Chapter 83 Tom's Determination
Brett hopped on the sea train, enjoying the unique sensation of traveling across the water. This was an entirely new experience for him in his life.
The tipsy old lady was busy telling the new passengers about the sea train and the destinations linked by the railway.
The only sea train currently in operation is the Smoking Tom.
The old lady mentioned that the plans for building a second sea train have already started. When the sea train officially begins running, Tom Studio will shift its focus to building a new sea train.
However, Brett understood that this was just a misleading statement.
Tom could not wait that long anymore.
The railway spans a vast distance and connects numerous locations. Besides Water City, there are also the food island Puke, the spring queen's city - Saint Poplar, the festive city - Sanfa Lutheran, and three cities governed by the World Government, including the city that never sleeps, the Island of Justice.
Of course, traveling to Judiciary Island is off-limits, but other islands are available for visits.
The sea train thundered ahead, cutting through the waves as it progressed. It only took a few hours to travel back and forth between these islands.
'The speed was impressive.' Brett couldn't help but think.
Although it wasn't shown in the original story, it now appeared that this sea train was much quicker than the steam train he remembered. It might not reach the speed of a high-speed train, but it surely exceeded 100 kilometers per hour.
'Could a steam locomotive really be that powerful?' Brett paused for a moment.
Tom's student, Cutty Flam, created the Thousand sunny, which could soar into the sky using Coke as fuel.
Compared to Coke, coal is clearly less powerful.
As the sea train gradually arrived at the station, this test run officially concluded.
Excited passengers got off and continued to chat, saying, "Traveling to other islands like this is so convenient! "
"And we don't have to worry about the change in the weather. Master Tom said that even if a tsunami appeared, the Sea train keeps moving safely. "
"This is fantastic! In the future, the railway will link even more places, and there will be more sea trains, right? "
"Master Tom is incredible; he will change the whole world. What a remarkable person! "
Brett merged into the crowd and took his time.
After all the passengers exited, cheers erupted from behind.
"Success! This test run was flawless! "
Two men were embracing and laughing. One had a wild blue hairstyle and was only in swimming trunks, while the other looked more refined but was also very enthusiastic at that moment.
"Mr. Tom, let's celebrate tonight! "
The blue aircraft head shouted, "If the sea train is finished successfully, Mr. Tom, you will be free of guilt! "
"Hahahaha, then let's head to the restaurant and enjoy a large meal tonight! " Tom exclaimed happily as he raised his right hand.
"Oh! ! "
'Celebrating?' Brett rested against a post and sighed. 'If I remember right, in a few days, Tom will hand over the pluton design to Iceberg.'
'But things are different now that I'm here. Let them enjoy their celebration.'
Tom's Workshop includes four people and a frog, or more accurately, two humans, a fishman, a mermaid, and a frog.
Even though he doesn't want to admit it, Kokoro, who isn't as short as the future but still appears very aged, is indeed a mermaid.
'Shyarly, it's important for you to practice moderation. Whether it's drinks or sweets, if you get too into it, it will catch up to you later in life. The world can be very unfriendly towards older women.'
The group from Tom's Studio left the Smoking Tom at the station and then headed into the city for a meal.
Brett trailed behind but kept his distance. He just needed to listen to their voices from far away so he wouldn't get lost.
The reason the Water City is named so is that this island has rivers running everywhere. The seawater that flows from the fountain at the city's peak connects the whole island.
Locals usually travel by a boat pulled by a type of water creature called Yagara. Brett followed the locals' lead and rented a small boat. He steered the boat and trailed Tom and the others from behind.
This experience is very fresh. Brett is from Fish-Man Island. To him, riding this type of boat feels like a human riding in a carriage. Especially when guiding the Yagara with the reins, it's just like riding a horse.
The only downside is—
"I really crave meat! I really crave meat! I really crave meat! " This Yagara bull kept chattering non-stop.
Tom and his group quickly reached the restaurant they picked and went in to get ready for dinner. Brett also docked his boat outside the restaurant and then entered.
'Now that I'm finally here, how can I not try the special foods of Water Seven?'
When he just rented the boat, the owner mentioned that watery meat, a specialty of Water Seven, was so tasty that he had to try it.
Brett chose some food that was both watery and meaty. It had a fantastic taste, rich and delightful in its feel. This was likely enhanced by the special sea salt found in the water city. Whenever a major tsunami hits, unique sea salt remains under the building roofs in the water city, which is fantastic for adding flavor to dishes.
Brett was quite pleased and even requested the waiter to bring one out for the Yagara bull waiting by the door.
After all, that guy had been eagerly asking for meat during the entire trip.
Brett quietly ate by himself, while Tom and the others were making a lot more noise across the table.
Tom has a lively character and is always chuckling. The two young men frequently argue. As for Kokoro, she was sipping wine and speaking in a tipsy manner.
Their gathering did not conclude until the night was completely upon them.
"I'm so full. " Cutty flam sank into his chair, his hands resting on his round belly happily.
"Hahahaha, let's head back! " Tom stood up, picked up the drunk and unconscious Kokoro and said with a grin, "Now it's time for the final preparations! Get ready, Frankie! "
"Yeah! ! " Frankie shouted in response.
They settled their bills and went out to return to Tom's studio.
Brett also finished his big meal, which had saved him a lot of energy.
Tom's studio is near a Junkyard, where abandoned ships are stacked. The people of Water seven pushed Tom away because he had committed a crime by building the Pirate King's ship.
However, now that the Sea Train is nearly finished, Tom's reputation is starting to improve again. But they don't plan on leaving the junkyard just yet.
Brett trailed behind them slowly, even bringing the Yagara bull back in the middle.
As they got closer to the junkyard, the surroundings turned more barren. Tom and his group soon departed from Water City.
Then, it was time.
Brett picked up speed, and the cloak wrapped around him shimmered with electric light.
"Um? "Tom, who was walking ahead, heard a noise and turned back in surprise.
A dark figure flew over the wasteland and landed lightly nearby.
"You're..? " Iceberg quickly became attentive.
After all, Brett conceals himself with a cloak, making him appear untrustworthy.
and--
"You're the person from the restaurant!" He remembered. Mainly because one person ordered an excessive amount of food.
"Who are you? " In contrast to Iceberg's composed demeanor, Frankie was much more enthusiastic. He moved closer and shouted, "Are you a pirate, attempting to abduct Mr. Tom? "
Brett moved past Frankie and stood in front of Tom.
"Eh? " Frankie turned around in surprise, and the breeze hit the back of his head. 'He is clearly large, but how can he be so fast?'
Brett extended his right hand from beneath the dark robe and opened it, "Mr. Tom, I believe we need to talk. "
Tom was momentarily taken aback. Because he noticed the webbing between Brett's fingers.
'He is a fish man!'
"Sure. "He agreed readily.
Later.
Cutty Flam/Frankie crouched on the ground looking displeased, "Honestly, what's the matter with Mr. Tom? What could he possibly discuss with someone who just suddenly appears like that! "
In the distance, along the shore, two tall figures stood close and were talking.
"This is Mr. Tom's choice, and it's unnecessary to question it." Iceberg appeared much more composed.
Yet even still, his expression was tense.
This is a crucial time. Whether Mr. Tom can move past his guilt depends on what happens in the coming days.
'I hope there's no surprises, Mr. Tom!'
On the shore, Brett removed his hood and spoke earnestly, "Let me introduce myself, Mr. Tom, I am Brett. "
"Oh! Brett! I've heard of you! I read about you in the newspaper! " Tom felt a bit pleased, "The Disaster from the Deep Sea from Fish-Man Island is well-known among us fish-men! "
"Just a touch of recognition," Brett humbly remarked and then got straight to the point, "I am here for you, Mr Tom. I hope you can come back to Fish-Man Island with me. Our country is experiencing remarkable growth, but it still needs many skilled people. "
"I have no issue with that! " As Brett was attempting to phrase his request carefully, Tom responded directly.
"Eh? "Brett was a little surprised.
"I have two dreams in my lifetime, one being to create a ship that can navigate through any storm in the world. I have already accomplished that. "
Tom smiled as he continued, "As for my second dream, to transform the water city where I learned my trade, that is nearly finished. After that, it would be nice to return to my hometown. "
"That's great. "Brett displayed a joyful smile, this was easier than he had anticipated.
"But it will have to wait! " Tom said earnestly, "The sea train isn't officially operational yet, so I can't leave at this moment. "
Brett spoke seriously, "Mr. Tom, your situation is really risky right now. If you are concerned about the others, I can remove them from Tom's studio. "
"That's not the point! I want to see the Smoking Tom in action for myself. " Suddenly, Tom's face lit up with a big smile, "As a dad, how could I not witness my son's first time sailing the ocean? It's the shipbuilder's responsibility to ensure the ship's safe journey! "
This man was very proud of the train he constructed from start to finish.
Brett let out a deep sigh. Such a strong determination cannot be swayed.
"I get it. I will remain in Water Seven during this time. If anything comes up, don't worry, I will assist. "
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