Chapter 107: Arrival Of The Lava-Lava Fruit

Chapter 107: Arrival Of The Lava-Lava Fruit

On Daughter Island, a grand banquet was underway to celebrate the return of Empress Hancock and the arrival of Chiba and his companions.

Chiba, in a rare moment of generosity, prepared a large amount of Foundation Building Elixir, diluted it with water, and distributed it to the inhabitants of Daughter Island.

After consuming the elixir, many girls experienced breakthroughs in their abilities, much to Hancock's delight.

The people of Daughter Island showed great enthusiasm for Chiba and his group.

Understanding that Chiba belonged to the Empress, their attention turned to Koby, Bellumebo, and Apu.

Apu, in particular, was popular due to his ability to transform his body into musical instruments, enchanting the women.

Bellumebo, a former young master, was adept at charming the girls, even attracting the attention of two master blacksmiths.

Only Koby appeared reserved, practicing on the sidelines, which piqued Margaret's interest, drawing her closer to him.

Chiba, ever the researcher, delved into Devil Fruit studies using information from Lucina. Despite his efforts, he had yet to decipher their secrets.

Devil Fruit, a unique and potent force in this world, presented a daunting challenge, but Chiba remained undeterred.

One day, a pirate ship arrived at Daughter Island's port.

Doflamingo, clad in his signature pink feather coat and sunglasses, disembarked.

"Who goes there?" the island's soldiers challenged.

"Fuffuffuffu! Inform the Empress and Chiba that an old friend, Doflamingo, seeks a grand discussion," Doflamingo announced with a grin.

The soldiers, recognizing Doflamingo's reputation, promptly reported. Soon, Koby and Margaret approached. Koby spoke, "Mr. Doflamingo, our lord awaits you. Please follow me."

Seeing neither the Empress nor Chiba welcoming him irked Doflamingo, sensing disrespect. If he followed meekly, he'd lose face in the upcoming negotiations.

"Fuffuffuffu... Koby, you were just a brat back then. Now, Marine's offered you a 1.9 billion Berries bounty."

"Is Marine blind, or do you truly merit such a bounty? Vergo, test him. Is this kid worth 1.9 billion Berries?"

"Yes," Vergo nodded, focusing his imposing presence on Koby.

Koby's stance turned serious, locking eyes with Vergo. Margaret protested, "Doflamingo, what are you doing?"

"Fuffuffuffu! Relax, girl. We're merely assessing this brat's mettle. Vergo won't cause real harm," Doflamingo assured, laughing.

Margaret, worried, instructed a soldier to inform the Empress.

"Boy, make the first move," Vergo said, adjusting his glasses and fixing his gaze on Koby.

"The visitor is a guest, so you should initiate," Koby replied, using Observation Haki to monitor Vergo.

Vergo crouched slightly, gathering strength. In an instant, he launched himself at Koby.

In a flash, he closed in, aiming a punch at Koby's head.

Koby dodged, avoiding Vergo's strike. As Vergo's fists came in rapid succession, Koby skillfully evaded each blow.

"It's my turn now." After dodging numerous punches, Koby struck the air with a punch.

Spiderweb-like cracks formed as the Shock Fruit's power erupted. Vergo flickered, dodging the powerful attack.

Yet, the force continued, splitting the ground and creating a vast crack in the distant sea, stretching several kilometers long.

The crack widened before slowly closing, returning the sea to calm. Doflamingo's ship, however, was torn apart by the shockwave.

Doflamingo, beads of sweat on his forehead, marveled at Koby's control. The ability to manipulate such power, creating and retracting a gap, was terrifying.

If Koby unleashed his full strength, the destruction would be unimaginable.

Vergo, poised to retaliate with Armament Haki, was halted by Doflamingo. "Fuffuffuffu, Vergo, let's stop. Our old friend is here."

At that moment, Hina descended from the sky, confronting Doflamingo.

"Doflamingo, attacking our people upon arriving on Daughter Island is not how a guest behaves."

"Fuffuffuffu, I was merely excited to see Koby's strength. Chiba has chosen a fine apprentice."

"But sending this kid to receive me? Isn't that disrespectful?"

Hina replied, "Doflamingo, Chiba is in seclusion, and we must guard him. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

"Now I've come to escort you. Please, follow me."

Hina gestured invitingly.

Meanwhile, Chiba wasn't actually in seclusion. He lounged with his head in Hancock's lap, enjoying grapes she fed him.

Hancock inquired, "Chiba, why not either reject Doflamingo or meet him? Why send Koby and claim you're in seclusion?"

"Doflamingo isn't trustworthy, but we needn't offend him."

Chiba grinned. "I'm interested in him, but I must temper his arrogance. This way, we gain the upper hand in negotiations."

"It's a negotiation tactic. Let him wait a while."

Over the following days, Chiba continued his research, ignoring Doflamingo.

Initially patient, Doflamingo recognized Chiba's ploy and refrained from impatience, exploring Daughter Island's beauty.

He noted the island's women were exceptionally beautiful, envisaging a lucrative market if they were captured and sold.

However, with the Empress, Chiba, Hina, and Peacock guarding the island, even a junior like Koby boasted Admiral-level strength.

Daughter Island's formidable defense deterred him from any rash actions.

During his stay, Doflamingo overheard rumors among the island women about Chiba and Devil Fruit.

"Have you heard? Chiba's making progress in Devil Fruit research."

"I can't wait! If Chiba succeeds and gives us all a fruit, our island's power will skyrocket!"

"Stop spreading wild tales. Even Chiba can't research Devil Fruit, right?"

"Believe it or not, I heard Chiba studied Ace's Mera-Mera Fruit and Akainu's Lava-Lava Fruit. He's gaining fire-type fruit insights. Rumor is he's close to a breakthrough."

"I hope Chiba succeeds. I'm really excited!"

Doflamingo, intrigued, asked Vergo, "Vergo, can we trust these women's claims?"

Vergo adjusted his glasses. "If it were anyone else, I'd doubt it. But Chiba's talent is extraordinary, surpassing our expectations. Our plan may be futile."

Doflamingo smirked. "If Chiba's truly making progress, why would he need our cooperation?"

"I suspect Chiba's spreading these rumors to gain leverage in negotiations."

"Your point, Dover, makes sense," Vergo agreed, keeping Doflamingo composed.

As Doflamingo remained leisurely, Hancock commented to Chiba, "Your plan seems to have failed. Doflamingo's too savvy to fall for it."

"Hehe, indeed, Doflamingo is shrewd, but he'll take the bait eventually," Chiba responded confidently, having prepared thoroughly.

Bellumebo, practicing Chiba's cultivation method, reached a breakthrough. His body could finally withstand fire, and he felt drawn to fire-type fruits.

One day, Bellumebo experienced sudden restlessness, interrupting his practice.

Seeking guidance, he approached Koby, his closest ally whose cultivation surpassed his own.

Koby listened, then exclaimed joyfully, "Bellumebo, I felt the same when I found my Devil Fruit. Let's explore the fruit stands."

Bellumebo brightened at the idea. "Koby, you think I'm about to find my Devil Fruit?"

Koby nodded. "It's possible. Let's check the fruit stands."

Excited, they headed to the streets, searching the fruit stands. "Bellumebo, can you feel your heart racing?"

Bellumebo concentrated, nodding. "Yes, it's pounding."

"Then focus. Which stand makes your heart race?"

"Every stand does," Bellumebo replied excitedly. "Where's my fruit?"

Koby's smile faltered. "You're too excited to pinpoint it."

"What should we do?" Bellumebo asked.

"We'll search each one," Koby suggested, starting with a nearby stand.

Meanwhile, Doflamingo received a call from Vergo via Den Den Mushi.

"You say Koby and Bellumebo are searching the fruit stands?" Doflamingo asked.

"Yes, they seem to be looking for something."

"What could they be searching for at fruit stands? Could it be Devil Fruit?" Doflamingo pondered, adjusting his glasses.

"Is this Chiba's trick?"

Vergo remained silent, then shook his head. "I don't know. What trick could be set up at a fruit stand?"

Doflamingo frowned. Chiba was a master researcher and strategist, leaving Doflamingo perplexed about his intentions.

"Keep monitoring them," Doflamingo instructed, hanging up to contemplate while Vergo continued observing Koby and Bellumebo.

Soon, Bellumebo noticed Vergo's presence. "Koby, we're being followed."

"Ignore him. Let's keep looking," Koby replied.

"If we find it, could he snatch it?"

"Relax. He wouldn't dare, knowing our master's power."

"True." They searched diligently, growing anxious as the number of stands dwindled. Eventually, hope waned.

"Bellumebo, did you misread the signs?" Koby wondered.

Bellumebo hesitated. "I felt it suddenly, a distraction I couldn't shake."

"You're not in love, are you?"

"No way! I've reached Admiral level. I'm not distracted by love. I'm certain it came out of nowhere."

Koby sighed, asking a nearby fruit vendor, "Are there any more stands around?"

The vendor, friendly, replied, "These are all we have nearby. Can't find what you want?"

Koby shook his head, and the vendor laughed. "You men are picky. Maybe you'd like the sour fruit in the back mountain?"

Koby and Bellumebo perked up. "There's sour fruit in the back mountain?"

"Yes, that way, all sour. Where are you...?"

Before she finished, Koby and Bellumebo had dashed toward the back mountain.

As they neared, Bellumebo's heart raced faster. "Koby, it's getting stronger!"

In no time, the pair reached the back mountain, spotting wild fruits everywhere. Vergo trailed them closely.

Guided by his heart, Helmeppo finally discovered a peculiar fruit.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.