Chapter 31:
This could be considered Gavin's first battle in the New World.
Victor looked at the pirate flag on the opposite side—it wasn't a famous pirate group, nor was it the Rocks Pirates.
Since that was the case, the invading pirates' strength was extremely limited.
Soon, the enemy pirate ship approached the Plant Scholars.
"Hahaha—this is a big ship! Boys, charge!"
The enemy pirate captain directly ordered an attack.
But Beli and Gavin were already prepared.
A large patch of snowflakes instantly appeared, covering the opposite side, and the snowflakes quickly turned into snow arrows.
Gavin controlled the violent rain, combining it with the snowflakes. Under the plummeting temperature, the snow arrows in the sky rapidly turned into ice arrows.
Before the enemy pirate group could react, they were hit by the ice and snow arrows from above.
"Devil Fruit users! Dodge quickly!"
The enemy pirates had some knowledge and immediately realized they were facing Devil Fruit users.
The enemy pirate captain seemed to have some strength—the ice and snow arrows couldn't harm him at all.
However, some unlucky crew members died directly in the ice and snow arrow rain.
"Beli—make an ultra-large block of ice and snow!"
Declan shouted loudly.
"No problem."
After Beli spoke, a massive block of ice and snow appeared in the air, crashing down onto the sea between the two ships.
Not only that—with dense snowflakes falling, the seawater was rapidly freezing.
Seeing this, Declan immediately transformed into his dragon-human form.
He leaped up, jumped onto the ice and snow platform, and in a few jumps landed on the enemy pirate ship.
"Hahaha—trash, die!"
Declan laughed loudly and began a massacre.
Although Declan also researched plants, he hadn't neglected his training.
Everyone on the ship was training— even the twin doctors were exercising their bodies.
And after eating the Scythe Dragon Devil Fruit, Declan's physical qualities had greatly improved.
Under Heracles' strict training, he had even awakened basic Armament Haki.
That was Declan's confidence in going alone to destroy the enemy pirate ship.
"What the hell? Another Devil Fruit user? And a rare ancient species one?"
The enemy captain saw Declan and felt a surge of fear.
But Declan didn't care at all—he was immersed in the battle. This feeling of mastering power was truly great.
So screams rang out from the pirate ship.
At this time, Victor came to Gavin's side—he wasn't satisfied with Gavin's Devil Fruit development.
"Gavin, for the Rain-Rain Fruit development, I'll give you a few suggestions."
"Besides the form and size of raindrops, the properties of rainwater can also be changed."
"For example, acid rain, poisonous rain, etc. In the opposite direction, you can also develop rain with healing effects, and so on."
Victor shared his ideas.
"Ah? I hadn't thought of that—let me try."
Gavin's mind was blown open after hearing it.
"Not only that—you can try controlling water. For example, in battle, you could drain moisture from the opponent's body or control their blood."
"Water density control, flow control, defensive water barriers, water mist concealment, water prisons to trap people—many directions."
"And gravity water, or even seawater—if you can form seawater rain, that could weaken Devil Fruit users. That's a key breakthrough."
Victor continued.
After hearing this, Gavin had new directions and quickly memorized them.
Victor saw that Beli's Snow-Snow Fruit development was also unsatisfactory—the changes were still too few.
While they were talking, with Beli and Gavin's cooperation, Declan directly annihilated the enemy.
Then, using Beli's snow path, Declan moved all the treasures and supplies from the pirate ship over.
After Declan returned to the ship, Beli withdrew his ability.
But soon he would be lectured by Victor again.
Beli had a premonition—when he heard the conversation with Gavin, he knew his performance wasn't satisfactory either.
Sure enough, Victor called Beli aside and let the other crew members clean up the aftermath.
Then Victor continued explaining many ideas to Beli.
"The forms of snow are ever-changing: snow fog, avalanches, snow crystals (closer to ice—the transformation speed here should be instantaneous, not this slow), and snow temperature control."
"All of this development is mediocre overall—too slow. Moreover, through snow, you can instantly create extreme cold, etc."
"And snowstorms, snow weapons, snow beasts, even snow soldiers—great potential."
"More aspects, like defense and support, can also be developed."
Victor seriously discussed ideas for the Snow-Snow Fruit with Beli.
"Yes, Captain. Beli disappointed you this time—I will work hard."
Beli immediately straightened up and said loudly.
"Alright, don't be so tense. Devil Fruit development needs imagination, but don't neglect physique and physical techniques—that's the foundation of strength."
Victor rubbed Beli's head and said softly.
This battle's harvest wasn't particularly notable.
Victor had hoped for the Glutton-Glutton Fruit in the treasure chests, but where were there so many Devil Fruits?
So the Plant Scholars continued deeper into the New World.
During this time, they encountered several reckless pirates one after another.
Victor didn't need to act—it was always Gavin, Beli, and Declan teaming up.
After Victor's discussions, the Rain-Rain Fruit and Snow-Snow Fruit abilities had new uses.
And at this moment, Heracles called Victor over again.
"Heracles, what's up?"
Victor had been focused on eating and hadn't paid much attention to the sea.
"Victor—come quick. It's the Kuja Pirates."
Heracles shouted loudly.
His voice sounded a bit excited.
"Oh? That's worth seeing. Let's see if Shakky is really as beautiful as the legends say."
Victor heard it was the Kuja Pirates and immediately became interested.
The crew on the Kuja pirate ship also spotted the Plant Scholars and felt a sense of familiarity.
"Hmm? Isn't that the Plant Scholars? Victor's pirate group. The only pirate group without a skull Jolly Roger."
A very young Gyoru Leo said in surprise.
"Oh? It really is. Victor—beat Celestial Dragons on Sabaody, then fought Sengoku afterward and escaped unscathed."
"Called a new generation monster by the World Government, with a bounty of one billion five hundred million Berries."
"Really terrifying."
Shakky beside her said with great interest and a smile.
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