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Chapter 21
Soon, Heracles and the others had everything arranged for the rescued slaves.
Victor gathered the crew to discuss how to distribute the two Devil Fruits.
"These two Devil Fruits: One is the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Scythe Dragon—an Ancient Zoan. Zoan fruits enhance physique, strength, and speed—no need to explain that. And this one is a rare species.
The other is most likely the Yuki Yuki no Mi—a Logia-type Snow-Snow Fruit. No introduction needed.
Now—let's talk about who should eat them."
After some discussion, no one stepped forward with a clear preference.
Victor sighed. "Is eating a fruit really this hard? Fine—I'll decide. Anyone who doesn't want a Devil Fruit—raise your hand."
The three shipwrights immediately raised theirs.
Victor nodded understandingly. "Makes sense. You're shipwrights. If you ate one, you couldn't go underwater anymore."
He continued: "Alright. Everyone else is eligible. I'll assign them now.
The Scythe Dragon fruit goes to Declan. Its abilities make you a top predator in forests—perfect fit for you botanists."
Victor handed the fruit to Declan—one of the five scholars joining the New World.
Declan accepted it gratefully. "Thank you, Captain. I'll eat it now."
He swallowed it—then immediately gagged from the horrible taste.
Victor stopped him before he could test it. "Hold on—not on the ship. Wait until we reach Sabaody. You'll destroy the deck if you transform here."
Declan looked devastated—like a kid who got a toy but couldn't play with it yet.
Victor ignored the pout and moved on. "Next—the probable Snow-Snow Fruit goes to Beli. Come here. The white color matches your fur perfectly."
Beli shuffled forward nervously. "Me? But… I just joined the crew, Captain. Can I really…?"
Victor patted his fluffy head (the texture was amazing). "Of course. You're one of us now. I think it suits you—so you eat it. But if you do, you have to develop the power properly. And you have a responsibility—to protect your crewmates."
Beli's eyes shone with emotion and trust. "Yes, Captain! I won't let you down!"
He ate the fruit.
Instantly—snowflakes began drifting from the sky.
Victor grinned. "Yup—definitely the Yuki Yuki no Mi. Nice ability—at least it can cool things down. Beli—make everyone some iced drinks."
Beli saluted eagerly. "Yes, Captain!"
Victor then shared his ideas for developing the Snow-Snow powers and sent Beli off to experiment.
The rest of the crew watched enviously—but they also felt motivated. If Beli could get a fruit so quickly, maybe their turn would come too—if they trained hard enough.
Two days later—they finally arrived at Sabaody Archipelago.
"The Yarukiman Mangrove trees… they're enormous. Truly a sight."
Victor stared in wonder from the deck.
The Plant Scholars docked near Grove 40 to let the rescued slaves disembark. They were directed to the nearby Navy base for help returning home.
Then the ship moved to a coating station—preparing for the dive to Fish-Man Island.
The moment Declan stepped ashore—he transformed into a massive Scythe Dragon.
Heracles laughed. "Haha—looks like this guy was dying to try it out."
Victor grinned. "Who could blame him?"
The crew watched curiously as Declan tested his new form.
Victor shouted: "Hey Declan—try the hybrid dragon-man form!"
"Got it!"
Declan shifted into a powerful humanoid dragon shape—sickle claws gleaming.
Victor whistled. "Wooow—cool! Super badass! Like cosplay done right."
Declan flexed his claws. "These things could tear enemies apart in one swipe. Feels incredible—been holding it in for days. Finally comfortable."
He shifted back to human form.
The crew crowded around, asking how it felt.
Declan grinned. "Power surging through me. An urge to unleash it. Very strong feeling."
Victor nodded approvingly. "Good. Your will is solid—you can control the instincts. Take it slow—adapt properly. Most important: physique and mind. Never let the animal side take over."
Declan puffed out his chest. "Don't worry, Captain. I'm a botanist—my will is unbreakable."
Heracles smiled and nodded—proud of his fellow traveler.
Victor pulled out money and Den Den Mushi for the crew. "Here—some Berries and communicators. Free time until tonight's banquet."
The twin sisters Elli and Eni stuck with Crocus—they were doctors now.
Heracles grabbed his share and immediately dragged the five botanists away—clearly eager to research local plants or buy seeds.
Beli stared at the bubbles everywhere with sparkling eyes—full of wonder and longing. But he still wanted to follow Victor.
Victor had no objection. He bought Beli a bubble bike and some local snacks. Beli beamed—happily serving as Victor's "chauffeur" while they toured.
Meanwhile, at the nearby Navy base—the officers stared in headache-inducing despair at the crowd of freed slaves.
No choice—they reported it upward and arranged ships to repatriate them. At the same time, they received word: Celestial Dragons were planning to stroll through Sabaody soon.
The Marines collectively groaned. Another miserable day in uniform.
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