Vane held the bullet between his index and middle fingers. Iceburg was stunned—he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"No need to waste your efforts. I already knew what you were going to do," Vane said calmly.
"You…"
Iceburg was powerless. After watching the man crush the bullet with his bare hand, he slowly lowered the gun.
Vane added, "I have no ill intentions toward you. As part of a deal, I can help you deal with the spies around you."
"Spies?"
The word instantly made Iceburg alert.
"What kind of spies?"
Vane replied, "The CP9 agents sent by the World Government have been infiltrating your company, Galley-La, for four years. One of them is right beside you. Their objective is to get the blueprints of Pluton. You didn't know, did you?"
"There's one beside me?"
"Kalifa."
Iceburg hesitated. In his eyes, Kalifa was a capable woman who had helped him handle countless important matters over the past few years.
"That's right. It's her. She's been lurking at your side for four years, building your trust."
"You're sure?"
Iceburg still couldn't believe it. After all, Kalifa was someone he deeply trusted.
Vane nodded. "Of course I'm sure. And even if you could identify them yourself, would they still be CP9? You probably don't even know CP9 exists, do you?"
The World Government has nine official Cipher Pol units—CP0 through CP8. Very few know about CP9.
A secret unit that enforces what they call 'dark justice.'
Iceburg's face darkened. "Besides Kalifa, who else?"
"Do you know Rob Lucci?"
"I know him. He's the foreman of Dock One."
Iceburg's heart sank. He never imagined that someone from the World Government could hide so deeply—rising to a foreman's position and gaining his full trust. The revelation shook him.
Vane continued, "If we take out Rob Lucci, the rest won't be a problem. He's their leader. I need you to design a ship for me. In return, I'll take care of CP9, and if the World Government retaliates, I'll take full responsibility. They won't suspect you."
Iceburg fell silent. Vane could tell he was thinking.
Two minutes passed.
"…Alright. I'll build the ship for you."
Vane added, "Use Treasure Tree Adam. I want a ship that can sail the endless sea."
"…Are you a pirate?"
"The newspapers say I am, so I guess I am."
"In the papers?" Iceburg asked.
Vane smiled. "I killed two Celestial Dragons in Sabaody a few days ago, and also wiped out a bunch of slave traders. That's why they're calling me a pirate."
"You're that guy?!"
Iceburg was shocked. Vane removed his mask, revealing a young—almost boyish—but strikingly handsome face.
Vane. The one who dared to kill Celestial Dragons.
News of Vane had spread everywhere, especially among common people who saw him as a symbol of resistance. The World Nobles had always considered themselves gods, untouchable. What Vane had done shook their arrogance.
As one of the most prosperous and well-connected cities in the world, Water 7 was a hub of information. Of course Iceburg had heard of him.
Iceburg made up his mind. "I'll build your ship—no charge. It'll be able to sail across the Grand Line and beyond!"
His admiration for Vane was genuine now. The fear and skepticism he had earlier were gone, replaced by respect. He was even willing to go all out on the ship's construction.
Vane's actions had deeply impressed him. Iceburg had always despised the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.
Vane smiled. "Thank you. This ship will one day be known across the seas."
Iceburg looked at him seriously. "I can't believe someone actually dared to kill a Celestial Dragon. For regular folks like us, just walking in front of them is a death sentence."
"The world is rotting," Vane said. "And as the ones feeding on that decay, they need to be cut out."
Iceburg, remembering the past, grew furious. "The Navy's looking for you everywhere. If they catch you, you'll either be executed by the Celestial Dragons or rot in Impel Down. Best case? You die of old age in that hellhole. My teacher was executed just for building the Oro Jackson, Roger's ship…"
"My condolences," Vane replied. "I'll deal with them soon. Just keep the ship secret. When it's done, leave it at the dock. I'll take it from there."
"Six days," Iceburg said. "I'll finish it in six days. You can take the ship then."
Vane reminded him, "And one more thing—don't expose them. Keep everything as it was. I'll handle it."
"Got it."
"Then, goodbye."
Vane slipped his mask back on and turned to leave.
After he was gone, Iceburg immediately started sketching blueprints. Though not as legendary as his teacher, he was still a master shipwright.
"I'll need Franky's help," he muttered. "I can't build a perfect ship alone. He's even better than me."
As Vane walked away from Galley-La, he spotted Kalifa again.
She shot him a sharp glare. Vane ignored her.
She was a spy—of course she'd be watching him. Probably still wondering if he was going to try something. Vane smiled faintly and walked on.
---
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