Chapter 285: Refusing to Use Connections

Is Crocus Shanks' second Grandpa? Man, can't you have someone on the navy side too? What about the World Government?

As soon as this thought crossed Adrian's mind, he couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.

As the ship doctor of the Roger Pirates, Crocus indeed had a history with Shanks, who was once a crew member. Moreover, given Crocus's age and experience, he certainly deserved the title of "Grandpa."

So... what kind of Expertise would he gain from swiping Crocus?

Ahem!

Just kidding.

No matter how crazy Adrian might get, he wouldn't go as far as to exploit an old doctor who had retired from his pirate career to gain some Expertise.

Besides, Crocus was different from other ship doctors of pirate crews. Though he accompanied the Pirate King in completing the final leg of the Grand Line's conquest, there was another reason for his journey besides Roger's personal invitation to cure his so-called "incurable" disease.

Another reason was to help Laboon, who was constantly crashing into the Red Line at Reverse Mountain, to find the Rumbar Pirates who had been lost in the Grand Line for decades.

In short, Crocus was not an evil doctor committing evil deeds. Attacking him would go against Adrian's long-held personal principles.

However, even if Adrian wasn't planning to take on tasks involving Crocus, he wasn't about to let the other members of the Roger Pirates off the hook!

Especially someone like the 'Dark King' Rayleigh!

Adrian now had over a thousand points in both strength and agility. Even though he couldn't compare to those famous physical powerhouses like Garp, Whitebeard, or Charlotte Linlin, or Kaido, or… let's keep it at that. He felt he could still hold his own against Rayleigh, maybe.

The difference in swordsmanship levels? No problem—what strength and agility lacked, intelligence would make up for! Even if there's a gap in levels, he'd still take him on! Besides, couldn't he use kiting skills, or guerrilla tactics, or why not use the classical transformation technique in making some sexy girls.

Adrian discreetly glanced at the progress of his extreme trial mission, which had accumulated to 930 points. Based on his previous experience, if he didn't challenge the top players of the sea and relied on capturing ordinary pirates to collect trial points, he estimated that he needed to capture pirate crews with a combined bounty of over 7 billion Beli to make up the deficit.

'Dark King' Rayleigh, as one of the legends of the old era and a top swordsman, should be worth at least 30 points, right?

Swipe Rayleigh once, and it's halfway done.

Then Scopper Gaban, and I'll be able to advance to the next level.

Indeed!

Shanks is the 'Protagonist' for now!

He's my golden leek, after all!

I just don't know if there are any other surviving members of the Roger Pirates still out there on the seas.

After all, following Roger's execution, the remnants of the Roger Pirates were hunted down by the World Government and the Marine Headquarters.

While they didn't suffer complete annihilation, casualties were inevitable…

Take Gaban for example, who hasn't appeared at all in the main timeline, only in flashbacks.

Does that mean I have to swipe Silvers Rayleigh twice?

Adrian stroked his chin, letting his imagination run wild.

Swiping a swordsman twice should yield some good stuff, right?

Just as Adrian was constantly trying to guess who the third old man to appear would be, Crocus was carefully examining Shanks' injuries.

Despite how this old man seemed to spend his days lounging on a beach chair,

In reality, anyone who Roger valued enough to invite onto his ship was definitely not a simple character.

This old man's medical skills surpass those of 99.99% of doctors on the seas!

In just a few minutes, Crocus had devised a comprehensive treatment plan for Shanks' current condition and yet-to-be-fully-healed injuries.

"Adrian-sama, Adrian-sama..."

Love's gentle call brought Adrian back to reality.

He looked down at the little fox, "What is it?"

"Mas- Master…" Dr Moy spoke up or tried to before his voice disappeared

"Type it out in short!!" Adrian massaged his temples, looking at the timid doctor in front.

Several white bandages quickly shot out from Dr. Moy, forming words in mid-air.

"Medicine,"

Adrian glanced at Crocus, then at the dejected-looking Shanks beside him, and nodded understandingly.

Despite the magnificent and luxurious appearance of the Abyss, which was docked beside Twin Capes, there weren't actually many valuable items on board. It was like the golden bell, which was luxurious looking on the outside, while hollow in the inside. While many say that it is useful and practical and physics will have something to say if I defamed it, think again we are talking about the most important thing – Appearance.

Aside from basic living furniture, most of the items were stored in Rumi's castle.

Not only was it very safe, but also easy to store and convenient to access.

Why else would it be called a qualified assistant?

Maybe on day, he would ask Rumi to combine her castle and the Abyss.

Adrian called out to Rumi from the lead-gray pocket watch, instructing the little ship spirit to bring out all the medicinal materials from the castle for Crocus to choose from.

Taking advantage of this time, Adrian asked Crocus, "Mr. Crocus, how much longer will Shanks' treatment take?"

"Hmm?" Crocus looked up, deep wrinkles furrowing his forehead as a glint of light flashed subtly in his eyes. "Such a severe sword wound, with Shanks' physical condition, will take at least a week to start healing properly, if there is no complication."

"A week?" Adrian was a bit surprised.

Crocus seemed to notice Adrian's surprise and explained, "When I say initial healing, I mean he can do basic works without much issue."

"No need to explain, doctor," Adrian waved his hand, understanding. "I'm not going to force someone severely injured into work or fight."

"Speaking of which, Adrian," Crocus said, holding a cluster of fresh green herbs, "Is Shanks one of your crew members now?"

"Crew member?" Adrian smiled, narrowing his eyes. "I personally would like to recruit Shanks, but he doesn't seem too willing." Then he added, "But pirates, recruiting crew members, since when did we need their approval?"

That's a very good point, I have no rebuttal…

Crocus fell silent for a moment. Many pirate crews on the seas forcibly abduct innocent civilians from passing islands, using them as low-ranking sailors or cannon fodder. Calling them "Crew Members" was just for sounding good, but these mates were more like calling them "Captives" or even "Slaves."

Pirates like Adrian, who were willing to treat the wounds of "Captives," were already quite kind-hearted. He had seen a number of pirate captains, who just would like to kill them off, before they became burden to the rest of the crew.

Recalling their past working together on the ship, Crocus hesitated but eventually spoke slowly. "The thing is, Shanks used to be…"

"A member of the Roger Pirates, right?" Adrian interrupted Crocus with a smile. "The straw hat on his head is the best proof of that."

Crocus glanced at him in surprise. "So you knew… Well, Adrian, you do know many little-known secrets of the sea."

"Yes, of course, I know that, but that's not why I want to recruit Shanks," Adrian paused. "What I admire is Shanks' potential."

This old ship doctor wants to pull rank?

Not going to work!

This 'Golden Leek' Shanks must be planted in my own garden!

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