With Blackbeard around, Marco has been suspicious of everyone lately, but after Red-Hair ' advice and reflecting on Vic's past actions, he realized that the last person he should suspect was Vic!
He could get whatever Vic wanted on his own, so there was no need for him to act like an actor. Therefore, he sincerely apologized to Vic and also shared Red-Hair ' advice.
"He suggested it to me? That's typical of him, but I really have no interest in that. Like Red-Hair, if you need any help, just contact us!"
We came to your rescue after receiving intelligence. This is something I promised Whitebeard at Marineford. He wouldn't let me save him; he gave up his own life but always thought of you!
Therefore, you must all cherish your lives. If things really get too difficult, give up your territory first. As long as you're alive, you can always rebuild!
Seeing Marco's confession and apology, Vic also confessed some things they didn't know: no one else knew about the conversation between Vic and Whitebeard.
This has always been a mystery, and many people have been speculating about what Vic and Whitebeard said to each other, especially since the footage was broadcast live.
Some speculate that Vic rescued Fire Fist Ace because he reached some kind of agreement with Whitebeard, but nothing came of it.
Speculation is just speculation. If Vic really did temporarily accept Whitebeard's territory, then the speculation that an agreement was reached would be considered true, and that Whitebeard traded territory for Ace's life.
The reason why Vic, as Shichibukai, betrayed his allegiance at the last minute was because he coveted Whitebeard's territory and wanted to become the new Emperor of the Sea. At that time, there will definitely be a lot of conspiracy theories, and Vic will become the second most ambitious person after Blackbeard. Therefore, Vic still wants to explain himself.
" Pops...! We were too useless; we couldn't protect Pops, and now we can't even protect the territory he left behind!"
" Pops was still thinking of us even at that time, sob sob!"
" Pops!"
The truth revealed by Vic was truly heartbreaking; Marco and the others shed tears. Whitebeard's love for them was too heavy; he couldn't let go of his worries even on his deathbed. They finally understood why Vic had arrived so timely, and they finally understood what kind of person Vic was!
No one else heard their conversation at the bow of the ship. If Vic were less conscientious, he could have simply ignored it. Who would know what agreement they reached?
Marco and the others admired their Pops's judgment even more now. He was so good at judging people, trusting Vic firmly from the very beginning. They were still too naive!
Vic didn't interrupt their emotional outpouring. Rebecca and the others also fell silent, feeling sympathy for Marco and his friends. They were a group of children who had lost their fathers, a group of children who had lost their homes!
They couldn't help but think of Vic, their leader, and the words Vic had spoken to them—words that were truly invaluable. The Whitebeard Pirates were a cautionary tale. Rebecca and the others' mindsets had shifted slightly; this was probably the reward of their travels!
" Vic! Everyone in the Thunder God Pirates! Thank you for saving my life. I have no way to repay you. Please feel free to call me anytime if you ever need my help!"
After finishing their meal in silence, Marco was the first to stand up. Jozu and the others, seeing Marco's signal, also stood up. Led by Marco, they all bowed deeply, completely and sincerely!
Vic is a man of integrity, and the members of the Thunder God Pirates also deserve this bow. Moreover, they have already reached a consensus that this bow is just an appetizer.
"Didn't I just say? This is a promise with Whitebeard, it has little to do with you. Your injuries are mostly healed, so let's say goodbye. Contact me if you need anything!"
Vic stood up, patted Marco on the shoulder, and headed towards the beach. Rebecca and the others stood up, greeted him, and followed.
Marco and the others only have external injuries left, which basically don't affect their combat effectiveness, so there's no need for Vic to stay any longer. Blackbeard isn't going to be so stubborn as to launch a counterattack, so they should be safe for the time being.
" Golden Lion's abilities are so convenient! No wonder he was able to get here so quickly!"
Watching the Haki pirate ship fly away, Marco muttered to himself. He didn't try to stop Vic and the others, because they had important things to do for a while.
Once they were away from the island where Marco and his group were, Vic had Rebecca return the ship to the sea. He had come out to scout for powerful individuals, so he couldn't stay in the air forever; only on the sea would he have more opportunities.
Vic wasn't trying to expand his pirate crew; his main goal was to place strong individuals into the Navy. Of course, he wouldn't mind inviting those he was particularly satisfied with to join him. As for people like Aokiji, he'd take as many as they wanted.
" Vic! The news about our victory over the coalition forces is in the papers. The bounties for those of us who participated have increased significantly. Although you didn't participate, your bounty has also gone up. Here's the bounty poster, take a look!"
Rebecca handed Vic a newspaper and several wanted posters. Vic took the newspaper and glanced at it; their news was on the front page, clearly a Big News Morgans.
The video also included several pictures: the Thor being besieged, the ship being blown up, the ship being torn apart by the ocean currents, the ship and its crew being torn apart by countless flying swords, and Vic and his crew standing on the bow watching the show with cold expressions. In short, it really highlighted the oppressive feeling of the Thunder God Pirates.
Vic tossed the newspaper aside and picked up the bounty posters again. At the top was Shanks's bounty poster; he had been making some moves recently, and his bounty had increased by more than 200 million.
Vic continued looking at the next card, which was his own. His bounty had increased by more than 200 million, closely following Shanks.
Although Vic didn't intervene last time, the World Government clearly hasn't forgotten him. As long as someone from your pirate crew takes action, they'll hold a grudge against you.
Vic glanced at it and ignored it, moving on to the next one. Rebecca also came over, because this one happened to be hers, and her bounty had reached 1.345 billion Beli, a significant increase, almost doubling.
This is likely due to the influence of Vic's status as a member of the Shichibukai. His bounty has been suppressed, but once it was released, it rose to its true level, just like when Hawk-Eye, Hancock, and other members of the Shichibukai were removed from the list, their bounties skyrocketed!
While Vic was Shichibukai, Rebecca and the others were quite busy, mostly out in action and doing a lot of things. What Vic considered righteous acts, the World Government viewed as crimes. However, because of Vic's status Shichibukai, the World Government did not say anything.
This doesn't mean they haven't taken notes; this is just the first wave of the outbreak. The bounties for those who haven't yet taken action haven't changed and will likely only increase after the next substantial action.
"Not bad, your bounty is in the top tier below the Four Emperors. Your reputation has already spread throughout the New World. This bounty is a good way to prove yourself. I wonder what the people of Laipe Island would think if they knew!"
Vic has never returned to Laipe Island since leaving, mainly because he fears the pirates who hate him will come back to retaliate. After becoming a pirate himself, he would be even less likely to go back. Even the slightest hint of his concern would become his weakness, harming both himself and others. Therefore, Vic never goes back, nor does he allow Rebecca to go back, since both of their loved ones are gone anyway.
"I don't care at all. Ever since I became a pirate with you, I haven't thought about going back. As long as I'm with you, anywhere is home!"
Rebecca said to Vic with deep affection, "That's how women are. They become very outgoing when they meet someone they like. Now that she's Vic's woman, she's even more clingy."
Rebecca felt that her life was almost complete, and it would be even more perfect if she could have two more children with Vic. However, Vic kept refusing her request, which made her a little disappointed. Gion- neechan had two children!
"How cheesy! It's laughable!"
"There's even more cheesy stuff you haven't seen yet. I'll tell you tonight, otherwise I'll have to go change clothes again!"
"..."