Meanwhile.
Inside a tavern decorated with distinct maritime flair.
A graceful and slender Merfolk girl performed an exuberant dance on stage.
Xiano sat leisurely in an inconspicuous corner, sipping the tavern's signature cocktail while casually flipping through a newspaper.
Despite the tavern being packed, the area around him remained conspicuously empty.
The Pirates drinking there would rather squeeze together on a single stool than dare approach him—let alone glance in his direction.
Some of the more timid ones had already settled their tabs and fled long ago.
"Almost two billion?"
Xiano set down the newspaper and took another sip.
No wonder these guys were so terrified. At this level, his bounty probably carried the same intimidation as one of the Four Emperors for ordinary Pirates.
And the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman" was far more intimidating than "Blade Swordsman."
The Navy's calculations were painfully obvious.
Would this really lure Hawkeye over?
Apart from that, everyone else's bounties had risen significantly too—even Nami's. She probably wouldn't have any complaints now.
He glanced up toward the hospital across the street.
The reason he was waiting here was because that unmistakably powerful presence had entered the hospital—likely for medical treatment.
That made it inconvenient to meet inside.
Better to wait here for the "wool" to come to him, enjoy a drink, and sort through his recent Points gains.
His gaze fell on the faintly glowing blue system panel before him.
[You sacrificed Silvers Rayleigh's severed arm, obtaining 5,500 Points.]
[You sacrificed Chaton Gakei's cowboy hat, obtaining 2,200 Points.]
[You sacrificed Mermaid Caime's hairpin, obtaining 100 Points.]
The right-hand man of the Pirate King's right-hand man was indeed valuable.
Gakei's was decent too.
As for Caime... he'd just happened to run into her on the street.
In the original timeline, this poor girl had been captured and sold as a slave in Sabaody, even catching the eye of a Celestial Dragon. Now only twelve years old, she came from a struggling family and was already out on the streets hawking ice cream to earn money.
At this point, such trivial "wool" wouldn't normally even register on Xiano's radar.
But muscle memory was a hell of a thing.
In the brief moment they passed each other, before he could even react, her hairpin was already in his hand—sacrificed before he knew it.
Xiano had nearly slapped himself right then.
What the hell is wrong with me?!
As compensation, he immediately bought out her entire remaining stock of ice cream. After Caime happily wheeled her cart away, he distributed the treats to the wide-eyed Merfolk children nearby.
At the very least...
The guilt had eased somewhat. His Points, originally at 41,200, had climbed to 49,000.
As for when he'd break the 50,000 mark—
"Right about now."
Xiano closed the system panel and leisurely turned his head.
As expected, several figures now stood before him.
The man at the forefront wore glasses and carried an air of refined gentleness—if one ignored his bizarre pineapple-like hairstyle...
"Hey, hey, hey, it really is you, Xiano!"
Marco's eyes lit up with surprise as he burst into laughter, pulling out the chair in front of him and sitting down:
"I was just wondering why I felt an overwhelmingly powerful presence the moment I stepped out of the hospital. If it weren't so unfamiliar, I'd have thought Jinbei had come back too..."
"I spotted your ship a while ago," Xiano replied honestly, then snapped his fingers with a smile, signaling the bartender to bring over a few more drinks. "I just didn't expect the one leading the group would be you, Marco—the renowned veteran of the Whitebeard Pirates, commander of the First Division... But isn't your enthusiasm a bit over the top?"
"Ah, sorry, guess I did overreact," Marco suddenly realized, scratching his head. "It's just that we've been seeing your name in the papers a lot lately, and Pops always praises you. After a while, it's like you've become one of our little brothers. Seeing you in person just felt so familiar, haha, so I—"
"Wait, Whitebeard himself has been paying attention to me?" Xiano was genuinely surprised this time. He chuckled as he lifted his glass. "And he's praised me multiple times? Really? What'd he say?"
"Absolutely true!" Marco laughed. "He's said a lot! That you're exactly his type, just like Oden back in the day!"
Pfft!
Xiano spat out his drink in shock.
Marco, caught completely off guard, had his glasses splattered with alcohol. He sighed, taking them off to wipe his face with his sleeve, grinning wryly. "Hey, man, was that reaction really necessary?"
"Sorry, sorry," Xiano quickly handed him a napkin, though his lips twitched. "But did you just say I'm like who? Oden? That Kozuki Oden?"
"Yep," Marco replied, putting his glasses back on and blinking. "Pops said you two are practically cut from the same mold—both insanely strong at a young age, always standing up for justice, and turning your noses up at the World Government's offers..."
"..." Xiano opened his mouth but stopped himself.
Seriously? That mold's tolerance range must be huge.
Whatever.
Among Whitebeard's commanders, if nothing else, Xiano had a fairly positive impression of Marco.
Given the sincerity the other had shown, he decided to save face and not outright disparage that oden enthusiast in front of them.
Just then, the bartender arrived with a full tray of cocktails. Xiano gestured for them to be distributed while his gaze naturally shifted to the other Whitebeard Pirates crew members present.
Excluding Marco, there were three.
One was completely unfamiliar—likely just a regular crewmate—who remained silent and unsmiling. They exchanged a brief nod in greeting.
Another was a tall, shark-like Fish-man who looked familiar, though his face was pale and weak.
And the last one...
"Zehahahaha!!"
A burly man with missing teeth raised his glass, grinning broadly.
"Thanks for the drinks, Xiano—no, wait, someone as esteemed as you, admired by Pops himself, deserves more respect. Lord Xiano it is! I'm Marshall D. Teach, an old-timer under Captain Oden's command. Just call me Teach!"
"Pleasure to meet you, Teach."
Xiano also grinned, his smile bright and sincere.
Then he turned his gaze to the shark Fish-man.
"I am Namur, Lord Xiano."
The shark Fish-man offered a weak smile as he introduced himself:
"Commander of the 8th Division. Since I haven't fully recovered yet, I'll have to skip this drink for now. My apologies. Actually, Marco and Teach came with me to Fish-Man Island mainly to help treat my illness."
"That's understandable."
Xiano nodded, glancing at the bundle of medicine in the other's hand.
"Namur has a rare blood disease that seems to only affect Fish-men and Merfolk. I've tried many treatments without success."
Marco added in explanation, "Fortunately, Teach here had the bright idea that Fish-Man Island, being home to Fish-men, might have more specialized treatments available."
He patted Teach's shoulder with a laugh, "Sure enough, the hospital had just the right medication. The doctor said after this treatment course and some recuperation, he'll make a full recovery."
"Exactly."
Namur sighed gratefully, "All thanks to Teach! Otherwise, I'd have suffered much longer with this illness. I don't even know how to properly thank you and Marco..."
"Zehahahaha!"
Teach actually blushed at the praise, scratching his head sheepishly:
"That's what comrades do, no need to make a fuss! Though Marco's been running around helping you all this time—he definitely deserves thanks. As for me? Just buy me a drink like Lord Xiano here when we get back!"
The way he could blush on command was truly remarkable.
If there was ever a born actor, it would be someone like Teach—who could perform so convincingly he'd start believing his own act.
Xiano watched this spectacle with amused admiration. He drained his glass with a smile and was about to speak when sudden commotion erupted outside:
"Hey! Is that—am I seeing this right?!"
"A crowned whale... that carriage can only mean one thing!"
"How fortunate! His Majesty the Sea God has left Dragon Palace to grace us with his presence!"
Xiano, Marco and the others looked out the window to see Fish-men on the street parting respectfully, heads bowed low.
An enormous figure over ten meters tall swam into view—Neptune, current King of Fish-Man Island.
Crowned and wielding a trident, his solemn demeanor truly embodied the legendary Sea God's majesty... until he attempted to enter the tavern by bending down—
THUNK!
Neptune's head collided heavily with the doorframe, raising an enormous bump that sent his crown flying.
"Your Majesty," Marco sighed, massaging his temples, "At over ten meters tall, perhaps you shouldn't force entry?"
While the citizens remained bowed, he retrieved the fallen crown and handed it back.
Neptune rubbed the swelling spot ruefully:
"When Whitebeard's men visit—especially with you leading them, Marco—how could I stay outside waiting for you to come greet me? That would be terribly rude, Neptune!"
The habit of using his own name as verbal punctuation was uniquely his...
Xiano had just begun mentally complaining about this when Neptune's gaze turned toward him. The king paused momentarily before showing surprise, then placed his right hand over his heart in a slight bow:
"So you're also on Fish-Man Island, what a pleasant surprise, Lord Xiano."
Just look at this...
This honest man's acting skills are nowhere near as good as Blackbeard's.
Back at the entrance valve, Xiano had clearly seen the guards recognize him, turn pale with shock, and frantically call their superiors to report...
"Likewise."
Xiano smiled and nodded in return. The other party's respectful attitude showed they clearly didn't want to offend this passing harbinger of misfortune, so there was no need to expose them.
Perfect!
This notorious pirate who's been making waves recently didn't notice a thing!
It seems my interpersonal skills have indeed improved, just as my dear Shirahoshi praised... Neptune thought smugly to himself. Clearing his throat, he immediately regained his solemn demeanor:
"Lord Marco, hearing of your visit to Fish-Man Island, it would be remiss of me not to extend proper hospitality. Thus, I've come personally to invite you all to a banquet at Ryugu Castle."
Then turning to Xiano, he spoke with neither arrogance nor humility:
"Meeting Lord Xiano here is equally extraordinary fate. Seeing how well you seem to get along with Commander Marco, might I humbly invite you to join us at my palace as well?"
The Fish-men and Merfolk on the streets outside immediately erupted in murmurs.
"Ryugu Castle?!"
"That's a place even the island's wealthiest struggle to set foot in!"
"As expected of Whitebeard Pirates' officers and the 'World's Greatest Swordsman'... Even the Sea God himself comes to personally invite them..."
...
Marco and Namur exchanged glances before nodding with wry smiles:
"We'd be honored."
Though they'd originally come discreetly, planning to leave after treatment, King Neptune had helped their father in the past. Not only did he personally come to greet his juniors, but he also showed such respect—it would be impolite to refuse.
Xiano also smiled: "Since His Majesty is so hospitable, we'll gladly accept."
Who would complain about free benefits?
Only then did Neptune smile contentedly, stepping aside to make way: "Please follow me."
As the group exited the tavern, the Fish-men and Merfolk on the streets bowed respectfully, watching them depart with envious eyes.
...
Before long.
At Ryugu Castle, the group entered under Neptune's personal guidance.
The majestic, ancient palace carried a profound sense of history, accentuated by the colorful schools of fish swimming nearby and the lifelike eastern dragon statue atop the roof.
This familiar sense of déjà vu...
Made Xiano instinctively look up.
Hmm, no trace of the Ruyi Jingu Bang here.
But his gaze accidentally caught something charging from afar.
At first just a black speck, but moving so fast it soon became clearly visible—
Whoosh!
A massive axe, blade forward, pierced through the bubble membrane in an instant before hurtling downward. It zigzagged through the winding palace corridors, heading straight for a rear annex.
That direction is...
Xiano's brow furrowed slightly. In a flash, he appeared mid-air, his right leg moving slightly to deliver a kick.
Crack!
The rapidly flying axe abruptly halted, then shattered into countless fragments that scattered across the ground like falling petals.
"..." Neptune turned back in shock. After clearly seeing the traces of the shattered giant axe on the ground, he immediately realized something, his expression turning extremely grim.
"What's going on, Your Majesty?" Marco asked.
"..." Neptune remained silent for a few seconds before forcing a faint smile. "My apologies for making you witness such an unsightly scene... It's just some minor trouble within the palace, nothing to concern yourselves with."
He then bowed slightly toward Xiano, "Thank you for your assistance, sir. It must have been a soldier who accidentally caused this mess during training..."
"I'll accept your thanks, but let's skip the clumsy lies, shall we, King Neptune?"
Xiano brushed the debris off his hands with a chuckle. "If you don't honestly reveal the truth, I have no particular ties to your Fish-Man Island, so it doesn't matter to me. But these gentlemen won't leave with peace of mind, isn't that right, Marco?"
"Exactly!" Marco immediately caught on and chimed in.
"Come on, just tell us what's troubling you! Hiding things like this is no way to behave!"
"Given the relationship between Pops and you, are we still considered outsiders?"
The others also voiced their dissatisfaction, clearly determined not to leave without knowing the truth.
"Well..."
After much internal struggle, Neptune finally sighed in resignation.
"It's a long story. Please, follow me to the banquet first. We can discuss it over dinner as I explain everything in detail."
...
Inside the grand hall.
The banquet table was laden with all kinds of delicacies, but Marco and the others had no appetite. After hearing Neptune's explanation, they could barely contain their anger, their emotions running high.
"That Van der Decken has been harassing Princess Shirahoshi with love letters using his Target-Target Fruit ability since she was six? And when she didn't respond, he got furious and escalated to throwing weapons?"
"Forcing the poor princess to hide in a tower all these years? What kind of pervert does that?"
"King Neptune, why didn't you tell us earlier? We would've dealt with that guy long ago!"
"How could I impose like that?"
Neptune rubbed his temples with a bitter smile. "The Whitebeard Pirates have shown immense kindness to the Ryugu Kingdom, yet I've had nothing to repay you with. To trouble you with such a matter would be..."
He shook his head. "Besides, that man truly isn't easy to deal with. He's been hiding in the depths of the ocean, never showing himself easily. Jinbei once tried to help, searching the area for half a month, but still couldn't catch him."
"What a despicable coward!"
"But even Jinbei couldn't..."
Marco and the others exchanged uneasy glances. This problem was indeed difficult to solve.
Meanwhile, Xiano popped a grape into his mouth, carefully recalling the original timeline.
He remembered that in the original sequence of events, Van der Decken had been dealt with only after his ambitions grew, leading him to actively come to Fish-Man Island and collaborate with Hody Jones.
If he continued hiding in the vast depths of the ocean without showing himself, he'd truly be invincible—there really was no way to deal with him.
Sure, Xiano knew the Deep Sea Breathing Method, but could his underwater mobility compare to Fatty's?
Not to mention, Fatty was far more familiar with the waters around Fish-Man Island. Even after spending over ten days searching, he hadn't been able to find Van der Decken.
Xiano didn't believe he'd be lucky enough to just stumble upon the guy by chance...
He glanced at Namur, the Fish-man squad leader, who had probably intended to stay a few more days to help. But upon hearing about Jinbei's situation, he scratched his head in distress, unsure of what to do.
"Actually, there's another way."
Xiano suddenly spoke up.
"Hmm?"
At these words, everyone at the banquet turned their gazes toward him in unison.
"If one side is hard to deal with, why not tackle it from the other end?"
Xiano said leisurely, "Just have Shirahoshi eat a Devil Fruit—a Logia-type one, I mean. That way, she'd naturally be immune to attacks of this level. There'd be no need to worry about it at all."
Oh, that makes sense!
Neptune's eyes lit up. How had he never thought of this before?
Did that Van der Decken know Haki? Most likely not. And even if he did, there was no way he could maintain Haki on a weapon thrown from such an absurd distance!
If Shirahoshi could automatically use Elemental Transformation to evade, what would she have to fear?
Sure, this would mean Shirahoshi would lose the Merfolk's proud swimming ability.
But compared to living like a prisoner trapped in a tower for years, cut off from the outside world, what was such a small sacrifice?
"Thank you for the suggestion, sir!!"
Neptune first expressed his gratitude to Xiano, then immediately turned to Marco and said earnestly, "Captain Marco, we may have to trouble you with this matter. If you come across any Logia-type Devil Fruits in the future, please contact me immediately. No matter the cost, I'm willing to pay for it!"
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye out," Marco nodded. "But Logia-type Devil Fruits are truly rare. It might take some time..."
"No need to go through all that trouble."
Xiano's voice drew everyone's attention once more.
"I happen to have a Logia-type fruit right here."
With a smile, he casually pulled out a pouch and gave it a shake.
Three Devil Fruits tumbled out, rolling onto the table. The first to stop was the Sand-Sand Fruit, followed by…
By…
By?!
Teach's expression, which had been tinged with mild curiosity, froze instantly.
Thud.
His lips trembled slightly as he stared blankly at the Devil Fruit, unmoving. In this desolate silence, everything else lost its color—only that spiral-patterned purple fruit grew more vivid, expanding in his vision, larger and larger and larger…
Thud. Thud.
Was it…?
It seemed like it. It had to be. There was no mistake, right?
It matched the photo he'd seen in his memories in every way, except for some minor, barely noticeable differences in the patterns. But what did that prove?
What did that prove?!
After all, the encyclopedia didn't list any other fruits resembling the Dark-Dark Fruit, did it? And that memory was from so long ago—it was bound to be a little hazy, wasn't it?
That was it!
It could only be it!
It had to be it!!!
Thud. Thud. Thud…
All the noise of the surrounding world seemed to fade away in that moment. The only thing he could hear was his own heartbeat—growing faster, denser, wilder, like the furious pounding of war drums!
Thud. Thud-thud! Thud-thud-thud! Thud-thud-thud-thud! Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!!!!
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