The Thomas Shipyard was located deep within Leviathan Island, at its farthest reaches.
The massive workshops required for shipbuilding were constructed against the cliffside. From within these workshops, a waterway tunnel led directly to the open sea.
Every ship built at the Thomas Shipyard was launched through this tunnel, departing Leviathan Island immediately. Maude's newly commissioned ship, built at an exorbitant cost of 800 million Beli, was no exception.
As soon as Keynes notified them of the ship's completion, Maude and his crew rushed to the site.
Inside the colossal workshop, a brand-new brigantine sat on its scaffolding.
The ship's size was similar to the Thousand Sunny, a medium-class vessel.
Its hull was primarily painted in shades of azure blue, with no detail overlooked: cabins, deck stairs, railings, and even the crow's nest atop the mast were meticulously crafted.
All of these components were constructed from Adam Wood, ensuring unparalleled durability.
At the ship's bow was a design inspired by Maude's request—a menacing azure dragon clutching a cannon in its jaws.
Above the dragon's head, two slender protruding rods extended forward, resembling dragon horns.
The dragon's body spiraled along the ship's sides, giving the vessel a striking resemblance to the Revolutionary Army's dragon ship.
Lafitte, who cared little for aesthetics, immediately boarded the ship to inspect the propulsion room housing the steam engine.
Gaya darted off to explore the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Maude and Jim wandered the deck, with Keynes following closely behind, explaining the various hidden features designed by Edward.
"Does it meet your expectations?" Keynes asked, smiling as Maude nodded in approval at each feature.
"It's impressive," Maude replied, glancing at the crow's nest, which resembled a small enclosed cabin.
Beneath the crow's nest was a small built-in loudspeaker, a testament to Edward's thoughtful craftsmanship.
Despite its features, the ship's staggering price tag of 800 million berries still felt difficult to justify.
After all, just the Adam Wood itself cost 650 million berries. To ensure he wasn't overcharged, Maude had even asked Foot to verify recent Adam Wood prices on the black market, confirming the cost was indeed standard.
Before long, Gaya returned from the cabin, her face lit with delight—she was clearly impressed by the spacious open kitchen.
A few minutes later, Lafitte emerged from the propulsion room, holding a manual detailing the operation and maintenance of the steam engine. The manual had been specially prepared by the shipyard's mechanics before the ship's completion.
Despite its high cost, the Thomas Shipyard had certainly proven its professionalism and thoroughness.
The crew gathered on the deck.
Before launching the new ship, it was time to name it.
Maude was eager to participate but was quickly excluded from the discussion.
True to his artistic tendencies, Jim busied himself painting the pirate flag instead of joining the naming debate.
Aside from the flag destined for the masthead, he also began working on an enlarged version for the sails.
While Jim focused on the artwork, Lafitte and Gaya brainstormed potential names, firmly vetoing any suggestions involving the word "Crow."
"Pick one," Lafitte and Gaya said, presenting Maude with a list of over ten names.
Maude sighed softly, lamenting the exclusion of "Crow."
Finally, he selected a name that caught his eye: Underworld Ferry.
The name had been suggested by Lafitte.
"Underworld Ferry, the Ferryman... That sounds ominous," Maude remarked, giving Lafitte a slightly dubious look.
A ship leading to the underworld? It didn't feel particularly auspicious.
Meeting Maude's gaze, Lafitte calmly replied, "I'm the Demon Sheriff, after all."
"Not for long," Maude retorted, patting Lafitte's shoulder before heading off to check on Jim's progress with the flag.
Watching Maude walk away, Lafitte chuckled to himself.
If his captain insisted, he might indeed have to reconsider his moniker. Not that it mattered much to him, as long as it had no relation to crows.
An hour later, Jim finished painting the pirate flag.
While Lafitte stayed behind to study the steam engine's mechanics, Maude and the others went into town to purchase furniture and essential supplies for the new ship.
By the time they returned in the evening, their remaining funds had dwindled from 50 million to just 10 million beri.
With everything ready, Maude chose not to launch the Underworld Ferry immediately.
When Keynes questioned the delay, Maude offered a casual excuse and scheduled the launch for two days later.
Though puzzled, Keynes complied, unable to refuse such a valuable client—even if it meant losing two days of workshop productivity.
That night, Maude and his crew decided to stay aboard their new ship, using the time to survey the workshop's environment.
Most importantly, they needed to inspect the waterway tunnel that would serve as their exit from Leviathan Island.
Given the operation planned for the next day, the tunnel felt almost tailor-made for their needs.
Once their mission was complete, they could escape through the tunnel without worrying about being ambushed at the island's main harbor.
For added security, Lafitte made multiple trips into the tunnel to ensure no unforeseen issues.
...
Late at night.
In Dick City, the heart of Leviathan Island, the streets were brighter and livelier than ever, filled with festivities on the eve of the tournament finals.
At the harbor, a small brigantine quietly docked.
Buffalo stood on the pier, watching as Baby 5 and Lao G disembarked.
"Well, it's about time you two showed up!" Buffalo grinned, approaching his companions.
Lao G, wearing a blue bodysuit and slightly hunched over, sighed, "The journey was rough. My back's killing me. Old age really does catch up with you."
"Don't worry! Once this mission's over, I'll carry you both back to Dressrosa myself!" Buffalo joked, his gaze shifting to Baby 5 in her maid outfit.
"Enough of that. Baby 5, can I borrow five million beri?"
"Huh?" Baby 5 blinked in surprise. "When do you need it?"
"Right now," Buffalo said with a cheeky grin. "Since the mission's tomorrow, I want to hit the casino tonight."
"Here you go!" Baby 5 cheerfully handed over a wad of cash.
Buffalo accepted it with practiced ease. "I'll pay you back when we return to Dressrosa."
"No need!" Baby 5 beamed. "Just make sure to borrow money from me again next time!"
"Don't mind if I do!" Buffalo laughed heartily.
Nearby, Lao G shook his head in exasperation.
...
At the sea.
A Marine warship plowed through the waves, heading straight for Leviathan Island.
Its sails bore a prominent kanji for "Rabbit"—a signature mark of Rear Admiral Gion, also known as Momousagi (Pink Rabbit).
This self-identifying emblem was a practice she had adopted from Vice Admiral Tsuru.
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