Water Seven, the famous shipbuilding capital of the Grand Line. On this island stood the largest and most skilled shipbuilding company in the world.
Most pirates or merchants who came here would choose to repair or rebuild the vessels that were their livelihood. At the same time, the island itself was known as the "Island on the Water," also called Water Seven Island.
That day, as dawn broke, the elderly residents were already out for their morning exercises.
By the harbor, the early breeze blew softly. On the wide and empty streets, passersby stretched their arms and legs as they walked about leisurely.
As always, Water Seven was a place of peace. Whether Marine or pirate, everyone needed the services of the shipyards. The workers of the shipyards were strong and capable, not the kind who would be intimidated by troublemakers. And with the careful management of Mayor, the island had grown ever more prosperous and stable, attracting outsiders from across the seas.
"Breathing in this morning air really makes an old man feel full of energy for the entire day!"
With his hands clasped behind his back, an elderly man strolled slowly through the park, smiling as he voiced his appreciation.
This life suited the elderly perfectly. The peace of Water Seven was something everyone had grown used to. Along the way, the old man saw many familiar friends.
"Hardworking young people… they're full of vitality too!"
Still with his hands behind his back, the elder walked down the street, watching as young men already dressed neatly headed toward the factories.
As the sun rose higher, the day's busy work began.
Gradually, more people filled the streets of Water Seven. Street vendors became lively, and soon the sound of bustling chatter filled the entire island.
The sun climbed higher, bathing the island in warmth and light.
At the very top of Water Seven, inside the mayor's office, Mayor Iceberg sat frowning at the day's newspaper, his eyes filled with tension and concern.
"The Qin Nation's army is drawing closer and closer."
"The Marines have yet to make any move. Even the World Government officials stationed here in Water Seven have already withdrawn. What exactly are they planning?"
"Once the Qin Nation's forces arrive, what do we even have to resist them with?"
Rubbing his temples, Iceberg felt his mind in complete turmoil.
This city was the result of years of hard work, nearly his entire life's effort, to shape it into what it was today. Now, facing an unknown and powerful enemy, his heart grew heavier.
"And then… some workers from the shipyards have suddenly gone missing. Could this be connected somehow?"
Frowning deeper, Iceberg flipped through the newspaper irritably.
Those missing workers had been long-serving veterans of the shipyard, always dependable. Yet just a few days ago, they had vanished without a trace. What troubled him even more was that even his own secretary had disappeared.
A vague, ominous feeling crept into his heart.
"This is not an answer I can accept…"
Following the faint clues, he had uncovered a few hints in the past days, but they were things he simply could not bring himself to accept.
Shaking his head, Iceberg knew this was not the time to dwell on such matters. The real issue was, "The Qin Nation's army may be upon us very soon."
"And war… war may not be far off."
"I only hope it won't spill over onto Water Seven!"
His expression grim, the mayor prayed silently in his heart.
But the more one dreads something, the faster it arrives.
By midday, as Iceberg sat wearily drinking coffee, his office door was suddenly shoved open with force.
A moment later, his newly hired secretary rushed in, panting heavily, eyes wide with panic.
"N-no… it's bad, Mayor!"
Iceberg's cup of coffee was set down almost instantly, his once-clouded eyes sharpening in an instant.
"Speak. What happened?"
"The, The Qin Nation's army is here!"
The secretary shouted in panic.
Bang!
Iceberg shot up from his seat, his face grim, striding quickly toward the door.
His office was at the very top of Water Seven. Because of the island's unique terrain, from the balcony he could clearly see everything that happened at the harbor.
And at that moment, Iceberg saw it, below, at the port, a fleet vast and overwhelming, radiating a terrifying, awe-inspiring presence!
"Th-this is…?!"
"It's Qin Nation's fleet, just the vanguard!!"
The secretary gasped, trembling so hard his legs could barely hold him.
Even Iceberg, who had weathered decades of storms and struggles, felt his heart pounding violently as he gazed at the magnificent armada.
"There are too many!"
"With such a disciplined and overwhelming force, how could we possibly resist?!"
His voice quivered.
Before seeing them with his own eyes, he had imagined countless possibilities, even drawn up his own countermeasures. But now, witnessing the sight in person, he realized just how naïve he had been.
Such majesty, such grandeur, such sheer scale… this was not something a single island like his could possibly oppose.
In that instant, all of Water Seven fell silent. The once lively, bustling streets grew quiet in a heartbeat.
One look at the fleet, cutting through the waves in flawless formation, every warship aligned, every soldier standing in perfect posture, was enough to leave the people utterly shaken.
No pirate crew. No Marine fleet. Nothing they had ever seen compared to the fearsome sight before them!
Until this moment, none of them could have imagined such a magnificent, disciplined navy could even exist in this world.
Just witnessing it fulfilled every dream or fantasy they had ever held of what a true army looked like.
The silence was absolute. One could hear a pin drop in Water Seven.
Splash, crash, !
At the harbor, Qin Nation's fleet surged forward, waves crashing as their warships advanced. On deck, soldiers in uniform stood straight-backed and stern-faced, eyes fixed ahead, their discipline unshakable.
Five minutes later, expressions of shock spread across the island.
"Wait… they're not landing!"
The words struck everyone like lightning. If this fleet had intended to disembark, Water Seven would have been powerless to stop them. But now, to their astonishment, they realized, this vast fleet had no intention of occupying the island at all.
"What's going on?"
Iceberg himself was stunned.
Taking the telescope his secretary handed him, he peered down.
Through the lens, he saw that nearly every soldier aboard those warships wore no expression of greed or interest toward Water Seven.
Then, looking toward the commanding officers, Iceberg understood, their sights weren't set on Water Seven at all.
"They're only passing through. They have no intention of attacking Water Seven."
Inexplicably, Iceberg let out a deep breath of relief.
But almost immediately, another question arose.
"If not here… then where is their true destination?"
(End of Chapter)
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