Chapter 167: Face Fruit and Red Hair

Chapter 167: Face Fruit and Red Hair

After reading about the Face-Face Fruit, the ship fell into a brief silence.

"The Face-Face Fruit? That sounds unreliable. Does such a fruit really exist?"

Most people's first reaction was skepticism.

After all, the name "Face-Face Fruit" sounded too much like something made up.

The idea of altering someone's will was somewhat believable, but the part about not being rejected by the sea was baffling.

"Is this for real? Did the newspaper editor just make this up?"

Amidst the discussions, someone loudly remarked:

"Speaking of which, yesterday's portrait of Doflamingo with bean-shaped eyes seemed absurd at first, but judging from today's clarification, it's probably true..."

The mention of Doflamingo's true appearance made some people chuckle.

After the laughter died down, many fell into deep thought.

Indeed.

Devil Fruits came in all sorts of strange and varied abilities. Perhaps, somewhere out there, the Face-Face Fruit really did exist?

Though, such a Devil Fruit probably had a more formal name?

"The Face-Face Fruit, ranked even above the Dark-Dark Fruit?"

He had seen the top 10 Devil Fruits in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, and their abilities were indeed incredibly powerful. The newspaper editor clearly knew their stuff, which was undeniable.

So... could the Face-Face Fruit actually exist?

"If the Face-Face Fruit is truly stronger than the Dark-Dark Fruit, should I change my plans and try to obtain it instead?"

"But I wonder, does the Face-Face Fruit really exist, and what does it look like?"

Teach fell into deep thought.

As he pondered, someone suddenly shouted:

"Wait, there's more to this article! There's a preview on the back!"

The crew member unfolded the newspaper and read aloud:

"As we all know, a person can only eat one Devil Fruit."

"But in this vast world, there are exceptions. The possibility of dual or even multiple Devil Fruit users exists."

"In the future, the Tieba Tabloid will take you through the exceptions among exceptions—the legendary multi-Devil Fruit users!"

Teach's entire body shuddered, and he nearly lost his mind!

This was even more shocking than the revelation of the Dark-Dark Fruit!

Had his greatest secret been discovered?

No! That's impossible!

Teach could no longer keep up the act. He snatched the newspaper from his comrade's hands, his eyes widening like copper bells as he read it over and over, but he found no useful information.

The publisher of the newspaper was the Tieba News Agency, which he had never heard of.

The author of the article, using the pen name Himura, was also unknown.

"How much does Himura know?"

.....

The Tieba Tabloid, which had only released its second issue, had become a sensation.

The first issue, which exposed Doflamingo's true appearance, had been bought by most people out of sheer curiosity.

But this second issue, with its ranking of the top 10 Devil Fruits, was the real deal, sparking endless discussions across the seas!

At first, people were drawn to the article's content, marveling at the bizarre and powerful abilities of the fruits listed.

The article quickly became a popular topic of conversation, especially among pirates during their drinking sessions.

And then, the debates began.

"The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is ranked too high. I admit Whitebeard is the strongest in the world, but the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's abilities are a bit lacking compared to the others on the list."

"The Glint-Glint Fruit can move at the speed of light? And it's not the strongest? I refuse to accept that!"

"I don't accept it either! I'm the user of the Butt-Butt Fruit, and I'm the strongest Devil Fruit user!"

"What about the Clear-Clear Fruit? That's every man's dream! How is it not one of the strongest Devil Fruits?"

As time went on, the debates didn't die down. Instead, they grew fiercer and more widespread.

"Draw your sword! The Butt-Butt Fruit is the strongest!"

"You're full of it! The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is number one! Whitebeard is the strongest in the world!"

"Why are you taking off your pants? What? You're the Butt-Butt Fruit user? Eww~~~"

"The author of this article is Himura? What's his agenda?"

"Who is Himura? Who's the bear?"

"I'm more interested in the next issue's topic about multi-Devil Fruit users... Wait, he didn't say it's the next issue, just that it'll be covered in the future?"

As the debates and arguments continued to heat up, the newspaper's sales and reputation steadily climbed...

......

Marine Headquarters.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku thoughtfully looked at the copy of the Tieba Tabloid on his desk.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, are you really planning to promote Borsalino and Sakazuki as Admirals based solely on Sig's article?"

On the couch, Garp munched on rice crackers while casually commenting.

The Marines had a long-standing collaboration with Morgans, so it wasn't difficult for them to figure out that Sig was behind the newspaper.

"Sig's article is spot on. Those two indeed have the potential to become Admirals."

Garp asked again, "Then... should we take action? Stop Sig from continuing to publish this newspaper?"

"Why stop him? Sig is actively exposing various pieces of information, which benefits us."

"For example, this time, we've learned about two potential Admiral candidates."

"Moreover, the more he exposes, the better our chances of uncovering his true identity!"

Sengoku said.

......

Another part of the New World.

On the Red Force, the ship of the Red-Haired Pirates, a banquet was underway as usual.

"Captain? Do you think this Face-Face Fruit really exists?"

Yasopp, slightly drunk, asked Shanks, who was also tipsy.

"Yeah, Captain, you've seen a lot and even sailed on the Pirate King's ship. You should know if the Face-Face Fruit is real, right?"

"The Face-Face Fruit, huh..."

Shanks showed a look of interest and nodded with a smile:

"Of course, it's real. I even know who the user is."

"Really? Captain, you're not joking, are you?"

"Of course, I'm not joking. The user of the Face-Face Fruit is someone you all know."

"In the bar at Foosha Village in the East Blue, you've even shared drinks with him."

This immediately caught Benn Beckman and the others' attention.

"Could it be... him?"

Shanks held his beer mug and said with a laugh:

"That person is..."

"Me!"

Shanks laughed loudly, raising his mug high:

"Brothers, give me some face and cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Amidst the laughter, the other pirates also raised their mugs and clinked them together.

After finishing his drink, Shanks stroked his chin and smiled.

"The Face-Face Fruit's ability is really useful..."

From that day on, Shanks gained a new catchphrase.