Chapter 104
Vivi was very happy right now—Victor had come. In all this time, this was only the second time Victor had visited Water 7—it was extremely rare.
So Vivi went all out and prepared a massive amount of delicious food. Because she also knew Victor loved food and loved eating.
As Vivi's subordinates came to pay their respects to Victor, the banquet grew bigger and more lively. Victor didn't stop it—he let Vivi do as she pleased. He simply picked up food and ate.
Tom was right beside him, happily devouring the delicacies as well. Nora and the others gathered around Tom, constantly asking about shipbuilding techniques and knowledge.
"Tom-san—I invite you to join my Plant Scholars. How about it?" Victor got straight to the point and directly stated the purpose of his visit.
Nora and the others heard Victor's words and immediately smiled happily. Iceburg and Franky were stunned—they felt a bit at a loss.
Tom had already guessed something, so hearing Victor's words didn't surprise him. But he wasn't very willing to join a pirate crew, yet he had no way to deal with the World Government. So he fell silent.
"Tom-san—you know the World Government won't let you go." "Your shipbuilding skills shouldn't be buried. Under my protection, your safety can be guaranteed." "At the same time, I'll provide you with funds to build a super-large shipbuilding company." "You manage the shipbuilding company—how about it?"
Victor shared his idea.
Iceburg and Franky's eyes lit up upon hearing Victor's plan. They felt this idea was great—then they could be free.
Tom thought about it—Victor was right—and sighed.
"Alright. I accept Victor-san's invitation." Tom finally agreed.
Actually, there were two reasons: one was shipbuilding techniques, and the other was his two apprentices.
"Yay! That's great!" Iceburg and Franky immediately cheered.
Nora and the others were also very happy.
"Hahaha, excellent—welcome our new member Tom!" Victor laughed happily upon hearing Tom's words.
Vivi looked at Tom with envy in her eyes. If allowed, she also wanted to join Victor's pirate crew. But her role was mainly intelligence gathering—so Vivi could only think about it. Still, just working under Lord Victor was already better than most.
On Spandam's side, after returning to Enies Lobby, he immediately called his father. He kept complaining to Spandine, but it was useless.
When Spandine learned it was Victor, he immediately told him to lay low recently and not get involved in anything related to Victor anymore. No helping it—Victor was just too terrifying. Even Mary Geoise—he dared attack it. What wouldn't he do?
Spandam also knew Victor's intelligence—otherwise he wouldn't have been so scared he nearly wet himself. But he still sent CP9 to Water 7 as undercover agents—he refused to believe they couldn't find the Pluton blueprints.
Victor stayed in Water 7 for a few days. Tom and the others were packing up and saying goodbye to their colleagues. Victor bought a large amount of food and some local specialties in Water 7.
Then Victor took Tom and the others back to the Baron Omatsuri. Victor introduced Tom and his two apprentices to Heracles and the others.
Franky and Iceburg did not join Victor's crew—this was Tom's request. After all, his two apprentices still had more choices. Victor also said he wouldn't restrict anyone's freedom. But betrayal was not allowed—death would be the only outcome.
As for Franky and Iceburg, he had no other thoughts—his goal this time was only Tom.
Then Victor also gave Tom a necklace.
Tom was extremely shocked when he saw the massive Baron Omatsuri. But this place wasn't suitable for building a shipyard—it was better suited for a special amusement park.
So Victor told Tom he could first look for a suitable location himself—he would cover funds and logistics. Tom said he could find a nearby island first and build a ship repair point. As for a full shipbuilding company, it needed all related resources—otherwise it was just talk.
Victor said he would help keep an eye out for locations.
Tom and his two apprentices, wanting something to do, inspected the Plant Scholars thoroughly. Then they took Bailey and others, sailed the Plant Scholars, and looked for suitable islands nearby.
At this moment, on the Grand Line. CP9 agent Fukurou was escorting the rubber fruit ship. Fukurou was drinking afternoon tea, thinking this mission was quite easy. After all, who would be foolish enough to steal from the World Government?
Meanwhile, Shanks had decided to rob the rubber fruit Fukurou was escorting. Actually, he had long known the characteristics and power of the rubber fruit—this was the Devil Fruit he had waited for.
At first, Benn Beckman had different opinions about this action—too risky. But since Shanks insisted, they could only follow the captain's orders.
So Shanks attacked Fukurou's ship in front of his incredulous expression. They didn't kill randomly—just took all the ship's resources and left directly.
Then Shanks returned to the East Blue and stationed at Windmill Village.
In the East Blue, Windmill Village. The Red Hair Pirates were docked here. Luffy was very curious about Shanks and the others—not just Luffy, but also Ace and Sabo. They were all curious about the Red Hair Pirates.
So they often came to the tavern to listen to the Red Hair Pirates chat and tell stories. Luffy quickly became close with Shanks—his antics often made Shanks and the others laugh heartily.
In comparison, Ace and Sabo were very polite and had good boundaries. This day, Shanks was chatting and laughing with the tavern owner Makino, while Luffy sulked nearby.
When Luffy saw a box on the bar counter, he curiously opened it and found an unknown fruit inside. So Luffy didn't think much of it—he picked it up and bit into it.
Shanks finally noticed Luffy's action at this moment, but it was too late to stop him. Because Luffy had already swallowed it—Shanks could only lift Luffy by the legs, hoping Luffy could spit out the Devil Fruit.
But after a few shakes, Luffy's legs suddenly stretched long in Shanks' shocked expression.
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