In a corner of late-night Water 7, the secret base of the dismantler, Franky, stood where Tom's Workers once operated. There, Franky and Iceburg were restrained with their hands tied behind their backs, surrounded by four masked figures dressed in white robes, along with a woman.
"What is your intention here?! How dare you chain me with such a flimsy restraint!"
"Calm down, Franky!"
"...Iceburg."
"Don't be reckless... We might be able to handle the others, but that woman is a different story."
"Tch..."
While Franky struggled as if being kidnapped, he was subdued by Iceburg's words. Indeed, Franky was strong. He had the power to control even unruly individuals and was a formidable fighter, having half of his body transformed into a cyborg.
However, the fact remained that he was restrained at this moment. He was nearly unscathed... The reason was simple. The ones who brought Franky here were overwhelmingly powerful individuals, capable of capturing a skilled fighter like Franky with little effort.
"That's right. I recommend not causing trouble. As for your treatment, the captain hasn't given specific instructions... If you get noisy, I'll have to make you keep quiet," Chelsea said quietly, standing in front of the two. Despite her petite stature, she emanated an unimaginable aura of intimidation, even causing Iceburg, who wasn't accustomed to fighting, to feel the overwhelming strength.
Franky, seeming to understand the difference in power, clicked his tongue upon hearing Iceburg's words.
Meanwhile, orderly footsteps echoed in the bridge warehouse, and CP9's Chief Spandam appeared.
"Long time no see. It's been five years, huh? Do you remember me, the two members of Tom's Workers?"
"Y-You... Spandam!!"
"I'm glad you remember. Saves me the trouble of introducing myself."
Spandam's appearance was a nemesis to both Iceburg and Franky. He was the government official who set a trap and took Tom away five years ago. Franky yelled, and Iceburg's expression tensed.
Unfazed by their reactions, Spandam took a seat on the chair Chelsea had prepared.
"Poche, bring two more chairs... and release them from their restraints, no need for that anymore."
"What!?"
With a sudden release of pressure from Spandam, Iceburg and Franky felt as if they were being crushed.
"You two... What do you plan to do? Kill us? Even if you were to kill me and Franky, we'll never submit to you."
Still not admitting to possessing the blueprints, Iceburg spoke. Spandam, with a slightly impressed expression, continued calmly.
"It's unfortunate, but we've moved beyond that stage. The fact that I came here means I already know about the existence and location of the blueprints. Pretending you don't know anymore won't change anything."
"What... Then what will you do? Kill us? Even if you kill me and Franky, we won't obey you."
Despite their stern expressions, Iceburg and Franky, who refused to give in, Spandam seemed somewhat amused.
Certainly, both Iceburg and Franky had strong determination. They were committed to carrying on their deceased master's will and protecting the blueprints... But Spandam's next words would shatter their resolve.
"If you hand over the blueprints willingly... I'll return Tom to you."
"What... What are you talking about... Tom-san is-"
"Alive?"
"What!?"
Their strong expressions disappeared in an instant, replaced by clear signs of distress. Interrupting Franky, whose voice trembled as he spoke, Spandam revealed the truth before them.
"Tom, the shipwright, was pardoned for his 'exoneration of Gold Roger's pirate ship construction.' However, he was arrested for his involvement in the judicial ship assault, which he confessed. While the attack on the judicial ship is a serious crime, it's not a capital offense. He received a prison sentence and is currently serving it. Of course, there's no torture or anything like that; he's just serving his sentence normally."
"Impossible... But during the trial..."
"What's wrong, Iceburg? Didn't you know? I'm the head of the judicial island Enies Lobby. I have enough power to twist something as simple as that."
Five years ago, after the incident in Water 7, Spandam used his power to change Tom's sentence during the retrial at Enies Lobby. Instead of a capital punishment, he was given a prison sentence.
At present, Tom was serving his sentence in an ordinary prison, not Impel Down.
"However, the assault on the judicial ship is also a serious crime. The prison term will be quite long... But if you two hand over the blueprints for Pluton, I'll arrange for your immediate release," Spandam said, causing strong bewilderment to appear on Iceburg and Franky's faces. Yes, until just a moment ago, they were prepared to fight to the death, ready to protect the blueprints at all costs, just like their deceased master.
But now, they were presented with another option. If they handed over the blueprints for Pluton, they could save Tom... Such a sweet hope was being offered to them.
At the same time, they realized that if Spandam wished, he could execute Tom, who was currently imprisoned. With Spandam's level of power, orchestrating a death in custody would be all too easy.
They were faced with a devil's choice. Should they follow their master's will and protect the blueprints, leaving Tom behind? Or should they discard their master's will, save Tom, and hand over the blueprints?
"Just so you know, I'll also tell you about your concern regarding Nico Robin," Spandam continued, ignoring Iceburg's shuddering reaction to the mention of the name, revealing that he knew about their secret worry. He then went on to recount the tragedy that had befallen Nico Robin, the destruction of Ohara by the World Government and the Navy.
Once they heard the entire story, Franky couldn't help but speak with disdain, "You scum."
"Although I wasn't involved in the Ohara incident, so I don't really care what you say... Nico Robin is indeed considered a great criminal by the government's standards, but she's not actively trying to resurrect ancient weapons. If she has undergone a transformation during her life on the run, it's impossible to say... But we can't go on speculating endlessly. Well, with this, I've provided an answer to your concerns," Spandam said with a wry smile.
After Spandam finished, Chelsea reacted by taking out a Den Den Mushi connected to the Five Elder Stars.
"And from here on, let me make one last significant concession. But even with this, I'm sure you two still resist giving me the blueprints, right? So, let's do this... I'll watch you burn the blueprints right here. In return, I'll consider it as if you handed them over," Spandam declared.
"What did you say?"
"The issue is that people other than the World Government might get their hands on ancient weapons. We're not particularly interested in the blueprints or Pluton. So if you destroy them right away, it'll be the end of it. I've obtained approval from our higher-ups for this."
The two were bewildered for the third time, and Spandam explained matter-of-factly. At that moment, Chelsea stood by Spandam with a Den Den Mushi linked to the Five Elder Stars. The meaning was clear: burn the blueprints as seen on the Den Den Mushi.
"Also, to avoid misunderstandings, let me make this clear. This is an act of mercy. The Galley-La Company is an important company for the government. Considering future transactions, we've made a special concession. So don't misunderstand. I've already said it... We know the location of the blueprints as well. We know who has them and where they're hidden. I'm saying this knowing everything."
The two remained silent.
"There are only two possible outcomes to this discussion. Either you burn the blueprints and get Tom back, ending the matter... or you resist and lose everything as we forcefully take the blueprints from you. I'll give you 30 seconds to decide. Choose whichever you like."
Upon hearing Spandam's words, both Iceburg and Franky slumped their shoulders. There was no escape, no way to deceive. As Spandam said, they only had two choices.
It wasn't even a matter of thinking which one to choose.
With a sense of defeat, Franky reached into his cyborg body and retrieved the blueprints for Pluton.
"All details confirmed, no need to verify everything. Just flip open the cover and show it on the Den Den Mushi," Spandam said.
"Understood."
"How is it?"
"Yes, it's genuine without a doubt," the Five Elder Stars on the other end of the Den Den Mushi replied.
After Spandam's inquiry, the Five Elder Stars confirmed the authenticity of the blueprints for Pluton. Spandam nodded lightly and then gestured, prompting Chelsea to place an ashtray and matches in front of Franky.
"Burn it," Spandam ordered.
Following Spandam's command, Franky set the blueprints on fire, and the plans for Pluton vanished.
"Certainly, with this, the blueprints for Pluton are gone. It's not impossible that there might be copies, but if we go down that road, it'll never end, so can we conclude this matter here?" Chelsea asked.
"Yes, it's done. Thank you for your efforts," the Five Elder Stars replied.
After the brief exchange, the communication was cut off, and Spandam smiled lightly as he spoke.
"Well then, shall we move on to the final task?"
"Are you... going to kill us?" Iceburg asked with a hesitant expression on his face.
To Spandam, his smile was due to the fact that the original fate had been significantly altered. However, to Iceburg and Franky, who were unaware of this, his smile might have looked like that of someone who had decided to dispose of unnecessary individuals.
"Huh? No, I just need you to sign the paperwork for Tom's release," Spandam said.
"...What?"
"A person of some social standing is required as the recipient of Tom's release. So, it will be you, Iceburg. After that, we'll proceed with the paperwork, and Tom should be released in a few days. The handover will take place in Enies Lobby, and I'll inform you of the schedule later. Come to pick him up on the sea train. Pochi, bring the table and the documents."
"Yes!"
Upon Spandam's instructions, Chelsea placed a table between Spandam and Iceburg, a little distance away, and placed an envelope on it.
"Check the contents and sign it."
"Uhm... Are you really going to return Tom?" Franky asked.
"That's the promise, right? I don't know what kind of heinous villain you guys think I am, but I'm just doing my job, and I harbor no personal ill will towards either of you or Tom," Spandam stated.
Though Iceburg and Franky were still perplexed about Spandam's true intentions, believing him to be a cunning villain who trapped Tom, they confirmed the contents of the document and signed it.
After receiving the signed document, Spandam departed with the agents.
***
Late at night in Water 7, after moving to a deserted and abandoned ship island, Lucci and the others wearing masks were addressed.
"With this, our business in Water 7 is complete. From now on, each of you will retire and come back at different times, giving it some time before doing so."
"Are we not all resigning at once?"
"That would be akin to announcing that we were spies. It's fine either way, but you guys have built relationships during these few years of infiltration. Such connections can be valuable; you never know when they might come in handy. If possible, it's better to retire amicably."
Especially someone like Kaku, who has a good personality, must have become close to many people during his time at Galley-La Company. There were even scenes in the original work suggesting that he had feelings about his days there.
"The specific order will be communicated separately. For now, good job tonight, and until further instructions, continue your actions as usual. Dismissed."
"Understood."
Following my instructions, Lucci and the others disappeared, leaving only me and Pochi on the abandoned ship island. I took out two lollipops with sticks from my pocket, handing one to Pochi and unwrapping the other for myself, which I bit into.
I couldn't help but feel a smirk forming on my face. At the very least, I had significantly altered the course of events in the original work. I had no interest in Robin, so the Enies Lobby arc should no longer occur.
By being able to easily change a major development that was previously unchangeable, I was fully confident that the wedge had been removed.
"Pochi, it's nice to be able to make things go as planned."
"I don't fully understand, but if the captain is happy, I'm happy too."
"Haha, well then, shall we head back to Enies Lobby? Maybe we'll have a light drink when we get back..."
"Yes!"
Smiling in response to Pochi's tail... I mean, hair flick, I flew back to Enies Lobby with my razor.
***
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