Chapter 123: Heading to Sabaody Archipelago

"By the way, Mr. Tom," Adrian suddenly inquired, "Would the Yarukiman Mangrove's Red Tree be a suitable shipbuilding material?"

As previously mentioned, one of Adrian's objectives in visiting Water 7, the Capital of Water, was to commission a high-quality ship from Tom's Workshop.

Initially, Adrian had planned to use Treasure Tree Adam as the main shipbuilding material. However, the current situation in Water 7 is less than ideal. Even Tom's Workshop, renowned for its craftsmanship, cannot procure a sufficient amount of Treasure Tree Adam for ship building.

While using Treasure Tree Adam remains a possibility, it would likely take a considerable amount of time. At the very least, they would need to wait until the rampant piracy around Water 7 settles down.

Adrian was not impatient, but the newly acquired ship spirit sparked another idea in his mind.

He wondered: Could the ship spirit that cannot venture into water be still called a ship spirit? Or I am thinking ship spirit as water spirit?

He had to at least try.

Treasure Tree Adam, often hailed as the "Strongest Tree," is world-renowned ancient tree known as the pemium shipbuilding material

There are many other ancient trees that are known in the sea that could be used for ship building.

Although no one has ever heard of using Yarukiman Mangrove as the main material for shipbuilding…

Yarukiman Mangrove, a tree species integral to the formation of the Sabaody Archipelago. While unconventional, no one has ever considered using Yarukiman Mangrove as the primary material for shipbuilding.

What intrigues Adrian are the resin bubbles secreted by the Yarukiman Mangrove.

These bubbles can completely isolate water. With proper processing, they might even withstand the immense pressure found at depths of ten thousand meters in the ocean. Perhaps, when revealed, these innovation will be dubbed "pirate's black technologies"!

If Yarukiman Mangrove is really used as the main material for shipbuilding, wouldn't the new ship become a small "Sabaody Island" floating on the sea?

Bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, bubble houses, and even bubble teapots.

The concept seemed almost self-sufficient, akin to having everything one desires.

Tom, the seasoned fish-man shipwright who had spent most of his life in Water 7, found himself momentarily stunned. The events of the past half-day had left a more profound impact on him than all his previous experiences combined.

"White Ghost," Tom chuckled heartily, "You've posed an intriguing question! In my long life, this is the first time I've encountered such an interesting question. How could Yarukiman Mangrove possibly…"

Initially, Mr. Tom had intended to dismiss the idea outright. After all, throughout Water 7's extensive history, no ship had ever been constructed using Yarukiman Mangrove as the primary material.

But when he was about to give a reason for refusal, he couldn't help but stare.

Because Mr. Tom couldn't find any convincing reason.

Why couldn't Yarukiman Mangrove serve as the main material for shipbuilding?

Consider its historical significance: Yarukiman Mangrove was no less than the revered Treasure Tree Adam—an ancient tree known far and wide.

And its toughness? The exposed roots of Yarukiman Mangrove supported the vast expanse of the Sabaody Archipelago.

In terms of sailing performance, the resin bubbles secreted by Yarukiman Mangrove surpassed ordinary Treasure Tree Adam, leaving it in the wake of innovation.

Mr. Tom's words trailed off, caught in the realization that perhaps tradition needed a nudge toward the extraordinary.

Adrian asked, "Mr. Tom, is there anything else to consider?"

Mr. Tom racked his brains, finally conjuring a somewhat far-fetched reason.

"Well," he began, "While Treasure Tree Adam remains available in the market, albeit at a steep price, Yarukiman Mangrove—the very backbone of the Sabaody Archipelago—has suffered human-induced destruction only a handful of times. The amount of wood needed for shipbuilding is huge, and it is not so easy to get."

"But I am a pirate now, right?" Adrian shrugged nonchalantly. "For pirates, destroying Sabaody Archipelago and cutting down Yarukiman mangroves doesn't seem to be a that big of crime, right?"

Hearing his words, even Iceberg and Franky, who had remained silent until now, could not help but cast strange glances.

True, for ordinary pirates, this matter might not raise significant concern.

However, there's a crucial factor to consider: Sabaody Archipelago's proximity to Marine headquarters.

As common knowledge dictates, any disturbance in Sabaody Archipelago draws swift action from high-ranking Marine officers. Within half an hour, they can mobilize a formidable force of elite Marines to quell any uprising.

Yet, when they contemplated the man standing before them—a bounty of 380 million berries attached to his name—Iceberg and Franky hesitated.

Their earlier conversation had overlooked a critical detail.

The White Ghost, notorious for obliterating eight naval warships simultaneously. 

It didn't seem like a big deal to chop down some trees to build a ship… right?

Mr. Tom found himself momentarily speechless.

As a shipwright, he wouldn't naturally refuse a customer seeking to commission a ship—even if that customer happened to be a pirate!

After all, hadn't Mr. Tom himself constructed the legendary pirate king's vessel, the Oro Jackson, for Gol D. Roger?

Deep in thought, Mr. Tom began to seriously consider the prospect of building a ship using Yarukiman Mangrove as the primary material. He stepped aside, retrieved a stack of draft paper from the bookshelf, and settled behind his desk. There, he meticulously sketched and wrote, occasionally muttering to himself.

Seeing this, Kokoro couldn't help but smile apologetically at Adrian, "I'm sorry, Mr. Tom is always like this. Once he gets involved in the design of a ship, he will subconsciously ignore the everything."

Adrian grinned. "No worries," he replied. "I've got time."

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Tom finally raised his head from the pile of design sketches. "White Ghost," he addressed Adrian, "You're serious about wanting to build a ship with Yarukiman Mangrove as the material, aren't you?"

Adrian's expression turned resolute. "Absolutely," he affirmed.

"Alright!" Mr. Tom nodded, "This old man is using Yarukiman Mangrove's Red Tree for ship building for the first time. There might be some waste during the shipbuilding process, but the materials from Yarukiman Mangrove are absolutely irreplacable!"

"Even though my ship doesn't need to be too big," Adrian stood up and shook Mr. Tom's hand, "I can guarantee you that I will bring a enough Yarukiman Mangrove red tree to build ten ships!"

After discussing with Mr. Tom about the design of the new ship, Adrian replenished sailing supplies in Water 7 and set sail once again.

Guided by the permanent pointer given by Crocus!

Destination: Sabaody Archipelago!