The lively discussion on deck about Ace and his brothers' "great achievements" gradually subsided, and everyone's thoughts quickly returned to the most pressing issue at hand.
After the excitement, the real problem still lay before them: how to find the most suitable second Devil Fruit for Pops Whitebeard.
"Sigh..." Diamond Jozu, his thick arms crossed, let out a muffled sigh, breaking the relaxed atmosphere. "Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon form, is indeed a top-tier choice. Its recovery and combat power are both impeccable..."
"But trying to snatch something from the 'World's Strongest Creature' is as hard as ascending to heaven."
His words immediately resonated with everyone.
"Exactly, even if we launch a frontal assault on Onigashima, our chances of success are still slim." Vista also frowned in agreement. "But aside from Kaido's ability, other known Mythical Zoans are either hard to find or their abilities don't focus on recovery..."
"Are we really going to settle for a lesser option, choosing a common Ancient Zoan or even a worse Zoan type?" Rakuyo indignantly slammed his fist on the ship's rail. "Just thinking about it makes me feel frustrated! That's the second Fruit for Pops!"
The thought that those relatively ordinary Zoan abilities might not completely cure Pops's hidden ailments, or even might not be worthy of his title as the "World's Strongest Man," caused a sense of powerlessness and distress to spread.
Just as everyone was at a loss, First Division Commander Marco pushed up his glasses, a glint flashing in his eyes.
He slowly began to speak, suggesting a direction:
"Perhaps... we don't always have to focus on those ability users who already have their Fruits."
His words drew everyone's attention.
Marco continued his analysis: "What we need is the Fruit itself, not necessarily to forcibly take it from a Four Emperor. Therefore, channels for obtaining information and trading unconsumed Fruits are crucial."
He raised his hand, pointing towards the increasingly close outline of an island in the distance, filled with an aura of passion and commotion—Dressrosa.
"The 'Heavenly Yaksha' entrenched there, Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea... he is one of the largest brokers in the underworld, controlling a vast network of underground arms and Devil Fruit trades."
A meaningful smile played on Marco's lips: "Who knows, he might be hiding some unknown secret information about powerful Mythical Zoans or Ancient Zoan Fruits?"
"Coincidentally, our supply point is in his stronghold." Marco looked around at everyone. "Perhaps we can use this opportunity to 'visit' this Warlord and make a 'deal' with him."
After hearing Marco's analysis, everyone nodded in agreement.
Diamond Jozu slammed his hand on the ship's rail with a dull thud: "That's right! Doflamingo, that guy, is a bit cunning, but his channels are indeed the fastest option! Let's go to Dressrosa and meet him!"
Just as the atmosphere turned to consensus and they were about to formulate a plan, Ace stepped forward, pulling out the familiar Den Den Mushi, and said with conviction:
"Wait! Before we go looking for that flamingo, I think we should first ask Big Brother Ron for his opinion!"
He looked around at his companions, his eyes filled with unreserved trust in his older brother:
"Big Brother Ron definitely knows what kind of Devil Fruit is most suitable for Pops's body, and he might even know exactly where that Fruit is and how to get it!"
His voice grew more excited: "We don't need to search like headless chickens at all! Just ask Big Brother! He's omnipotent!"
Ace's words were full of trust in Ron, and they rekindled a spark of hope in the eyes of many crew members. If the mysterious Mr. Ron could indeed point them in the right direction, it would undoubtedly save countless troubles and dangers.
However, Whitebeard, seated on his giant chair, slowly shook his head.
His gaze fell on the Den Den Mushi in Ace's hand, and his deep voice echoed across the deck, carrying an undeniable resolve and the arrogance of an Emperor:
"Enough, Ace."
He raised his hand, stopping Ace's attempt to argue.
"Your brother Ron has helped us too much. From the dual-Fruit physique to the usage of the Dark-Dark Fruit, the debt of gratitude we owe him is already too heavy to repay."
His gaze swept over each of his sons, finally returning to Ace, his tone becoming deep and frank:
"We cannot rely on his power for everything anymore. Let us handle the matter of finding the Fruit ourselves."
He slightly raised his head, looking out at the boundless sea, his voice calm:
"Whether we ultimately find the most suitable one or not, it is Pops Whitebeard's destiny. The ship of the new era, after all, needs us to steer it ourselves."
"This time, we'll do it ourselves."
Whitebeard's words were like a final decision, echoing over the Moby Dick. The dignity and determination contained within them commanded everyone's respect and completely dispelled Ace's idea of making the call.
In the time it takes to drink a pot of sake,
the Moby Dick's enormous, moving-castle-like white whale figurehead slowly sailed into Dressrosa's bustling port.
When the flag symbolizing the world's strongest pirate crew became clearly visible in the sunlight, the entire port seemed to hit a pause button.
"White... Whitebeard Pirates!!"
"It's the Four Emperors! The Four Emperors Whitebeard Edward Newgate himself has come!!"
"Why would such a big figure come to Dressrosa?!"
Panic and shock spread like a plague through the dock. The crowd retreated in a panic, vendors didn't even bother with their stalls, and the patrolling guards' faces turned pale, their palms sweaty as they gripped their weapons, not daring to offer the slightest resistance.
The massive pirate ship, like a royal procession, disregarded all rules and forcefully occupied the best berth.
Whitebeard's colossal figure appeared at the ship's rail. He merely cast a calm glance over the passionate and tumultuous island, and the invisible, terrifying aura of the Sea Emperor rendered the noisy port silent.
Ignoring the huge commotion he caused, Whitebeard, surrounded by the main commanders of his pirate crew, walked with steady steps directly towards the Royal Palace plateau.
Wherever they passed, the crowd parted automatically as if Moses had split the sea, no one daring to block their path.
The news reached the Royal Palace at the fastest speed.
Soon,
in an extremely luxurious hall, the other main character of this meeting—the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the King of Dressrosa, Donquixote Doflamingo—appeared before Whitebeard.
"Fufufufufufu... what a rare guest!"
....
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