Chapter 23: 23. Artificial Devil Fruit

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Wanokuni offered Kaido unparalleled strategic resources: its prime geography provided a stronghold for foreign wars, while the skilled blacksmiths and abundant raw materials produced an endless supply of weaponry and specialized seastone products. In the age of pirates, where battles raged constantly, the wealth generated from arms was beyond measure. Moreover, seastone products held exclusive value on the seas, giving Kaido and his crew a unique edge. To think that Alex could sweep all of this away with a single demand was something Kaido couldn't permit. Wanokuni's resources were worth more to him than even his own son. Still, Kaido restrained his anger, recognizing that Alex wasn't a fool. If Alex wanted Wanokuni, he obviously understood its worth. And Alex had framed this as a negotiation—implying he'd offer something in return. Kaido was curious about what could possibly outweigh the continual wealth he derived from this land. Alex picked up a stone and tossed it behind him, activating his ability to enlarge it until it formed a giant rock that served as a makeshift seat. He settled on the stone slab, meeting Kaido's gaze. "I know what matters to you," Alex began. "But first, let's talk numbers. What's the current deal between you and Kurozumi regarding arms and seastone products?" "Fifty percent. That fifty percent brings in billions of Berries every year! It's the lifeblood of the Beasts Pirates' rise!" Kaido responded. Despite Kurozumi Orochi's fear of Kaido, the Beasts Pirates only took half the earnings from Wanokuni. Kaido valued Wanokuni, even if one day he might have other plans—perhaps even considering making Yamato the Shogun. But that wasn't today. "Arms trade and seastone products will remain. The profits stay at fifty percent," Alex continued. "I'll allow you to relocate Onigashima as your official base. In addition, I have two offers that you won't refuse." "Oh?" Kaido's interest was piqued, knowing these offers could turn the tide of their negotiation. "Let's hear them." "First," Alex began, "I can give you a Road Poneglyph. There are only four in the world. It's the key to making someone the Pirate King and finding One Piece. You know what that means." At this, Kaido's expression shifted, clearly intrigued. As a pirate, Kaido's ultimate ambition was to become the Pirate King and find the One Piece, a desire only intensified by Roger's final words before his execution, which had ignited the Great Pirate Era. Kaido knew that his old ally, Charlotte Linlin, held one Road Poneglyph. The locations of the other three were a mystery. But now, to hear that Alex had knowledge of one—it was a game-changer. "And the second?" Kaido pressed. Alex smiled confidently. "Since you call yourselves the Beasts Pirates, I'd imagine you'd be interested in creating a crew entirely composed of Zoan-types. I can help you secure a steady supply of Zoan Fruits." Kaido's eyes gleamed, and he asked with keen interest, "Are you talking about that strange ability of yours—the one that lets you take away others' Devil Fruit powers?" At these words, both King and Queen felt a shiver run down their spines, and Queen instinctively took a few steps back. Alex remained calm, eyes steady. "Look, Kaido—whether you believe me or not, let me clarify. If I wanted to take 100% of someone's Devil Fruit, I'd need a medium. Plus, I don't have the time to hunt down every Zoan user across the world." "Besides, instead of searching and seizing, isn't it far more efficient to produce and supply ourselves?" This was clearly outside Kaido's expertise, and he grumbled irritably, "Enough with the riddles. Just say what you mean!" "Artificial fruits. I have the means to create artificial Devil Fruits," Alex said plainly. "What?!" King exclaimed, stunned, while Queen's expression grew pensive. "Are you messing with me, Alex?" Kaido growled. He had believed Alex's earlier claims because Alex's abilities were well-known—not just his Float-Float Fruit, but also the power to take it from someone in Impel Down. But this... creating Devil Fruits sounded like something out of a fairy tale, and Kaido couldn't help but be skeptical. "Do you really think I'd joke about this?" Alex pointed at Queen. "And doesn't that... fat guy there seem to know something about it?" "Who are you calling fat, you brat?! I have a perfectly sculpted body!" Queen snapped. —Boom!— Kaido silenced him with a punch to the ground. "Stop whining and tell me what's going on!!" Rubbing his head, Queen responded, wounded, "I don't know all the details, Boss!" He hesitated but continued, "But... back when I was part of the science team, I did hear Vegapunk mention something about 'bloodline factors' that could mimic Devil Fruit abilities. But I was busy working on cyborg transformations, so I never followed up on it!" Kaido's eyes narrowed as he focused on Alex. "So Vegapunk's the key, then?" Alex shrugged. "Who knows? But this proves the concept of man-made Devil Fruits isn't impossible." He wouldn't be foolish enough to spill everything and give away his trump card, and he doubted Kaido would dare to provoke Vegapunk, who was heavily protected by the World Government. "However, let me be clear—I haven't started experimental production yet," Alex added. "But within five years, I guarantee you'll witness this miracle and have the first right to buy." "Five years, and I'm still just a buyer?" Queen shouted, annoyed at the prospect. Alex smirked at Queen. "Within five years, not necessarily five years. You know the resources and time it takes to pull off something of this scale, especially for something as extraordinary as a Devil Fruit." "I'll be funding the entire research myself. You didn't think I'd offer it for free, did you?" He added with a sly grin, "Of course, it won't cost more than a real Devil Fruit. And considering how rare those are, this will still be a treasure few can get." —Gulp, gulp!— Kaido took another massive swig of sake, wiping his mouth with a grin. "Alright, brat. I accept your terms!"