Outside the shipyard, people who cared about Mr. Iceburg were still gathered at the front gates. Along with the news that Mr. Iceburg's life was not in danger, word had also spread that the attackers had been identified as the Straw Hat Pirates. Enraged, the citizens spontaneously organized an effort to capture the Straw Hat Pirates. Young and old, men and women alike, were searching Water 7 for the criminals.
Inside the Galley-La Company, the five foremen had organized the craftsmen: some remained at headquarters to protect Mr. Iceburg, some went out to search for the Straw Hat Pirates, and the rest hurried to repair the residents' shelters before the Aqua Laguna tidal wave arrived, guiding those with limited mobility to safety.
Meanwhile, both Xiaohu and Kalifa were in Mr. Iceburg's room, waiting for him to wake up.
"Mr. Iceburg, how are you feeling? I'm sorry, it was my lack of foresight earlier that brought this suffering upon you," Xiaohu stepped forward to say.
"Ah, I'm fine, don't worry about it. Nico Robin..."
"Rest assured, we've already organized search parties to capture the Straw Hat Pirates," Kalifa said.
Iceburg said, "Perhaps this matter has nothing to do with the Straw Hat Pirates. Someone introduced by Granny Kokoro shouldn't do such a thing. But Nico Robin..."
Just then, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by a wave of commotion: "It's the Straw Hat Boy! He's broken in, stop him! Don't let him get near Mr. Iceburg!"
Mr. Iceburg heard it too. After a moment's thought, he said to Kalifa, "Kalifa, could you secretly bring the Straw Hat Boy in? I have some questions for him." Kalifa was momentarily stunned, then nodded in agreement.
"Mr. Iceburg..." Before Xiaohu could finish, Iceburg smiled. "It's fine. He wouldn't have broken in broad daylight just to kill me. As for you, Xiaohu, you've worked hard for a long time, you should head back and rest early."
Xiaohu could tell that Mr. Iceburg wanted a private conversation with the Straw Hat Boy. So he said, "Then please be careful. I'll keep watch outside, just call if you need anything."
"That's not necessary, Kalifa being here is enough."
Xiaohu had no choice but to agree. Just as he reached the door, Kalifa walked in, bringing the Straw Hat Boy with her. The two exchanged glances, and Xiaohu whispered, "I hope you won't betray Mr. Iceburg's trust."
The Straw Hat Boy replied, "I won't hurt Uncle Iceburg, he's a good person."
After stepping outside, Xiaohu gave a wave of his hand, and a dozen paper talismans plastered themselves onto the door. As long as the Straw Hat Boy dared to make a move, those charms would undoubtedly trap and immobilize him.
With that done, Xiaohu received a new mission from the System: collect the Fierce Wind. With nothing else pressing at the moment, he decided to head outside to check on the situation.
"An island-wide alert is now being issued. As the Aqua Laguna tidal wave approaches, all docks on the shipbuilding island will be open as temporary shelters for all citizens. To avoid chaos, please evacuate as early as possible."
Listening to the broadcast echoing across the island, Xiaohu felt the wind growing increasingly fierce. He muttered to himself, "Looks like this tidal wave is even bigger than in previous years. But the Fierce Wind collection mission should be about done, too."
Xiaohu glanced at the progress bar; it had already reached ninety percent.
At that moment in Water 7, people were busy searching for others, tidying up houses, and reinforcing doors and windows. It looked like a lot of people needed help.
"Help the busy mother find her son, Michael. Reward: Lingshan Fairy Ganoderma x5."
"Help the young girl, Aibi, take the elderly Bulu to the shelter. Reward: Puppet Worm x10."
"..."
Xiaohu went about helping others while completing his tasks. Suddenly, he remembered the ship spirit of the Straw Hat Pirates and headed toward the shore.
When he reached his destination, craftsmen were currently searching the area.
A craftsman climbed down from the ship and greeted Xiaohu, "Oh, it's Xiaohu. We've already searched this place. This ship seems to have been abandoned. Well, the ship is broken to pieces like this, it can't be used anyway. What a waste for such a good ship to end up so dilapidated, though. They really don't know how to cherish things!"
Xiaohu smiled and greeted them, walking straight up to the ship. "True, the ship is broken, so there's no way they're coming back. You all should head back quickly, too. The wind is getting stronger."
"Alright, you hurry back as well."
Once the others left, Xiaohu released a Wooden Bird to scout. But the ship spirit wasn't on board? He expanded the search radius and ended up discovering someone else instead...
"Hey, you hiding behind that rock and acting sneaky, come out! I see you."
"Y-You... are you a shipyard craftsman? What are you trying to do? I warn you, I, Captain Usopp, have 80 million followers! If you dare try anything funny, you'll be sorry!"
Emerging from behind the rock was the long-nosed man he had seen earlier, currently trembling as he aimed a slingshot right at him. Taking a closer look, Xiaohu noticed he was covered from head to toe in bandages.
"Oh, it's you. Where are the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates?" With a gloomy expression, Usopp said, "I'm no longer part of their crew. This ship belongs to me now, and they aren't coming back."
Huh? Xiaohu was somewhat surprised. This pirate crew had suffered an internal conflict?
"Since you don't know, then never mind. But let me tell you, the tidal wave is about to hit, you'd better find a place to take cover." Usopp blinked in surprise and asked, "I've been hearing people talk about a gale for a moment now, but could you tell me where I should dock the ship to be a bit safer?"
"Huh? You still want this ship? Didn't your former companions tell you that this ship is already finished?"
Hearing this, Usopp grew angry. "You're talking nonsense! The Going Merry has been through countless storms, it even went up to Skypiea! How could you foolish craftsmen possibly understand? Besides, she is also our... my companion! How could I possibly abandon her!"
Looking at the provoked Usopp, Xiaohu finally understood why the little ship spirit had chosen to stay behind on this vessel.
"I've said my piece. If you want to find a place for your ship to ride out the tidal wave, the Back Street should have some space. Just sail her over there."
"Th-The Back Street? Thank you..."
Watching Usopp sail the ship away, Xiaohu felt a bit puzzled as to why the ship spirit wasn't on board. But since the Straw Hat Pirates seemed to have fallen apart, she must be feeling terrible right now. In any case, the tidal wave wouldn't affect a ship spirit, and the spiritual energy he had restored to her earlier was enough to sustain her for several days, so Xiaohu didn't have time to go looking for her.
As dusk approached, Xiaohu returned to the Galley-La Company. The craftsmen who had gone out searching had all returned as well. However, Nico Robin had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving no trace at all. With the tidal wave about to make landfall, the top priority now was ensuring the safety of Water 7's residents and Mr. Iceburg. The Galley-La craftsmen, armed with weapons, began patrolling in shifts. Tonight, they absolutely could not let any pirate assassins harm Mr. Iceburg.