Buggy, my boy—fair winds on your journey! And Iceburg… I'll leave him in your care. Please, look after him.
At the harbor of Water 7, Tom stood with Franky to see Iceburg and Buggy's crew off. His gruff voice carried both trust and concern.
Standing beside Buggy, Iceburg's eyes welled up the moment he heard Tom's words. Unable to restrain himself, he bowed deeply, tears streaming down his face.
"Uncle Tom… please take care of yourself. If any danger comes, contact Captain Buggy immediately. And don't worry—I'll protect myself too."
Though he was now setting out on a new voyage, Iceburg's heart was still tied to Tom's safety. Before leaving, he reminded his mentor once more, trying to ease Tom's worries with a promise.
Tom nodded gravely. "I understand, Iceburg. But you must take care as well. At sea, never let your guard down. Always consult your captain before making decisions. Don't let curiosity lead you astray. And when danger strikes, stay calm—that's the only way you'll find even a sliver of survival."
He was speaking from years of hard-earned experience. The sea was merciless, and he didn't want Iceburg to learn that lesson the hard way.
"I understand, Uncle Tom. I'll remember your words."
Iceburg could hear the affection and care hidden in Tom's stern warnings. He knew they came from the heart—and he would carry them with him.
Franky, standing at Tom's side, said nothing. His lips trembled with unspoken words, his eyes filled with emotion as he stared at Iceburg.
Iceburg turned to him and smiled through his tears. "Franky, you'd better work hard, or else I'll snatch the title of 'world's greatest shipwright' for myself. And don't forget—you must take good care of Uncle Tom. Don't make him angry, and protect him with everything you've got. If danger comes, and Uncle Tom can't send a signal, then you must notify me right away. Promise me."
He wasn't just trying to encourage Franky to grow stronger. This was also a safeguard. If Tom were ever in trouble and Buggy couldn't be reached, Franky would serve as the backup link.
Franky clenched his fists and gave a fierce nod, his eyes shining with determination.
Seeing that response, Iceburg felt reassured. He nodded back, giving his friend encouragement.
Watching their reluctant farewell, Tom finally spoke to Buggy: "Buggy, lad. It's time. You should go."
Buggy understood. They couldn't delay their departure. He looked at Tom, Franky, and Iceburg one last time. Then, raising his voice, he called:
"Set sail!"
Iceburg turned sharply, bowing deeply once more to Tom before dashing toward the helm, tears streaming down his face. As the shipwright of the Yanhuang Pirates, it was his duty to handle the Splendor's departure.
Under his hands, the ship came alive, engines rumbling as the vessel slid away from the docks of Water 7.
Onshore, Franky's tears burst forth like a waterfall. He cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Iceburg! You'd better come back safe! But mark my words—the title of world's greatest shipwright is mine!"
His face was streaked with tears, his voice raw with emotion, but his eyes burned with resolve. As the Splendor grew smaller in the distance, he whispered fiercely:
"Iceburg… I swear, I'll become the world's greatest shipwright."
Inside the helm, Iceburg heard his brother's cry. His own tears flowed freely, yet he burst out laughing. He knew that when they met again, Franky would have grown beyond recognition. The thought filled him with pride.
Tom, too, understood their bond. He didn't interrupt. He simply placed a hand on Franky's shoulder, his eyes reflecting both sadness and hope. Watching the Splendor disappear into the horizon, he whispered inwardly: One day, both of you will become men the world remembers.
Five days later.
The Splendor sailed smoothly across the sea. The crew passed by Enies Lobby but made no stop; instead, they recharged the log pose in a quiet corner and continued on their way.
Enies Lobby was crawling with elite Marines. There was nothing there to interest Buggy, and everything to risk. If they entered, they might face not just Akainu, but all three Marine Admirals. No need to poke that hornet's nest.
By the afternoon of the fifth day, Buggy's crew reached their true destination: the Devil's Triangle. Somewhere within those cursed mists was their next crewmate.
Buggy turned to Enel.
"Enel, you won't be coming inside. Stay outside the fog. Every so often, release a burst of thunder loud enough to shake the air. Make sure the sound carries far."
The Devil's Triangle was a nightmare of thick fog where even log poses failed. Countless crews had wandered inside, never to return. That was what had happened to Brook's former crew—the fog swallowed them whole.
If Buggy's ship entered without precautions, it could drift forever. But with Enel's thunder as a beacon, they would always have a reference point to navigate back out.
Buggy explained his plan clearly, and Enel's confused expression quickly shifted to understanding.
He agreed immediately. For him, it was easy—his Rumble-Rumble Fruit powers could unleash thunderclaps that resounded for miles. With his ability to fly, he needed no ship or aid to move freely above the fog.
More importantly, this arrangement showed Buggy's trust. Enel's chest swelled with pride. His captain had entrusted the crew's very lives to him.
He grinned and slammed his staff against the deck.Leave it to me, Captain. With my thunder as your guide, not even the Devil's Triangle will stop you.