Chapter 291: Daily Life - Forced Purchase

The shipyard owner never expected that among these three young-looking people, there was actually someone who knew ships well. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

After a brief pause to think, the shipyard owner said with confidence, "This isn't Water 7. We don't have enough shipwrights, nor do we have the advanced shipbuilding tools like they do. Sure, a ship like this might only cost twelve million Berries in Water 7, and it might take them only half a month to build it. But here on Buggy Island, it takes at least two months. The manpower and resources here are double that of Water 7. So, what's wrong with me charging a bit more?"

Kaku wasn't buying the owner's excuse. He began to carefully examine the two ships the owner had recommended. Rubbing his chin, he analyzed, "It does look like a new ship. And yes, you have a point. Even if we add in the extra labor costs, at most, this ship should be worth thirteen million—and that's assuming it's flawless."

"Uh... No way, I won't go any lower than fourteen million. That's my bottom line!" the shipyard owner argued, clearly frustrated. "I run a small business here. The materials alone cost me a lot of Berries. Labor costs are already calculated at the lowest!"

"How much it should cost, let me first check everything properly," Kaku said. Then, with a single leap—leaving the shipyard owner staring in shock—he jumped more than ten meters onto one of the ships and began his inspection.

The owner rubbed his eyes in disbelief, then turned to Takumi and Enel. "Did that kid really just jump over ten meters to reach the ship?"

"What's so strange about that?" Enel scoffed. "You really haven't seen much, have you?"

The owner gave an awkward laugh.

After a few minutes, Kaku finished inspecting both ships. He returned to the shore and said plainly, "They are indeed new, but the wood used is just stockpile material. It's not high quality. Even a standard ship in Water 7 would use at least mid-grade wood. With the material and labor costs added, it's worth, at most, eight million. No more. I know ships as well as you do, so don't try to pull one over on me. Eight million is our offer—take it or leave it."

The shipyard owner turned pale. "Eight million? Are you serious? Kid, do you even know how to bargain? How old are you, to be challenging my experience? I was learning shipbuilding when you were still in diapers!"

Kaku wasn't fazed. "Age means nothing. Back then, I learned in under a week what takes others more than half a year to master. Don't argue with me. I can tell the value of a ship at a glance. Eight million, and not a Berry more. Otherwise, we walk."

Before the owner could respond, Takumi casually asked, "How much is the labor cost for this ship?"

Kaku replied, "Two million."

"Cut that in half," Takumi said, taking out seven million Berries from his system space and forcibly shoving it into the owner's hands.

"Hey!" the owner exclaimed, his face turning sour. "Seven million is a huge loss for me! No way. Eight million—just give me a bit more!"

Takumi couldn't be bothered to reply. He boarded one of the ships without hesitation.

"Hey, what's going on here? I'm not selling anymore. Take your money back!" The owner tried to return the money to Kaku and Enel.

Kaku jumped onto the ship with Takumi and asked, "So, we've decided on this one?"

Takumi gave a calm nod.

"Alright," Kaku said indifferently. "These two ships are pretty much the same, so it doesn't matter which one we pick. But there's nothing stocked on this ship yet. Let's go get some supplies."

"Fine. You and Enel go," Takumi said.

"No way, we're all going. Captain, moving around more helps you grow taller."

Takumi turned to Kaku, his voice chilling. "Are you saying I'm short?"

Kaku burst out laughing. "No, no, Captain, you're perfect as you are now. But a bit taller would make you even more perfect."

On the shore, Enel was just about to board when the shipyard owner grabbed his arm, refusing to let him go. "Take your money back and get off the ship. I'm not selling!"

Enel looked at the owner with disdain. "Our captain has decided to buy it. Whether you like it or not, it's sold. Keep complaining, and I'll kill you."

"Hey, you can't just be unreasonable like this!"

"You're annoying. Get lost!" Electricity crackled around Enel as he shocked the owner unconscious.

Nearby, some of the shipyard apprentices saw their boss go down and immediately picked up weapons, charging at Enel.

Without even glancing their way, Enel casually sent a few bolts of lightning, easily taking them all down.

"Pathetic," Enel muttered disdainfully. In a flash of lightning, he reappeared on the deck with Takumi and Kaku, just in time to hear their conversation. Lazily picking his ear, he said, "I don't get you guys. Why are you all so hung up on height? What's wrong with being short? Takumi doesn't care one bit about being a little shrimp."

Takumi's gaze shifted to Enel. He jumped up and punched him square in the face.

With a loud "Agh!" Enel screamed as he was sent flying, almost landing in the sea. But his golden staff seemed to have a mind of its own, instantly extending to catch him just above the water and return him safely to the deck before shrinking back to its normal size.

"This staff is really something," Kaku remarked in surprise.

Enel rubbed his sore face, grumbling, "Damn it, punching me for no reason... Was I wrong? You really don't make any sense..."

"Cut it out," Kaku said with a sigh. "The less you talk, the fewer beatings you'll get. Let's just get the supplies. Captain, come with me to buy them. Enel, you stay here and watch the ship."

"You've got some nerve," Enel retorted. "Do you honestly think Takumi is going to go with you to buy stuff? Don't kid yourself. He's too lazy for that."

"Do you have any right to criticize the captain?" Kaku shot back. "You're just as bad!"

Takumi: "..."

Without hesitation, Takumi raised a hand and smacked both Enel and Kaku on the head, leaving each with a large bump.

Before either of them could complain, Takumi had already jumped off the ship, saying coldly, "Enel, watch the ship. Kaku, let's go."

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