Grand Line. Water 7.
At the port, workers who had just finished their shift sat on the steps, gazing out at the sea.
Flocks of seagulls flew overhead, circling above the harbor. Suddenly, someone spotted something unusual.
"Hey! Look over there!"
"That's a huge ship!"
"What is that?"
"A government judicial ship!"
"Judicial Ship?"
"Yeah, the traveling court."
"Wonder who they're here to judge."
"Come on, let's go see!"
"Let's go, quick!"
Not long after, the crowd followed the judicial ship all the way to the home of the world's greatest shipwright—Tom, the fish-man.
There, a tall, fat man was being escorted out in restraints. Two young boys burst out after him but were stopped by soldiers.
"Stop! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Give us back Tom-san!!!"
Tom turned around and let out a hearty laugh. "It's all right, don't worry. Tahahahaha!!!"
A young Franky yelled at the top of his lungs, "Tom-san!!!"
Amid the shouting, Tom was led away, his figure growing smaller in the distance…
* * *
On the Judicial Ship. Within the courtroom.
A Marine officer was reading out the verdict.
"For building the ship used by the recently executed Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, the Oro Jackson. And for aiding and abetting a world-class criminal, Shipwright Tom is sentenced to death. He is to be escorted to Enies Lobby immediately."
Franky had just squeezed into the crowd to witness the trial when his eyes went wide with shock at the verdict.
The people at the door also quickly passed the news outside.
"This is bad! Tom... Tom's going to be executed!!!"
"The charge is building a ship for the Pirate King!!!"
The crowd began murmuring.
"So the day finally came..."
"Well, he did cause trouble for the world. There's nothing we can do."
"What a shame..."
* * *
Back at the courtroom.
Judge Jorge began to summarize the case.
"Normally, selling a ship to a customer isn't a crime, but the Pirate King is an exception. Anyone connected to his pirate activity in any way is deemed dangerous, and thus, the sentence is death."
He then tapped the gavel. "Take the criminal away."
A few soldiers stepped forward to drag Tom away, but he didn't budge. The fish-man stood his ground and looked the judge in the eye.
"I'm currently designing a paddle steamer that can travel on sea tracks. This island is in decline because of unfair trade deals, and the disheartened people feel uneasy about living on a place that could sink any day. But the Sea Train... one day it will save Water 7."
Judge Jorge fell silent for a long time. "The Sea Train, huh..."
Tom nodded. "That's right. A ship that moves on a sea track, from one island to another. It runs on steam and puffs out smoke. Whether it's carrying people or cargo, it won't be affected by the weather. Anyone will be able to cross the sea freely.
"I'm also thinking of designing a way to make the train and tracks produce sounds that scare off sea creatures. That way, even the Sea Kings won't come near the tracks.
"If the Sea Train can connect the islands, trade will flow smoothly, the islands will also grow and thrive fast. The blueprints for this are almost done."
Jorge questioned, "Can it reach Enies Lobby?"
Tom answered without hesitation, "Of course. Once this technology is completed, people will cross the ocean with ease. Before long, all the islands of the world will be connected and thriving."
Even the seasoned Marines present in the courtroom swallowed nervously at the grandeur of that vision as they pictured the future he spoke of.
Fixing his gaze on Tom, Jorge asked, "How many years will it take to complete?"
The fish-man responded seriously, "Ten years."
Jorge took a deep breath and said, "Then let's see you build it! Shipwright Tom, for creating the Sea Train… Ten years' probation!"
Bang!
The gavel slammed down, and the trial was over.
The entire island erupted in cheers at that.
"Whooooaaaa!!!!"
"That's amazing!!!"
"Go for it, Tom!!"
"Save Water 7!!!!"
"Hahahahaha!!!"
* * *
Evening.
Tom sat with his two apprentices, celebrating over dinner.
"Tahahahaha!!! I get to keep on living, loud and proud!"
At this time, Kokoro, the fish-woman, brought over a fresh dish.
"This isn't the time to be laughing, Tom-san. Just thinking about that moment gives me chills, but if this all goes smoothly, maybe they'll forget about Roger."
A young Iceburg at the side looked up at Tom in awe and exclaimed. "As expected of you, Tom-san! You came up with something so incredible, everyone was completely stunned!"
Bang!
Franky slammed his empty bowl down on the table as he turned toward a human-sized frog and called out. "Let's go, Yokozuna! Today I'm teaching you freestyle swimming!"
Iceburg, clearly annoyed, muttered, "You've been sulking all day. What's wrong with you? Franky!"
Franky turned back and shouted, "Gol D. Roger's ship sailed around the entire Grand Line, it was one of a kind. But Tom-san, the man who built that amazing ship, why did he have to be sentenced to death?!
"And those people watching actually said it was only fair! A bunch of losers who probably can't even build a raft!
"Just because he built a ship for Roger, we're treated like outcasts and had to live under a bridge, hiding our company! Why should the world's greatest shipwright be treated like this?!"
But Tom said nothing. He just burst out laughing. "Tahahahahaha!"
Franky, still furious, jumped onto the table and grabbed Tom by the collar, shaking him. Iceburg got up to pull him back, but the fish-man just kept laughing.
The whole restaurant broke into chaos and noise...
* * *
Aboard the travelling court, on the Judicial Ship.
Standing silently, Jorge stared back in the direction of Water 7.
A CP agent beside him couldn't help but speak up. "Your Honor, about this mission..."
Jorge slowly closed his eyes.
"I'll personally report to the Five Elders. If I just punish people with vague charges, and hold back the world's progress, destroying people's hope, then I… would become history's greatest criminal..."
* * *
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Dong—dong—dong—dong—
The grand Ox Bell rang eight times, its deep sound echoing across the base. It marked the start of a new year, and a solemn thank-you to the one that had passed.
Sakazuki listened to the mellow chimes coming from outside his window as he set down the newspaper and handed it to Carlo.
"A new year. Hmph. There are some clever minds in the government."
Carlo raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
He took the newspaper and looked at the bold headline.
"With the Fall of the Golden Lion, When Will the Third Emperor of the Seas Rise?"
He seemed to understand. "An Emperor, huh."
Sakazuki stood and looked out the window at the falling snow.
"To call someone an Emperor, who could resist that kind of title? Those New World pirates... they're going to tear each other apart."
**
**
**
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:
P@treon/SilverShark769
Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!
Your support means a lot, thank you!