Seeing that Master Tom was finally willing to listen, Shiro wasted no time describing the ship he dreamed of.
"I want a vessel like the Oro Jackson—but bigger, stronger, faster!"
"No."
Tom didn't even pause before refusing.
"Why not? Are you worried I can't afford it?" Shiro asked, his voice edged with panic.
"It's not about money. You saved my life—if I wanted, I could build you a ship for free." Tom's eyes flicked toward the harbor, where several merchant ships swayed with the tide. His tone hardened. "But to craft a ship on the level of the Oro Jackson… you'll need a special keel. The legendary treasure tree, Adam."
"Treasure Tree Adam, huh? I know Elbaf has it. I'll go and bring it back myself." Shiro's fist clenched, his eyes burning with resolve.
Tom frowned, stroking his round belly, worry etched across his weathered face. "The road to Elbaf is long. And the Navy hunts the Roger Pirates across every sea. If you set foot out there now, you'll be walking straight into danger."
"Don't worry," Shiro said firmly. "I've eaten the Paw-Paw Fruit. With its power, I can reach Elbaf quickly—and return with Adam."
Tom studied him for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Very well. Bring me Adam, and I'll build your ship."
"Thank you, Master Tom!" Shiro bowed deeply, his excitement barely contained.
"Giants! Treasure Tree Adam! This is burning!" shouted Franky—still called Flam at this age—punching the air with boyish enthusiasm.
"Flam!" Tom barked, scowling. "Get back to your work, stop meddling!"
"But I want to see it too…" Flam's shoulders drooped, his voice small, eyes glistening with disappointment.
Shiro blinked, staring at him. Something about the kid tugged at his memory. After a moment of thought, his eyes widened. He smacked his forehead and pointed at him. "Wait—you're Franky?!"
"I'm Flam," the boy muttered, confused.
"…Right. Forgot you changed your name later," Shiro whispered, covering with a cough. Then he leaned down, smiling. "Tell me, Flam. Want to see Treasure Tree Adam with your own eyes?"
The boy's head shot up, his eyes glowing. "Yes! Will you take me with you?"
"Of course."
"Master Tom, you hear that? Shiro said I can go!" Flam tugged at Tom's massive arm, pleading with all his might.
Tom sighed heavily, glancing at Shiro. The pirate added earnestly, "Don't worry. I'll keep him safe."
After a long pause, Tom gave in with a resigned nod.
The next instant, Shiro pressed a paw against his own chest, and another against Flam. A swirl of air wrapped around them—then they vanished.
When their feet touched ground again, they stood in the land of legends—Elbaf, kingdom of the giants.
Flam's jaw dropped as he stumbled through waist-high clover. In the distance, massive trees towered into the sky, one so wide it would take ten men to encircle. Colorful beetles the size of a man's hand clung to its bark. "Amazing! The plants, the animals—they're huge! It's like stepping into a storybook!"
"Elbaf's land has a magic of its own," Shiro said with a sly grin. His eyes sparkled. "And with your talent, Flam… one day you'll build a machine even bigger than these giants."
"Bigger than a giant?" Flam gasped, rubbing his chin in wonder. "Could I really… build something like that?"
"You can. I believe it."
Before Flam could reply, a booming voice called out from the stone path ahead.
"Shiro, you finally made it. I've been waiting."
The familiar figure of Gaban strode forward, arms spread wide.
"Uncle Gaban!" Shiro ran to him with a grin, throwing his arms around him.
Gaban laughed, patting his back. "Safe journey, eh? So—you're after Treasure Tree Adam? Planning to build a ship?"
"That's right." Shiro's expression grew serious. He turned toward the southern sea, his voice low. "Captain Roger told me before he left… gather strong allies, prepare for the day we stand against the World Government. For that, I need a ship worthy of the seas."
"Well said, lad." Gaban smiled proudly, then gestured toward the heart of the village. "Come. Elder Jarul is expecting us. He'll grant you the Adam you seek."
As they walked deeper into Elbaf, giants towering like mountains greeted Gaban warmly at every step. Even the stoic warriors nodded in respect.
But when a female giant approached from the village square, Gaban suddenly froze. His eyes locked on her, burning like twin embers. For once, the usually composed man seemed utterly undone.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
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