If used well, this Devil Fruit could definitely produce a truly capable subordinate for him.
And not just capable—a genuinely powerful asset.At the very least, he wouldn't be inferior to Zoro... Perhaps after the Summit War, there would be no need for Issho or Aramaki anymore.
He and this future Dark-Dark Ability User could fill the two vacant Admiral positions.
By then, there would be three new Admirals.
His faction would occupy two of them, greatly increasing his influence within the Marines.
Lancelot was already considering candidates.
"Knock knock..."
Just then, a knock came at the door, followed immediately by Lise's voice.
"Master... an Ability User has boarded the warship, claiming you summoned him."
Lancelot tossed Blackbeard directly into the sea before opening the door and stepping out.
Casually handing the Darkness-Darkness Fruit to Lise, he instructed her.
"Keep this safe."
Lise was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered, swiftly storing the Darkness-Darkness Fruit within her body for safekeeping.
She didn't ask a single question.
Because she understood her role perfectly—to be Lancelot's mobile treasury.
What she needed to know, Lancelot would naturally tell her.
What she shouldn't know, she would pretend to be deaf and blind to.
Only by doing so could she remain by Lancelot's side and maintain her position.
Only by doing so could she live long, ensuring her son Johnson would have a brighter future.
Lancelot observed Lise's demeanor and was quite satisfied with her discretion.
This reminded him of the two unknown Devil Fruits in his possession.
As for Lina, there was no need for elaboration—she was undoubtedly one of Lancelot's most capable subordinates.
Moreover, she was the first to join his ranks.
Originally just an ordinary woman, Lina had become increasingly important due to her Paramecia-type Fortress-Fortress Fruit.
Additionally, both women were his lovers—discreet and loyal.
As for Johnson, granting him a Devil Fruit to enhance his strength and promoting him to a higher position wouldn't be unreasonable...
Soon, Lancelot arrived on the deck to find Baby-5 eyeing Lafitte with intense vigilance.
Lancelot chuckled lightly, stepping forward to wrap an arm around Baby-5's slender waist.
"Relax. Starting today, he'll be the navigator aboard this warship... and eventually the overseer of the entire West Sea routes."
Hearing this, Baby-5 scrutinized Lafitte more carefully—anyone Lancelot valued and recruited was certainly no ordinary individual.
Especially someone entrusted with such responsibility immediately upon joining.
Lafitte, in turn, regarded Baby-5 with newfound respect, having already witnessed her capabilities. His gaze then shifted to Lise.
Seeing her standing close to Lancelot in an intimate manner,
He surmised she must be extraordinary as well.
Lancelot began introductions.
"Baby-5, Paramecia-type Weapon-Weapon Fruit Ability User. You've likely seen her skills already.
Lise, my personal secretary.
Remember this well... On this warship, she is the most important person. Her safety takes absolute priority in any dangerous situation."
These words made Lafitte's pupils contract sharply.
He gleaned two pieces of information: first, her combat ability was ordinary, requiring protection; second, this woman held immense importance.
Someone ordinary yet critically important... The implications were profound.
Of course, he didn't expect to uncover these secrets immediately upon joining.
Just then, Lancelot began his introduction.
"Lafitte was originally a West Blue police officer, notorious there for excessive use of violence before being exiled.
Naturally, the very qualities that made him despised by others are why I recruited him.
In chaotic times, harsh laws are necessary!"
"In chaotic times, harsh laws are necessary!?"
Upon hearing this, Lafitte was momentarily taken aback, then carefully pondered the words before a faint smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.
Simultaneously, the way he looked at Lancelot had completely changed!
Like a true soulmate in life!
"Hmm..."
At that moment, Lancelot's gaze sharpened as he stared into the distance.
His unusual behavior drew the attention of Lafitte, Lise, and Baby-5, who all followed his line of sight.
In the distance, they could see a ship approaching them.
As the distance closed, everyone could make out more details.
Judging by its design, it didn't resemble a merchant ship. And based on its size, it likely wasn't a naval vessel either.
If it were a naval ship of that size, it would at least be commanded by a rear admiral.
However, they didn't see any naval insignia on the ship.
Instead, there was a different emblem.
"The Happo Navy?"
As a native of the West Blue, Lafitte recognized it immediately.
The Kano Country was the strongest empire in the West Blue.
Not only did it possess the largest land area, but it also had the most formidable naval force.
In the West Blue, you might not know who your own kingdom's king was, but everyone knew about the Kano Country and its Thirteen Navy.
Most people were even familiar with the flags of these thirteen naval divisions.
Among them, the Happo Navy was the most renowned.
Thus, nearly everyone in the West Blue knew of them.
Just like the Mafia in the West Blue—they were common knowledge.
"The Happo Navy?"
Lancelot narrowed his eyes, and Baby-5, held in his embrace, also darkened her expression.
Everyone understood why the Happo Navy had come.
Lancelot glanced at the merchant ships trailing behind the naval vessel.
His eyebrows twitched.
He wasn't afraid of the Happo Navy, but those merchant ships absolutely could not be harmed.
Otherwise, the losses would be devastating...
At that thought, he pushed off with his legs, propelling himself skyward.
Then, using Moon Walk, he sped rapidly toward the Happo Navy.
"Whoosh..."
Baby-5 and Lise both turned to look at Lafitte, as he was the only one there who could fly.
How could Lafitte not understand their meaning?
Even without their prompting, he would have followed.
Since he had agreed to join, he was now one of them.
If only to affirm his stance, he had to go after them.
Whoosh!
A pair of wings unfurled from his back, and with a single flap, he soared into the sky, chasing after Lancelot.
...
Lancelot and Lafitte landed one after the other on the bow of the Happo Navy ship.
Standing opposite them were three individuals.
These three were naturally Chin Jao, Sai, and Boo of the Happo Navy.
Lancelot studied them carefully; truth be told, he held a considerable fondness for these three.
Meanwhile, Chin Jao, Sai, and Boo were also sizing up Lancelot and Lafitte.
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator