Then, under Figarland Garling's instruction, Burns dialed Lancelot's Den Den Mushi.
Soon, the Den Den Mushi transformed into Lancelot's appearance.
"Dad, it's Lancelot!"
Before Burns could speak, Figarland Garling spoke first, "I am Figarland Garling, your grandfather."
"Figarland Garling? Grandfather?"
Lancelot was momentarily stunned because, under normal circumstances, the father's side would be the grandfather, while the mother's side would be the maternal grandfather.
But he quickly realized.
Who was his father? To put it nicely, he was a pretty boy.
To put it bluntly, he was a male concubine of the Celestial Dragons.
And who was his mother? A Celestial Dragon.
Putting it all together, his cheap father wasn't even qualified to marry into the family.
So, who the grandfather is—need it even be said?
Lancelot followed along smoothly: "Grandfather, I am Lancelot!"
Never mind that calling him that would grant him the most noble bloodline in the world and the greatest privileges imaginable.
Just from the relationship perspective, this Figarland Garling was indeed his grandfather.
So, calling him "Grandfather"—no loss there.
Figarland Garling nodded with satisfaction: "I've already handled things on my end. Issho's military rank and appointment—as long as he performs at the normal level of an Admiral in this war, everything will go as you wish."
Hearing this, Lancelot couldn't help but smile: "That's not difficult. With Issho's strength, he's bound to shock the whole world in this battle."
Figarland Garling: "Good. But you need to be careful with Vergo. In this fight, not only must he achieve outstanding results, but you also need to create conflict with him. Only then will people believe he isn't one of our Figarland family. Only then can we secretly support him in taking the position of Admiral."
Lancelot immediately grasped the meaning and pondered for a moment.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it appropriately. I won't let Sengoku or the Five Elders grow suspicious…"
"Hahaha…"
Figarland Garling couldn't help but burst into laughter.
At this moment, he was in an excellent mood.
It had to be said—dealing with smart people was so nice!
Everything became clear with just a hint.
He then added, "From now on, you are a member of the Figarland family. You officially bear the surname Figarland… but you must not reveal your identity as a Celestial Dragon publicly yet."
Lancelot was slightly taken aback.
He hadn't expected to become a Celestial Dragon so quickly.
But he soon smiled and replied very obediently: "Alright!"
He didn't even ask why—though he could guess some reasons.
For instance, it would help him secure the Admiral position.
"Hahahaha!"
Figarland Garling was extremely pleased with Lancelot's attitude.
Although Lancelot was capable enough to earn his regard, if Lancelot were uncooperative or disobedient, he would be disposed of after serving his purpose.
His goal was clear: Lancelot was the bargaining chip that would allow him to stand equal with the Five Elders—or even replace one of them.
And a bargaining chip must know its place.
Otherwise, once the goal was achieved, the chip would no longer be needed.
But if Lancelot played his role well, he wasn't so petty as to withhold some benefits.
He added another point, "Rest assured, after this war, regardless of the outcome, Sengoku will step down from the Fleet Admiral position. One of the current Admirals, Akainu, Kizaru, or Aokiji will inevitably become the next Fleet Admiral. When that happens, there will naturally be a vacant Admiral position. And that position will undoubtedly be yours."
"Thank you for your guidance, Grandfather…" Lancelot's eyes lit up.
Once he became an Admiral, he would immediately receive the system's reward.
His strength would then see another tremendous boost.
At that point, whether it was Garling or the Five Elders—what would he have to fear?
Even facing Kaido and Charlotte Linlin alone, he wouldn't back down.
Figarland Garling nodded: "I won't say more. Prepare yourself properly! Although you have Issho on your side, I predict Kizaru likely won't be sent to reinforce you again. After all, Marine Headquarters is facing the entire Whitebeard Pirates and must make thorough preparations. Thus, the pressure on your end remains substantial."
Lancelot: "Understood!"
...
Time passed gradually.
Kizaru had already escorted Ace away, doing so with great fanfare to ensure the entire world knew their movements.
This successfully drew the full attention of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Meanwhile, Lancelot's forces had fully assembled.
Yamato, Sasaki, Ulti, Page One, Denjiro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, Kawamatsu, Vergo, Issho, Shiryu, and Tokikake.
Along with Zoro, Lina, Lise, and Miss Valentine.
Everyone held a banquet.
Afterwards, Tokikake was dismissed.
The remaining individuals were all trusted allies.
His gaze swept over each person present, finally settling on Denjiro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, Kawamatsu, and Shiryu.
Among the group, only these five were not Devil Fruit Ability Users.
Then, to everyone's utter astonishment, Lancelot produced five Devil Fruits, handing one to each of them.
"Wait, this is..."
Yamato, Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One had all consumed Devil Fruits before, so they recognized them immediately.
Five Devil Fruits at once—what an extravagant display!
The four exchanged bewildered glances.
Particularly Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One, since Yamato's understanding of Devil Fruits paled in comparison to theirs.
Devil Fruits.
In any faction, they represented the most crucial strategic resource.
Consider their former captain Kaido—why did he pursue Artificial Devil Fruits? Wasn't it precisely to enhance the overall strength of his pirate crew through them?
After all, compared to the numerous division commanders and captains of the Whitebeard Pirates, the senior officers of the Beasts Pirates fell far short.
As for the Big Mom Pirates, they were even more exceptional.
Their captain, Charlotte Linlin, bred like a sow, giving birth every year.
Sometimes even delivering multiple children at once.
Crucially, many of her offspring inherited some of her innate talents.
If Whitebeard of the Whitebeard Pirates relied on adopting ready-made sons, she built a massive family and an enormous pirate crew entirely through her own reproduction.
Compared to these two great pirate crews, the Beasts Pirates were mere small fry.
So why did Kaido not pursue genuine Devil Fruits, instead settling for Artificial Devil Fruits?
Wasn't it precisely because Devil Fruits were excessively precious and rare?
If Kaido could casually produce five Devil Fruits like Lancelot just did, the Beasts Pirates' elite combat power would have skyrocketed long ago.
In that case, they wouldn't have been wiped out single-handedly by Lancelot.
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator