The cadets finally snapped out of their daze. They had always known Victor was strong—after all, he had defeated a Marine Vice Admiral. But now, they understood just how terrifying he was when going all out.
'How many people could actually block a slash like that?' they wondered. 'Maybe only someone with Armament Haki…'
Their limited experience left them ignorant of the truth, but Gion knew better. She had seen real battles.
If she heard their thoughts, she'd scoff. "Armament Haki isn't some invincible shield. Not every attack can be blocked. Against Victor's Dragon-Slaying Slash, even my Armament wouldn't hold—I'd have to dodge. Trying to block it head-on would leave me severely injured."
Now, the cadets regarded Victor with even greater awe—and relief. Having someone like him on board was the only reason they were still alive.
Barnett, having regained his composure, barked orders. "Stop gawking and get back to work! The storm isn't over yet!"
Snapping to attention, the cadets scattered to their duties.
Victor, meanwhile, was no longer allowed to join the rowing team. His role now was to guard the ship against sudden threats while recovering his stamina. The battle had drained him, but the payoff was immense—he had finally broken through to a new level of swordsmanship, unlocking a technique born from desperation and sheer will.
The ship pressed forward, though its speed had slowed to a crawl. It wasn't due to Victor's Devil Fruit powers—he had stopped using them. The cadets were simply exhausted. Even Barnett had reached his limit, his own abilities barely usable.
Before long, Barnett and Phoebe approached Victor.
"Victor, everyone's completely drained. We can't row our way out of this," Barnett said grimly. "Phoebe just warned me—if we stay in this storm any longer, more waterspouts will hit us. We need your help. Got any ideas?"
Phoebe nodded urgently. "It's too dangerous. If multiple waterspouts come at once, even you won't be able to stop them all in time."
Victor considered their words. He 'could' unleash another Dragon-Slaying Slash, but charging it took time. Against multiple whirlpools, they'd be doomed. They needed another way—fast.
After a moment of silence, Victor made a decision.
"Barnett, get the kitchen to prepare as much food as possible. Leave the rest to me." His tone left no room for debate.
Barnett didn't ask questions. If Victor had a plan, he trusted it. He immediately turned to carry out the order.
Gion, however, was curious. "What's your idea, Victor?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Victor smirked.
"Ugh, fine! Keep your secrets!" She huffed, crossing her arms and turning away.
Victor chuckled but didn't explain. Not because he didn't want to—but because it was embarrassing.
He was going to pull the ship himself.
Like a beast of burden.
It was something he'd done during solo training, but admitting it to Gion? No thanks.
Ignoring her, he headed to the kitchen.
A mountain of pre-made food awaited him. Without hesitation, he devoured it all, shoveling meals into his mouth while the cooks scrambled to keep up. Half an hour later, the kitchen staff collapsed in exhaustion—Victor's appetite was legendary.
With his energy replenished, Victor strode to the foredeck, Barnett following closely. The crew watched as Victor tied dozens of ropes along the ship's bow, each varying in length, before securing them around his waist.
Then, he handed his sword to Rebecca.
And jumped into the sea.
"Navigator, keep us on course! Shout if we stray!" were his last words before diving in.
The crew's jaws dropped.
"He's… pulling the ship? A' battleship? 'Is he insane?!"
"I know Victor's strong, but this is impossible!"
"Shut up! He's saving our lives! Even if he can't pull us all the way, at least the rowers can rest!" Barnett snapped.
Gion, however, burst into laughter.
"HAHAHA! So THIS was your plan?! Oh, Victor, you're a genius! A complete madman!" She doubled over, clutching her stomach.
Even underwater, Victor's Observation Haki caught her merciless cackling. His eye twitched.
'Damn it.'
With a sigh, he kicked into overdrive, arms and legs churning like propellers.
The ship lurched forward—faster than it had ever moved under oars alone.
It was as if the vessel had sprouted engines.
The "Victor Special" propulsion system was working.
The crew fell silent.
No words could describe the sheer absurdity of the sight.
Victor, fueled by his massive meal and years of accumulated stamina, had no trouble towing the ship through the storm.
But he sure as hell wasn't planning to do this forever.
Two hours later, the cadets noticed the warship gradually slowing until it came to a complete stop, swaying in the turbulent waves.
Barnett and the others rushed to the bow to check—only to find the human "propeller" gone.
"Did Victor run out of stamina and sink? I knew this wouldn't work!"
"He had ropes tied to him! We can pull him back up!"
"What if he got dragged under the ship? Then it'd be impossible to haul him in—he'd be in serious trouble!"
"Enough talking!" Barnett cut in. "Pull the ropes 'now'! If he's still alive, we can save him, but we're running out of time!"
The crew scrambled, each group grabbing a rope and heaving. Surprisingly, the lines came up easily—too easily.
Their faces darkened.
Victor was gone.
Not a single rope held him.
Then—splash!
A massive surge of water erupted ahead, something enormous churning beneath the surface.
"Did a sea beast eat Victor?! Are they still here?!"
"Must be a Sea King. No ordinary beast could take him down… Wait, is it still hungry? Are 'we' next?!"
"Are you 'stupid'? Victor's barely a snack for a Sea King! Even if it ate all of us, it wouldn't be full!"
Barnett rubbed his temples. 'Why are these idiots my problem?'
Then, Gion spoke calmly.
"Relax. Victor's fine. Just wait."
Her Observation Haki had already revealed the truth—Victor had sensed a sea beast below, untied himself, and was now… 'dealing with it.'
The real "beast of burden" was about to take over.
A faint smirk tugged at Gion's lips.
Reassured, the crew settled in, content to watch the show unfold.
Meanwhile, deep below—
Victor was busy "convincing" a certain oversized sea creature that 'it' was the new tugboat.
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