#38 Embracing New Powers

Watching Doc Q in a frenzy, Carlo couldn't help but blurt out. It was amazing how deeply DocQ had delved into his research on poisons and viruses, even at the cost of his own health. In a way, he was a Madman.

"My chance has come. With this fruit, I can create viruses that will terrify the entire ocean!"

Doc Q gently petted his tall, sickly horse, his eyes burning with excitement.

His horse, named Stronger, had also suffered from constant exposure to Doc Q's toxins. Yet, Doc Q's exceptional medical skills had kept both of them alive despite the odds.

"If the god of death exists, he'd be furious. This is totally cheating the system!"

Seeing the state of the man and his horse, Carlo shook his head in disbelief. But he, like Blackbeard, respected Doc Q's dedication.

Doc Q's research, though terrifying, was an asset to Blackbeard's crew. His viruses could strike fear into anyone, from the Navy to the World Government and beyond—if he could create them.

"Wiihahaha! This Behemoth Fruit is mine! Nobody's taking it from me!"

Burgess's loud, rough voice echoed as he grabbed the Behemoth Fruit, holding onto it tightly. The fruit's power was too tempting for him; it was as if it was made for him.

None of the others paid any attention to Burgess. They were too absorbed in their own chosen fruits. Van Augur and Poison Q were equally entranced by their Speed and Virus Fruits.

"Zehahaha! Looks like you've all made your choices."

"Eat them, and then it's time to go!"

Blackbeard, eager for his crew to gain their new powers, urged them to eat the fruits.

The crew didn't hesitate. They devoured the fruits eagerly, despite their notoriously awful taste. Carlo was amazed; most people would gag at the first bite, but these guys were too thrilled to care about the flavor.

The powers these fruits held were worth any unpleasantness.

"Too bad I missed out on these incredible abilities. You captains really went all out," Lafitte said, leaning on his cane with a jealous look. "My Dove powers are going to seem pretty weak compared to these guys..."

Lafitte, an Zoan-type White Dove Fruit Fruit user, was envious of the new powerful abilities.

"Don't worry, Lafitte. With your cunning nature, you'll do just fine in our crew," Blackbeard said with a sly grin, glancing at Carlo. "You and Carlo will have plenty to talk about! Zehahaha!"

"Teach, no one's craftier than you. Remember, this was my plan," Carlo shot back, annoyed. Blackbeard was getting a bit too smug for his liking.

"Zehahaha, of course, of course. Our brilliant strategist is unmatched, not just crafty," Blackbeard corrected himself under Carlo's glare.

Their banter was routine, but it shocked Lafitte. Crew members typically didn't talk to their captains like this. Even first mates didn't usually have this kind of casual rapport.

To Lafitte, Carlo's status in the crew was clearly very high, almost equal to Blackbeard's. It was unusual, but it also made him respect Carlo more.

Five minutes later, the three who had eaten the fruits began to feel their new powers taking hold, adjusting to the changes in their bodies.

"Looks like it's done."

"Clean up the place. We're leaving," Carlo began to instruct. But before he could finish, a sudden roar interrupted him.

Burgess threw back his head and roared, the sound now more beast-like, an unmistakable sign of his transformation. It was no longer just his voice, but the mighty roar of the Behemoth!