"Welcome, one and all, to the land of justice, or as I prefer to call it, Fontaine – if you're not a fan of the cringe-worthy name," Furina declared, capturing the attention of a diligent reporter and a crowd of intrigued merchants.
"Fontaine, a country that emerged recently, has achieved unprecedented feats in just one year. Our policy promotes trade and rejects racism, welcoming even mermaids to coexist peacefully. Those who disrupt this peace shall face my judgment, regardless of their identity," Furina asserted, locking eyes with the attentive crowd.
"Now, any questions?" she asked. A reporter raised their hand.
"Are you paying taxes to the World Government?" the reporter inquired.
Furina, unfazed, replied, "Yesterday, a World Government agent visited me, demanding exorbitant taxes. I refused. This humble country cannot bear such a burden."
The crowd deliberated, aware of the risks involved in investing in a nation that dared to defy the mighty World Government.
Although this country had been founded recently and the security was one of the best in the world, compared to the World Government, this country looked like an ant trying to bite a lion.
Not paying taxes meant the World Government would find trouble if the opportunity appeared.
The risk of not paying taxes loomed, a gamble that dissuaded veteran merchants who came from around the world from considering investments in this daring nation
"Your discussions seem lengthy. Let me share something mind-blowing," Furina teased, triggering a smoke bomb that revealed a mysterious figure, Medic, a man who claimed to be the first to create Devil Fruits.
"Introducing to you guys. This is Medic. A first person ever to create Devil Fruit."
"Hi. My learning subjects" Medic greeted.
"I will show you his long fruit of research." Furina, the enigmatic leader of Fontaine, decided to turn the tide of skepticism. With a dramatic flourish, she pulled the curtain. The crowd held their breath as Furina unveiled 10 identical Devil Fruits
This was the first time they saw 10 Devil Fruits that were identical.
Normally, Devil Fruit is unique. There is no second Devil Fruit with its ability and appearance existing at the same time in the world.
"Those are Devil Fruits type Animal. They will transform you into Earth Dragon." Furina announced, breaking the silence below.
"Remember. Earth Dragon can't fly" Furina added.
Looking at the silent crowd below, Furina decided to brew the storm of shock to them.
"So who volunteers? It is free."
Despite the initial disbelief, Furina boldly called for volunteers, offering them the transformative power for free.
"Come on. The opportunity is right before your eyes. Free ability to protect yourself in this dangerous world."
The crowd remained silent until a brave soul stepped forward.
"That is a spirit." Furina handed him a Devil Fruit.
"Bon appetit"
He received the Devil Fruit with his shaking hands. He doubted this Devil Fruit deep inside him.
"Come on, lad. Give it a bite." Medic encouraged him.
"At best, you will become Earth Dragon."
"Or you become a corpse on my table" Medic mumbled to himself.
He closed his eyes and took a small bite.
After biting, his expression changed. His expression told that he wanted to vomit what was inside his mouth.
"Have trouble with eating. Let me help you." Medic slapped his back.
The sudden slap made him swallow a piece of Devil Fruit.
"No need to thank me." Medic giggled.
The volunteer stood there seemingly unaffected
Suddenly, he knelt on the stage clutching his stomach.
People who were watching in bated breath.
"Don't worry. It's just a mild stomachache. You will be fine. I think." Medic said to ensure his spirit. But his bad choice of words made him more fearful and nervous.
Suddenly, a tail grew on his butt.
His jaw protruded forward and his back showed his bones under the skin clearly.
His legs and arms started to transform.
People were watching a single change on him.
After a short time but a long time for him, he became an Earth Dragon.
"I know the first time will be hurtful but you will be fine" Furina tapped his shell.
"You can transform back to humanoid form."
Hearing that he could transform back, he did it without hesitation.
In the blink of an eyes, he backed to his humanoid form.
Reporter forgot to write it down to their notes. What happened on the stage stunned them.
"This is a birth of mass-produced Devil Fruit." A random reporter mumbled.
As if his word was a signal, they crazily took the pen and wrote down crazily. They immediately called their boss.
"You can leave now." Furina kicked the volunteer out of the stage.
"The rest of Devil Fruit will be settled at the Auction. Make sure you are there in time."
Hearing this, they packed up their stuff and were ready to head towards the Auction.
Devil Fruit.
Who would refuse the charm of power?
"Wait wait. Be patient. I am not done yet." Furina said.
People halted their steps.
"I am going to announce you guys a piece of good news. Have you ever heard the rumor about Senzu Bean?"
Furina didn't receive any response from them.
"Today. There is a group of travelers coming from afar. Coincidentally, they sell Senzu beans. You can meet them somewhere in this country."
The crowd buzzed with excitement, and a random scientist exclaimed
"Senzu bean"
Senzu bean was a mysterious bean for them. It could grow the lost limb back and recover the big wound in the eyes.
It was a hot topic among scientists. They wondered why such a miracle bean existed in this world.
To bad that people who sold Senzu beans were caught by the Marines. The Marine's action indirectly made them unable to buy Senzu beans for research.
"Yeah. Be fun."
Furina coughed to clear her throat.
"Now, I am done. You can do anything you want. Please don't breach the law." Furina dropped a grenade.
A smoke screen enveloped the stage, and, with the wind's brush, Furina and Medic vanished.
After Furina disappeared, people hurriedly moved out of the opera house.
This country was bloomed with many potential and they could see it clearly.
In the backstage.
Furina picked up a report that was sent by her spy in the Marine.
"I see."
"What's wrong, director?" Medic asked
"The Marine is going to attack this place in the name of justice. Call your comrades and be ready. There will be a fierce battle on the sea. You hear that Soldier" Furina talked to the man boxing with a raccoon.
"Yes sir." His helmet turned 180 degrees.
He hurriedly left to inform his other friends.
"Besides, Medic. You have bounty for yourself."
"I know with my skill. Someone will hunt me down."
"Hmph. I know and it is crazily big."
Furina tossed Medic's wanted paper aside.
[ Wanted: Medic
Bounty: 1 000 000 000
Only Alive ]
"Pick your gun and be prepared."
"I will show them. The dignity and mighty of Fontaine."