Of course, there are benefits to Olvia showing her face, namely, it can convey to Robin that she is still alive, so that Robin's growth and life are not so bleak, giving her some motivation to survive, and leaving a hope for their future meeting.
As for anything else, that's all. Olvia's family and friends all died in Ohara's Buster Call, and those who knew she was still alive already knew.
"I'd better cover it up with a face mask! This face shouldn't be showing right now!"
Olvia had naturally considered these two points as well, and knew that Vic was leaving the choice to her. However, considering the terror of the World Government and the future pursuit she would face, she still gave up showing her face.
She already felt like she was a burden to Vic and the others, and now she wanted to bring even more trouble upon herself for her own selfish reasons? She couldn't get over this hurdle in her heart.
Robin inherited her kindness and was willing to sacrifice herself for the Straw Hat Pirates. Olvia believes that as long as she and Robin are still alive, they will definitely be reunited!
"Alright! Since you've made your decision, then stop using the face mask. I'll make you a mask, and you can change your name!"
Vic didn't really want Robin to know that Olvia was still alive. Although Robin's childhood was full of hardship and betrayal, she also gained a lot of experience.
Being able to evade betrayal and pursuit time and time again is a remarkable skill in itself. Vic felt it was all worthwhile; without those experiences, how could Robin have become the distinctive and captivating character she is today?
What kind of emotion would Robin feel if he knew his mother was still alive?
Different experiences can change the course of one's life and determine one's character and values. Vic really liked Robin's character and values in the original series, so he didn't want to change Robin. Since the tragedy of Ohara was irreversible, he would add a touch of emotion to Robin in the future!
"Your name is Vic! Then I'll be called Via, and no one should associate that with my original name!"
Olvia glanced at Vic, and for some reason, took the last two characters of his name as her own.
"Um... then let's go with this name!"
Although Vic found it a bit strange, the name Via made perfect sense. After saying that, Vic took out a small piece of metal from his Dimensional Ring and began to smelt it in his hand.
The metal is heated until it's molten red, then kneaded and flattened by hand to take shape. Finally, some patterns are carefully carved out, and a simple and rustic mask gradually takes shape in Vic's hands. Although it's still red, you can already imagine the simple and elegant style of the finished product.
"Try it on!"
After the mask cooled down completely, Vic tied the leather ribbon around it and handed it to Olvia. Olvia didn't say anything to thank him; she simply took it and put it on.
The mask didn't cover the entire face; the lower edge only covered the tip of the nose, leaving the nostrils, lips, and chin exposed. The upper edge covered the entire forehead, revealing only the eyes. Combined with the silver-white hair, it gave off a sacred and elegant feel, making Vic take a second look.
After putting on the mask, Olvia took out the bronze mirror that Vic had given her and examined her face after putting on the mask. After seeing her appearance with the mask on, Olvia was somewhat lost in thought.
This was a far cry from her previous appearance when she wore a face mask; even acquaintances would have a hard time recognizing her. Silver hair wasn't uncommon in this world, so how could the World Government, which had concluded she was dead in Ohara, possibly suspect her?
As long as her mask doesn't fall off, her identity won't be exposed. Once the time is right, she can appear in front of the public and in front of her daughter Robin!
" Vic! Should we continue across the Grand Line or take the shortest route?"
After Vic finished forging Olvia's mask and handed it to Olvia, Rebecca asked, "Now that the pirate ship is sailing in the Grand Line, we need to choose a magnetic route. This decision must be made by Vic, as the captain."
The first half of the Grand Line has seven magnetic routes, while the New World has been shortened to three. Vic and his crew had only sailed three of the seven routes before, and the others were unfamiliar and novel to them. As pirates, this adventure was quite suitable for them; it just depended on Vic's choice.
"Let's take the same route that Professor Zephyr led us on before, and see if we find any interesting guys to recruit as partners."
Vic said without hesitation that he had already thought it through in the past few days. As long as he showed up, the Navy and the World Government would come looking for him. There were quite a few people connected to him on that route, and he might be able to get some help at a critical moment. It was better than going on a completely unfamiliar route. As for the other routes that he hadn't yet traveled, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.
Three days later, Vic and his group encountered their first island after leaving the Calm Belt, and they decided to land on the island to resupply.
Although they had no shortage of food on board, it was mostly meat. It wouldn't be a problem in the short term, but it would definitely have an impact on their health in the long run.
Therefore, they also need to replenish their food supplies such as vegetables and fruits. If they come across an island with a town, they will definitely go and take a look. Since their current goal is to find companions, it is essential to come into contact with more people.
" Via! You stay with Rebecca. If you need anything, have her take you to buy it. Barnett can handle the rest of the supplies!"
Be careful when you come to the island, everyone. Our bounties are quite high. We're not afraid of any fair or honorable means, but be wary of underhanded methods, especially from those with special abilities—they're often unpredictable and hard to defend against!
Vic spoke to Olvia and gave the others some more instructions, reminding them that their status was different now, and that almost everyone outside was an enemy.
Some want money, some want fame, some want credit. They can easily mess things up, and messing things up isn't just about getting hurt. This is the real world, and without an escape route, it's likely to end in death. Vic doesn't want anything to happen to his partner.
Everyone agreed, and in the end, everyone except Frodeku stayed behind to watch the boat went ashore.
It's time for Vic and his group to reappear after disappearing for two months. They need to show some strength, otherwise everyone, good or bad, will want to mess with them. A little toughness can reduce a lot of trouble.
Of course, the most pressing issue right now is dealing with the pursuit by the World Government and the Navy. Once we get past them, things will be really stable.