Chapter 259: You Are Under His Highness's Protection!

At the highest level of the City of Water 7, the City Hall served as the official residence of Tom. However, as a shipwright and engineer, Tom was more focused on his research. Administrative duties had long since been handed over to his apprentice, Iceburg, who had been trained for this role.

Now acting as the de facto mayor, Iceburg handled all routine matters. Fortunately, the city's political system wasn't too complex, so he managed just fine.

Since he no longer worked at City Hall, Tom spent most of his time in his personal research facility. With the substantial funding he received annually, his lab boasted state-of-the-art equipment and was among the most advanced in the world.

Currently, he was working with scientists from Marine's research division, studying ways to incorporate Seastone technology into sea trains. If successful, it would allow for the construction of a sea train in the Calm Belt.

Though Tom had no idea why Saint Claudius was so invested in the project, nor why Marine and CP-X were collaborating on developing the Calm Belt, he didn't concern himself with such matters. He was a shipwright, a researcher, a builder—not a politician. It wasn't his place to pry.

For Tom, the driving force behind this project was his own ideals.

Just as he had originally designed the sea train to save Water 7, he now pursued this new project with a similar noble purpose: to open a passage through the Calm Belt.

The Calm Belt was a natural barrier that separated the Four Seas from the Grand Line.

Due to technological limitations, travel across the Calm Belt was nearly impossible. As a result, the Grand Line remained isolated—an uncharted mystery for most people of the world, an unreachable sea for all but the strongest sailors.

But if a sea train could traverse the Calm Belt, opening a stable, accessible route between the Four Seas and the Grand Line, it would be nothing short of revolutionary.

The potential impact?

Beyond trade and logistics, even just a tourism industry could generate incredible wealth overnight. The economic and political implications were staggering.

Thus, regardless of Saint Claudius's true motives, Master Tom fully supported the project and was determined to see it succeed.

Inside the Research Facility

"The best way is to use Seastone to lay the tracks," Tom muttered as he stroked his chin. "That would minimize both the technical challenges and the risks involved."

A Marine scientist standing nearby immediately shook his head.

"Impossible," he objected. "Do you have any idea how expensive Seastone is? Not to mention how complicated its refinement process is! Using it to lay an entire railway? That's a fantasy."

"In terms of cost, it's completely impractical," another Marine scientist chimed in. "The only feasible use of Seastone would be in the train itself. Our real challenge is integrating the train and tracks in a way that allows the train to follow the Seastone path while keeping costs manageable."

"That's certainly a major problem," a voice suddenly interrupted.

The researchers, focused on their discussion, instinctively nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it's incredibly difficult," one of them sighed. "If only we could get Dr. Vegapunk to assist us, we might make progress faster."

"This is a joint project between Marine and CP-X—wouldn't it be possible to request his help?" another scientist suggested.

"Not likely," the first scientist responded with a shake of his head. "The Five Elders personally assigned Dr. Vegapunk to another top-priority project. Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku doesn't have the authority to interfere."

As soon as he finished speaking, the scientist suddenly froze.

Something felt… off.

That voice from earlier… it wasn't one of theirs.

Turning around, he saw a man in a black suit standing among them. He was young, serious, and exuded an aura of discipline.

Everyone else in the room was wearing white lab coats, making this stranger stand out even more.

"Who are you!?" the scientist asked in alarm, reaching for the security alarm.

Before he could press it, Tom intervened.

"Lucci?" Tom said in recognition. Then he turned to the others and reassured them, "Don't worry, everyone. This is Rob Lucci—His Highness's personal agent."

The researchers exhaled in relief.

A CP-X agent? No wonder they hadn't noticed him enter. The guy was practically a ghost—his presence barely perceptible.

Lucci gave Tom a respectful nod. "Mr. Tom, I need to speak with you privately. Do you have a moment?"

As one of Saint Claudius's most trusted operatives, Lucci's words carried significant weight.

Tom immediately set aside his work and nodded. "Of course. Follow me."

He led Lucci into a separate reference room, filled with blueprints, ship models, and design sketches.

Once inside, Lucci closed the door behind him.

"Is this room secure?" Lucci asked.

"Absolutely," Tom confirmed. "There's no surveillance equipment in here."

Despite the reassurance, Lucci activated his Observation Haki, scanning the room for any hidden devices or potential eavesdroppers.

Only after confirming that they were truly alone did he proceed.

Tom, sensing the gravity of the situation, hesitated before speaking.

"Did His Highness send you with new orders?"

Lucci shook his head.

"No, this isn't a direct order. Consider this my own initiative."

Tom furrowed his brow. "Then… what do you need from me?"

Instead of answering right away, Lucci studied the Fish-Man shipwright carefully.

After a long pause, Lucci finally said, "Mr. Tom… do you realize how close you've come to death?"

Tom stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"The World Government ordered CP agents to investigate any leads regarding the Ancient Weapons," Lucci explained calmly.

At the mention of Ancient Weapons, Master Tom's expression darkened.

Still, he quickly forced himself to regain composure. "And what does that have to do with me?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

Lucci's golden eyes narrowed.

"There's no need to play dumb. CP-X already uncovered the truth—you possess the blueprints for Pluton."

Tom instinctively opened his mouth to deny it but stopped himself when he saw Lucci's expression.

There was no point in lying. They already knew everything.

"Relax," Lucci reassured him. "His Highness already knows."

Tom's eyes widened.

"Saint Claudius has known for a long time," Lucci continued. "But because of your contributions to CP-X, because of your loyalty, he chose not to take the blueprints from you by force.

You are under His Highness's protection."

Tom fell silent, overwhelmed with emotion.

For years, he had debated whether to entrust Claudius with the truth. Now, he realized, Claudius had known all along… and had protected him anyway.

Seeing Tom's conflicted expression, Lucci smirked.

"Never forget His Highness's kindness, Mr. Tom."

With that, Lucci turned and left the room.

***

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