After settling the matter of going to Sky Island, Sherwin had everyone—mainly the two researcher Felynes—start preparing.
After all, in the manga, Luffy had already taken the brunt of Enel lightning. Although Sherwin and the Felynes had the ability to deal with it directly, there was no need to suffer that kind of torment.
First, since they had to pass through a thick layer of sea clouds that could drown people during the ascent, everyone needed an oxygen tank.
For Devil Fruit users like Klee Meow and Robin, it was even better to prepare a full-body diving suit to prevent accidents in case they fell off the ship.
Next, although the Dodo Advance was built from Adam Wood, making it much sturdier than Luffy patch-riddled Going Merry, that didn't stop them from reinforcing it further.
Sherwin also remembered that there would be updrafts around the Knock Up Stream, so they could add a few extra sails to the Dodo Advance to improve its climbing power.
Moreover, in the manga, the Merry had wings installed. Although Sherwin felt they probably weren't of much use, he still wanted the Dodo Advance to have them.
A transmigrator should follow the main characters path when crossing the river—it wasn't necessary to go against the story for such small matters.
Finally, there was the issue of safety...
Even with Sherwin foresight and Klee Meow good luck, it was unlikely they would encounter serious problems reaching Sky Island.
But better safe than sorry—if something went wrong, they would fall from ten thousand meters above.
There was no need to worry too much about everyone personal safety. With the Germa battle suits, even Purah Meow and Robin, who hadn't yet learned Moonwalk, could avoid falling to their deaths. But the Dodo Advance would not be so fortunate.
So...
They needed to install a similar flight device for the Dodo Advance as well. Luckily, their new crewmate Purah Meow was highly skilled in mechanical modifications, and there was still plenty of leftover Adam Wood stored in the ship cabin.
Wait a minute...
Sherwin suddenly realized that if the Dodo Advance was modified the way he envisioned, wouldn't they no longer need the Knock Up Stream at all?
"Huh… that right!" Purah Meow clapped her paws. "Why are we modifying the ship under the condition of 'riding the Knock Up Stream'? We could just transform her into a ship that can fly straight up into the sky! That a great idea, meow! Check-it~"
(ゝω)~☆
"But…" After striking her signature pose, Little kitty scratched her head in confusion. "With our current conditions, we can't carry out such a large-scale modification on the Dodo Advance. We'd need to find a proper shipyard first, meow."
"That easy!" Sherwin snapped his fingers and once again altered their sailing plan. "We can keep going forward and head to Water 7 to borrow the Galley-La Company shipyard. Once the Dodo Advance is modified, we can return to Jaya and set out for Sky Island."
Of course, this would increase the risks for their expedition.
The CP9 stationed at Water 7 weren't much of a problem—they were still busy searching for Pluton blueprints at this point.
They probably wouldn't cause trouble for Robin like in the original story. But passing information to the World Government wouldn't be difficult for them, and there was still a high chance of being targeted by other CP units or even the Marines.
Still…
People in the world of pirates didn't seem particularly resistant to disguises, so Sherwin figured it was worth taking a gamble.
Even if they were discovered, at worst, it would just come down to a fight with CP.
In the original story, even Luffy—who didn't know Haki yet—dared to take them on. Sherwin had no reason to back down…
At the end of the day, it was the growth in the investigation team strength that gave him this confidence.
The worst-case scenario was being confronted by Aokiji. But since he wasn't actually intent on killing Robin, as long as Sherwin and his crew made their stance clear, even without Luffy protagonist plot armor, Kuzan likely wouldn't press them too hard.
Besides, if it really came down to a fight, it wasn't certain who would win or lose.
Sherwin felt that with himself and Klee Meow together, they could at least put up a fight against Aokiji.
If it truly came to the worst, he could always pull out his connection with Garp to smooth things over.
All in all, while heading to Water 7 carried some risks… it wasn't a big problem!
And since the goal was to refit the Dodo Advance as quickly as possible, there was no need to make a detour to Jaya first.
They'd have to return there later anyway. It was better to use the Eternal Log Pose they had obtained when crossing the Grand Line earlier and head straight to Water 7.
Of course, the fact that CP9 members were present there had to be explained to Robin beforehand.
Otherwise, if things played out like in the manga, she might just obediently follow the enemy the moment they spoke up.
"…So that how it is. If you're worried about being discovered by those CP agents, it best you disguise yourself a little after we land."
Sherwin briefly explained to Robin about Haibara Meow Observation Haki ability and what she had "noticed" at Water 7.
"But even if you're discovered, it doesn't matter. Those guys aren't particularly strong. As long as you don't act alone, they won't be able to do anything to you."
"Miss Robin, please rest assured, I will protect you, meow."
(=`=)┫
Link Meow knocked on his Hylian Shield.
"And Klee too~! When the time comes, Klee will stick close to Sister Robin. If those bad CP guys dare to make a move, Klee will blow them up with bombs, meow!"
"…Mm, I understand. Thank you, everyone."
Robin smiled as she activated her ability, gently petting all the Felynes at once.
Damn it! So envious!
Sherwin looked at Robin, who could pet seven cats at the same time, and was so jealous that his tears were about to burst out.
"Mm…" Hua Mei Meow quickly pushed away the arm stroking her, then leapt straight into Sherwin arms, rubbing her little head against his cheek as she cooed,
"Miss Robin technique isn't good enough. I still want Admiral to pet me, meow~"
"Uh… uh… uh…"
Klee Meow bit her little paw, her face conflicted as her eyes darted back and forth between Sherwin and Robin.
In truth, she wanted Sherwin to pet her too, but she also wanted to take care of Robin feelings.
The other Felynes, although most weren't very familiar with Robin yet, also chose to consider her feelings like Klee Meow and didn't refuse her pats.
Only Haibara Meow, that little schemer who always did things her own way, copied Hua Mei Meow and burrowed straight into Sherwin arms.
"Hmph!"
(=`へ=)Even though she was clearly the one asking something of Sherwin, the little kitten still put on that arrogant face.
Sherwin heart instantly felt balanced. He didn't mind Haibara Meow tsundere attitude at all, grinning from ear to ear as he happily petted the two cats in his arms.
This time, it was Robin turn to feel envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Sherwin…
Although the other Felynes didn't move, it was obvious they all wanted to be petted by Sherwin even more.
So Robin carefully observed Sherwin cat-petting techniques and began imitating the movements of his hands.
However…
Could my Cat-hand of Kato really be learned so easily? Besides, when petting different Felynes, the technique had to change as well—each Felyne had her own "sensitive spots"! Don't underestimate the envoy of cats!
Even though he was adding drama to himself in his heart, Sherwin still taught Robin his cat-petting skills without holding anything back.
Compared to his own little grievance, what mattered more was that the Felynes could receive better service!Don't underestimate the resolve of the envoy of cats!