Chapter 25 Training Camp and Gear Shifting
Thanks to the Straw Hat crew for saving their lives, the negotiations went very smoothly.
In the end, Kaya bought the three pirate ships brought by V and his crew at a price far exceeding the market value, a price that even Nami couldn't ask for.
When a whopping 100 million Berries in cash was placed in front of Nami, the girl, who was determined to save her hometown, instantly became complicated.
"If I steal this 100 million Berries, I can fulfill my promise to the Arlong Pirates."
An unrealistic idea flashed through Nami's mind.
But when she looked up, she was met with V's half-smiling lips and those eerie eyes that seemed to see through everything.
"What, a mere 100 million Berries is enough to excite you like this?"
Snap!
V closed the box containing Beli, and then handed it to Nami without hesitation.
"W-What are you doing!?"
Nami stared in astonishment.
V then raised her wrist: "Here you go."
"Luffy and Zoro have no concept of money, and I can't be bothered with these things either."
"In our pirate crew, you're the most suitable one."
"If I don't give this money back to you, who should I give it to?"
Without saying a word, V shoved the box into Nami's arms.
Ignoring her complex expression of being both touched and ashamed, he turned and smiled gently at Kaya:
"In this way, we'll settle the payment and the goods."
"Perfect timing, Luffy and his crew are back too."
As the green dot representing Zoro on the prosthetic eye drew closer, V knew they had returned to the vicinity of the manor.
As expected.
Not long after he finished speaking, a loud, boisterous voice suddenly came from outside:
"Hey~! V—!"
"We're back!!!"
The villa gate was pushed open with a bang.
Luffy swaggered in.
On his shoulder was a thin, blood-soaked figure.
It was none other than the Hundred-Purpose Kro, who had been defeated by the two.
"not bad."
V looked Luffy and Zoro up and down.
Although the two were covered in dust, they did not appear to be injured.
Knowing Kuro's information and being able to do this is a testament to his expectations of Luffy and Zoro.
Of course, there's an even more important point...
"How is it, Zoro?" V looked up and asked Zoro, who had just entered.
Although he didn't say anything, Zoro smiled confidently and rested one hand on the long sword at his waist.
"This technique called the Silent Step is indeed quite interesting."
"After I familiarize myself with it for another two days, I should be able to use it in battle."
"That's good."
V nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the sky outside and suddenly became interested.
"Since we don't have anything planned for today, let's have a good training session!"
"Training camp!?"
Luffy, who had run to the coffee table to steal some fruit, blinked blankly.
Zoro grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.
"I have no problem."
Since getting his prosthetic body installed, he has become increasingly convinced of V's abilities.
He was now convinced that following V's guidance would surely lead him to the top of the world!
"Hmm." V stroked his chin thoughtfully, then turned to Kaya with a gentle smile:
"Miss Kaya, we may have to bother you again."
"How about we trouble the manor to make some arrangements for dinner tonight?"
"Of course, no problem."
Kaya answered immediately, then gave a complicated look at Kro's body on the ground.
Even at this point, she still couldn't fully accept this cruel reality.
But life goes on, and she has to look up and forward.
Kaya hosted the Straw Hat crew for a sumptuous lunch at the manor.
This lunch also made Kaya and the others realize just how enormous Luffy's appetite was.
It's good to prepare in advance in the evening.
After a hearty meal, the group arrived at an open space next to the manor.
"Usopp, Nami, this is so beautiful..."
"Once we reach the Grand Line, there will be countless enemies stronger than Luffy and Zoro are now!"
Before the training camp officially began, V spoke seriously to the two people beside him.
"ah?"
Usopp, who had come to watch the spectacle, was taken aback.
"What Grand Line?"
"Hmm? Didn't I mention this to you before?"
V gave a playful smile and looked at Usopp.
"Our ship is in dire need of a skilled sniper."
"Since you are the son of Yasopp, I believe your shooting talent will not disappoint."
"Moreover, in order to protect the villagers of Syrup Village, you dared to face a fleet of three pirate ships all by yourself without any prior knowledge..."
"This courage and sense of responsibility have completely earned our respect!"
"So, Usopp, come and become our partner!"
The last sentence did not come from V.
It was a formal invitation from Captain Luffy.
"Wait, wait a minute, wait a minute!"
The sheer volume of information left Usopp momentarily stunned.
He clenched his fists instinctively, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Becoming a pirate had always been his dream, but when the moment was actually in front of him, he hesitated.
Does he truly have the courage and the qualifications to rush into the sea?
Despite his seemingly carefree and boastful nature, Usopp is actually extremely insecure.
He didn't want to burden others because of his weakness and incompetence.
But just then, V's calm yet undeniable voice rang out again:
"What are you hesitating about, Usopp?"
"Is it a lack of self-confidence? Or do you feel our pirate crew isn't worthy of you joining?"
"If it's the former, you don't need to worry."
"I am a prosthetic doctor. No matter what kind of person I am, I am confident that I can turn them into a strong and independent individual."
As for the latter...
V smiled.
"If that's really what you think, then I'll show you what we're capable of!"
Whoosh!
The sharp mantis blade was suddenly drawn, slicing through the air with a cold light, and rested on Usopp's shoulder.
"No, no, no..."
Usopp was instantly terrified and repeatedly denied it in a trembling voice.
V continued to smile, gently touching Usopp's skin with his sharp sword.
"Don't worry, we're not demons."
"Even if you want to refuse, we are very easy to talk to."
"You're right, aren't you, Luffy?"
"That's right!"
Luffy, who had already developed some tacit understanding, immediately chimed in, and with the same smile as V, he clenched his fists and made a cracking sound.
"Alright, think about it carefully."
V sheathed his mantis sword and then said to Luffy:
"Luffy, you must have seen how useful the Silent Step technique is."
"But we won't practice that today."
"I'm going to teach you two brand new techniques, two techniques that are unique to you as a Devil Fruit user."
I named it—
V looked up with a smile, her cheeks rosy.
"Second gear and third gear!"
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End of this chapter...