Chapter 120: Last Transaction or not?

Three Days Later

At dawn, as the first light of the rising sun cast its glow over the edge of Route H3, Portex Island came into view. Two medical personnel, accompanied by testing equipment and Admiral Steel Bone Kong, had already arrived in advance.

A massive pterosaur soared through the air, its wide wings slicing through the sky. On its back stood a figure in a black suit with a long cloak, his hair a striking shade of silver. This was none other than Saint Marcus Mars, the "Warrior God of Environment." With a powerful flap, the pterosaur transformed back into its humanoid form, revealing a CP0 officer.

"Mars-sama!" The two medical personnel dropped to their knees, stunned and quick to show their respect. Even Admiral Steel Bone Kong, taken aback, stepped forward, bowing with respect.

"Lord, why have you come personally?" he asked. "There's no need to trouble yourself over a minor remnant of the Lunarians. We're more than capable of handling this."

Saint Mars waved his hand dismissively, his tone calm. "I'm not convinced you alone can restrain him. Besides, the longer this continues, the more it damages the World Government's authority."

Saint Mars recognized the need for decisive action. Although Saint Denis, a Holy Knight and a Thunderbird Mythical Zoan user, was the most promising talent of the Marcus family, he was likely no match for someone as dangerous as Fallen Angel El.

"That Lunarian kid is indeed incredibly dangerous," Mars added. "Especially since he's part giant… His lifespan will probably extend far beyond that of an ordinary human. If we don't end him now, he could become an even greater threat."

Estimates from CP reports suggested that Charlotte Linlin was also a natural-born monster. If El and his Fallen Angel Pirates were left unchecked for a few more years, they might grow beyond the Navy's control. With El's giant heritage, he was likely to live well over 150 years, which would extend his peak strength over a long period, posing a consistent threat to the World Government.

"You're absolutely right, Mars-sama," Steel Bone Kong responded, clenching his fist. "We must end him in this battle."

Having clashed with El twice before, Kong was well aware of the Lunarian's monstrous strength. Over the past eight years, Kong's abilities had grown beyond what they were when he mastered the Supreme Conqueror's Haki. Even so, he had struggled to overpower El in hand-to-hand combat, despite El not fully tapping into his transformation abilities. The fact that El, at only seventeen years old, could match such strength was nothing short of astonishing.

"Whishhh…" Suddenly, the sound of enormous wings beating filled the air as a huge Pelagornis bird flew toward them, carrying a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties. This was a new recruit to the Fallen Angel Pirates, recently rescued from a human trafficking auction.

"Griffin Moss?" Steel Bone Kong narrowed his eyes at the newcomer and the young man, whose nervousness was evident. "So, it's just you two, with no sign of El himself? Where's the Celestial Dragon?"

"No need to rush." Despite facing the Admiral, Moss showed no fear, his voice steady. "First, we need to verify the authenticity of the Devil Fruits you brought."

"Hmph! That Lunarian kid is excessively cautious," Saint Mars muttered, a hint of irritation and contempt in his tone. Nevertheless, he gestured to the CP0 officer to proceed.

"These are the fruits you demanded…" The CP0 officer opened a briefcase, revealing an array of strange-looking fruits, each one labeled. Among them, clearly marked, were a Logia and a Mythical Zoan.

Moss, who had studied the Devil Fruit encyclopedia and memorized several rare Logia and Mythical Zoan forms, took a deep breath. The labels on the fruits matched the descriptions perfectly, affirming their authenticity.

"This one is still unclassified, as per our last transaction," Moss noted after a quick inspection. Taking no chances, he then pulled a different Devil Fruit from his own bag, turning to Saint Mars and the others.

"Throw me that yellow one so I can verify it's the real deal."

The CP0 agent's face darkened at Moss's request, but Mars raised his hand, waving off his objections. "A lot of tricks… but very well."

In a moment, the exchange was made. Moss tossed the unusual fruit to the young man beside him, saying, "Rufe, see if it's real. Let's test your luck."

(Note: This character is named 鲁夫, which translates to Luffy. For this purpose, he's named Rufe instead of Luffy.)

El had seen potential in him and was willing to give him a chance to gain power.

"Understood, Moss-sama," Rufe responded, grasping the fruit. He knew this was his opportunity to grow stronger. Without hesitation, he took a big bite. His face twisted in disgust at the awful taste, but he forced himself to finish it.

From his pocket, Moss produced a small piece of Seastone, wrapped in cloth, and handed it to Rufe.

"A Seastone?" Steel Bone Kong commented with a frown. "They're certainly being thorough."

"Moss-sama, I suddenly feel weak…" Rufe said, clutching the Seastone. A smile played across Moss's lips—this was indeed a real Devil Fruit, though they weren't yet sure what powers it would grant.

"Did you think the World Government would stoop to fraud?" scoffed the CP0 agent.

"Enough talk…" Mars, who had grown impatient, interrupted. "If you've confirmed the goods, shouldn't Fallen Angel El be bringing over Saint Rhodys now?"

"Of course." Moss chuckled, reaching for a transponder snail to contact El.

Suddenly, with the Seastone pocketed, Rufe seemed to move on instinct, reaching up to his face and pulling—stretching his cheek out like rubber, revealing his teeth and gums beneath.

"Snap!"