Chapter 211: The Dilemma of the Water City

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City of Seven Waters

Under the huge bridge

It was a simple little house with a big sign hanging on the door with the words "Tom's Studio" written in large and conspicuous letters.

Such a big sign is obviously intended to be seen by more customers, but the location of the studio is so remote that no matter how big the sign is, few people will pass by and see it, so you can imagine how bad the business is.

Ever since Roger was publicly executed, the number of pirates on the sea has increased day by day. Logically speaking, with the number of pirates skyrocketing and the navy constantly expanding, the Water City, which is famous for its shipbuilding, should be the beneficiary.

In fact, at the beginning, the shipyards in the Water City did experience a rapid growth in orders. The shipworkers in various shipyards were excited about this for a long time, and they all put their best efforts into preparing for a big work.

But the reality soon gave them a heavy blow. As the sea was in complete chaos, the materials that the shipbuilding needed to purchase from other places would be plundered by pirates from time to time, and it was difficult to transport them back safely. As a result, many of their orders could not be delivered on time. Not only did they have to pay the penalty for breach of contract, but all the orders were left in their hands. Over time, they also lost their credibility. The shipbuilding industry in the Seven Water City is suffering an unprecedented blow.

Even Mr. Tom, who is known as the world's number one shipbuilder, has no business and can only afford to rent a small house under a remote bridge as a studio. You can imagine how hard life must be for other shipbuilders who make a living by building ships.

"Aww, aww!"

At the dining table, Franky and Iceberg stuffed delicious rice into their mouths one bite after another. Although there was not much meat, the food made by Grandma Kokoro was still so delicious.

"By the way, what's the number of the Franky series battleships you've made, Franky?"

Tom asked casually while eating his meal.

Speaking of this topic, Franky suddenly became interested, put down the spoon and said proudly:

"No. 8, Mr. Tom! But unfortunately, this time he was just a little bit away from defeating the Sea King!"

"Really? Stop lying. This guy can only make some weird weapons. How can he build a battleship? Mr. Tom, it's all your fault that you always spoil him. Franky is getting more and more complacent."

Iceberg on the side couldn't stand it anymore and told the truth directly.

The two of them grabbed each other's cheeks and started arguing again.

"Uhhahahaha! Uhhahahaha!"

Mr. Tom, who was standing by, looked at the two disciples who were so energetic and instead of stopping them, he burst into laughter.

"Okay, okay, stop arguing, and eat your meal. Really, Mr. Tom, you can still laugh so happily."

A gentle voice came.

A middle-aged woman with a good figure and good looks came out of the kitchen.

"But Granny Kokoro, this guy is so infuriating."

Franky and Iceberg pointed at each other at the same time, but still obediently let go and continued to eat the food on the plate.

"Oh, oh, oh, I heard that the merchant ship transporting timber to Water Seven was robbed by pirates on the way. Since the execution of the Pirate King, there have been many pirates. Now the materials cannot be transported to Water Seven. Not only can we not build good ships, but our reputation is also getting worse and worse. I heard that many shipyards have seen a sharp drop in orders. Today, two groups of shipbuilders competed fiercely for an order for a small fishing boat. They were willing to do it even if it cost them a loss. In the end, the two sides even had a fight in the street. Alas, the life of the shipbuilders is getting harder and harder."

Kokoro sat down and ate her meal while worriedly recounting some of the latest news she had heard in the market today.

Tom put away the smile on his face and frowned in thought.

The precocious Iceberg also put down the spoon in his hand and showed a face full of worry. They are also shipbuilders in the Water City and need to rely on shipbuilding to make a living. These bad news are all closely related to them.

For a moment, the room was silent except for the sounds of Franky and Frog Yokozuna eating.

"Uh hahahaha, don't worry too much, there will definitely be a way. This city will not be defeated easily, just like it needs to go through the baptism of Akulana (the gods of water) every year. The difficulties will eventually pass."

Tom comforted everyone optimistically.

"Mr. Tom said it very well!"

Iceberg echoed excitedly.

...

"Bang, bang, bang! Excuse me, is anyone home?"

There was a knock on the door, followed by a man's voice.

"Wait a minute, come right away!"

"I'll open the door."

Thinking that there might be a customer coming, Bingshan excitedly jumped up from his chair and walked towards the door.

"I am coming too!"

Franky also put down his spoon and rushed forward.

"Squeak!"

The old wooden door was opened from the inside, and the person knocking on the door was a fat, white, squinting-eyed man, who looked like a wealthy businessman. Next to him was an intellectual beauty, who might be a lover or a secretary. Bingshan became more certain of his guess.

"Hey, Fat Uncle, do you want to build a boat? Woo woo woo~"

Franky's words shocked him, and Bingshan was so frightened that he quickly covered his mouth with his hand, smiled awkwardly at the visitor, and ignored Franky's struggle and spoke enthusiastically:

"Good afternoon, sir and beautiful lady. Do you need a boat built? We have the best and most skilled shipbuilders in Tom's Studio. Choosing us is definitely your wisest decision!"

"Haha, really? I've heard that at the previous shipyards, young man."

As a veteran, Mo Sang certainly would not give up the initiative just because of a word from the other party. He stroked his mustache and smiled.

"You are right, sir. The Seven Waters City is home to countless world-class shipbuilders. It is normal for other shipyards to advertise this way. However, our Tom Studio is indeed one of the best shipyards in the Seven Waters City. Please come in and have a cup of tea first, and then we will talk in detail about the ship you want to entrust us to build."

He did not rush to refute the customer's words, but continued speaking in accordance with the customer's meaning. He neither belittled other colleagues nor emphasized the strength and status of his own shipyard. His response was neither humble nor arrogant, and it can be said to be very appropriate.

Not bad, not bad, he is a talented person.

Gel, who was standing at the back, looked at the blue-haired boy in front of him with interest. He recognized at a glance that this was Franky's good friend and senior brother, Iceberg. He was very eloquent at a young age, and he deserved to be able to run for the mayor of Water 7 as a commoner in the future. He did a good job and was loved by all citizens.

Successfully aroused Captain Gill's love for talent.

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