"The Munch-Munch Fruit?"
Gion, who was standing to the side, recalled for a moment, then asked softly.
"It seems this Devil Fruit has been eaten. I remember it was from some kingdom, and a king there had this ability!"
"It's the Drum Kingdom located on Winter Island the Grand Line. The one who ate the Munch-Munch Fruit is their King Wapol, Gion!"
Kalifa confidently pushed up her glasses, then smiled gently.
Upon hearing this, Gion shrugged.
"It seems there's no other way, sir. Wapol is a king, not a pirate."
Most importantly, the Drum Kingdom is also a top-ranked nation of doctors among the World Government Member States. Doctors are always respected, and their king seems to frequently attend Reverie.
No wonder I remembered the Munch-Munch Fruit; I probably escorted them during a meeting before."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone looked at Franky with regret.
Franky's mouth gaped wide open upon hearing Gion's words.
What the hell?!
My dream, which I just started to have, is gone just like that?!
This was the first time I'd ever seen Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, and I never knew that something as amazing Munch-Munch Fruit existed in the world!
It's amazing that you can eat all sorts of materials and then synthesize them!
How terrifying!
But I actually missed it, what a huge regret!
"Not necessarily!"
Gawain's lips curled into a sneer, and he said in a cold voice.
"Since the Munch-Munch Fruit is so important to you, let's make time to visit the Drum Kingdom after we finish the World Gambling Tournament!"
"Grown ups!"
Gion was a little surprised.
"You need to be aware of the implications; the Drum Kingdom is Affiliated Nation!"
"But as a nation of doctors, the Drum Kingdom seems to have had no notable medical events for a long time!"
Gawain interrupted Gion, then said softly.
"Lucci, dispatch a portion of the team to the Drum Kingdom."
"Yes, sir!"
After Lucci the order, Lucci immediately winked at Kaku, who was visibly excited in the distance.
Kaku was startled when Lucci rolled his Byakugan at him. When had his older brother ever acted like that?
What has my brother gone through in these past three months? Not only have the number of pigeons around him increased countless times, but he's even learned to make eye contact?
However, he didn't have time to guess the reason for his older brother's change. He himself was about to change too. What did Lord Gawain say? He was going to bestow Devil Fruit upon him!
Kaku excitedly rushed to a distance and began giving instructions to his men.
After he finished explaining, he stood at a distance, his eyes shining as he muttered to himself.
"The master actually intends to reward me with Devil Fruit. What kind of Devil Fruit should I eat? Hehe~."
Kaku's excitement, Rayleigh chuckled, then went to a beach chair, stretched out his legs, and lay down, saying disdainfully.
"Little Gawain, the way you were just now reminded me a bit of Roger, haha!"
Back then, if we wanted to steal something, we would always scout the location first.
It seems that Wapol is in for trouble...
"So what!"
Hancock leaped out of the pool, then gave a disdainful snort.
"Gawain, with his status, could have made any demands on the so-called kings of the Affiliated Nation. I support Gawain; that Wapol has no right to speak in front of us!"
Upon hearing this, Jinbe was not far away, frowned slightly.
"Hancock, even if that's the truth, we should at least investigate it. Didn't the adults also decide to investigate?"
I know this world has never lacked tyrants, but if Wapol is a good king, then I must plead with the lord on his behalf.
"If he is not, then I am willing to retrieve the Munch-Munch Fruit for you, sir!"
"Wait, Knight of the Sea... Jinbe!"
Shiryu suddenly interrupted Jinbe, continuing with a cigar in his mouth.
"The problem now is that the Munch-Munch Fruit has already been eaten, not that Wapol Munch-Munch Fruit kept it."
"Even if you kill the Devil Fruit that's already been eaten, there's no guarantee that a new Munch-Munch Fruit will be born in our possession!"
"Indeed!"
Rayleigh clapped his hands lightly.
"So we're here discussing whether others should die, but in reality, their deaths won't help us, haha."
Little Gawain, what do you think?
Gawain was taken aback by Rayleigh's words, and looked at Rayleigh with amusement.
Are you, old man, Dilelli?
Just as Gawain was about to respond, Spandam, who should have been relegated to the background and an exhibit, suddenly spoke up.
He knelt heavily on the ground and then nervously spoke to Gawain.
"Great Saint Gawain, regarding the Devil Fruit that was eaten, I... I have a suggestion!"
"Oh?"
Gawain looked at Spandam with interest, and Spandam immediately continued.
"My lord, I think we can ask Vegapunk for help with this matter!"
Sir, you must have heard of Vegapunk, right?
He is a super scientist who is 500 years ahead of this era. He has even developed a way to make inanimate objects like weapons eat Devil Fruit!
My lord, you see, inanimate objects could never open their mouths to eat Devil Fruit. Therefore, when Vegapunk granted inanimate objects Devil Fruit abilities, he must have extracted and transferred some crucial element from the Devil Fruit!
Since he can transfer that substance from Devil Fruit to an inanimate object, shouldn't he be able to transfer that substance from a Devil Fruit user to an ordinary fruit?
At this point, Spandam raised his head obsequiously.
"I think he definitely has the ability to tamper with the Devil Fruit, so he might be able to extract the Munch-Munch Fruit from Wapol's body."
In short, this is merely my speculation. If I am wrong, please punish me as you see fit!
"Get up!"
Gawain chuckled as he listened to Spandam's words; Spandam had indeed given him an idea.
Vegapunk!
This person can Artificial Devil Fruit and imbue Devil Fruit with their abilities. He has a very high degree of authority in the research of Devil Fruit.
Spandam's point was also crucial: since Vegapunk already had the ability to copy and transfer Devil Fruit, there was no reason why he couldn't extract the Devil Fruit from a living person.
Before Spandam offered his opinion, Gawain wanted to try to find the Yami Yami no Mi, since Yami Yami no Mi's currently the only Devil Fruit in the Pirate World that's confirmed to be able to transfer Devil Fruit abilities!
However, the Yami Yami no Mi is very difficult to find. The World Government and CP are not omnipotent. A fruit that may not be hidden in some corner will not always be discovered at the perfect time.
Gawain then continued.
"That's a good idea, Spandam. How have you been lately? Getting used to your metal body?"
No sooner had Gawain finished speaking than Spandam became excited. Having been in officialdom for a long time, how could he not understand what Gawain meant?
This is when we really need to use him!
So Spandam spoke decisively.
"My lord, I couldn't be more satisfied with my current body. Lord Franky's skills are superb, and your vision is even more insightful, recognizing Lord Franky's talent at a glance!"
Even my father is very grateful to you, sir, for giving me this opportunity. Also, my father has found me a new mother, and my younger brother or sister is already being born in her womb!
My lord, your brilliance has shone upon our entire family. We... we are so grateful!
Please give me a chance, Spandam. I will do anything you command, even my life!
After saying that, Spandam knelt on the ground once again, his mechanical head slamming into the deck, causing it to vibrate.
Seeing Spandam like this, Gawain lightly waved his finger.
"You should just stay on the Dark Bird with Franky. When you have the chance in the future, upgrade your body properly."
I'm really looking forward to seeing you.
"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!!!"
Spandam burst into tears in an instant, and Hancock, disgusted by his appearance, dived into the water.
Beside Hancock, Shirahoshi asked softly.
"Sister Snake Princess, wasn't he supposed to be happy? But he's crying so hard, why is that?"
Upon hearing Shirahoshi's words, Spandam Shirahoshi before Hancock react.
"Your Highness, I am deeply moved by the generosity and benevolence of the great Saint Gawain!"
This is tears of joy, I am crying tears of joy! I am so happy, sob sob...
After offering a tearful explanation, Spandam knelt and crawled away into the distance, continuing to serve as a background figure.
At this point, Gawain glanced at everyone and said.
"That's the decision for now. Let's observe the current situation in the Drum Kingdom and judge how well King Wapol is doing."
If it's not good enough, capture him and at the same time, cooperate with Vegapunk and let Vegapunk give it a try.
"Franky, just wait a little while, there will be bread and milk."
"Yes, sir!"
Franky chuckled and rubbed his pompadour, then casually sat back down on the beach chair.
Seeing Franky sit down, Gawain glanced around at everyone and asked.
"Does anyone else need anything else?"
After a brief pause, and seeing that no one spoke, Gawain nodded and continued speaking to the crowd.
"Since everything is alright, everyone should rest for a while. We are currently sailing towards the Sabaody Archipelago."
Upon arrival at your destination, you may take advantage of the break between the World Gambling Tournament to purchase decorations to adorn your rooms.
In addition, Kalifa noted that, aside from the individual salaries and benefits of each department, everyone wearing the Dark Bird Emblem can freely withdraw 500 million Beli per month.
Wow!!!
In that instant, Shirahoshi suddenly rode a wave, leaping into the swimming pool like Merfolk.
She happily hugged the Dark Bird Emblem on her left breast and kissed it deeply.
"Yay! I can buy the Beautiful Scale Set now!"
After shouting, she excitedly held the badge high, but as she held it up, she felt that something was wrong.
Who else around her was wearing a badge?
Gion, Hancock, Rayleigh, Jinbe, Kuma, Lucci, Kalifa, Iceburg, Franky.
And myself...
Why do I look so fragile here?
So Shirahoshi put down the badge, looking confused, and hesitated before speaking to Gawain.
"Wait, sir, did you give me the wrong badge? Everyone else's badge looks different from mine!"
"What's the difference? Don't they have tails as beautiful as yours?"
Gawain smiled and asked a question in return, which made the little girl so embarrassed that she jumped into the water.
With a flushed face, the little girl curled up among the coral reefs at the bottom of the swimming pool, clutching her badge and refusing to move for a long time.
Hancock, meanwhile, remained poised and drunk by the pool.
Looking at Shirahoshi's happy little face, she couldn't help but glance at her own legs.
My legs are long, smooth, white, and well-proportioned; the insteps are translucent, and my toes are like jade nails...
Then gently reach out and pinch his thigh.
Hancock smiled slightly; it felt so soft and healthy to the touch.
It's just as good as a tail!
As Hancock smiled and daydreamed, Gawain, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, continued speaking to the group with a smile.
"Right now, our savings aren't quite enough, so we're giving you this much for now. Don't think it's too little."
As for the future, let's all work together.
"Few?!!"
No sooner had Gawain finished speaking than Old Master Rayleigh laughed heartily and downed a mouthful of wine.
"If this is considered a small amount, then what about all those years I spent as a pirate? Was it all for nothing?"
Six billion a year, that's more expensive than a Whitebeard! I'm afraid you're treating this old ghost like a Celestial Dragon!
So, what do you think of Shakky? That woman used to be a strategist for the Rocks Pirates, she's good at gathering intelligence, and she's quite strong too, at least she could hold her own against Hancock for a while.
How about I bring her on board too? You can give her a Dark Bird Emblem too. We can't be considered family, we're not married yet!"
"Hahaha!!!"
Seeing Grandpa Rayleigh's exaggerated teasing, Gawain couldn't help but burst into laughter.
He smiled and waved to the old man.
"You underestimate the Celestial Dragon. Compared to us, you elites of this era absolutely deserve a mere six billion a year!"
"However, sir, I am not following you for money!"
Jinbe suddenly interrupted Gawain, his face grim and filled with displeasure as he spoke to Gawain.
"The reason I follow you is because I agree with your ideals. As for money, I will not accept it!"
"Etc!"
Seeing Jinbe's Jinbe, Gawain Teuchi him, Gawain then said with a smile.
"Jinbe, don't rush to refuse. I have my own reasons for wanting this money!"
You must understand, what we're planning to do is create a new era for this ocean!
I want to control every one of the Shichibukai, and then use them as the core to attract every outstanding young person in the world who is wavering between the Navy and the pirates and has not yet set sail!
I don't care about their good or evil, nor do I care about their purposes, because I will control their good or evil, and I will also create their purposes!
I need someone with ideals, ambitions, a sense of responsibility, and a sense of duty.
But I also need people who don't have those advantages, but only have ability and talent!
This money may be a burden for you, but for many people, money won't be a burden on their hearts!
The ocean is vast because it embraces all rivers; similarly, we should promote and publicize our style of conduct and ideals, attracting talent with justice and stability.
I must also use wealth to attract talented people who are not so righteous, but equally gifted!
Once they are under my command, I will decide for them whether they are righteous or not. Regardless of how much power they can provide for us, if a mere sum of money can stop those who are destined to become powerful from doing evil.
That's already very meaningful, isn't it?
In this process, you will serve as role models and benchmarks. As long as you are qualified to wear the Dark Bird Emblem, you will start with six billion Beli a year!
I want to tell the whole world through you that anyone with talent who comes among us will receive treatment far superior to that of the navy and pirates!
Because in my eyes, no outstanding person will be overlooked.
I only judge people by their abilities, nothing else. The capable rise and the mediocre fall. This is the fairness I want to bring to ourselves first, and then to everyone in the world!
Do you understand me now?
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain looked at Jinbe and raised his glass to Jinbe.
After Jinbe moment of shock, Jinbe, the burly man, took a deep breath.
Is this the magnanimity of an adult?
"I... I am utterly unworthy to have the honor of standing behind you, sir!"
Jinbe's expression was solemn.
"I understand. I will accept the generous salary. Gawain, Lord Gawain!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jinbe sat back down on the beach chair with a sigh. Looking at Gawain's figure, Jinbe shrank back in shame, unable to hide his neck any further.
Compared to adults, my vision is far too limited!
Those who had experienced Jinbe's situation and who originally didn't intend to accept the salary all gave up on discussing it with Gawain.
As for Rayleigh, the old man raised an eyebrow at Gawain.
Of all those young people, only this old man instantly understood Gawain's meaning.
See, this is what it means to have an elder in the family, like a treasure.
Seeing that everyone had accepted the proposal, Gawain nodded in satisfaction. Although it was a lot compared to an annuity, upon closer inspection...
Those who receive annuities are either Shichibukai or Emperor-level fighters, or fighters like Franky and Iceburg who are capable of generating trillions in profits.
Even if there were thirty or fifty people qualified to wear the Dark Bird Emblem, Gawain would only need to pay him and Mjosgard's annual salary for one year. But if Gawain had thirty or fifty subordinates with the strength of the people in front of him...
He could practically take on Four Emperors together!
This is totally worth it, isn't it?
With a satisfied smile, Gawain continued.
"Besides the annuity issue, I must talk about our revenue-generating methods. Next, we'll sell the big ships, build casinos, and utilize the prisoners."
And every step of this process involved my wealthy compatriots living in Mary Geoise.
Kalifa, bring me Den Den Mushi. I need to have a good talk with Shalria too.
I'm going to invite them and their family to visit my new ship, and also invite Shalria to lunch.
So, everyone knows what to do, right?
That's showing off!
Shalria is a very supportive girl; she gave me almost all her money. I'll leave her alone and talk to her privately.
But what about his father Rosward and his brother Charlos?
You'd better show off our ship to them!
If they don't place an order after their meal, their annuity will be halved this year!
I mean what I say, haha!