Crocus quickly composed himself, turning to Captain Brook with a steady expression—though his heart still raced like he'd been caught in a scandal!
"Brook, my man, what's so urgent you come barging in like that?"
Crocus was a tad annoyed, maybe even embarrassed, by Brook's sudden intrusion. After all, Brook had caught a glimpse of Tia's golden silkworm form in all its glory. But what really got under his skin was Brook's cheeky comment!
Tia was no mere insect—she was a sentient golden silkworm, thank you very much!
"Yohohoho, my bad, my bad! I'll knock next time, promise. Let's move past it! Shakky found a real gem of a fruit, and it's perfect for you!"
"I rushed over to deliver it myself: the Paramecia-type Healing Fruit, one of the best for a doctor! Only the Surgery Fruit can rival it!"
Brook handed the Healing Fruit to Crocus. This Devil Fruit granted the power to heal the wounds and ailments of living beings. Even the user's tears carried restorative properties.
At its peak, the Healing Fruit could restore anything—organic or inorganic, living or not—to its original state, at the steep cost of the user's lifespan. To Donquixote Doflamingo, that was akin to rewinding time itself, a terrifying ability!
The fruit could also condense blood drawn from others into "Kenpopo," each one packing a potent healing effect. The stronger the donor's physique, the more effective the blood. Brook couldn't help but grin at the thought of a mobile blood bank!
Good thing Beasts Kaido was already under their thumb. If he were an enemy, they'd have drained him dry and turned him into the Hell Pirates' personal blood bag for life!
Still, the Hell Pirates had no shortage of formidable foes. One day, they'd defeat those powerhouses and stockpile their blood for medical miracles!
Brook explained the fruit's powers and potential uses to Crocus, who was thrilled. Without hesitation, he grabbed the Healing Fruit and took a big bite.
Crocus's face twisted in disgust.
"Ugh, this is vile!" he muttered, gagging. But his mind wandered elsewhere. If his tears could heal, what about his saliva? Or… other bodily fluids? Blech!
He tossed the half-eaten fruit onto the table, dry-heaving. Whether it was the taste or his own wild imagination, no one could say.
"Alright, you get used to it. Oh, and lock the door next time, yeah? Yohohohoho!"
Brook chuckled as he left the medical lab. Crocus was in his twenties, after all—a young man with needs. Normal stuff! But with the women on the ship all swimming in Brook's metaphorical fishpond, the other male crewmates had to fend for themselves in the romance department!
...
Brook, clutching the remaining two Devil Fruits, headed to the weapons development room to find their sniper, Silva.
"Yo, Silva! Got two flying-type fruits here. Wanna take a bite? Hornet Fruit or Rhinoceros Beetle Fruit!"
"That said, I'm heading to Dressrosa soon to check if the Riku royals have the Glare-Glare Fruit stashed away. You interested in that one?"
Brook left the choice to Silva. Would he become a buzzing sharpshooter with Hornet-like air superiority, or a godly sniper with the Glare-Glare Fruit's insane vision, picking off enemies from miles away before they even knew he was there?
Silva's eyes lit up at both options. An insect fruit's six legs and wings? A sniper's dream for mobility and positioning! But sniping foes from absurd distances, watching them drop without a clue? That was a thrill worth chasing!
The Glare-Glare Fruit was tempting, too. Tough call! Having a captain like Brook, always dangling juicy choices, was a blessing and a curse. If there were only one option, this would've been so much easier!
"Captain Brook, how 'bout we hunt for the Glare-Glare Fruit first?"
Silva made his call. If Brook couldn't find the Glare-Glare Fruit, he'd go for the Hornet Fruit. Why not the Rhinoceros Beetle? Simple: it was ugly, clunky, and slower than a hornet!
"Fair enough! I'll swing by Dressrosa and scope it out."
Brook realized he might've gotten cocky. After scoring a haul of Devil Fruits from the Tontatta, he'd assumed Dressrosa would have one ready for the taking. Wishful thinking!
Still, Viola had eaten the Glare-Glare Fruit as a kid, meaning it was likely a royal gift. The question was whether it came from Riku Doldo III's collection or if the current Riku Doldo II had it locked away.
The odds weren't great, but it was worth a shot. You never know—maybe they'd get lucky!
...
Atop Dressrosa's King's Plateau, inside the royal palace:
Riku Doldo II, Prince Doldo, and a gaggle of officials and guards stared nervously at the terrifying island hovering nearby. It had lingered for half a day without budging, sending chills down their spines.
Through his telescope, Riku Doldo II glimpsed golden ships landing on Green Bit and mountains floating in the sky. His heart sank.
The Hell Pirates had come for the Tontatta, just as he'd feared.
"My son," he thought, "I may have to break my promise. I can't introduce you to the fairies after all."
Damn those pirates! Were they planning to enslave the Tontatta? Despicable!
"Your Majesty, bad news! That golden ship's heading this way!"
A guard's shout broke the silence, his voice thick with fear. The massive island had loomed for hours—was it finally making its move?
"Your Majesty, to the underground palace, now!"
Two ministers grabbed Riku Doldo II and Prince Doldo, bolting for the door. If they didn't flee, they'd be wiped out!
Riku Doldo II wanted to stand against these vile pirates, but strength wasn't on his side. Following his advisors, he ran for it.
No sense in staying to die like a fool—he had to survive to rebuild the nation for his people!
Bang!
A gunshot rang out. A smoking crater appeared in their path, blasted by a sniper from the golden ship, miles away, with pinpoint precision.
Since Brook was off chasing the Glare-Glare Fruit for him, Silva had tagged along. He couldn't let his captain do all the work—that'd make the crew look useless!
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+280 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg