Chapitre 25: Even if there are possibilities, it doesn't mean you can grasp them
With the preparations for the Sea Train's departure completed and after giving instructions for the departure towards Enies Lobby, I headed to the compartment where Tom was being held.
Tom had been treated by a doctor and had bandages wrapped around his body. Although his arms were handcuffed, judging by his seated position, he didn't seem to have suffered major damage.
"Do your wounds hurt?"
"To go through the trouble of treating someone you plan to kill... No matter how many times you ask, my answer won't change."
"Interrogation is not the only purpose. After we arrive at Enies Lobby, you will face another trial at Enies Lobby's courthouse... well, it's a predetermined trial. After that, it will lead to execution... but there might still be negotiation cards that can overturn that, I think."
"You're persistent. I know nothing about such blueprints, and I don't have them either."
"...I see."
Well, I never really expected Tom to talk. If he did, the original Spandam would have gotten hold of the blueprints.
Moreover, I have no interest in Pluton, and the search order itself may disappear if CP4's chief is gone.
"...You can escape if you want."
"What? What do you mean—"
After muttering those words, I placed the key to the handcuffs in front of Tom.
"I accidentally dropped the key to the handcuffs while interrogating you. And unfortunately, the official who was supposed to be stationed in this compartment had an accident... bitten by a dog and injured, so unfortunately, there's no one here. The Sea Train has already departed, but if you're a Fishman, you can swim back to Water 7. There might be a possibility of being wanted, but you can change your name or find another way. There are plenty of options."
"What are you... planning?"
"Who knows? Well then, I'll go outside and take a breath... So, do as you please."
With a light smile on my face, I left the compartment, leaving Tom with an expression that seemed to say he couldn't grasp my intentions.
***
Standing on top of the sea train's roof, I take out a stick of candy from my pocket, tear open the wrapper, and start munching on it. Just then, I sense Pochi coming from behind, so I take out another candy and offer it to Pochi.
Pochi tears open the wrapper and starts chewing on the candy, revealing a content smile as if it's a flavor they enjoy. However, they quickly regain their composure and stand with a firm expression.
Pochi is quite an adept individual, and they usually refrain from bothering me with non-urgent matters while I'm lost in thought. Well, there are exceptions if I initiate the conversation...
"...Pochi, what are your thoughts on the Pluton's blueprint?"
"Me? Hmmm, Captain, you don't seem too interested in Pluton itself, so I'm not particularly... However, I do feel intrigued by the blueprint."
"As expected, you have a keen eye."
Pochi's analysis is correct. I have no interest in Pluton itself, but I do feel a curiosity about its blueprint.
However, that curiosity isn't driven by a desire to obtain an ancient weapon, but rather pure curiosity.
"Don't you find it odd? The stories say that Pluton is a 'battleship' with the power to obliterate entire islands, but if that's true, shouldn't we consider the weapon it carries as the true ancient weapon? It's not like the ship rams into islands to make them disappear..."
"If it were to ram into something, I wonder what size it would be? Can such a thing even be built with the technology we have, or using materials available now?"
Exactly, that's the point. If this were an irreplicable artifact like an ancient weapon, created with lost techniques or materials that exist no longer, it would make sense. However, if the stories are true, and the blueprint is being desperately guarded and passed down by Water 7's craftsmen, then Pluton should be constructible with our current technology and materials.
If it were truly impossible to build, there would be no reason to adamantly refuse the government. It would just be a worthless piece of paper.
Considering that Tom is willing to risk his life to protect it, it can only mean that the government believes they can construct Pluton if they get their hands on it.
"However, it's been 800 years from the blank period of Pluton's existence to the present day. Shipbuilding technology and weapon development have advanced during that time... Furthermore, Vegapunk is said to have technology from 500 years ahead... yet, it's still not developed. I do have doubts about the existence of a superweapon that can be replicated using current technology and materials. So, I do want to see it once, but... well, I don't need the real thing. It would be just a hindrance."
"Captain, you don't need ancient weapons to wipe out an island anyway. By the way, the Six King's Ultimate Gun is still occasionally used... But I haven't seen it in a long time."
"That's because... unlike the Six King's Ultimate Gun, the power of which is somewhat controllable... the previous fortress was significantly damaged even with considerable control. So, unless there's an order to obliterate an entire island, it won't be used."
"I'd like to see it again someday. Captain's... 'Twelve True Shots.'"
"...If such a mission ever comes."
As we exchange casual conversation while gazing at the sea, one of the crew members operating the sea train informs us that Cuddy Flam...Franky is waiting ahead.
Impressive, to stand there so firmly. Even though they tried to mitigate the impact, they seem to be planning to confront the sea train head-on, just like in the original story.
"Captain, what should we do?"
"If they want to commit suicide, let them. If they can die like that, it's a form of happiness in a way."
After a few sounds of artillery fire, a figure dances in the air. Whether fighting and dying for atonement brings happiness or not is uncertain... However, with my enhanced vision, I spot a derelict ship in the distance, indicating that Franky is likely to become a cyborg, just like in the original story.
Well, truly... After being hit by the sea train and being blown away, having enough strength left to modify their own body is quite impressive.
"Now then..."
"Shall we go back?"
"Yes, I'll go and check the outcome of the dice roll."
After responding to Pochi's words, I return to the interior of the sea train.
***
Tom opened the door to the train car and entered, finding Tom sitting in the same position as when he left the car. There was no sign of him removing the handcuffs, and the keys were still where I left them.
"...You didn't run away."
"Yeah, I don't understand your thoughts. It would be a lie to say I have no regrets. However, I made my own choice... so until the very end, I'll hold my head high."
"I see... If you have no regrets, that's fine. But... hehehe."
"Hmm?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I just thought fate is quite ironic. Anyway, take it easy until we reach Enies Lobby."
Before Tom, who was tilting his head, I collected the keys and moved to another train car. It's truly an ironic tale. Tom lived his life with pride and integrity. That's certainly commendable... but because of it, he couldn't save Franky.
If he had run away, he might have been able to save Franky from getting hit by the sea train.
This train car was far from the front, and there were also the sounds of whistles. It's understandable that he didn't notice the sounds of gunfire. However, if Tom had at least opened the curtains hanging by the windows, he might have seen Franky being blown away. If he had opened the window even just a little, he might have heard Franky's voice.
If that had happened, perhaps a different future could have been possible... but it wasn't meant to be. I gave them the opportunity, but they couldn't seize it... well, from here on, I'll let things go the way I want.
After moving to another car and sitting down, I call out to Pochi, who is nearby.
"Hey, Pochi? I'm quite an important figure, aren't I?"
"Well, not just important, I think you can be considered quite high-ranking even within the World Government."
"I guess so... Personally, I feel like it's too high of a position... but well, I guess I'll try using this power once in a while... you know, power and all."
"Hmm?"
Since I have this opportunity, I'll roll the dice again. The outcome of this roll will be known "eight years later," but it's nice to have something to look forward to.
"I don't quite understand, but as long as the Captain seems to be having fun, that's good."
"It's interesting to try various things... well, aside from that, the sightseeing was quite enjoyable. Maybe next time, we can all go somewhere together, all the CP9 members. With some smart scheduling, we could take a day or two off."
"That sounds nice. I bought a fishing rod this time, so maybe a place where we can fish would be good."
"Good idea. We don't necessarily have to go to touristy places; a lush, uninhabited island could be perfect for a barbecue and fishing."
It was just a spontaneous suggestion, but it does sound like fun. Since I'm the one in charge of mission coordination, I can easily arrange things accordingly.
And well, I doubt they would refuse if I asked for a few days off. Most of the early response missions that come to me are basically assassination jobs, so if coordination becomes difficult, I can just handle them all myself.
Since I have the opportunity, I might as well consider various possibilities...
***
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