Overall, the interior of Tom Shipbuilding Company resembles a vast warehouse.
It is divided into two sections.
One part is a large swimming pool, which also serves as the dock for Tom Shipbuilding Company. Franky and Yokozuna play and swim here on weekdays.
The other part is a two-story building with several rooms above and below, which functions as the headquarters of Tom Shipbuilding Company.
When Mr. Tom entered the living room on the first floor with his two apprentices and Yokozuna, he immediately saw Gnar sitting there comfortably, as if at home, enjoying a cup of hot tea.
Franky was the most excited. Seeing the notorious pirate from the news in front of him, his eyes widened and he shouted.
"Mr. Tom, it's the Blood Emperor, the big pirate..."
As he said this, he moved to rush forward but was stopped by Mr. Tom.
Ace Bagu glanced at Franky with exasperation and said softly.
"Think for a moment, idiot. Why would such a dangerous person be here? If you want to get yourself killed, don't drag us down with you..."
Franky then realized the gravity of the situation.
Yes, why would such a powerful pirate be here, and why would he come to see Mr. Tom?
Looking up, Mr. Tom and Granny Kokoro both appeared serious.
Seeing this, Franky grew nervous as well.
At this moment, Gnar finished his tea, gently placed the cup on the table, and spoke to Mr. Tom and the others in a calm voice.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Tom. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Seeing this, Mr. Tom stepped forward, protecting his family behind him. He asked in the most respectful tone he could muster.
"I'm not sure why someone of your stature would come to see me, a shipbuilder. Are you here for a ship?"
Gnar did not answer directly. Instead, he glanced at the people behind Mr. Tom before speaking.
"May I speak with Mr. Tom alone?"
Upon hearing this, everyone behind Mr. Tom became anxious. Franky even tugged at Mr. Tom's sleeve, but Mr. Tom considered it and said to his disciples and Kokoro.
"Kokoro, take Ace Bagu and Franky upstairs. You can't come back downstairs until I say so."
Kokoro nodded, casting a wary glance at Gnar, and said.
"Be careful, Ace, Franky. Follow me."
"Mr. Tom..."
Ace Bagu looked worried, while Mr. Tom gave them a reassuring nod.
Soon, only Gnar and Mr. Tom were left in the living room of Tom Shipbuilding Company, along with the fierce-looking frog.
Mr. Tom, though unafraid of the pirate with a 1.4 billion beli bounty, calmly sat down on the sofa opposite Gnar.
The two stared at each other.
In front of Mr. Tom's giant-like physique, Gnar's relatively small frame seemed insignificant, but Mr. Tom could sense the formidable aura of the young man, like a beast lurking in murky waters.
As the silence in the room grew, Gnar finally spoke, his words leaving Mr. Tom somewhat confused.
"Mr. Tom, do you have a dream?"
"Eh!?"
Before Mr. Tom could respond, Gnar continued.
"When I arrived at the Capital of the Seven Waters, my first stop was to see the sea train invented by you, Mr. Tom. Although I had heard about it, seeing it in person is still remarkable. A train that relies on only two rails to travel across the sea is incredible."
Mr. Tom was taken aback by Gnar's praise. He pondered for a moment before replying.
"Well, thank you for the compliment!"
"You're welcome. It's well-deserved. If such a great invention can be utilized on the sea, it might not entirely eliminate the age of pirates, but it could at least reduce their numbers. After all, many become pirates due to poverty."
Mr. Tom was surprised by Gnar's insight. He hadn't expected such a young man to have such awareness.
In fact, this was also the purpose behind his invention of the sea train: to break down geographical barriers and connect all the islands. This way, fewer people would turn to piracy out of necessity, as is the case with the City of Seven Waters.
Just as Mr. Tom was about to respond to Gnar's remarks, Gnar abruptly changed the topic.
"Mr. Tom, you should be aware of what I did a week ago. The Marine and World Government have called the Impel Down prison break the worst incident in the past decade since the death of Pirate King Roger. Countless civilians across the sea will lose sleep due to the released criminals, and the world will be engulfed in terror because of my actions. So, Mr. Tom, do you think releasing those Impel Down prisoners was the right thing to do? Or was it wrong?"
Mr. Tom fell into deep thought. Gnar remained silent, waiting patiently for his answer.
Mr. Tom, unsure of Gnar's intentions but thinking carefully, responded cautiously.
"I don't know. I'm just a shipwright."
Gnar chuckled softly.
"Since Mr. Tom is unwilling to answer, let me ask another question. Do you believe there is justice in this sea?"
Mr. Tom was taken aback.
"Haha, those Impel Down prisoners might be guilty, but where is the justice? I've been around long enough to see pirates, Marines, and World Governments, yet I haven't found true justice."
At this point, Mr. Tom spoke more openly.
"So, Mr. Gnar, why are you here? I don't think I have the justice you're seeking."
Gnar finally made his purpose clear.
"That's right. Mr. Tom doesn't have the justice I seek, but he does have the power to help me find it..."
Suddenly, Mr. Tom's eyes widened in shock.
He had already suspected Gnar's true intention, but the reality was more than he had feared. Only he knew that secret.
Unfortunately, Gnar's next words confirmed Mr. Tom's fears.
"The design of the legendary Ancient Weapon Pluton is in Mr. Tom's hands. Hand it over to me!"
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