At Tom's Shipyard, Tom and Iceburg were making final adjustments, ensuring the Puffing Tom's launch would be a success.
"Mr. Tom, we're definitely going to succeed this time!" Iceburg said, looking at his master, who had grown somewhat thin from the tireless work.
"We will," Tom replied with certainty, looking at the Puffing Tom with satisfaction.
"It's almost time! As soon as the Tom is successfully launched, Franky can come home," Iceburg said happily.
"Yes. Franky... he can finally come home safely," Tom said, his voice full of meaning as he gazed at his masterpiece, lost in thought.
Iceburg's eyes shone with excitement. Not only had he completed such a magnificent feat with Tom, but he would also be saving Franky. It was killing two birds with one stone.
But one person's joy is another's sorrow. Tom's feelings were complex. He was happy to have achieved his dream and saved Franky, but he was also worried about Iceburg and Franky's future.
Tom knew that the day the Puffing Tom succeeded would also be the day of his death. He was prepared and had no fear. On the contrary, he felt a sense of liberation about death. He had fulfilled his wish, and he had two good apprentices to carry on his hopes. He had nothing left to worry about.
Pushing aside his complicated feelings, Tom composed himself and threw himself back into his work. The final touches could not be sloppy.
Seven days later, at the temporary CP9 office in Water 7, Spandam received a message from Tom: the Sea Train was ready for its official maiden voyage.
"Haha, excellent! That old geezer Tom really has some skills! To complete such an incredible job in such a short time... it's true, people really are more motivated under pressure!" Spandam exclaimed with excitement, reading the message in his office.
While Spandam rejoiced over the imminent acquisition of the Pluton blueprints, Doflamingo and his crew were watching everything from the shadows, quietly waiting for events to unfold.
The entire city of Water 7 was now a swirling undercurrent of plots and schemes, with only the key players remaining blissfully ignorant.
Aboard the Ark Maxim, Law diligently monitored Tom's movements without a moment's relaxation.
Doflamingo approached Law and sat down cross-legged beside him.
"How is it?" he asked.
"No unusual movements so far. But the number of people in the city has increased recently," Law replied seriously.
"The Sea Train is about to start running. I'm sure many people don't want to miss this day. It's normal for the crowds to grow," Doflamingo explained.
"Understood," Law said.
"Keep up the good work," Doflamingo encouraged, patting Law's shoulder.
By the time Law turned to reply, Doflamingo was already gone.
Seeing this, Law returned to his task, silently vowing not to disappoint his leader.
That night, on the eve of the Sea Train's successful voyage, Tom finally made up his mind. He decided to reveal his secret to Iceburg.
In a hidden room, Tom met with Iceburg in secret. After carefully checking his surroundings, the cautious Tom finally relaxed and prepared to explain the gravity of the situation.
Seeing Tom's solemn expression, Iceburg also grew serious, quietly waiting for his master to speak.
"Iceburg, I have something to entrust to you. I need you to keep it safe," Tom said, looking at Iceburg with gravity.
"Mr. Tom, what... what is it that requires such caution?" Iceburg asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Iceburg, this is the most dangerous thing in the world. The blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton," Tom said grimly.
"What?! Plu..." Iceburg was so shocked that he cried out involuntarily. Realizing his mistake, he quickly clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle the sound.
Tom nodded solemnly, confirming it.
"Mr. Tom, how can you entrust something so important to me?" Iceburg whispered.
"It's alright. I trust you," Tom said with a kind smile.
Seeing Tom's unwavering faith in him, Iceburg nodded with determination.
He solemnly took the Pluton blueprints from Tom's hands. His heart was pounding, and his hands trembled slightly. This was an Ancient Weapon, after all.
Carefully placing them inside his coat, Iceburg looked at Tom again. He sensed that something terrible was about to happen; otherwise, Tom would never have done this.
"Mr. Tom? Has something happened?" Iceburg asked cautiously.
"Haha, nothing has happened. Get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, we'll witness our miracle together and bring Franky home," Tom said with a laugh, not revealing anything else.
Seeing Tom's cheerful smile, Iceburg relaxed, though a sliver of doubt remained in his heart.
"Alright," he replied readily.
Tom gave Iceburg one last deep look, then turned and walked towards the door. His figure was not tall, but his back seemed to carry a heavy weight.
"Iceburg, I'm entrusting everything to you. You must keep this safe. It cannot fall into the hands of others." As he reached the door, Tom added one final instruction.
"I will, Mr. Tom."
Iceburg watched his master's stooped back, nodding heavily.
"Then I can rest easy."
Elsewhere, the monitoring Law revealed a triumphant smile. After so many days of waiting, Tom had finally revealed his secret.
Now that the Pluton blueprints were with Iceburg, there was no need for Law to continue his surveillance. All he had to do was watch where Iceburg hid the blueprints and then swap them with the fake.
In his room, Iceburg clutched the blueprints to his chest. This was not just a devastatingly powerful Ancient Weapon; it was also his master's trust and final request. No matter what, he had to keep it safe. There could be no mistakes.
Just as Iceburg carefully hid the blueprints and left the room, Law, who had been watching him, quietly activated his ability and successfully obtained the plans.
Aboard the Ark Maxim, Law held the blueprints in his hand, an inexplicable joy filling his heart. He didn't linger and immediately went to find Doflamingo.
A short while later, the two met in the conference room.
Law quickly handed the Pluton blueprints to Doflamingo.
"Mr. Doflamingo, these are the blueprints for Pluton."
Doflamingo calmly took the blueprints from Law's hand and began to examine them with a cool, collected expression.
Despite their age, the lines on the ancient blueprints were not faded. On the contrary, various clear diagrams were presented before Doflamingo's eyes. He looked at the contents with curiosity—various conceptual designs for a battleship, along with some weapon designs. They were extremely profound; in any case, Doflamingo couldn't understand them.
Law waited patiently for Doflamingo's questions. He had taken a look himself earlier, but it was all Greek to him.
Doflamingo rolled up the blueprints and looked at Law with praise. "Law, you did well this time. Without your help, we would never have obtained these blueprints so easily."
"I only did what I could. I'm just glad I could be of help to you, Mr. Doflamingo," Law said humbly.
"With this, we are one step closer to the pinnacle of the world. The end of the damned World Government is also drawing nearer!" Doflamingo said, his spirits soaring as he held the blueprints.
"I believe Pluton will shine brightly in our hands," Law said, his eyes also filled with anticipation and excitement.
The two of them were immersed in a happy atmosphere, unable to pull themselves away for a long time.
Meanwhile, Iceburg had not yet discovered that the blueprints had been stolen from right under his nose. Even if he did find out later, Doflamingo suspected he wouldn't make a big deal about it and would only blame himself. By then, Tom would already be dead, and with so many eyes on him, he wouldn't dare to show any sign of abnormality. Even if he had to act, he would have to put on a convincing performance.
Tonight, some dreams would come true, and others were destined for disappointment.
Everything seemed to be moving in a good direction. But whether it was for better or for worse, only tomorrow would tell.