Chapter 66: Three-Fruit Ability! 66
Night.
The capital of the Seven Rivers, Abandoned Shipyard.
A weathered pirate vessel descended from the sky, settling among a sea of forsaken ships. Below, several individuals awaited its arrival.
Moments later, a group of over a dozen folks disembarked from the dilapidated ship. Upon recognizing their guest, the man leading the waiting group stepped forward, a mix of emotions evident on his face.
"Mr. Teach, you certainly caused quite a stir!"
"Hahahaha~ You flatter me, Mr. iceberg." Blackbeard grinned as he approached.
Before iceberg could respond, Franky chimed in enthusiastically, "Why would we be scared? I watched the entire broadcast. Mr. Teach, you were amazing! I really admire your bold actions against those Celestial Dragons. It was exhilarating! I couldn't be happier!"
Franky struck a pose to emphasize his admiration, his excitement palpable. Meanwhile, Barry, the boatman, appeared conflicted.
Inwardly conservative, Barry harbored reservations about the Blackbeard Pirates' potential impact on the region, fearing for the safety of Iceberg. However, observing Lu Qi and the others' stoic expressions, he held his concerns in check.
On the other hand, upon spotting him, Kaku hastened over, embracing Barry's shoulders with a smile. "Barry, are you alright? I felt terrible about what happened!"
"Kaku, you..." Barry gazed at Kaku in surprise, then shifted his gaze towards Blackbeard.
Observing Barry's expression, Kaku raised his hands in resignation. "We've already committed to Master Teach's crew; there's no turning back now. You must have seen me during the broadcast. When we were present at the Celestial Dragons' demise, we CP9 members stood united. We can't return to our former roles as spies. It's regrettable."
Jabra, chiming in, exposed Kaku's internal conflict. "Regretful, are we?"
"I'm wishing for it!" Fukurou voiced eagerly.
The CP9 members displayed mixed feelings about relinquishing their roles as spies for the World Government. Days spent amongst the Black Group, relishing culinary delights, receiving guidance from figures like Blackbeard, fostered a reluctance to return to their former espionage duties.
Sea adventures appeared far more enticing than their past roles. While pairing with pirates and engaging in malevolent deeds seemed dubious, they paled in comparison to the atrocities committed by the Celestial Dragons.
Nonetheless, Blackbeard remained cautious. Embedded within the CP9 members' minds were seeds of the [Mind Lock Technique]. Should any member betray him or harbor discontent, he would discern the shift and act accordingly.
Glancing around, iceberg altered the topic, "Mr. Teach, why not inspect the vessel that Franky and I bolstered together?"
"Oh? You've enhanced the Ark Proverbs as well?"
Before Blackbeard could respond, Enel, intrigued by the conversation, transformed into a bolt of blue lightning and materialized between the iceberg and Franky. Having watched the live broadcast, iceberg and Franky now possessed an enhanced appreciation of Enel's formidable prowess.
Engaging in conversation due to their shared shipbuilding prowess, the trio conversed amicably without resentment.
The members of the Blackbeard pirates soon arrived at a vast harbor situated deep within the abandoned shipyard. Here, the Ark's journey paused.
It's just that at this time, the divine face of the Ark Proverbs, crafted from gold, was veiled with a black cloth.
Iceberg, taking the lead, explained:
"Mr. Teach, your vessel is excessively extravagant, prompting us to fortify it initially. We've made minimal alterations to the outward appearance of the Ark Proverbs, merely adding a guardrail along the ship's sides. Additionally, we've affixed three Sixth Gate gun barrels to each side of the bow. Franky can elaborate on other enhancements, given that weaponry and waterproofing mechanisms are his primary contributions. I handled the financial aspect, procuring a colossal Adam tree trunk from the black market for 500 million beli to bolster the ship's diving and waterproofing capabilities."
Blackbeard's eyes sparkled upon hearing this. Could the Ark Proverbs still submerge? After exchanging glances with Iceberg, he redirected his attention to Franky. Enel and the other members of the Black Group also exhibited curiosity, envisioning this vessel as their future abode.
Noticing their interest, Franky spoke with enthusiasm:
"Let's address the weaponry first. Given Mr. Enel's creation of an electromagnetic gun for the Ark Proverbs, I refrained from extensive modifications. I've instated the Sixth Gate cannon, which not only serves as an armament but also propels the Ark Proverbs. The gun barrel is positioned at the ship's bow, and the propulsion port at the stern enables high-speed navigation, whether in the air, on the sea, or beneath it."
"I've made a keen observation; the Sixth Gate heavy artillery doesn't rely on conventional gunpowder arms," Enel remarked, astutely.
Franky snapped his fingers proudly and elucidated, "Indeed, the heavy artillery's fuel is cola! This unexpected choice renders our fuel unrestricted, catching others off guard."
Enel expressed surprise at this revelation, realizing the potential of cola as fuel. Satisfied with Enel's reaction, Franky continued:
"Additionally, the Ark Proverbs boasts exceptional waterproofing capabilities. Utilizing the Adam's Tree from the black market has significantly reinforced the vessel's durability, density, and defenses. This tree, akin to steel, delivers formidable waterproofing. Coupled with Mr. Enel's electric propulsion system, the Ark Proverbs can dive seamlessly. Furthermore, I've integrated the 'H Soldier Dockyard System' onto the Ark Proverbs, comprising a Sky Island Arms Dockyard, a procurement dock for daily necessities, and a diving dock for submarines. The latter houses a specialized submarine capable of diving 5000 meters and accommodating five individuals for extraordinary circumstances."
The Black Group members nodded approvingly at Franky's comprehensive enhancements to the Ark Proverbs.
Intent on departing smoothly, Blackbeard resolved to set sail that very night, having provided Iceberg with 1 billion Baileys for the renovation and procurement of the Adam's Tree. With preparations in place, the time for departure had arrived.
However, before taking leave, Blackbeard turned to Franky and Enel, engaged in quiet discussion, and proposed:
"Franky, instead of deliberating here endlessly, why not come aboard my ship? You and Enel can make adjustments as desired. A vessel of this caliber necessitates a skilled shipwright like you! How about it? Join me on my ship and be my partner, Franky!"
Startled by the unexpected invitation, Franky trembled, to the surprise of iceberg, who hadn't anticipated Blackbeard extending such an offer.
But upon further contemplation, Iceberg gazed at Franky with a resolute expression.
"Hey, hey, enough of this jesting, Captain Teach," Iceberg interjected.
A flicker of internal struggle crossed Franky's eyes as he forced a smile and responded, "Someone like me boarding your ship? Besides, I have a band of younger siblings who rely on me... they wouldn't have..."
"Cease your protests, Franky; be a man and embrace this opportunity!" Blackbeard interjected, cutting off Franky's objection. "Are you content to have your younger brothers tagging along endlessly? Hand them to Iceberg. He'll find them work. Besides, don't you aspire to sail to the ends of the world on your cherished vessel, akin to your mentor, Mr. Tom? The seas offer more excitement than the Seven Rivers. You won't be gone forever; join me at the apex, where my Blackbeard flag will stand as a beacon of protection for all!"
Franky fell silent, his heart stirred and ablaze with ardor. Every man harbors a yearning for the sea, and the influence of his childhood mentor, Mr. Tom, instilled a passion for grand adventures. Blackbeard's words reignited his dormant desire for exploration.
In a moment of determination, Franky sensed a push on his shoulder, causing him to stagger. Turning to face Iceberg's beaming countenance, he heard the reassurance, "Follow Captain Teach's guidance. Your siblings have a brighter future with me. This isn't farewell; in a few brief years, you'll return. Chase after the sea you long for!"
With tears in his eyes, Franky bid farewell to his siblings, boarding the Ark without looking back. While Blackbeard and the crew didn't depart immediately, Franky remained within the confines of the ship, lost in introspection.
Despite Blackbeard's delayed departure, his Observation Haki pinpointed Franky's presence in his quarters, observing the crew below with tearful eyes.
Abruptly, Blackbeard's pocketed phone rang, prompting his surprise as he glimpsed the familiar device. A call from Baroque Works, perhaps? Without hesitation, he answered the call.
A recognizable voice emanated from the other end, "Captain Teach?"
"Yes, who's speaking?"
"Oh, forgive me, it's Bell. Princess Vivi entrusted me with a delivery to the Capital of Seven Rivers. I'm nearing the destination. Are you still there?"
"Certainly. Meet me at the abandoned dock in the Seven Rivers Capital's backstreet."
"Understood. I'll be there shortly."
After ending the call, Blackbeard smiled, anticipating the forthcoming enhancement of his crew's strength. Eager for a potential power boost, he awaited the arrival of an unidentified [Zoan·Phantom Beast Species], cautiously avoiding additional Devil Fruits post obtaining the Munch-Munch Fruit, hopeful for superior fruit selections in the future.
The Phantom Beast species is undoubtedly his first choice!
But it's a pity that, apart from the Fish Fruit·Phantom Beast Replica that Badgers consumed, he has never encountered any other Phantom Beast fruit.
Except for the powerful Sky Form, fantasy beast species are very rare among pirates in the One Piece world. By the end of the series, only a few existed, all held by renowned individuals. Obtaining additional fantasy beast species is truly challenging.
The unknown Phantom Beast species that Baroque Studio spent 1.5 billion to acquire in the underground world is what he anticipates the most.
After absorbing all of Blackbeard's memories, he learned that he was an experimental subject of the Celestial Dragons in the Valley of Gods. He had seen the most comprehensive Devil Fruit illustrated book under the Celestial Dragons' version. Blackbeard also memorized it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have concealed himself on Whitebeard's ship for so long.
In a previous life plot, Blackbeard mentioned that if he had not encountered the Dark Fruit, he would have remained on Whitebeard's ship for life. The Dark Fruit chose him, akin to Nika choosing Luffy.
As for the concept of fatalism, Teach finds it challenging to address. Having time-traveled and possessing the Devil Fruit, he views anything as possible.
Thinking along these lines, Blackbeard soared into the sky and called for Bell. Bell then presented Blackbeard with a small treasure box.
After arranging for Bell to have a celebration with everyone in the Black group, Blackbeard returned to his captain's cabin with the treasure chest.
Upon opening the small treasure box, he found an ice-blue fruit with a unique spiral pattern inside. The fruit had a T-shaped root and snow-white sides resembling wings.
Upon seeing this Devil Fruit, Blackbeard's eyes widened. The Celestial Dragons' version of the Devil Fruit illustrated book indeed documented this fruit.
[Zoan·Cat Fruit·Phantom Beast Species·Winged White Tiger Form]
According to the Celestial Dragons' version of the book:
After consuming this fruit, the appearance won't change significantly, but two pairs of white wings appear on the back.
Upon using the ability, hair initially turns white, and the tattoo on the back transforms into blue-white frost wings that can release sharp, penetrating winds.
Emitting frost and cold air, the user develops blue and white ice tiger claws on their hands and feet, alongside a striped tiger tail. Appropriately honed, the user can be extremely powerful and release freezing light that can freeze the sea in an instant.
In summary, this Phantom Beast species enhances the user's physical strength significantly and grants freezing, flying, and wind-slashing abilities, positioning it among the top Phantom Beast fruits.
Compared to Kaido's [Zoan‧Fish Fruit·Phantom Beast Green Dragon Form], it's equally potent if not stronger.
After mentally reviewing the Devil Fruit's introduction, Blackbeard exclaimed excitedly, his smile growing wider as laughter filled the captain's room. This unexpected surprise from Baroque Studio aligned with his plans, further shaping his future.
Reflecting on this, Blackbeard's excitement subsided. Gazing at the Devil Fruit, he smiled, thinking about the capabilities of the original God-Eating Power fruit. Without hesitation, he consumed the fruit, transitioning from 0/2 to 1/2 in power.
This marked a significant milestone, making Blackbeard the first to possess a three-fruit ability.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone