Chapter 392: Tom
"Alright. Once we reach Water 7, you'll be in charge of rebuilding the ship," Charlotte instructed.
"Yes, sir!" Caesar Clown gave a slight bow of acknowledgment.
Charlotte stepped out.
Caesar looked down at the power system sketched in the blueprint. A sudden idea struck him. A sly smile formed on his face as he turned and rushed into his lab.
—
The Poseidon sailed for half a month before finally arriving at Water 7.
"Whoa! So this is Water 7, the world's largest shipbuilding city!" Robert and the other children gawked at the endless flowing canals.
A city built on the sea—a marvel of engineering.
As the Poseidon docked, its massive hull and fluttering pirate flag caused immediate upheaval across Water 7.
"What?! The Rockefeller Pirates are here?! Did Charlotte Rockefeller come too?!"
The news spread like wildfire. Panic gripped the older citizens, for many still remembered the massacre thirteen years ago in the center of Water 7, where Charlotte and the Red Count Patrick Redfield slaughtered thousands in the auction house.
That bloody scene remained unforgettable: nobles, officials, merchants—all lying dead.
It was that event that first burned the name Charlotte Rockefeller into the world's memory.
Former 8th Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates, now captain of the Rockefeller Pirates, one of the Four Legendary Pirates of the New World, and the World's Strongest Swordsman—Charlotte Rockefeller.
The entire city was in uproar.
—
In one of the shipyards of Water 7...
"Master Tom! Something big has happened! The Rockefeller Pirates have docked! Charlotte Rockefeller is here!"
A shipwright ran in, out of breath.
A towering fishman with sharp teeth—Tom—raised his hammer and looked up calmly.
"The Rockefeller Pirates, huh? And just recently it was the Roger Pirates. Water 7 is getting quite lively this year… All giants among men!"
Unlike the panicked expression of the worker, Tom appeared thrilled.
"Let's go. I want to meet this Charlotte Rockefeller myself. Where is he?"
Tom grabbed the shipwright's arm and headed toward the port.
"But Master Tom! He's not like Roger! Charlotte Rockefeller caused a massacre here thirteen years ago! Over a thousand people died!"
The worker tried desperately to explain.
But Tom didn't even respond—he marched on.
In his heart, he remembered the words of his old friend General Shen Kun of Fishman Island. Shen Kun had admired Charlotte more than anyone.
—
At the now-empty harbor, Tom spotted the massive ship slowly docking. The pirate flag whipped in the wind.
A gentle smile spread across his face.
"Old friend… I see the hero you once admired. Too bad you're no longer with us to meet him…"
Tears welled up in his eyes.
Onboard the Poseidon…
"Huh?! A fishman?!"
A young voice rang out. Tom looked up to see a blond-haired child leaning over the rail, curiously inspecting him. Several other kids peeked out as well.
Tom grinned in what he believed was a friendly smile.
"Excuse me! Is Mr. Charlotte Rockefeller here? An old friend of mine asked me to pass along a greeting!"
His voice carried clearly.
Charlotte, who had been walking on deck, heard him and approached the side of the ship.
Looking down at the yellow-skinned fishman, Charlotte immediately recognized him.
"You must be Tom, the future creator of the Sea Train."
"And who's this 'old friend' of yours?" Charlotte asked.
"General Shen Kun of Fishman Island. Even in his final moments, he longed to see you again…"
Tom placed both hands together over his chest and bowed with sorrow.
Shen Kun…
Charlotte recalled the blue-skinned Fishman general he had shared drinks with thirteen years ago.
"How did he die?" Charlotte asked.
Tom closed his eyes and replied solemnly:
"He died fighting slave traders, protecting Fishman Island. He admired you more than anyone—spent his life hunting down slavers."
Charlotte remained silent for a moment.
That old drinking buddy… gone forever.
Though he didn't feel heavy grief, he did feel a moment of solemn respect.
Charlotte descended from the ship.
He gazed at the brilliant city.
"We'll stay in Water 7 for a few days while we modify the ship," he announced to his crew and maids.
"Yes, Captain!"
Cheers broke out—everyone excited to rest and explore.
"You're modifying your ship?" Tom asked curiously.
Charlotte nodded.
Tom looked at the Poseidon's colossal iron frame.
"Mr. Charlotte, I'm a shipwright. I'd be honored to help—for free."
Charlotte glanced at him and shook his head.
"No need. We've got our own shipwrights, and this isn't a normal modification."
Tom remained earnest.
"Our Tom's Workers is Water 7's finest. Even Roger's ship was built here!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he'd said too much and covered his mouth.
Charlotte narrowed his eyes, recalling Roger's ship from last month.
"This blueprint…" Charlotte said, pulling out a single complex page—not the most crucial, but still extremely difficult.
"If you can understand this, I'll consider letting you help."
Tom took the paper. His expression changed as he studied it.
A new kind of power system.
Though it was only a fragment, his instincts as a master shipwright told him: this was something revolutionary.
And… it reminded him of his young apprentice.
The kid loved tinkering with machines.
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