Jack hadn't expected Kaido's reaction to be so intense after mentioning the name of the Fish-Man Tom.
What Kaido revealed next left Jack somewhat dumbfounded.
Under Kaido's urging, a fleet of over ten merchant ships bearing the Beasts Pirates' flag soon departed from Wano.
"Jack-sama, Fish-Man Tom was actually tried over a decade ago, but because of his involvement in building the Sea Train…"
Culott spoke cautiously, glancing nervously at the menacing Fish-Men standing near Jack.
After Culott finished explaining, Jack wiped the food residue from the corner of his mouth with a napkin. Standing up, he said in a low voice:
"So, what you're saying is, the World Government has been relentlessly harassing Tom, and that guy, Franky, realized they wouldn't give up easily, which is why he asked us to rescue him?"
"That's correct,!"
Culott paused for a moment before continuing:
"The Oro Jackson, the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, was built by Fish-Man Tom. That's why Tom is hailed as the world's greatest shipwright."
"And while it's also the reason he was put on trial, he wasn't supposed to face further punishment after completing the Sea Train. But for some reason, a special division of the World Government has been fixated on him."
"Just last year, their harassment became more frequent. Franky sensed their ill intent and asked me to deliver this letter while I was passing through."
After Culott's explanation, a few Fish-Men shouted angrily:
"World Government or not, Master Tom is the pride of all Fish-Men!"
"When we get there, we'll kill every one of those humans and take Master Tom back with us!"
Culott wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced anxiously at Jack.
"Shut up, you fools!"
Jack glared at the burly Fish-Men standing beside Finder and said firmly:
"The main reason I brought you along is so you can fish me out of the sea if I fall in!"
"Other than that, you're to stay on the ship and go nowhere else! If you die out there, it'll be for nothing!"
"And don't reveal your identities! If the World Government is so determined to target Tom, there's obviously a reason. Whatever secret he's hiding must be significant enough to warrant the World Government's full attention!"
"Your appearances are too conspicuous. If they misunderstand and think Fish-Man Island is involved, it could cause serious trouble!"
"Kaido specifically instructed us: we can save Tom, but we must not expose our identities!"
The Fish-Men exchanged glances before asking Jack with some confusion:
"But Jack-sama, if you don't reveal your identity, how will you save Tom? Your reputation has already spread across the world. They'll surely recognize you, right?"
"Hmph."
Jack snorted coldly. Then, to everyone's astonishment, his massive body began shrinking at a visible rate.
"Crack… crack…"
Amid the sound of bones creaking, Jack, who had stood over eight meters tall, shrank down to just over three meters—a still imposing yet significantly smaller figure.
His long golden hair now draped down to his waist. The Fish-Men, wide-eyed, pointed at him in speechless surprise.
"Ah… this…"
"You…"
"Stop gawking! What's there to be shocked about?" Jack growled.
"This is my Super Saiyan 3 form!"
"Jack…" Culott pointed to the ground, speaking in an even tone.
"I don't know about Saiyans, but I do know… your pants fell off."
"What the hell?!"
Jack scrambled to pull his pants up, cursing under his breath.
The transformation wasn't purely due to Seimei Kikan, the evolution of Jack's abilities after his character card upgraded to UR had allowed him to achieve this extreme control over his body.
When combined with Seimei Kikan, he could adjust his form in numerous ways. This current state was the pinnacle of his capabilities—and, incidentally, Yamato's favorite form. Don't ask why. It just fits!
While his appearance didn't change drastically, anyone familiar with him might still recognize him upon closer inspection. To be cautious, Jack had brought along a collection of unique disguises—such as dozens of Ultraman masks to better conceal his identity.
Of course, this form couldn't be maintained indefinitely. However, holding it for three to five days at a time wasn't an issue. Even during combat, as long as he didn't go all out, he could sustain it effortlessly.
Though Jack didn't know where Kaido got his information, hiding his identity seemed like a prudent measure.
When the fleet arrived at Fish-Man Island, one of the merchant ships flying a foreign nation's flag quietly left the convoy and headed straight for the Grand Line.
...
"Bam! Damn it! Those bastards!"
Franky dropped to his knees, trembling with rage. Beside him, the giant frog Yokozuna watched with concern.
"Why? Are the Fish-Men afraid of the World Government too?!"
"Are the so-called members of an Emperor's crew powerless to resist the World Government?!"
"Spandam! I will never let you take Master Tom away!"
With resolve burning in his eyes, Franky stood up, determination etched across his face.
On a modified merchant ship, he sped toward Water 7.
Meanwhile, Finder and the other Fish-Men stayed hidden in the ship's cabin. Since entering the Grand Line, they hadn't stepped out once. Thankfully, Jack stayed with them, and the group spent their days gambling in the cabin without complaint.
Suddenly, the merchant ship began to slow down and dock unexpectedly. Jack, puzzled, heard a familiar sound:
"Woo… woo…"
Boom!
"What the…"
Jack signaled Finder and the others to stay put, then shrank his body, donned a mask, and stepped out of the cabin.
In the distance, a long train roared across iron tracks laid over the sea, leaving Jack wide-eyed in amazement.
If such technology were implemented between Wano and Onigashima or Onigashima and the Elbaf Continent, who knows how much time it could save?
"Bam!"
"Huh?"
In the distance, a figure was sent flying, leaving Jack momentarily stunned.
What was going on? Were there robbers attacking the Sea Train now?
But, this isn't a carriage! Why are you this desperate?
Sigh… He must've been facing extreme hardship—why else would he be dressed in nothing but swim trunks and a shirt?
When the Sea Train passed, the merchant ship approached the spot. All they found floating on the water was a single black pair of swim trunks—no blood, no body.
After silently offering a prayer for the poor soul, Jack didn't know what else to say.
Sigh… Life is tough everywhere. May you find peace, brother! In your next life, be born as a rich heir in my old world.
May your next life be free of oppression!
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg