Before Oden joined the crew, Roger had already almost circled the Grand Line. After Oden joined, they wasted no time and went straight to the Poneglyph.
Roger couldn't afford to waste any more time at that point. He was terminally ill, and after returning from Laugh Tale, Roger disbanded his pirate crew and was the first to disembark.
Shanks didn't go to Laugh Tale because he was taking care of Buggy, who had a fever. So the only time Roger and Oden were on the ship at the same time was during the year before Roger disembarked. The tattoo on Shanks' back was done during that period.
Vic could even shorten the timeframe to the period between Roger's return from Laugh Tale and Roger's disembarkation, because they knew the truth of the world and then tattooed it on Shanks ' back in an unusual way that couldn't be understood by ordinary means and required a special method of interpretation.
Of course, this is the most likely possibility that Vic is speculating on. Other possibilities are not out of the question. Roger and Oden are both mischievous people. If the idea comes to mind one day, it is not impossible that they would play a Shanks and tattoo Shanks on the back!
"Oh! Why did they get this tattoo on your back? Is there any special meaning behind it? When was it done? You were just a little kid back then, right? Won't the design change as you grow up?"
Vic composed himself and walked into the hot spring, asking casually. Although he had a guess, he still wanted to confirm it. If it really recorded the truth of the world, he would still take it seriously and see if he could decipher the pattern. Then, even without going to Laugh Tale, he would know the truth of this world!
Hot springs do have an effect on ability users, but not as noticeably as seawater. This hot spring is essentially diluted seawater. Although Vic's body felt uncomfortable, it did not affect his movements or abilities.
Seawater is much weaker than Seastone. While one might be powerless and unable to move in seawater, one can still use their abilities. However, if one is handcuffed with Seastone Handcuffs, they are completely unable to use their abilities. The two are not on the same level.
"I don't know why they tattooed this on me. It happened after they came back from Laugh Tale. I was taking care of a sick friend at the time and couldn't go to Laugh Tale."
I was a little disappointed at the time, so I remember it clearly: the captain and his crew made me quite itchy, but that was about it.
Shanks also entered the hot spring, and even turned around to look at his back, but since he couldn't turn his head, he didn't care and directly submerged his body in the hot spring, letting out a comfortable groan.
Shanks ' words confirmed Vic's guess. It really happened after they returned from Laugh Tale. Roger was the first to disembark, so the time in between was very short. He got the tattoo almost as soon as he picked up Shanks and Buggy.
After that, he went ashore to have Ace with Rouge and then went to the Navy to surrender after confirming Rouge's pregnancy. Roger had arranged everything perfectly, without stopping.
Because Roger was terminally ill and had no time left, and they had arrived too early, which was inappropriate, he needed to pass on some information that could not be shown to others.
Since he can go to Laugh Tale, the World Government can too, so he's keeping a backup plan with Shanks?
Following Shanks ' words, Vic continued to speculate, implying that Shanks carried a portion of the One Piece with him. Vic decided to take a closer look and memorize the tattoo on Shanks' back; he didn't know how to decipher it now, but perhaps he would later.
There's also a logbook belonging to Oden in Wano Country, which might contain some information that has been deciphered.
But a few pages of the diary were torn out. What if the solution was written on those pages? Then the clue is gone again!
That's quite possible. Those pages are about Laugh Tale, and it's normal for two things to be torn out together since they're so close together. But we should still check it out first. Vic happens to know that the logbook is currently in Yamato's possession.
The others also entered the hot spring one after another. Vic stopped talking about tattoos and immediately changed the subject to talk about Divine Departure and cultivation.
Both are top-tier athletes and have a lot in common. Shanks's comprehension and physical talent are both top-notch.
Vic has exceptional comprehension, but his physical talent isn't as high; he mostly relies on his physical proficiency to keep up.
Just like Armament Haki, Shanks and Luffy didn't need the transition of Shigan and Tekkai; they went straight from not knowing to knowing, jumping directly from one side of the river to the other—simple and brutal.
Vic, however, took a different path from the other two. He crossed the small bridge step by step, a process that was tedious but steady.
The two were exchanging ideas, while those behind them listened attentively and took notes. Much of what they shared was experience and insight that could only be gained through fierce battles; now, all they needed to do was listen quietly—these were invaluable treasures.
Hot springs are nice, but you can't soak in them forever. Two hours later, everyone got out of the water and dressed. This time, Vic gave Shanks a few hard looks down his back, memorizing the intricate pattern. Vic's gaze made Shanks's anus tighten, fearing that he might do something inappropriate. He quickly got dressed and left.
The last group of people returned to the place where the banquet had been held before. Vic was about to leave, but Shanks dragged him into another banquet.
The island was teeming with ferocious beasts, powerful and delicious, a natural buffet. Vic ended up leaving this wild island with a feast.
They've done what needed to be done, fought what needed to be fought, and talked about what needed to be talked about. They don't need to be together all the time. They appreciate each other but also know their place in the world!
When Vic returned to the warship, the sun was already setting. The people left on the warship were initially worried, after all, they had been gone for so long, and Shanks was no nobody. But they were relieved to see Vic and his group fly back unharmed, and then set sail and left at Vic's command.
" Vic! Where do we go next?"
Barnett asked Vic, who was standing at the bow of the ship watching the sunset, "I saw a different Vic today, a Vic who can chat and laugh with pirates!"
Gone was the murderous intent that drove him to kill pirates on sight. Even though Vic had hidden it well before, Rebecca could still sense that emotion emanating from Vic. Only Rebecca knew the reason behind it!
"Go to Alabasta! There's a Logia Fruit user hiding there, someone who once fought Bullet to a draw!"
A smile crept onto Vic's lips. This player, who could go toe-to-toe with anyone, Vic was going to test his skills. Was it truly a 50/50 match, or was he just using tricks?