Chapter 8

With the magnificent sea and the faint blue horizon, Enel gazed around in wonder as he descended from the Sky Island. Though more than ten days had passed, Blue Sea still held endless curiosity for him.

Everything was so new, so different from life on the Sky Island. During this time, Enel had learned about the vast sea and its various factions, including the Yonko (Four Emperors), the World Government, the Marines, the Shichibukai, and various other formidable individuals, from Jenos.

"I no longer require Observation Haki. Now, I only need to master Armament Haki..." Enel muttered to himself as he clenched his fist, the determination burning in his eyes.

"Thud!"

Genos emerged from the cabin and spoke solemnly, "Captain, we're still three kilometers away from the City of Waters 7."

Noel rose from his seat, a smile gracing his lips as he gazed into the distance where the city's silhouette stood. After nearly two weeks of sailing, the journey had grown tedious, but they had finally reached their destination—Water 7.

Their primary reason for visiting the Water 7 was to commission a new ship. Their current vessel was far from adequate.

Noel's hand rested on the dark longsword at his waist, a wry smile forming. 

After plundering Skypiea and amassing forty Baileys, alongside what they had obtained on the Sky Island, he had conducted two intermediate draws. 

Unfortunately, his luck had been less than stellar. He acquired a longsword named "Dark Night" and unlocked the title of "Sword Grandmaster (Advanced)." It appeared that the system was leading him towards the path of the swordsman.

"We've finally arrived. I wonder if there are any formidable opponents here," Enel said with excitement, eager to test his strength against the powerful individuals of Blue Sea.

Noel shook his head in response, "The renowned powerhouses are mostly found in the New World, the latter part of the Grand Line. In the Four Great Seas, there aren't many worthy opponents. With our strength, we're already virtually invincible here."

With that, Noel led the way towards the city, leaving Enel and Jenos to follow.

At the dock, the bustling crowd paid little attention to the trio as they continued their work. However, a middle-aged man with two horns protruding from his forehead fixed his gaze on Noel. 

His narrowed eyes revealed recognition. While others may not have known them, Blueno was well-acquainted with famous pirates like Noel.

He hadn't expected to encounter Noel so swiftly upon their arrival in the Water 7. 

"There's another newcomer," Blueno muttered under his breath as he observed the trio. He knew he had to report this development to Spandam, the leader of CP9, and Marine. 

Meanwhile, Enel leaned against a wall, attempting to remain inconspicuous, and whispered to Noel, "Someone was observing us as we entered the city."

Noel smiled knowingly and nodded. He had noticed Blueno in the crowd. The encounter was a coincidence, but it had already set the stage for a future confrontation.

"Let's go find the Iceburg," Noel suggested, but he couldn't help but wonder if Marine would come for the celestial gold. He knew that the World Government wouldn't let them go easily.

As Noel and his group sought out Iceburg, most of CP9's members assembled, with Rob Lucci leading them.

"Blueno, inform Spandam and Marine," Lucci ordered.

Blueno swiftly created a black door on the wall and stepped through it, vanishing from sight.

"As the one who took down a Rear Admiral and the Blood Wolves pirates, Noel is undoubtedly powerful. We'll try to delay him until Marine arrives," Lucci declared, looking at his fellow agents. 

They all had missions within the Water 7s, and it was crucial not to reveal themselves unless necessary.

The agents nodded in agreement, understanding Luccci's directive. They would intercept Noel and his crew if they attempted to leave before Marine arrived.

The agents disappeared into the alleys, leaving no trace of their presence.

Two hours later, Noel found the Iceburg and explained his purpose.

"It will take at least half a month," Iceberg said, smiling at the trio. Even half a month was a speedy estimate.

Noel looked at Kalifa, who had been silently observing, and asked with a playful tone, "Is there any way to expedite the process? Money isn't an issue."

Iceburg hesitated briefly before nodding, "We do have a pre-made ship at the shipyard, but it will take three days to prepare."

As they conversed, Kalifa, one of CP9's undercover agents, was taken aback. She had recognized Noel's identity.