Should Jack join Red haired Pirates (If he joins he will replace Building Snake.)
•Yes (3 votes)
•No (9 votes)
___________
Lore City
With Shanks
The following day, Shanks, Ben Beckman, and Lucky Roux arrived into the harbor of Lore City.
It didn't take the trio long to find the Capone Family's base.
The moment the Capone Family estate came into view, all three fell silent.
The once-proud mansion had been reduced to a wreck. Towering walls were split with massive cracks, the iron gates had been smashed clean off, and rubble littered the grounds. It looked less like the aftermath of a battle and more as though a raging monster had rampaged through the estate, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
Shanks let out a long, amused whistle, and wide grin spreading across his face.
"Well, well... looks like those two had one hell of a party."
"DAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Lucky Roux ripped a massive chunk from the hunk of meat in his hand with a single bite. After swallowing it, he threw back his head and roared with laughter, his booming voice echoing across the ruined estate.
"Gyahahaha! Those two are troublemakers just as you guessed Shanks!"
Beside him, Ben Beckman slipped one hand into his pocket and glanced over the battered mansion, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he quietly shared in Roux's amusement.
"TAP!, TAP!, TAP!"
At that moment, a flood of Capone Family grunts came pouring out from every corner of the ruined estate, surrounding Shanks, Ben Beckman, and Lucky Roux .
Dozens upon dozens of firearms snapped into place. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, and every other weapon the grunts could get their hands on were pointed at the trio, cold steel glinting beneath the afternoon sun. Fingers tightened around the triggers, every man prepared to unleash a hail of bullets at them.
Despite the overwhelming show of force, not a trace of tension appeared on the trio's faces. Shanks wore his usual easygoing smile, Ben Beckman calmly puffed on his cigarette, and Lucky Roux continued devouring his meat without a care in the world.
To them, the countless gun barrels pointed at them were little more than a trivial annoyance—hardly worthy of a second glance.
Shanks and Lucky Roux couldn't help but grin as they looked at the Capone Family grunts surrounding them. The grunts' desperate show of force only amused the two pirates.
Ben Beckman, on the other hand, didn't even spare the mob a passing glance. His expression remained calm and unreadable as he leisurely took another drag from his cigarette.
At that instant, Shanks took a single step forward.
"WHOOSH!"
The moment, his foot touched the ground, an invisible force exploded from his body like a raging tsunami. Sweeping across all the grunts, distorting the very atmosphere as the air grew unbearably heavy. It surged outward with unstoppable momentum, crashing into the surrounding Capone Family grunts like an unseen wave. Beneath that monstrous presence, every heartbeat faltered, every breath became a struggle, and the battlefield itself seemed to tremble before the might of his overwhelming pressure.
The Capone Family grunts' eyes rolled back as the overwhelming invincible force engulfed them. Their minds buckled beneath the crushing weight, and one after another, they collapsed to the ground like puppets with their strings cut, foaming at the mouth as consciousness abandoned them. In mere moments, the battlefield fell silent, littered with the unconscious bodies of men who had been utterly defeated without a single blow being exchanged.
With the Capone Family grunts no longer standing in their way, Shanks, Ben Beckman, and Lucky Roux moved forward without hesitation. Their footsteps echoed through the battlefield as they walked past the fallen enemies, their expressions calm and unfazed, as though the overwhelming display of power moments ago had been nothing more than a casual breeze passing through. The trio continued onward, carrying themselves with the effortless confidence of true monsters of the sea.
Without the slightest hesitation, they stepped through the shattered entrance of the battered mansion. The damaged doors creaked open as they entered the Capone Family's base, their presence alone filling the ruined halls with an undeniable pressure. Their eyes swept across the wreckage, curiosity hidden beneath their calm expressions.
________
In Capone Family head office
Meanwhile, deep within the battered mansion, Bege sat heavily in his chair, a thick cigar clenched between his teeth as streams of smoke curled lazily into the air. His cold, razor-sharp gaze remained fixed on Ryu and Jack's wanted posters spread across the table before him.
His eyes burned with murderous hatred, the veins on his forehead twitching as he crushed the armrest beneath his grip. Every puff of his cigar carried the weight of his simmering fury. The scars those two had left on the Capone Family were etched into his pride, and the thought of them alone was enough to ignite the rage festering within his heart.
"BANG!"
"SWISH!"
At that very instant, the massive doors burst inward with a deafening crash, torn from their hinges as they flew across the room. Splinters and dust exploded into the air, shrouding the entrance in a cloud of debris.
Out of the swirling dust stepped Shanks, with Ben Beckman at his side and Lucky Roux following close behind. The trio entered with calm, unhurried strides, their expressions composed as though blasting through the doors of a mafia stronghold was the most natural thing in the world. Their overwhelming presence instantly filled the room, causing the atmosphere to turn heavy.
Before Bege could so much as blink, Lucky Roux appeared at his right like a phantom, his pistol already pressed firmly against the mafia boss's temple. At the same instant, Ben Beckman materialized on his left, the barrel of his rifle leveled squarely at Bege's head with unwavering precision.
The flawless coordination left no room for resistance. In the span of a heartbeat, the Capone Family boss found himself caught between two deadliest gunslingers, with even the slightest movement threatening to cost him his life.
"Don't move."
A bone-chilling shiver raced down Bege's spine as his instincts screamed in warning. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, his cigar nearly slipping from his lips as he slowly turned his gaze toward Lucky Roux on one side and Ben Beckman on the other.
The calm expressions on their faces made the situation even more terrifying. There was no hesitation, no killing intent on display—only absolute confidence. Bege knew that the instant he made the wrong move, the two would pull the trigger without the slightest mercy. His heartbeat thundered in his ears as, for the first time in a long while, genuine fear gripped the Capone Family boss.
"TAP!, TAP!"
Shanks began walking forward with slow, measured steps, each one calm yet filled with unquestionable authority. With every step, an invisible wave of overwhelming pressure rolled from his body, spreading through the room like a relentless tide.
Each step felt heavier than the last, the crushing pressure slamming into Bege with terrifying force. The air grew suffocating, his breathing became labored, and his body instinctively trembled beneath the weight of Shanks' monstrous presence. It was as though an invisible mountain was descending upon him, threatening to crush both his body and spirit.
As Bege met Shanks' gaze, a primal instinct seized him. For the first time in years, the Capone Family boss felt utterly insignificant—as if he were nothing more than a tiny ant standing before an unstoppable giant.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Shanks' lips as he looked down at Bege. His crimson eyes remained calm, yet they carried an overwhelming authority that made the entire room feel suffocating.
"We can do this the easy way... or we can do it the hard way," he said calmly, "We only came here to ask a few questions. So don't test our patience... and don't waste our time."
Bege swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as a bead of cold sweat slid down his temple. Fighting to steady his breathing, he forced himself to meet Shanks' gaze.
Suppressing the unease gnawing at his heart, the Capone Family boss parted his lips and spoke in a cautious voice, careful not to provoke Shanks.
"Who are you? And, what do you want from me?"
Shanks' gaze drifted to the wanted posters lying across Bege's desk. Without a word, he raised a finger and casually pointed at the sketch faces of Jack and Ryu.
"Let's start with them," Shanks said evenly, his calm voice carrying an unmistakable weight. "Tell me everything you know about those two."
Lucky Roux calmly took another massive bite from his piece of meat, completely unfazed by the tense atmosphere surrounding them. With one hand still holding his meat and the other keeping his pistol firmly aimed at Bege's head, he chewed leisurely as if this was nothing more than an ordinary conversation.
After swallowing, Roux glanced at Bege with a relaxed expression and spoke.
"So... let's hear it," he said, his voice casual but carrying a dangerous edge. "Everything."
Shanks' relaxed smile faded slightly as his eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them. The pressure in the room seemed to grow heavier, suffocating Bege as his overwhelming presence surged once more.
"I'm not asking twice," Shanks said calmly.
His voice was quiet, but the weight behind those words was unmistakable. It wasn't a threat—it was a warning from a man whose patience was running thin.
Silence hung over the office before Bege finally sighed.
"...Fine."
Bege took a slow breath before finally beginning to speak, his voice carrying a trace of unease as he recalled the events.
He first pointed at Ryu's wanted poster.
He explained how he suddenly infiltrated their base without warning, cutting down everyone who stood in his way with his sabre. One by one, Bege's subordinates were defeated by him.
With every clash, every battle, Ryu swordsmanship grew more terrifying. His speed was overwhelming, his movements became sharper, and each opponent he defeated seemed to push him to an even higher level.
It was as if every fight was nothing more than another step toward becoming an even greater monster.
Ryu's path eventually led him to the former head of the Capone Family—Francisco Capone who had consumed the Crystal-Crystal Fruit, granting him the power to create and manipulate razor-sharp crystals from his body and can make his crystals as hard as steel.
Their battle shook the very foundations of the Capone Family's base the state of the mansion now is the result of their battle.
Then he pointed at Jack's wanted poster.
Bege clenched his teeth as he recalled his humiliating defeat.
He admitted that he understimated Jack and he took him by surprise.His blade strike came way too fast, catching him completely off guard before he could fully prepare..
"That bastard…" Bege cursed under his breath.
After he defeated him, Jack didn't waste any time. He stormed into the Capone Family's storage room, took Captain Ning's treasure, and disappeared before anyone could stop him.
Shanks was shocked when he heard the name of Captain Ning and asked with a shocked expression.
"Wait a second, are you referring to Captain Gan Ning's treasure?"
"Yes… the very same one."
Bege's expression darkened as he spoke, his voice filled with bitterness and resentment.
"My Capone Family was fortunate enough to discover that treasure by pure chance. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… but those two bastards stole it from us."
He clenched his fist, his eyes burning with anger.
"But their victory won't last long. The moment they stole that treasure, they signed their own death warrants."
Bege then let out a cold laugh.
"Every major organization in the West Blue, countless pirates, and even the Marines are already moving toward them as we speak. They have nowhere to run and no chance of surviving the storm that's coming."
His gaze sharpened with cruel satisfaction.
"When those bastards are finally crushed, the Capone Family will personally reclaim what was stolen from us… and make sure they pay for their mistake."
Beckman raised his eyebrows upon hearing this but Shanks just smiled in amusement.
"Tell me, do you know where those two right now?"
Bege nodded his head and replied.
"Yes, they are heading to Bing Town right now."
Shanks smirk widened and nodded his head.
"Good, give me the fastest ship you have right now," he ordered, stepping forward. "I need to catch up to those two before it's too late."
"Move quickly," Shanks eyes narrowed. "I don't have time to waste."
Bege's squinted his eyes as he stared at Shanks, suspicion flashing across his face.
He didn't like the sudden urgency behind the Shanks actions, nor did he fully understand why Shanks seemed so interested in Ryu and Jack. For a moment, the atmosphere in the room grew tense.
However, before Bege could make a move, the mood shifted.
Ben Beckman calmly raised his rifle, his sharp gaze locking onto Bege with quiet warning.
Beside him, Roux tightened his grip on his pistol, his fingers resting firmly against the trigger..
Bege let out a long sigh, his shoulders lowering slightly in defeat..
"Fine, follow me."
________
At Lore City's harbor
The trio followed Bege and they made their way toward the harbor together. The tension between them still lingering in the air. As they reached the docks, Bege turned toward his men and gave a sharp command.
"Load the ship with everything they need. Food, weapons, supplies—fill it to the brim."
His subordinates quickly sprang into action, rushing around the harbor as they prepared the vessel for departure. Crates were carried aboard, sails were checked, and the ship was stocked within moments.
The ship waiting at the harbor was painted a deep crimson red, its color standing out against the endless blue of the sea. Despite its striking appearance, the vessel itself was rather plain, lacking the grandeur and intimidating presence of a pirate ship.
But the moment Shanks laid eyes on it, a faint smile crept across his face.
"Not bad..." he muttered, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
To others, it was just another ship. But to Shanks, a ship was never judged by its appearance alone. What mattered was the spirit of those who sailed upon it and the adventures waiting beyond the horizon.
With the wind brushing through his red hair and tugging at the edges of his beloved straw hat, Shanks stepped forward toward the crimson vessel, a confident smile resting on his face.
Behind him, Lucky Roux and Benn Beckman followed without hesitation. Roux walked with his usual carefree grin, while Beckman remained calm and composed, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
The trio boarded the ship together, and with practiced movements, they unfurled the crimson sails. Slowly, the vessel awakened, its wooden frame creaking as it prepared to sail the open sea.
The sound of ropes tightening, sails catching the wind, and waves crashing against the hull echoed throughout the harbor. The crimson ship began to glide forward, leaving the docks behind.
As the distance between them and Lore City grew, the harbor slowly faded into the horizon.
Benn Beckman turned his calm gaze toward Shanks, his expression serious as the crimson ship cut through the waves.
After a moment of silence, Beckman finally spoke.
"Shanks..." he began, his voice calm and steady. "You seem rather interested in those two."
A brief silence followed as the wind swept across the deck.
"Are you planning to ask them to join our crew?" Beckman questioned, watching Shanks carefully, "Because you don't usually go out of your way for just anyone."
Shanks let out a small laugh, his eyes still fixed on the endless horizon as the crimson ship sailed through the waves.
"Let's not jump the gun, Beckman," he said casually. "First, I want to see them in action."
A faint smile appeared on his face as the wind tugged at his straw hat.
"I want to know what kind of people they really are... what kind of resolve they carry, and what kind of dreams they chase."
Shanks rested his hand on the brim of his hat, his expression filled with curiosity.
"Only after that will I decide whether they are the kind of people I want beside me."
Benn Beckman and Lucky Roux exchanged glances after hearing Shanks's response.
A small smile formed on both of their faces.
They knew their captain well. Shanks never judged someone by rumors or reputation alone. He wanted to see a person's true character—their courage, their ambition, and the strength of their spirit.
The crimson ship continued cutting through the waves, its sails filled by the ocean breeze as the trio sailed onward toward Bing Town.
________
One week later
In Bing Town
With Ryu and Jack
After arriving in Bing Town, Ryu and Jack strolled through the bustling streets at an unhurried pace. Ryu walked with his hands tucked into his pockets, his trusted sabre hanging securely at his hip, his calm, unreadable expression never wavering despite the lively crowds around him. Beside him, Jack Sparrow carried a bag over his back glanced at Ryu with obvious doubt, his brows furrowed as he followed Ryu.
"The black market should be around here somewhere..." Ryu muttered under his breath.
Five minutes turned into thirty.
Thirty became an hour.
...!
A burly fishmonger standing behind a stall piled high with the day's fresh catch spotted the pair and waved at them with a broad grin, calling out enthusiastically as they passed.
"Fresh tuna! Finest catch in all of Bing Town! Come and have a look!" the fishmonger bellowed, his booming voice rising above the lively clamor of the bustling marketplace.
Without so much as a word, Ryu simply turned on his heel and continued walking, his expression as indifferent as ever. Jack shot him an exasperated glare before letting out a weary sigh and hurrying after him.
"We are lost aren't we?"
Ryu's eyebrow twitched in irritation the moment he heard Jack's remark. Veins bulged faintly on his forehead as he shot him a sharp glare.
"I don't get lost, you bastard!" Ryu snapped, glaring at Jack with visible irritation. He jabbed a finger toward the streets before adding defensively, "These damned streets are just ridiculously confusing!"
A few minutes later, the pair emerged into one of Bing Town's liveliest shopping districts. The bustling avenue was lined with colorful clothing boutiques, lively cafés, and countless storefronts overflowing with merchandise. Merchants called out to passing customers while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries drifted through the air, adding to the district's vibrant atmosphere.
Jack let out a long, exhausted sigh before planting a palm firmly against his forehead. He slowly shook his head, looking as though he had finally accepted that following Ryu's sense of direction was an adventure in itself.
"I never should've listened to you, kid," Jack groaned, dragging a hand down his face. He looked around at the unfamiliar streets before letting out another weary sigh.
"We're definitely lost. You don't have a shred of direction, do you?"
Ryu's expression darkened at Jack's words, a faint twitch appearing at the corner of his eye. He looked ready to fire back a sharp reply, but his attention suddenly shifted toward an elderly woman sitting beside a small stall, selling freshly baked bread to the passing crowd.
Without saying a word, Ryu walked over to her and calmly asked for directions.
"Excuse me, old woman," Ryu said politely as he approached the stall. "Do you know where I can find that old-looking seafood restaurant?"
The old woman blinked a few times, staring at Ryu in confusion. After a moment, a look of realization crossed her face as she finally understood which restaurant the young Samurai was talking about.
"Oh! You mean the Town Edge Seafood Restaurant?" the old woman exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with recognition. She pointed down the street with a warm smile.
"Just keep walking straight and pass the fountain, dear. The restaurant you're looking for will be just ahead."
Ryu gave a small nod in thanks before turning around and confidently taking a step forward. However, he immediately began heading in the completely opposite direction.
Jack stared at him in disbelief.
"You're kidding me..."
Before Ryu could get any farther, Jack quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the correct path.
"Not that way, genius. The restaurant is this direction," Jack said with an exhausted sigh.
"Oi, what the big deal Jack?"
Jack scoffed in disbelief, turning his gaze toward Ryu with a look of pure exasperation. His eyes were filled with unmistakable disdain as he stared at the young Samurai, unable to understand how someone could be so talented in swordsmanship yet so hopeless when it came to directions.
"You'll get lost again at this rate," Jack scoffed, shaking his head in frustration. "You were literally walking in the opposite direction just now."
He grabbed Ryu by the shoulder and pulled him along the street.
"Just follow me. We've already wasted enough time wandering around because of you."
Ryu shot Jack a deep, irritated scowl, clearly unhappy with the what Jack just said. However, for once, he decided not to argue. With a quiet huff, he adjusted his sabre and followed behind Jack, allowing the navigator to take the lead through the streets of Bing Town.
_________
Town-Edge Seafood Restaurant
Ryu and Jack finally arrived at the Town-Edge Seafood restaurant. The worn wooden sign creaked above the entrance as they stepped inside, the sound of the doorbell ringing through the quiet interior.
The pair glanced around the restaurant, carefully observing their surroundings.
Jack then turned his gaze toward Ryu, studying the swordsman for a moment before speaking.
"So, kid..." Jack said, crossing his arms as he glanced around the old restaurant. "What's now?"
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Ryu's mouth, but he didn't bother answering Jack's question. Instead, he calmly walked toward the counter, his footsteps echoing through the old restaurant.
Reaching into his pocket, Ryu pulled out a worn bronze coin that is weathered by time. Without a word, he placed it on the counter, allowing the coin to speak for itself.
The woman behind the counter froze the moment her eyes landed on the old bronze coin. For a brief second, her expression changed as surprise flickered across her face.
However, she quickly composed herself and replaced it with a warm, charming smile as she looked at Ryu.
"Welcome, gentlemen," the counter lady said with a graceful smile, her tone suddenly becoming more respectful. "Please, follow me."
She stepped out from behind the counter and gestured for them to follow, leading them deeper into the old restaurant.
Ryu gave a small nod before turning his gaze toward Jack. Without saying a word, he motioned with his hand for him to follow.
Jack raised an eyebrow but followed the gesture, walking after the two.
The pair then followed the counter lady as she led them toward the back of the restaurant, leaving the noisy dining area behind and heading into a more secluded part of the building.
After reaching the back of the restaurant, the counter lady stopped in front of an ordinary-looking wall. She reached out and pulled a hidden lever disguised as a small wooden handle.
With a heavy rumble, the mechanism beneath them activated. The floor slowly shifted upward, revealing a concealed staircase descending into the darkness below.
"Gentlemen, please proceed down the stairs,"
"Follow the path below, and it will lead you directly to the black market."
Ryu gave a silent nod in response. Without a moment of hesitation, he and Jack stepped onto the hidden staircase and began descending into the darkness below.
________
The Black Market
When Jack and Ryu finally reached the underground chamber of the black market, they were greeted by two heavily built guards standing watch at the entrance. The pair of men immediately stepped forward, their eyes sharp and cautious, blocking the path of the two newcomers.
Ryu calmly reached into his pocket and pulled out the old bronze coin, holding it up for them to see.
The moment the guards recognized the symbol engraved upon it, their expressions changed. Without a word, they stepped aside and lowered their guard.
"Please, follow us," one of them said to Ryu.
The two guards escorted Ryu and Jack deeper into the hidden depths of the black market.
With every step they took, the crude stone tunnels slowly faded away, replaced by grand corridors filled with the unmistakable signs of wealth and power. The walls were decorated with rare treasures from across the seas, while dazzling crystal lamps cast a golden glow over the underground passageways.
The two guards continued escorting Jack and Ryu through the underground black market until they finally arrived before a grand and luxurious office.
The massive doors opened slowly, revealing an extravagant room filled with rare treasures, elegant furniture, and an atmosphere that belonged to someone with great influence within the underworld.
One of the guards stepped forward, turning toward Ryu and Jack.
"Please, wait here. Someone will meet with you shortly," one of the guard said calmly.
After delivering his message, the two guards gave a respectful nod before turning around and leaving the office. The heavy doors closed behind them with a deep echo, leaving Ryu and Jack alone inside the lavish room.
Ryu and Jack sat inside the lavish office, waiting patiently for their host to arrive.
Unlike Ryu, who remained calm and composed, Jack's eyes wandered across the room with pure amazement. His gaze sparkled as he took in the extravagant decorations, rare treasures, and expensive furnishings that filled the office.
"Now this is what I call a place for the rich and powerful," Jack muttered, his curiosity getting the better of him as he looked around.
At that moment, the doors to the office opened once again.
Two elegant women stepped inside, carrying silver trays filled with expensive wine and a variety of exquisite delicacies. Their movements were graceful and practiced as they approached Ryu and Jack, placing the finest refreshments before them.
The rich aroma of the food quickly filled the room, while the rare wine sparkled beneath the glow of the crystal lamps.
Jack's eyes widened as he looked at the feast laid out before him, while Ryu remained calm, quietly observing the luxurious treatment offered by the black market.
After placing the wine and delicacies before them, the two women stepped back gracefully.
They lowered their heads in a respectful bow toward Ryu and Jack, showing the proper courtesy expected within the underground black market.
"Please enjoy your refreshments," one of them said softly.
The moment the two women left the office, Jack burst into loud laughter.
"BOHOHOHOHO! Now this is how you treat your guests!" he shouted with excitement.
Without wasting another second, he immediately began devouring delicacies laid out before him, stuffing his mouth with the luxurious food while happily tasting the expensive wine.
Ryu looked at Jack with a faint hint of amusement in his eyes.
Seeing his friend happily devouring the delicacies without restraint, Ryu couldn't help but find the scene entertaining.
With a calm expression, he reached for a glass filled with the expensive wine. Slowly lifting it to his lips, he took a quiet sip, savoring the rich flavor while remaining composed.
At that instant, the doors to the office slowly opened.
A large, heavyset man dressed in an expensive suit stepped into the office.
He had a thick, well-groomed mustache, short black hair, and a cigar clenched between his fingers, with a trail of smoke slowly drifting through the air around him.
After taking his seat behind the grand desk, the man leaned back comfortably, a cigar still resting between his fingers.
A confident smile appeared on his face as he looked at Ryu and Jack. Despite his intimidating appearance, his voice carried a polite and welcoming tone.
"Welcome to the black market, gentlemen," he said smoothly. "I hope you are satisfied with our hospitality."
He took another slow puff from his cigar before continuing.
"Now then... how can I be of service to you?"
Ryu gave a small nod toward Jack, silently signaling him.
Understanding the gesture, Jack reached into his bag and pulled out the four Devil Fruits they had found among captain Ning's treasure. One by one, he placed them carefully on the table in front of the large man.
"Listen up big guy."
The heavyset man's eyes widened the moment he heard the way Jack addressed him.
For a brief moment, the confident expression on his face disappeared, replaced by pure disbelief.
Ryu, who had remained calm until then, felt his composure slipping. Seeing the man's stunned reaction, he nearly burst into laughter but quickly held himself back, only allowing a faint smile to appear.
"We want to know what kind of devil fruits are these."
The moment the heavyset man's gaze fell upon the four Devil Fruits sitting before him, his expression changed.
His eyes widened, and a flicker of greed shone within them as he carefully examined the devil fruits.
The calm smile he had worn earlier returned, but this time it carried a hint of excitement and desire.
"Well, gentlemen..." the heavyset man said, leaning back in his chair as he finished examining the devil fruits before him.
"I must admit, I am not an expert when it comes to Devil Fruits," he continued, tapping his cigar lightly. "Devil fruits are far too vast for anyone to memorize each fruit."
A sly smile appeared on his face.
"I will need to check the Devil Fruit encyclopedia and compare these fruits with its records before I can identify them properly."
Ryu was confused when he heard this and asked.
"What is the devil fruit encyclopedia?"
The heavyset man let out a low chuckle, the smoke from his cigar drifting lazily through the air.
"The Devil Fruit encyclopedia is a valuable guide that records all known Devil Fruits discovered throughout the world," the heavyset man explained.
He tapped his cigar against the ashtray, continuing in a calm and knowledgeable tone.
"It contains information about each recorded fruit, including their names, abilities, and a brief description of the powers they grant to those who consume them."
"Of course, even with such a guide, identifying unknown Devil Fruits is not always simple. Many secrets of these mysterious fruits remain hidden across the seas."
Jack and Ryu both widened their eyes after hearing the heavyset man's explanation.
"Oi, big guy!" Jack called out, leaning forward with an eager grin.
"We're interested in buying that Devil Fruit encyclopedia of yours."
The heavyset man smiled and nodded his head.
"Of course, customer," he replied with a chuckle.
He leaned back in his chair, taking another puff from his cigar before continuing.
"Fortunately for you, I already have several copies of the Devil Fruit encyclopedia in my possession. There's no need for me to place an order and make you wait."
The heavyset man reached over and opened one of the drawers of his massive desk.
After searching through its contents for a moment, he pulled out a thick, old book with a sturdy cover and placed it in front of Jack.
"This is a copy of the Devil Fruit encyclopedia," he said.
Jack immediately picked up the book, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. He quickly began flipping through the pages, carefully examining the detailed information written inside.
At that moment, Ryu's eyes were drawn to a single Devil Fruit resting quietly among the other three Jack had uncovered from Captain Ning's treasure.
The devil fruit seemed to call out to him once again, as if it was drawing his attention from deep within his soul.
It was a deep indigo fruit shaped like a miniature storm cloud. Its surface was covered with countless silver swirling patterns, twisting across its skin like raging lightning bolts trapped within the fruit itself.
Ryu slowly reached out and grabbed the Devil Fruit.
The moment his fingers touched its strange surface, he felt the unusual presence it carried. The deep indigo fruit seemed almost alive, its silver patterns faintly shimmering as if responding to his touch.
Ryu lifted his gaze toward the heavyset man, his expression calm but intense.
"I want to ask you something," Ryu said calmly.
His grip tightened slightly around the fruit.
"I don't know why... but this fruit feels like it's calling out to me."
The heavyset man's eyes widened as Ryu continued.
"This is the second time I've felt this strange sensation before I arrived at Bing Town. Do you know what it's mean?"
The heavyset man took a drag of his cigar and looked seriously at Ryu.
"Kid... to be honest with you, I've heard some rumors about certain Devil Fruits," he said.
His eyes glanced toward the indigo fruit in Ryu's hand.
"I don't know if those stories were ever true or just legends spread across the seas..."
The man paused, letting out a small cloud of smoke.
"But if what you're saying is true... if you can actually feel this fruit calling out to you..."
A serious look appeared on his face.
"Then it seems those rumors might not have been rumors after all."
Jack got intrigued and asked.
"What are these rumors big guy?"
The heavyset man's expression twitched slightly as he looked at Jack.
"Stop calling me that," he snapped, his patience beginning to wear thin.
He adjusted his expensive suit and glared at the carefree pirate in front of him.
"My name is Jacob, you idiotic pirate."
Ryu couldn't help but chuckle softly at the exchange between Jack and Jacob.
The sight of the composed black market dealer losing his patience over Jack's careless attitude was unexpectedly amusing.
Jacob let out a small sigh, shaking his head as he ignored Jack's antics.
"Anyway..." Jacob continued, returning his attention to Ryu and the Devil Fruit in his hand.
"The rumors I heard claimed that some Devil Fruits possess a will of their own," he explained.
"At first, I dismissed those stories as nothing more than myths. There was never any proof to support them, and most people considered them nothing but old legends."
He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"But after hearing that you can feel this fruit calling out to you..."
Jacob glanced at the indigo devil fruit.
"It seems those rumors may have been true after all."
Ryu's eyes widened slightly after hearing Jacob's explanation.
For the first time, a hint of amazement appeared on his usually calm face.
He lowered his gaze toward the Devil Fruit in his hand, staring intently at its strange indigo surface and the silver patterns that seemed to twist like trapped lightning.
The devil fruit continued to give him that strange feeling, as if it was silently calling out to him.
Just as Ryu remained lost in thought, carefully staring at the Devil Fruit in his hand, Jack's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Kid, eat the devil fruit."
Ryu's eyes widened slightly the moment he heard Jack's words as he shifted his gaze towards him.
Jack looked at Ryu with an unusually serious expression.
"If this Devil Fruit is truly calling out to you, then that means it was meant for you."
He pointed toward the indigo devil fruit in Ryu's hand.
"So stop hesitating and eat the damn thing!"
Ryu stared at the Devil Fruit for a moment longer before a small chuckle escaped his lips.
Jack's words had broken through his hesitation.
With a calm smile, Ryu nodded his head.
"You're right..."
He lifted the indigo devil fruit toward his mouth. The strange silver patterns shimmered faintly as if reacting to his decision.
Without any further hesitation, Ryu opened his mouth and took a large bite.
The moment his teeth sank into the fruit, a strange sensation spread through his body, marking the beginning of a new power awakening within him.
"CRUNSH!"
"AGH! DISGUSTING."
________