First, let's rule out the first option. After all, "Docking King" is Jack the Drought's title, and Vivian doesn't want to take that away casually.
As for the second option…
A one-on-one manly battle with Whitebeard?
What a joke!
Even though his strength has improved significantly over the past two years, he's not that overconfident!
"But why would the third option of running away be dangerous?"
He clearly saved Whitebeard during the Summit War, so logically, the Whitebeard Pirates, knowing his true identity, shouldn't hold any hostility towards him. So, it seems…
"Most likely, they don't know who's on the warship and fear that I might return to headquarters to report them once I discover them. So, they want to take me out before I can escape?"
If that's the case, then the third option indeed seems quite dangerous…
However, the fourth option…
Vivian stroked his chin, then turned to look at the marine officer who were anxiously looking at him.
Should he admit defeat to the pirates in front of his subordinates?
He is, after all, the Thunder Swordsman Vivian!
Moreover, many of these subordinates are new recruits he assigned after being promoted to captain. If he surrenders directly, wouldn't that be quite embarrassing?
Various thoughts flashed through his mind.
"Hiss~~ Ha!"
After hesitating for about 0.16 seconds, Vivian took a deep drag on his cigarette, then took a loudspeaker from a soldier's hand. Under the astonished gazes of everyone, he shouted loudly:
"Dad!"
…
[You chose option 4 and received the reward: Agility +1]
"He's really a benefactor?"
On the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, many pirates who had witnessed Vivian's true identity were now extremely excited.
But before they could say more, Marco stopped them.
He frowned and looked at Vivian with hostility, "Thunder Swordsman Vivian, you got scared when I beat you on the battlefield, and now you're admitting defeat?"
Vivian: "…"
Oh, you're quite the actor, Marco.
"What a joke!"
"Captain Vivian would never fear you pirates!"
"As a Marine, he will never surrender to pirates!"
These were the words Vivian said during the Summit War, facing life and death.
And over the past two years, they deeply influenced each of them, becoming the motivation for many new recruits to join the Marines.
"Hmph, that's right. I just misspoke earlier. I slept late last night and wasn't fully awake. I suddenly dreamed of my father. I think that's a reasonable explanation, right?" Vivian shrugged, speaking righteously.
Everyone: "…"
"Do you have the guts to come aboard and have a few drinks with our old man?" Marco continued.
"Have a few drinks?"
Before Vivian could answer, the Marines immediately tried to dissuade him, "Don't go, Captain Vivian. These pirates will definitely trick you!"
"Yeah, they're pirates!"
"They'll definitely poison the drinks if you go aboard!"
The marine officer were agitated, hands on their flintlock rifles or swords, ready to charge and fight the Whitebeard Pirates at Vivian's command.
"Isn't it just a mere Yonko?"
When they first joined the Navy, they never thought they would one day kneel and beg in front of pirates.
After all, they were marine officer of Vivian the Thunder Swordsman.
"Everyone, calm down, don't be impulsive!"
Seeing the indignant expressions on their faces, Vivian quickly raised his hand and signaled, "It's just a drink on the Yonko's pirate ship, right? Why make such a fuss? I'll be back soon, so stay calm."
With that, he shook his Navy uniform draped over his shoulders and jumped straight onto Whitebeard's pirate ship without looking back.
"Captain Vivian!" The marine officer exclaimed in surprise.
"Captain Vivian, that's too bold…"
To dare to enter the Whitebeard Pirates' ship alone…
What if he doesn't come back? What should they do then?
Should they storm the ship to rescue him?
Looking back at the G1 Headquarters less than ten nautical miles away, many faces were filled with worry.
"I think we should listen to Captain Vivian and wait patiently."
It was Jinbe who spoke, stepping forward and addressing the group, "Captain Vivian never speaks lightly, and besides…"
He wanted to say, 'Old man Whitebeard isn't the type to play dirty,' but swallowed his words and continued, "Besides, with Captain Vivian's strength, even the Yonko couldn't keep him."
Hearing this, the marine officer exchanged glances and then settled down, their eyes fixed on the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, waiting silently.
…
"Vivian, you finally came? Gurararara~~"
With his unmistakable hearty laugh, Whitebeard lay on his sickbed, tubes all over his body. Seeing Vivian enter the room, he removed the oxygen mask from his face and said, "It's been almost two years, and you seem to have grown even stronger."
"You look much better too," Vivian replied.
But in his heart, he was also reflecting on how Whitebeard had pushed himself too hard in his youth, leaving many hidden ailments. Despite his age, he still fought on the front lines every day.
It's no exaggeration to say that if Vivian hadn't used his Star Infusion to heal all of Whitebeard's external injuries two years ago, Whitebeard might not even be able to get out of bed now, even if Akainu and Blackbeard hadn't killed him.
"Thanks to your unique Devil Fruit ability…"
Marco walked in with a plate of dark food, placing it on the table next to Whitebeard, much to Vivian's confusion. "Dad, the food is ready. The chef we hired a few days ago has already left, so you'll have to make do."
"Left again? No one can last more than a week, gurararara~~" Whitebeard laughed.
As he finished speaking…
"Vivian!" A female voice called from behind.
Vivian turned around at the sound, and the familiar figure rushed into his arms in the blink of an eye.