Because of that damn movie, Vir had completely underestimated Shiki’s strength.
He’d thought his homemade medical supplies would be more than enough.
But now?
It was a pipe dream to think they’d even take effect.
He had no choice but to buy something from the system shop right now.
There was no other way.
He’d been totally misled.
Searching for something on the spot would take some time.
What a mess.
This sucked big time.
At that moment, the others also sensed that aura—an overwhelming, oppressive presence.
Sure, the guy’s strength had waned.
His Conqueror’s Haki was suppressed.
But that aura, unique to a true powerhouse, hadn’t diminished one bit.
Everyone stepped outside, looking up at the sky.
“Tch, still loves making a flashy entrance, huh.” Rayleigh remarked, spotting that familiar face. A nostalgic expression crossed his own.
What memories.
Those days of fighting tooth and nail against this guy.
But now…
At that thought, a trace of sorrow flickered in Rayleigh’s eyes.
Seeing him again brought back memories—not just of things, but of people.
Sigh.
“Keep showing off. The flashier you are now, the harder you’ll crash later.” Marco quipped, unbothered by nostalgia.
“Who’s this guy?” Yamato asked, puzzled.
She genuinely didn’t recognize him.
“An old-timer from the same era and level as Pops.” Marco explained casually.
Yamato’s eyes lit up instantly.
Whoa!
A powerhouse on par with Whitebeard?
One trip out to sea, and she was already meeting a legend like this?
Totally worth it!
She wondered how strong he was.
She kinda wanted to fight him!
Yamato was itching to try.
“Careful.” Marco said, his face suddenly serious. “This guy is Vir’s patient. You could punch Vir himself, and he’d probably just laugh it off. But if you scare away his patient? Yeah, good luck surviving that.”
That snapped Yamato out of it.
She glanced at Vir’s back, a chill running through her.
Phew.
Good thing she hadn’t charged in.
That was close!
Marco wasn’t joking at all.
Sure, you could drive the patient away…
But then there was an 800% chance you’d end up as the replacement.
At that moment, Shiki finally descended.
As he landed, a metallic clang rang out.
The sound of his two famous swords, now replacing his legs, striking the ground.
The first thing that caught everyone’s attention was his iconic look: two swords as legs and a rudder lodged in his head.
Very distinctive.
And, of course, the ever-present cigar between his lips.
Seeing that, Vir immediately understood.
This guy’s lungs probably had problems too.
Gotta fix that.
For those who didn’t know or hadn’t seen Shiki before, their first reaction was his overwhelming presence.
He wasn’t towering.
He wasn’t deliberately projecting any kind of pressure.
He just stood there, smiling calmly, looking like someone’s grandpa if you didn’t know better.
But even so, he made Hancock and Yamato feel an intense sense of danger.
Truly a veteran powerhouse.
Hancock was mildly surprised.
She hadn’t expected Vir’s patient to be this strong.
But for someone this powerful to seek Vir’s treatment…
Vir really was… amazing~
Her thoughts started to wander…
Yamato, meanwhile, shelved her urge to challenge him.
Forget Vir for now.
With this gap in strength, she’d just get crushed.
Just pure abuse waiting to happen.
Vir felt that pressure clearly, too.
If he’s this powerful just standing around—what’ll happen after removing that rudder from his head? Will the Marines even survive?
That was Vir’s only question now.
Great.
Just great.
He’d tried to overestimate the Golden Lion.
And still underestimated him.
Even now, Shiki’s strength might not match an Admiral’s, but he was definitely stronger than Momousagi.
Probably on par with Rayleigh.
Damn it all.
Vir even cursed out that stupid movie under his breath.
Trash movie.
Ruined his youth!
He shot a glance at Luffy, who was in the middle of a big-eater contest with Bonney, scarfing down three boars worth of meat in one bite.
That sight killed the last of Vir’s fantasies.
Alright.
Fine.
Got it.
No more words.
“Hahahaha! Little bro Vir! I’ve heard so much about you!” Shiki called out, extending his right hand.
Vir smiled and shook it.
Whatever.
Was this a bad thing?
No, this was a good thing!
Sure, he’d underestimated Shiki’s strength, so his prep work might be lacking.
But that just meant curing him would unlock even greater potential.
Thinking about it that way, spending some time browsing the system shop wasn’t an issue at all.
“Had breakfast yet? We’ve got some food here. If you’re hungry, grab a bite, and when you’re done…”
“Let’s check out that body of yours.”
Vir’s gaze roamed over Shiki’s form with unabashed intensity.
Shiki glanced past Vir, spotting Luffy and Bonney fighting over the last giant drumstick.
He decided to pass on eating.
Just as he was about to decline, a soft but fiery voice cut in from behind him.
“Hey! What’s with that look?”
Everyone then noticed there was someone else behind Shiki.
His presence had been so overwhelming they’d completely overlooked the girl.
Vir only now saw her.
Not bad-looking.
But why was her temper so grating?
She wasn’t in the original story.
As Vir puzzled over it, Shiki made the introduction.
“This is my adopted daughter, Jina. She’s a doctor, too.”
“I brought her along so she could learn a thing or two. Hope you don’t mind an observer during the treatment, Vir?”
Vir broke into a grin.
Mind?
Not at all!
He was worried Shiki would want a private session.
But this guy liked an audience, huh?
The more, the merrier.
Especially if there’s a key witness.
And what a coincidence.
Another adopted daughter!
Tch, tch, tch.
First that old geezer Kuzan.
Then that old geezer Rayleigh.
Now another old geezer, Shiki.
As everyone knew, when an old geezer’s adopted daughter was around, the negative points came fast and furious.
“No problem! Not at all! Watch all you want. Heck, get the kid a magnifying glass! Chopper! Go grab a magnifying glass!”
Vir called out to Chopper, who was watching the scene unfold.
Chopper scurried off to fetch one.
Shiki’s face lit up with a smile.
This guy was pretty easy to get along with!
He’d been worried Vir wouldn’t allow spectators.
“That’s much appreciated! Jihahaha!”
Vir almost felt a little guilty.
It was like selling someone out… only for them to happily count the money for you.
Kinda weird…