Chapter 6: The Cowboy
The problems with Iceberg didn't stop there. More importantly, even at the end of the storyline, Lucci and his two companions didn't kill Iceberg. If they had, Iceberg would have certainly died. This was because the World Government didn't want Iceberg dead. Even though the blueprints for Pluton had been burned, the World Government still wanted him alive, allowing him to continue governing Water 7.
Iceberg was currently: running an illegal business (helping pirates build and repair ships), holding a legitimate position (mayor), and quietly making a fortune (Galley-La Company).
For a man like that, Su Xiao absolutely did not believe he was a warm-hearted, righteous person. Moreover, Galley-La Company's external recruitment accepted anyone who applied.
Thinking about this, Su Xiao already had some preliminary plans in mind, and Iceberg played a crucial role in them.
Iceberg pulled off his eye mask and looked toward the door.
"It's Angus. What is it?"
Angus immediately bowed, placing his right hand over his chest.
"Mr. Iceberg, this is the new employee, Bai Ye."
"Oh." Iceberg lay back down, as if wanting to take another short nap.
"Bai Ye can probably handle pirates with bounties between fifty million and one hundred million Berries."
Iceberg, who was about to lie down, sat up straight. He picked at the sleep in his eyes with a finger and looked Su Xiao up and down.
"Bai Ye..." Iceberg pretended to ponder for a moment, then looked at Angus.
Angus quickly stepped forward and whispered something in Iceberg's ear. After a moment, Iceberg nodded.
Su Xiao stood at the door, a bit bored, and began considering the subsequent development of events.
Water 7 might only be a transitional stage. The final target of the main mission should be related to Enies Lobby.
Joining a faction now was just obtaining a 'ticket.' With the ticket, he could participate in the Enies Lobby incident.
Thinking of Enies Lobby, Su Xiao felt a surge of excitement. Although it was dangerous there, there were definitely plenty of good things: the Six Powers, Devil Fruits, and other tempting items.
Su Xiao was very interested in the 'Shave' technique among the Six Powers. The ability to quickly close in on an enemy was exactly what he lacked.
After thinking for a long time, Iceberg's voice interrupted Su Xiao's train of thought.
"Hello, Bai Ye. I am Iceberg, the president of Galley-La Company."
Iceberg stood up, walked over, and shook hands with Su Xiao. It seemed that after Angus's introduction, Iceberg had begun to take Su Xiao seriously. Such 'wild' experts were rare.
"Hello."
As their hands clasped, Su Xiao immediately judged that Iceberg had no combat ability; he was just a shipwright. Of course, this 'no combat ability' was relative.
"I've learned about your situation, but Galley-La is a shipbuilding company. If you don't understand shipbuilding, it will be difficult..."
Iceberg hesitated, as if considering whether to hire Su Xiao. Su Xiao wasn't worried at all; the other party was very likely to employ him.
"How about this: for the next couple of days, you'll be in charge of security at Dock One. We often receive pirates. Although the shipwrights can maintain order, it greatly affects work efficiency. I was already considering whether to hire security personnel."
"Agreed."
Su Xiao accepted very straightforwardly. He just needed to join a faction. Of course, having a bit of influence within that faction would be best.
"That's perfect. Galley-La Company welcomes you. Angus, help Bai Ye with the onboarding procedures. Both of you come to the celebration tonight."
"Yes, Mr. Iceberg."
Angus led Su Xiao out of the office. His attitude was noticeably warmer, and he even started boasting to Su Xiao about how beautiful the women of Water 7 were and how he had six mistresses.
Su Xiao completed the onboarding procedures at the municipal building. The steps were simple; he just needed to sign a document.
After noticing the content of the document, Su Xiao's pupils contracted. Galley-La Company was actually a subsidiary of the World Government, and an autonomous one at that. Considering it was the World Government's official shipyard, this status wasn't an exaggeration.
[Hunter has joined 'Galley-La Company'. Main Mission: Faction Choice (Completed).]
[Yes/No to complete Main Mission: Faction Choice.]
Su Xiao chose to complete it. A new mission appeared.
[Main Mission: Gain Recognition]
Difficulty Level: Lv.9
Mission Brief: Gain a certain level of recognition within Galley-La Company.
Mission Info: Current Recognition: Neutral 70/400 (This recognition allows you to move freely within Water 7.)
Mission Time Limit: 15 days.
Mission Reward: Rewards based on recognition level.
Mission Penalty: None.
...
The derivative world had moved from the initial phase to a buffer phase. This gave Su Xiao time to act freely. During this period, he could explore missions in Water 7 or eliminate powerful enemies.
Su Xiao felt a secret joy. Water 7 had a prosperous economy and a large population, offering great potential for exploration.
His goals in the One Piece world were several things: famous swords, the Six Powers, and Devil Fruits.
The chance of obtaining a Devil Fruit was very small, but if he did, it would be a huge fortune.
Having made up his mind, Su Xiao led Bubuteni toward the exit of the municipal building. Just as he reached the door, a man smoking a cigar walked toward him.
The man was about thirty years old, smoking a cigar, with a full beard, wearing a cowboy hat, and a revolver holster strapped to his waist. His attire was very similar to a Western cowboy.
Su Xiao's steps paused. The cowboy's steps also stopped.
The other party was a contractor. Su Xiao was certain of it. He was a contractor from the same faction, and extremely powerful!
The scene froze. The cowboy stood at the entrance, Su Xiao stood inside the municipal hall, a few meters apart.
After about a minute of stalemate, a smile appeared on Su Xiao's face. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist and slowly walked forward.
The other party was likely a ranged fighter; he wouldn't let Su Xiao get close easily.
As expected, the cowboy placed his hand on his revolver and slowly backed away.
This scene caught the attention of the staff inside the municipal hall, who all watched Su Xiao and the other man.
The cowboy backed out of the municipal building. Su Xiao walked out through the main entrance. Neither spoke. Su Xiao gradually walked away.
The cowboy spat out the cigar in his mouth, his eyes fixed on Su Xiao's retreating back.
...
Su Xiao walked quickly through Water 7, his gaze scanning the surroundings as if searching for something.
After walking a long distance quickly, he found a sparsely populated open area. It was an abandoned shipyard, now used to store old ships, becoming a ship graveyard.
The sound of rushing water came from a nearby waterway. Su Xiao gave Bubuteni a look, and Bubuteni immediately hid inside an old ship.
"You've been following me for so long. Come on out."
Su Xiao slowly drew the Dragon-Slaying Flash, his gaze fixed on a residential building.
A figure emerged from behind the building. It was the cowboy from before.
"What, are you planning to kill me for a Scarlet Card?"
The other party had been following him, so Su Xiao simply chose a secluded spot as a battlefield. Avoiding a fight wasn't his style.
The cowboy didn't draw his gun but instead slowly approached Su Xiao.
"Did you kill Carl?"
The cowboy spoke. Su Xiao frowned. Carl? The Phantom Troupe!
Looking at the cowboy's attire, Su Xiao noticed the revolver at his waist. He suddenly remembered a line Carl had said during their fight: 'Besides Number Seven's revolver, I've never seen anyone else in the troupe.'
The cowboy in front of him was very likely the 'Revolver' Carl had mentioned, ranked seventh in the Phantom Troupe.
Realizing this, Su Xiao's heart sank. Number Eleven Carl was already that strong. Number Seven would definitely be even stronger.
"Do you dare to do it but not to admit it? Troupe members can sense each other. You killed a troupe member. This perception won't disappear for a few worlds."
The cowboy looked at Su Xiao, his eyes seemingly devoid of hatred.
"If it's the one who played tarot cards, then yes."
The Azure Steel Shadow activated. Today, it might be a fight to the death.