42. Barrier-Barrier Fruit

After witnessing this incredible sight, Carina's smile vanished immediately.

With disbelief, she picked up the bell lying on the ground, then hurried to the back of the boat and shook it.

The outcome of this action could easily be anticipated.

After experiencing Spike's Tarzan pressure, Carina's entire perspective shattered in an instant!

Al covered his face, unable to endure it any longer, and turned back, retreating to his room.

Just as he settled down to peruse the Devil Fruit illustrated book, he heard Carina's knock at the door: "Captain Al."

"Please, come in."

Upon observing Carina's conflicted expression, Al had already inferred what Carina intended to convey.

"Sorry, but there's only one bell available at the moment."

Upon hearing Al's response, a flicker of disappointment flashed in Carina's eyes, but she swiftly smiled and shook her head, remarking, "It's alright, Captain. No need for apologies. I'm not as fragile as Nami, after all."

"Who are you calling weak!"

"Is there anyone else except you," Carina retorted.

"..."

Observing them engaging in another inexplicable argument, Tom appeared beside Al seemingly out of nowhere.

After a moment of contemplation, he pulled out a bucket of popcorn from behind and set it on Al's desk before darting off to the theater with Spike.

"What an odd bunch," he muttered to himself as he watched them leave.

As Al sighed, a sudden realization seemed to strike him.

"Logue Town now harbors an unclaimed Devil Fruit!" he exclaimed to himself.

Though not a Logia type, it possesses peculiar abilities— Paramecia Barrier-Barrier Fruit!

The barrier generated by the Barrier-Barrier Fruit proved formidable. Even Kozuki Oden, renowned for his prowess and the ability to wound Kaido, found himself unable to penetrate it.

Furthermore, beyond its exceptional defensive capabilities, this fruit also boasts the potential for unleashing a myriad of powerful attacks!

Contemplating this, Al's eyes began to gleam with excitement.

"If we were to give this fruit to Carina, with her innovative thinking..."

His musings were abruptly interrupted by Nami's call.

"Captain Al, we're nearing Logue Town!"

On the deck, the bustling town came into view.

After Al shared the information about the Barrier-Barrier Fruit with everyone, Carina, having perused the Devil Fruit illustrated book, glanced at Nami and remarked with a smile, "Nami, this fruit seems perfect for you."

Just as Nami appeared on the verge of anger, Al interjected firmly, "No!"

"Carina, I believe this fruit suits you better. Remember, there are no weak Devil Fruits, only individuals who haven't fully tapped into their abilities."

After Al shared his sentiments, Carina's expression slowly transformed into one of excitement.

In her mind's eye, she envisioned herself standing within the barrier enchantment, transforming it into a cannon and unleashing a barrage upon their foes.

It was akin to having a mobile fortress at their disposal.

Eagerly, Carina conveyed her visions to Al as soon as they landed.

With determination, she hurried into Logue Town in search of the Barrier-Barrier Fruit.

"Really, Carina's impulsiveness hasn't changed since she was a child."

After remarking, Nami accompanied Tom and Spike to purchase supplies and gather information about the Barrier-Barrier Fruit's whereabouts.

Before departing, Al instructed Tom to don a disguise. 

"After all, this is Marine territory, and you've been in the spotlight recently," Al explained. 

"If you're recognized, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."

Tom understood the importance of discretion in such situations. After a brief moment of contemplation, a brilliant idea dawned on him.

As Tom slipped into the cabin, there was a moment of anticipation before he emerged again. Al, casually sipping his coffee, suddenly choked and spat it out in shock at the sight before him.

Tom had transformed into a sight that left Al utterly bewildered. Adorning a yellow skirt with floral patterns, a black and white feather tucked behind his ear, and a funnel perched on his nose, Tom's appearance was truly astonishing.

With heavy makeup enhancing his features and accompanied by alluring and graceful movements, Tom's transformation was complete. 

Even Spike, who was accustomed to Tom's antics, couldn't help but cover his eyes as if he had stumbled upon something he shouldn't have seen.

Despite the reactions around him, Tom seemed completely unperturbed by his appearance. He swayed his hips and wagged his tail in front of Al with a nonchalant air.

With graceful steps, Tom escorted Nami, who was already waiting outside, and guided Spike off the boat.

It wasn't until Tom and the others had vanished from view that Al snapped out of his daze. Trembling slightly, he took a sip of coffee and muttered to himself, "If only I had known earlier, I wouldn't have let Tom handle the disguise alone. It's truly absurd!"

After composing himself, Al entered the room. After a quick disguise, he made his way to the black market that Nami had mentioned.

The black market in Logue town was situated in the basement of a tavern.

Accessing the black market was straightforward—money was the key.

This posed no issue for Al. After displaying his wealth to the guard stationed at the entrance, he effortlessly gained access to the black market.

Entering the black market, Al found the atmosphere to be quite different from what he had envisioned. Rather than a typical illicit marketplace, it resembled more of a sprawling underground bar.

Taking a seat at a random spot, Al overheard a conversation between two rugged men at the adjacent table. They were discussing a gang leader's intention to sell a shipment of weapons.

Just then, an elderly woman approached Al's side and remarked, "You seem a bit out of place, young man."

"Judging by your attire, are you perhaps the adopted son of a gangster, here to procure weapons?" the old woman inquired.

Al shook his head, disclosing his status as a pirate, and inquired if the old woman needed anything.

With a toothy grin, the old woman replied, "I'm the one in charge here. If you're a pirate, you've come to the right place."

Al was momentarily taken aback, questioning whether the black market had its own hierarchy.

Observing Al's confusion, the old lady remarked, "Seems like you're new around here, brother, and unfamiliar with the rules."

With the old lady's guidance, Al quickly grasped the dynamics at play. 

Given that this was the gateway to the Grand Line, the Marines maintained strict control over pirates in this area.

As a final resort, the black market had split into two factions: one catering to the underworld and the other to pirates.

Accompanied by the old woman, Al ventured into the pirate-owned black market. Before his eyes unfolded an array of items exclusive to the Grand Line.

Among them were treasures like the treasure map left behind by a renowned pirate, the Log Pose, the Devil Fruit illustrated book, and various other coveted artifacts.

Even Sea Stone was available for purchase in this market!

After a flurry of transactions, Al acquired several Log Poses and three pairs of Sea Stone handcuffs.

Just as he was preparing to depart, he overheard two pirates discussing the acquisition of a Devil Fruit by a fellow pirate, who then sold it to a mafia leader for a hefty sum of Berries.

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