The Devil Fruit Sent by Ayane
Let Rifan finally have a useless Devil Fruit to help Franky open his final invitation.
Previously, Rifan believed the timing was right. So he had asked Nojiko to handle some matters in advance and notified Franky to come here to complete the final copy of the invitation.
"Traveling to... the past?!" Ayane blinked, looking very puzzled.
"Ayane, it's because you are willing to provide me with your milk forever, this time, I will give you another piece of information."
"Let me tell you first, I won't answer your question; how much you can understand depends on your own understanding. Of course, this is so that the relationship between the two of us can develop amicably. I hope that you will try not to disclose the information I'm about to show you next. Especially the reincarnator exchange group."
While speaking, Rifan sat cross-legged on the table beside him. Although his current clothes seemed a bit too loose, he didn't bother to change them. Telling Ayane about the final invitation, Rifan didn't have too many obstacles in his heart. Leaving aside the close relationship between the two, even telling Ayane about the final invitation would not have much impact on him. After all, opening the final invitation was a challenging task that required the consumption of precious Devil Fruit, something not just any reincarnator could do.
On the other hand, Rifan felt that Ayane was getting closer to becoming his ally. According to the current development, it would be difficult for Ayane to hand over enough Devil Fruit to him within the time stipulated in the contract. In this world, sailing was a time-consuming endeavour. Up to now, Ayane and Rifan had made an agreement, and half of the time had passed. In the remaining time, Rifan didn't think that Ayane could find two Devil Fruits. After all, not everyone could accurately retain an enemy's Devil Fruit through the Dark Fruit ability, like him.
"Special information?" Ayane pursed her lips and took a deep look at Rifan. After a while, she nodded slightly. "Rifan, you have successfully aroused my curiosity. Under such circumstances, it's really difficult for me to give up the right to see what will happen next. I will keep my promise with you. I hope you will show me your secret information." Ayane's eyes were serious, and she said in a serious manner.
Rifan smiled and nodded upon hearing Ayane's answer. Afterward, Ayane went to the dressing room beside her and changed into clothes suitable for her current body condition.
When everything was ready, Nojiko opened the door of the consultation room. The next moment, Franky's eager face and Chopper's curious expression appeared at the door.
"Captain Rifan, is what Nojiko said true?" Franky asked with joy and surprise. "Can I really save Tom-san with your special power?"
"It's of course true, Chopper and the others should have told you," Rifan replied. "Sorry, Franky, for making you wait so long. Your matter has indeed been delayed for too long. Let's get started now."
Rifan waved to Franky and let him come over. Then he took out the devil fruit he got from Ayane and stretched it out in front of Franky.
However, just as Rifan was about to activate the access to the copy space to open the invitation copy that Franky needed, Kalifa suddenly appeared at the door of the consultation room.
"Boss, something happened outside the Black Pearl," she said. "There are two Marine guerrilla ships heading this way."
While speaking, Kalifa scanned the people in the room with her eyes. After seeing Rifan's child-like body affected by the fruit of age and Ayane's chest that was a circle bigger than usual, a sharp light flickered in Kalifa's eyes.
At this moment, she seemed to understand something.
"Marine Guerrilla? So, it's from the Marines? Why did they come here at this time?" Franky frowned. He was preparing to meet his regret and teacher, Tom, who had died because of his own actions. And Kalifa's report made him feel conflicted.
On the one hand, he wanted to see Tom as soon as possible. On the other hand, he felt that it might not be easy for Rifan to deal with his affairs first when there was a possibility that the enemy was approaching.
"Marine Guerrilla?!"
"Could it be that they came to chase us?!"
Ayane frowned when she heard Kalifa's report to Rifan. Not long ago, the Buggy pirates were hunted down by the Marine guerrillas, and she was injured at that time. Even though she was one of the top 100 reincarnations and was favoured by Rifan, her strength was still weak compared to the Marine guerrilla vice admiral and elite fighters with advanced weapons. It was no exaggeration to say that she and the Buggy Pirates had escaped safely, which was a blessing in disguise.
At this moment, hearing the news of the Marine guerrillas again, Ayane was naturally quite surprised.
However, it was just a surprise. With Rifan here, she didn't feel intimidated. She didn't think that after feeding Rifan with her breastmilk, he would ruthlessly turn her over to the Marines.
"I don't think so."
"The guerrilla ship in the rear is chasing the one in front. I think some pirates may have snatched the Marine guerrilla's ship, which is why the guerrilla ships are chasing each other."
Kalifa looked at Ayane and then at the empty needle tube not far away. The corners of her mouth involuntarily raised slightly.
"Captain Rifan, let's take things easy for now,"
"You seem very concerned about the Marine guerrillas. Why don't you deal with them first and let me go see Tom-san after?"
At this time, Franky, who had been thinking for a while, suddenly spoke to Rifan. "For me, I've been waiting for a long time, so waiting a bit longer doesn't matter."
"It's not necessary for you to wait, Franky. I've 'seen' it with Observation Haki. The Marine guerrillas are still some distance away from the Black Pearl. We have plenty of time to finish what you have here before they arrive. Also, I'd like to see how things change after you meet your teacher Tom." Rifan waved his hand and said with a light smile.
So far, Rifan's
Observation Haki could easily cover the scope of a small island. From his perspective, he could clearly calculate the time when the Marine Guerrilla's ship would arrive at the Black Pearl. Franky's final invitation dungeon was not a difficult one, and it would suffice to handle the World Government officials and agents who wanted to forcibly take Tom away. This was nothing to Franky, who now had the Devil Fruit ability. What's more, Franky's final invitation was not difficult, and others could also lend a helping hand.
At this moment, Rifan suddenly frowned and looked at Ayane in surprise. "Rifan, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Ayane raised her eyebrows and asked Rifan with some doubts.
"Ayane, do you know Kasumi?"
Rifan raised the corner of his mouth and asked with great interest.
"Kasumi? Rifan, why did you say this suddenly?"
Hearing the name Kasumi, Ayane immediately frowned.
"Hehe, my observation haki heard the name on the Marine Guerrilla."
"She was called 'Kasumi' by those who traveled with her."
"Also, my Observation Haki heard her say your name."
"Ayane, you and this Kasumi should have a close relationship."
Rifan said meaningfully.
As a time traveler, Rifan naturally knew that Ayane and Kasumi were sisters related by blood and had an awkward relationship. Kasumi's appearance on the Marine Guerrilla's ship surprised him. At the same time, it piqued his interest in what would happen when Ayane and Kasumi finally met.