One Piece: Start by Saving Roger, I Was Invited to Join the Crew

Kokoro's Warning

"But Tom, you need to be careful. The more famous Roger becomes, the less likely the World Government is to let you off the hook," Kokoro said, her tone laced with concern. "You were given ten years of probation to build the sea train, but once that time is up… you could still face execution."

She knew well that if Tom hadn't built Roger's ship, the Pirate King might never have reached the end of the Grand Line.

"Yes, Master! Granny Kokoro is right. You should think of a way out—maybe even escape when the time comes," it was Tom's apprentice, Iceburg, 16 years old and full of worry.

Tom's Unshakable Resolve

But Tom only chuckled confidently. "I'm a master shipwright, and I deeply admire Roger. I gladly built him a strong ship. Don't worry—once the sea train is finished, my achievements will outweigh my past mistakes. Whether the judges pardon me or not, that's up to fate. Hahaha!"

Tom's connection to the Water Capital ran deep. It was his home, his pride, and he had no intention of leaving it behind.

"Roger truly is a remarkable man," Kokoro muttered in agreement.

"Ahem…" Iceburg coughed awkwardly.

"Hahahahaha" Kokoro laughed to break the tension, then looked at Tom again. "If you really wanted, you could've joined Roger. He would've protected you."

Tom shook his head. "Just building a ship for someone like Roger is more than enough for me. The Oro Jackson carries my pride. As long as he sails on my ship, it's like I'm out there too. That's all I need."

His eyes gleamed as he remembered Roger, Rayleigh, and the others. His grin stretched wide.

"Hmph, the marines preach about justice, but they only obey the World Government blindly," Kokoro scoffed. "To them, you're guilty just for building Roger's ship. Without it, there may never have been a Pirate King."

As Tom's secretary, Kokoro understood him well—he was a proud craftsman, but also stubbornly confident. She feared he would one day be taken to Enies Lobby to be judged.

"A ship is just a ship," Tom said firmly. "Put a pirate flag on it, it's a pirate ship. Put a navy flag on it, and it's a navy ship. A man must believe in his craft. I'm Tom, the most famous shipwright! Let the future worry about itself. For now, I'll build this sea train!"

Kokoro and Iceburg exchanged helpless glances. Tom was as unshakable as ever—always full of pride, never thinking about danger.

Franky's Hidden Longing

While Tom was boasting, he noticed a young boy nearby reading a newspaper. It was 11-year-old Franky, whose full name was Cutty Flam.

"…He really does dream of going out to sea," Tom thought. "But whenever I ask, he plays it cool and pretends not to care. If he wants to sail one day, I'll let him build his own ship to do it."

"Tom, don't trust the World Government so easily," Kokoro warned, before noticing Tom's gaze on Franky. She followed his line of sight.

"Hey, Franky, you seem really interested in that news."

Franky snapped out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh, it's nothing, Grandma Kokoro. I was just thinking how tough Roger's crew had it, going all over the world while constantly being chased by the Navy."

He tried to sound indifferent, but both Kokoro and Tom saw through it.

"Franky… do you want to become a pirate?" Kokoro asked suddenly.

Everyone turned to her in surprise, wondering why she brought it up so directly.

"Ah, she sees it too," Tom mused silently.

"Go to sea?" Iceburg looked between Kokoro and Franky. "Franky, are you thinking of leaving Water 7?"

"Don't talk nonsense, Iceburg! I'm not interested in becoming a pirate!" Franky snapped, glaring at the others. "Have you forgotten I was abandoned by pirates? Why would I ever want to be one of them?!"

Despite his defiant tone, Kokoro—almost 50 years old—could clearly see he was lying to himself.

"Uh-huh, sure," she chuckled knowingly.

Franky clenched his fists and, with tears welling in his eyes, turned to Tom.

"I said I'm not interested in piracy! I've already experienced that life—being abandoned by pirates. I just want to stay with you, Uncle Tom! You're like a father to me. Even if Enies Lobby comes for you in ten years, I won't let them take you away. I'm not leaving this city!"

His voice trembled with emotion. He had misunderstood Tom's earlier words as a sign of pushing him away.

"Franky," Tom said softly, "real men don't cry. We've still got ten whole years. That's a long time. Hahaha!"

Franky wiped his eyes, scowling. "Fine, Civet Uncle—I'll never leave you!"

Tom burst out laughing. "Hahahaha! It's been ages since you called me that!"

His heart swelled with affection. These young shipwrights were like family to him. Ever since the day he took Franky in, Tom had seen him as his own son—even if they were different species.

Suddenly, Iceburg's stomach growled loudly.

Everyone looked at him. He scratched his head in embarrassment. "Hehe… I guess I'm kinda hungry."

"Pfffff, hungry already? You're weak, Iceburg," Franky teased instantly. The two boys were close in age and always bickering.

"You're not much better!" Iceburg retorted. "I hope you can build your dream ship someday!"

"What did you say?! Of course I will!"

"All right, all right. You two better save that energy for shipbuilding," Tom said, grabbing them both by the shoulders.

"Hahahahaha~ I'll make some curry. Iceburg, wait right here."

"Curry?! Granny Kokoro's curry is the best!" Iceburg's eyes sparkled with joy.

"Hahahahahaha~" Kokoro giggled and waddled off.

Meanwhile, Franky's thoughts drifted back to when the Roger Pirates visited Water 7, and Kozuki Oden had approached him then.

"Hahahaha! So you're an orphan? If you'd like, I can talk to Captain Roger and get you on the crew. We're about to go on an amazing journey. How about it?"

"I'm not interested," Franky replied coldly. "My parents were pirates who abandoned me. Why would I ever join another crew?"

"Hahahaha! So even your pirate parents ditched you? That's hilarious!"

Franky ignored Oden and went back to doing his own thing, completely uninterested in the offer.

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