Chapter 22 Shining Fruit

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Of course, the anger Larson displayed was feigned, and reprimanding Gion was just a strategy to get her out of there quickly, preventing her from genuinely thinking of him as her father and lingering on. However, Marco's reaction was something Larson had not expected.

This guy actually dared to stand up for a stranger.

Larson noticed the smile in Whitebeard's eyes, and he could tell at a glance that Whitebeard was pleased with Marco's response. He was the third person here who wanted Gion to remain on the ship.

"As you wish."

Larson closed his eyes. "In any case, the ship will be landing soon."

Gion held the wine barrel with her head lowered, standing quietly to the side, not daring to speak.

Marco continued to comfort her, and after a while, he somehow led her to Larson's room.

Larson felt the tension building on his forehead. Marco, this kid, might have gone too far.

He shook his head and sighed, just wanting to wait for the boat to land quickly.

After lying down for a while, Larson suddenly remembered that he had not opened the heavenly gold he had taken back earlier.

It's rather amusing. If other pirates had seized any treasure, they would have been unable to resist checking it, inspecting it, and dividing the loot. Yet, when it came to the Whitebeard Pirates, they had almost forgotten about it entirely.

That box had been neglected in a corner, but Larson finally remembered it.

He moved the box over and placed it in front of Whitebeard.

Whitebeard sat up. Although he wasn't particularly interested in treasure, it didn't mean he was not curious.

Marco and Gion also walked out of the room when they heard the noise.

Larson called Plank over again, and after everyone was ready, he slowly opened the box.

With a creak, the box opened to reveal not gold or jewels, but a curious-looking fruit with a crystal-like surface lying inside.

"Devil Fruit?"

Whitebeard was equally surprised; he hadn't expected that the heavenly gold dedicated to the Celestial Dragons would actually be a Devil Fruit.

"Is this really a Devil Fruit?" Plank asked curiously, since it was his first time seeing one.

Larson chuckled. "I used to wonder why the Navy was so meddlesome. When a country rebelled, they would send forces to quell the uprising. Now I understand — they were likely here for this Devil Fruit!"

"What kind of Devil Fruit is this?" Marco inquired, intrigued.

Larson analyzed the fruit. "Judging by its shape, it's probably a Paramecia fruit, but we won't know its specific effects until someone eats it."

"This is the Shining Fruit."

Everyone was taken aback; the voice belonged to Gion, who was standing nearby.

Gion noticed that everyone's eyes were on her and looked at Larson timidly.

Larson pretended not to see her nervousness and continued to examine the Devil Fruit in the box, rubbing his chin.

The Shining Fruit—Jozu's fruit?

That's right; Jozu's Devil Fruit wasn't actually a diamond fruit but a shining fruit, as described in Jozu's life card.

What a coincidence.

Whitebeard noticed Larson's fixation on the Devil Fruit and asked, "What's wrong, Larson?"

"Nothing."

After a moment of thought, Whitebeard asked, "Do you have any plans for this fruit?"

"Plans?" Larson pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

Whitebeard grinned, picked up the fruit, and examined it closely. Just when everyone thought he had plans for it, he suddenly threw the Devil Fruit to Plank.

Plank quickly caught the Devil Fruit that suddenly flew toward him.

Whitebeard laughed and said, "Kid, I'm giving you this fruit."

"Giving me?" Plank was stunned as he looked down at the Devil Fruit in his hands. He couldn't believe that Whitebeard would give him something so valuable so casually.

Larson hesitated for a moment but ultimately remained silent.

Anyone could eat the Devil Fruit, and they had no idea when Jozu would board the ship, or even if he would be able to do so in the future. Keeping the fruit just to match the original story was unrealistic. It was better to give it to Plank now.

He looked at Plank and said, "You are now a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, so this fruit is most suitable for you."

Marco nodded excitedly. "Plank, just eat it!"

Since Marco was already a Devil Fruit user, it didn't matter to him who received it.

Plank suddenly teared up. "Pops, Mr. Larson, Marco, thank you."

Each Devil Fruit could be considered priceless. In the past, he wouldn't have even dared to think about having one.

He never imagined that this little pirate adventure would lead to such an opportunity.

In that moment, he felt truly fortunate for the decision he had made. If he hadn't been determined to stay on this ship, how would he have gotten the Devil Fruit now?

Family.

He felt it on this ship,

Although they were not related by blood, the concern among them was sincere.

Under everyone's watchful gaze, he wiped away his tears and took a bite of the Devil Fruit.

As the fruit entered his mouth, his expression immediately contorted.

It tasted awful — that was his first impression.

But he didn't spit it out. Instead, he fought through the urge to vomit and swallowed the entire fruit in one go.

"How is it?" Marco asked impatiently, eager to know the result.

"Show us what you can do," Larson said, his interest piqued.

Plank nodded seriously, and in the next second, shining crystals began to form and condense on the surface of his body, resembling a crystal-clear diamond.

Marco's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Diamond! Look at that massive diamond!"

"Let me test your defense," Larson said, covering his hands with Armament Haki before delivering a punch to Plank's abdomen.

The punch sent Plank crashing against the railing at the edge of the ship.

Holding his stomach and grimacing in pain, Plank still wore a joyful expression: "I actually withstood Lord Larson's blow!"

Larson withdrew his Haki and said, "The Shining Fruit has strong defensive capabilities. Your goal is simply to endure my punch. From now on, you can train with Marco."

"Got it!" Plank shouted excitedly.

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