Uchiha Puppet Master, Starting from One Piece.

Bai Yu smiled and ruffled her blonde hair: "Yes, there are even more local delicacies from Water Seven than on the ship."

"awesome!"

Artoria instantly perked up, and her eyes, which had been slightly languid from eating too much, suddenly became incredibly bright.

The ship slowly approached Water City.

The city is surrounded by clear seawater, with buildings stacked on top of each other and colorful rooftops that gleam brightly in the sunlight.

All sorts of small boats ply the waterways, boatmen humming cheerful tunes, while craftsmen hammer steel in the docks, the clanging sounds blending into a vibrant symphony.

The dock was bustling with people; the shouts of vendors, the sound of waves crashing against the pier, and the laughter of people mingled together, creating a lively atmosphere. Various aromas wafted from the shops along the street.

Grilled fish, fried snacks, sweet and savory seafood soup, refreshing fruit drinks...

As soon as she stepped onto the dock, Artoria subconsciously sniffed, her azure eyes widening instantly.

"It smells so good... even better than on the ship!"

She took a step forward instinctively, as if drawn by the fragrance.

Bai Yu looked at her impatient and adorable appearance, shook his head helplessly and amusedly, but still followed her.

Chapter 139 Water City

Matsumoto Rangiku, arm in arm with Robin, smiled and said, "It seems our days are going to get lively again. Shiraha will probably be doing some modifications to the ship here."

Nico Robin gazed at the vibrant shipbuilding city, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Yes, the first half of the Grand Line is known as Paradise, but the New World is far more dangerous and requires even more perfect ships, and this is where that can be done."

The two were still talking about flowers, but Artoria had already been drawn to a street food stall. She stood there, staring longingly at the golden, crispy fried seafood in the stall owner's hands, and asked softly, "Um... is this good?"

The stall owner enthusiastically handed over a skewer: "Beautiful lady, have a taste!"

Artoria carefully took it and gently took a bite.

The crispy outer layer cracks between your teeth, releasing tender shrimp meat with its sweet juices, and the aroma fills your nostrils.

Her eyes suddenly lit up, as if her whole being had been illuminated.

"Delicious! So delicious!"

Artoria stood on the bustling streets of Water Seven, oblivious to the stares of others, as happy as a child who had found the most precious treasure. She was completely unaware of the crumbs on her lips, only pure joy remained.

Bai Yu walked to her side, looked at her starry eyes, and sighed softly.

The chef hasn't been found yet, but the competitive eater has already completely let loose.

but……

He looked up at the shimmering, vibrant water city and thought to himself.

"By the way, isn't CP9 still on this island?"

Lucci, Kaku, Bruno, Kalifa... these shadowy figures who have been lurking for many years in the original story seem to have not yet truly landed on the island, or are still under the orders of the World Government and have not yet arrived in this shipbuilding city.

But that doesn't mean it's absolutely safe here.

"Let's go find Mr. Iceberg first."

Robin's voice was as calm as ever, but with a hint of barely perceptible caution: "If you want to modify a ship, or even build a sturdy ship that can set sail into the New World, only the Carrera Company of Water Seven can do it on the entire Grand Line."

Matsumoto Rangiku, arm in arm with Artoria, watched the blond knight king beside her eating as they walked, and couldn't help but add, "No rush, no rush, let our king enjoy the street food first~"

Artoria nodded vigorously, a freshly bought biscuit still dangling from her mouth, her cheeks puffed out as she mumbled in agreement, "Um... I need to eat, I need to eat my fill before I repair the ship! As a king, the ship is a mobile fortress, and before the fortress is strong, I must first fill my stomach!"

Robin followed quietly beside her, her gaze occasionally sweeping over the passersby on the street. As an orphan of Ohara who had been wanted by the World Government for ten years, she was particularly sensitive to any scrutinizing or prying gaze. However, at this moment, the city was mostly filled with simple craftsmen, enthusiastic merchants, and travelers, and there were no gazes that would truly make her uneasy.

But now she is fearless, except for that Demon-Slaying Order...

After a leisurely journey through waterways and streets, the group finally arrived at the Carrera headquarters.

The building is grand and sturdy, standing in the heart of the Seven Waters City, exuding a sense of exquisite craftsmanship.

After being informed, the group was quickly invited into the reception room, where they met the ruler of this shipbuilding city, Iceberg.

He was dressed in a neat shirt, with a calm and gentle demeanor, but his eyes held a shrewdness and vigilance that did not match his appearance. As Mr. Tom's apprentice, and as the man who single-handedly supported Water Seven and Carrera Corporation, he possessed an aura that inspired trust.

Upon hearing that Bai Yu and his group wanted to completely renovate the ship and even prepare for entering the new world, Iceberg showed no hesitation after seeing Bai Yu's sincerity.

He inquired in detail about the ship's current status, needs, and future modifications. When he heard Bai Yu's professional insights on the ship's structure and its ability to withstand wind and waves, his eyes showed even more approval.

"You have a good eye. If you want to survive in the new world, a ship is your second life."

Iceberg tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his tone solemn: "The most outstanding craftsmen and technologies in the entire Carrera Company are all in Dock No. 1. I will personally take you there and have them fully cooperate with you, ensuring that materials, craftsmanship, and design are all done to the highest standards."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Nico Robin, who stood quietly to the side, his eyes lingering almost imperceptibly for a moment. He didn't ask any further questions, but continued, "The craftsmen at Dock One are the people I trust most. Their skills are absolutely reliable. You can entrust them with your work without worry."

Iceberg's attitude was impeccable—warm, polite, and professional—but beneath that overly calm politeness seemed to lie a deliberate sense of distance.

Bai Yu could clearly sense that in the instant the iceberg looked at Robin, there was surprise, but also regret...

After leaving Carrera headquarters, the group headed to Dock No. 1, located on the east side of the city, led by a guide.

The closer they got to the dock, the louder the clanging and hammering became.

A massive slipway stands on the water, with keels, planks, masts, and steel parts piled up like mountains. Dozens of craftsmen in uniform are busy at work, their clothes soaked with sweat, their movements skilled and powerful.

This is indeed the most prestigious shipbuilding site in Water Seven.

They were received by Kazhen, the chief craftsman of Dock No. 1. He was tall and had a cheerful voice. He enthusiastically led them on a tour of the dock and introduced the craftsmanship and materials.

The surrounding craftsmen also cast their gazes, mostly with curiosity and friendliness, but a few of their gazes were like cold needles, piercing straight at Nico Robin.

That wasn't ordinary curiosity, nor was it a scrutiny of a strange woman; it was a hostile, critical, and cold gaze.

Artoria also sensed that something was wrong.

As a knight king, her sensitivity to hostility and killing intent far surpassed that of ordinary people. She had been secretly observing the huge shipyard and planning where to have dessert later, but she suddenly stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowing slightly beneath her golden hair, and one hand quietly resting on the hilt of the sword at her waist.

Matsumoto Rangiku's smile faded slightly, and her lazy gaze instantly sharpened.

Only Robin remained calm, though the fingers hanging at her sides curled up slightly.

Bai Yu, from the moment he stepped into Dock No. 1, took in all the auras.

He didn't react immediately, but stood calmly beside Robin, protecting her with his body, his gaze slowly sweeping over the seemingly ordinary craftsmen who were engrossed in their work.

They wore the same uniforms as the other craftsmen and carried tools, but it was clear that they were quite skilled.

More importantly, Bai Yu was extremely familiar with that aura.

It has a cold, sinister feel, belonging to a secret intelligence organization directly under the World Government.

Chapter 140 The Fear of the Buster Call

After leaving Dock One, the aroma of food lingering around Artoria instantly overshadowed the faint hint of cold hostility she had felt earlier. She tugged at Nico Robin's sleeve, her eyes gleaming with undisguised anticipation. Her hand, which had been resting on the sword hilt, had long since loosened, replaced by a deep longing for the street food.

Looking at the innocent and unguarded appearance of the blond knight king beside her, Robin's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. She nodded and agreed to let him continue his shopping and eating.

Retsu Unohana and Shiraha stayed by the dock to discuss the details of the renovation, while Rangiku Matsumoto took Kanna to the amusement park. Thus, in the vast streets of Water Seven, only Robin and Artoria were left walking side by side.

The food stalls along the waterway stand one after another, their aromas of fried food, roasted food, and sweet desserts mingling together to create the most heartwarming atmosphere of everyday life.

Artoria seemed to have been set free, her gaze wandering back and forth between the various stalls. Every time she saw a new and interesting food, her eyes would light up, and she would unconsciously move towards the place with the strongest aroma.

The two stopped at a stall specializing in fried seafood. Artoria was holding a large plate full of freshly fried shrimp, squid, and scallops. The golden and crispy skin was still steaming and glistening with oil, making it look incredibly appetizing.

This situation is actually very common in the world of One Piece; the goods from the sea are indeed more delicious than those from the mountains.

Artoria showed no restraint whatsoever as a knight king. With her left hand holding a skewer of fried shrimp and her right hand grabbing a fried squid ring, she chewed quickly with small bites. The crisp sound of the outer skin crackling between her teeth was clearly audible, and the tender shrimp juices burst on her tongue. The sweet taste made her squint her eyes. Her cheeks were bulging from being stuffed with food, making her look like a little squirrel with a treasure trove. She was completely unaware of the bits of food stuck to the corners of her mouth, as she was solely immersed in the happiness brought by the food.

Oh, poor fellow from Little Britain...

After finishing her fried food, she was drawn to a taiyaki stall not far away, where the hot taiyaki had a soft outer layer.

Artoria held the taiyaki in both hands, took a small bite, and felt the warm food slide down her tongue and into her throat. The warmth spread from her stomach to her whole body. She sighed contentedly and walked briskly forward with Robin in her hand. She also bought a skewer of caramelized fruit and ate it as she walked. Her golden hair swayed slightly in the sunlight, and she looked completely carefree.

This King Arthur is completely different from the one Bai Yu remembers.

Robin quietly followed beside her, occasionally wiping away crumbs from the corners of her mouth. Watching her eat without any ulterior motives, the unease in his heart was somewhat alleviated by this pure joy.

She cherished these peaceful moments, far from the shadow of being wanted and the fear of being hunted, simply enjoying a moment of tranquility with her companions on the bustling streets.

But this peace was eventually shattered by cruelty.

Three men dressed in black suits, exuding a cold and sinister aura, slowly walked out from the alleyway beside the waterway and blocked the two men's way.

Their attire clashed with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Water Seven. Their faces were devoid of smiles, their eyes sharp as hawks, fixed intently on Nico Robin. The oppressive aura of World Government agents instantly enveloped the entire street.

After the group entered the dark alley...

The lead agent adjusted his glasses: "Nicole Robin, the last survivor of Ohara, a wanted criminal by the World Government for many years. Come with us and cooperate obediently, and we can apply to our superiors to suspend the pursuit of your companions; otherwise, we can apply for a Buster Call!"

Robin's body stiffened abruptly. The familiar oppressive feeling from the World Government, like an icy tide, instantly overwhelmed her, burying the deepest fear in her heart.

She wasn't afraid of the World Government's agents, but Buster Call was different.

The flames of the Buster Call, the destruction of Ohara, and the cries of her loved ones and scholars flashed rapidly through her mind, turning her originally calm face pale and revealing a fleeting look of confusion and fear in her eyes.

This is a nightmare etched into her very bones, a shadow that she can never easily erase, no matter how many companions she has.

Artoria noticed Robin's unusual behavior. This was the first time she had seen Robin so vulnerable. Her usually calm and gentle eyes were filled with a fear she had never seen before, as if something extremely terrifying was choking her.

Artoria's taiyaki stopped abruptly at her lips, her azure eyes narrowed slightly, and her aura instantly shifted from soft and cheerful to the sharp and cold aura of a knight king.

She put down the food in her hand, stepped forward, and silently shielded Robin behind her. One hand rested firmly on the hilt of the holy sword at her waist, her fingertips already touching the cool patterns on the hilt. A faint but powerful aura emanated from her, enough to intimidate ordinary people. This was the majesty of a queen, the majesty of the queen of Great Britain.

"Robin, what are you afraid of?"

Artoria's voice was deep and serious, without a trace of mockery, only pure doubt and protectiveness.

“These guys are brimming with undisguised malice; they are clearly enemies. Since they are enemies, there is no need to tolerate them. Should we just take care of these annoying guys right here? With my strength, dealing with them will be a matter of moments, and it won't cause us any unnecessary trouble.”

At this moment, Artoria is not the rule-abiding and somewhat rigid knight king that people imagine. She upholds the spirit of chivalry and protects her companions, but she never shows any mercy when faced with enemies who come to her door or villains who threaten her companions.

In her mind, enemies should be defeated, and anything that threatens the existence of her comrades should be completely eliminated without any room for compromise.

At this moment, Artoria's eyes were firm and sharp. If Robin nodded, she would not hesitate to draw her holy sword and make these agents disappear forever from the streets of Water Seven.

Robin snapped out of her daze, quickly suppressing the fear and confusion in her heart. She gently tugged at Artoria's sleeve, shook her head, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Don't make a move, Artoria. They are CP5 agents directly under the World Government, and the entire World Government is behind them. This is Water Seven, a public district. If we make a move, it will only attract more agents and might even expose our whereabouts, causing trouble for Shiraha and Rangiku. We can't afford to cause trouble right now."

Chapter 141 Doing a Big Things