Iceburg took a long time to think. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, he finally made his decision. Looking at Buggy, he said firmly:
"I'll join you. But you must keep your word—everything you just promised. You have to make sure Uncle Tom has at least that slim chance of survival."
Hearing those words, Buggy's heart leapt with joy, but outwardly he remained composed. He simply smiled at Iceburg and replied:
"I always keep my word. Even if you refused, I would still fight to secure Uncle Tom a chance at life. But I welcome you aboard, Iceburg. I believe you'll never regret this choice."
Buggy knew he couldn't appear too eager. If Iceburg thought Buggy was only helping Tom in exchange for his allegiance, it would cheapen his sincerity. Buggy wanted to make it clear: Tom's protection was his promise, regardless of Iceburg's decision.
Still, inside, Buggy was ecstatic. Iceburg was a brilliant and highly promising shipwright. Having him aboard would be a huge boost to the strength of the Yanhuang Pirates.
"…Understood, Captain."
Iceburg nodded. Buggy's words convinced him of his sincerity—this wasn't manipulation. Even if he hadn't joined, Buggy would have still moved to safeguard Tom. That recognition made Iceburg accept his new role wholeheartedly.
Buggy disguised himself once again, and together with Iceburg stepped out of the workshop.
At the doorway, Tom was waiting. Seeing them emerge, he asked curiously:
"How did it go?"
Buggy only gave a small nod. Iceburg, however, looked straight at his master and declared:
"Uncle Tom… I've decided to join the Captain's crew."
For a moment, Tom was stunned. Then, a booming laugh erupted from his chest.
"Good! Good! That's good!"
Yet behind the laughter, a flicker of sadness crossed his eyes. He didn't want Iceburg to leave—but in his heart, he was relieved. Even if tragedy struck him, Iceburg would at least be safe, carrying Tom's hopes with him. That was enough.
Beside them, Franky's jaw nearly hit the ground. His forehead was covered with lines of exasperation. He couldn't follow the conversation at all—what did Iceburg mean about joining a pirate crew?
"Iceburg! What are you saying? Whose crew are you joining? What do you mean by this?!"
Though he didn't know the details, Franky understood enough—Iceburg was planning to leave.
Seeing Franky's furious, panicked expression, Tom gave a weary smile and stepped in front of him.
"Franky… this is my will. I'm the one who told Iceburg to join that young man's crew. I want him to see the world's shipbuilding techniques with his own eyes—to push his craft to even greater heights."
Tom deliberately avoided naming Buggy, not wanting to draw attention to him. He made it sound like it was entirely his own idea, knowing that otherwise Franky would make a scene.
But Franky immediately exploded.
"No! No way! Uncle Tom, the Sea Train has only just begun—we can't let Iceburg leave now! I won't allow it!"
Though he often quarreled with Iceburg, in truth, they were like brothers. Their bond was inseparable despite the constant bickering. Franky couldn't bear the thought of Iceburg leaving.
Tom's eyes hardened as he looked at Franky. His tone turned solemn.
"Franky. Every person has their own path to walk. You have yours, and Iceburg has his. No matter how much you care, you cannot chain someone to your side. Even if it's family, even if it's your closest friend, you mustn't stop them from moving forward.
"I know you don't want Iceburg to go. But this is his choice. And it's mine as well. I want him to go farther than I ever could, and he wants that too. You can't stand in his way."
Franky's vision blurred as tears welled up. He realized Iceburg's departure wasn't just his own decision—it carried Tom's will as well. The realization left him helpless.
Unable to say another word, Franky turned and ran, tears streaming down his face. He bolted toward the shore.
"Iceburg!" he shouted as he chased after him.
The two of them eventually ended up at Franky's secret base. By then, Franky had already wiped his tears, but when he spun around to face Iceburg, his eyes blazed with anger.
"You traitor!" he roared. "You're betraying Uncle Tom after everything he's done for you! How can you abandon him now?"
Iceburg folded his arms and snorted.
"Hmph. Kid, you don't understand a thing. This is Uncle Tom's wish. He told me my shipbuilding skills have reached a bottleneck. To improve further, I need to travel and learn from every corner of the world. That's why I'm leaving. When I come back, my craft will far surpass yours."
Of course, Iceburg wasn't telling Franky the whole truth. He didn't want Franky to shoulder the heavy burden of knowing about CP9 or the World Government's threat. Franky's reckless nature could lead to disaster.
But Franky refused to believe it.
"You're lying! No one's craft can surpass Uncle Tom's. You won't learn anything better out there. Don't go, Iceburg—please, stay!"
Iceburg's expression softened slightly, but he stood firm.
"Uncle Tom told me how he traveled the seas in his youth. He said there are things a teacher cannot pass down—things you must experience yourself. Only by seeing the world can I discover my own path. That's how I'll one day surpass even him. That's why I have to go.
"And I'm not leaving forever. When I've become the world's greatest shipwright, I'll return."
Franky froze. Iceburg's words echoed Tom's teachings. And though his anger didn't vanish, his conviction wavered. Maybe… maybe this really was part of Tom's plan.
"…But the Sea Train isn't finished yet," Franky whispered desperately. "How can you leave now? Can't you at least wait until it's complete?"