CP9 had completely overpowered Eret and were now in the old workshop of Tom's Workers.

"Interesting, many ships were born in this cobweb room," said Lael as he looked around. "And now look at it, filthy."

"They built ships here?" Snotlout blinked.

Lael then grabbed the picture that was on the side desk. "Tom… Iceberg… and Eric Earlson… this place must hold countless memories of days when you still shed a life with those two. And now you call that your top-secret base, that heartbreakingly adorable."

"Damn you!" Eret roared. "Just get the hell out of here already!"

"We won't leave until we get what we're after," said Lael. "Make this easy on yourself."

"There ain't no blueprints in here!" Eret yelled.

"Oh no? You don't say?" said Lael and then kicked one of the desks to pieces.

"Hey!" Eret yelled.

"Kala!" Lael ordered.

Kala then quickly took off and drew her thorn whip, and before Eret had a chance to defend himself, she wrapped around him, trapping him in place. She began pulling on the web as hard as she could, causing the spikes on it to dig into Eret's skin.

"Damnit!" Eret yelled in pain as he collapsed.

Snotlout gulped. "Just keep yourself together, Snotlout."

"You bastard," said Eret looking up at Lael.

"Take your time, but be aware that we know many things about your past," said Lael. "Things that you don't want getting out. For example, we know what happened eight years ago and that you are guilty of committing a very serious crime back then. Just like your dear old Tom."

"You shut up!" Eret roared. "Tom was never a dam criminal! You don't know what the hell you're talking about, you freak!"

Lael then kicked him across the face so hard in fact that he was sent flying several feet.

"I disagree, you're both criminals, and as such, you should be made to feel the consequences of your actions."

'Eric, whatever happens, do not interfere with what I'm about to do,' said Tom. 'No matter what.'

"You talk like you know everything; you don't know Tom," said Eret furiously. "And you don't know anything about Water 7!"

Eight years ago, the Sea Train was coming in carrying passengers and supplies to Water 7.

"I heard the judiciary ship will be here in three days."

"Finally putting Tom on trial, are they?"

"I hope it ends well for him."

"I'm sure it will."

"Right, he fulfilled his promise after all."

"That he did."

Several shipwrights were offloading the supplies and were now discussing the trade situation.

"All right, let's get that lumber in the dock."

"So, how did the deal worked out with Saint Kaia?"

"Not that great; they're taken advantage of us since we don't have much to trade with them."

"Like iron from Novta, we'll all be in the red in this kind of crap keeps up."

"We're not going to let this keep happening, are we guys?"

"Yeah! No way!"

At Scrapheap Island, Tom and Iceberg were busy building a new ship.

"People do seem to be happy to be able to cross the ocean, but they say the trade situation isn't as good as they hoped," said Iceberg. "I wonder if this town needs more than a Sea Train."

Tom laughed. "Ah, but their spirits up, boy. That is a major step, so get the rest some time. We've done our best, so be proud and keep your head held high and with gusto!"

"Yeah," Iceberg agreed and carried on with his work.

Tom then noticed that they had five visitors judging from their attire; there were Government agents. Four all them were dressed in white, and leading them was a snivelling looking man with long black hair in a black suit.

"You there," said the strange man looking at Tom. "Am I correct in assuming that I'm speaking with Mr Tom, the shipbuilding engineer? Your difficult man to pin down. I have some matter of great importance I wish to—"

His aides then noticed that the cannonball was heading straight down towards them.

"Uh, sir—"

The agent glared at them. "This man and I are talking!

"Yes, sir!" they said, saluting, and they then immediately stepped away to a safe distance.

"As I was saying before, I was so rudely—"

He was then struck by the cannonball. Fortunately, it didn't hit him and only struck the ground behind him. However, the splurging from the impact was enough to send him flying into the air.

"I was going to say that my name is Agent Spandam from Cipher Pol number five!" he said as he spun around before he hit the ground.

"Spandam, sir!"

"Sorry about that, my bad," said Eric. "Looks like you got in the way of my victory cannon salute for my Battle Eret 35. Just check it out." Behind him was another battleship, but unlike his previous attempts, this one as he managed to kill a sea king. "Now, isn't this the biggest sea king you ever laid eyes on?"

"I can't believe him," Iceberg groaned.

Iceberg then jumped down and grabbed a large hammer began hammering at the battleship.

"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing Ice for Brains?" Eret yelled as he grabbed him.

Iceberg then shoved him aside. "Where are you going to learn? Ever since you were kidding, all you ever wanted to do was build stupid battleships. It's time to stop! This had better be the last one, or going to start tearing apart myself!"

"Want to bet?" said Eric grabbing the hem of his shirt. "You lay a finger on my ship, and you will drop back like a stump, you hear me?"

"Yeah!" said Iceberg and quickly pinned him against his ship. "Listen, Eric! If you were able to kill a sea king with this floating piece of junk, that means it's a dangerous weapon! You got all those other battleships of yours strewn around here! What are you thinking?"

"Hey, it's not like attacking people with them, am I?"

"I'm not saying you'd do that, but you're making it easier for anyone else who would want to, you idiot!"

Tom laughed as he approached them, and Iceberg then released Eric.

"Am I right?" said Iceberg looking at Tom. "Back me up here, Tom. Eric's weapons are going to be the end of our business."

"Hold on," said Spandam as he rose to his feet. "This is no laughing matter! I demand a sincere apology and that you'll listen here to what I've come here to say!"

"Government guy are you?" said Tom. "So, is this about the trial?"

Spandam frowned. "Trial? What the devil you talking about? No, this concerns an altogether different matter."

"Now what?" said Eric.

Eric and Iceberg then soon returned home, where Coco was busy cooking a meal.

"Did Tom come back with you boys?" she asked.

"Na, I think he's with a visitor," said Iceberg. "Some man from the Government, it wasn't about the trial. Span-something."

"He looked like a snivelling weakling to me," said Eric folding his arms.

"How strange?" said Coco frowning. "And he's not from the judiciary ship? The Government is so disorganised."

Tom and Spandam were currently in the warehouse, and Spandam had just enquired about a certain blueprint that he believed Tom possessed.

Tom laughed. "Afraid not, I've got no blueprint for something like that."

Spandam looked at him furiously. "That's nonsense! Do you take me for some weak-minded simpleton?" He then grabbed the hem of Tom's shirt. "I researched the history of Water 7 for countless hours! And I am absolutely certain that this document can only be in your possession!"

Tom laughed. "You're saying that you actually have the authority to investigate me?"

"That's right, I do," Spandam smiled, releasing him. "And what's more, I learned all about your dealings with Gold Roger in the course of my investigation. So unless you want me to share that information with my colleagues, you're going to cooperate."

"Why would I care? The Government already knows about it."

Spandam's eyes widened in shock. "We do? That's utter poppycock; if that's true, why are you here and not rotting away somewhere in a jail cell?"

"Use your investigated powers and find out for yourself; good day," said Tom and then tossed him outside.

"Hey, you can't a Government Agent like this!" Spandam roared as he tried to open the door. "Open this door immediately!"

He went to a cafe, and the cafe owner was more than happy to explain the deal that Tom made with the judge.

"That's right, it's all true," he said as he served him a drink. "Yes, sir, he did exactly what he told the judge he'd do. And they should be dropping the charges at the trial that's coming up. That man saved this island for sure."

Spandam was absolutely furious. "It makes my blood boil to think that damn criminal is being treated like a hero."

He began thinking back to several months ago when he spoke to the Five Elders about a proposal he offered.

"I see, you're certain that anything truly exists," said the elder with a long white beard.

"Yes, sir. And the pirates are scouring the globe for it as we speak," said Spandam. "That's why it is imperative we located immediately. If it were to fall into the wrong hands, the resulting destruction would be inconceivable. We've been suffering through this Great Pirate Era for more than a decade now. It is a vile sickness that grows worse with every passing day; the time for discussion is over. We must do more than prevent this weapons construction; we must build it ourselves and use it as a mighty instrument of justice! With it, we can eliminate this pirate scourge and bring law and order back to our land!"

The elders looked at one another; it was clear that they agreed with some of what Spandam was saying. However, constructing a dreadnought capable of destroying the continent may be crossing the line a tad.

"This is indeed a troubling era; there's no doubt about that," the scarred elder agreed.

The elder with the sword looked at Spandam. "Your primary objective will be to locate and then obtain these blueprints. That will be all at this time."

"We trust that you can complete this mission, Spandam," said the elder with a long white beard.

"Yes, sir!" Spandam saluted. "Without fail."

However, now that he had heard of Tom's pardon, that would make his job even harder.

"I've been working on this case are far too long to see all go up in smoke," he said bitterly. "It right within my grasp now."

He then drank his drink and slammed the glass on the counter.

"Let's go!" he said, paying for the drink.

He and his men began walking down the street as he came up with a plan to obtain the blueprints.

"Damn!" he yelled furiously. "If a judge decides to acquit him, that will be a headache for me."

In frustration, he banged his hand against some scaffolding, but no sooner had he done so that a bucket of pink paint fell on his head.

"Spandam, sir!" his men yelled.

Spandam tried to get the backing of his head but ended up sleeping on the paint. Fortunately, he was able to regain his footing, and his men clapped, looking impressed.

"That shard will stick," Spandam vowed as he removed the bucket. "And that bastard, we'll hang Men, I'll need five more agents stat!"

They saluted, and he had just taken a step forward when he slipped on the paint, his chin on the pavement and fell into the canal.

"Spandam, sir!"

Meanwhile, Tom was at the warehouse and opened the safe, grabbing some documents. He then promptly made his way to the workhouse where Iceberg and Eric were working.

"Iceberg… Eric…" said Tom.

"Yeah?" said Iceberg.

"Come here, boys," he said, gesturing to them.

"What is it?" Iceberg asked.

"It's about time I let you in on something important."

It was late at night when the two of them have finished going over the blueprints for Odin. The two of them were completely speechless. They had seen powerful dreadnought before, but this thing was completely overkill.

"Why would anyone even dream of something like this?" said Iceberg as his hands shook.

"Is this for real? Can this thing actually be built?" said Eric.

"Those are the blueprints for a nightmare," said Tom folding his arms. "A real monster. The Government has learned of their existence and is starting to sniff around for them. It's too dangerous for me to keep them anymore."

"This is terrifying, but I agree," said Iceberg. "I'll keep them."

"I don't suppose we can build this thing?" said Eric.

"What do you think?" said Iceberg turning on him. "Just look at this thing. It can never be built. Can you imagine what destruction it could cause!"

"Yeah, the world would be done for," Tom agreed and then laughed. "Despite trying to build the damn thing, you can do whatever the hell you want with it for now. You can even toss it if you need to."

"Yes, of course," Iceberg nodded.

"While I got your attention, there's another storm brewing," he said and showed them the wanted posters for Heather.

A few days later, Eric had left the workhouse and was headed into town.

"Eric, you sure you have everything?" Coco asked.

"Geez, I'm only going out to get a few things," said Eric rolling his eyes.

"Then skedaddle," she smiled.

"Can't believe she's making a big meal, just because the stupid judges finally saying Tom's not guilty," Eric muttered as he walked off. "He never was in the first place."

"All right," said Coco and began banging a ladle against a frying pan to wake Tom and Iceberg. "Rise and shine! Tom! Iceberg! Get up; today's judgement day! Don't want to sleep for your big trial!"

The judiciary ship was already making its way to the port for the trial. All the citizens were eager for its arrival.

"Let's get down to the harbour!"

"They're going to hand out Tom sentence!"

The judge was looking out his window in his office and saw the huge crowd of people gathered.

"The spectators are boarding the ship in droves," said the captain as he entered the office. "The people are really interested. It seems like it will be a big trial."

"Seems that way," the judge agreed.

"Have you had a chance to see the Sea Train yet, your honour?"

"I have indeed," the judge nodded. "Quite impressive, a true feat of ingenuity. He fulfilled his end of the bargain; I'm certain the people were rejoiced to see their hero go free."

The spectators were taking their seats in the courtroom, eagerly awaiting the trial.

"Is Tom here yet?"

"It should have started already."

Eric was at the harbour looking as people began boarding the ship.

"Come on before all the seats are taken!"

"I know; I can't wait to see the look on his face when the judge lets him off!"

"What a trip," Eric smiled. "Wow, can't believe it's been 10 years."

Then suddenly there was a huge explosion on the ship, and it didn't take people to realise that they would cannonball is firing upon the judiciary ship. People began panicking, running in different directions, and it was even worse for those inside.

"The ship was under attack!"

"Get away from it!"

"Hurry!"

"What the? Is this a pirate raid?"

"But how? Where is this attack even coming from?"

"Hey, look! Over there!"

"What? Some kind of fleet?"

Eric looked out towards the sea where they were pointing. His eyes widened in horror because attacking the judiciary ship where his battleships, all of them.

"Those look like battleships! Those pirates are attacking us! There's so many of them. Are they all working together?"

Eric just stood there as everyone ran away from the cannon fire.

"What's happening? Who the hell… who's doing this? Who took my ships?"

At the workhouse, Iceberg was fully aware of what was going on in quickly got Tom.

"Tom! We're in trouble! Eric's ships are attacking the harbour!"

Tom then immediately rose to his feet.

"It's not him; I saw him earlier," said Coco. "He wouldn't do such a thing."

"I know that," said Iceberg. "Look, I'm positive that it's not Eric doing it; this is a whole kind of other trouble we're in."

"Let's put a stop to it," said Tom as he made his way to the door.

"Right," Iceberg nodded.

'Pirates? Or worse the Government?' said Tom.

At the harbour, it was utter chaos; the battleships just kept on firing upon the judiciary ship without pause.

"Evacuate!"

"Hurry into the city!"

"Get away from the harbour!"

"But there are people still inside!"

Eric was already making his way to Scrapheap Island as quickly as he could.

'Bastards!' he said. 'They're going to pay! Who the hell is it? Who the hell was screwing around my ships?'

The Marines were scrambling on the ship, and the captain quickly approached the judge.

"Please, come with us, your honour!" he said. "The ship can't take much more!"

"Who does that plea belong to?" said the judge looking at the battleships.

Manning the ships were Spandam's agents.

"The raid on the judiciary ship was a success, sir," said the agent on the lead ship over the transponder snail.

"Excellent," said Spandam. "Now, I want you to proceed to step two immediately. We must ensure that justice is served."

"Yes, sir."

Spandam had been watching the entire thing from a safe distance and smiled. "Now, let's begin your impending trial in earnest, shall we, Tom?"

The judiciary ship then began to sink.

"It looks like it's about to go down," said the agent and looked back at the others. "All right, let's get back to Scrapheap Island."

"Right!"

With that, they began sailing back to Scrapheap Island.

"Hey, the fleet is starting to turn around."

"Hold on, I'm pretty sure I've seen those ships somewhere before."

Iceberg and Tom had finally reached Scrapheap Island in time to see Eric ship's returning.

"Look, Tom, they're coming this way!" said Iceberg. "They're getting close I think we can catch them."

"I can't imagine what the hell they were thinking pulling a stunt like that," said Tom.

"I see two men approaching from the island," said an agent looking through his binoculars.

"That's Tom. Right, let's abandon this ship."

With that, the agents aboard the ships dived into the sea and swam away.

Tom and Iceberg wasted no time and quickly boarded the ships, but there wasn't a trace of anyone.

"What the? Not a soul on this thing?" said Tom.

"Same here, I don't see anybody," said Iceberg. "What the hell is going on here?" Iceberg then turned around and saw two of Eric's battleships sailing towards them. "More of Eric ships?"

Tom's eyes widened. "Iceberg, watch out!"

Too late, the ships fired upon them, destroying the ships.

Eric just arrived at Scrapheap Island and saw the carnage.

"Damnit, my Battle Erets… they're destroyed," he said.

Then he saw on the shore was Tom with a massive harpoon lodged in his shoulder and Iceberg laying down on the ground.

"Tom! Iceberg!" Eric yelled, running down towards them. "Hey, can you hear me? Are you okay? What the hell happened here?"

Iceberg then started to get up, though he was a little shaky.

"Tell me what's going on," said Eric.

The first thing Iceberg did was punch across the face. "You stupid ass!" He then fell to his knees. "It's your fault that this happened. It was that intelligent agent; he used your damn battleships to attack people at the harbour!"

"No, I didn't hurt anybody," said Eric and looked at Tom, who was completely unconscious.

"I told you this would happen, but you don't listen!"

Eric remembered the conversation they had a few days ago realise that he was right.

"My ships did this?" said Eric looking completely horrified. "They hurt Tom?"

Iceberg then grasped his shoulders. "Look, we have the ability to create powerful things… weapons. Even if you weren't trying to, weapons are made to her people. Whether you want them to or not, they could hurt your friends. That is what the Government did to us; they use your creations to a lot of people, people we care about, and now the enough of the blame on us. They want to back Tom into a corner so they could get those blueprints. After all this, you still think that your hands don't have blood on them? If Tom gets taken away if he hangs for this… I swear on my life I never forgive you!"