The major currents remain unchanged, but there are still changes

On a sunny day, the Justice Ship has come to Water 7 to announce whether the shipwright Tom will be found guilty or acquitted. I look down on the harbor from the central street, which is at a high location typical of Water 7.

Taking out a stick candy from my pocket, I toss one to Pochi and unwrap another one to chew on. The CP4 officials who accompanied us are out and about since morning and are not present here.

Now, let's review the original story here. Due to Tom's achievement of completing the Sea Train, it was almost certain that he would be acquitted of the crime of building a pirate king's ship. In other words, the suspended charges against Tom would be dropped, and he would be recognized as an ordinary citizen again.

However, the original Spandam didn't like that. He wanted to interrogate Tom as a suspect, thinking that Tom possessed the Pluton's design. But if Tom is acquitted, he will be recognized as an ordinary citizen, and aggressive interrogation won't be possible.

In other words, it becomes difficult for them to act. Well, it's just that it becomes difficult, and if they really want to, there are countless ways... but...

Anyway, in this incident, the original Spandam is... in other words, I have a significant involvement. In other words, if I don't act, the incident shouldn't happen. However, fate is so ironic that it doesn't seem to be the case.

Using Observation Haki to sense the presence, I watch a small battleship moving from Scrap Island towards the Justice Ship. I quietly ask Pochi.

"Hey, Pochi... did I give them such instructions?"

"No."

"I see... listen closely, if they return to Scrap Island and abandon the ship to escape, catch all of them, restrain them, and throw them into the Sea Train. It's okay to hurt them a bit, but don't kill them."

"Understood."

Hearing my words, the highlights disappear from Pochi's eyes. Well, to be more precise, there was a sense of detachment from the moment Pochi replied that it wasn't my instructions.

For Pochi, those who take actions that interfere with me are subjects for execution, so there is no mercy left for those officials.

Pochi was about to move, but I lightly raised my hand to stop her.

"... Pochi, just to be clear, 'being alive despite having all limbs missing' doesn't include a certain range. Gouging out their eyes or cutting off their ears is fine... restrain them all without any bodily injuries."

"... Yes."

... This one's really motivated. If I didn't intervene, she would have thrown them all into the Sea Train with their wounds cauterized like daruma dolls. After all, the officials are just following orders from CP4's chief, so subjecting them to such treatment would be too pitiful.

"Now, go and do it."

"Understood!"

Well, setting aside how things will turn out, it's time for me to act...

***

A fleet of small battleships attacking the Justice Ship. Amidst the barrage of cannonballs released from there, several of them hit the Justice Ship, causing people to scatter in panic. At that moment, I landed right in front of the Chief Justice, who had just come out of the central courthouse, and deflected the incoming cannonballs with my bare hands.

"Oh, oh, Spandam Chief?"

"I happened to be nearby on another matter..."

As I informed him, I turned my gaze towards the fleet of battleships. They seemed to have noticed my presence and stopped their attack, quickly reversing direction to flee. Well, if they had the courage to continue their bombardment after noticing me, they would have been more aggressive in insisting on taking Tom into custody...

"What... What is that fleet?"

"I have no idea. Anyway, Chief Justice, are you injured?"

"I'm fine. It seems that several cannonballs hit the ship, though..."

"I see. Guide the civilians onboard to the harbor and check for injuries. There's a possibility of flooding. Have the crew members disembark temporarily and inspect the damage to the Justice Ship. Don't use it until a complete inspection of all sections is done... I'll go check where that fleet escaped to."

After giving instructions to the marines and junior officers, I moved through the crowd of confused citizens. While doing so, I glanced at the ship's condition. Thanks to me handling the situation much earlier than in the original story, the Justice Ship is mostly fine, but it took one hit on the mast, so it might take some time to repair.

As for the injured, it seems a few citizens were hurt while fleeing, but other than that, there are not many injuries... I'll leave it to the marines to handle.

Now, how did things turn out on Scrap Island...?

***

When I arrived at Scrap Island, it seemed that the situation here had followed a similar development as in the original story. Tom, pierced by a harpoon, lying unconscious, and Franky being harshly reprimanded by Iceberg about the Battle Franky. It was just like the scene I saw in the original.

Pochi... If I use Observation Haki, I can sense that he is nearby, around the vicinity of the Sea Train. Ah, they must have already captured all of them. They acted quite fast... Most of them seem to have limbs bent in strange directions, but at least they haven't suffered any loss of limbs as instructed. I'll hear the full story from them later... For now, I need to focus here.

"...My advice was not heeded, unfortunately."

"You... Spandam!!"

"It's Spandam. Well then, the citizens have gathered here. Instead of continuing any further conversation here, let's move to the harbor."

Iceberg and Franky looked at me with hostility... Well, that's understandable. From their perspective, I am the head of the enemy, and this incident may appear as if I orchestrated it all.

While I was lost in thought, the marines arrived, and I gave them the order to restrain the three of them.

"...If it's difficult to testify due to pain, should I prepare painkillers?"

"...No need... You've done it, huh..."

"I did give you a warning, and I gave you as much time as possible to think... Well, it's fine, we can talk at the harbor."

Smiling wryly at Tom's reply, I started walking. For now, it seems that everything will proceed smoothly according to the original flow. I'll talk to the CP4 Chief later.

But what a foolish decision. If I had left them alone and investigated further, Iceberg, who is a sharp individual, might have revealed something about the Pluton blueprint at this point, regardless of Frankie's lack of urgency... Don't they understand that such aggressive actions can backfire...?

Upon arriving at the harbor, the Chief Justice was there, and he greeted me.

"Chief, thank you for your hard work."

"No... So, what about the injured and the damage to the ship?"

"A few civilians have minor injuries, but no injuries among the crew members. As for the ship, the mast suffered significant damage, so it will take some time to repair..."

"I see. Well, this island has many shipbuilding companies. There are plenty of places for repairs... Anyway, after an incident like that, we won't use the courtroom inside the Justice Ship. The trial will be held here at the harbor."

After receiving the report from the marines and giving some instructions, I stood near the Chief Justice. Pochi appeared silently behind me and whispered in a voice that couldn't be heard by others.

"Everything is according to your instructions."

"Thank you."

The atmosphere around was such that people almost believed Tom's Workers were the ones who attacked the Justice Ship, especially considering their restraint. Well, they are still suspects at this stage... I've often thought about it even in the original story, but the citizens of Water 7 have quite a low level of sensibility... Well, most of the citizens in the world of One Piece have a rather low level of sensibility...

"Well, first, regarding the Sea Train incident... There are no words to describe it other than splendid. From now on, it will greatly contribute to the development of Water 7. Moreover, this would have almost guaranteed that Tom and others would be pardoned for their past crime of building the pirate ship of the Gold Roger... So, why did you pile up more crimes?"

"Don't screw with me!?!"

Of course, Frankie strongly objected to the words of the Chief Justice. He was still restrained and looked at me with eyes full of hatred. He couldn't forgive the fact that Tom was hurt because of his ship being used in the attack.

"What nonsense! We're not the ones who attacked the Justice Ship! That idiot Spandam over there is the culprit!!"

"...How foolish. This person is the top of Enies Lobby, and he is our superior, you know?"

In response to the Chief Justice's exasperated words, laughter echoed from the surrounding citizens. The citizens are unpleasant... I wish I could knock them all out with Conqueror's Haki.

While thinking about such things, I turned to Frankie.

"Katya Flam, was it? Let me ask you something. Even if, hypothetically, I were the culprit as you claim... what possible benefit would I have in attacking the Justice Ship?"

"What?! That kind of thing, you...!"

"Frankie!!"

"...Guh!?"

Frankie was about to say something, but he stopped when Iceberg shouted. I should praise him for that... If Frankie had accidentally spilled information about the blueprint, I could have started an investigation based on that... But things don't always go smoothly.

Unable to say anything in return, Frankie was bombarded with words from the surrounding citizens, claiming that the ship was probably his creation.

Frankie shouted back, stating that he wouldn't create a ship that would hurt his benefactor, and in that instant, Tom ripped off the handcuffs and punched Frankie, sending him flying.

As the citizens screamed and ran away due to the sudden violence, the marines raised their guns, but Tom paid no attention and forcibly pulled out the harpoon before declaring to Frankie:

"No matter what ship you create! A man must proudly stand by it!!"

As Tom's powerful declaration left everyone speechless, he warned Iceberg and Frankie not to interfere with what was going to happen next, then glared sharply at me.

And suddenly, he charged at me, swinging his fist.

"What the...?"

"...Marines, focus on protecting the citizens. You're not needed here."

While catching Tom's fist with one hand, I gave instructions to the surrounding marines. Tom seemed astonished that his punch was caught, and I quietly warned him:

"Are you sure about this? There's no escaping from this, you know?"

"Ugh!? You!! Do you understand his pain!!?"

"I don't. Unfortunately, I am not this 'Iceberg' you speak of."

Seeming to have no intention of backing down, Tom raised his arm again, about to strike. I reached out my hand and gave his body a light flick on the forehead.

"Guhaa!?"

"Tom saaan!!"

Amidst the cries of Iceberg and Frankie, Tom's massive body danced a few meters in the air before crashing onto the ground.

"...Don't cause too much trouble. When you catch small fish, you need to be mindful of the force, so as not to kill them."

Regarding the attack on the Justice Ship, Tom's Workers were still at the suspect stage. However, there was no excuse for attacking me, a high-ranking government official.

Well, judging by Tom's expression, he's already aware that there's no escaping and has resolved to take responsibility for his actions.

Looking at the citizens who were now talking one after another, saying things like, "That guy must have sold his soul to the pirates," or "He must have been waiting for an opportunity to build a battleship," I honestly felt exasperated. Don't they have seawater in their heads because of Aqua Laguna?

As I thought that, Tom, who had risen with heavy breaths, quietly stated, "Chief Justice. I admit my guilt in the attack on the Justice Ship."

"..."

As expected, just like in the original story, Tom admitted to the attack on the Justice Ship and requested to be pardoned for his contribution in building the Sea Train.

In response, the Chief Justice reminded him that if he were to be pardoned for the attack, the crime of building the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship would still remain. Tom shouted back, expressing that he was proud of having built a ship for Roger... Seeing his determination, the Chief Justice glanced briefly in my direction.

"Do as you please. You are responsible for this matter."

"Understood... Then I shall pronounce the judgment. Due to the crime of constructing the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, Tom, the shipwright, shall be taken into custody to Enies Lobby. That's all. The two apprentices will be pardoned and released from restraint."

As a result, it seems everything is following the original story without any intervention from me... Well, I suppose that's fine.

"Tom is injured. He will be transported on the Sea Train... Arrange for a doctor."

"Yes, sir!"

"...Chief Justice, you should wait for the Justice Ship's repair and return."

"Understood."

And so, Tom was taken into custody, I dealt with CP4's chief, and the case was closed... That should have been the end of it...

While thinking so, I saw Frankie approaching with a gun taken from one of the marines.

"Step back, Frankie!!"

"Give Tom baaack!!"

Unlike the original story, Tom was conscious as he hadn't been hit by a tranquilizer dart, and he continued to shout, but of course, Frankie wouldn't stop.

"...You don't have to intervene."

As I told everyone around, I lightly moved my thumb as if flicking it.

It was the technique called Finger Gun: Deflection, just barely restrained.

"Ah!? Frankie!!"

"That's why I keep telling you... It's not easy to hold back to avoid killing."

Frankie, who was hit, was blown away as if bounced off to a far distance. Well, he's a robust guy who can survive even being run over by the Sea Train, so he won't die from that.

"Leave him be... Transport Tom."

"Yes, sir!"

Well, it's not like I've caused hundreds of marines to suffer minor and serious injuries like in the original story, so as long as I don't make it a problem, Frankie won't be held accountable.

But that doesn't necessarily change anything...

***

In one of the compartments of the Sea Train, there were about 10 officials dispatched by CP4 and additional officials who were probably called in. They all had worn-out bodies and terrified expressions as they looked at me.

... Well done, Pochi. You really gave them a good beating... The look in Pochi's eyes was filled with complete despair, even more so than when he looked at me. Well, I guess that's still better since I made sure to follow my instructions, and he is still intact with all limbs attached, and his eyes are not gouged out... so I'd say I showed some restraint for Pochi's sake...

"Now then, some of you seem unfamiliar... Let's verify that."

As they heard my voice, everyone flinched, but I had no intention of doing anything more to them... Yes, to them...

"I am the one in charge of this matter. I told you to conduct a thorough investigation, and not to conduct aggressive investigations until the existence of the blueprint is confirmed... Remember that? Yet you ignored that and further attacked the government-owned ship, the Justice Ship... I'd like to think there's no one foolish enough to not understand how problematic that is."

Releasing the suppressed pressure, the officials trembled like newborn fawns. Seeing that, I couldn't help but smile.

In the first place, I didn't really care if the story progressed according to the original or not. However, if I had to choose, I preferred it to follow the original.

One reason was that it made it easier to predict the future developments, and the other reason was that I wanted to experiment with various things. I wanted to see how much I could change the process before it affected the main storyline.

As a result, even though I didn't give many instructions, and despite telling them not to act on their own, the attack on the Justice Ship still occurred, just like in the original story. This, in itself, could be valuable information for future reference. In fact, I almost wanted to praise these guys for acting on their own.

And next, I wanted to experiment with the impact of a character's exit on the story. For example, what happens if someone like CP4's chief, who is in a position close to Spandam in the original story, is no longer there? Will the original infiltration mission be taken over by CP9, or will it disappear altogether? It would be interesting to find out.

Also, it's about time to deal with uncooperative or disruptive elements... Those who don't serve my purposes can be quite bothersome. It's a good opportunity to eliminate them... Peacefully, of course.

Anyway, that aside, I decided to do as I please. There are still 8 years until Enies Lobby in the original story, so I might as well try various things.

As for Tom, let's try one more move... I'll roll the dice and see what comes up.

***

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