The defense line formed by the anti-aircraft guns around the island finally earned Victor and Hancock the full support of all the citizens of the Amazon Lily Kingdom.
Victor and Hancock discussed taking a few days to rest before officially setting out to sea.
Since Victor and Hancock were going to form a new pirate group, the Nine Snakes Pirates would be handed over to the two sisters, Sandasonia and Marigold.
As for the political affairs of Amazon Lily, at Victor's suggestion, Grandma Nyon Gloriosa would take charge.
Grandma Nyon's love for Daughter Island was absolute. Though she had once abandoned the throne in her youth, she now valued the kingdom more than her own life.
It was the night before the voyage, and the people of Daughter Island held an unprecedented grand banquet for their Pirate Empress Hancock and the respected Lord Victor.
Perhaps influenced by Luffy, Victor had begun to enjoy the lively atmosphere of banquets. He laughed and danced, fully immersed in the celebration.
However, there was an unexpected guest. The reason he was "uninvited" was simple: he was a man, and Victor did not like other men on Daughter Island—even if the guest was the famous New World pirate, Fire Fist Ace.
Ace and Luffy were brothers in all but blood, and Ace acted as if he belonged. He ate, drank, and slept like any other guest.
The banquet lasted late into the night. Because of Ace's arrival, Victor asked Hancock to return to the palace and rest, while he met Ace on the shore.
The two young, already-famous men stood by the sea, the moon above them, and the sea breeze in their ears.
"Victor, this is for you!" Ace said, handing him the Murakumogiri.
"Uncle Whitebeard…" Victor did not take the sword immediately.
Since the Esden Island incident, he had known about Murakumogiri, one of the Twelve Supreme Swords, wielded by Whitebeard himself.
Victor suspected Ace's purpose but did not expect Whitebeard to personally send him the sword.
"Dad said he promised to give this to you. It's a promise between men… a promise of the pirate Whitebeard!" Ace smiled, though a hint of sadness lingered.
"Uncle Whitebeard's injuries… are they worse?"
"Yes… Dad's old injuries worsened during the war when he tried to save me. Despite treatment, he'll never return to his peak…" Ace's expression twisted in pain, tears streaming through his fingers.
"Blame me! It's all my fault! If I hadn't chased Teach against Dad's advice, he wouldn't be hurt! It's all my fault!!"
[Ding! Select trigger!]
[Choice 1: Ignore Ace's self-blame. Reward: High-tech sniper rifle (Haki effect x2)]
[Choice 2: Scold Ace to restore his fighting spirit. Reward: One General Healing Pill, Three Swords Style: Great Swordsmanship]
"Fire Fist Ace!" Victor shouted, thunder rumbling as Ace froze.
"Do you think your current state is worthy of the blood Uncle Whitebeard shed for you? The sacrifices of the Whitebeard Pirates? The injuries Luffy suffered for you?
I once thought of you as a great rival in the New World, but with this state, Luffy could surpass you in two years!"
Victor's words hit Ace like lightning. Perhaps this was Whitebeard's intention in having him deliver Murakumo Kiri to Victor.
"Victor…" Ace smiled through the sea breeze.
"I understand! I won't be surpassed by Luffy, and I will be your worthy opponent, Victor! See you in the New World!"
"A new world?! Okay, see you there!" Victor smiled; the reward had arrived.
"Now that Murakumogiri is here, I'm ready to set sail. Dad spread the word that anyone who attacks its resting place will be an enemy of the Whitebeard Pirates!" Ace placed the sword firmly on the shore.
Victor, touched, gave Ace some healing pills to return to Whitebeard—a gesture of respect.
Ace left, returning to the sea. Victor would set sail with Hancock tomorrow, beginning his journey as a pirate.
Having met the Whitebeard Pirates and Red Hair Pirates in Marineford, Victor now gazed at the sea under the moonlight, thinking of the crew he would assemble and the pirate group he would form.
Suddenly, a flash of fire came from the sea—it was Ace again.
"Victor! I almost forgot. I brought your wanted poster. Your bounty is shockingly high, and your code name is impressive!"
Victor's eyes immediately fell on the number: 2.1 billion! Even before officially setting sail, he was already a super rookie with a massive bounty.
Above the bounty, his code name read: Thundergod Victor.
Victor muttered, amused:
"Isn't the God of Thunder supposed to be Enel?"
A bolt of lightning burst from his finger, burning away "Thunder," leaving just God Victor.
"Ace, don't call me Mr. Victor anymore. You're a bit older than me, so just call me Victor."
"Okay, Victor! I'll go back. Dad and I will be waiting in the New World!"
Ace left again, unaware of Victor's small act of defiance. Victor held his bounty, muttering, before heading to the palace to rest with Hancock.
Suddenly, the system's voice triggered:
[Congratulations, host! Pirate Road large-scale choice triggered!]
[Choice 1: Form a large pirate group within one year with 4,000+ crew (Platinum minimum). Reward: Devil's Blessing x1, System-made Flame-Flame Fruit, Power Pill x5.]
[Choice 2: Form a seven-member pirate group within two years (all King-level). Reward: Devil's Blessing x1, Zoan Devil Fruit - Mythical Beast: Black Tortoise, Power Pills x5.]
[Choice 3: Form a seven-member pirate group within two years (at least four King-level members), then recruit three Straw Hat Pirates after setting sail. Reward: Devil's Blessing x1.5, Zoan Devil Fruit - Mythical Beast: Phoenix, Power Pill x5. Successfully recruit one member → receive a random item of same level.]