Isabella and the Visitor

Chapter 154: Isabella and the Visitor

Jerome, a physician from the Kingdom of Elixiria, was a renowned doctor in his country. While not the best, he was certainly one of the top talents. Despite his promising career, he made a resolute decision to set sail.

Shortly after embarking on his journey, he heard about the Shichibukai, Rodney, looking for a ship's doctor. Jerome believed that with his talents, he could become Rodney's ship doctor. He decided to give it a try, as becoming a ship's doctor was as easy as eating and drinking, a position that required minimal effort compared to his skills.

In his view, the recruitment of a ship's doctor was just a formality, and there was no one more qualified than him. After all, there was no need for a ship's doctor to be combat-ready.

As Rodney approached, Jerome assumed that he would be the next to be announced as the Seven Warlords' dedicated physician. However, to his surprise, Rodney chose an attractive woman as his ship's doctor.

What?

Could those two lumps of useless fat on her chest really sway your decision? Are you one of the Shichibukai with such standards?

Jerome was not pleased!

Rodney glanced at him and said, "Not happy? Alright then, how about a fight? I don't want anyone on my crew with a combat rating below five!"

"I have no objections," Isabella replied, shaking her head.

Jerome, on the other hand, retorted, "How can you determine the ship's doctor position through such a crude method? It should be based on professional knowledge!" 

He believed that his abilities would easily outshine the woman.

"Are you saying you have no combat skills? Then what use are you to me? I prefer an all-around crew, and I personally don't need a ship's doctor." 

To be honest, Rodney didn't require many ship doctors.

He could heal his own injuries, Brook was a skeleton, and a glass of milk would suffice for minor injuries. Reiju had strong regenerative abilities, so there was no need to worry about them. Injuries didn't necessitate a ship's doctor. 

Rodney and Sister Slug alone could heal injuries. Bringing a ship's doctor was merely a precaution against illnesses or for times when he wasn't with Robin and the others. In case they got injured, there would be someone to take care of them.

So, it didn't matter who became the ship's doctor. What was essential was that the ship's doctor had the ability to protect themselves.

Leicester was chosen because he had that capability. If you couldn't protect yourself, wouldn't you be easy prey? Why would he want a ship's doctor like that?

Isabella's strength was definitely not as simple as Jerome imagined. She was likely much stronger than he thought.

So, it wouldn't hurt to let Jerome test the waters.

As Rodney expected, Jerome was arrogant and easily provoked. He couldn't resist a challenge and replied, "Alright, I'll take you on! What's a weak woman like you going to do to me?"

"Very well, that's more like a man! Troublemaker, go find a place for them to fight, and treat Conner's injuries while you're at it. He's broken quite a few bones." 

As Rodney spoke, Frank, the blond shipwright, automatically stepped forward with a sunny smile on his face. 

"Leave it to me."

"Thank you."

Jerome and Isabella exchanged glances, and Jerome scoffed, "Woman, surrender now. You don't stand a chance against me. Men have certain physical advantages over women."

Isabella remained silent. When Jerome reached for his gun, she swiftly slapped him, sending him flying.

The speed was too fast for most present to see clearly, but Rodney caught it. Isabella's move was a Haki-imbued slap, and while she concealed it well, there was still a trace of Haki.

Interesting.

Isabella softly said, "I win."

Jerome lay on the ground with a swollen cheek, and a prominent handprint on his face that drew everyone's attention.

"Alright, Miss Isabella wins. Any objections?"

No one objected, and Isabella became Rodney's ship doctor.

Frank continued treating Connor's injuries. His medical skills were also quite good, and these injuries were not a big deal for him. Connor just needed some rest.

After bandaging Connor's wounds efficiently, Doctor Frank said, "Mr. Rodney, he's all patched up."

"Thank you, Doctor Frank. Welcome to Avalon's number one hospital."

"An honor!"

The two shook hands, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.

"Everyone, let the feast begin!"

"Wow, wow, wow!"

Avalon suddenly became lively, like a festival. The newly recruited talents were distributed among the various departments in Avalon, with Robin and others assigning them to their respective positions as needed.

Isabella temporarily joined Avalon's number-one hospital. She only needed to accompany Rodney when the Black Pearl set sail. Otherwise, she worked as a doctor at the hospital, holding the titles of Vice Dean and Honorary Professor.

Rodney also purchased a considerable amount of medicine from Doflamingo at wholesale prices. Doflamingo knew that if he charged too much, Rodney would make up for it elsewhere, like taking a larger cut...

"It's amazing. I didn't expect him to be a political talent as well. If those bigwigs saw this, they'd probably be shocked, right?"

In Isabella's office at Avalon's number one hospital, she read the "Avalon Code (Version 1.0)" in her hand. It was written solely by Rodney, and although it wasn't thick, the laws were not only straightforward but also more enlightened and reasonable in some aspects compared to the World Government's laws.

"All I can do is use my strength to make life a little better for the people here. To lock up unbridled freedom in a cage. - Rodney."

Looking at the ugly handwriting on the title page, Isabella closed the book and sighed. 

"He's a good person, but in this world, how many people can he really make lives better?"

She took out a small snail phone and decided to contact her superior...

...

Near the waters of Avalon

A small sailing ship cut through the waves like a bullet, racing recklessly across the sea. With one hand pressing down his cowboy hat and the other holding his shirt open, revealing a striking crescent-moon-shaped beard, the symbol of the Whitebeard Pirates was clearly visible.

Whitebeard Pirates' flag!

The freckled man said softly, "I heard that guy became one of the Shichibukai. It surprised me; I wonder if he'd be willing to see me." He hesitated.

Even though he considered Rodney a friend, he ultimately betrayed their initial promise and joined the Whitebeard Pirates' fleet, where he found a sense of belonging.

He wanted to make Whitebeard the Pirate King!

The newcomer was Portgas D. Ace, one of Edward Newgate's sons and one of the captains who had merged with the Whitebeard Pirates. He was now one of the strongest men on the Grand Line.

The steam-powered boat soon arrived at Avalon's port and docked on the side.

Ace jumped off the boat with a small bag, looking for someone to ask, "Hello, can you tell me where Rodney is?"

The man he asked, a local resident, replied, "If you're looking for Rodney, he's probably at his place. You should report your identity and purpose to the sheriff first. The house with a red dot on the signpost at that intersection is where Rodney lives."

"Got it, thanks!" 

After thanking the man, Ace headed towards the sheriff's office. However, halfway there, he caught a whiff of a delicious aroma.

"Smells amazing!"

Drawn by the scent, Ace unconsciously forgot to report to the sheriff and followed the fragrance into a restaurant.

Not long after, news spread from the restaurant that someone had eaten himself to death.

After a while, Ace, with his bag and a piece of meat in his mouth, burst through the wall and hurriedly fled the restaurant.

"Ah, I ate without thinking again! What an unintentional free meal!" 

He scratched his head, intending to leave this place quickly, as there were people chasing after him.