Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $4.99 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/arthursink <<
Chapter 25:
Beli noticed Ryan and Sira's obvious nervousness. Following Victor's instruction, he approached them to share his own story of being rescued and joining the crew. Elli and Eni tagged along too, wanting to help reassure the pair.
Meanwhile, Victor glanced at Declan—who was once again testing his transformations. He looked much more proficient now.
Victor turned to Heracles. "How's the ship coating coming along?"
Heracles replied confidently: "One more day and it'll be done. We paid extra for the best craftsmen—no issues."
Victor nodded. "Good. We'll be ready to leave soon."
Crocus approached. "I've restocked a ton of medicine. Captain—store it when you get a chance."
Victor casually stored the several large bags they'd brought back. He didn't bother with Heracles' haul—probably more plant-related stuff anyway.
Victor turned to Heracles. "I heard there's another Devil Fruit auction tomorrow. Want to check it out together? Might find something interesting."
Heracles grinned. "Sure thing. Let's go."
Crocus, meanwhile, was busy preparing herbs with the twin sisters Elli and Eni.
That night, the crew held another lively banquet. Victor's endless food reserves made it easy—whenever he went out, he bought massive amounts.
Everyone enjoyed the food, wine, and juice. The twins sang and danced happily. Ryan and Sira ate with growing smiles—they were clearly starting to relax around the group.
Then the two Fish-Men approached Victor.
"Sir… we've decided to join your crew."
Ryan spoke firmly. Sira nodded beside him.
Victor didn't accept immediately. "Ryan—welcome aboard. From now on, we're partners."
He turned to Sira. "As for you, Sira… my personal advice is to return to Fish-Man Island and live safely. The New World is too dangerous for a young girl."
Ryan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Sira. Go home. You're still too young for this."
Sira glanced at Ryan, then quietly agreed. "Okay…"
Victor stood and addressed the crew. "Everyone—attention! We welcome whale shark Fish-Man Ryan as our newest member—part of the Plant Scholars family!"
Heracles cheered loudly. "Woo! New crewmate! Let's celebrate!"
Ryan shyly greeted everyone—still a bit reserved.
Later, while talking with Victor, Ryan revealed he'd been training in Fish-Man Karate and Jujutsu—but inconsistently, always distracted by fun. This ordeal had forced him to mature overnight. Now he burned with determination to become truly strong.
Victor encouraged him. "Train hard, Ryan. With rock-solid will, becoming strong is only a matter of time."
The next day, the crew scattered for free time.
Victor took Heracles, Beli, Ryan, and Sira to the auction house.
Meanwhile, Celestial Dragons had begun their outing. Their destination: today's auction—specifically the Fish-Man and Devil Fruit lots. The Celestial Dragons planned to buy the Devil Fruit for their slaves—probably just for amusement. Whether they'd actually pay was another question.
Victor's group took their seats.
The Celestial Dragons arrived shortly after—accompanied by CP agents assigned to serve them. The Navy would only mobilize if something happened to the Dragons.
The moment they entered, the Celestial Dragon Leidner Saint spotted Sira and lit up. "Before the auction even starts, I already see such a beautiful mermaid!"
His son Zachary Saint, dressed just as extravagantly, grinned eagerly. "Father—let's capture them!"
Leidner laughed. "No rush. We'll take them after the auction. They're all ours."
Zachary stared at Sira with a creepy smile, clearly imagining something unpleasant.
The CP agents beside them remained impassive—accustomed to this behavior. They existed solely to serve the Celestial Dragons unless otherwise ordered.
Victor noticed the Dragons but only gave them a brief glance before ignoring them.
Ryan and Sira, however, tensed up—especially Sira, who began trembling violently.
Ryan tried to comfort her.
Victor's steady voice cut through their fear. "Don't be afraid. Nothing will happen. I've got this."
He truly didn't care about the Celestial Dragons—just two useless parasites. Even if the Navy showed up later… good. He'd been waiting for a real fight for a long time.
Sira heard the unshakable confidence in his tone and slowly calmed down.
The auction proceeded normally. Victor ignored the ordinary items.
Then a famous sword appeared—and caught his interest.
"Ryo Wazamono – Yomi Fire: blade patterned with flames, cuts through hair and iron like nothing…"
Victor listened intently. "A Ryo Wazamono-grade blade. Finally—one worth having. They're so rare."
He won it for two million Berries.
After that, he stopped bidding—waiting for the Devil Fruit.
Before the fruit appeared, another mermaid auction began.
Ryan and Sira tensed again—desperately looking to Victor for help.
Victor spoke calmly. "Don't worry. They'll be safe."
But when the Celestial Dragon started bidding, Sira's fear returned in full force.
Liked this chapter? Support the story on Patreon!
Early access and extras available at only $4.99 tier.
patreon.com/arthursink