The Capital of Water 7 was a massive shipbuilding isnd, unique in its yout, with a plex system of waterways weaving through it. Over time, the isnd had slowly been sinking into the sea, prompting the iso tinuously build upward, yer upon yer, creating a ndscape where much of the inal "Old City" y submerged beh the water.

  As Cudius's grand ship docked at the port, it was clear that the City of Water 7 was no longer in its goldehe shipbuilding industry had started to dee, though the bustling atmosphere from its prosperous days still lingered in the air. Yet, beh this facade, there were tless unemployed shipwrights struggling to find work. Cudius observed this mix of vitality and hardship as he arrived.

  The city, posed of winding als rather than roads, made it easy for the two mermaid sisters, Lenny and Mero, to get around they could simply swim along the waterways. Cudius and his ente rented a small boat, attag a pair of "Bull" sea creatures, iic to the city, at the front. These Bulls funed like horses pulling a carriage, albeit in water, propelling them smoothly through the als.

  "Such a fasating isnd," Cudius mused, admiring the city's unique culture as they glided through the water. "They rely solely on the shipbuilding industry to sustain their ey. But with a pce like this, it's a shame to igs other strengths. If I were running things, I'd make this a tourist destination. Imagine building around their distinct traditions the Bulls, the Mask ival, and the grand 'Aqua Laguna' tidal wave. A little vision could turn this into a world-renowned resort!"

  Stussy, sitting beside him, smiled. "Yhness, you really do have a knack for seeing opportunity. Who knew you'd e up with such a profound observation so quickly?"

  Cudius ughed, clearly enjoying the fttery. "Hah! You're just feeding my ego now. Still, who knows? Maybe I'll buy this peday," he joked, though a glimmer in his eyes suggested he might actually sider it.

  "So, where to, Yhness?" Nia asked, steering their versation ba track.

  "We're looking for Tom's Workers, the shipyard run by a merman er mentioned he's one of the best shipwrights out there. Let's ask for dires," Cudius replied.

  As they made their way through the waterways, they soon entered a boatman ing the opposite way, also using Bulls to pull his boat. Cudius raised a hand iing, and the man waved back.

  "Hey, friend! Could you tell us how to get to Tom's Shipbuilding pany? I'm looking for Tom," Cudius called out.

  The boatman paused, scratg his head as he processed the request. "You're here to see Tom? You mean, to build a ship?"

  "That's right. A friend reended him, said his craftsmanship is the best on the isnd," Cudius firmed with a nod.

  The boatman seemed to hesitate. "Your friend's n. Tom is ihe best shipwright in Water 7," he said, nodding in agreement. "But… well, let me give you some advice. Tom's in serious trouble with the Wover. Getting involved with him now might bring more problems than it's worth."

  "Trouble with the gover?" Cudius raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise, though he had some inkling frer's past tales.

  The boatman gnced around before speaking in a lower tone, "Yeah, Tom's been under scrutiny ever si came out that he built a ship for the Pirate King, Roger. The Wover siders him an aplice, and he's being treated like a criminal. Because of him, business in Water 7 has taken a hit, and the locals aren't standing up for him. If you associate with him, it could be bad news."

  Cudius nodded, mulling over this. "Well, it's a good thing I have a bit of pull with the Wover," he said with a smirk. "If Tom is willing to build my ship, I might just be able to help him out of this little predit."

  The boatman's eyes widened. "You're serious about seeing him?"

  "Absolutely," Cudius replied with fidence.

  "Alright then. Follow this al, take a left at the sed interse, and you'll reach the scrapyard. But you'd better hurry, some Wover agents are already there. They might be taking him away soon."

  Cudius thahe man, and they quickly tinued down the al. True to the dires, they soon arrived at a rge scrapyard piled with discarded and scrapped ships, remnants from people who had upgraded to newer vessels. Just beyond the scrap heap was a small dock swarming with men in bck suits, agents of the gover.

  "It looks like Tom really is in trouble," Stussy whispered, noting the cluster of officials.

  Cudius stretched his neck, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to step in. "Looks like some CP agents. Let's go see what they're up to."

  At the dock, Tom, a stout merman with a hammer slung over his shoulder, was standing alongside his trentices as they were questioned by a slimy-looking gover agent—Spahe head of CP5. Spandine was here to arrest Tom on charges of aiding the Pirate King by building him the infamous Oro Ja.

  "You admit to building a ship fer, don't you?" Spandine sneered, barely hiding his pt.

  Tom didn't flinch. "Aye, that ship was my work," he said proudly. "The Oro Ja was one of the fi ships ever built, and I won't deny it."

  Spandine's eyes glinted with satisfa. "Good. That makes you an aplice to the Pirate King. You're ing with me to Enies Lobby for trial," he decred, waving a hand for his agents to advance.

  But just then, a calm yet anding voice called out, "Hold it right there."

  Spaurned, a the interruption, until he saw who it was. His fastantly went through a series of expressions: shock, panid then forced respect. He bent his spine in a deep bow, pstering on an obsequious smile. "Yhness Cudius! What brings you here?"

  Cudius approached casually, hands in his pockets and a small smirk on his face. "Oh, Spandine, I came to see Tom. I heard he's the best shipwright in these waters, and I want him to build a ship for me. Now, is that a problem?"

  Spaammered, immediately dropping aion of Tom's supposed crimes. "No, no, not at all, Yhness! It's… it's absolutely ve. Too ve!"

  Cudius raised an eyebrow, barely taining his amusement at Spandine's groveling. "Good to hear. So, Tom, what do you say? Care to build a ship for me?"

  Tom looked at Cudius, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn't expected a Celestial Dragon to intervene, let alone request his services. "Aye, Yhness, I'd be hoo build a ship for you," he replied, his voice steady despite the straurn of events.

  Cudius smiled warmly. "Perfect. Then it's settled. Spandine, you wouldn't want to interfere with su arra, would you?"

  Spandine shook his head frantically, f anrin. "No, no interfere all, Yhness. In fact, we'll clear out immediately. Don't want to invenience you."

  "Excellent," Cudius replied, his toh a dismissal and a subtle reminder of his authority.

  "Now that that's handled, let's talk about this ship I want. I hear you're the best, so I'll leave the details in your hands. But I want it to be something… exceptional."

  Tom grinned, his pride as a shipwright reignited. "Aye, Yhness. Exceptional, you say? Then you've e to the right man."

  Cudius chuckled, pleased. "Good. Let's get started, then."