"Because shipwright Tom built the Pirate King Gold Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson, he was considered to have aided a world-class criminal. Shipwright Tom was therefore brought to Judicial Island."
"Sentenced to death!"
As the verdict was delivered, a commotion broke out among the spectators.
"Tom's been sentenced to death!"
"So they finally found him guilty..."
"He caused trouble for the world. It couldn't be helped."
Leon stopped Franky, who was itching to do something beside him.
Ignoring the chatter around him, Tom stood calmly in handcuffs and addressed the judge seated high above on the bench. "I'm currently designing a steam-powered paddle steamer that can run along tracks on the sea..."
Tom's Sea Train project had captured the attention of everyone present.
As Tom spoke, Leon, seated in the front row, turned around and looked over the crowd, taking in their varied expressions.
The people of Water Seven had driven Tom away, yet he had spent his time trying to save their city...
How many of those present would, ten years later, clamor for Tom's execution in the frame-up orchestrated by CP5, calling the Fish-Man disgusting...
And how many would, twenty years later, become devoted supporters of Iceburg, Tom's apprentice and the mayor of Water Seven...
"The Sea Train is the hope of Water Seven!!!"
Tom's voice rang out with conviction. The long-bearded judge on the bench watched him with a grave expression.
"How many years will it take?"
"Ten years!"
The judge brought down his gavel and changed Tom's sentence to ten years' probation.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Keep it up, Tom!!!"
"Save Water Seven!!!"
"Hahahaha! I made it through alive!"
Back in the little house on Scrap Island, Tom finally burst into relieved laughter.
Everyone gathered around the table and slurped down ramen, celebrating Tom's safe return. Only Franky looked displeased. After arguing with Tom, he stormed off with Yokozuna to practice swimming freestyle.
"Granny Kokoro, could I have another bowl, please?"
Leon didn't pay any mind to the little spat between the master and his apprentice. Granny Kokoro was a wonderful cook and easygoing, too. She often broke into a cheerful grin, baring her enormous mouth...
"By the way, Mr. Tom, what brought someone like you to Water Seven?"
While waiting for his food, Leon asked Tom what he'd been wondering. Tom's answer was unexpectedly simple.
"Because I love building ships. I heard the best shipwrights were here, so I came right on over!"
"It must have been difficult, then?"
Tom answered calmly. "Yes. When I left Fish-Man Island, I was already prepared for it."
"But things were even worse than I'd imagined. Quite a few humans saw Fish-Men as a different kind of creature..."
"When I first arrived in Water Seven, I often heard people call me a monster. Hahahaha."
Leon couldn't help admiring Tom's openheartedness.
"Even so, Mr. Tom, you still want to save Water Seven?"
"I just couldn't bear to watch this city perish before my eyes..."
Tom stood up.
"Speaking of which, I'm surprised, Leon. You're a Marine, yet you trust me, a Fish-Man, so much."
"When you first came to me to ask me to repair your ship, I was honestly surprised, young Leon."
"I even wondered whether you had some ulterior motive..."
An ulterior motive?
The Dark King?
Was a super battleship that could destroy an island with a single shot really that impressive?
Unless you could build a fully armed nuclear submarine or a fully loaded aircraft carrier with your bare hands...
Looking at Tom's sincere expression, Leon wiped his mouth and said solemnly, "I didn't expect you to see through me, Mr. Tom."
Leon's words instantly froze the warm, harmonious mood in the house.
"Actually..."
"I'm a Marine warrior devoted to fighting racial discrimination!"
Leon's voice rang out with conviction.
"In my eyes, humans, Fish-Men, the Mink Tribe, the Giant Tribe..."
"All the races living on this sea are equal. None is nobler or more base than another."
"I once happened to read a book about monster girls..."
"A storybook..."
"From that moment on, I made it my goal to make every race live as equals on this sea, just as the storybook described!"
"Subarashii!"
Tom and Iceburg stared wide-eyed at Leon's lofty ideal.
Granny Kokoro, still a charming woman, handed Leon his bowl of noodles and said softly, "I never thought there'd be someone like you in the Marines, young Leon..."
"I'm very interested in the storybook you mentioned. Could you tell me about it?"
Faced with Granny Kokoro's expression, Leon found it impossible to refuse. He could only rack his brains and tell her the story of the Mermaid Princess.
To his surprise, after hearing the story of the Mermaid Princess, Aunt Kokoro stared intently at Leon with tears in her eyes...
"What a magnificent love story..."
"You're quite an interesting person, young Leon."
"If only I were a few years younger..."
"You're too kind, Granny Kokoro!"
Leon jolted and sprang to his feet, fleeing the little house as if his life depended on it.
Then his voice came from outside.
Before you continue