“Vir, Pops will be sending someone over soon. When they arrive, I’ll need you to come along.”
Ace turned to Vir with a smile as he spoke. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he threw an arm around Luffy’s neck.
“Luffy, you wouldn’t mind lending me Vir to help save someone important, would you?”
Ace had initially planned to rough Luffy up a little, but whether that would still happen depended entirely on what Luffy said next.
“If Vir is willing, then of course not! After all, it’s someone important to you!”
Luffy’s face was squished from Ace’s grip, making his words come out a little unclear.
Hearing this, Ace let go of him with a disappointed look.
He had been hoping Luffy would refuse, just so he could beat him up before taking Vir along. But now that wasn’t an option. If Luffy had disagreed, Ace would have made him agree.
Ace turned his gaze back to Vir.
“Of course, I have no problem with it. Saving lives and treating injuries is a doctor’s duty!”
Vir spoke with such conviction that Chopper’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
My master really is the greatest doctor in the world!
Ace tipped his hat slightly and grinned brightly.
“I really owe you one, Vir!”
Vir waved him off casually. “Come on, man, we’re bros! No need for formalities! It’s what friends do! If you ever need help again, just find me. I won’t charge.”
Ace was genuinely moved. This guy—despite his rough ways—was a true brother.
Ace nodded firmly. At this moment, he felt that Vir was truly a great guy. At the very least, he was someone easy to be around.
*Puru puru puru…*
Just then, Ace’s Den Den Mushi rang.
*Click.*
“Hello…?”
Ace answered as he walked off. Meanwhile, Vir started thinking about the upcoming events.
Now that he had Armament Haki—and was even close to mastering its advanced level—taking down Crocodile would be a piece of cake.
Crocodile’s strength probably took a nosedive after his mental breakdown. This fight shouldn’t be too hard.
Ace wouldn’t be around much longer. Soon, only the Straw Hats and Vir would continue toward Yuba to find the rebel army.
But the rebels had already left long ago. Going there would be a complete waste of time.
A few hours lost in the desert wasn’t ideal. The sooner they reached Rainbase, the better. He needed to think of a way to convince them.
Once they got to Rainbase, everything should unfold as expected.
Crocodile would move early, heading toward Alubarna. Luffy would fight him halfway, nearly die, and then Vir would step in to save him.
After that, Vir would take Luffy to Alubarna. Luffy would fight Crocodile again while Vir collected Devil Fruit abilities from the defeated Baroque Works agents.
By that time, Zoro and the others would have finished their battles. Vir would sweep through, collecting abilities without wasting a second.
Just as he’d finish, Crocodile would be defeated, and everything would wrap up neatly.
Vir smirked to himself.
‘I’m a time management genius!’
Once everything was settled, he’d have even more strength than he could currently imagine.
“Luffy!”
Ace hung up his call and called out to Luffy, who had run ahead again.
Luffy turned back. “Huh? What’s up?”
The others also stopped, looking toward Ace.
“I have to go now. The person I’m looking for has already left. I can’t keep traveling with you guys.”
Ace’s voice carried a hint of reluctance. After all, it had been years since he last saw his little brother.
Vir also looked over. Ace was leaving already? That meant it was time to figure out how to get the Straw Hats to Rainbase directly.
“Ah! You’re leaving? Oh well~”
Luffy looked disappointed. He hadn’t expected Ace to leave so soon.
Before leaving, Ace rummaged through his bag and pulled out a small piece of white paper. He tore a part off and handed one piece to Vir before giving another to Luffy.
Luffy, puzzled, examined the paper in his hands.
Ace grinned and explained, “This is a Vivre Card. The sea is vast, but this will always point you to me.”
Luffy watched in amazement as the paper moved slightly in Ace’s direction. “Whoa! That’s awesome!”
Ace then turned toward the Straw Hat crew, bowing slightly.
“My idiot brother has probably caused you a lot of trouble. I’ll have to count on you guys to look after him.”
“Nah, it’s fine~”
“He’s not that dumb…”
“You’re too polite! Too polite!”
The crew felt a little flustered. Who would’ve thought Luffy had such a well-mannered older brother? It was honestly surprising.
“Oh, right, Luffy. According to my intel, the rebels already left Yuba. Going there would be a waste of time.”
Ace’s information came from Marco, who had just called him. Marco had a friend in the intelligence business and helped Ace out as a favor.
Vir’s eyes lit up. He had been wondering how to convince them, but Ace had just taken care of it for him.
‘Nice! He really is a bro!’
“Vir, the old man has already sent someone, but it’ll take at least a month for them to get here.”
“Don’t worry, though. He’ll find you when he arrives. Just stay on Luffy’s ship for now.”
Ace spoke with sincere gratitude toward Vir.
“Got it. Don’t worry! That’s just a minor injury for me. You’ll hear good news soon.”
Hearing this, Ace felt a lot more at ease. He now had even greater confidence in Vir’s medical skills.
It seemed like there was no injury or illness in the world that could stump him.
After saying his goodbyes, Ace set off on his journey.
Watching his retreating figure, Vir couldn’t help but call out: “Ace! Never underestimate anyone!”
But Ace didn’t turn around. He simply raised a hand and waved.
Vir sighed with a hint of helplessness.
‘Can’t be helped. That’s just the kind of guy he is.’
Though they hadn’t spent much time together, Vir genuinely liked Ace.
And definitely not just because Ace had gifted him 24,000 negative points and insanely strong Armament Haki…
No, it was just because he thought Ace was a genuinely good guy.
—–
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