What you think, what you do, these things never look the same to others as they do to yourself.

You might believe you're simply acting out of sincerity, doing something straightforward. But in someone else's eyes, that same behavior might look like the precursor to an attack.

At this moment, that was exactly how Tom perceived Yoriichi Tsugikuni and the others.

After Yoriichi briefly explained their request, he and Garp didn't linger in the shipyard. Tom clearly had work to finish, and since he had already agreed to help build the ship, there was no need to micromanage. Trust was the better option here.

From Yoriichi's point of view, it would be enough to provide payment once the designs were ready.

"Vice Admiral Tsugikuni, the blueprints should be finished in about two weeks."

"Until then, I hope you and your fellow Marines will avoid disturbing me."

"Once I'm done with the design, I'll also prepare a detailed list of materials and costs. You'll just need to pay a deposit at that time."

"Well then, I won't be seeing you off."

Tom walked them to the shipyard gate and waved goodbye. Deep down, he didn't trust them, nor did he want to have much contact.

Since they were using shipbuilding as an excuse, he would use that excuse in return. He wouldn't give them any opening to pry into his life.

"Hmm, I suppose we'll just explore the island for now," Yoriichi said casually.

"Let's treat this time like a vacation."

"Once we enter the New World, chances are we won't get any more breaks like this."

He smiled as he chatted with Tom, voice calm and composed. But to Tom, that smile only made Yoriichi seem more scheming and unpredictable.

"Two weeks, huh..."

"Hey, Yoriichi, you guys don't seem to have anything urgent going on."

"So, how about coming with me on a little trip?"

"I haven't visited the East Blue in a long time. Seems like a good chance to go see some family."

"There's someone I haven't seen in quite a while!"

"Plus, don't you want to go back to Ryugin Island and take a look around? That was where you once lived, after all."

"As for the G-ICE battleship, I'll have another Vice Admiral handle delivery to Kuzan."

Garp, upon hearing the design would take two weeks, immediately got the idea to take Yoriichi on a visit back to East Blue. After all, it had been many years since Garp brought him out of the East Blue, and Yoriichi had never returned even once.

Now that he was about to establish a new Marine branch in the New World, he'd likely have even fewer chances to go back. Taking this opportunity to explore East Blue, the so-called "symbol of peace", seemed worthwhile.

"Back to East Blue, huh..."

"I don't really have any desire to visit Ryugin Island again. It didn't leave me with very good memories."

"But I don't mind accompanying you to East Blue, Vice Admiral Garp. I may have come from there, but I honestly don't know much about it."

"Kyros, Issho, what about you two?"

"You can stay and wait for me here, or come along. Your choice."

Yoriichi nodded at Garp's suggestion, then turned to ask for Kyros and Issho's opinions. Although he outranked them, he always tried to respect their personal wishes when possible.

"I'll come with you, Vice Admiral," Issho replied with a chuckle. "I'm a bit curious about this so-called 'peaceful' East Blue."

As someone used to wandering, Issho couldn't stand the idea of staying on one island for two weeks. He'd go moldy.

"I'll go too. I've never been to East Blue before," Kyros added quickly. He wasn't the type to sit still either. Since it was a vacation, where they spent it didn't really matter.

Seeing that everyone was willing to go, Garp beamed with joy.

Meanwhile, Tom, watching them casually plan to leave Water 7, couldn't help but feel surprised. But soon, a strong sense of wariness rose again in his heart.

He suspected the Marines were saying all this in front of him just to lull him into a false sense of security.

However, it was clear Yoriichi and the others really had no intention of spying on him. Before leaving, Yoriichi tossed him a Den Den Mushi and said calmly:

"Mr. Tom, if you ever run into any trouble, feel free to contact me."

"If there's anything I can do, I'll help."

"Of course, if possible, I hope you'll never have to call me at all."

Garp and the others headed toward the harbor. Yoriichi stayed behind for a moment, waved at Tom from a distance, then slowly followed.

Tom caught the Den Den Mushi instinctively, watching their backs as they left. For a moment, he was unsure of their true intentions.

But he didn't dwell on it. Whatever comes, he'd face it. Running away wasn't even on the table, he still had something important to accomplish in Water 7.

He had to find a way to protect the citizens of Water 7 from the annual Aqua Laguna tsunami.

He already had an idea, and he had started testing it. He wouldn't give up on his dream of saving the people, no matter what threat the Marines might pose.

"Mr. Tom really is a strange one," Issho commented as they walked back to the harbor.

"He gave off a very tense vibe... almost like he's afraid of us Marines."

"And it feels like someone is watching him too."

Issho tapped the ground with his cane as he spoke to Yoriichi and the others.

Though blind, Issho's perception was extremely sharp, especially when it came to emotions. He could clearly sense Tom's nervousness. Back at the shipyard, he had also noticed they were being watched.

He had simply chosen not to say anything earlier.

"Sounds about right," Garp replied nonchalantly while picking his nose. "He helped build Roger's ship, after all. He probably thinks we're here to give him trouble."

Yoriichi smiled quietly, saying nothing.

The streets around them were lively and peaceful, full of people going about their business.

Yet beneath that peaceful surface, undercurrents stirred. From the moment he stepped onto the island, Yoriichi had spread his Observation Haki across Water 7.

He sensed many auras far stronger than the average citizen.

Even during his conversation with Tom, he could feel subtle prying eyes. Most likely, Tom was already under surveillance by the World Government.

What Issho could sense, Yoriichi could sense too.

Still, Yoriichi wasn't worried for Tom's life. As long as nothing unexpected happened, Tom would remain safe, at least until Roger's execution.

And if Tom really did help him build his warship, then when trouble came knocking, Yoriichi fully intended to lend a hand.

By then, his name might carry enough weight to make a difference.

The dog-headed Marine ship departed the harbor, sailing straight toward East Blue.

A week later, they crossed into East Blue's waters. But instead of visiting his hometown, Foosha Village, Garp steered them straight toward Loguetown. Their destination was a small village called Shimotsuki Village.

According to Garp, Dragon was currently living in hiding there.

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