One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

Water Seven Harbour.

Franky clutched an iced cola, tears and snot streaming down his face as he stared at Jake, his voice choked with emotion.

"You damn bastard! L-leaving your big bro Franky so soon! Damn it! I just became the hero of the shipyard, was gonna treat you to drinks and everything! Damn it, damn it—you got enough cola? I've got two crates here, take 'em all! Never done a long voyage myself—only time I went far was when my parents ditched me as a kid."

"Forget that crap, but long trips mean dehydration! Pack extra, got it? Make that snow woman Monet chill it for you—she can whip up ice when needed. But remember to boil the snow before drinking! You ain't like her—she can eat raw snow with no problem, but you'll get sick!"

Listening to Franky's instructions, Jake wore a wry smile while Monet's expression had long darkened beside him.

Iceberg, however, looked at Franky with newfound interest and teased him.

"Who would've thought you'd have such a thoughtful side, Franky. I originally assumed you wouldn't be able to muster a single warm word during farewells."

Franky wiped his tears while scolding Iceberg.

"Damn it, baka berg! Even the toughest man can't hold back tears when bidding farewell to dear friends—isn't that common sense? I'd cry if you set sail too! There's no shame in admitting it!"

Struck by Franky's sincere words, Iceberg found himself at a loss for a response.

Tom chuckled and gave Iceberg a hearty pat on the back before remarking with emotion.

"Iceberg, this is the first time you've lost to Franky, eh~ Hehahaha! Partings between men are always filled with tears and emotion! Whether through sobs or laughter, it's the mark of a true man!"

Hearing Tom's words, Iceberg nodded before turning toward Jake.

His face flushed slightly as he spoke with some embarrassment.

"Jake, stay safe on your journey. Water Seven will always welcome you. Next time you visit, let's share a drink!"

"Absolutely!"

After this exchange, Jake suddenly stepped before Tom and spoke earnestly.

"Tom-san, I once heard a great man say: 'To prosper, first build roads.' That's why the Sea Train matters so much to me. I know I'm far from qualified to say this now, but I promise you here—I'll climb to a position where my voice carries weight and I'll pave the way for your Sea Train!"

Tom was momentarily stunned by Jake's unexpected declaration.

Studying the young marine as if seeing him for the first time, Tom glimpsed a shadow both distinct from and yet not unwelcome compared to Roger's.

"The Sea Train—I envision its future reaching every island worldwide. It shouldn't be limited to four routes or just connect islands and cities near Water Seven. Its potential is vaster—four hundred, four thousand, even forty thousand routes spanning every island, even Sky Island!"

"That's the world I want to see—a beautiful, prosperous world. I'll strive tirelessly towards it. But such grand route designs? Only you, Tom-san, can accomplish them. So I ask you for a favor: please wait for me. Wait until I gain the power to clear your path!"

As he spoke, Jake bowed deeply at ninety degrees to Tom.

Gazing at the young marine in front of him, Tom's vision momentarily overlapped the figure with that of a certain pirate-caped man.

Only this time, they stood on opposing sides.

He had once believed that man was the true savior of this world, but as he gazed at the young man before him, he felt his earlier judgment might have been too hasty.

Then, he reached out his arm, helping the young man to his feet before speaking earnestly.

"Lieutenant Jake, I once thought the world's salvation would never come from people like you. But now, it seems I've changed my mind. What you asked of me earlier—I agree. I give you my word as a man. But don't keep me waiting too long, hahaha! Who knows how many more years this old body of mine can still work?"

Hearing Tom's response, Jake smiled and said.

"Don't worry, I won't make you wait long! I promise!"

On the warship, Kizaru watched Jake speaking with Tom, a faint smile crossing his face as he murmured to himself.

"Quite an ambitious young man, aren't you? The future might truly change because of you. Grow quickly, Jake. I'm very curious about the era you'll lead."

Meanwhile, T-Bone looked at Jake who was about to depart, his terrifying face filled with warmth.

He gave Jake his parting words.

"Jake, Monet—no matter what happens at Marine Headquarters, always hold fast to your own justice. I know you're both far smarter than me, always thinking in twists and turns. But I know you're striving for the justice you believe in. The two of you are the finest students I've ever taught, and the pride of my life. Be careful on your journey. If anything happens, you can always come to me."

The Marines from the branch stood on the shore, tears in their eyes as they bid farewell to Jake and Monet.

"Jake, you've got to tell me when you come back! My son's about to be born—I'll make you his godfather!"

"Monet, sweetheart, when you return, I'll save all your favorite dishes for you! Waaah! Such a wonderful girl!"

"Hey~ Lieutenant Jake~ Ensign Monet~ We're about to set sail~ If we're late, Fleet Admiral Sengoku will be terrifying~"

At the urging from Kizaru, Jake and Monet boarded, turning to the crowd on the shore.

They bowed deeply before slowly disappearing from view.

The warship sped forward and as it passed Gourmet Town, the fishermen's boats had already lined up along its path, laden with all kinds of delicacies.

The old village chief stood at the bow, waving with a smile.

"Lieutenant Jake! This is our thanks for saving our town. If not for you, even if we hadn't been killed by pirates, we'd have faced ruin. If you hadn't acted in time—"

Looking at the boats overflowing with food, Jake's smile was radiant.

At this moment, he believed wholeheartedly in that famous saying.

All kindness will one day bloom into roses!

[According to One piece timeline Tom is gonna be executed 5 years from now]