Ace carefully considered Leo's perspective, and after some thought, he realized that Leo's points were quite valid. The Stitch-Stitch Fruit, with its seamless form, would indeed be best utilized by Princess Mansherry of the Tontatta Tribe, allowing her to fully harness its potential.
Yet, Ace was firm in his rules: they couldn't be altered. He refused, saying, "Though Leo suggests that this fruit is ideal for Princess Mansherry, I must reiterate that anyone can bid for a Devil Fruit, and this one is no exception."
Hearing this, Leo became anxious. "Vice-captain Ace, you must understand, no one but Princess Mansherry can truly unlock the seamless form of the Stitch-Stitch Fruit. It's practically tailor-made for her..."
"Leo, don't worry," Ace interjected. "While the rules stand, I can personally contribute. I'll help with the bidding."
Ace then addressed the crew: "Whoever wishes to receive future treatments from Princess Mansherry should contribute some funds now. Otherwise, don't blame her if you're left untreated when injured."
"Hey, I'll chip in. 200 million Berries," Vista offered generously, and 200 million Berries was no small sum.
"I'll pledge 500 million Berries," Joze added. As a wealthy pirate who had previously seized a significant amount of heavenly tribute, he was the wealthiest captain under Ace.
After their contributions, Vista smiled at the crew, saying, "Anyone thinking of competing with Mansherry for the Stitch-Stitch Fruit should reconsider. If you do, Princess Mansherry might sew your legs to your arms or make a mistake during treatment. Think carefully."
Vista's words prompted the pirates to look at each other and, one by one, they backed out of the competition. In the end, Leo secured the seamless form of the Seam Fruit at an unexpectedly low price.
Leo, thrilled, thanked Vista and Joze. "Mr. Vista, Mr. Joze, thank you for helping Princess Mansherry. I won't forget it. If you ever need help, Princess Mansherry and I will do our best to assist."
"We're all crewmates, no need to be so formal," Vista said with a grin, thinking of the future benefits of timely treatment from Mansherry.
Joze added sincerely, "Leo, you're right. This fruit suits Mansherry perfectly, which is why I helped. When I get hurt in the future, I hope Princess Mansherry can help me out."
"Haha, of course," Leo agreed. He had already decided on behalf of Princess Mansherry, whose gentle nature led her to readily accept.
Princess Mansherry also deeply appreciated Leo's kindness, which was why she listened to him so much.
When Leo presented the man-made Devil Fruit to Princess Mansherry, she was deeply touched. "Thank you, Leo," she said, holding the fruit, which was larger than herself, her cheeks flushed with gratitude.
Leo, oblivious to her emotions, urged coolly, "Your Highness, eat it quickly."
"Okay," Princess Mansherry replied, though Leo's tone made her feel as if he disliked her. Vista, an elder pirate, gently tapped Leo's head. "Leo, you blockhead. Be more gentle with girls. Call her Mansherry from now on."
Leo, serious as ever, replied, "I can't do that. I must address Her Highness properly. Even you, Vista, should use her title or call her Princess Shirley."
"What's the big deal?" Vista teased, exasperated. "You're a hopeless blockhead."
Vista then turned to Princess Mansherry. "Princess Shirley, I've done all I can. I can't do much with this thick-headed guy."
Princess Mansherry blushed, understanding Vista's implication. "Everyone, feel free to call me Shirley. There's no need for titles."
"No, the title must stay," Leo insisted stubbornly.
"Alright, alright, we'll keep it," Vista chuckled, finding Leo's stubbornness endearing.
Princess Mansherry was now seen as a precious mascot by everyone. Her original Devil Fruit had healing capabilities, which she hadn't fully developed yet. But now, with Chiba's help and the seamless form of the Stitch-Stitch Fruit, she was expected to become a valuable asset soon.
With everyone watching, Princess Mansherry took a bite of the artificial Devil Fruit. But her bite was too small, prompting Leo to urge, "Your Highness, you must eat the whole thing."
Princess Shirley looked at the fruit, much larger than herself, and shook her head. "It's too big; I can't eat it all."
"You have to," Leo insisted, pushing the fruit towards her. "Many are eyeing this fruit. If you don't eat it now, they might change their minds."
Princess Mansherry, understanding the urgency, took a deep breath and continued with Leo's encouragement. Her determination to harness the fruit's full potential was evident to all.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.