Altar

"Underneath the Fiest Cathedral, the mausoleum of Count Ougast." Locke walked to the pitch-black altar and gently opened the coffin, removing the purple Devil Fruit.

"Hey, Locke Captain, is this the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit you were talking about?" Aynilu examined the Devil Fruit in Lox's hand curiously.

"Yeah, it should be. But, compared to this Devil Fruit, I'm more interested in this black altar and coffin." Locke put the purple Devil Fruit into his pocket and observed the coffin and altar before him.

"That's true. I didn't expect this altar to be capable of reincarnating Devil Fruits from the bodies of the deceased. It's truly remarkable."

Clapping his hands together, Rheinhart stepped out of the shadows and looked at Locke with great admiration.

"Count Rheinhart, huh? Why not stick around to watch more?" Locke showed no surprise at Rheinhart's appearance.

"Nun Maria, I didn't expect to meet again so soon."

"Good day, Mr. Locke," Maria nodded respectfully.

"Hehehe, Captain Locke, I'm truly grateful that you were able to eliminate that monster. On behalf of all the residents of Sleepy Town, I thank you," Rheinhart bowed to Locke.

Lox waved his hand casually, walking towards the altar. "So, Count Rheinhart, can you tell me more about this altar? I'm quite interested in it."

Rheinhart didn't show any surprise that Lox wanted to know more. "The altar? I don't mind telling you. Our ancestor, Count Ougast, built it 800 years ago."

"We need to find out where he got the technology, as those records have been lost over the centuries. However, as for the sole purpose of this altar, Captain Locke, you've already experienced it."

"That's right. It can reincarnate Devil Fruits from the bodies of the deceased. Our family has guarded this secret for generations, so I hope you'll help us preserve it. I don't want our family to be destroyed because of this."

Upon receiving confirmation, Locke smiled. "This is quite a valuable asset." Locke was delighted to have this. He could quickly assemble a powerful legion of Devil Fruit users with it. 

Moreover, it would prevent strong abilities like Shiki's from being lost forever. "Count Rheinhart, I have taken a liking to this. 

This cathedral and altar, please give them to me. Of course, as a condition, the Locke Pirates will protect this island and keep it safe from any other pirates."

Locke made a decision and directly informed Rheinhart. Though his tone wasn't demanding, it carried an air of authority that made it clear this was not a request.

Rheinhart gazed at Locke thoughtfully. He knew that he wouldn't give up easily once Locke understood the altar's function. However, Rheinhart couldn't simply give away his family's treasure.

"Hehehe, Captain Locke, I'm truly honoured to have your pirate crew's protection. However, this is a treasure passed down through generations of our family."

Locke looked at Rheinhart, who wore a smile. "Tell me your conditions." 

"Hehehe, you truly are Captain Locke," Rheinhart chuckled and then turned serious.

 "Captain Locke, I have only one condition. Our family was part of the Frances Kingdom in the New World. Our kingdom was destroyed eight hundred years agodue to a world-shaking war."

"Our family's only wish has been to rebuild the Frances Kingdom. If you can help me rebuild the kingdom, I will give you the entire Sleepy Town. After the kingdom is established, it will forever be loyal to you."

"My nation will bear the flag of your pirate crew and become your territory. What do you think?"

Locke observed Rheinhart. "You have good strength; with this altar, you should possess formidable powers. You could rebuild a kingdom by yourself. Don't you think so?"

Locke was curious about Rheinhart. From the beginning, Locke's Observation Haki had sensed Rheinhart's considerable power. 

While not top-tier, he could dominate among the Silver Medalists. With such strength, Rheinhart could have rebuilt a kingdom on his own.

"Hehehe, Captain Locke, you jest. Although I possess decent power, it still needs to be improved compared to top-tier pirates like yourself. Besides, even with my abilities, I cannot establish myself in the New World."

"As you know, the New World is where only the strong survive. My desire to rebuild the kingdom is nearly impossible without your help."

Rheinhart sighed. Even if he had Locke's top-tier strength, he still wouldn't have chosen to rely on the Locke Pirates. 

However, now that his family's secret was exposed, he had to consider an escape route, as pirates were naturally ruthless.

"Aren't you afraid I might kill you and take the island for myself?" Locke asked curiously.

"Hehe, of course, I'm afraid. However, I believe that being alive would be more valuable than death. After all, I possess something you need the most right now."

"Information."