39 Surging undercurrents

"This is yours, Katie."

After reconciling with Stussy and the others, Nicholas handed over the Wind-Flower, Snow-Moon to Katie directly.

Looking at the weapon, which was almost the same height as herself, Katie felt a bit bewildered.

Then Nicholas also handed out the other gifts respectively to Simon, Vista, and Stussy.

After briefly explaining the situation with Kallet to them, everyone agreed that Nicholas going alone was indeed the best choice. After all, in melee combat, Nicholas alone could exert double the combat power.

"Alright, then you guys just support me when the time comes. Next stop, heading to the City of Water seven!"

With Nicholas's words, Stussy and Vista also felt a surge of excitement. Nicholas heading to the City of Water seven at this time meant that they could start building their own ship.

Three days later, Nicholas and his crew finally arrived at the City of Water seven. He hadn't rushed the journey; if they had traveled at full speed, they could have reached the city in just two days.

As soon as they caught sight of the City of Water seven, Katie, surprised, leaned over the ship's railing with her mouth wide open. Although they had seen many things they had never seen before on the way, seeing the City of Water seven for the first time still felt unbelievable.

"Hey, Captain, is this really the City of Water seven? Such magnificent architecture," Katie exclaimed, looking at Nicholas with an impressed expression.

"Yes, indeed it is. We are going there to visit a master shipbuilder. Of course, if you find it boring, you can let Sister Stussy take you around the City of Water seven," Nicholas replied.

Excited at the prospect of being able to explore freely, Katie looked eagerly at Stussy. For her, everything new was fascinating. However, she also felt a bit afraid of the unknown and leaving Nicholas. But as long as Stussy and the others were with her, she felt reassured.

Stussy gently touched Katie's hair with her hand, then looked at Nicholas with a hint of concern in her eyes.

Knowing Stussy's concern, Nicholas assured her, "Don't worry. Even if the situation gets dire, your presence there would only mean the enemy gets a little extra bounty. Besides, if things go south, I can always run."

Nicholas chuckled.

Stussy nodded, always unconditionally trusting Nicholas.

"Captain, I think I'll stay on the ship and keep watch," Vista spoke up. He preferred staying on the ship rather than going shopping with Stussy.

"Vista, there's no need to watch the ship. Even if something happens to it, it's okay. After all, ships are the least lacking thing here in the City of Water seven. Besides, you can accompany Katie and the others to explore the island. The seafood in the City of Water seven is quite famous. Don't you want to try it?" Nicholas persuaded.

After hearing Nicholas's words, Vista struggled internally for a moment but ultimately stood up, indicating his intention to accompany Stussy and the others to the island.

"Captain, should I go with you?" Simon, playing with a short gun, asked suddenly. The gun was something Nicholas had obtained from Whitebeard before, modified by an unknown genius gunsmith to make it comparable to a cannonball in its attack.

"Never mind, you better stay with Vista and the others," Nicholas said, watching Stussy, Katie, and Vista disappear into the distance.

After they left, Nicholas turned and walked in another direction.

His purpose this time was to find Tom, the Fish-Man, to help him build his own ship.

Although his current ship's performance was excellent, it was obtained from someone else, and while it was top-notch for the first half of the Grand Line, it fell short in the unpredictable waters of the New World.

Having a great ship in the New World was like having reliable insurance.

So Nicholas decided to enlist the help of Tom, the shipwright who had built the Oro Jackson, the former Pirate King's flagship, and many other famous ships.

As Nicholas contemplated finding Tom to build his ship, on Whitebeard's Moby Dick at this time...

"Gurulululu, Garp, this Garp guy is really arrogant. I can't wait to see what sparks fly when we clash!" Whitebeard said, putting down the intelligence and raising a jug to drink.

"Hehe, Newgate, is this Garp guy really as strong as you say? I'm curious," asked June, dressed in leopard-print stockings and fur, looking at Whitebeard.

"Of course, that guy is a real monster. Even Roger couldn't get the upper hand against Garp, and I suspect his martial arts and Armament Haki have reached a freakish level. He might even pose a threat to Rox," replied Whitebeard. He acknowledged Garp's strength, but who was stronger between them remained to be seen on the battlefield.

"And Newgate, aren't you afraid of calling the captain by his name directly? But don't worry, I won't tell him, after all, you're the man I've set my sights on. So, would you like to consider planting your seed in the fertile ground where I nurture life? I believe that once we come together, coupled with my ability, we can definitely give birth to powerful children!" June suddenly said.

" Gurulululu, June. You underestimate Rox's tolerance. Although we're gathered under him to a large extent because he suppresses us with his strength, our willingness to go on a rampage with him is also because of his tolerance. Even if you tell him what I said, he'll just laugh it off. And Rox sending you is just to assist me, it doesn't mean I won't dare to kill you!" After saying this, Whitebeard placed the jug on the table and glanced at June.

"Don't... don't joke like that, Newgate. We're comrades, after all," June hastily said.

"Comrades? I'm sorry, but I think you might have misunderstood something. Although nominally we're all members of Rox's pirate crew, you are not a comrade in my book," Whitebeard said as he stood up, looking at the distant Marine battleship.

"Men! Prepare for battle!" With Whitebeard's command, the pirates on the ship quickly prepared for combat.

After the Marines sent Garp to make a big move in the New World, Rox's response had arrived.

 [Please read the author's not below for some clarifications]