I have Half a mind just to completely erase this chapter, please whatever knowledge you have about One Piece in its newest manga chapter, please forget it for this Fanfic, you'll understand when you read this chapter but please bear through it.
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Ron opened his eyes with a hint of excitement in his gaze. Blackbeard was his target, but not Blackbeard himself, rather something that was in his possession.
That's right, it was the black cloth from the original plot that could seize Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit. Ron wasn't sure how Blackbeard acquired the secret method to imprison the power of Devil Fruits.
Under normal circumstances, when the owner of a Devil Fruit dies, the power within their body disappears, reappearing randomly across the world, transforming into a new fruit. However, Blackbeard's intervention changed this process. He covered Whitebeard with a black cloth just as Whitebeard took his last breath. As Whitebeard died, the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit tried to escape his body but was absorbed by Blackbeard's black cloth. (T/N: I know that it wasn't the cloth but Blackbeard's power itself, but I can't massively change the plot as this item will be used in later chapters)
This item was invaluable, and Ron knew he would need it for future endeavors, particularly when acquiring other Devil Fruits.
Without a doubt, one of the most coveted fruits in the Pirate World was the Gura Gura no Mi, also known as the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. Though Whitebeard wasn't human (he's a half-giant), the fruit itself was incredibly powerful. Ron planned to acquire it, whether for himself or for the girls in his crew, to greatly enhance their strength as members of the Sword and Rose Pirates.
So, obtaining this black cloth was a priority for Ron.
"Follow me," Ron said to the girls beside him, motioning for them to come along. Leading them through several alleys, they headed directly in one direction.
"Hey... Nami do you know where Ron is taking us?" Kaya asked curiously.
"I'm not sure. Who knows what he's thinking," Nami replied, shaking her head.
"My legs are tired!" Apis pouted as she hugged her baby dragon.
Ron smiled and picked Apis up.
Marianne, who was trailing behind, saw this and bit her lower lip but didn't protest. Instead, she continued following the group.
After traversing several more miles, they finally emerged from the long alleyways into a relatively open space.
"Ah, this is the center of Nanohana's former town!" Vivi exclaimed, looking around in surprise. "It used to be just a small town, not a port. As Alabasta grew, it became a bustling harbor city!"
"Is that so?" Nami glanced around, eyeing the bustling crowd and the numerous shops. She couldn't help but feel interested and wanted to go shopping.
"Don't wander off. Stay with me," Ron instructed. Now wasn't the time for the girls to explore on their own. Obtaining the black cloth was their main objective.
Ron's gaze shifted to a small tavern ahead, less grand than their previous dining spot.
Walking over, Ron pushed open the door and entered.
Inside, there weren't many patrons. At the bar, a burly man was drinking heavily. He heard the commotion at the door but initially paid no attention. However, sensing a powerful presence, he turned to look.
"Marshall D. Teach!" Ron addressed the man calmly. "I've finally found you!"
"Huh?"
Blackbeard looked at Ron with surprise before narrowing his eyes and scrutinizing him. His gaze held a predatory gleam.
Blackbeard had been pursued by Ace all the way, his strength was on par with Ace's. However, fearing other potential adversaries following Ace, he fled to this location, barely clashing with Ace.
And now...
Blackbeard grinned, rising from his stool to face Ron. "Little man, your face looks a bit familiar... Do you have a death wish? Or are you just plain stupid?"
Ron chuckled, his demeanor shifting.
Blackbeard, the late One Piece world's overlord and one of the new Four Emperors following Whitebeard's demise, possessed remarkable ambition and courage, just like Luffy. Yet, Ron suddenly felt that killing Blackbeard outright wouldn't be as enjoyable. (T/N: If the author knows this, then doesn't he know that Blackbeard's fruit is the source of stealing devil fruits, don't you guys agree)
If he killed Blackbeard now, Ace wouldn't be captured and handed over to the Navy, leading to the dramatic events of the Summit War. However, Ron wanted to participate in such world-shaking events, showcasing his prowess and making his name known throughout the world.
Yes, this was what he wanted.
Ron cleared his throat, setting aside his reverie. "Teach, I have business with you. Come with me."
With that, Ron turned and left the tavern, leaving the girls puzzled.
Even the astute Nami and Vivi couldn't comprehend Ron's actions.
Meanwhile, Blackbeard watched Ron's departure, puzzled and intrigued.
Who was this person, Teach was a former member of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division, renowned even in the New World
Having just escaped Ace's pursuit and being full of confidence and ambition, Blackbeard couldn't make sense of the situation.
He was in the middle of a meal when suddenly this young upstart appeared, arrogantly ordering him around. The audacity intrigued him.
However, as the newcomer mentioned his name, Blackbeard's curiosity was piqued. He had changed his name to Blackbeard, yet this stranger addressed him as Marshall D. Teach. What did this mean?
Narrowing his eyes, Blackbeard chuckled lowly. "Little man, you must be joking. Cross me, and you'll meet a bloody end."
Exiting the tavern, Blackbeard followed Ron and his crew into an alleyway.
Ron halted, hearing Blackbeard's footsteps. With a faint smile, he turned to face Blackbeard. "Blackbeard, do you wish to live or die?" (T/N: Is this guy serious!!)