Chapter 148Things obtained for free are just too wonderful.Nami felt an electric tingle on the back of her hand, a pleasant numbness, and her heart pounded so fast it almost burst from her chest.She didn't speak again, her gaze fixed elsewhere, her ears completely red. After a long while, she protested in a barely audible voice, "Don't pinch me randomly."Humans inherently have a rebellious streak.If you tell me not to do it, I'll do it anyway.Luffy, holding Nami's hand, was indeed not so well-behaved, occasionally pinching her soft palm or gently tracing his fingers over the spaces between hers.These small gestures were a bit mischievous, yet full of intimacy.Until Nami could no longer bear this ambiguous and agonizing torture, she suddenly pulled her hand away with force, then puffed out her cheeks and reached out both hands to pinch Luffy's cheeks, gently pulling them outwards:"No more pinching! Study properly!""Pfft, hahaha, Nami, you're so cute."Luffy's mouth was distorted from being pinched, but he couldn't help but laugh.The agitated heart that had been eager to grow stronger after the great battle with Aokiji seemed to be replaced by another inexplicable agitation due to this intimate interaction with Nami.This feeling wasn't bad either.Discussing the relationship between high-pressure zones and sail angles with Nami while also enjoying this peculiar relaxation.Yes, that's right. This kind of learning, with its sweet torment, was indeed a form of relaxation for Luffy, whose nerves were currently taut.But for Nami, it was exhausting.Her body was already very tired from the previous battle and journey, and mentally, she had to resist Luffy's unconscious harassment and the gaze of his focused eyes, all while concentrating on explaining complex navigation knowledge.As she spoke, her eyelids began to droop, her voice grew softer, and her head bobbed like a chick pecking at rice."So, at the edge of the Calm Belt, you can use these subtle changes in the ocean currents..."Nami's voice gradually turned into slurred murmurs.Luffy was about to remind her that if she was too tired, she should rest, and he could brainstorm on his own.However, before he could open his mouth, Namicouldn't hold on any longer and her head suddenly dropped down.Huh!?Her soft, rosy lips met his slightly parted mouth, blocking all his unspoken words.Time seemed to stand still at this moment.Luffy's eyes widened. He could clearly feel the soft, warm touch on his lips and Nami's faint orange-scented breath so close to him.Nami seemed unaware, already asleep with her eyes closed, maintaining the posture of leaning forward with their lips touching.After a while, Luffy seemed to come back to his senses.He carefully, slowly, supported Nami's shoulder with his hand and gently moved her head away.Nami seemed to be in a deep sleep.Luffy smiled, reached for an extra jacket he had grabbed earlier when covering Vivi and Robin, and gently placed it over Nami.After doing all this, he sat cross-legged beside the sleeping Nami, looking at the girl's peaceful sleeping face. His lips still seemed to retain a soft touch and a faint, sweet fragrance.He shook his head and picked up the scattered navigation logbook beside him.Now, he could only study by himself.Meanwhile, in Water Seven.The Franky Family, relying on their familiarity with the terrain and some luck, also successfully survived the devastating blow of the Buster Calland rescued Franky, who had been severely injured by CP9.Although still bandaged, Franky was in high spirits and had mostly recovered.He went straight to Iceberg, who was still recovering from his injuries."Iceberg, I'm going to build a ship for the Straw Hat Crew!"Franky got straight to the point, his voice excited, and his metal palm slammed onto Iceberg's desk with a clang.Iceberg was startled by him, his wound almost reopening. He glared at Franky in annoyance, "I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush yet."He rubbed his temples and explained, "Firstly, the Straw Hat Crew's fate is unknown, and there's no news of them. Secondly, building a ship, especially one worthy of them and capable of withstanding the storms of the latter half of the Grand Line, requires enormous funds. Even if they are my saviors, without money, the Galley-La Companycannot simply start construction out of thin air."But Iceberg also had a premonition that the Straw Hat Crew would never fall so easily.They would definitely return.Therefore, not long after the Straw Hat Crew left, based on trust and intuition, Iceberg had already secretly instructed trustworthy old shipwrights to start preparing materials and drawing preliminary sketches for the new ship's main structure.The Franky Family and some shipwrights who knew the inside story and were grateful to the Straw Hat Crew were very enthusiastic about this matter and secretly helped a lot.Sure enough, a few days later, on a hazy moonlit night, the going merry quietly sailed back to a secluded abandoned shipyard in Water Seven like a ghost.As soon as the Straw Hat Crew stepped onto the dock, they were warmly welcomed by Franky and the Franky Family, who had been waiting there."Super! I knew you guys would be fine!"Franky saw everyone unharmed, especially the lively Luffy, and was so excited that tears and snot burst out simultaneously as he struck his classic pose.Luffy, however, tilted his head, stared at Franky's bandaged body and exaggerated pompadour for a long time, and then blurted out, "Who are you?"Franky's surging emotions instantly stalled, his half-struck pose frozen, tears and snot hanging on his face, almost making him cry for real."It's me, Franky! The one who was captured by CP9! Weren't you coming to rescue me?!"He felt greatly hurt.Chapter 217 We Are All First-Strike KillersAfter Usopp and Chopper explained things in a flurry, Luffy suddenly slapped his hand, "Oh, it's you."Franky: "..."Although the process was a bit convoluted, at least he remembered.Franky quickly wiped the liquid from his face. "Let's not talk about those things. Regarding the new ship you need, with the joint efforts of Mr. Iceberg and me, construction has already begun and is expected to be completed within a week!"After causing such a huge commotion, Luffy and the others returning must be for the new ship."A week? If it's that fast, it won't be a shoddy product, will it?" Nami remained skeptical.You get what you pay for.Of course, her liking expensive things didn't mean she would buy them at full price; the title 'Bargaining Demon' wasn't earned for nothing.Luffy raised an eyebrow. He valued the new ship greatly, as it would carry all their companions and dreams."How could it be?"Franky grew anxious, almost jumping up. "I, Franky-sama, have even contributed the treasure tree adam, a treasure I've cherished for many years and painstakingly acquired from the black market! That's super precious wood!""treasure tree adam?"Vivi exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise, "Is it the legendary treasure tree adam that only grows in a few specific sea areas, incredibly tough, and even able to withstand huge storms?I remember that the most important keel part of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson, was made from this wood."As soon as Luffy heard the words 'Pirate King,' his eyes instantly lit up."If it's the same wood as the Pirate King's ship, then it must be the best!"On this vast ocean, anything associated with the Pirate King automatically acquired a golden glow in his eyes; it was definitely a good thing."Of course."Seeing that he had commanded the situation, Franky began to feel smug again, gesticulating as he spoke, "This piece of treasure tree adam I have is one of the rare giant timbers that has appeared on the market in recent years, perfect for the new ship's keel. You know, this single piece of wood alone is worth several hundred million Berries."Nami, standing next to Luffy, had originally been worried about the cost. Upon hearing'several hundred million Berries,' her eyes instantly turned into Berry symbols.A brilliant and kind smile bloomed on her face, and she clasped her hands together, "Oh my, you're really too generous!"Getting something for free without spending money?It's simply fantastic!As for where the wood came from, does it matter?Not at all!"That's not the point,"Franky scanned the Straw Hat Crew, his expression turning serious. "Actually, I have a once-in-a-lifetime choice!"Nami and Vivi instinctively hid behind Luffy.Franky looked at them, still puzzled. "What I want to say is, please let me join in designing this ship for you!"He had witnessed the Straw Hat Crew's battle at Enies Lobby.To declare war on the World Government for their companion—that spirit was simply too manly.Perhaps Franky now understood why his master, Tom, was willing to build an unparalleled ship for a figure like the Pirate King.Franky's eyes sparkled with a light—the light of finding his life's purpose."Eh?"Luffy looked Franky up and down, specifically at his upper body fitted with various strange mechanisms and his two distinct metal arms, and asked curiously, "You're a shipwright too?""Of course!"Franky confidently pointed his thumb at himself. "This great me is the direct disciple of the legendary shipwright Mr. Tom, and my skill is super first-class!""Thank you for your kind offer,"Vivi said tactfully, seeing the situation. "Regarding the design of the new ship, we have already entrusted everything to Mr. Iceberg."The difference between formal and unconventional methods can sometimes be significant, and they didn't know Franky very well. Moreover, she worried that it would seem like they didn't trust Iceberg, who had, after all, put in a lot of effort."I've already confirmed with Iceberg; he only designed the main hull structure and external appearance."Franky was clearly prepared and immediately interjected, "Designing a dream ship that can handle all kinds of situations cannot be fully resolved in a short time. The specific internal functional divisions, special devices, detailed optimization of living facilities... that guy Iceberg definitely hasn't completely finalized them yet."He analyzed it with perfect reasoning.He then changed the subject, reopening the door on his abdomen. Amidst a dazzling whirring of machinery, he carefully pulled out a thick roll of design blueprints, proudly unfurling a corner."Although the Galley-La Company has a complete system and can eventually do the details well, I have a ready-made design that I've poured my heart and soul into! And I guarantee that in terms of uniqueness and functionality, it can be even better, even super!"Everyone instinctively looked at Luffy.Normally, having a world-renowned shipbuilding company diligently help with the design is a great thing.But when someone suddenly appears and says they want to take over the subsequent design of the ship, anyone would be bewildered.Moreover, this ship is also related to the going merry's voyage, so it requires even more caution.Therefore, only the Captain could make the final decision.Franky also knew the weight of the Captain's position and said to Luffy:"I know this is abrupt, and you wouldn't easily entrust the complete design of such a cherished ship to someone you just met.""How about this? We'll go find that scoundrel Iceberg together later. Anyway, you've already given him the main design authority for your ship. What the ship ultimately becomes and how its interior is arranged will still be entirely up to him. If he thinks my design ideas are good enough and is willing to adopt them, then you can't refuse, can you?"He looked at Luffy with a hint of pleading."That shouldn't be a problem."Luffy thought about it and readily nodded in agreement.They had already conveyed their requirements for the ship to Iceberg. As for other specific details, they didn't understand them, so it was indeed up to the professional Iceberg to decide how it would ultimately turn out.Professional matters should be handled by professionals.They, as clients, only needed to state their requirements.As long as the ship is good, whose design it is doesn't matter."Um, can we take a look at your design blueprints?"Usopp rubbed his hands, curious and expectant, as he leaned closer.He was the ship's interim shipwright, with a strong attachment to the going merry's daily maintenance and minor repairs, so he naturally paid extra attention to the future of the new ship.Moreover, any wild ideas the crew might have later, whether feasible or not, would be collected by him and then communicated to the shipwright.Especially regarding how to safely carry the going merry, as a large ship carrying a small ship together is rare and requires special design.
