Chapter 98: The Gambit and the Fruit
As Ian's staunchest supporter, Garp had promised to have his back before Ian even arrived at Sabaody. He had proven it today, stepping in without hesitation at the critical moment.
"I promise, next time I'll let you know sooner," Ian said, his tone sincere. "Mr. Garp, if you'll excuse me, I need to have a word with my subordinates. We've just been through a major battle; I need to ensure everyone is settled."
Using this as a pretext, Ian approached his gathered crew. He deliberately raised his voice so it would carry.
"Listen up! Next, we are going to Mary Geoise for an inquiry. We must abide by their rules there. Do not bring any extra weapons. You will be searched upon arrival." His gaze swept over them, lingering for a moment on Skylark, who still looked remorseful. "It is absolutely secure there. The officials won't attack us out of personal spite. There is no need to hide any weapons on your person, or in your backpacks..."
He locked eyes with Skylark and added with deliberate emphasis, "Do what you have to do! Let's move out!"
Figarland Garling stood to the side, arms crossed, not doubting Ian's words. The entire speech sounded like a subtle jab at him. This sharp-tongued brat dared to not only fight him but also mock him! Truly, like teacher, like student!
"All of you, follow me," Garling commanded, pointing the way.
Ian walked alongside Garling, his demeanor relaxed.
"My apologies, Commander Garling," Ian began, his tone light, almost teasing. "I didn't know you were a member of the God's Knights. Ignorance is no excuse, I suppose. I hope I didn't... injure you during our little exchange?"
He was deliberately baiting Garling, keeping his attention fully occupied.
"You? Injure me?" Garling scoffed, his voice dripping with cold contempt. "When we reach the Holy Land and it is determined you neglected your duty, do you understand what your fate will be?"
He glared at Ian's smiling face. If not for Garp and Aokiji's presence, he would have gladly cut this insolent whelp down. The animosity between them was palpable and far from settled.
"I see," Ian mused, feigning thoughtfulness. "So the final outcome is just me standing there, waiting for the boss to chop my head off? But if I hadn't taken action earlier, wouldn't I have been standing there letting you chop me down anyway? Your logic is flawless, sir, isn't it?"
Ian knew their enmity was absolute. There was no point in being courteous to Garling now. Surrendering or begging for mercy would only earn him more disdain.
As they walked on, Garling and Ian continued their "friendly chat" at the head of the group.
Meanwhile, at the very back of the procession, Skylark gradually slowed her pace, positioning herself in the most inconspicuous spot. With trembling hands, she unzipped her backpack...
She glanced around vigilantly. No one was paying her any attention. Only then did she carefully retrieve the Dark-Dark Fruit.
What kind of Devil Fruit is this? What are its abilities?
Ian hadn't said, so Skylark was completely in the dark. But from his pointed remarks before their departure, the message had been clear: Hiding it in your bag is pointless now... do what must be done.
Regret washed over her. She never should have disobeyed Ian's orders, even out of concern. This predicament was entirely her fault.
Would I ever have chosen to become a Devil Fruit user?
Skylark had never considered it. But this fruit was Major General Ian's hard-won trophy. She could not let it fall into the hands of the people at Mary Geoise!
Crunch.
Crunch, crunch, crunch...
...
Gulp.
The bitter, revolting taste assaulted her taste buds. Fighting the urge to gag, she forced herself to eat the entire fruit.
The moment an ordinary person consumes a Devil Fruit, the knowledge of how to use its power automatically floods their mind. A new user can instinctively identify what kind of fruit they have eaten.
A wave of dizziness washed over Skylark, making her head spin.
Can't fall... Can't collapse now... If I fall, they'll discover everything...
I have to hold on! For Major General Ian's sake, I cannot reveal any flaw!
She repeated this mantra in her heart, even going so far as to secretly pinch her own arm hard, using the sharp pain to stay conscious.
As the process of ability assimilation completed, the knowledge of how to wield the Dark-Dark Fruit's power solidified in her mind.
"This... this is..." she gasped inwardly, her hand flying to her mouth, her heart pounding with shock.
A new Logia-type user of the Dark-Dark Fruit was born.
From the front of the group, Ian, his own Devil Fruit abilities active, sensed the moment Skylark consumed the fruit. A wave of relief washed over him. He had never doubted their tacit understanding. The purpose of his earlier speech had been singular: to tell Skylark, Your bag will be searched at Mary Geoise. Since the fruit is in your hands, eat it now!
After obtaining the Dark-Dark Fruit and foreseeing Garling's arrival, Ian had no time to carefully plan for this unique Logia-type fruit. Peacock already had her own Devil Fruit. Among the three other core members, none particularly matched the Dark-Dark Fruit's nature. Giving it to any of them wouldn't be a perfect fit, requiring a major overhaul of their established fighting styles.
But to simply store it at the base after acquiring it? Absolutely unthinkable! Ian would never tolerate such a monumental waste. Devil Fruits were, in themselves, the fastest path to power in this world. The gap between different types and abilities was vast. Even the most common Zoan-type fruit could grant significant physical enhancements. Otherwise, why would Kaido go to such lengths to create an army of Artificial Devil Fruit users?
And the Dark-Dark Fruit was no common fruit; it was a rare and powerful Logia!
By becoming its user and gaining its BUG-level combat potential, one could directly crush the so-called "Worst Generation" of pirates. With proper development, its potential was limitless.
Ian no longer had to wrestle with the question of "who should eat it." From this day forward, he had a new, "blackened" Logia-type cadre under his command: Little Skylark!
…
In a meeting room within Mary Geoise, Garp, who had rushed back first, met privately with Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru. He briefly outlined the events on Sabaody. When the topic turned to Figarland Garling, Garp grew animated, embellishing the story with gusto.