly: "Alright! The new ship will be built exactly according to everyone's ideas. For the remaining days, let's just relax on this island!"
As night deepened, most of Water 7 had fallen silent—except for a small tavern near Galley-La Company headquarters, where faint light still leaked out.
Blueno's Tavern had already hung its closed sign, but the dim yellow glow seeping through the curtain gaps hinted at an unusual conversation taking place inside.
Cigarette smoke filled the interior. Four CP9 agents sat around the bar counter; the atmosphere was heavy. Blueno had just finished giving a detailed report of what he witnessed in the port district that day: Franky's contact with the Straw Hats and the apparent agreement they had reached.
"Quite an unexpected development," Kaku said slowly, twirling the wine glass in his hand; the amber liquid shimmered subtly under the dim light. "That 'SUPER'-shouting cyborg pervert actually does have a connection with Mr. Iceburg. All these years, we never noticed."
Lucci downed his drink expressionlessly, voice low and calm: "Wait for Kalifa's investigation results. Without solid evidence, any speculation is meaningless."
As if on cue, the tavern door was gently pushed open. Kalifa strode in, adjusting her glasses; the lenses glinted sharply under the light. "The investigation results are in." She placed a stack of documents on the counter. "It seems there was indeed an oversight in our years of surveillance. There is no record of anyone named 'Franky' in Water 7's household registry."
She pulled out one sheet and continued: "However, I found that four years after Cutty Flam went missing, a man calling himself Franky suddenly appeared in Water 7. He began working as a ship dismantler and formed the 'Franky Family.' Notably, while dismantling ships, he also operates as a bounty hunter—effectively protecting this island to some extent."
A sharp glint flashed in Lucci's eyes: "In other words, Cutty Flam never died. He remodeled himself into that form and has been hiding right under our noses all this time."
"That explains why, after all our years infiltrating Galley-La, we still haven't found any trace of the Pluton blueprints," Kaku analyzed thoughtfully. "If Tom passed the plans to his apprentices, then both Iceburg and Franky are possible inheritors. But given the current situation, the blueprints are more likely in Franky's hands."
Blueno wiped a glass while adding intel: "From what I observed today, Franky has already left Water 7. His destination and return time are unknown."
Lucci's lips curved into a cold smile: "No matter. We've waited so many years—one more moment won't hurt. Besides, Spandam recently issued orders to capture Nico Robin. We can handle both matters at once."
"Regarding Nico Robin…" Kalifa took over, expression grave as she pulled out another file. "We need to note that the Straw Hat Pirates' Vice Captain Sol may be the biggest obstacle. According to intelligence, he is a direct disciple of Navy Hero Garp—his strength should not be underestimated. If he intervenes, it will cause us considerable trouble."
The four fell into brief silence; only the old tavern clock ticked steadily. Lucci slowly rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the quiet city of Water 7.
"The plan remains unchanged," he finally said, voice low and decisive. "We prioritize capturing Nico Robin. Franky and the Pluton blueprints can wait. As for that Sol…" A cold light flashed in Lucci's eyes. "…if he dares interfere, let him experience the true power of the World Government's direct agents."
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