"I can transform into any kind of ship, this time becoming a small boat was just for an easier escape."
Fat Henry chuckled bitterly, "Of course, as long as I hit the sea surface, I'll faint in no time and lose consciousness, whether I can escape or not, it's all up to fate."
"I remember you hate your own ability, don't you?"
Shano raised an eyebrow, "You'd rather jump into the sea and become a ship, seems like you've run into some trouble?"
"Trouble? More than trouble, I almost died this time, Lord Shano!"
Being cared for by such a big-shot as the Sea Emperor, Fat Henry suddenly felt wronged, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his tears as he said:
"Not only did they rob me of all my belongings, but they also wanted to kill me. Boo hoo, using Whitebeard's name to gain everyone's trust, but in the end playing dirty tricks, Lord Shano, where's the justice in this, where's the justice..."
Whitebeard's name?
Everyone exchanged looks, Shano frowned: "Here with me, you are absolutely safe now, calm your emotions, Mr. Henry, and explain clearly."
"Yes, yes..."
Henry sobbed for quite a while before finally stopping, it seemed he was truly scared this time, making this once ruthless old man during his youth tremble, "Lord Shano, Ice Witch Widibai, have you heard of this name?"
"Hmm."
Shano nodded slightly.
He certainly had impressions of this name.
During the summit war, she was one of the 43 pirate gang captains who charged into Marinfanto with Whitebeard.
She was even present during the Whitebeard and Roger rivalry and engaged in fierce battles with Roger's subordinates.
She could be said to be a veteran under Whitebeard's command without a doubt.
"It's easy to explain if you've heard, this Purple Vine Sea Region's southeastern most island, Wuxing Island, is under Whitebeard's protection, considered an important commercial transit town among the Four Emperors' powers, and the actual controller of the island is this Ice Witch Widibai."
"Just last week, Miss Widibai claimed Whitebeard was planning a big business deal, and any merchant investing would receive double dividends within a week."
"And you believed it?"
Nami looked at him disdainfully, "And you're a businessman for so many years, you believe in such pie-in-the-sky stuff?"
"If it were someone else, I'd definitely scoff, but it was Widibai!"
Fat Henry lamented, "Whitebeard's most trusted veteran subordinate, still using Whitebeard's own banner... Little girl, do you know the credibility this carries, who would've thought they'd suddenly renege the deal?"
"Ice Witch Widibai..."
Kuma suddenly spoke up, "I had dealings with her in the past, she's quite a bold woman. Normally, she wouldn't do such a thing."
Indeed, it's quite puzzling.
Shano rubbed his chin thoughtfully: "So, how much were you swindled?"
"A full twenty billion! Twenty billion Belly!"
Fat Henry lamented regretfully:
"That was all my savings for these years! Boo hoo, Lord Shano, when the time came, I demanded my money and got not a single cent, almost died there, this is too unjust, who will see justice for me!"
Eh?
Wait!
Isn't there a powerful figure here who can ensure justice?
Fat Henry suddenly realized, sniffing as he eagerly looked at Shano: "Lord Shano..."
"I..."
Shano furrowed his brow, about to say something when Fat Henry raised five fingers:
"Five billion! Lord Shano, as long as you help me get the money back, I'm willing to give you five billion Belly as a reward!"
"I don't..."
"Ten billion! Ten billion Belly!"
Fat Henry winced at the thought, "That's as much as I can offer, Lord Shano, I know it's not easy for someone like you to run around for me, but there are many other merchants fleeced like pigs, when you reclaim the money, they'll surely present substantial rewards too, this trip is definitely worthwhile!"
"Alright, ten billion it is."
Shano hesitated, reluctantly nodding, "Since you insist, then I'll go with it..."
"Thank you, thank you!" Fat Henry immediately grinned, "No wonder everyone praises your reputation, truly noble! Oh, what were you trying to say earlier?"
"Me?"
Shano took a sip of the orange soda beside him, speaking softly, "I wanted to say, I'm someone who stands up for justice, even if you don't pay, I'll run this errand."
Eh?
Fat Henry's smile froze in place.
---
Meanwhile.
In an unknown sea region, aboard the White Whale.
"Marco."
Whitebeard leaned back on the sofa, letting the nurses beside him apply medication as he asked, "It's been five days since Vista went to investigate Wuxing Island, still no news?"
"No, Father."
Marco was reading the newspaper, chuckling:
"If you calculate the journey, he should arrive today at the earliest, if there's a storm, it's not surprising to be delayed by two days, besides, with Vista's strength, there's nothing to worry about."
"Is that so?"
Whitebeard squinted slightly, gazing at the distant sea in contemplation, "But the news from Wuxing Island is really odd, giving a sense of unease..."