OPTC Chapter 229 Judgment
Ignoring Franky bragging to Cat Tom about how great he was at swimming, Zhang Da Ye asked, "Mr. Tom, I wonder if you've ever heard of a man named Biznis? He's the head of a trading caravan."
He hadn't forgotten the reason he chose Water 7 as their first stop: to try and track down this "old friend."
Tom the Fishman thought for a moment. "A merchant? I don't deal with those types often. Is he someone important?"
"Not really," Zhang Da Ye replied. "But that guy uses any means necessary. Back in Sabaody Archipelago he caused us plenty of trouble."
After saying that, Zhang Da Ye realized it hadn't really been much trouble. After all, the thugs and assassins Biznis hired had all ended up becoming his pocket change.
Kokoro spoke up, "If you want to ask around about merchants, head south to Dock 1. Lots of foreign traders moor there. Also, the Sea Train station has become a place merchants like to gather."
Zhang Da Ye nodded. "I see. Then tomorrow, when we go out, we can ask around. Oh, can we ride the Sea Train?"
"Of course," Tom explained. "Although the Sea Train's main use is for transporting goods, there are still passenger cars. Anyone can ride it. The train currently connects to St. Baya, Pucci, and St. Plut, all prosperous islands. The only line off-limits is the one to Enies Lobby."
Zhang Da Ye asked more questions about these islands to better plan their trip.
That night they didn't stay at Tom's workshop, but returned to the ship to rest. Other than a midnight snack, nothing special happened.
The next morning, leaving Brook, Perona, and a few Flag Imps to guard the ship, the others went with Tom's crew to the judicial ship.
At the port, the great vessel was already docked with boarding ladders lowered. Many townsfolk were filing aboard to observe the trial. Some were genuinely concerned about the verdict, while others just wanted to watch the spectacle.
Besides Tom's trial, people were also curious about the mysterious fleet that had attacked the judicial ship the day before.
Some recalled seeing Cutty Flam piloting one of those ships while fighting a Sea King, and concluded those warships belonged to Tom's Workshop. They wondered if this incident would add another crime to Tom's name.
Zhang Da Ye's group, along with Tom's apprentices and Yokozuna, were seated in the front row—reserved especially by the old judge.
Tom stood alone in the center of the courtroom.
When the trial began, guards closed the doors. The old judge, dressed in full formal robes, walked slowly to the elevated bench. Checking the time, he struck his gavel.
The sharp crack silenced the hall. Even Cat Tom, eyes wide with curiosity, sat up straight. Zhang Da Ye patted his head, telling him to relax.
The judge's voice was firm and resonant. "Ten years ago, Tom of Water 7 was sentenced to death for building the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson. However, Tom proposed the Sea Train project, a plan that would bring hope to Water 7. For this reason, he was granted a ten-year reprieve."
"During these ten years, Tom's workshop designed and built the Sea Train and four tracks. After thorough evaluation, the project has indeed solved Water 7's crisis. This contribution is enough to offset Mr. Tom's crime. I hereby declare Mr. Tom innocent and free!"
"Wonderful!" Kokoro, Iceburg, and Yokozuna beamed with joy. Franky even jumped to his feet, and if Iceburg hadn't grabbed him, he would have flung himself at Tom's huge belly.
"Thank you, Your Honor! Tahahahaha!" Tom laughed heartily.
Inside, though, his feelings were complicated. He had always been proud of building a ship that could sail across every ocean in the world. He never thought that was a crime. But since he was alive, he wasn't about to protest his acquittal.
Now, even if Spandam still wanted the blueprints of Pluton, he wouldn't dare move openly against Tom's workshop. Otherwise, in the original timeline, CP9 wouldn't have needed to spend five long years undercover.
After a pause, the judge struck the gavel again. "Now, regarding yesterday's attack on the judicial ship. Investigation shows all warships involved were owned by Tom's Workshop…"
Everyone grew tense. Did this mean more trouble for Tom? If the workshop had truly attacked the judicial ship, would they also attack the city someday? That was what the people feared most—should they see Tom as a threat, or as a master shipwright?
The old judge took a deep breath, clearly steeling himself before continuing:
"It has now been determined that former CP5 commander Spandam mistakenly identified captured ships of the Silver Fox Pirates as those that attacked the judicial vessel. Without informing Tom's Workshop, he borrowed its warships, which resulted in the accidental strike on the judicial ship and collateral damage to the passenger ship Amber Dalmend."
"The ruling is as follows: Spandam is stripped of all positions and sentenced to four years in prison. All agents involved are demoted with pay cuts. The World Government will compensate Tom's Workshop and the Amber travel group for all losses. Court is adjourned."
After saying this, the old judge closed his eyes. This was the only time in his career he had lied in court. It was a stain on his life. He didn't know if he'd ever again have the courage to hold the gavel that symbolized justice.
But to Colonel Soisos and the navy soldiers flanking him, the judge was a man to admire. A few of them had overheard his heated argument with the Five Elders over the den den mushi the day before. If not for him, Spandam might have been acquitted—or worse, rewarded.
The judge had fought hard. Though he had compromised, he'd still forced the Five Elders to yield. At least the wounded and fallen marines received recognition, and the real culprit was punished. To the soldiers, that was already enough.
The civilians listening hadn't expected this twist. The attackers were government men? Those who had witnessed the battle the day before began to question themselves. Had they remembered wrong? It sure looked like the judicial ship was directly targeted…
Even Zhang Da Ye was stunned. What a load of nonsense. Weren't those ships deliberately sent to block fire? And now they were claiming those ships were the attackers, while compensating even those of them who hadn't suffered losses. Clearly, it was just hush money.
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