When Judge Jace witnessed Gustave emerging from the ship with a thoroughly subdued Spandam in tow, he could hardly believe what happened next. Without any coercion—at least none that was visible—the CP5 commander stepped forward and confessed to orchestrating the attack on the judicial ship. Furthermore, he announced his intention to resign from his position once the matter was resolved.
The elderly judge had no idea how Gustave had managed such a complete turnaround, but he wasn't about to question this stroke of fortune. Holding the entire CP organization accountable was impossible—the World Government would never permit such a precedent. This confession from Spandam himself was the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
Thanks to Gustave's behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Tom's retrial proceeded without a hitch the following day at noon.
Word had spread quickly through Water 7, and by the time court reconvened, a substantial crowd had gathered around Judge Jace's temporary courthouse. While some residents harbored prejudice against Tom's fishman heritage, the majority held deep respect for the elderly shipwright whose sea train had revitalized their city's economy. They watched with hopeful anticipation as the proceedings began.
Judge Jace did not disappoint them. Rising from his seat with solemn dignity, he declared that in recognition of Tom's extraordinary contribution to Water 7 through the construction of the Puffing Tom, he was hereby granted a full pardon for his past involvement in building the Oro Jackson for the late Pirate King.
The moment the verdict rang out, Tom's weathered face crumpled with overwhelming emotion. Tears of relief and joy streamed down his cheeks as the gathered citizens erupted in celebration, their cheers echoing across the canal city.
"Congratulations, Tom," Judge Jace said warmly as he approached the fishman after the crowd had begun to disperse. "You're truly free now."
"Thank you, Judge Jace," Tom replied, his voice thick with emotion as he clasped the old man's hand. "Without your courage, I would surely have perished."
"No need for thanks—I simply did my duty as a judge," Jace replied modestly, then gestured toward Gustave's group. "If you want to thank someone, thank Mr. Gustave and his friends. Without their intervention, neither you nor I would be standing here today."
"You're absolutely right," Tom nodded emphatically. After bidding farewell to the judge, he made his way over to where Gustave stood chatting with Po and the others.
"Mr. Gustave," Tom began, his voice filled with genuine gratitude, "I owe you more than words can express. Without your help, today's acquittal would never have been possible."
"Think nothing of it," Gustave replied with his characteristic warm smile. "I merely did what was right. You were innocent—that's all that truly mattered."
"Regardless, you are my benefactor," Tom insisted, his eyes bright with emotion. "Please, you must come to my workshop! I insist on properly showing my gratitude."
"Actually, Mr. Tom, there's no need for elaborate thanks," Gustave said, raising a hand diplomatically. "Though I do have a favor to ask of you."
"Anything! Just name it, and I'll do everything in my power to help," Tom declared without hesitation.
"I need you to build me a ship," Gustave said simply, gesturing toward their current ship.
Tom looked puzzled. "But you already have a fine ship, Mr. Gustave. Her performance seems quite exceptional."
"Ah, but that's just it—this ship was captured from pirates," Gustave explained with a slight grimace. "She doesn't suit my vision at all. What I truly want is a mobile restaurant that can sail the seas."
"A floating restaurant?" Tom's eyes lit up with professional interest. "Fascinating! I'll find the finest keel as your foundation—"
"Actually, Mr. Tom, we already have our keel," Gustave interrupted gently. "When we departed Fish-Man Island, King Neptune gifted us a section of Treasure Tree Adam."
Tom's jaw dropped. Treasure Tree Adam was legendary among shipwrights—the finest shipbuilding material in existence. His hands began to tremble slightly with excitement.
"Treasure Tree Adam? with material like that, I'll build you not just a ship, but a masterpiece that will sail the seas for generations!" Tom's enthusiasm was infectious, and even his usual professional composure cracked under the prospect of working with such precious wood.
"Excellent! Shall we find somewhere private to discuss my vision in detail?" Gustave suggested.
"Of course! Come to my workshop—I have all the drafting tools there, and I can sketch out designs based on your specifications," Tom replied eagerly.
Tom's workshop buzzed with the organized chaos of a master craftsman's domain. Upon their arrival, they were warmly greeted by Kokoro, an elderly mermaid who served as Tom's secretary, and the workshop's resident oddity—Yokozuna, an enormous frog that Cutty Flam had somehow taught to swim freestyle despite its natural aquatic abilities.
"Welcome, welcome!" Kokoro called out cheerfully, having heard of their role in saving Fish-Man Island. "Tom's been beside himself with excitement since yesterday!"
Once everyone had settled around Tom's massive drafting table, Gustave began outlining his vision. "I want to call her the Bamboo Staff since she will be a part of our restaurant—a hybrid-powered ship using both sails and electrical systems. My Rumble-Rumble Fruit will handle the electrical generation."
Tom's eyes gleamed with technical curiosity. Hybrid propulsion was virtually unheard of in their world.
"The design must be distinctive," Gustave continued. "I need Tom's statue as the figurehead—he's been quite insistent about that point."
Tom the cat, who had been silent until now, puffed out his chest proudly and gave an exaggerated bow, causing Po to chuckle warmly.
"The ship will have four levels," Gustave explained as Tom began sketching. "The deck serves as our first floor dining area—an outdoor restaurant with natural grass flooring and decorative gardens. The first interior level houses the kitchen, bar, and additional outdoor dining that extends over the sides."
Tom nodded, his pencil flying across the parchment as he captured each detail.
"The second floor will be our formal dining room—entirely enclosed but surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views. The third level contains guest quarters for... well, let's call them 'special visitors' who might need overnight accommodation."
Po and Tom exchanged knowing glances at this deliberately vague explanation.
"Finally, the fourth floor will be our private quarters and the ship's command center. Below deck, we'll need engine rooms and storage."
Tom studied his rough sketches with growing excitement. "This hybrid propulsion system... I'll need to design specialized battery storage. We can't expect you to constantly generate power, after all!"
The technical challenge clearly delighted him. If he could engineer something as revolutionary as the sea train, a hybrid ship would be merely another fascinating puzzle to solve.
"Given the unique requirements, I'll need Cutty Flam and Iceberg's assistance," Tom decided. "This will be unlike anything we've built before."
Construction began immediately, leaving Gustave and his crew with time to explore Water 7's winding canals and distinctive architecture. The week passed pleasantly until an unwelcome but expected visitor arrived.
Spandine's arrival was nothing if not punctual. He appeared at the docks with exactly one billion berries, his face a mask of barely controlled rage. Every step toward Gustave seemed to cost him physical pain.
Despite his fury, Spandine had done his homework. Gustave's crew included Garp's apprentice and grandson, Po with Admiral-level strength, and Gustave himself approaching Admiral capabilities. Even his pride wasn't worth risking a confrontation with such formidable opponents.
"Your money, as promised," Spandine said through gritted teeth, gesturing to the cases his subordinates carried.
"Excellent! And here's your son's confession recording," Gustave replied cheerfully, producing the video Den Den Mushi. "Though I'm afraid the deluxe recording package costs an additional 100 million berries."
Spandine's eye twitched, but he paid the surcharge without protest. He'd already spent a billion—what was another hundred million for complete security?
Kizaru, when he arrived to collect his 400 million berry share, found Gustave surprisingly generous with the payment process. The Admiral didn't question the smooth transaction, simply counting his earnings with satisfaction before departing for Marineford.
Two months later, the true Bamboo Staff stood completed in all her glory. True to Gustave's vision, she was a marvel of engineering and artistry. Her black and white color scheme perfectly matched the likeness of Po, while Tom's proud cat statue adorned the bow beneath a flag bearing his distinctive grin.
The hybrid sail configuration—positioned on either side rather than centrally—gave her a unique silhouette reminiscent of the famous Baratie but distinctly her own. Every detail spoke of Tom's masterful craftsmanship enhanced by Gustave's culinary vision.
"She's magnificent," Po said softly, his usual calm demeanor giving way to genuine awe.
Tom the cat practically preened as he admired his likeness on the bow, while Gustave stood with arms crossed, surveying their new home with deep satisfaction.
"Ace, Luffy—why don't you go show Cutty Flam those fighting techniques you've been practicing?" Gustave suggested. "Po, Tom, and I have one final installation to complete."
The brothers needed no further encouragement, racing off to find their newest sparring partner while the three made their way to the carefully prepared guest quarters on the third floor.
They had selected a discrete alcove, hidden from casual view but easily accessible when needed. The location would help maintain the Gate of All Worlds' secret, though in a world filled with Devil Fruit powers, they could always claim it was similar to the Door-Door Fruit if discovered.
"Are you both ready?" Gustave asked as they gathered around the chosen spot.
Po and Tom nodded solemnly. This moment would change everything, opening their restaurant to visitors from across the multiverse.
Together, they activated their pendants, watching in fascination as an ornate door materialized before them, its surface covered in intricate patterns that seemed to shift and flow. Knowledge of its operation flooded their minds—rules, limitations, and possibilities all becoming clear in an instant.