In the end, despite his discomfort, Iceburg endured and listened to Naruto's additional requests regarding the order.
"Naruto-san, you're saying the energy-charging part of the engine needs further reinforcent, correct?"
"With all due respect, based on our original budget, Galley-La Company has already prepared an alloy for you that balances both strength and flexibility."
"Doing this will not only significantly increase costs but also result in excessive performance."
Hearing Iceburg's words, Naruto simply shook his head.
It had only occurred to him later.
Aside from the Wind Cutter Technique, his Wind Release Ninjutsu only included that rudintary [Wind Release: Rasengan], where he infused Wind Attribute Chakra into the Rasengan.
In Naruto's own view, the offensive power of this move was far less impressive than the propulsion force it could generate, which was why he had initially deed it the optimal choice.
But he had overlooked one thing.
That is, his defensive capabilities now far surpassed those of most tals in this world.
The Wind Release: Rasengan might not be able to breach his Haki defense, but its intense cutting properties posed a severe threat to tals.
"How about this, President Iceburg, bring out the tal you prepared for , and I'll test it myself."
Hearing this, Iceburg was skeptical.
Still, Naruto was the client. After a brief silence, he led Naruto and Stussy to an open area next to the shipyard.
Then, he had his workers bring over a silver-colored alloy.
This tal t Naruto's requirents for high strength while also being lightweight.
"This is the unprocessed alloy. You may examine it."
With that, Iceburg gestured for Naruto to inspect it himself.
In his view, Naruto likely possessed so kind of energy technology… or perhaps he was simply a Devil Fruit user.
'That would explain the unusual engine specifications.'
After hearing this, Naruto stepped forward, lifted the tal with one hand, and pinched it between his fingers.
The tal deford slightly, but as soon as he released his grip, it quickly returned to its original shape.
Seeing this, Iceburg first marveled at Naruto's strength before proudly explaining:
"Naruto-san, you see, this alloy also has a degree of mory function… it can automatically restore its original shape."
Naruto rely smiled in response, then ford a small Rasengan in his other hand.
"This is-"
Upon seeing the buzzing white sphere, Iceburg instinctively widened his eyes.
anwhile, Stussy, standing beside them, maintained her usual smile.
'Truly a fascinating ability. Just like how he can create countless clones despite not being a Devil Fruit user.'
'This mysterious man always managed to surprise in small ways.'
Considering there were ordinary people nearby, Naruto kept the Rasengan small, only about the size of a ping-pong ball.
Then, with his will, Wind Attribute Chakra gradually rged into it.
The Rasengan took on a faint bluish hue as gusts of wind swirled inward.
Then, Naruto pressed the miniature Wind Release: Rasengan against the tal.
Zzzzt-
A harsh grinding noise erupted from the tal's surface.
Naruto's palm covered the spot, and from the gap between his hand and the tal, a violent burst of wind exploded outward… strong enough to ss up Iceburg's usually immovable hairstyle.
When Naruto removed his hand, a shallow dent had ford on the tal's surface.
No further explanation was needed.
They had to switch materials.
Later, Iceburg had his n bring out several different tals for testing.
Fortunately, thanks to their prior experience building the Sea Train and their connections with certain World Governnt's departnts, Galley-La Company still had so leftover special alloy scraps.
While they couldn't be used to construct large ships, they were more than enough for Naruto's personal speedboat.
By the ti Naruto and Stussy left the shipyard, it was nearly noon. What was supposed to be a date had consud most of the morning.
Yet, Stussy showed no signs of displeasure. Instead, she kept gazing at Naruto with a starry-eyed expression… as if simply being by his side was enough.
This attitude actually made Naruto feel a bit guilty himself. Scratching his head, he was the first to speak up.
"How about we grab sothing to eat first? I know a pretty good restaurant nearby."
For a foodie, the greatest kindness one could offer was sharing their treasured dining spots.
"Pfft-"
"Hahahahaha-"
Hearing this utterly unromantic remark, Stussy burst into a fit of clear, lodious laughter, her face blooming like a flower.
Even Naruto couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed.
After laughing for a while, Stussy wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and gazed at the man before her… a man who hadn't changed at all in over a decade.
Then, she looped her arm through his again, eting his eyes with a clarity only a young girl could have.
"Sure, I'll leave it to you."
The two of them ate lunch at that little floating restaurant, then rented a [Yagara Bull], a docile, seahorse-like creature native to Water 7, which is commonly used by locals for transportation.
Like any ordinary couple, Naruto and Stussy strolled leisurely through the watery city.
When they got tired, they stopped at a café. They even went to the theater together to watch an opera that Naruto couldn't quite appreciate.
The afternoon passed in a flash.
Throughout it all, the two of them tacitly avoided bringing up their identities or their next plans.
It was as if, in this mont, they were just two ordinary people.
By the ti the last rays of the setting sun dipped below the horizon, this long-overdue date finally ca to an end.
"I should get going."
Even without using Observation Haki, Naruto could hear the unspoken emotions hidden beneath those words.
Yet he said nothing in response.
Seeing Naruto standing there like a block of wood, Stussy was the first to crack, laughing softly.
"Really? After all these years, you still can't even say sothing sweet?"
With that, she gently threw herself into Naruto's arms.
And Naruto caught her, wrapping his arms around her.
"I wish today would never end."
Resting her head quietly against Naruto's chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, Stussy left one last thought unspoken.
'If only... if only you would just say it-'
"One day, I can't see you anymore... will you co to save ?"
Stussy knew what she wanted to do. She also knew the fate that inevitably awaited her.
To oppose the World Governnt was like racing against Death itself.
Before eting the man in front of her, she had never imagined that soone could share the weight of her heavy destiny.
But-
"I will. As always."
Naruto's voice was firm and steady, just like it had been all those years ago.
Reviews
All reviews (0)