Viola's ability doesn't directly allow her to read memories.
But she can read people's thoughts when they are thinking.
Whether in silence or lies, this ability overcomes them. The moment someone thinks in their mind, all secrets are exposed to Viola.
Unless Tom possesses powerful Haki, in which case, it could block Viola's probing.
But unfortunately, Tom, although somewhat strong, is just a shipwright by profession. While not completely ignorant of Haki, he could at best be said to know nothing about it.
Viola easily acquired the location of the blueprint from his thoughts.
It was hidden on his lower back.
"Oh?"
Law's gaze suddenly shifted, looking toward Tom's side. "This is good news. It saves us all some effort."
"You... who are you really?"
Tom was shocked.
Both Law and Viola had been aboard the Golden Dragon for some time, traveling with Ian on his campaign for the past two years.
But one had barely fought, and the other was a staff officer. They weren't even wanted.
Not only Tom, but even the Navy Intelligence Division people here might not recognize them.
"Stay away from Mr. Tom!"
Even more intense than his reaction was the blue-haired man. Tom was his teacher, his adoptive father, the man he respected most in his life.
Almost instinctively, the man pulled out a firearm from somewhere and aimed it at Law and Viola.
"Hey! Franky!"
Tom still wanted to say something.
"Tsk," Viola put her hands down and stepped back with a look of disdain, "My job is done, don't ask me to fight."
Not that I was counting on you.
Law let out a quiet hum.
Tch!
The blue-haired man, now known as Cutty Flam, felt a flash of pain and then an intense stomach ache. His body went limp, collapsing to the ground.
He didn't even realize what had happened before his consciousness slipped away.
In the stunned gazes of the remaining three, Law took slow steps forward. He extended his right hand to the fishman, Tom. "Mr. Tom, give me the blueprints. It's for the best for both of us."
"Run! Mr. Tom! You have to run!"
Before Tom could say anything, his eldest disciple, Iceburg, hurriedly shouted.
These guys are after Tom!
Tom must escape!
As long as he reaches the water, no one will be able to catch him as a fishman!
As for Fram—
Iceburg glanced at Franky, who was lying unconscious on the ground. He gritted his teeth and thought about rushing over. It's like I owe you in my past life!
"What are you saying, Iceburg!"
But Iceburg's plan never came to fruition. Tom immediately stepped in front of him protectively, saying boldly, "How could I leave my dear disciple and run away alone!"
He clenched his fist. "Then let's have a proper fight!"
A fight?
Law's lips curled up slightly.
He raised his voice and shouted, "Enel, can you hear me? Bring some intimidation, but don't hurt them."
Tom was stunned.
Who is he talking to—
Crack!
Thunder suddenly illuminated the night sky, falling from above and crashing loudly into a nearby pile of trash, instantly causing a huge explosion, with fierce flames burning.
Tom's pupils contracted sharply.
Was it just a coincidence?
Crackling.
Another bolt of lightning fell.
However, this bolt of lightning did not cause an explosion. Instead, in front of everyone, it condensed into the shape of a man.
Enel, with his long ears, took shape before Tom and his disciples, their eyes filled with shock.
A Logia type?
Tom suddenly felt a chill down his back.
Enel glanced at the group.
Is it them?
The thing that Ian bastard wanted is in their hands?
Looks like it should be pretty simple then.
Ian promised him that if he completed this task, he'd teach him how to become stronger.
"So, Mr. Tom," Law once again extended his right hand towards Tom. "It's all in your hands, isn't it? You can't take it or hide it, there's no need to escalate things further."
Tom fell silent.
He lowered his head.
He saw Iceburg and Kokoro's pale faces, and also saw Franky, still unconscious on the ground.
Tom finally sighed and reached his hand towards his lower back.
Law's lips curled into a grin.
His investigation of this fish-man Tom earlier today had made him like the man quite a bit.
If it weren't for necessity, he wouldn't want to make the situation too unpleasant.
Tom pulled a thick stack of blueprints from his lower back and slowly handed it to Law.
But at the same time, he couldn't help but say, "These are very, very dangerous things."
"You must not act recklessly!"
Law casually took the blueprints and glanced through them.
Hmm.
The design was quite complicated and hard to understand.
But from what could be vaguely seen, it was a blueprint for a ship.
However.
Danger?
Law's lips curled into a smile.
After all, there is no existence more dangerous than us in this world.
"Let's go, the mission is complete."
Law nodded with satisfaction.
But before leaving, he looked at Tom with a faint smile and said, "By the way, Tom-san, for the sake of this island, it'd be best if you don't tell anyone about what happened today."
Tom's expression instantly darkened.
What a despicable kid, threatening him with Water 7!
He replied angrily, "This blueprint is already a secret; I won't tell anyone!"
"That's great."
Law and his crew swaggered out.
At almost the same time.
On the other side of the sea, at the Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
"Golden Dragon?"
Admiral Sengoku yelled in surprise and anger, "Didn't that bastard Ian just leave Alabasta not long ago? How did he end up on Enies Lobby!"
"Enies Lobby,"
The Marine Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Tsuru, said calmly, "It's not far from the Alabasta route."
"Damn it!"
Sengoku gritted his teeth, "That restless brat! And now, of all times!!"
Most of the forces had been sent out to search for the Golden Lion, and the Marine Headquarters didn't have enough strength to send support to Enies Lobby.
And with Ian's speed, even if reinforcements were sent, they'd probably miss him by a mile.
"It's probably because of those two giants on Enies Lobby."
Vice Admiral Tsuru said, "Along with him, there are also the two captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, who disappeared ninety years ago—Blue Ogre, Dorry, and Red Ogre, Brogy."
"Those two old relics are still alive? Ian doesn't want to reassemble the Giant Warrior Pirates, does he?"
Kong felt a headache coming on.
The Giant Kingdom—it's the world's strongest nation.
Even though the Giant Warrior Pirates are nowhere near representing the entire Giant Kingdom, this at least means Ian now has a way to connect with the giants.
"Thinking too much doesn't help."
Vice Admiral Tsuru said, "We can't just stand by. Borsalino is in the nearby sea; have him go over, at least we can't let Ian make too much of a mess."
Kong nodded.
**********
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