Having finished his inspection, Kaku gestured to the pirates.
"Listen! I'm not an amateur! What I'm saying is the truth! You will be unable to continue sailing on this boat."
Expecting to be attacked, he was surprised when he heard Velvet speak calmly.
"In truth, that was to be expected."
Looking at the extensive damage visible on the Merry, she declared.
"I haven't been a part of this crew long, but it's obvious that this ship has seen countless battles, which have damaged it."
"My apologies for being the one to tell you this bad news." Kaku apologized. "But I'm going to have to tell your captain the same thing! And the only option he'll have is to buy a new boat."
Hearing this, as he stared at the bow of the Merry, Zoro declared.
"He might refuse! As for Usopp, he would rather die than abandon his precious boat."
"It's up to you to make this decision." Kaku affirmed. "But if you don't want to suffer a sad fate, I advise you to take my words seriously! And if you want a new boat, don't hesitate to come to the shipyard, Iceberg-san will be happy to show you all our models available."
Turning around one last time, he couldn't help but stare at Velvet, while it was difficult for him to tear his gaze away from her eyes. However, shaking his head again, Kaku had to resign himself to returning to the shipyard.
Then, bending his legs, he performed a jump, which propelled him far away. Seeing him leave, Azema declared.
"To me, he wasn't lying to us! He seemed sincere."
"What he says makes sense anyway." Velvet stated. "The keel is too damaged and it is impossible to change it! Merry is doomed! In our misfortune, we can rejoice that he has managed to take us this far! At least, thanks to him, we will be able to continue our adventure on another boat."
"I advise you to avoid saying that kind of thing in front of others." Zoro advised him. "They're not likely to like it."
"Why?" Menma asked. "Merry is just a boat! It's like a car! When it breaks, we have to buy another one to replace it."
Letting out a sigh, while scratching the back of his head, Zoro stated.
"It's not that simple! After all, for a pirate crew, a ship is more than just a means of transportation! It's our home! Doesn't it make you sad to no longer sail on it."
"A little." The child admitted. "But if the carpenter is right, we risk sinking on our next trip! We have to change it."
"If Mugiwara persists in wanting to sail with his boat, he will rush us towards certain death." Shun-Day affirmed.
Even though he didn't want to trust the carpenter, Zoro knew it could be true. Velvet was right. Merry had suffered a lot to get here. And unlike the pirates, this adventure had in no way made him stronger.
Finally, he declared.
"Merry…I think the adventure ends here for you."
"Hey, Iceberg-san is here." A carpenter stated.
"Seriously? Guys, the president is here."
"Is the president here today? I thought his day was full of meetings."
"As usual, he must have refused to go."
Walking through the middle of the shipyard, the pirates saw the carpenters stop their work and cheer Iceberg's arrival, as if he were a hero.
" Hi, Iceberg-san. "
"Nice to see you, Iceberg-san."
"Have a nice day, Iceberg-san."
"I know one who's really popular here." Lucy remarked.
"Iceberg-san is not only the president of Galley-Lu." Kalifa affirmed. "He's also the best carpenter in town! And in this town, skill commands respect."
"The best carpenter in town." Luffy repeated. "Now that I think about it, I heard that Gol D. Roger's boat was built here! Is that true?"
Pausing upon hearing this question, Iceberg looked thoughtful. Then he declared.
"My mentor built this boat."
" Huh ? "
"He taught me everything, until the day he died! If I became what I am, it's thanks to him."
"WHAT?" Luffy shouted. "Did you know the man who built Roger's boat?"
Suddenly, he showed a big smile, before tapping Iceberg's back several times.
"Great! Then it's decided! I want you on my crew, Ice-ossan! Become a pirate and go on adventures with me."
"What? A pirate?"
"What are you talking about?" Paulie roared, "There's no way Iceberg-san will become a villain because of you."
"A barbarian like you deserves execution." Kalifa affirmed.
"SORRY!" Lucy, Nami and Usopp shouted, bowing several times to them.
Not seeming outraged by this proposition, Iceberg could not hide his surprise.
"Your crew doesn't have a carpenter?"
"Yes! That's why we were hoping to recruit one when we came here."
"We have a lot of carpenters here, but I doubt anyone would want to join a pirate group! But if you do, know that I wouldn't object."
"But it's you I want! I want the best carpenter in the world! It's the minimum if I want to become the king of the pirates."
"The Pirate King?" Iceberg said again.
"Yeah!" Luffy affirmed, showing a confident smile. "The man who will take Roger's title is me."
Staring at him without saying anything, Iceberg finally asked him.
"Speaking of your crew, I heard that Nico Robin was one of your comrades."
"Yes!" Luffy declared. "She's the archaeologist of our crew! Why? Do you know her?"
"No." Iceberg replied simply, moving away from him.
Immediately, Usopp approached Luffy before advising him.
"Luffy! Stop trying to recruit this guy or the carpenters might not want to repair the Merry anymore."
"But I want him as a carpenter." Luffy said.
"Give up that idea." Nami declared. "This guy is the boss of this company and the boss of the island! How do you expect such an important man to leave this island? Stop being selfish or you risk getting us into trouble."
"Huh...Nami!" Lucy called, seeing trouble coming.
Facing Lucci, Wiper stared into his eyes, remaining motionless.
"Hey, can I know why you're staring at us like that?" Hattori asked.
Continuing to stare into Lucci's eyes, Wiper stated.
"I don't like your look."
" You want to fight ? "
"I'm not saying no." Wiper affirmed, grabbing his weapon.
However, for the third time, Wiper found himself on the ground, with a bump on his head.
"If you keep this up, I promise I'll kick your ass so hard I'll make you fly all the way to Upper Yard." Nami roared, her fist smoking.
But as Wiper got up grunting, he saw Lucci moving away from him.
"Hey, can I know what you're thinking?" Raynare asked.
"This guy has the same look as Enel." Wiper said. "He is devoid of all humanity."
For her part, having heard Luffy and Iceberg's conversation, Raynare turned to the mayor, while declaring.
"It's this guy I'm wary of."
Using his scent, Chopper tried to find Robin's trail. Without success.
"Chopper! You really need to find her quickly." Vivi begged him. "I have a really bad feeling about this."
"There are too many people and too many different smells." The reindeer declared, turning his face in various directions. "It's difficult for me to find a particular lead."
"Damn it." Vivi raged. "I should have been rougher."
"No, it's my fault." Chopper retorted. "If I hadn't rushed into that bookstore I would…"
Suddenly the reindeer froze in fear.
"Chopper...?" Vivi wondered.
"WHAT?" Carue shouted, moving as if sensing danger.
"Carue? What's wrong with you?"
"I...I sense danger." Chopper stated, feeling a drop of sweat running down his face. "A danger that makes me tremble with fear."
" What ? "
Suddenly, a young man walked near the trio and a whisper could be heard by Vivi.
"If I were you, I would give up all hope of ever seeing Nico Robin again."
Surprised, Vivi turned to the young man, who left behind her. However, also starting to scream, some yagaras became extremely agitated, causing panic.
"Hey! Calm down."
"What's wrong with them?"
"It seems like they feel great danger."
And taking advantage of the fact that people were starting to get agitated, the stranger disappeared into the crowd, preventing Vivi from being able to see him again.
" Who was he ? "
Eventually, Chopper and Carue feel their fear calm down.
"I...I can't understand what just happened."
Suddenly, he had the strange impression of smelling a particular odor coming from under his hooves.
" Huh ? "
At that moment, a zipper appeared and Bruno came out. Looking around, he growled.
"Damn it! Failed again."
"What are you doing?" Gin roared. "I thought you could get us back to the boat quickly."
"It's because of these damn channels! I can't move as freely as I want! I can't use my closures in liquid! I have to work around them."
"Tsss! Ultimately, we are no further ahead." Sanji affirmed.
"Guys?" Chopper was surprised.
"Huh?" The trio was surprised.
"Chopper-aniki?" Johnny and Yosaku recognized him, coming out in turn.
"What are you doing underground?" Vivi wanted to know.
"We wanted to go to the Merry to see if everything was okay." Sanji stated. "I'm not sure, but I thought I saw Robin-chwan with two strangers and..."
"It is." Vivi affirmed. "Robin is missing and we are unable to find her."
" What ? "
Letting out a tired sigh, the stranger that Vivi had seen entered a deserted alley while growling.
"First, I was sent here to make sure that CP9 succeeds in the mission given to them...and now I have to follow them to make sure that Nico Robin makes it to Enies Lobby ! Tsss! I have better things to do."
Immediately, a shinigami, who was responsible for the fear felt by the animals, appeared next to him.
"What did you expect, Light? As a new recruit, you're like an intern! Your superiors are going to give you all the menial tasks for a long time."
"It's a problem." The last recruit of CP0 growled. "Because as long as they give me work, my asshole superiors will stop me from doing my research on the Void Century! But it's not that bad."
Starting to smile, he declared.
"If I can see the plans of Pluto, I wouldn't have been here in vain."
" And Nico Robin ? I thought you wanted to meet her. " Said Ryu.
"Hearing the description of Spantam, from the rest of CP0, I think there is a risk that this woman will use her ruse to escape! So, I wouldn't really bet on the fact of the encounter here.
Making one final jump, Kaku managed to land in the middle of the shipyard and began looking around for Iceberg. However, he saw Nami and Lucy not far from him.
"Hey! I thought I told you to stay out of the construction site."
"No worries, Kaku." Kalifa affirmed. "They are Iceberg-san's guests."
"Really? Perfect, I was planning to talk to him and report to him."
"Have you already inspected our ship?" Nami asked.
" Indeed. "
"LUFFY!" Nami shouted, while Luffy and the others had moved away a little. "Come on! Kaku is back."
"Square-guy?" Luffy said, coming towards the redhead.
But as the others followed suit, Lucy noticed that someone was missing.
"Where is Usopp?"
"He was looking at the cannons." Nami said, looking for him. "He must have walked away."
"Hey ! "
Waving to them, a carpenter walked towards them, with two suitcases in his hand.
"These suitcases aren't yours?"
"What? Where did you find them?"
"They were on the ground and since I see that you have another identical suitcase, I said to myself that they must be yours."
"Huh? Is it really normal that Nose-guy left without taking them with him?" Wiper asked. "And where is he?"
In response, Raynare lowered her gaze.
"Eevee...prove that you're the most useful pokemon in our crew?"
Starting to sniff the suitcases, the pokemon then turned its head in several directions, before finally starting to run.
"I'm going to get Usopp." Raynare declared, following her. "But if he just wandered off, marveling at the carpenters, I'm not likely to bring him back alive."
Seeing her leave, Luffy turned to Kaku and the others and said
"We have plenty of money! So we don't have to worry! Just tell us what repairs Merry needs and we'll pay you."
"And at the same time, we also want to improve it." Nami stated. "Our recent adventures have shown that our ship is not powerful enough to face all the dangers of the Grand Line! We want to strengthen its hull and incorporate more weapons."
Simply sitting down, Kaku stated.
"I'm not coming back with good news."
" Huh ? "
"From what I could see, your boat suffered greatly! In an instant, I could see multitudes of damage! This could be easily repaired! However, there is one part of the boat that remains a issue. "
"Are you telling us that you're going to have to replace many parts of the Merry?" Nami asked.
"It's more serious than that." Kaku retorted. "Truly, your ship is beyond repair! And in my experience, your chances of reaching the nearest island... are next to none."
Starting to light a cigar, Paulie seemed to understand what he meant.
"The keel is damaged, isn't it?"
" It's the case. "
"A keel?" Wiper repeated. "I don't know what it is but I find it hard to believe that just not being able to repair this area of our boat would cause it to sink as soon as we leave here."
"Think again." Iceberg retorted. "For many people, the rudder and mast are the most important parts of a boat! But in truth, what allows it to survive at sea is its keel."
"This is the part of the boat that supports all its weight, from bow to stern! When we build a boat, we always start with an alignment of the keel! Then, we attach the stem, the stern post, the frame, the hull and the floor! No wooden part can stay in place without the keel! And if it is damaged, the whole boat will suffer the consequences."
"To put it simply, the keel of a boat is the same as the foundations of a house." Kalifa affirmed. "If the foundation is damaged, the house will eventually collapse."
"But why can't the keel be repaired?" Lucy asked. "Is it impossible to achieve this?"
"If these were just some recent cracks, we could have repaired them by covering them with a special resin that resists water." Kaku stated. "However, this damage is far from recent and seawater has already seeped inside the keel, rotting the wood."
Appearing pensive, he confessed.
"I find it hard to believe that your boat could have brought you here with a keel in such poor condition! It's a miracle."
"To conclude, you can give us 100 million berries and we can completely repair your boat, except for the keel." Iceberg said. "But even if you give us 1 billion berries, we won't be able to do anything to prevent your ship from sinking! Therefore, instead of paying 100 million in unnecessary repairs, I advise you to use them to build a new ship. "
"So in that case, I want you to build a boat identical to Merry." Luffy stated. "I want it to be just like him! I don't want another boat."
"Unfortunately, this boat will be completely different from your boat."
Returning to the pirates, Lucci let Hattori speak for him.
"We can build a boat that looks the same as yours, but no one can build two identical boats! And this is simply explained by the fact that no two trees are identical! And since all trees are different, they are bound to become different boats too."
"Tssss! So what?" Wiper growled. "What difference are you talking about? That the boat is an inch longer than ours? That the mast is slightly smaller? What does it matter? It's not a few details that will make a big difference."
"Indeed, it may seem trivial, but believe me, I don't think you'll say that while leaving the island with another boat! I'll bet you anything you want that they'll only take one day to realize that this boat will be completely different from yours."
"So...you're advising us to abandon our ship?" Nami asked.
"I don't like to say things like this but... you have no choice." Iceberg declared. "Besides, your boat is a caravel, isn't it? Without wanting to be offensive, it's an old model of boat! Why not take advantage of the situation to obtain a much more advanced model of boat?"
"Out of the question! I told you I didn't want a new boat." Luffy retorted. "Vogue Merry is our boat and replacing it is out of the question! Are you saying it will never be able to sail? That's nonsense! We know this boat better than you and if we repair her again, I know that it will be able to sail the ocean again and..."
"MUGIWARA!"
Surprised, the pirates turned to Wiper, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground.
"Don't say stupid things and try to understand the situation! What's happening to us must be an act of God."
" Huh? "
Staring at Kaku, Wiper declared.
"This guy told us that the fact that our boat sailed here is a miracle? And you, you often told me that your boat had suffered a lot of damage, didn't you? For me, everything This is no coincidence."
"What are you talking about?" Lucy questioned.
"Look around you! Since the beginning of your adventure, none of you have seen the slightest shipyard, have you? And yet, look where we are! Despite all the damage it has enough, our boat was able to bring us here, despite the damage it received and its shattered keel! It did not take us here to be repaired! If it took us here, it was to be replaced so that we can continue our journey."
Staring at Luffy, Wiper assured.
"Mugiwara, for the sole purpose of helping us, our ship has suffered in agony thus far! Like a proud Shandian warrior, it fought until its last breath, so that the rest of its tribe could reach their goal! I forbid you from dishonoring its sacrifice by ignoring all his efforts and condemning your crew in the stupidest way possible."
"What are you saying?" Luffy roared.
"Mugiwara...you should listen to him." Iceberg stated. "Your friend just spoke exactly like you should have? You'd rather sail on a floating wreck than worry about the safety of your crew? That's ridiculous."
Staring at Luffy seriously, Iceberg declared.
"Becoming the pirate king? Trust me, that's definitely not within the reach of an idiot like you."
Then turning around, he declared.
"I think our conversation is over! However, if you decide to listen to reason, we will agree to build you a new ship! Kalifa..."
Digging through her papers, the secretary took out a catalog which she handed to Nami.
"Here is the catalog categorizing all our boat models! With your money, I am sure you will find a boat that suits you."
At that moment, another carpenter arrived towards Iceberg.
"Iceberg-san! Some government men want to see you."
"Huh? Tell them I'm busy and can't see them."
"Busy? Really?"
Walking towards Iceberg, four men in uniform appeared.
"It's not good to try to avoid us." Said a man with a scar.
"How nice to see you, Corgi." Iceberg said, even if the tone of his voice betrayed his annoyance.
"Hide." Paulie advised the pirates. "These people are part of the world government."
Hearing this, Lucy and Nami grabbed Wiper and Luffy, before forcing them to hide with them.
"What an icy tone." Cordi said. "Seriously, Iceberg, why won't you be reasonable? You have everything to gain by listening to us."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Iceberg retorted.
"Seriously? For starters, your company does business with pirates! That alone is a crime for the world government! But I'm certainly not here for that and you know it."
Starting to smile, Cordi declared.
"Let's discuss this in private."
Looking at Cordi and his men, Lucy declared.
"It's obvious that they don't seem friendly."
"If they are enemies, why can't you kill them?" Wiper asked.
"And what will we do if the government comes to this island and stops us from leaving?" Nami retorted. "I remind you that the Merry can no longer sail."
Growling, Wiper looked at the quartet in front of Iceberg and suddenly declared.
"This guy, we have to be wary of him."
"Huh?" Lucy said. "Are you talking about the man with the scar?"
" Non. "
Accompanying Corgi were two almost identical men, wearing hats and sunglasses. And behind them, a young boy looking like he was barely in his twenties, standing still.
Staring at Light, Wiper declared.
"This guy smells like death."
But unfortunately, neither the Shandian nor the others saw the apple floating above them, while an invisible figure bit into it.
Eventually, knowing he couldn't avoid this, Iceberg left with Kalifa, while he went to his office with Cordi.
Seeming to ignore this, Luffy only weighed the two suitcases that had been brought to them several times, while he declared.
"They're really light."
"What are you talking about?" Nami asked.
"The suitcases are lighter than before." Luffy affirmed.
"Don't talk nonsense! They're full of money! It's impossible for them to be light."
However, she let out a cry of fright, while Luffy opened the suitcases to demonstrate that they were really empty.
" MY MONEY ! "
Who will join Luffy's crew?
Before Shells Town: Raynare - 38 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro - 60 million -
Kuro Arc: Usopp
Arc Baratie: Sanji / Gin -32 million-
Arlong Arc: Nami / Johnny / Yosaku
Drum Arc: Chopper
Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin -79 million- / Eevee (Pokemon) / Bruno -52 million- (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) / Nefertari Vivi -25 million- / Menma (Anohana)
Skypiea Arc: Velvet / Heracross / Hatterene / Wiper
Arc Enies Lobby: Franky
Arc Post Enies-Lobby:?
Thriller Bark Arc: Brook
Punk Hazard Arc:?
Treasure Arc:?
Dressrosa Arc: ? /?
Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?
Post Wano Kuni Arc: ? /?
Arc Battle Teach:?
With other characters:
Buggy: Alvida - 21 million-, Magi - 29 million (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro - 37 million -, Morgan - 17 million -, Megumim - 105 million - (Konosuba), Zala (Miss Doublefinger) -35 million, Babe (Mr 4) - 3.2 million -, Drophy (Miss Merry Christmas) - 14 million -, Willy - 20 million, Needless - 57 million
Arlong: Syra (OC)
Milhawk: Alice (OC)
Wapol: Musshuru
Coby : Sakura (Zombieland Saga); Jin (My Hero Academy); Nakata ( OC )
Garp : Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Ym: Light Yagami (Death Note)
Cobra: Neni (M.9)
Shandian: Ayoho (OC), Bouffalant ( pokemon )
Ace : Isuka
Foxy : Dumdo ( OC ), Susumo ( OC )
Aokiji : Shizuo Heiwajima ( Duararara )
Moria : Elsa Granhiert ( Re:zero ), Caruma ( Yu-gi-oh Gx ), Momana ( OC ), Camado ( OC ), Skroa ( OC )
Sengoku: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan)
Kaido: Doctor Frank (OC)
Shanks: Nana Shimura -840 million- (My hero academia), Utsuro -970 million- (Gintama)
Widos: Norland Cricket, Kalgara, Kuina, Quatro (Marco (SNK)), Cinca (Mina Carolina (SNK)), Suzuka (Akame Ga Kill)
Individual: Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Garou (One Punch Man), Babidi (DBZ), Orochimaru (Naruto); Mirko (My hero Academia), Samus (metroid), Team Rocket (Pokemon), Akoya Seishu ( Kengan Ashura), Hiyama Shunka ( Kengan Ashura), Black Knights (Code Geass), Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass), Mosquito girl (One punch man), Pokemon ( 44 ), Ottis Toole ( Real World ), Henry Lee Lucas ( Real World ), Pit ( Kid Icarus ), Ladydevimon ( Digimon ), Hunter J ( Pokemon ), Zancrow ( Fairy Tail ), Ai Hoshino ( Oshi no Ko )
Gold D. Roger (formerly): Igneel -1.380 billion- (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto), Utsuro -970 million (Gintama), Nana Shimura - 840 million ( My Hero Academia), Magi (OC), Zarax (?)
Xerec (formerly): Aizen (bleach), Sejus ( OC )
Crocodile ( formely ): Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)
Enel ( formely ): Hunter J. (Pokemon), Zancrow (Fairy tail), Ladydevimon ( Digimon ), pokemon ( 54 )