Tom

"Very reasonable request."

Nicholas nodded and then took out a card and threw it directly to Levanoth.

Looking at the card in his hand, Levanoth looked at Nicholas somewhat puzzled.

"This is a deposit. I will choose to pay the balance when the ship is completed. I will have Master Tom summoned later, and I will tell him my requirements for the ship."

Levanoth accepted the card and nodded in agreement with Nicholas.

He also had some insights into this order.

Nicholas looked at Levanoth, who had already yielded, and realized that the other party was not without merit. Being able to be the public authority of the City of Seven Waters was quite capable.

Soon, Levanoth took out a Den Den Mushi and made a call. Moments later, Tom, the pride of the City of Seven Waters, the first shipbuilder, and the creator of the ship Oro Jackson, the shipwright Tom, arrived at the VIP room.

As soon as Tom entered, he glanced at Levanoth, then turned his gaze to Nicholas.

"Kid, you want me to be in charge of building your ship?"

Tom said in a relaxed manner, causing Levanoth's eyebrows to twitch, afraid that the man in front of him would turn his cherished shipwright into a grilled fish with electricity.

"Yes"

Nicholas replied honestly.

"Hahaha, kid, you've got taste!"

At this point, Tom hadn't matured like he did later. Hearing Nicholas's words, a smile appeared on his face, and then he turned to Levanoth and said, "Since you've agreed to let me handle this gentleman's ship, let the craftsmen from the other shipyards handle the ships for those 'World Nobles'."

"No problem, Master Tom."

Levanoth had great respect for Tom. It could be said that because of Tom's existence, the shipbuilding technology in the City of Seven Waters had always been far ahead of the world. Even if it wasn't Tom leading them in person, the position of Tom in the City of Seven Waters was still high.

The reason was that he had helped many great pirates build their rides to sail the seas. While many pirates saw it as just a transaction, some became friends with Tom because of it.

"Kid, let's hear your requirements for the ship."

Tom sat his massive frame on the sofa, making the two-seater sofa suddenly seem like a child's sofa.

"Since my ship is in your hands, I hope the bottom of the ship will be wrapped in Sea Stone. As for the keel and main structure, use Adam Wood. Regarding Adam Wood, you can find a way to procure it. Besides, I will also take care of it.

I also want the ship to be powered by lightning and preferably capable of flight. Additionally, there should be room for improvement in the ship's weapons and other areas...

As for the compensation, I owe you a favor."

Nicholas said to Tom, mentioning only the shipbuilding order fee for Levanoth, while the fee for a master shipwright like Tom would be separate.

Upon hearing Nicholas's words, both Levanoth and Tom were surprised. After all, the promise of a weakling wasn't worth much, but the promise of a strong one couldn't be measured in money.

"However, if I find your ship unsatisfactory, or if a defect on the ship puts me at a hundred percent risk of death at sea, you better pray. Otherwise, I will turn the entire City of Seven Waters and Fish-Man Island into hell, a real hell."

After saying this, Nicholas didn't bother to pay attention to Levanoth and Tom's grim faces.

"Kid, you're challenging the bottom line of a shipwright! We will pour all our efforts into our works, and it's absolutely impossible for us to harm others with our creations!"

Tom said firmly.

Seeing Tom's resolute gaze, Nicholas smiled and then sincerely said, "Forgive me, I was despicable. Then, I'll leave my ship to Master Tom."

"Kid, I will come up with a design that meets your requirements in three days. By then, I'll show you what a true shipwright is!"

After speaking, Tom left first. It seemed like he intended to make Nicholas feel ashamed with his own creation.

Nicholas also refused Levanoth's invitation to stay, and he left the Galley-La Company directly, planning to find Stussy and the others on the island.

Walking through the streets of the City of Seven Waters, Nicholas noticed that many of the buildings were temporary constructions, meant to last only a year before being rebuilt after the Aqua laguna. However, many tall buildings had withstood the test of countless Aqua Laguna. He wondered what methods the builders had used to withstand even the Aqua Laguna' level of tsunami, as these buildings remained intact.

Not far into his stroll, Nicholas caught a whiff of a peculiar fragrance and couldn't help but follow his nose to its source.

Upon entering, he found a small barbecue stall emitting the enticing aroma. An elderly couple was busy at work: the woman focused on grilling meat while the man controlled the fire, occasionally shouting orders.

Despite the lack of need for orders, the area was crowded with people holding Beli, eagerly watching the woman grill the meat.

Nicholas took out some bills, intending to buy some meat. However, the stall was small, and the lady could only grill a limited number of skewers each time. Those who arrived first didn't even get enough, let alone Nicholas, who arrived late.

Nicholas didn't feel disgruntled about being late; he understood the principles of first come, first served.

Finally, among the second batch of grilled meat, Nicholas successfully purchased five skewers.

Taking a bite, he noticed that the meat's texture was different from ordinary meat; it was more tender and juicy, with a rich flavor. It was simply delicious.

"Old man, is this water meat? Ordinary grilled meat shouldn't be this juicy."

Nicholas asked the old man who was busy controlling the fire.

"Haha, young man, you're right. This is our City of Seven Waters' specialty, water meat. It's made possible by our abundant water vapor. Even if other places have the recipe, they can't replicate the taste and texture of water meat without our rich water vapor.

So, enjoy it. It's a delicacy that can only be found in the City of Seven Waters."

The old man explained, showing that this specialty was quite popular.

"Old man, you mean even if others know the method, they can't replicate it?"

"Of course, making water meat isn't complicated. It's just mixing minced pork, fish, beef, and other meats, marinating them, and stuffing them into chicken legs before sealing them and grilling them on a rack. The real complexity lies in the rich water vapor of the City of Seven Waters, which allows the meat to have its tender texture during marination and grilling."

"I see. Thanks for explaining. Goodbye."

With that, Nicholas finished his water meat and left, heading to find Stussy and the others.