"Brother Vic! You've come all this way to be a guest, and Mr. Tom should have taken you to a restaurant, but because of Akula Rag, all the restaurants on the island are probably closed. The food is already prepared, so please make do with what you have!"
Kokoro hasn't become addicted to drinking yet, and he's a very good person in all aspects of his life. Even now, he's still doing his best to protect Tom's Workers's reputation.
"It's alright, it's just that my timing was too coincidental. I didn't bring any gifts, so I apologize for bothering you. How about this, let me add a few more dishes for you all, so you can all enjoy a good meal!"
After saying that, Vic went straight to the dining table, and to the bewilderment of the others, he put his hand into his chest, leaving them dumbfounded!
They checked him just now and didn't find anywhere on him to store food. Is he going to take out his heart and lungs to cook? We wouldn't eat that kind of food, and we wouldn't dare!
However, seeing Vic's nonchalant expression, they realized they might have misunderstood. Upon closer inspection, they noticed that the spot where they had reached into his chest was crackling with electricity, but there was no wound or blood. They began to have some guesses.
Ignoring the surprised and uncertain looks from the others, Vic took out several thick wooden trays from his chest and placed them on the dining table, followed by several matching iron baking pans.
These are all things that Vic always carries in his Dimensional Space, just in case he encounters a situation where cooking is inconvenient.
Vic placed the baking trays side by side on the wooden pallet, bringing them together in pairs. Then he reached into his chest again, this time pulling out meat: ribs, steaks, and large bones. The group stared in disbelief. Was it magic? Creating something out of nothing?
"Ahem! I'm Logia Devil Fruit User. I can store things in an elemental space I created. Do you have oil? And various seasonings?"
After taking out the items, Vic glanced at the three people and noticed that their eyes were wide open, staring straight at his chest. He stopped, his hand still reaching for the oil and seasonings, and explained to them to avoid them looking at him like he was a monster.
"Oh! Yes, I'll get it for you right away!"
Although Kokoro didn't know how Vic was going to prepare the ingredients, she immediately turned around and started rummaging around on the stove when she heard that Vic wanted oil and seasonings.
"Monster! Can you leave now that you've eaten?"
After learning that Vic was Logia Devil Fruit User, Iceburg became increasingly worried, as he considered anyone who ate Devil Fruit to be a monster.
He didn't want Tom's Workers to have anything to do with the Navy; he was still too young and didn't understand the ways of the world.
If he were the CEO of Galley-La Company later on, he would probably have cultivated a good relationship with Vic and then used the Navy's power to exonerate his mentor, Tom.
After all, he is such a young Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral, and a Logia Fruit user. He is definitely a pillar of the Navy. It's just that he is too young, inexperienced, and too limited in his judgment!
"Wow! Vic! You're a Logia Devil Fruit User! Doesn't that make you invincible across the entire ocean? That's so cool!"
Franky became excited again when he learned that Vic was Logia Devil Fruit User; they had seen quite a few Devil Fruit users on this island with its thriving shipbuilding industry.
There are marines, pirates, and underground forces, but Logia Devil Fruits are really rare. It's said to be the most powerful Devil Fruit ability, capable of ignoring physical attacks, and the elemental power of nature is also very strong.
Crocodile, Logia user who had previously made headlines, fought to a draw with the well-known Douglas Bullet.
It's worth noting that when Bullet was on Pirate King Roger's ship, he fought to a draw with Dark King Rayleigh. Compared to that, Crocodile could be considered on par with a first mate.
Although recent newspaper reports say he was defeated by Whitebeard, surviving the World's Strongest Man is already a glorious defeat, Franky believes, and this is enough to prove the power of Logia Fruits.
He simply didn't know that in the New World, there was such a thing as Haki, which could counter Logia abilities. If a Logia user who didn't know Haki tried to show off in the New World, they would just be treated like a random passerby and beaten to a pulp.
"Purple-haired lad, if you'd like to join the navy with me, I'd leave right away. I'm about to lead a team on an independent mission, and the warship happens to be short of a highly skilled shipwright."
You're Mr. Tom's apprentice, so I trust your skills. Blue-haired guy, if you're interested, you're welcome to join us too. I'm eager to find talented people!
Vic ignored Iceburg's rudeness and even extended an invitation, then turned to the excited Franky and extended the same invitation.
If Iceburg or Franky really agree, he wouldn't mind taking action to directly destroy the Aqua Laguna, and he could also show off his power in front of the two of them to win over some hearts.
"Brother Vic! You must be joking. Mr. Tom has a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and doesn't even have time to build the ship. These two disciples can't be left behind!"
Let me introduce you. The one with purple hair is Iceburg, the one with blue hair is Flam, and you Kokoro. Here, have some oil and seasonings.
Seeing Vic poaching Tom's two apprentices right in front of him, Kokoro was both amused and exasperated, and quickly came over to stop him!
"Brother Vic! If I get on your ship, can you speak on Mr. Tom's charges? If you can get Mr. Tom off the hook, I'll get on your ship! I'll do whatever you say, without hesitation!"
When Franky heard that Vic wanted to recruit him and Iceburg, the idea immediately popped into his head: he would do anything to get Mr. Tom off the hook.
"Monster! If one of these freaks isn't enough, I can come along too. Our technology Water 7, it will definitely allow your warships to roam freely in any sea!"
Upon hearing Franky's words, Iceburg's heart lit up. He slammed his hands on the table and stared intently at Vic. His determination to save Mr. Tom was no less than Franky's!
Kokoro remained silent, looking at Tom's two apprentices with a complex expression, his eyes filled with deep satisfaction!
Vic didn't speak immediately. He placed his left middle finger on the leftmost baking pan, and instantly, wisps of smoke rose from all the baking pans.
With my right hand, I picked up the oil bottle and poured a suitable amount of oil into each baking pan. Then I put the various meats I had just taken out into the baking pan, and the meat pieces sizzled as they hit the hot iron plate and the hot oil.
But now no one is paying attention to his grilling; everyone is waiting for his reply, which is what Iceburg and Franky care about most.