Ten days later, the warship left the East Blue and entered the Calm Belt.
Because the bottom of the warship was coated with Seastone, it wouldn't be attacked by the massive Sea Kings in the Calm Belt.
As they reached the Calm Belt, a mist rose over the sea.
Suddenly, a pirate ship slowly appeared from within the mist.
Its flag displayed a skull wrapped by nine snakes, shaped like the sun.
The pirate ship was being pulled by two massive sea snakes.
"How is this possible? Apart from Marines warships, there are pirate ships capable of entering the Calm Belt?"
A young marine was astonished to see the ship passing in front of them.
"Should we attack, Vice Admiral Garp?"
The snoring, bubble-blowing Garp was shaken awake.
He glanced at the ship, waved his hand, and said, "No need, no need. That's the Kuja Pirates, not on the wanted list."
He continued snoring after saying this.
The young marines were stunned.
"Kuja Pirates? Never heard of them."
"Why aren't we capturing them if they're a pirate crew?"
One marine scratched his head, watching the pirate ship slowly drift away.
Ron was also slightly surprised.
Do these marines not know about the Kuja Pirates or the Pirate Empress?
Then he quickly realized.
The current timeline should be six years before Ace sets sail, and nine years before Luffy does. Boa Hancock should be around 20 years old by now.
She probably hasn't gone on expeditions yet and hasn't earned the title of Pirate Empress.
That explains their confusion.
After crossing the Calm Belt, they entered the Grand Line.
By now, Garp had woken up.
"Vice Admiral Garp, we need to refuel."
"Which is the nearest island?"
"The closest one is Water 7."
"Alright, let's head there."
Three days later, the warship arrived in Water 7.
Garp approached Ron, who was practicing with his sword, and grinned mischievously. "Hey, Ron, it'll take about half a day to refuel. Want to head ashore with me? We haven't had a good drinking contest in a while."
"Sure, but my drinking skills have improved a lot since last time," Ron said as he sheathed his sword. "Old man, don't pass out after just a few drinks again. I don't want to have to carry you back."
"Hahaha, as if! I'm Garp! I was drinking before you were even born!"
Garp flashed a grin, showing his sharp white teeth.
"Oh? And who was the one calling me 'big brother' after getting drunk in Makino's bar last time?"
"That time doesn't count!" Garp waved dismissively. "That was an exception!"
The two of them—one large, one small—walked off the warship, leaving the young marines who overheard their conversation completely dumbfounded.
[Ding, the system has detected that the host's location meets the sign-in requirements. Would you like to sign in?]
The familiar system prompt echoed in Ron's mind.
He answered mentally, "Sign in."
[Sign-in successful. Rewards: Vitality +10. Mechanical Mastery acquired.]
Suddenly, a flood of mechanical knowledge surged into Ron's mind, so overwhelming that he felt his head might explode.
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Garp glanced at Ron, noticing his odd expression.
"Nothing," Ron wiped the sweat from his brow.
Garp didn't question it further. "How about that tavern over there?"
"Looks good, but I didn't bring any money. That place looks pretty upscale. Got any cash, old man?"
Ron, after using his Breath of the Sun technique, had already regained his composure.
"Nope," Garp said nonchalantly.
"Don't worry. We'll just make the local Marines foot the bill later."
"Stop thinking so much, let's go!" Garp threw his arm around Ron's neck, dragging him toward the fancy tavern.
After downing several bottles of high-end liquor, Garp collapsed drunk onto the table.
Though Ron's face was flushed from the alcohol, his mind remained clear.
Excusing himself to the restroom, he slipped out of the tavern, leaving Garp behind.
"If I remember correctly, the Pluton Blueprint is in Franky's hands now."
His face still rosy from the alcohol, Ron thought to himself.
Previously, he hadn't been interested in the Pluton Blueprint, but after acquiring mechanical mastery and gaining a wealth of mechanical knowledge, his curiosity had been piqued.
After asking around, he found the location of Franky House.
Donning a fox mask he bought from a roadside stall, Ron moved like a shadow, sneaking into Franky House.
Franky was working with a few of his underlings, repairing a ship.
"You guys, put in extra effort today. Let's get this ship done by the day after tomorrow!" Franky ordered.
"Yes, big bro Franky!" they responded in unison.
Franky, focused on the repair work, sensed someone approaching but assumed it was one of his underlings. Without turning, he extended his hand.
"Is that you, Misi? Great, pass me the wrench."
A swift chop landed on the back of his neck.
Franky's vision went black as he collapsed.
Ron, still wearing his fox mask, crouched and activated the switch on Franky's abdomen, retrieving the Pluton Blueprint hidden within.
Without making a sound, he vanished from the scene.
By the time Ron returned to the warship, Garp was already back.
As soon as Garp saw him, he bellowed angrily.
"Ron, you little brat! You left me behind and ran off on your own!!!"
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