How Does Tom'S Death Impact The 'One Piece' Storyline?

Tom is the legendary shipwright from 'One Piece' who built Gol D. Roger's pirate ship, the Oro Jackson. That alone makes him a legend in the world of shipbuilding. But his importance goes deeper - he mentored Franky and Iceburg, shaping Water 7's future. Tom's bold personality and unshakable principles shine when he accepts responsibility for giving Roger a ship, knowing it could cost him his life. His creation of the Sea Train connected islands and saved Water 7's economy, proving his genius wasn't just about ships but about changing the world. Even after his death, Tom's legacy lives on through Franky's craftsmanship and the Pluton blueprints storyline.

Tom's death sentence in 'One Piece' hits hard because it’s political, not criminal. The World Government needed a scapegoat after the blueprints for Pluton—an ancient weapon—got leaked, and Tom was the perfect target. His real crime? Building Roger’s pirate ship, the Oro Jackson. The trial was a sham; they never cared about his actual work. Even after he created the Sea Train, a marvel that connected islands, they tossed him aside. The execution scene is brutal—Tom laughing in defiance, refusing to betray his ideals. It’s a reminder of how corrupt the system is, willing to kill genius for convenience. For those who want more political intrigue in anime, check out 'Code Geass'. The way it handles sacrifice and systemic corruption mirrors Tom’s arc.

I've been following 'One Piece' for years, and Tom's connection to the Ancient Weapons is one of those brilliant Easter eggs Oda loves to drop. As the shipwright who built Gol D. Roger's Oro Jackson, Tom had access to knowledge most couldn't dream of. The Pluton blueprints he later gave to Iceburg weren't just any schematics—they were the countermeasure to an Ancient Weapon. His role wasn't direct, but he was a linchpin in keeping the balance. What fascinates me is how his craftsmanship tied into the bigger picture—his ships carried legends, and his legacy shaped the fate of the world through Franky and Water 7.

Tom first shows up in the Water 7 arc, and he's this massive, lovable shipwright with a heart as big as his hammer. He built Gol D. Roger's pirate ship, which is insane when you think about it. The guy's a legend, and his workshop is this chaotic, lively place where Franky and Iceburg train. Tom gets arrested because the World Government blames him for Roger's crimes, but he doesn't regret a thing. His trial scene is epic—he defends his creations with so much passion, even when he knows it'll cost him his freedom. The way he stands up to the government while cracking jokes makes you instantly love him.

Tom is the legendary shipwright who changed Franky's life forever in 'One Piece'. He wasn't just a mentor; he was the father figure Franky desperately needed after being abandoned as a kid. Tom saw potential in the wild, destructive Franky and channeled his energy into shipbuilding, teaching him that ships carry dreams. The most pivotal moment was when Tom took the fall for Franky's battleship designs, saving his life but getting sentenced to Enies Lobby. Franky's entire motivation after that—building the Thousand Sunny, protecting Water 7—stems from Tom's sacrifice. Their bond shows how one person's belief can redirect someone's entire destiny.

As someone who's followed 'One Piece' for years, I can confidently say 'One Piece starting by refusing Shanks' isn't an official sequel. It's a fan-made alternate universe story exploring what if Luffy never ate the Gum-Gum Fruit. These 'what if' scenarios are popular in fan circles, especially for long-running series like 'One Piece'. While entertaining, they lack the depth and continuity of Eiichiro Oda's original work. The official sequel remains the main manga storyline, with any spin-offs clearly labeled by Shueisha. Fan creations like this often pop up on platforms like Archive of Our Own or Fanfiction.net, where creators reimagine key moments differently.

The 'One Piece starting by refusing Shanks' twist flips the entire premise on its head. Instead of Luffy idolizing Shanks and eating the Gum-Gum Fruit to emulate him, this version has Luffy bluntly rejecting Shanks' offer to join his crew. This single decision creates a domino effect—Luffy never gets the scar under his eye, never eats the fruit, and never makes that promise to become Pirate King. The story diverges into uncharted waters where Luffy might develop entirely different abilities or motivations. Some fan theories suggest he could end up with a Logia-type Devil Fruit instead, making his battles completely unique. The character dynamics shift too; without Shanks' influence, Luffy's personality might lean more into his grandfather Garp's marine legacy, creating a protagonist who's rougher around the edges. The Straw Hats' formation could change entirely, with characters like Zoro or Nami joining under different circumstances. It's a fascinating what-if scenario that explores how one refusal can rewrite destiny.

I've been hunting down free manga sites for years, and 'One Piece starting by refusing Shanks' is a gem. You can find it on platforms like MangaDex or Comick.fun—both have clean interfaces and minimal ads. Some aggregators like Mangago occasionally host it too, but their uploads are inconsistent. I recommend using an ad blocker because these sites can be sketchy. The story’s premise is wild: what if Luffy rejected Shanks' hat? It explores an alternate path where he builds his crew differently. The art style mimics Oda’s early work, which is nostalgic. If you’re into fan-made routes, this delivers.