Barnett left to train immediately—the future Victor had painted was too enticing. He wanted to reach that level as soon as possible.
With Barnett gone, Victor finally had some peace. But it didn't last long. Rebecca and Wendy soon approached.
"Slacking off instead of training?" Victor smirked.
"We were training! Taking a break isn't a crime!" Rebecca huffed. "Besides, we're almost at Shifft Island—look, there are ships everywhere now!"
"Yeah, not everyone's obsessed with training like you," Wendy added.
Victor glanced at the sea ahead. Indeed, vessels dotted the horizon, though the island itself wasn't yet visible.
"What were you whispering about with Barnett earlier? He looked way too excited when he left. You two weren't…" Wendy wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Thwack!
Victor flicked her forehead.
"What's wrong with you? Where's that elegant girl I first met? How did you turn out like this?" He sighed while Rebecca burst into laughter.
"You did this!" Wendy shot back. "Training us like we're men has to change a person!"
Victor rubbed his nose awkwardly. Okay, maybe he was partly responsible. After confirming Wendy as his future sniper, he'd subjected her to brutal—no, rigorous—training to catch up to Rebecca.
But the personality shift? That wasn't his fault. He refused to take blame for that. Some things were just innate.
Now, Wendy wasn't just a girl who played with guns—she'd learned Soru, could snipe while moving at high speed, and ranked among the elite recruits. Though she hadn't awakened Observation Haki yet, her evasion skills were great because of Kami-e.
"I was just discussing his Devil Fruit's development path. He liked the idea," Victor explained.
"Oh? Planning to recruit him?" Wendy asked knowingly.
She understood Victor well—he rarely meddled in others' affairs unless there was a reason.
"Yes. His abilities are strong, his talent is solid, and his potential is immense. He'll be my ship's chief steward."
"Good choice. You hate administrative work—perfect for him."
Poor Barnett, already assigned a role without his knowledge.
"Rebecca, still not interested in a Devil Fruit?" Victor turned to her.
"Not yet. Maybe later if needed." She paused. "But… do they really taste like shit? Has anyone actually eaten shit to compare?"
"Ugh, must you be so graphic?" Victor grimaced. "You're a ady."
"Fine. But you're right—I'm still growing stronger naturally. No need for a Fruit yet."
"Wendy, though… There is a perfect Fruit for you. Problem is, its current user's locked up in Impel Down."
"No rush. I'm still improving too."
"I'll get that Fruit eventually." Victor's tone carried a dark edge.
---
As the warship sailed closer to Shifft Island, merchant vessels grew denser. Soon, the island's silhouette emerged—a hub of commerce, with ships queuing at the bustling port.
"This place is packed! No wonder they kidnapped the princess—this kingdom's loaded!" Barnett exclaimed.
Dozens of cargo ships crowded the docks, their crews indifferent to the Navy's arrival. None bothered to make way.
"Money really does blind people. They'd ignore their own protectors. Hope they enjoy their wealth before they lose their heads," Victor muttered.
"It's not that extreme," Zephyr interjected. "These ships supply the World Government's three major institutions. This is a vital transit hub—most pirates wouldn't dare attack. Reinforcements are always nearby."
"Then why isn't there a Marine base here? Logically, a place this important should have one," Victor questioned.
Unlike Loguetown or the Reverse Mountain entrances, Shifft Island lacked naval presence—odd for such a strategic location.
"Not sure. Rumor is, a Government official oversees things here. They supposedly don't need Marines."
"So what now? We can't dock. Are we just stuck?"
"I'll negotiate with the port authority. Wait here." Zephyr leapt ashore using Geppo.
After a long wait—and many curses from impatient merchants—a few ships grudgingly cleared a path. Victor wished he had Conqueror's Haki just to shut them up.
When Zephyr finally returned, his face was stormy.
"The Government clerk in charge dared to dismiss us. I nearly punched him."
"Disrespectful bastard. Thinks his position makes him untouchable?" Victor mused. "Let's bag him and dump him at sea tonight. Problem solved."
The crew burst into laughter. Who knew Victor had such a ruthless side?
"Don't act recklessly," Zephyr warned, rubbing his temples. "Those officials hold equal rank to Marine HQ. There's no chain of command here. Thankfully, he finally contacted his superiors. We're cleared to dock."
The frustration in his voice was palpable—being constrained by bureaucracy chafed. But if Victor actually acted on his threats, his career would be over.
Of course, Victor wasn't serious. He wasn't about to start murdering government clerks on a whim.
---
The warship squeezed into a sliver of space at the dock, scraping against merchant vessels on either side. Curses rained down from both sides.
The elite recruits seethed but held back—they had a mission. Only the trainees disembarked with Zephyr; the regular crew stayed behind to guard the ship.
With a kidnapping case at hand, this might be their chance for real combat experience.
Victor scanned the dock—overwhelmingly manual labor, with barely a trace of technology.
"Instructor Zephyr, do we hunt the kidnappers directly or head to the palace first?" Barnett asked.
"The palace. We've got no leads yet. A blind search would waste time," Zephyr replied, leading the group inland.
Victor followed silently, extending his Observation Haki to map the island.
His senses painted a picture of relative prosperity—citizens lived decently if they were willing to work. The island's thriving trade supported countless industries.
At least the royal family isn't completely parasitic. Maybe this princess is worth saving.
Shifft Island wasn't large—comparable to Sabaody in size—but its strategic location near government facilities made it invaluable.
"Victor, it's so lively here! After we rescue the princess, let's explore properly!" Rebecca buzzed with excitement.
Victor chuckled. "You make it sound like rescuing royalty is as easy as eating breakfast. We don't even know who the kidnappers are yet."
"But with you and Instructor Zephyr here, how hard could it be?"
"Zephyr probably won't lift a finger. If he solves everything, what's left for our training? This is on us."
"Oh… Then can Wendy and I stick with you?"
"Sure. With me, our odds of finding the culprits are higher."