Only Sanji's brain could come up with such a ridiculous reason.
But his attitude was quite firm.
Shano chuckled and watched, respecting Sanji's choice without the intention to interfere or persuade.
After all, the poor rely on mutation, the rich on technology. This kid already has a high potential, and if his lineage factors awaken someday in the future...
Zoro hesitated for a moment, but also decided against picking anything.
With Tashigi as a precedent, he was indeed tempted by these Devil Fruits, but he's a stubborn kind of guy...
Since Kuina became a world-renowned strong contender through pure Sword Dao, I can definitely do it too!
"I want this, Lord."
Noah, the Captain of Squad 5 of the Combat Corps, spoke with a deep voice, pointing to the Pea-Pea Fruit.
"Oh?"
Shano turned his gaze toward Noah, slightly surprised, "The Pea-Pea Fruit?"
Speaking of which, the Combat Corps currently has over ten squads, and none of the captains are pushovers.
For example, the current Captain of Squad 2 is Law, Captain of Squad 3 is X·Drake, Captain of Squad 4 is Barto...
As the Young Clan Leader of the Konomi Clan, Noah was able to defeat pirates with over a hundred million bounty when he came of age.
With outstanding strength, naturally, he has the qualifications to serve as a captain.
The two hundred warriors under his command were also drawn from the clan, all skilled in Haki, and in the Ten Thousand Nations war, the fifth squad performed exceptionally well, with Noah himself defeating several pirate officers of the Charlotte family, and he's currently got a bounty of 323 million Belly from the Navy Headquarters.
"Yes, Lord, this fruit is very suitable for me."
Noah grinned, revealing a set of white teeth in stark contrast with his dark skin:
"Lord, you know I'm best at archery, slingshots, and all kinds of throwing weapons, but we're always short of ammo. This Pea-Pea Fruit will allow me to generate pea bullets at any time, which, combined with my throwing skills, is simply perfect!"
"That does sound fitting, take it then."
Shano nodded, then suddenly reacted.
Uh, wait a minute.
Peas as bullets?
Is that how it's supposed to be used?
Hiss, if you develop it along those lines, wouldn't that make you...
"Thank you, Lord!"
Noah didn't notice Shano's peculiar gaze, happily stood up, and took the Pea-Pea Fruit.
He was straightforward and couldn't wait any longer, so he took a bite right then, and his whole face scrunched up, he couldn't help but gag:
"Ugh, what is this, the taste is even more disgusting than rumored!"
It really tastes like crap!
Is it possible for it to taste this bad? Bebo and Tashigi's eyes twitched as they exchanged a look, deciding to find Uncle Zeff after the meeting to have the fruit properly processed.
You can't eat it like this; maybe if Uncle Zeff coats it with egg wash and breadcrumbs and fries it, it'll be fine?
At this moment.
The Candy-Candy Fruit was noticed by a middle-aged man from the Stationed Corps named Mr. Rain.
This Mr. Rain was once a captain at the Shampodi Naval Base, moved by the world broadcast of the Endgame, he immediately defected, bringing his family to the New World.
He's a chubby and loving uncle, who, after retiring to the Stationed Corps, has been in charge of child placement, education, and welfare within the territory.
According to him,
if he could create cotton candy at will, he would certainly be very popular with the kids, making it easier for him to carry out his work and cheer up the children in the orphanage who lost their parents.
"What a gentle reason."
Shano smiled, agreeing, "Mr. Rain, the Candy-Candy Fruit is yours."
"Thank you, Lord!"
Mr. Rain bowed with gratitude, his round face full of joy.
He could almost see himself surrounded by a group of chattering little ones, each with bright eyes saying, "Uncle Rain, make another one!"
But, well.
Shano turned his head and looked at Chopper, who was drooling on the side and figured that those pestering Mr. Rain might not just be human kids in the future...
As each fruit was handed out, the atmosphere in the conference room became livelier.
Despite being invited, the officers of the Stationed Corps and Infrastructure Corps were originally somewhat reserved, feeling they should be sensible and not speak out lightly.
After all, Devil Fruits should logically be prioritized for the main base or frontline combat personnel of the Combat Corps.
But when they saw Lord Shano hand over a fruit to Mr. Rain without hesitation, they gradually let go of their fear—
In Lord Shano's eyes, people's livelihood seemed to be equally as important as combat power.
"Lord, I would like the Butter-Butter Fruit."
A young engineer from the Infrastructure Corps nervously raised his hand:
"With it, our construction team could save a lot on lubricant and sealing material expenses during construction, and it can also help improve mechanical operation efficiency."
"If no one else wants it, Lord, let the Honey-Honey Fruit go to our agriculture department!"
Another officer said excitedly, "With infinite honey, we could not only provide direct food ingredients for everyone in the territory but also attract insects to pollinate, promote the development of sweet food-related industries. It's a win-win!"
Shano agreed one by one.