Tom-ossan, you must realize that staying here is dangerous. As long as the Sea Train isn't finished, maybe they'll let you be—but can you really guarantee that? What if the World Government loses patience? You know as well as I do, those people are capable of anything."
Buggy's words carried a weight beyond their surface. In the original history, Tom had been condemned only after completing the Sea Train, accused of harboring the blueprints to Pluton, the Ancient Weapon. But now, in this altered timeline, things were different. With Buggy and Shanks both having risen to the status of Emperors of the Sea, the World Government might see Tom's past connection to the Roger Pirates as a direct threat. The risk of "accidents" had only grown.
Tom's expression remained steady, his voice unwavering.
"Buggy-boy, no matter what the consequences are, I'll bear them. I've prepared myself for this. Until the Sea Train is finished, I will not leave this place."
Buggy clenched his fists.
"Tom-ossan, I've received reliable information. The Government already knows the Pluton blueprints are in your possession. They're just waiting for you to finish the Sea Train before they strike. If you stay, you'll be walking straight into their trap."
That revelation shook Tom. His massive frame stiffened, eyes widening. He had never expected the World Government to learn the truth. If they already knew, then Buggy's warning was no empty fear—his end might indeed come as Buggy predicted.
But after a heavy sigh, Tom only shook his head.
"Enough, Buggy-boy. You don't need to say any more. I know exactly what I'm doing. Even if danger comes, I will not run. The Sea Train is my life's work. Without completing it, I cannot leave this city."
Even a man as optimistic as Tom could not hide the sigh in his voice. But his resolve remained unshaken.
Silence settled over the room.
At Buggy's side, Iceburg was pale with anxiety. Listening to their exchange, his heart was torn.
"Tom-sensei… why? Why won't you leave? Is the Sea Train really worth more than your life? Please—just go with Buggy-nii. Don't throw yourself away!"
His voice trembled with desperation.
Tom's gaze softened.
"Iceburg. There are things in this world more important than life itself. The Sea Train will change everything—it will connect the seas, connect people, bring a new age. That dream is worth any price. Don't waste your tears on me."
Iceburg lowered his head, shoulders shaking, tears dripping onto the floor. He knew Tom would never leave, no matter the danger.
Buggy exhaled and spoke again.
"Then, Tom-ossan, let me at least do something for you. I'll find a way to ease your situation, to give you a chance at survival—even if only a slim one."
Tom frowned deeply. He understood well that the Pluton blueprints were no trivial matter. Anyone who tried to intervene risked being swallowed by forces far larger than themselves.
"Buggy-boy, no. I won't allow you to throw yourself into danger for my sake. Don't pay a price you can't afford."
Buggy waved it off, his grin returning, though his eyes stayed serious.
"Don't worry. I've got… special connections. With the right approach, I can buy you a little breathing room. It won't put me in any real danger, and the cost isn't beyond my reach."
He left his words deliberately vague—half-truth, half-lie. Tom didn't need to know the details. Better to spare him the worry.
Tom sighed heavily.
"Very well… but promise me this: don't risk too much for me, Buggy-boy. Some prices aren't worth paying."
Buggy only smiled faintly. He had already decided.
With Tom's matter temporarily set aside, Buggy shifted to another purpose for his visit.
"By the way, Tom-ossan… do you know of any shipwrights with real potential—someone who also dreams of going to sea?"
This was one of Buggy's key goals in coming to Water 7. If he wanted to expand his fleet, he needed a master shipwright. And who better to ask than Tom, the greatest shipwright in the city?
Tom's eyes flicked toward Iceburg. The boy was talented, perhaps the most promising of all his apprentices.
After a pause, Tom spoke.
"What about Iceburg? He's my disciple, and among the finest young craftsmen I've ever seen."
Buggy opened his mouth to respond, but Iceburg suddenly jerked his head up, staring at his master in shock.
"Tom-sensei… what are you saying?! How could I leave you now? The Sea Train isn't finished! I must stay and help you! I could never go to sea. If anyone should go, it's Franky—send him with Buggy-nii instead!"
Tom chuckled softly. He had already expected this answer.
"Iceburg, the Sea Train will be completed whether you stay or not. Franky and I can manage the work. Even alone, I have the skill to finish it. But you—your future lies beyond these walls."
His gaze grew serious, his words heavy with meaning.
"A true shipwright must see the vastness of the sea. He must study the shipbuilding arts of every shore and gather knowledge from across the world. Only then can he reach his full potential. You've learned everything I can teach you here. It's time for you to go out and see the world with your own eyes."