Gift

Garling's words gave Gigue the feeling that he was a chosen one. He just did not know whether his luck could overpower Luffy's in the future.

He had even considered getting rid of Luffy in advance. But Luffy had not been born yet, so if he wanted to make a move, he could only go after Luffy's father, Dragon.

According to the original timeline, Dragon was certain to be brought into the Marines by Garp. When that happened, Gigue could look for an opportunity.

Gigue certainly could not attack Dragon the moment he met him. After all, Garp was still in the Marines. He needed a reason that would leave everyone speechless.

Of course, finding a reason would be easy. Dragon was a traitor destined to betray the Marines sooner or later. Would it not be perfectly reasonable for him to "accidentally" kill a Marine deserter then?

Gigue silently made calculations in his heart. Garling thought he was worried about the future and said,

"Gigue, the chances of the Nika Fruit awakening are still very low. You need not worry too much about it. What you need to do now is increase your strength and raise the Figarland Family's status in Mary Geoise to an even greater height!"

"Huh?!"

Gigue was startled. Why did those words sound a little off? He could not help asking,

"Raise it to a greater height? Isn't the Figarland Family prominent enough already?"

"Of course we are prominent, but it is not enough. Back then, the Twenty Kings joined forces to besiege Joy Boy, and our ancestor contributed the most. If that old man had not died so early, how could the position of ruler of Mary Geoise have fallen to the Nairona Family? The one sitting upon the Empty Throne should have been our Figarland Family!"

Gigue could only marvel inwardly. So his uncle was also a traitor who wanted to usurp the throne!

After speaking, Garling seemed to regret it. He looked around and lowered his voice.

"Just remember what I said. Do not mention it again after we leave. Saint Imu's abilities are strange and unfathomable. There is no telling whether he might hear it."

Gigue nodded. He could not even deal with Gurando now, let alone Imu, the ultimate boss.

Garling patted Gigue on the shoulder and said,

"All right. Take anything else you fancy from the secret chamber. After we leave, I still need to see how strong you are."

The Black Bible materialized in Gigue's hand as he obediently asked,

"Uncle Garling, can I take everything?"

"..."

If Gigue had not been his own nephew, Garling would probably have drawn his sword already. He took a deep breath and glared at Gigue.

"You brat, you are not the Family Head yet! Take everything? Do you have what it takes to protect this inheritance?!"

"Uh, I was just asking. You are being a little stingy, Uncle Garling."

Garling snorted and said,

"Everything here will be yours sooner or later. Think bigger."

"All right..."

Gigue answered reluctantly, then thought for a moment before asking,

"Has Lucia eaten a Devil Fruit?"

"You want to ask for a Devil Fruit on her behalf? You do not need to concern yourself with that. I have already bestowed a decent Fruit upon her. Otherwise, how do you think a mere slave rose to become captain of the guard so quickly?"

"Really? Then thank you, Uncle Garling!"

"No need. She truly is loyal to you, so giving her a Fruit is nothing. Besides, if she died in the guard, would you not go mad when you returned?"

"Then I should give her something else as well. She is a swordswoman, and there are four Famous Swords hanging outside. I will choose one and give it to her."

"Mm, suit yourself."

Gigue had not only been thinking about Lucia. He had not forgotten Ginny either. He simply did not intend to take a Devil Fruit from here for Ginny, because he had already thought of the Devil Fruit best suited to her.

He wanted to give Ginny something else, such as a gun.

"Uncle Garling, does the family have a better gun?"

"A gun? What do you want that for? Our family uses swords. We have no use for guns."

"I want to give it to someone. I have a friend who uses guns, and a good gun would improve her considerably."

"Are the friends you mentioned those three from God Valley?"

"Yes, the pink-haired girl. Her name is Ginny."

"Heh, I see. How about this? I will have the science division forge a suitable gun. I assume you will not choose to remain with the family now, either? When it is ready, I will send it directly to the Marines."

Gigue nodded. With Gurando around, he definitely would not stay. Only after he became powerful enough would he truly return to the family, kill Gurando, and reclaim everything that belonged to him.

But the gun would take some time to develop. Gigue did not want to return empty-handed, especially since he had promised Ginny he would bring her a gift.

He remembered that he had once said he would give Ginny a pair of boots, so he held out his hand to Garling again and said,

"Uncle Garling, the family has boots, right? I want a pair for women, the most expensive and prettiest ones!"

"Of course we do. But those are for Ginny, right? Looking good alone is useless. A man named Judge in the science division recently developed several models of Battle Boots, including women's versions. Take a pair with you later."

"That is perfect. Thank you so much, Uncle Garling."

"Hmph. Two girls have appeared in no time at all. You had better not waste all your energy on them, or I will personally help you eliminate those distractions!"

"I will not. I know what I should be doing. Do not worry, Uncle Garling."

"It had better be that way."

With that, Garling led Gigue in bowing once more toward the coffins here before the two walked outside together.

When they reached the Seastone door, Gigue subconsciously slowed his pace. That sensation of having no strength throughout his body was simply too unpleasant.

Garling glanced at him and said blandly,

"What are you dawdling for? Do you need me to support you?"

Gigue had no intention of putting on a brave face and nodded without hesitation.

Garling suddenly laughed and said,

"You are thinking too much. I will not support you again, and you do not need it anymore."

"Huh? Uncle Garling, what are you..."

Before Gigue could finish speaking, Garling suddenly pressed a hand against his back. Before he could react, a powerful force shoved him forward.

Garling controlled his strength exquisitely. Although Gigue was abruptly pushed out, he quickly regained his balance and came to a steady stop before the Seastone door.

Gigue still had one hand pressed against the door. He rolled his eyes, already prepared to endure that damned sensation of weakness.

Yet after waiting for quite a while, Gigue discovered in surprise that he did not feel anything unusual. He even tried activating his ability. The hand pressed against the door immediately underwent Darkness Transformation, and his ability activated smoothly.

Garling stood some distance away with his arms folded, teasing,

"Well? Do you still need me to support you?"