Chapter 114

[ We couldn't meet our goal but still, here is an Extra Chapter. Enjoy guys, thanks for reading. ]

"If he dares to do this, I swear I will kill him," a sudden outburst erupted from Ace, who had been squatting with his head resting on his arms.

His posture previously slouched in despair now animated by a fiery resolve.

Observing Ace's fiery determination, the red-haired couldn't help but feel a tinge of helplessness.

Had Whitebeard heeded his advice, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

Meanwhile, on the other side...

A Marine warship was steadily advancing making its way towards the Sabaody Archipelago.

However, those on the warship were not Marines; they were none other than the infamous Blackbeard Pirates.

"What shall we do next...?" Van Augur stood upon the ship's mast; his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene before him.

He directed his question to Blackbeard, who stood below him.

"Our previous plan is on hold for now. Whitebeard is dead.

The devil fruit he carried within him will return to the sea and reappear somewhere.

I must seize that opportunity to acquire it with all my might," Blackbeard's voice resonated with a deep determination.

It was a bitter twist of fate. He had been so close to his aspirations during the Marineford War.

Yet, the sudden intervention of Carnes and Red-Haired Shanks had dashed his chances, leaving him to regret this missed opportunity.

They had costed him this golden chance.

Burgess forced a wry smile, his thoughts intertwining.

"The task at hand is daunting, finding a specific Devil Fruit without a lead in this vast sea is quite the challenge."

"Don't exhaust yourself over it. However, we mustn't let any opportunities slip through our fingers," Blackbeard retorted, regret gnawing at him.

He pondered about the gamble he should have taken during the battle at Marineford, realizing it could have prevented the current predicament.

Laffitte, leaning against a pillar, chimed in,

"Who could have anticipated that apart from the Four Emperors, the seas harbor such formidable individuals?"

The mere thought of it sent shivers down Laffitte's spine, a testament to the unmeasurable strength possessed by these monstrous beings – adversaries who had defied the mightiest powerhouses the world had to offer.

"Ze ha ha ha ha...

Let's refrain from provoking such individuals for now," Blackbeard chuckled nervously, his voice betraying his unease.

"Carnes? That's a relatively recent name I've heard," Van Augur interjected.

"Carnes… that guy, he's not a pirate of this new era. He's an old monster, whose traces have been erased by the World Government," Blackbeard explained with a smile.

"Wait, what?" The group momentarily halted, as it caught everyone off guard, their collective gaze now fixated on Blackbeard, intrigued by his revelation.

.....

As night descended upon the Sabaody Archipelago, activities continued on Grove No. 30 shopping street.

This street, lined with unassuming shops, catered to the trade of everyday goods.

Consequently, its visitors primarily consisted of locals going about their daily lives.

Amidst this backdrop, a particular scene unfolded. A teenager named Arnold stood overseeing a store, his gaze locked onto the items on display. His attire was simple, and his build lean.

Anuo, an older man who seemed to be looking at the store, called out to him with a mix of concern and curiosity,

"Arnold, why are you looking after the store? And where's your father?" his voice inquired.

Arnold, a modestly dressed, slender boy of about fifteen, replied,

"Father is unwell, so I've taken over, standing in for him. A shipment of expensive fruits arrived last night. If we don't sell some today, their freshness will gradually wane."

"Responsible lad but let me impart a word of caution to you, Arnold.

If you cross paths with pirates, you might face hardships, so exercise caution.

Don't be stubborn, if those pirates take offense to your words, they won't hesitate to resort to violence," Anuo advised in a hushed tone acknowledging Arnold's mature approach.

"Indeed, Uncle, I'm well aware. Father warned me countless times. If pirates come around, even if it costs us the fruit stand, I mustn't provoke them," Arnold affirmed, his comprehension evident.

"You've got the right understanding. Life isn't easy for folks like us, and the Marines turn a blind eye, they offer us very little protection.

The pirates run rampant here, they hold sway with audacity. We must maintain a low profile to survive," Anuo elaborated, reflecting on the challenging circumstances they faced.

Just as they conversed, an obese woman bearing a conspicuous mole on her face approached, accompanied by a child and a hefty bag of fruits.

Before she even neared them, the bag of fruits was flung onto the ground, followed by a string of curses.

"Arnold, you're young, but you're ready to do anything for money."

Confusion etched Arnold's face as he inquired softly, "What's the matter?"

"Look closely, what did you send home with my child? I asked her to buy some fruit from you because your father is an honest man, but you, boy, you tried to swindle me with these 'other' type of n fruit," the woman pointed accusingly at Arnold.

"What's this, Arnold? Age seems to have loosened your principles, all for the sake of a few extra coins," the mole-faced woman berated with visible irritation.

Confused, Arnold cautiously opened the bag, confirming his doubts. Among the fruits, one stood out, distinct and textured.

Its appearance was different from rest of other fruit.

"No, this can't be. I definitely didn't give you this.

I'm certain I didn't include this in the bag," Arnold protested, a sense of injustice in his voice.

"Are you implying that I'm here to cause trouble on purpose?" the woman countered, her anger palpable.

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