Chapter 55: The Player and the Best Old Man on the High Seas...
“We’ve arrived, yoi.”
The phoenix's magnificent wings transformed back into arms, placing Violet on the weathered deck.
The Moby Dick was an absolute behemoth; when the waves were relatively calm, the pirates standing on it would sometimes even forget that they were still adrift on the sea.
Even though they didn't encounter any real danger on this trip, when Marco and Namur returned to the Moby Dick, they still couldn't help but show a nostalgic expression.
This is their home, where their brothers and sisters live, and where their best dad in the world lives.
Namuel gave Vier a relaxed smile: "Don't be nervous, Dad is a very nice person."
Whitebeard was like a vast ocean, showing both his tolerant and generous side to his friends and sons, and his cruel and ruthless side to his opponents and enemies.
Fortunately, Violet boarded the Moby Dick as a friend.
"Friends?" Upon hearing this news, Jozu boldly guessed, "Red-Haired Shanks, Dark Lord Rayleigh, Fishman King Neptune?"
They were all incredibly famous figures, whose names alone could dent a solid deck if dropped on the ground.
"Stop guessing." With a keen eye, Izang, who was checking the seized fabrics in the cabin for anything suitable to give to the little girl, shook his head. "It's Vera."
Vieille.
Thanks to Namur's recent dramatic outbursts, the name is not unfamiliar to the squad leaders.
Joz looked at Sachi, who was preparing the recipes, with curiosity: "Who exactly is that person?"
What kind of person is Violet? For months, this question has been gently scratching at their hearts like a playful little kitten.
Now, the woman whose name was only known but whose face was never seen, Violet, has finally appeared.
"They're here! They're here! They're here!"
"She was carried up by Marco! How adorable! I want to hug her too!"
"Don't scare people with that full beard. This is Namur's sister. She looks completely different from him. How can Namur have such a beautiful sister?"
Namur, who had just returned from an outing and hadn't yet retracted his Observation Haki, thought: "..."
Namuel glared fiercely at the group of brothers who were curiously watching and occasionally letting out sighs and exclamations of admiration.
Marco stared speechlessly at the row of curious heads behind the wall.
There's no way around it; sailing the ocean is really boring without anyone challenging you. Don't be fooled by how Miu'er is glaring at them now; these guys were so bored before that they were planning to find a sea king to be their dad's pet!
"They were just curious, they meant no harm."
Just as Marco and Namur were feeling awkward, a Wano Country samurai with maxed-out emotional intelligence stepped in to save them.
When Vera turned around, she saw Izou standing behind her against the light, dressed in an elegant kimono, looking as if she were glowing.
Izang reached out his hand, carrying a warm fragrance, and handed a delicate gift box to Violet.
"I left in such a hurry last time that I didn't get a chance to properly thank you for the last gift you gave us."
When that beautiful face smiled, it was like a thousand wildflowers blooming at the same time, creating a breathtaking effect.
Stunned by the beauty, Vera blankly accepted the gift from Izang.
Yizang raised his eyes and subtly raised an eyebrow at Marco and Namuel behind Vil.
The two men simultaneously gave each other a thumbs-up.
Yizang, the social butterfly of the White Group!
Yizang Chaoweier extended her hand: "Dad also has a gift for you."
It was an old parchment scroll with a map of an island and the surrounding sea.
[...Island transfer agreement; once signed, the island will automatically be transferred to Violet's name.]
[Transferor: Edward Newgate]
[You have obtained the Island Transfer Notice. Reading it near your base will double the size of the island where your base is located.]
An island—Whitebeard's gift was an island!
"Kurarara!" Whitebeard looked at the adoring gaze on the little guy who wasn't even as long as his forearm, and laughed heartily. "Little guy, do you like this gift?"
Of course, who wouldn't like to get an island for free? Even the domineering CEO in a novel would only give the female lead a fishpond, but Whitebeard, the generous Whitebeard, actually gave her an island for free!
"Um!"
“This is a gift from Neptune and me to the younger generation,” Whitebeard said with emotion as he spoke of his old friend. “He specifically asked me to convey his gratitude to you, because his daughter has become much more lively and cheerful lately because of you.”
"Of course, he also wants to thank you for your help to Tiger and the Sun Pirates."
Oh, White Star.
That big, beautiful, and generous NPC who unlocked the [Fishman] character for her the moment they met.
Whitebeard valued his family, and naturally admired Neptune, who also valued his family.
"You don't need to thank me. This island was exchanged by Neptune for the treasure of Fishman Island."
Of course, without the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, the fishmen would not only fail to exchange the treasure for the island, but they themselves would most likely be captured and auctioned off.
Whitebeard took a sip of his drink. This man, who had witnessed the rise and fall of countless heroes of the sea, yet who had always stood as the strongest in the world like a pillar of strength, imparted his most important insights to Violet.
"Adventure is fun, but family is the most important thing."
Edward Newgate had no interest in wealth or fame; his greatest and most cherished treasure was the family members who surrounded him.
Marco, one of the family members, stepped forward and said in a voice that only he and Whitebeard could hear, "Dad, drink less."
Whitebeard: "..." Brat.
After confirming Vera's approximate age with Marco, Sachi prepared a whole page of food that children would like. While his father was being dissuaded by Marco, he quickly took matters into his own hands and replaced all the alcohol in the room with juice.
The powerful squad leaders each held a glass of juice, their expressions so natural that it seemed like pirates were born to drink this kind of stuff.
The true purpose of the Violet Moby Dick needed to be kept secret. In public statements, she boarded the ship as Namur's sister and a benefactor of her father's friend.
After the banquet began, the pirates who lacked the strength to be among the first to watch the excitement started to move around, using the excuse of offering fruit juice to come and see the legendary "Namuel's sister".
The pirates arrived out of curiosity, and then left in a daze, marveling at the diversity of the fish-men's genes.
I never knew that fish-man siblings could look so different!
The white-bearded man muttered in dissatisfaction, "What kind of banquet is a banquet without wine?"
After having their fill of fruit juice and food, the pirates who had been making a ruckus all night were taken away by their respective squad leaders, leaving only Whitebeard, Marco, Namur, and Izo on the deck.
Marco looked at his father: "Let Vera take a look, Dad."
"Hmph!" Whitebeard snorted irritably. "Why are you worrying about your stupid son!"
Edward Newgate is invincible as long as he's with his family.
"Dad..."
As a doctor, Marco knew Whitebeard's body best. Aging, hidden injuries, and the side effects of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit accumulated in Whitebeard's body, constantly tormenting the strongest man's body.
But the old man is his sons' haven and his family's sanctuary. He cannot show the slightest sign of weakness, otherwise the Navy, the World Government, and even other pirates will swarm in like hyenas that have smelled rotten flesh and devour the Whitebeard Pirates.
So this is the patient Marco asked her to treat? He seems a bit reluctant to see a doctor; that won't do. What will happen to her mission reward if she doesn't get treatment?
“Would you like a drink, Mr. Newgate?” Violet handed the vegetable cocktail to the white-bearded man. “It’s free to try.”
No one can resist the temptation of the word "free," not even if the other party is a white-bearded man.
Whitebeard took the rather tiny bottle of liquor from him, tilted his head back and poured it into his mouth, savoring the taste: "The taste is not bad, but there's not enough."
Izang looked at Marco with suspicion, who, contrary to his usual behavior, did not stop him.
Marco, of course, wouldn't stop him. He knew the ingredients of the vegetable cocktail. Although it had an alcoholic taste and a spicy sensation when you drank it, it actually contained no alcohol at all. It could be said to be the best cheat meal for pirates during their alcohol abstinence period.
In that case, it would be a good idea to sign a long-term vegetable cocktail supply contract with Violet. This would not only provide the carnivores on the ship with vitamins and reduce their drunkenness, but more importantly, vegetables would be much cheaper than alcohol, making it a win-win-win situation.
Marco, whose hairline has been receding day by day since he took over as the treasurer of the Whitebeard Pirates, fell into deep thought.
"Then it will be a pleasure to work together from now on, Mr. Newgate!"
Whitebeard waved his hand: "From now on, we can just take the money from the islands that fly the Whitebeard Pirates flag."
Wait, what collaboration? Why are they suddenly getting paid?
Marco, who had finally come up with a money-saving trick and figured that his income and expenses would finally not be in the red this month, hadn't even had a second to rejoice when his keen hearing caught those two wicked words.
Let's rewind three minutes.
Watching the white-bearded man down his vegetable cocktail in one gulp, still savoring the aftertaste, Vale enthusiastically promoted more of her island's businesses.
“Mr. Newgate, would you like to do a long-term deal with me? I can provide high-quality potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants... and meats, including dried meat that is easy to preserve and does not easily break.”
"If you order now, you will be our first customer on the island and will receive a 5% discount."
"Furthermore, we're having a grand opening promotion: spend 10,000 Berries and get 500 Berries off; spend 50,000 Berries and get 800 Berries off; spend 100,000 Berries and get 1,000 Berries off..."
"In addition, potatoes and eggplants are sold together with an extra discount, and every large piece of meat comes with a free 20% off seaweed coupon..."
Whitebeard felt dizzy listening to this. Are all businesses this complicated nowadays?
“The fruits, vegetables and meats produced in R'lyeh are of absolutely the highest quality. If you want to order, I can have a batch of samples sent first. If you are satisfied, you can increase your order.”
I understood what Whitebeard meant. It was just a taste test, but as a qualified and fair captain and father, he would definitely let every son on the Moby Dick try it.
After confirming that Violet could provide such a large quantity of food, and trusting that Violet wouldn't take advantage of a child, Whitebeard generously agreed to purchase the first batch of samples at the original price. Violet could then simply request a quote from one of Whitebeard's islands.
Marco's vision went black as he looked at the price quote that Vera handed him.
Something light and airy landed on the price list.
Namur shrieked, "Marco, you're losing your hair again!"
Marco snatched the last vegetable cocktail from Violet's hand and downed it in one gulp, letting out a sigh with the fresh aroma of vegetables.
Why can't the Flame of Regeneration regenerate hair, yoi?
Holding the quote, Marco felt increasingly uneasy. The money he had painstakingly saved could be spent on a single night's banquet by his father and brother.
“I’ve discovered it,” Marco said seriously, “There’s a limit to how much you can cut costs!”
Izang: "So..."
"I'm quitting finance!"
He wants to start a business, open up new sources of revenue, and make a lot of money to support his father and brothers!
There are other brothers, with their father on the ship, not a single fool dares to challenge them all year round. They're all too idle to do anything but tease cats and dogs or find excuses to throw parties.
Marco quietly asked Violet, "The Grand Line is very dangerous, you know. It's easy to be robbed if you're carrying a ship full of fresh supplies. Rather than losing everything, it's a good choice to spend a little money to hire a reliable bodyguard."
Vera thought Marco made a lot of sense.
No farmer's goal is not to cultivate land all over the world; her agricultural business empire will eventually expand to the entire globe.
Vera humbly asked, "Then where can I hire a reliable bodyguard?"
Marco pointed behind him: "What do you think of the Whitebeard Pirates, yoi?"
Marco had tasted the fruits and vegetables produced on R'lyeh while he was there. With his discerning eye and experience as the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco was certain that once Vale expanded production, R'lyeh brand fruits and vegetables would definitely become a global sensation.
And he, Marco the Phoenix, the father's good son, the brothers' good captain, boldly and insightfully partnered with the next business tycoon when he was still in his infancy!
Violet nodded as she looked at Marco's abdominal muscles: "Not bad. You can give me a price later."
"No problem, yoi."
Marco was delighted to have discovered a promising business opportunity and finalized a deal with a bright future.
"Have you come up with any ideas about getting Dad medical treatment?"
The title of the world's strongest man isn't something you get by winning a lottery. If Whitebeard didn't want to go, no one could force him to see a doctor.
"Watch me."
Violet isn't a doctor; she diagnoses illnesses using the status bar in the game.
Teaming up, having sufficient favorability, or being "possessed" by Violet all allow her to see the other person's status.
“Mr. Newgate,” Vera clung to Newgate’s leg, “So we’re partners now?”
"Kurara!" Newgate, who hadn't had such a tiny child as his son in a long time, was charmed by Violet.
The sea tyrant, in a very pleasant mood, made a promise: "Of course, if anyone dares to bully you in the future, just say the name of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Hmm? Why does this sentence sound so familiar?
After pondering for half a second without success, Violet quickly forgot about the sense of déjà vu.
[You have been paired with Mr. Edward Newgate and become his mission teammate]
[View other party's status?]
[[whether]
[Edward Newgate]
[Status: Hidden injury + Fruit aftereffects + Aging (continuously deducts health and sanity; daily maximum health decreases by 10%, maximum satiety decreases by 10%; activity satiety consumption is doubled, health replenishment from eating is reduced by 50%, sanity replenishment is reduced by 50%...)]
[Health: 1500/1800; Hunger: 200/270; Sanity: 750/800]
Vera gaped in shock.
What a fierce debuff! What terrifying stats! Is this the king of the sea?
This is a bit tricky.
Ginny's debuff, Lepidosis, reduces her maximum health only once, which is why Val was able to use the Ruby Amulet to counteract the continuous health loss from Lepidosis, keeping Ginny's health in a delicate dynamic balance.
Whitebeard's biggest problem is no longer the loss of health, but that his health points are only 90% of the previous day. It may not seem like much, but over time, Whitebeard will eventually become a fragile character.
Marco: "Do you have any ideas?"
Will asked quietly, "Is Mr. Edward afraid of injections?"
There's only one solution in this situation: use a stimulant, each injection of which can restore 5% of the maximum health penalty.
Yizang: "Two acupuncture treatments a day?"
Vera nodded seriously: "Two injections a day."
"Is everything alright?"
Izang and Namür looked at Marco, a hint of guilt flashing in their eyes.
Marco: "...yoi?" He had a bad feeling.
Izang: "Dad, Marco is going to give you acupuncture, two injections a day!"
Namuel: "It's just two injections a day, my all-powerful father isn't afraid!"
Vera: "Wow, is this what a mature and composed adult is like? Amazing!"
The white-bearded man, who was being held up, was speechless.
He can neither say that he is afraid of injections, nor can he deny that he is a mature and steady adult.
Whitebeard looked at Marco.
Marco, who was also being supported by his brothers: "..."
Marco: "Maybe I made a wrong diagnosis. I searched the entire Grand Line to find that medical book, and then spent five days without sleep to finish reading it. Maybe I was too tired and didn't make a good diagnosis."
"It's okay, Dad, I'll study even harder..."
How could he be a spoilsport father who dampens his son's enthusiasm for learning?!
Whitebeard: "Just two needles!"
What a brilliant move – retreating to advance!
Vera looked at Marco with a knowing expression.
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Author's note: The way you offer discounts on things is like advanced mathematics—I'm talking about you, Taobao! (pointing and gesturing, jpg) [melted]
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