Chapter 53
After Victor came of age, many foolhardy pirate crews came to challenge him.
However, none of them were even a match for a single move from Victor—they were simply too weak.
If the crews had a good attitude, they could keep their lives, but any who acted arrogant were thrown into the sea by Victor to feed the fish.
The Roger Pirates continued their global voyage.
While sailing the four seas, aside from battles with reckless pirate crews, it was basically just sightseeing and tourism.
As time passed, Victor gradually matured, gaining richer experience and insight.
Sometimes Victor felt that this peaceful life was pretty nice—but this was not his goal or wish.
Still, why refuse to enjoy life when you can?
These years could be considered a vacation for himself.
Of course, Victor never slacked on training—he trained every day, and the most important part was eating.
Eating, training, sparring, resting—a four-point routine, almost like a job.
Except eating was non-negotiable.
This was way easier than any job.
During these years of sailing, Victor never entered the blood-red state again.
Perhaps there were no more battles exciting enough to trigger it.
Coincidentally, this year they encountered Barrels' challenge. After Roger defeated him, Barrels joined the Roger Pirates.
Immediately after, Barrels began challenging the other crew members.
At fifteen or sixteen years old, Barrels already had strength comparable to Rayleigh.
So Victor gained a new sparring partner—but Barrels was still a bit lacking against him.
However, Barrels suited Victor's taste perfectly.
This allowed Victor to spar with Barrels to his heart's content.
Thus, over the next two years, Barrels constantly challenged Victor.
Even though he lost every time, he kept coming back—never giving up.
This earned Victor's great admiration.
Of course, if Barrels hadn't gone mad later, Victor would have really liked this guy.
So Victor kept guiding Barrels, hoping to slightly change his mindset.
During these years, people from the World Government also tried to approach Victor, but they were always shaken off.
Of course, if Victor took action, they were the ones who suffered.
After that, no one from the World Government ever bothered the Roger Pirates again.
At most, they just watched from afar.
However, during their travels, they encountered other pirates' atrocities.
Victor didn't hesitate—he directly killed all the pirates and saved that family.
Later Victor learned—they were Zephyr's family.
"Hoho—what a coincidence. I wonder how Zephyr would feel after knowing we saved his family."
Victor couldn't help but think.
"Thank you, sir, for saving our lives. May we know your honorable name? We will definitely repay your kindness in the future."
Zephyr's wife and family were deeply grateful to Victor, tears in their eyes.
"Alright—no need for that. It was just a casual act. Hurry and contact Zephyr—let him take you to a safe place. Otherwise this kind of thing might happen again."
"Oh, and if Zephyr asks—just say it was Victor."
Victor said with a smile.
"Yes—thank you again, Mr. Victor, for saving our lives."
Zephyr's family once again gave Victor a deep bow.
At this moment they had no other thoughts—they only knew they had to repay this lifesaving grace.
"You should advise Zephyr—some pirates truly don't deserve to die, but some really do. Let him think carefully."
Victor left them with one sentence and then disappeared.
The family was left deep in thought.
Afterward, they once again bowed deeply in the direction Victor had left.
Victor and the others continued their journey.
When Roger first arrived at the Island of Water without following the log pose and discovered it was not the final island,
He then began collecting the historical texts, preparing to continue the voyage and search for the true final island.
Happy times pass quickly—by now Roger was already a middle-aged man of about fifty.
This year, Barrels turned seventeen and was nicknamed by the crew as the "Demon's Heir."
And this year Roger's body suddenly developed problems.
When Crocus examined Roger, the diagnosis was terminal—an incurable disease.
According to the diagnosis, Roger might have only four or five years left.
In an instant, all the crew members became tense and sad.
Victor also fell silent. Although he had long known this day would come, he still couldn't help feeling sorrow.
Barrels also fell silent—but thanks to Victor's presence, his state was much better.
Meanwhile, Shanks and Buggy were already wailing loudly.
"Captain—I don't want you to die. Wuwuwu."
Shanks and Buggy each hugged one of Roger's legs, crying loudly.
But upon learning his condition, Roger showed no sadness—instead, he laughed out loud.
"Hahaha—you two little brats."
Roger smiled and rubbed Shanks' and Buggy's heads, his eyes filled with indescribable gentleness.
Then seeing everyone's silent expressions, he immediately felt it was unnecessary.
"Hahaha—what are you all doing with those faces? My life as Roger has already been extremely fortunate to have companions like you."
"Since that's the case, for the remaining time, let's continue collecting the historical texts and head to the true final island!"
Roger laughed loudly, showing no sorrow for his illness.
"Good—then let's keep collecting the historical texts. At the same time, search for someone who can read these ancient texts."
"That way it'll be more efficient."
Victor had long anticipated this day, so he walked over and extended his right hand.
The two men shared a firm handshake.
"Hahaha—then raise sails! Set off!"
Roger felt inspired and shouted loudly with laughter.
Thus, the voyage of the Plant Scholars continued.
But during the continued journey, the Roger Pirates still encountered the Golden Lion Pirates.
"I didn't expect we'd run into the Golden Lion Pirates again."
Victor saw Golden Lion and felt a bit emotional.
"Hahaha—since we met, no helping it."
Roger was very open-minded and laughed loudly.
Golden Lion, upon seeing Roger, was also extremely happy.
"Roger—I've been looking for you for a long time. Ally with me. You and I together—we'll rule the entire sea!"
Golden Lion shouted expectantly.
"Hahaha, Golden Lion—you're dreaming in broad daylight? We will never ally."
Roger listened and directly refused.
Golden Lion's face immediately sank upon hearing this.
"Since that's the case—then let's fight."
Golden Lion shouted loudly and immediately ordered the attack.
Behind Golden Lion were densely packed ships and a huge number of pirates—they immediately charged forward.
But with Victor present, group battles were the least threatening thing.
"Hoho—quite a lot of people."
Victor sneered.
"Looks like Golden Lion's forces expanded very quickly."
Rayleigh looked at the massive pirate fleet and somewhat admired Golden Lion's boldness.
"Captain Roger—what do you say? You take Golden Lion—I handle the rest?"
"Or I can handle it alone."
Victor asked Roger whether he wanted to act.
Even if Victor took care of it alone, it would be no problem.
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