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In the World Government's Naval Headquarters Office, Marshal Kong roared angrily into the phone, "Sengoku, look at the talent you've nurtured. Now there's a man-made Devil Fruit, and it's a Logia type, the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form. Why didn't Chiba create artificial Devil Fruits when he was with the Marines? Or did he, and just didn't share them? This is a failure on your part."
Sengoku remained calm, replying, "You forced him away. If you hadn't falsely accused Chiba of killing Akainu and dragged him to Mariejois, he wouldn't have left the Marines. If he hadn't left, this man-made Devil Fruit would belong to us."
"Sengoku, Sakazuki hasn't been seen, and all evidence suggests he's dead."
"Even if he is, that doesn't prove Chiba did it."
"Are you still defending him?"
"I'm not defending anyone, just stating facts."
"Alright, this isn't a debate. I need you to send someone to Dressrosa to verify if Chiba truly made the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form, or if it's a ploy for attention."
"Additionally, Doflamingo's gone too far. Remove his Shichibukai status and arrest him."
"Commander, you're aware of Marine's current situation."
"Chiba's departure, along with Hina, Peacock, and Koby, has severely weakened us. We only have Kizaru and Aokiji."
"Kizaru's unreliable, and Aokiji's friendship with Chiba complicates things. We need Admirals at Headquarters. We're short on manpower."
The phone line was silent before Kong responded, "Initiate world conscription."
"World conscription?"
"Yes, it's the only way to replenish Marine's combat strength."
"We considered this before, but with Chiba, Hina, and Peacock, we didn't lack power. Now, with Chiba gone, it's imperative."
"Very well, we'll start the world conscription," Sengoku agreed.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo heavily promoted Chiba's man-made Devil Fruit, while the World Government launched a global recruitment drive to fill Marine's ranks.
"Hey hahaha."
In the New World, aboard Blackbeard's ship, Blackbeard laughed, holding two newspapers. "The World Government's feeling the pressure, starting world conscription. And Chiba's created a man-made Devil Fruit Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form, claiming it's stronger than the original."
Excitement shone in Badgers' eyes. "Captain, could Chiba really make such a Devil Fruit?"
Shiryu of the Rain and others looked to Blackbeard, who had been studied by Chiba. Blackbeard understood Chiba well, and vice versa.
"Hey haha, anyone else, no. But Chiba? I think he did create the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form," Blackbeard said, eyes gleaming.
They'd seen the Mera-Mera Fruit's power firsthand. Ace had kicked Marine Admiral Akainu, a feat they'd never forget.
If not for the Dark Fruit's advantage, they wouldn't have defeated Ace.
"Captain, Chiba claims this fruit can be eaten by Devil Fruit users. Can that be true?" Badgers asked skeptically.
Everyone knew only one Devil Fruit could be consumed, except Blackbeard, who could handle multiple due to his unique physique and the Dark Fruit. Chiba's research might have uncovered a method for dual Devil Fruit consumption.
"Hehehe, let's snatch it and find out."
"Snatch it? Captain, are you joking? We wouldn't last against him."
"Hehe, Chiba isn't our enemy here. He's promoting his Devil Fruit for business. We'll simply participate and win the competition to claim the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form."
Badgers grinned, "Captain, I've won many competitions. Let me handle this one."
"Hehehe, yes, Badgers, it's up to you."
At the Revolutionary Army's temporary base, a blond boy with a confident smile addressed his subordinates, "I've decided to go to Dressrosa and win the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form."
"Sabo, you can't! That event's too high-profile. Marines will be there, and you could face an Admiral," Koala, a beautiful woman with a stalwart figure, protested.
Other subordinates agreed, "Sabo, you're vital to the Revolutionary Army. We can't lose you."
"Yes, we won't let you risk it, regardless of the fruit's power."
"Alright, alright, I won't go. I was just saying. Let's celebrate today's success in rescuing oppressed people," Sabo reassured, drinking heartily and encouraging others until he fell asleep.
Once snoring began, Sabo opened his eyes, sober. He slipped out quietly, but Koala confronted him outside.
"I knew you'd get us drunk and sneak off," she said.
Surprised, Sabo replied, "Koala, how are you here? You hid from my senses."
"Hmph, I'll report you to Dragon for dereliction of duty," Koala threatened.
"Okay, okay, I know you want to see it too. You didn't alert anyone else, right?" Sabo smirked.
"Don't be silly. Who wants to see it?" Koala retorted, though inwardly excited.
"Fine, we'll go together. I want to see Marine legend Monkey D. Chiba and his Devil Fruit."
"Koala, do you think the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form is stronger than the original?"
"I don't believe it, but Chiba wouldn't boast without reason."
"Then let's see for ourselves."
"You forced me, remember? If Dragon asks, I'll blame you."
"Alright, alright, it's my fault. Let's go."
Sabo smiled, carrying a broken water pipe, and set off with Koala.
Koala was thrilled to explore, meet Chiba, and have an excuse if Dragon questioned her.
In Dressrosa's dark secret room, the phone rang.
Lucci answered, hearing the Five Elders' voice.
"Lucci, plans have changed. Capture the Mera-Mera Fruit Golden Crow form. We must have it."
"Yes," Lucci agreed, issuing new orders.
On Dressrosa's streets, a handsome man on a white horse, Cavendish, passed by with a rose in his mouth. Girls swooned at his sight.
"So handsome, Lord Cavendish!"
"I wish I could be his woman."
"Only I deserve him!"
Cavendish smiled, enjoying the attention.
"I, Cavendish, am destined to be this world's protagonist."
Suddenly, someone said, "He's just a little handsome. Our Lord Chiba is far superior."
"Master Chiba's achievements are world-changing. His Haki method lets ordinary people practice Haki. Compared to him, Cavendish is just a vase."
"A vase?" Cavendish seethed, gripping his sword. How dare they call him a vase?
"Our Chiba is far stronger than Cavendish," another woman scoffed.
"It's Lord Cavendish!" Cavendish fumed silently. Chiba had taken his spotlight, leaving him compared unfavorably.
"Chiba could defeat a dozen Cavendishes."
"Cavendish isn't fit to carry Chiba's shoes."
Chiba's fans belittled Cavendish, yearning to meet him.
Cavendish was livid, wanting to lash out but maintaining his image.
Then a voice shattered his composure. "Who's the flashy rider? All dressed up, with a rose? No masculinity, just disgusting."
Cavendish turned, seeing Bartolomeo, with a green cockscomb, eye lines, and tattoos.
"Bartolomeo, you bastard!" Cavendish's anger flared.
Bartolomeo laughed, "So it's you, prissy Cavendish. Here for the Mera-Mera Fruit? This place is for real men, not sissies like you. Leave, or someone might break your limbs."
Bartolomeo taunted, hands moving.
"Don't call me that!" Cavendish vanished, reappearing to strike.
"Ding!"
Cavendish's sword hit Bartolomeo's barrier.
Bartolomeo was surprised by Cavendish's improvement. He might've been struck without his enhanced strength.
"Bartolomeo, leave. This isn't your place."
"Bastard," Cavendish raged, attacking the barrier. "Come out, coward!"
Bartolomeo laughed, "Come in, and I'll knock your teeth out!"
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.