#32 Van Auger

Revenge, grudges, and pirate battles are common occurrences on the seas in this era. An entire island of pirates being wiped out wouldn't be surprising at all.

Thousands of pirates may sound like a lot, but in the New World, many large pirate crews have this kind of size.

So, as long as Carlo and Blackbeard don't personally take action, no one would notice anything unusual.

When it happens, the total annihilation of pirates on this island will just seem like a typical pirate brawl.

Besides, if there's nothing unusual, who would bother caring about their fate?

The plan was so perfect that no one could suspect Carlo and Blackbeard.

Even a deity would find it challenging!

This is exactly what Carlo wanted!

With this plan, Blackbeard and Carlo not only get the followers they truly desire but also erase any trace of their involvement, avoiding exposure and even redirecting the suspicious eyes of the world and the government.

This was a multi-layered plan, and realizing this, Blackbeard couldn't help but praise it, even though it made Carlo tease him...

Blackbeard thought, how could this be his fault? Carlo's moves were just too brilliant and exactly to his taste!

As for making these pirates follow Carlo's plan willingly, that wasn't an issue anymore...

After all, "being forced" is still a kind of willingness!

Unfortunately, the short-sighted pirates in front of them hadn't realized all these issues yet.

They were just starting to recover from the shock of seeing the Devil Fruits Carlo had displayed...

"Oh my god, Devil Fruits, so many Devil Fruits!!!"

"I've never seen a single Devil Fruit in my life, and now there are four all at once!"

"Am I dreaming? Are these really all Devil Fruits...?"

Seeing the newly appeared three Devil Fruits in front of Carlo, the pirates were losing it. Their eyes were shining like lightbulbs, and they were almost drooling rivers!

If it were nighttime, they wouldn't need any lighting equipment. The pirates' eyes would be enough to light up the entire Island...

"Don't say you guys; even as a Devil Fruit user, I've never seen so many Devil Fruits!"

On the other side, a few Devil Fruit users were also stunned. Four Devil Fruits appearing together was truly shocking—who could see such a sight in their lifetime?

These Devil Fruits, like the Speed-Speed Fruit already shown, were indeed stolen by Carlo and Blackbeard from Saint Larcher!

Zoan Mythical Type: Behemoth Fruit!

Paramecia: Senses Fruit!

Paramecia: Virus Fruit!

Carlo and Blackbeard might be ruthless, but they were absolutely generous, offering top-tier fruits without any dilution!

Even if some weren't the best, they were still among the finest Devil Fruits, truly worth the effort to recruit followers matching their crew's level...

Of course, as for those who didn't make the cut, sorry, but their journey ends here.

Seeing the pirates falling into a frenzy, Carlo smiled and then turned away with Blackbeard, taking the Devil Fruits back to the high platform.

The stage was set for the main event…

"Looks like you're all ready. Now, I announce, the selection starts now!"

From the high platform, Carlo's voice wasn't loud but carried across the entire square, reaching every pirate's ears.

Then he sat cross-legged, ready to enjoy the show.

Blackbeard, beside him, was even more excited!

'Bang!'

Just as Carlo finished speaking, a gunshot suddenly rang out from somewhere outside the square, as if announcing the official start of the selection!

However, most people hadn't realized what happened…

It was too sudden. Had it started already? And where did the gunshot come from?!

"Too slow to react."

Seeing this, Carlo shook his head but was also surprised!

He hadn't noticed there was a hidden expert in the nearby trees until the gunshot.

"Zehaha, I thought that guy wouldn't come out, what patience..."

"Hiding for so long and finally making a move? Zehahaha, Carlo, your Devil Fruits really tempted them!"

Blackbeard laughed eerily, staring at the direction Carlo had looked.

Clearly, he had long discovered someone hiding there but didn't point it out as the person wasn't a threat to them.

"A sniper. If I'm right, it's the last one, Van Augur!"

"Of course, he's been hiding for so long. No wonder he's a sniper, very patient!"

Carlo immediately thought of Van Augur, one of Blackbeard's earliest partners in the original storyline, and the last one who hadn't shown up yet!

At the same time, Carlo realized his own shortcoming.

Despite having Conqueror's Haki and advanced Armament Haki, he hadn't awakened Observation Haki…

This seemed the weakest of the three types of Haki but was crucial for snipers and gunmen!

Also essential for defending against sneaky attacks!

Otherwise, he'd have to keep Armament Haki active constantly for defense, which wasn't sustainable. Awakening Observation Haki was more practical!

Like Blackbeard, who had discovered Van Augur's position using Observation Haki!

"Looks like I'll need to get a reward related to Observation Haki from the system after this mission..."

"This way, I'll be more well-rounded!"