Water 7, known as the City of Water, is a bustling island with a thriving shipbuilding industry. However, due to land subsidence over the years, the challenging navigation routes to neighboring islands, and the influence of pirates, the entire island was once enveloped in a pessimistic atmosphere.
However, with the introduction of the Sea Train, a transportation system created by the shipwright Tom's Workers, the island gradually started to regain its vitality.
Tom, a shipwright who was initially sentenced to death for building the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, negotiated his sentence by explaining the Sea Train's concept and obtained a ten-year probation period for the development. The verdict on his case would be decided on a judicial ship visiting three days later.
In the area known as Scrap Island, another shipwright, Iceburg, and his disciple Tom were discussing while diligently working on shipbuilding.
Iceburg asked if the town was still unchanged despite the difficulty in interacting with other islands. Tom replied with a smile that the town still had its liveliness, but results wouldn't come immediately, emphasizing that patience was required.
As they talked, they heard several sets of footsteps approaching.
Walking at the forefront was a black-suited man with black circles around his eyes and nose—Spandam. Following behind him was a petite woman with brown hair in a black suit and several men in white suits.
"Apologies for the sudden visit. I am..."
Before Spandam could introduce himself, they were interrupted by a cannonball flying towards them.
"S-Spandam-san..."
"You all, stand back."
After giving orders to his flustered subordinates, Spandam caught the incoming cannonball with his bare hands, crushing it effortlessly.
"Oh! Sorry about that! The celebratory cannon went in that direction!"
Appearing seemingly unapologetic was Tom's other disciple, known as Cutty Flam or simply Franky.
"Super! Battle Franky No. 35 returns! I took down a Sea King!"
"...That idiot, doing something like that again."
Piqued by Franky's boast about the warship Battle Franky No. 35, Iceburg approached him with a hammer in hand, criticizing him for creating weapons capable of killing Sea Kings. This led to a quarrel between the two, and Tom burst into laughter as he watched.
To the Tom's Workers, this was an ordinary scene, and a calm voice echoed.
"...Well, indeed, as he said. If it's a weapon capable of killing or injuring people, you should ensure that strangers can't use it at the very least."
"?!?"
The three were taken aback. Without them realizing it, Spandam had somehow appeared right in front of Battle Franky No. 35. They couldn't comprehend when or how he moved there.
Unfazed by their reactions, Spandam turned to Tom and introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you, shipwright Tom-san. My name is Spandam... As you can see, I'm a government official of the World Government."
"A government official... Is this about the trial?"
"Well, that falls under our jurisdiction, but this time, it's about something else... About the ship's design, can you tell me more?"
"...!"
With Spandam asking if he possessed the Pluton's design, Tom replied that he didn't know anything about it nor had it. Honestly, he didn't expect Spandam to back down so easily.
Puzzled by Tom's reaction, Spandam stood up from the chair he was sitting on, facing the door, and quietly advised, "It wouldn't change even if we talked longer. But I'll give you one piece of advice... You should consider the meaning of my visit here."
"..."
"Oh, by the way, there's a possibility you don't know about Pluton, so if you have any suspicions about unfamiliar design plans, please let us know... Excuse me."
As Spandam left, Tom couldn't help but feel an inexplicable sense of unease as he watched his departing figure.
***
Water 7, in a room at the inn I had booked in advance, I called out to the dissatisfied CP4 officials.
"So, is there something bothering you?"
"Why did you back down so easily!? We should have pressed him more..."
"Are you an idiot? Do you really think someone would admit to possessing the design of a death penalty-certain Pluton? That was just a probe."
"A probe?"
While sipping the coffee that Pochi had prepared and reading the newspaper, I could tell from their expressions that CP4's chief had given them a tough task to obtain the Pluton's design, and they were feeling anxious.
Hurrying won't solve anything... well...
"If we make them think that we are aware of the existence of the design, they might make some moves... Well, if it's true that they have it."
"But this is taking too long..."
"So, what will you do? Although he's on probation, he's not a criminal. His acquittal is almost certain in the trial three days later. We don't have the authority to interrogate him... Remember, at this point, we only have the suspicion that 'the Pluton's design might exist.' It's impossible to interrogate an ordinary person at this stage. It's going to be a painstaking investigation."
The Pluton's design had been passed down through generations of craftsmen in Water 7. If they search carefully, they might find records.
Of course, I knew from the original story that the design existed and would be entrusted to Iceburg and the others tonight, but I had no intention of doing anything about it.
"Understood. We'll conduct a thorough inquiry. But if we confirm the existence of the design, we'll take a more aggressive approach."
The dissatisfied officials couldn't argue and left. Now, how will they act? If they stay quiet, I personally would give them credit. Even if CP4's chief comes to say something, I'd defend them to some extent.
But if they act recklessly... well, maybe CP4's chief will be replaced.
While thinking about it, I used Observation Haki and noticed that the officials who left the inn were contacting someone with a Den Den Mushi. Probably CP4's chief. Now, what moves will they make...?
But in the end, regarding Tom, sooner or later, I think it's inevitable. As long as the design exists, even if he's acquitted three days later, an assassination is highly likely to happen at some point.
Like in the original story, if Iceburg establishes the Galley-La Company and becomes a challenging entity for the government, I don't see that happening. And as long as Tom is alive, Iceburg wouldn't establish the Galley-La Company right away.
In that case, there's a scenario where Tom's Workers are cornered, where they may face assassination.
"Pochi."
"Yes?"
"We'll probably have some free time for a while. How about going to eat something? This island seems to have many local specialties."
"Yes!"
As I stood up and spoke, Pochi wagged her tail—rather, her hair—and followed me.
"Captain! Captain! They're selling Water Water Meat!"
"They say it has a melt-in-your-mouth taste. Let's buy some... Oh, and if there's a store selling fishing rods, let me know. We'll go fishing in the afternoon."
"Sure! I'll cook the fish we catch."
"Sure, thank you."
Enies Lobby is close by, but I haven't visited it much. Pochi seems excited, so we'll take a walk and go fishing in the afternoon.
Tomorrow morning, I'll return to Enies Lobby for paperwork... well, whether the situation changes or not, there's still time... for now, let's enjoy sightseeing.
***
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