Chapter 389 Learning Arts
Tom was also very concerned about the crew members of Roger's pirate group. He knew that Shanks was trained by Roger as his successor, so he bought a newspaper specifically for the battle between Vic and Shanks. So he knew that Vic had great potential and was a rising star of the navy, so there was no problem with his identity.
On the surface, Tom was attracted by Vic's food, but the real reason was that he wanted to use the navy's stationing here to dispel the World Government's suspicion that he possessed the Pluto drawings.
If someone really has the Pluto blueprints, would they invite the navy to their home? They are too bold. They are skeptical to begin with. If they do something like this, will it clear them of suspicion?
Anyway, the drawings have been hidden, so it doesn’t matter even if the navy’s warships dock in.
Although Tom was a very upright person, he had to hide some things regarding the Pluto blueprints. Anyway, he was not joking about accepting the navy to the shipyard, and it really helped Vic and the others.
Tom's conditions were beyond Vic's expectations. He thought he wanted to collect rent, but he didn't expect that he was craving for delicious food, which surprised Vic.
Although Vic had some confidence that Tom would agree to give the warship shelter, he didn't expect it to be so simple.
Tom is a very generous man with a spirit of selfless dedication. What's more, the navy is an organization that protects justice on the sea. So as long as Vic's identity is confirmed, Tom will most likely agree. He just didn't expect it to be so quick. It's just a few meals, which is no big deal for Vic.
"Mr. Tom! Is it really just cooking a few meals? Are you kidding me?" Vic confirmed uncertainly.
"Yes, Mr. Tom! You must be joking, aren't you?"
Iceberg turned his head and looked at Tom with hope and asked. Tom didn't say anything. Before Franky could grab Iceberg's steak again, he picked up the steak from Iceberg's bowl and stuffed it directly into Iceberg's open mouth, then sealed Iceberg's mouth with his palm.
Although the steak is a little big, people in this world will not choke to death. It is impossible for the iceberg to swallow the steak, so since its mouth is sealed and it cannot spit it out, it can only start chewing instinctively.
As soon as he started chewing, his eyes widened. He was so attracted by the fresh and tender taste of the steak that he couldn't stop eating it. He had forgotten about the medicine in it. Even though he knew there was medicine in it, he couldn't help but eat it, just like many people like to eat puffer fish. They know they might be poisoned but still can't help but want to eat it.
"Iceberg! How does it taste? It's definitely not enough for one meal. It's worth it for their warships to dock!"
Tom asked after Iceberg swallowed the steak. Iceberg's mouth was covered and he couldn't speak. He could only nod and blink. It was obvious that he was also conquered by Vic's delicious food.
Then Iceberg stared at Franky with an angry face again, blaming Franky for eating all of his share before, otherwise his plate would have been full of food by now.
Franky had a smug look on his face, as if he had gotten an advantage. He had just eaten a lot of the iceberg, and now he was very proud and enjoying it. Did you resist and dare not eat it? You regret it now! You deserve it!
"Mr. Tom! I have a small request. I wonder if you can agree to it?" Vic asked while turning the meat in the baking pan.
"Oh! I wonder if Brother Vic has any other requests. I will try my best to satisfy them."
Tom felt relieved after solving a problem and was enjoying the delicious food. Naturally, he would not refuse Vic's small request.
Iceberg and Franky ignored Vic's small request and kept eating. However, Kokoro was a little curious about Vic's request.
"That's right. I'm about to go out on a mission alone to lead the warship. As a commander, I have to understand some things on the warship.
Since Mr. Tom was able to build a masterpiece like the Oro Jackson that could sail around the Grand Line, it is no exaggeration to say that his shipbuilding skills are the best in the world.
So I want to learn some boatman knowledge from Mr. Tom, so that I can better manage a team."
Vic was not just talking, he really wanted to learn so that he could design the facilities added to the warship more reasonably in the future.
He has too many ideas about the warship, but if he forcibly modifies it without understanding its structure and stress points, it is very likely to damage the warship. By then, a big wave or a small storm may tear the warship apart. Why not take advantage of such a good opportunity to learn?
Tom was very pleased to hear what Vic said at the beginning, but his face became a little stiff when he heard the latter part. Vic's words made him feel nervous again!
It's not that he is sensitive, but Vic's words do seem like deliberate approach to him, a person who actually has the Pluto drawings. Most people would not think so, they would only think that Vic is serious, responsible and studious.
But people who have something to hide are fond of making associations, and will link any small matter to that. Vic's request hits all of the right notes, so it's no wonder Tom thinks too much.
But he had no way to refuse. If Vic really came to him by chance, it would be fine. But if he really came for the Pluto blueprints and he refused, it would arouse suspicion. He didn't dare to take the risk. Losing his life was a small matter, but if the blueprints were taken away by the World Government, he would be a sinner.
"What's the matter, Mr. Tom? Is it inconvenient? Is it that the family skills cannot be passed on to outsiders? If not, forget it. I can find other ship engineers on the island to learn. Anyway, I just need to have a general understanding. I will leave this island after the water gods leave!"
It was only after Vic made his request that he realized that saying this might cause misunderstanding, but rushing to explain would only lead to even greater misunderstanding.
He really knew that Pluto was in Tom's hands, so he couldn't make it too sensitive. He could only pretend that he didn't know and talk about family inheritance. If he had a choice, he would certainly hope to study under Tom, who is the top figure among the boatmen now.
Franky didn't take Vic's words to heart. In his mind, Vic was just a sailor with good cooking skills and a future partner. He ignored the conversation between the two and just focused on eating.
However, Bingshan and Kokoro thought about what they would have to face after this little request, so they stopped what they were doing and stared at the two people who were talking!
Originally, Iceberg had been captivated by Vic's delicious food and had chosen to believe Vic, but Vic's words brought him back to his original form.