The Third Time-This Is the Current [Scholar] Advancement Task (Continued)

"My standards are very high. Not just any stray can catch my eye."

Adrian spoke lightly.

"I just want to run an experiment."

"An experiment?"

Crocus touched his petal-like hair. He did not press further, answering instead.

"Those hotheaded kids out on the outer seas are impossible to predict. One day, they might get a sudden urge to try their luck on the Grand Line."

"But from what I've observed over the years, an average of two or three pirate crews make it over Reverse Mountain each week. That number is still slowly rising."

"As for the crews that wreck in the upstream passage and lose everyone aboard, there's no counting them."

Adrian nodded slightly. "So the wait shouldn't be long?"

"I can't promise that!" Crocus shook his head and walked toward Shanks. "It all comes down to luck."

Adrian watched Crocus and the tuft of red hair visible behind him. Luck, huh... As it happens, that's exactly what I want to test.

While Crocus carefully treated Shanks's injuries, Adrian and Louf returned to the Nether Abyss.

Moe stayed below to assist Crocus and watch the master ship doctor's techniques up close.

"Adrian-sama, once Shanks is healed, are we heading straight for Paradise?"

"No. We'll wait here for a couple of days."

Adrian stroked Louf's fluffy head.

"There's something I need to verify first."

Louf nodded without quite understanding, then scampered off to prepare snacks.

Adrian returned alone to the Captain's Cabin on the Nether Abyss's top deck and quietly waited for his chance.

As it turned out, Crocus's years of quiet observation had been spot-on.

Adrian did not even have to wait until the next morning.

That very night, while the Nether Abyss lay moored on the shore of Twin Capes, a pirate crew from East Blue successfully