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Chapter 22:
Beli, now wearing bubble shoes and riding a bubble bike, happily chauffeured Victor around Groves 30–39.
Victor took him to the amusement park, showed him the stunning bubble spectacles, and let him experience the wonder of Sabaody's unique atmosphere. For Beli, this felt like the happiest moment of his life.
Meanwhile, Victor casually exchanged more gold scraps for another ten billion Berries.
He spent it all on food, of course. He bought out entire stalls—half the gourmet street ended up catering exclusively to him. The vendors were ecstatic.
"Beli—chill this juice for me."
Victor lounged against the bubble bike, sipping an unknown but pleasantly sweet fruit drink.
"Yes! Right away—tehe, ossu desu!"
Beli eagerly complied. A layer of snow instantly coated the cup, rapidly cooling the juice to perfect temperature.
Victor nodded approvingly. "Nice control. Keep it up, Beli."
"Thank you, Captain! I'll work even harder!"
After buying some local specialties, Victor directed Beli toward Grove 29.
"Captain, I heard Groves 1–29 are lawless areas. We should be careful."
Victor waved it off. "I know. Just go. It's fine."
Beli obeyed and rode straight in.
Along the way, Victor noticed many women standing at doorways—clearly the red-light district.
He headed to the largest establishment and walked in with Beli.
Even the two receptionists were stunning. Victor gave a satisfied nod.
Beli, however, felt awkward—he wasn't interested in human women. He preferred fluffy female polar bears.
"Relax. Be bold. I've got you."
Victor ruffled Beli's fur reassuringly.
A passionate mama-san approached with a bright smile. "Welcome, honored guests! Please come in. Do you have any special requests? I'm afraid we don't have any Mink attendants—sorry for the disappointment."
Victor cut straight to business. "Take us to the largest private room. Call your boss."
He tossed a heavy bag of Berries onto the counter.
The mama-san's eyes turned into Berry symbols. "Right away! Please wait just a moment—I'll fetch the manager immediately!"
Victor and Beli were escorted to a luxurious private room. Servers quickly brought in gourmet dishes, fruits, and drinks.
Victor spread his Observation Haki over the entire building and surroundings—monitoring everything.
Good—the mama-san hadn't lied. She really went to fetch the boss.
Soon, she returned with a mature, captivating middle-aged woman radiating charm and confidence.
"Konnichiwa, esteemed guest. I'm Nozaki. May I ask what brings you here?"
Victor got straight to the point. "You're the owner? Or is there someone behind you?"
Nozaki smiled calmly. "I'm the owner. It seems you have important business."
Victor nodded. "A woman running an establishment this large in a place like this? Impressive."
Nozaki laughed modestly. "You flatter me. I'm just trying to feed my girls."
Victor didn't waste time. "I'll be direct. My purpose here is simple: I'm bringing your organization under my control."
Nozaki's smile vanished. "Are you joking? Or here to cause trouble?"
She subtly signaled. The mama-san quietly slipped out.
Victor leaned back. "I personally prefer peace. But it seems peace won't solve this. Looks like we'll need some force."
He glanced at Beli. "Beli—handle it."
Beli set down his food and stood. "Yes, Captain. I won't disappoint you."
In that instant—the room filled with armed thugs. The hallway outside was packed too.
Snowflakes suddenly swirled through the air. Temperature plummeted.
Snow arrows, blades, spears—every kind of weapon formed midair.
Then they froze solid—sharp, deadly ice projectiles aimed at every person in the room and corridor.
Nozaki's eyes widened in terror. "Devil Fruit user… Logia-type Snow-Snow Fruit?!"
Her men froze—literally and figuratively.
Beli looked to Victor. "Captain—kill them?"
Victor critiqued calmly while eating. "Not yet. Good development for the fruit. Speed's still slow, but for such short time… impressive."
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