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Chapter 6
The Boin Archipelago is already located in the Grand Line, so traveling to Drum Island isn't too far.
Victor planned to head to the Drum Kingdom first to search for the Baku Baku no Mi (Glutton-Glutton Fruit / Munch-Munch Fruit). He'd been craving that ability for a long time.
He hoped to find the Devil Fruit this time — and ideally before Wapol had eaten it. Preferably before Wapol was even born.
Heracles nodded without hesitation. "Our team has basically finished researching the Stomach Baron. Setting sail? No problem."
He paused. "But I have one question first."
Heracles wasn't surprised at all by Victor's desire to leave. Without encountering more powerful opponents, Victor couldn't grow faster — that much was obvious.
Victor nodded. "Go ahead."
Heracles looked at him seriously. "What are you planning to do once you're out at sea? Become a pirate? Join the Navy?"
Victor shrugged casually. "I don't really care either way — pirate, Navy, whatever. I'll just do what feels right, follow the opportunities."
He added with a small smile: "But I do want to go to the New World. See the legendary pirates for myself."
Heracles understood immediately. "Got it. Then let's prepare. We'll set sail in a few days."
In truth, after years of studying plants, Heracles had long wanted to explore the wider world. He hadn't visited other seas or the New World yet, and he was genuinely excited to see what kinds of plants and ecosystems awaited there.
With his current strength, he could protect himself unless he ran into a true Yonko-level pirate. And even then… he had a monster like Victor with him.
Victor grinned. "Thanks, Heracles."
He quickly added: "By the way, do you know the location of Drum Island? I want to make a stop at the Drum Kingdom."
Heracles laughed. "No problem. First stop: Drum Island."
After two years together, they had become close — mentor and student, but also true friends. The same went for the rest of the crew.
The others immediately started preparing: gathering supplies, stocking food, and most importantly, thoroughly inspecting and repairing the ship. They wouldn't set sail again until everything was seaworthy.
Over the years, Victor had obsessively collected food from every Stomach Baron in the surrounding area. His inner spatial pocket now held enough to eat nonstop for many years — and then some.
He never hid his storage ability — no point. Things vanishing in front of people was too obvious anyway. When asked, he simply said: "It's my innate talent." No further explanation needed.
Soon everything was ready. The ship had been refitted and restocked.
Heracles stood at the bow and shouted: "Raise the sails! Set course for Drum Island!"
The crew roared in response and sprang into action.
No flag flew from the mast — just a plain vessel heading straight for Drum Island.
Victor stood on the deck, munching happily while enjoying the sea breeze blowing in his face. Pure contentment.
The voyage was uneventful. They arrived safely at Drum Island.
Heracles gazed at the snow-covered landscape. "Victor, this is Drum Island. First time landing here for me too — perfect chance to study the local plants."
Victor gave a helpless smile. "You guys really are dedicated botanists."
He'd long since gotten used to their occupational disease.
Heracles chuckled. "Habit."
The other crew members chimed in: "Yeah, we're curious if the plants here have any unique traits." "Our main goal for going to sea is to research all kinds of plants — contributing to the world's botanical knowledge."
Victor shook his head in amusement. "Alright. Let's go ashore."
He leaped first, landing lightly on the dock.
The group made their way into the nearby town in the Drum Kingdom.
The streets looked lively enough, but Victor could sense the tension. The residents were cautious, wary, almost fearful — moving carefully, eyes darting.
Victor found it curious. He already had a guess why.
"Heracles, do these people seem off to you? Are they scared of us?"
Heracles observed quietly. "Not exactly us. It feels more like a long-ingrained habit — something they've lived with for years."
He turned to Victor. "By the way… why did you want to come to the Drum Kingdom specifically?"
Victor answered straightforwardly. "I'm here looking for the Baku Baku no Mi — the Glutton-Glutton Fruit. It suits me perfectly. I heard it appeared here once, so I want to try my luck."
Heracles nodded in full agreement. "You're always thinking about eating. Yeah… that fruit really is perfect for you."
He turned to the crew. "Alright, everyone — help Victor look for it. With some luck, we might actually find it."
The team happily agreed to assist.
Just then, the Drum Kingdom's guard patrol approached.
"Outsiders! Who are you? State your business!"
The captain barked aggressively.
Heracles answered calmly: "We're here looking for a doctor. We'd like to invite one to join our crew as ship physician."
Of course, he wasn't going to mention the Devil Fruit. He knew the Drum Kingdom was famous for its advanced medicine, and they genuinely needed a doctor. Coming all this way without gaining something useful would be a waste.
Victor nodded in approval. He'd almost forgotten — Drum had excellent doctors. Recruiting one would make the trip worthwhile.
He also thought of Crocus — wasn't he from Drum originally? No idea if he'd already set sail or not.
The guard captain sneered. "If you want to recruit a doctor, you need the King's permission. No taking anyone without approval — or we'll arrest you on the spot."
He continued haughtily: "And right now — pay the entry tariff. Or we take you in."
Victor looked at the man's arrogant attitude and couldn't help but laugh in irritation.
He ignored the captain completely and turned to Heracles. "What do you think? I don't have any money to give these guys."
Heracles gave a sly grin, eyes narrowing. "We've got some money… but I'm not sure if it's enough. Captain — name your price."
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