The Hot-Hot Fruit

"Kong, what did Roger say?"

Fleet Admiral Kong asked Sengoku. Ever since Roger had been captured, he had been placed under heavy guard, and the Marines had been trying to get information from him. But unfortunately, Roger had said nothing.

Sengoku shook his head and replied, "Same as before. He just keeps saying he turned himself in and that we can do whatever we want with him. Other than that, he says nothing."

"Does Roger have a screw loose or something? What the hell is he up to?"

As the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, Kong was completely baffled by Roger's actions. Normally, capturing Roger should have been a cause for celebration, but something about this situation felt off. Why would Roger just surrender himself? What was his goal?

Until Kong figured it out, he couldn't shake his unease.

Sengoku, despite being a brilliant strategist, also couldn't make sense of Roger's thinking. He hesitated before saying, "Roger had no reason to surrender. But since he did, no matter what his plan is, as long as we don't let him succeed, we'll be fine. After all, he's in our custody now—there's no way he can make trouble."

Kong nodded. "That's true, but we still can't be careless. We also need to be on guard against his crew. If they try to break him out, we need to be ready."

Sengoku smirked. "Marineford is the most heavily guarded place in the world. Even if the entire Roger Pirates crew comes, they won't make it out alive."

Kong thought for a moment before adding, "Send Garp to talk to Roger. They've been both rivals and friends for years—maybe he can get something out of him."

"Alright. I'll talk to Garp about it."

Kong still wasn't satisfied. "Also, I want to know where Roger has been for the past year. Tell the intelligence division to investigate every trace of his movements. I want to know where he went, what he did, and who he met."

Sengoku nodded and left the office to begin preparations. Capturing Roger was just the first step. The real work was figuring out what to do next and uncovering the truth behind his surrender.

Had the Marines captured Roger in battle, that would be one thing. But since Roger had come willingly, there were too many unknowns to ignore.

"Jon, I need to talk to you."

Jon had just left the strategy meeting when Peberton caught up with him, looking anxious.

"What's going on?" Jon asked, noticing Peberton's urgency.

Peberton glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "Come with me."

He led Jon to his private quarters, only then revealing his request.

"Jon, I need to borrow money."

"Borrow money?"

Jon was stunned. Borsalino frequently borrowed money from him, but this was the first time Peberton had asked. Jon knew that Peberton wasn't someone who lacked money, so why now?

"If you're short on cash, just tell me how much. No need to call it borrowing."

Peberton hesitated before saying, "If it were just a little, I wouldn't hesitate to ask. But this time, it's a lot—even my uncle couldn't gather enough. I know you have money, so I came to you for help."

Jon frowned. "How much do you need?"

"200 million Berries."

"…What?!"

Jon was dumbfounded. "What the hell do you need that much money for, Peberton?"

"For a Devil Fruit. That Hot-Hot Fruit Borsalino found—I want to buy it."

"You want that Devil Fruit? Do you even know what kind it is? And wait… Borsalino never turned it in?"

Peberton nodded. "I was the one who convinced him not to. And I've already made sure the other Marines who know about it won't say anything."

"You know my talent isn't like yours or Borsalino's. My growth is too slow. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll probably never get past the rank of Rear Admiral. Rising any higher is almost impossible."

"In the past, I didn't care. I figured I'd just settle down somewhere as a base commander and live a stable life. But after spending so much time with you guys, my perspective has changed. The world is so much bigger than I thought. If I just hide away in some base for the rest of my life, wouldn't that be a waste?"

"So, I want to get stronger. If I can't do it through talent, I'll do it with external power. My uncle confirmed it—this Devil Fruit is a Paramecia-type, the Hot-Hot Fruit."

"Wait, did you say the Hot-Hot Fruit?"

Jon interrupted, surprised.

"Yeah, that's right."

"I see…"

Suddenly, everything clicked for Jon. No wonder Charlotte Oven hadn't used any powers when they fought—he hadn't eaten the Hot-Hot Fruit yet.

"My uncle told me the Hot-Hot Fruit has huge potential. If I can master it, I'll definitely become stronger."

Peberton's eyes were filled with determination as he looked at Jon. Jon had never seen him this serious before.

"This is risky. I trust Borsalino, but are you sure you can keep the others quiet?"

Peberton and Jon had been close friends for years. Whenever Jon took action, he almost always brought Peberton along. Their bond wasn't as deep as Jon's with Borsalino, but it was still strong. If Peberton needed help, Jon wouldn't refuse.

But Peberton's situation was different from Borsalino's.

Borsalino was a rising star in the Marines, someone the higher-ups had already taken an interest in. He was guaranteed to become an admiral someday, so even if he pocketed a Devil Fruit, he wouldn't face serious consequences.

Peberton, however, was just a Marine captain. His biggest backing was his retired uncle in the logistics division. In terms of strength, rank, and connections, he was nowhere near Borsalino's level.

"That's why I came to you for the money. I'll pay 300 million Berries for the fruit—100 million each for you and Borsalino, and another 100 million to keep the others quiet."

"That much money should be enough to shut them up. Even if this is discovered later, I'll have already eaten the fruit. They can't make me spit it out, right?"

Jon chuckled. "You've really thought this through. Since you're asking, of course I'll help. But let me ask you this—how did you know I had this kind of money?"

200 million Berries wasn't a small amount. Jon came from the South Blue, and even though his father was a base commander, there was no way he had that much money. His Marine salary was even less relevant.

"My uncle told me."

"Oh, right."

Jon smacked his forehead. He had forgotten—Peberton's uncle worked in the logistics department. He must have caught wind of Jon's business dealings there.

"I'll lend you the money. And forget the 100 million you were going to give me—just consider it an investment. If you get stronger, you owe me one. Don't turn your back on me later."

"Get lost."

Peberton playfully punched Jon in the shoulder. "I hate being on the front lines. If I can stay your right-hand man, that's the best outcome for me."

"I don't have the cash on me. 200 million Berries isn't something I just carry around. Give me two days—tell your uncle to pick it up. And be careful. I trust Borsalino, but keep an eye on those other guys."

"Don't worry. They won't dare betray me after taking the money."

Jon saw the ruthless look in Peberton's eyes and said nothing more. The Marines weren't all comrades—there were always factions and alliances.

Peberton left excitedly to make preparations, while Jon walked away, thinking to himself:

"The Hot-Hot Fruit… That's a strong one. If Peberton trains properly, he could really become a force to be reckoned with."

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