Chapter 163: Old Stories Resurface

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"Did it really work?"

Abel could hardly believe his tone after he picked up this white Devil Fruit.

Although the Elephant-Elephant Fruit was just a normal Zoan-type Devil Fruit, it was among the strongest of its kind.

Whether sold or recycled through the system store, it was quite valuable.

Earning back the 1,000 trade points spent would be easy, plus a few thousand more in profit.

But what truly excited Abel was the "Thief's Right Hand" tool – it actually managed to steal the power of the Devil Fruit?!

That was a huge surprise!

It meant he could plan strategically in the future.

After all, everyone knows that if there's a right hand, there must be a left hand!

What if he could buy a "Thief's Left Hand" in the future?

Then he could replicate that 'miracle' once again.

He didn't feel it was a waste at all. Without trying, how could he know whether it would succeed or not?

Without hesitation, Abel spent some trade points and stored the Elephant-Elephant Fruit in the system's bag.

He remembered that in the original story, this Devil Fruit was later used by Vegapunk to 'feed' a sword, creating the unique "Elephant Sword" Funkfreed, which was quite magical.

However, such an amazing "Elephant Sword" ultimately fell into the hands of Spandam, a useless and petty man, unable to unleash its true potential, which was regrettable.

Of course, without the "Elephant Sword," that guy might end up with some 'Tiger Sword' or 'Leopard Sword' or the like.

It's just that his father, who held power but was even more shameless, made it possible for him.

But that was no concern of Abel's; what entered his possession was not to be handed over lightly.

At this time, Baby-5 approached with admiration and said, "Abel is so amazing, easily defeating such a strong opponent."

"It's alright. That guy's attack methods were too predictable, and he could neither maximize his strengths nor overcome his absolute weakness in speed, so beating her wasn't difficult."

Although Abel spoke the truth, not everyone had his quickness or the strength to penetrate that thick elephant hide.

In the end, it was still a matter of strength difference.

Additionally, mastering Haki was truly important.

Given the chance, Abel would also like to learn Rokushiki, the Six Powers of the Navy. The techniques contained within were indeed very sophisticated.

However, he couldn't learn it in secret; if it were exposed, it would cause trouble.

It would be better to discuss it with Donquixote Doflamingo first.

He simply wanted to learn Rokushiki, not join the Navy, and he couldn't think of any reason to be refused.

After all, considering the timeline, the previous 'Heart,' Vergo, should have already infiltrated the Navy, beginning his undercover career.

With Rosinante and Vergo swapping identities, it was quite the "Infernal Affairs" scenario!

Confirmed, Eiichiro Oda, you plagiarist. Smack!

"Huh?"

Abel looked around, wondering why he suddenly felt as if he had been slapped.

Touching his face, ouch!

It actually hurt a bit?!

Damn it, it must be haunted, better get going...

The return of the Giant Elephant Pirate Group to the North Blue and their recruitment had only been news for a few days, when an even more sensational story spread.

Donquixote Family's youngest executive—"Madman" Abel—single-handedly took down "Elephant Sister" Elephantee, the former 'pride' of the North Blue three years ago!

Then to highlight, the former's bounty was 50 million Berries, while the latter's bounty was 89 million Berries three years ago.

If she hadn't disappeared for over two years, her bounty would surely have surpassed 100 million by now!

So, what was the former's strength?

And what was the strength of the entire Donquixote Family?

Keep in mind, the Donquixote Family's executives didn't consist of just "Madman" Abel; there were at least 5 or 6 more!

Upon learning this news, everyone gasped in shock; it was truly terrifying to consider deeply!Is there truly no one left in the North Blue who can stop the Donquixote family's dominance?

No one dares to stand up.

Because after the recent clean-up, those who dared challenge the Donquixote family, the dissatisfied ones, have mostly been dealt with.

It kept every executive extremely busy.

But the effect is evident; now, anyone in the North Blue who hears the Donquixote family's name turns pale with fear!

The only force capable of a head-on confrontation, and perhaps even victory, would have to be the Marines.

And it's not just any branch of the Marines—it would have to be under the direct command of Vice-Admiral Tsuru.

However, their last victory was a Pyrrhic one at best.

Vice-Admiral Tsuru has had no significant action precisely because she knows that small skirmishes won't affect them; to eradicate the Donquixote family at its roots, the key is capturing Doflamingo.

Capturing Doflamingo would naturally disperse the rest of his followers.

Thus, Tsuru is also waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to launch an all-out assault on Doflamingo and prevent him from escaping, instead of spreading the forces thin against other executives.

But such opportunities are bound to be scarce.

In the castle of the Donquixote family on Dressrosa.

"Another fool who'd rather die than join us?"

Abel nodded, "Perhaps they've seen too much, and look down on our 'local power'."

If they're going to pledge allegiance, the Grand Line offers plenty of powerful affiliates, from bounty heads to the more renowned Seven Warlords and Four Emperors.

The Donquixote family?

What is that, a theater troupe?

Fortunately, Doflamingo didn't care much, "Forget it, tell me about that guy's strength."

"He's not as strong as he seems, and might have been weakened by years of being tortured as a slave."

Abel deliberately downplayed his strength to ensure he wasn't given all the challenging tasks.

He shouldn't have been selected for testing out Elephante.

But in the end, he was assigned the task anyway.

Of course, he was allowed to retreat at any time.

Doflamingo laughed, "Fufufufufu, I see."

Abel said it, and he believed it, because the truth didn't really matter.

Doflamingo trusted his own judgment on every matter.

"By the way, Law's condition has been deteriorating recently, it seems his illness is worsening. Do you notice anything?"

"I can still hold on."

"Corazon wants to take you and Law out to sea to seek a cure. I want to know what you think."

"I think it's enough for Law to go with Mr. Corazon. The family's development here is crucial and needs me more."

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course, regardless of the result, there's time. If Law is cured, I can make the trip later. If not, why waste the time."