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Chapter 17:
The crew fell silent after hearing Victor's words.
They were ordinary people—research-focused botanists. Surviving the New World without sufficient strength was nearly impossible. The reality weighed heavily on them.
They had set sail with dreams of seeing the New World and studying its unique plants—that ambition hadn't changed. But the dangers were real, and they were still young. Dying out there would be a tragic waste.
Victor continued calmly: "You've already thoroughly researched the plants on the Stomach Baron and Skypiea. All that data is safely stored with me. But right now, what you need most is to take that knowledge back to the South Blue."
He looked at each face. "Share it. Teach it. Become professors or curators. Build museums or academies. Let more people learn from what you've discovered. I think you'd all make excellent teachers."
Heracles nodded in agreement. "Victor's right. I also suggest you return to the South Blue. Do what you were born to do. Let me—and Victor—see the New World for you."
Silence settled again.
Crocus stood to the side, arms crossed, quietly observing.
Victor broke the quiet. "Decide now. Anyone who wants to return to the South Blue—stay where you are. Anyone willing to risk death and follow me to the New World—step forward and stand behind me."
The crew exchanged glances, deep in thought.
After a moment, one spoke up: "I've been away too long. I want to go home and see my family."
Another added: "I'm going to build a botanical museum back in the South Blue. Share what we've learned with the world."
Then, slowly: "I want to follow the captain to the New World. I'm not afraid of dying—I'm afraid of dying without living boldly."
One by one, people stepped forward.
In the end, five crew members chose to follow Victor into the New World. The remaining dozen or so decided to return to the South Blue.
Victor nodded, satisfied. The five who stayed were among the physically strongest and most capable of the scholars—good choices. They knew their limits. Smart.
"Alright. That's settled."
Heracles looked concerned. "Victor… how will the others get back to the South Blue safely?"
Victor waved it off. "Don't worry. I'll buy another ship later and hire guards to escort them. And here—this Zoan Tiger fruit. One of you should eat it."
He handed the fruit to Trayton—one of the stronger scholars. "It'll give your group real protection on the journey."
Trayton hesitated only a moment before swallowing it.
"Ugh—disgusting!"
The change was immediate. In front of everyone, he transformed into a massive Bengal tiger—majestic and intimidating.
His fellow returnees jumped back in shock.
When he shifted back to human form, they crowded around excitedly. "How does it feel?"
Trayton clenched his fist, grinning. "Power. Raw, incredible power."
Victor nodded. "Good. Free time for now. Banquet tonight. I'm heading out to buy a ship."
He took the five New World-bound crew members with him.
On the way to Tom's workshop, Vinnie Colanton rushed up, breathless. "Victor-san! Wait! I have news on Adam Wood."
Victor stopped. "Oh? Speak."
Vinnie panted: "There's a massive Adam Wood branch in the black market auction house. Auction's in a few days."
Victor's eyes gleamed. "Not bad. Good timing. If you'd come even a little later, you'd be useless to me."
He looked Vinnie over. "I said if you delivered, you could work under me. From now on—you're mine."
He tossed several large bags of Berries—two billion total. "Investment capital. Use it to grow your organization."
Vinnie caught them, eyes wide. "Thank you, sir! Thank you for the opportunity!"
Victor ignored the groveling and turned to Heracles. "Heracles—these next few days in Water 7, train him. He's too weak right now."
Heracles grinned. "Sure. You're with us now, Vinnie. Training starts today."
Victor added: "And you five—basic physical training begins too. Strength is the foundation. We can't enter the New World weak."
Heracles shouted: "Exactly! No training, no growth!"
Vinnie bowed repeatedly. "Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!"
Victor pulled out two Den Den Mushi and handed them over. "Long-term tasks for you two—Heracles and Crocus. One: keep searching for the Baku Baku no Mi. Watch for other Devil Fruits too. Two: gather key intelligence. Report periodically."
He gave one to Vinnie as well. "Use this. Stay in touch."
Vinnie took it reverently. "Yes, sir. I'll do everything in my power."
Victor nodded. "Good. Go."
The group arrived at Tom's workshop.
Tom had already finished the initial design for the new Plant Scholars. Victor reviewed it, made a few suggestions, and the two dove into discussion.
Crocus looked over the blueprint in awe. "Wow… the captain really handles everything. This design looks incredible."
Heracles laughed. "Of course he does. Victor's reliable like that. Haha!"
They didn't understand all the technical details, but they could tell it was impressive.
Not wanting to interrupt, they found an open area nearby and began training.
Even Crocus set aside his medical studies for now—he joined the physical drills.
Victor trained every day without fail. When he wasn't eating, he was cultivating.
Heracles shouted: "Let's begin! No training—no strength!"