"Um, Tom! Long time no see?" Nero stood on the ship, waving at the Fishman Tom in the pile of garbage.
"Isn't this Nero? When I saw you returning from the New World, I knew you'd come over," Tom also waved back enthusiastically.
Smiling, Nero jumped off the ship and greeted the others nearby: "Mwahaha, and Kokoro, Iceberg, Franky, and little Yokozuna, long time no see!"
"Nero! I heard you successfully reached the Final Island and circled the world. Is that true?"
Iceberg asked, curiously examining the pirate ship behind Nero, on which stood various beautiful women.
"Um, of course, it's true!" This time, Nero didn't avoid the question, placing one hand on her hip and making a V-sign with the other, revealing a brilliant smile.
"That's truly a remarkable feat! Thanks to you all, some people are now starting to call me the number one shipwright in a small circle!"
Tom patted his pale yellow belly, his eyes squinted into a slit as he laughed.
The Pirate King's ship was naturally the best pirate ship, and the shipwright who built it naturally became the best shipwright.
"Um, your skill is worthy of such a reputation."
Having traveled on the oro jackson for so long, Nero was quite confident in Tom's skills; even if his skills weren't the world's best, they were definitely among the top.
"Hahaha, don't flatter me! You came this time to build your own pirate ship, right? No problem, leave it to me!" Tom patted his chest: "But you'll need to prepare the materials yourself."
"Um, I've already prepared the materials. Building a ship is only one part of it; I have another matter to discuss on this visit." Nero stared into Tom's eyes, letting him see the sincerity in her own.
"Sail with me! With the world's best shipwright, I can surely go anywhere."
"Ah… Is it the sea train from Nicuss's side? That still needs some time, technically…"
Tom blinked, a little slow to react: "Eh—!!!"
"No, Nero! You know I refused Roger's invitation back then, right?"
"Um, naturally, after all, I was there at the time." Nero nodded, her expression unchanged.
"My mind hasn't changed even now!" Seeing Nero's serious demeanor, Tom also sobered up and replied just as earnestly.
"Times have changed, and your thoughts should also change." Nero tilted her head and glanced around: "Um, don't tell me you haven't noticed anything at all."
"…Indeed, have I already been targeted?" Tom wasn't surprised, his words tinged with emotion.
"But I still can't agree to it. I am a renowned shipwright; even if I'm willing to build ships for pirates, it doesn't mean I'll become a pirate."
"A man's path will not be easily changed!"
Different from Haoshoku, another kind of aura emanated from Tom. Looking at Tom's firm gaze, Nero knew that she still wouldn't be able to recruit him this time.
"Is that so? It seems you've made up your mind." Nero's brows relaxed: "Um, then are you willing to go to Nicuss and continue your current work?"
"You should know me. Water 7 is my second home besides Fish-Man Island. My family and my life's work are all here; how can I easily leave?"
"However, once the sea train technology matures, Iceberg and Franky, they will fulfill the promise I made back then," Tom said with a grin, putting his arms around the two.
"Mr. Tom…"
"Master…"
Franky and Iceberg also realized something from their conversation, knowing that Tom would be in danger if he stayed here.
"Lady Nero, please, take Mr. Tom away!"
"I will definitely protect Master Tom!"
Two completely different choices came from their mouths, and the other's words made them both pause.
"Iceberg, you guy, you're too spineless, aren't you?"
"Franky! You big idiot! Didn't you hear that Mr. Tom will be in danger if he stays like this?"
"Nani? Who are you calling an idiot, you guy?"
"Was my expression too subtle for you to understand?"
Bang! Bang!
Two fists fell as Tom pressed down on their heads: "Idiots, a man's path can only be chosen by himself!"
"But…" Iceberg still had some reservations.
"No buts!" Tom turned to Nero: "Let's talk about the ship instead."
"Um, what a headache!" Nero, however, frowned, looking a bit troubled.
"What's wrong? Don't worry about my matters. Now tell me your requirements for the ship!" Tom, seeing her like this, thought Nero was worried about him.
"Um, it's not your problem, but I think my original plan might need to be changed." Nero waved her hand.
"Huh? What's going on?" Tom was a bit confused.
Soon after, Nero clapped her hands, making a decision: "Um, it's decided! A small ship for solo sailing will suffice."
"???"
Before Tom could speak, the girl group who came with Nero erupted into chaos.
"Big Sister? What do you mean by 'alone'?"
"Is Big Sister going to abandon us?"
"No!"
"Please, Big Sister, please let us continue to follow you!"
Seeing this, Nero quickly spoke to explain: "Um, I originally intended to take you all with me, but seeing Tom's situation, I changed my mind."
"My side is too dangerous, and your strength is too weak. Water 7, as the world's most advanced shipyard, also has highly developed shipping. If you still have attachments or pursuits, this is a good starting point. If you wish to continue following me, then go to Nicuss! I will return there in three years at most." After speaking, Nero looked at everyone with shining eyes.
The World Government's reaction was even stronger than she had imagined; she had noticed it back on Fish-Man Island.
But now, looking at Tom's situation, she realized how abnormal this was. It seemed the World Government was even more wary of what was on the Final Island than she had thought.
After a period of mutual glances, the girl group reluctantly accepted this explanation. Although some were still quite unwilling, they had no choice but to accept this decision under the pressure of the facts.
"Um!" Seeing this, Nero nodded with satisfaction and turned to look at Tom again.
"Even if it's just me, my ship must be the most luxurious, most beautiful, and most powerful!"
"Hahaha! Leave it to me!"
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