Garling's words made Lloyd feel as though fate had marked him, yet he knew better than to place blind faith in luck. He didn't know whether his fortune could surpass the future Luffy's. A part of him even contemplated removing Luffy before he ever posed a threat. But Luffy wasn't born yet. If he wanted to act early, he would have to begin with Luffy's father, Dragon.
In the original timeline, Dragon would inevitably be brought into the Navy by Garp. That was where an opportunity might reveal itself.
Of course, Lloyd couldn't simply attack Dragon the moment he saw him. Garp was also in the Navy, and that alone made reckless action impossible. He needed a reason that would silence every witness.
Creating that reason was easy. Dragon was destined to become a traitor. Eliminating a future enemy of the Navy would be nothing more than an unfortunate "accident."
While Lloyd calculated silently, Garling misread his quiet expression. He assumed Lloyd was worried about the Nika Fruit.
"Lloyd, the chances of the Nika Fruit awakening are very small. You don't need to think too much about it. What you should focus on now is improving your strength and raising the Figarland Family's position in Mary Geoise to the next level."
"Hmm?"
The shift in tone startled Lloyd. Something felt off. He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Raise it to the next level? Isn't the Figarland Family already influential enough?"
"It is influential, but not enough. Back then, the Twenty Kings united to defeat Joy Boy, and our ancestor contributed more than any of them. If he had not died prematurely, how could the ruling position in Mary Geoise have fallen into the hands of the Nerona Family? The one seated upon the Empty Throne should have been a Figarland."
Internally, Lloyd clicked his tongue.
So this uncle desired the throne as well. A hidden usurper.
Garling exhaled slowly, then lowered his voice as his eyes shifted toward the walls.
"Remember what I said. Once we leave this place, do not repeat it. Saint Imu's abilities are… unusual. It is possible he might hear what he should not."
Lloyd nodded. In truth, he couldn't even deal with Gulando yet, let alone the final monster hidden atop the world.
Garling placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Alright, take whatever else you want from the secret vault. Once we go back out, I will assess your strength again."
Lloyd conjured the black scripture-like ability in his hand. With a blank expression he asked,
"Uncle Garling, can I take everything?"
"…"
If Lloyd had not been his nephew, Garling would have drawn his sword then and there. He inhaled sharply and glared.
"You are not the Family Head yet. Take everything? Do you have the strength to protect this foundation?"
"I was only saying it. You're a bit stingy, Uncle Garling."
Garling snorted.
"All of this will be yours eventually. Try to think like a future head instead of a child."
"Fine…"
Lloyd gave in reluctantly, though his tone remained calm. After a moment of thought he asked,
"Has Lucia eaten a Devil Fruit?"
"You're asking because you want a Devil Fruit for her, aren't you? No need. I already gave her a suitable one. Otherwise, do you think a former slave could have become a captain of the guards so quickly?"
"Really? Then thank you, Uncle Garling."
"There's no need to thank me. She's loyal to you, and giving her a Devil Fruit means nothing to the Family. Besides, if something happened to her, you would probably lose your composure when you returned."
"Then I should give her something else. She uses a sword. There are four famous blades hanging outside. I'll pick one for her."
"Go ahead."
Lloyd nodded. Lucia wasn't the only one on his mind. He hadn't forgotten Ginny either. But Ginny didn't need a Devil Fruit from here. He already knew which fruit would suit her perfectly.
What she needed now was a weapon.
"Uncle Garling, does the Family have a top-quality gun?"
"A gun? What do you need that for? Our Family uses swords, not guns."
"I want to give it to someone. She uses firearms, and a good weapon would raise her combat power considerably."
"Is this someone one of the three from God Valley?"
"Yes. The pink-haired girl, Ginny."
"Hmph. I see. Fine. I will tell the science division to craft an appropriate gun. You won't be staying with the Family now, right? I'll have it sent to the Navy once it's ready."
Lloyd nodded. With Gulando around, there was no reason to stay. Only when he had grown strong enough would he return, kill Gulando, and reclaim everything that belonged to him.
But research would take time. Lloyd didn't want to show up empty-handed, especially after promising Ginny a gift.
He remembered telling her he would bring her a pair of boots. So he lifted his hand again.
"Uncle Garling, the Family has boots, right? I want something girls wear, the most expensive and beautiful ones."
Garling arched a brow.
"Of course we have them. Those boots are for Ginny, correct? Looks alone are not enough. Fortunately, someone named Judge Vinsmoke in the science division recently designed several enhanced combat boots, including a version for women. You can take a pair."
"That's perfect. Thank you, Uncle Garling."
"Hmph. Two girls appearing all at once. Don't waste your energy on them. If they become a distraction, I'll remove the problem myself."
"I won't. I know what my priorities are. Don't worry."
"It had better be that way."
After that, Garling and Lloyd bowed respectfully toward the ancestor's coffins, then headed back toward the Sea Stone door.
As they approached, Lloyd's steps slowed. That crushing weakness the Sea Stone induced was something he didn't want to experience again.
Garling glanced at him.
"What are you hesitating for? Do you still need me to support you?"
Lloyd didn't bother acting tough.
"Yes."
Garling suddenly smirked.
"You're thinking too much. I won't support you now, and you don't need it."
"Huh? Uncle Garling, you—"
Before he could finish, Garling pressed a hand to his back and shoved him outward with controlled force.
Lloyd regained his balance instantly, landing firmly in front of the Sea Stone door. His palm remained on the surface. He braced himself for that familiar weakness.
But nothing happened.
After several seconds, Lloyd frowned. No numbness. No drained strength. He tried activating his ability. The hand touching the door turned pitch black, responding perfectly.
Garling stood nearby with his arms crossed.
"How is it? Do you still need me to support you?"