For the past month, Gin had frequently visited Tom's Workshop, and he was well aware of who owned these warships and where they came from.
"How did these ships end up here?" Gin turned to the dumbfounded Cutty Flam.
"I-I don't know," Cutty Flam stammered nervously.
The warships, armed with overwhelming firepower, effortlessly sank the judicial ship. The collapsed bow, fallen masts, and scattered stray bullets turned the entire dock into chaos. Injured civilians were everywhere, crying and fleeing. Some shouted for help for their wounded family and friends, but no one paid attention.
For the first time, Cutty Flam realized the devastating power of his warships when used against humans. Yet, the scene before him brought no pride, only a chilling sense of dread.
After sinking the judicial ship in a concentrated volley, the warships began sailing back toward their origin.
"Who did this!?" Cutty Flam finally snapped out of his daze, his first reaction being anger. He wanted to chase after the warships, heading toward Scrap Island.
But before he could run far, Gin grabbed him firmly, his expression serious. "Where are you going? You need to stay here."
Already impulsive by nature, Flam misunderstood Gin's intentions in his anger, thinking Gin, as a Marine, was about to arrest him. "Are you blind? I've been standing here the whole time! I didn't pilot those ships!"
"I know, which is exactly why you need to stay here and provide an alibi," Gin said sternly. "From now on, stick close to me. That way, I can testify for you, and the people here at the dock can also vouch for you."
These "toys" created by Cutty Flam appearing at this moment seemed highly suspicious to Gin. He knew this was a critical time for Tom's trial and that the people at Tom's Workshop were optimistic about the outcome. It was hard for him to imagine anyone at Tom's Workshop would be insane enough to provoke trouble at such a moment.
But regardless, the incident had already occurred. The attacking warships belonged to Cutty Flam, their unique designs and distinct markings making them easily recognizable. Neither Tom nor Iceburg was present, and the judicial ship, which was there to try Tom, had been attacked.
For those unfamiliar with Tom's attitude, it would be easy to draw conclusions unfavorable to him from these clues.
Gin did not want Tom, who had just agreed to accept exchange students from the Navia Kingdom, to be arrested under a different charge. However, as he had mentioned to Spandam three days ago, Gin, as a Marine, belonged to a different department. Spandam had no authority over him, but conversely, Gin also had no jurisdiction over Spandam or the judicial department—unless he could rise to the rank of Admiral.
Given the current situation, Gin decided to help whoever he could, starting with clearing Flam's name.
...
Near the waters of Scrap Island, the CP5 intelligence agents noticed figures standing on the shore from a distance. After confirming that their ships were still operational, they exchanged a few words and prepared to abandon ship.
Just as they were about to act, one of the warships suddenly capsized. Amidst cries of alarm, the towering and massive figure of Tom leapt out from beneath the sea, landing on the deck of another warship.
Fish-men were naturally stronger than humans. Though Tom was not the type to seek fights, nor was he skilled in combat techniques, his years of labor had honed his body and strength. Combined with the innate talents of his species, he could even lift a large ship single-handedly while on land.
The World Government intelligence agents standing on the deck took two steps back, intimidated by the sight of Tom, who had just overturned a warship.
"Who are you!?" Tom's face showed no trace of his usual smile, replaced by anger. "Why did you steal Flam's ships to attack the dock? Do you have any idea how many civilians were there?"
"This is the necessary price of upholding justice. What would a criminal like you understand?" one of the intelligence agents shouted loudly, deliberately glancing behind Tom.
"So, you really are from the government!" Tom said coldly.
No sooner had Tom spoken than a gunshot rang out. A government agent hidden behind him fired at his vital spot. However, the handgun's power was insufficient. Tom's massive body only paused briefly before he turned abruptly, glaring at the shooter.
"Use the weapons on the ships!"
One agent shouted, but his companion beside him was horrified and protested, "No, we can't!"
But then came a sharp "swish," and a dark shadow shot toward Tom. Clumsy in combat, Tom tried to dodge to the side but could not avoid being pierced in the left shoulder by the shadow. Only then did it become clear that it was a grotesque, barbed iron spear.
The weapons on Cutty Flam's warships were designed to hunt Sea Kings, making them incredibly lethal and cruel. This particular type of iron spear, once embedded in a body, was difficult to remove. Moreover, it was attached to a thick iron chain connected to the ship.
Tom screamed in pain and collapsed onto the deck. As the ship continued to move, the iron spear embedded in his body was pulled by the chain, exacerbating his agony.
The intelligence agent who had tried to stop his companion shouted, "Are you trying to kill him? He can't die!"
The delay allowed the Navy warships escorting the judicial ship to arrive at the scene. Escaping now by abandoning ship would not guarantee evading their pursuit.
The leader of the operation gritted his teeth, his mind racing with thoughts. Suddenly, he ordered his subordinates, "Everyone, take off your outerwear, destroy it, and throw it into the sea—quickly!"
The intelligence agents, dressed in black jumpsuits, hurriedly stripped off their suspicious-looking attire. They then efficiently used the ship's weapons to destroy the clothing and threw the fragments into the sea.
Now, without their uniforms, the agents appeared less suspicious. The leader declared, "We are CP5 officials. We came here after receiving intelligence to arrest the criminals who attacked the judicial ship. We caught the criminal Tom red-handed at the crime scene. Understood?"
"No, you are the criminals!" Tom roared in fury. "You murderers and liars! You attacked the judicial ship!"
"Let's see who people believe," the leader said expressionlessly.
He wasn't wrong.
The Navy quickly surrounded the warships near the shore, taking custody of the CP5 intelligence agents at the scene and the severely injured Tom. Alongside them was Iceburg, who had arrived at the dock. They were all taken to the site of the judicial ship's attack.
However, the CP5 agents immediately identified themselves, supported by testimony from their superior, Spandam, who arrived later. Their identities and statements carried significant weight.
In Water 7, many residents could recognize the warships as belonging to Cutty Flam or Tom's Workshop. With Tom present on the ships and World Government officials testifying, it was hard for anyone to believe that this series of events was merely a coincidence.
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]