Tom And Iceberg Join

"Escape is never the solution. If you must go, you should take your loved ones with you," Arías said.

He stood up and extended a hand to Tom. "Mr. Tom, you once built a ship for Roger, the Pirate King. Surely you can see through the darkness of this world?"

"Your death won't change anything. On the contrary, it will make your disciples more vulnerable," Arías continued. "Come with me; I can protect you!"

Tom scrutinized him. "You're approaching me because of the Pluton design!"

Arías shrugged. "I know where the design drawings are, but I'm not interested in them."

"What Ancient Weapon? The truth depends on the strength of the individual!" Arías clenched and then relaxed his fist, smiling. "And, Mr. Tom, I believe I can create a weapon even more powerful than Pluton!"

Tom was taken aback but also intrigued. From their previous conversations, he had realized that while Arías might not be an expert in shipbuilding, he had profound insights into manufacturing.

Tom was convinced that this young man might indeed build something more formidable than Pluton.

"Mr. Tom, if you truly care about your disciples, you shouldn't be so helpless. Joining me is the way to protect them."

Tom asked, "What do you need from me to ensure my safety?"

There's no love without reason, even parental love is rooted in blood ties. Arías must have something he wanted.

"Build me a boat!" Arías said, looking directly into Tom's eyes. "I need a ship. The best ship! And more than one!"

Tom was shocked. "You want a ship?"

"Destroy the World Government! Overthrow the Celestial Dragons!" Arías said bluntly. "Mr. Tom, do you dare to board my ship?"

Tom took a deep breath. "I can build a ship for you, but Frame and Bingshan must be willing. You can't force them."

"No problem!" Arías smiled. "Aren't you leaving yet? The train will soon reach Enies Lobby."

"Let's go!" Tom agreed, no longer hesitating. He followed Arías, kicking open the trunk compartment door. "How do we leave?"

Arías pointed to the sea. "You're a fish-man, so of course, you jump into the sea! My boat is waiting for us underwater!"

Arías jumped into the sea, and Tom followed. To Tom's surprise, Arías, despite being human, swam as fast as he did.

Soon, they reached the ship anchored on the sea floor. After boarding, they went to check on the seriously injured Frame.

Upon seeing his disciple with missing limbs, Tom trembled. "Can he be saved?"

Arías inspected Frame and noted that his vital organs were stable. Franky's vital signs were returning to normal—perhaps a miracle.

"It should be okay," Arías reassured him. "Once you disappear, the people from Enies Lobby will likely go after Bingshan. We need to get to him before they do."

Tom nodded in agreement, not wanting to endanger his remaining disciples.

At Enies Lobby, Spandam demanded that Tom be brought out. The response from the agents was panic-stricken.

"Sir! Tom is missing!" an agent reported.

"What?!" Spandam exclaimed. "How did he go missing? Weren't there agents assigned to watch him?"

Another agent came forward, saying, "Sir, all our agents are dead. The rear carriage door was violently destroyed. Tom must have jumped into the sea and escaped. He is a fish-man, after all."

Spandam, furious, kicked an agent and shouted, "Useless! You couldn't even guard a prisoner! What good are you?"

"Search the sea for him!" Spandam ordered. "And go to the Capital of Seven Waters to bring back Tom's apprentices!"

At the Capital of Seven Waters, a large ship docked. Arías told Tom, "You can't be seen. I'll take Iceberg away."

He quickly headed to Tom's workshop in the scrap yard.

At that moment, Bingshan sat on the beach, dazed and grieving the loss of his master and missing junior. Life seemed meaningless.

Arías emerged from the phantom barrier. "Iceberg!"

Bingshan looked up. "You? What's wrong?"

"I rescued both Tom and Frame. Enies Lobby's forces are hunting us. Pack up quickly and come with me!"

Bingshan was initially skeptical. "How can I trust you?"

Arías replied, "Do you think I'd lie to you over Pluton's design drawings?"

Bingshan took a step back, doubtful.

Arías said, "If I wanted the Pluton drawings, I wouldn't waste time talking to you. I could easily overpower you!"

Still unconvinced, Bingshan was picked up by Arías and carried over his shoulder. "Whether you believe it or not, come with me to see Tom and find out!"

Bingshan struggled, but Arías's grip was unyielding.

Once aboard the ship and after seeing Tom, Bingshan finally believed that Arías wasn't here to deceive him about Pluton.

"In less than an hour, the judicial ship will arrive to arrest you. If you need anything, take it with you now!" Arías said. He had wanted a token from Tom but settled for this solution.

Bingshan shook his head. "There's nothing to bring."

Arías nodded, relieved. "So you must have the design with you?"

The ship set sail, and they encountered an approaching judicial ship. The ship, however, had already passed them by without realizing.

Inside the cabin, Bingshan was horrified by Frame's severe injuries. "Is Frame really going to be like this forever?"

Monet and Tom continued to treat Frame's wounds carefully. Tom said, "Even if he survives, he might be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life."

Tom shook his head. "No, he can regain mobility through mechanical transformation. But he will remain a transformed person and never return to being a normal human."