On the other side.
The young Spandam listened to his father's orders through the Den Den Mushi, his face full of excitement.
"Really, dad?! Hahaha, that's great! I'll get it done right away!"
He hung up eagerly, ready to leave. Promotion was right before his eyes, how could he not be thrilled?
But then he froze, as if remembering something. "No, I have to report to the Five Elders first."
After all, CP5 was a branch directly under their command. If he acted on his own and displeased them, it would be over. Besides, this was also a chance to make an appearance before them, and with his father pulling strings...
He couldn't contain the grin on his face. His laughter grew wilder.
* * *
Elsewhere.
In a high-level office of the World Government, Spandine stared at the abruptly disconnected Den Den Mushi.
Veins bulged on his temple as he rubbed at his forehead. A bad feeling gnawed at him.
"This idiot... don't mess this up."
He sighed, teeth clenched. How could someone as brilliant as him have such a useless son?
* * *
Half a day later. Holy Land of Mariejois.
As the chief of CP5, Spandam had the right to seek an audience with the Five Elders.
Outside a leisure palace, the Elders lounged by a pool.
He entered with a look of righteousness, bowed deeply, then stood straight.
Nusjuro spoke first. "What business requires you to seek us directly?"
Spandam lowered his head. "It's about the fish-man Tom, honored Elders. According to our investigation, the reports that he possesses the blueprints for Pluton... are true."
Mars raised his brows. "So that thing really does exist."
"Yes," Spandam answered. "And many pirates are after it. If it falls into the wrong hands, the government won't be able to respond. It's been more than ten years since the Great Pirate Era began. Pirates are growing stronger and their numbers keep rising. We must stop the revival of ancient weapons. It's urgent."
He grew more impassioned with every word.
"To uphold justice, we must hold this trump card ourselves. The ancient weapons should belong to us. We will end this Great Pirate Era!"
Peter frowned slightly, while Mars gave a small nod. "The times are changing. What he says has some logic."
Nusjuro ordered, "Then your first task is to secure the blueprints. We'll decide the rest later."
Mars looked straight at him. "This matter is yours to handle, Spandam."
He saluted quickly. "Yes! Leave it to me!"
After backing out respectfully, he could no longer hide his joy.
Promotion. Promotion!
* * *
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Sakazuki narrowed his eyes at the latest newspaper. In the corner was an article about the Sea Train. If he remembered correctly... this fish-man Tom held the blueprints to Pluton.
After a moment of thought, he summoned Enel.
* * *
That night, Sakazuki used one of Vegapunk's newest devices for a video call.
On the other end was the familiar underground lab of Punk Hazard, now more developed than before.
Vegapunk appeared on the screen. "What is it, Sakazuki?"
The admiral sent over the documents he had gathered earlier that day. "Something interesting for you to see."
Vegapunk leaned closer. "Oh?"
Within seconds, the scanned report appeared on his screen. The opening lines alone caught his attention.
The owner of the ancient weapon Pluton's blueprints...
He skimmed through Tom's biography and the construction of the Sea Train, his brows furrowing tighter. "This man... does he really have the blueprints?"
Looking at such a primitive design, Vegapunk seriously doubted Sakazuki had been misled. A steam-powered contraption? Far too outdated.
Pluton could annihilate an island in a single blast. Its power source would never be simple steam.
Sakazuki chuckled lightly. "We'll know soon enough."
* * *
A few days later, Water 7.
On Scrap Island's shore, Tom and the future mayor, Iceburg, were busy assembling the new Sea Train.
Iceburg's hands moved over the pieces, but his mind wandered. "Tom-san..."
The fish-man paused. "Hm?"
Iceburg continued, "Everyone is glad we can travel safely across the sea, but... the trade isn't going smoothly. The islands are driving up the prices of materials on purpose. At this rate, nothing will really change."
Tom laughed heartily. "Tahahaha! But look at how lively people have become. Results don't show overnight. Just do what you can, and as a man, hold your head high!"
Iceburg blinked, then smiled. "You're right…"
The two returned to their work, the sounds of metal ringing out.
Then, a group of men in black closed in, surrounding them.
At the front was Spandam. He wore a bright smile. "Sorry to interrupt. You must be the shipwright Tom."
Whoosh!
A faint whistle cut through the air.
Several CP5 agents tried to warn him.
"Sir..."
But Spandam's face twisted with rage as he turned on them. "Shut up! Can't you see I'm talking to Mr. Tom?!"
The men fell silent at once. "Yes, sir."
He turned back, his face warm again. "I'd like to discuss something with you—"
Boom!
A cannonball exploded at his feet, sending him flying. His subordinates, however, had already vanished the moment he turned his head.
Watching him fall, they put on a show of concern.
"Chief Spandam!"
* * *
Later, inside a small brick house by the shore.
Tom sat across from Spandam, who was wrapped in bandages. "Tahahaha. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have any such blueprints."
With no outsiders present, Spandam dropped the act. "Stop lying! I humbled myself to show you respect, and you still pretend? Old fool! I've traced the history of Water 7. Don't deny it! If we search everything around you, we'll find the truth soon enough!"
Tom replied calmly, "You don't have the right to search me."
"Of course I do," Spandam snapped. "I've discovered you're the one who built ships for the Pirate King. That makes you a criminal. We can search you as we like."
Tom laughed again. "Tahaha! The government already knows that."
Spandam's eyes widened. "Impossible. If they knew, how could you still be a shipwright here?"
He had left in such a rush that he hadn't done any thorough investigation. He didn't even know about the trial at Enies Lobby. His report to the Five Elders had been exaggerated, just an excuse to take the mission quickly.
Tom rose to his feet. "That's for you to find out yourself. Goodbye."
With one massive arm, he hurled Spandam out the door and shut it firmly.
Thud!
Spandam hit the ground, groaning, then staggered up in fury. He clawed at the door handle, shaking it violently. "Bastard! I'm not finished! Do you know who I am?! How dare you?!"
* * *
That night.
Tom spread his Observation Haki, scanning the area. Finding no suspicious presence, he exhaled and turned to his apprentices.
"Iceburg, Franky. Come here. I have something important to give you."
* * *
Far away, atop a tall tower in town, Enel lay sprawled on the rooftop. One hand propped his head, the other held an apple.
Crunch.
He bit into it, chewing slowly. "So, it's finally coming out... the blueprints of Pluton."
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