After eliminating the reckless gang, Ron turned to Lucci and asked:
"I need a good ship. Do you have any connections? Preferably, yes."
"And what if I say no?" Lucci's eyes narrowed.
"Then I can't guarantee that your identity won't slip out," Ron replied, a hint of a smile forming as he glanced at the pigeon on Lucci's shoulder, known as Hattori. "Last time we met, I thought it might taste good roasted."
Lucci's gaze sharpened, and with a sudden step, his figure blurred as he appeared before Ron, launching a swift roundhouse kick.
It struck empty space.
Lucci's eyes widened slightly.
Ron, who had used Soru to reposition himself, stood with his back to Lucci, holding his two shopping bags. "I'd advise against fighting me. If you do, it will be you who dies."
Lucci slowly turned around, focusing on Ron's back. "Oh? Is that so...?"
His form began to grow, his clothes tearing as he transformed.
Ron sighed, resigned. Why is it that people never heed kind warnings?
In his hybrid form, empowered by the Neko Neko no Mi, Lucci lunged, claws slashing at Ron. But Ron met him with a spinning kick, unleashing a shockwave that rippled outward.
Several minutes later...
Ron, with only a few tears in his clothing, calmly bent down to retrieve his shopping bags. He looked over at Lucci, who was sprawled against the wall, back in his human form, battered, barely conscious, and unable to move.
"I'll be around Water 7 for a while. Meet me at the tavern in the central street in seven days," Ron said.
Lucci, bandaged up and scowling, appeared before Ron.
"Impressive recovery rate, as expected from a Zoan fruit user," Ron remarked with a grin, sipping juice while staring at Lucci's grim face under his signature black hat.
"Can you get what I need in a month?"
"Two months, and it'll cost an additional 100 million Berries."
"No," Ron shook his head.
A flash of anger crossed Lucci's eyes. "Impossible! Where am I supposed to find such a high-spec ship in that timeframe?"
"Hard for you? I assumed it would be a simple task for someone like you, Lucci," Ron said with feigned surprise.
Lucci's eyes turned murderous.
Ron chuckled, leaning back in his chair and taking another sip of juice. "A month and a half, 50 million Berries. I'll forget your identity and leave this place, ensuring your mission remains undisturbed."
He had the money, but why not extort a bit from Lucci while he could?
Though Lucci was infuriated at being blackmailed, he weighed his options and, for the sake of his mission—and acknowledging Ron's capabilities—agreed to the deal.
With this arrangement, Ron no longer had to worry about finding a ship.
After selling off his old pirate ship, Ron spent the next month and a half purchasing high-end furniture, kitchenware, entertainment systems, steel, and tools—anything of top quality. He spent money like water.
A month and a half later.
After spending millions of Berries, Ron stood before his new ship.
Its main structure was made from the famed Adam Wood, meeting all his specifications. The ship's worth was easily over 300 million Berries. Ron wondered where Lucci had sourced it, but one thing was clear: it must have cost him dearly.
With the new ship in hand, Ron dedicated two weeks to retrofitting it with mechanical upgrades and arranging his purchases.
After spending two more days shopping for final provisions in Water 7, Ron christened his grand vessel: The Traveler , and set sail from the city.
The Traveler was equipped with an entertainment room, library, aquarium, training room, kitchen with a massive refrigerator, pantry, bathroom, garden, and fish tank, among other amenities.
Using his navigation skills and system knowledge of currents and winds, Ron set the course as he sailed away from Water 7, embarking on his next adventure.
Ron disappeared into the mechanical room, eager to bring his ideas to life. With mastery in mechanics and all the tools and materials now at his disposal, it was time to create.
Five days later, Ron completed an intricately designed mechanical arm. Controlled by his thoughts, it could assist him seamlessly with various tasks.
Ten days later, he succeeded in building a water-powered jet bike. This machine wasn't just for speed—it could launch cannonballs and lasers.
Fifteen days later, Ron armed the ship with an array of formidable weapons, surpassing even the technology found on Marine warships.
Twenty days later, a new layer of defense was added: a seven-layer laser barrier. Once activated, the entire ship would be shielded by the glowing, protective domes, keeping out anyone without the necessary clearance.
Thirty days later, Ron completed the construction of both a single-person flying device and a compact submarine, powered by jet propulsion.
Beyond these major creations, Ron spent time building various smaller contraptions and gadgets.
Before he knew it, a month and a half had passed.
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