Vir glared at Rayleigh, his heart seething with frustration.
This guy had the nerve to thank him one moment, but when it was time to step up, he acted blind!
If Vir got his hands on him, he'd gouge those eyes out!
But just as Vir was about to abandon the "customer is king" principle...
*Puru puru puru puru...*
A ringing sound echoed.
The sound snapped Hancock out of her daze.
She'd been sobbing into Vir's chest, soaking his shirt, and now, realizing it, she flushed with embarrassment. She quickly let go of her tight grip on him, stepping back and avoiding his gaze.
What had gotten into her?
How... how could she just...?
Hancock's face grew redder the more she thought about it. She couldn't even look at Vir, keeping her head down, dodging the weight of her own feelings.
Seeing Hancock release him, Vir let out a huge sigh of relief.
Thank you, whoever you are!
He pulled the Den Den Mushi from his pocket and clicked it on. Before he could speak, the snail morphed into a familiar face.
That distinctive curled white mustache was unmistakable.
"Pops!" Marco blurted out, unable to hold it in.
But the moment he did, he realized—why was he yelling? The call wasn't for him.
"What's up, old man? Spill it." Vir said with a grin, looking in high spirits.
This call had just saved him from a massive headache.
On the other end, Whitebeard laughed heartily.
"Gurararara! Kid, just so you know, Shiki's headed your way. It's getting late, so he'll probably arrive tomorrow morning. I gave him your number—he'll contact you once he gets there."
Whitebeard's booming voice carried a hearty warmth, enough to put anyone at ease.
Vir's grin widened at the news. "Nice one, old man! One call and you've made my day twice. Don't worry, I'll get that guy patched up good as new. You can rest easy—put your heart in your... well, you know!"
With that, Vir hung up.
One patient down, the next already lined up.
The timing couldn't be more perfect.
Now, he needed to prepare Shiki's treatment plan.
But the moment Vir put the Den Den Mushi away—
"What?! Another man is coming?! Absolutely not!"
Elder Nyon's furious voice cut through the air.
She could tolerate these guys since Rayleigh brought them, and they were here to help Hancock.
She knew exactly who he was!
A legend who once rivaled the Pirate King Gol D. Roger himself!
Sure, he was coming for treatment, but...
A man of that caliber losing his temper could level this entire island!
Elder Nyon wasn't keen on taking that risk.
What she didn't know was that Shiki wasn't in his prime anymore. One-on-one, he might not even beat Rayleigh. His strength had plummeted, and the only tricky thing was that Float-Float Fruit.
With so many heavy hitters here, who'd be scared of him?
Rayleigh was about to explain when—
A long, slender leg lashed out without mercy.
Elder Nyon soared through the air.
Her trajectory was impeccable—a perfect arc before vanishing beyond the horizon.
Everyone froze, brains short-circuiting.
What happened to respecting elders?
"How dare you question Vir's decision!" Hancock huffed, glaring.
But the moment the words left her lips—
"Vir~ You can invite anyone you want. This place is your home~"
Her voice softened instantly, her gaze shy and tender as she looked at him.
Even though they had just seen this switch happen—
The crowd still felt their worldview crumble all over again.
How... how was she flipping faces this fast?
Rayleigh sighed, rubbing his forehead with one hand.
He could treat patients anywhere; it wasn't about the location, just the patients. If this place didn't work, he'd find another island.
But since Hancock insisted, he'd stick around to treat Shiki before moving on.
Whitebeard was probably already on the move. The war was coming fast—Ace's execution was a week away. Vir would soon need to join Marco and Yamato to rendezvous with Whitebeard.
For now, though? He'd wait for Shiki.
"Thanks. We'll stay the night." Vir said casually.
But even that simple sentence sent Hancock spiraling into fantasy.
'He... he thanked me~ Is this... a confession?'
Thankfully, she snapped out of it quickly this time. With a nod to Vir, she regained her Empress composure and called out, "Attendants!"
Two women rushed in. "Hebihime-sama!" they said, kneeling respectfully.
"Escort my honored guests to the side palace to rest. And prepare a top-tier banquet immediately!"
One of the younger women led Vir's group to the side palace. Despite the name, it was as grand as the main hall, with lavish decor that left Chopper gasping in awe.
After showing them to their rooms, the woman reminded them someone would fetch them for dinner and then left.
Vir stood at his door, eyeing it.
Nice. Sturdy. Good door.
He pushed it open and stepped inside—only to freeze like a statue.
The room was decked out in feminine decor. A faint, familiar fragrance hit him—the same one he'd smelled on Hancock.
Then he saw the qipaos.
This was Hancock's bedroom.
The qipaos weren't even half of it. Hanging nearby were soft, fluffy bath towels...
This was what she meant by "make yourself at home"?
He hadn't expected Hancock to give him her room—and without even tidying it up! What was going on in that head of hers?
Vir shook his head, resigned.
It was just a place to sleep. What difference did it make? It's not like anything would happen.
This was his room now.