Tom's Corpse

Chapter 18: Tom's Corpse

Under the bright moonlight.

Iceburg, dressed in a pinstripe suit, walked slowly from a distance.

"As expected of the man who merged all the shipyards in Water Seven! He actually came without any guards? His courage and loyalty are truly moving!"

Through the Echo Map.

Roy knew clearly that around Iceburg, and even in this junkyard, there were no other figures present besides them.

Looking at the man with purple hair and a sharp suit before him.

He was a billionaire who controlled the world's largest shipyard.

And yet, he had come alone to deliver the ransom for his junior disciple.

Just as Roy was marveling at his spirit and loyalty.

"What a joke, Iceburg, why are you here? Get lost! We have nothing to do with each other anymore since teacher died."

Seeing Iceburg arrive alone, Franky, who had been preparing to resist, suddenly seemed to understand something and yelled at him, his composure breaking.

However, neither Roy nor Iceburg paid any attention to Franky beside them.

Perhaps in Iceburg's eyes, Franky was still that somewhat unimpressive junior disciple.

And in Roy's eyes, the president of the World Government's exclusive shipbuilding company was far more formidable than the pervert in the triangle underwear shouting beside him.

"What you want is already at the port. I hope you'll keep your word. If I stay here for more than an hour, the entire Water Seven will be immediately blockaded by the Galley-La Company, and someone from the World Government and the Marines will also take action."

Iceburg was calmly serious, his expression unsmiling.

After arriving at the junkyard, apart from a slight flicker in his eyes when looking at Franky.

Nothing else seemed to shake the icy seriousness on his face.

"Oh my! You're just giving me five merchant ships? That's a bit embarrassing! But Iceburg, don't be so serious. After all, this is just our first transaction. We have plenty of time in the future!"

Roy lazily stood up from a piece of broken wood. His words immediately caused dark lines to appear on the faces of Franky and Iceburg.

What did he mean by "first transaction"? Was there more blackmail to come?

Just as Iceburg was contemplating how to respond to this bandit, "Damn it, what a joke! I'm not your pawn, die! Strong Right!"

Facing Roy's arrogant words, Franky, who had been ignored, couldn't take it anymore and launched his fist from his arm.

At this iron fist filled with Franky's rage.

Iceburg immediately realized something was wrong.

"Franky, stop!"

Based on the information Iceburg's men had gathered from Franky House, he knew the strength of the man before him.

When he abducted Franky, no one in the entire Franky House had noticed.

This level of strength was clearly beyond what he and Franky could handle.

Although he didn't know what this man intended to do, Franky's rash action had clearly disrupted Iceburg's calculations.

Bang!

Roy simply extended his left hand and lightly gripped it, catching the launched iron fist.

"Oh, you've got some strength! But do you really think you can sneak attack me with just this? It seems your skills aren't quite enough!"

He fiercely yanked the fist he held.

Franky's body, connected by the chain, was immediately thrown into a dog-like posture.

He yanked the chain and violently threw Franky towards a nearby pile of garbage.

Bang!

Dust rose from the garbage heap.

Roy slowly walked over to Franky's side.

Seeing this, Iceburg lost his composure from the previous moment.

"I apologize for Franky's attack. Please, whatever you need, just name it."

Seeing Roy's displeased expression, Iceburg quickly tried to salvage the situation.

"Hey, Iceburg, what are you doing?"

"This is my business, what's it to you? I'll take responsibility for my own actions, so get out of here!"

It was clear that Franky's only concern regarding Iceburg at this moment was how to ensure his safety.

"Tsk tsk, such deep brotherly affection! This makes me feel like a villain. Although we'll definitely interact again in the future, I believe you'll willingly agree to my demands then."

"What a joke, you bastard, you damn kidnapper! Let me go, cough cough."

Franky, who had been kicked by Roy into a pile of garbage, struggled to roar at Roy. But before he could even curse, a cloud of mist materialized and enveloped his head.

Accompanied by a cough as the mist entered his throat.

Roy released his foot from Franky's chest.

Roy turned and walked towards the large iron box he had dragged over.

"I've been a bit short on cash lately, which is why I'm borrowing five ships from you fellow disciples. For future transactions, I'll definitely pay if the opportunity arises. To express my regret for this time, I've brought you a gift, hoping it can serve as compensation."

He easily lifted the massive iron box and placed it on the cleared ground in front of Iceburg.

Empty space!

As Roy flipped open the lid of the iron box before him.

Franky, who had been embedded in the garbage heap, had just managed to struggle out. He patted the dust off his face, having not clearly heard Roy's words earlier, and prepared to fight desperately again.

But just as he was about to enter his attack mode.

The large iron box, opened under the moonlight, stunned him into silence.

Tears streamed uncontrollably from Iceburg's and Franky's eyes.

"Te-Teacher Tom..."

Looking at the familiar, frozen corpse inside the chilling iron box.

Franky felt his body go weak, as if he could no longer stand. Together with Iceburg, they stumbled towards the iron box.

Witnessing the genuine emotions of these two fellow disciples.

Roy felt he had gambled correctly; it wasn't a waste of effort to intercept Tom's body back then.

As Roy moved past Iceburg, who was leaning over the edge of the box.

"The World Government is already rotten. They've bled this world dry for centuries. Iceburg, have you ever considered rebelling! Or, have you ever thought about avenging your teacher?"