Chapter 50: Gift

Garling's words gave Carl a sense of being chosen, but he couldn't be sure if his luck would surpass that of the future Luffy.

He even considered eliminating Luffy in advance, but since Luffy hadn't been born yet, the only option was to target his father—Dragon.

According to the original course of history, Dragon would inevitably be brought into the Navy by Garp, giving Carl an opportunity.

However, he knew he couldn't act the moment he met Dragon. Garp was still in the Navy, and he needed a reason—one that would make his actions unquestionable.

That reason was simple: Dragon would become a traitor. Sooner or later, the Navy would hunt him down. When that time came, wouldn't it be reasonable for Carl to "accidentally" kill a traitor?

Carl silently calculated his next steps. Garling, mistaking his contemplation for worry, reassured him.

"Carl, the probability of the Nika Fruit awakening is still very small, so you don't have to be overly concerned. What you need to do now is strengthen your power and elevate the Figarland family's status in Mary Geoise even higher!"

"…?"

Carl was momentarily startled. That statement sounded… a little off.

He couldn't help but ask, "Elevate our status? Isn't the Figarland family already prominent enough?"

"Of course, we are," Garling replied. "But it's still not enough. When the Twenty Kings besieged Joyboy, our ancestors contributed the most. If he hadn't died too early, how could the Nerona family be ruling Mary Geoise now? It should be the Figarland family sitting on the Throne of Heaven!"

Carl inwardly chuckled. *What a good guy!* His uncle had ambitions to usurp the throne!

After speaking, Garling seemed to regret his words. He looked around warily and lowered his voice.

"Just remember what I said and don't mention it outside. Imu's abilities are strange and unpredictable—we can't be sure he won't hear it."

Carl nodded. He couldn't even handle Darian yet, let alone the ultimate boss, Imu.

Garling patted Carl's shoulder and changed the topic.

"Alright, if there's anything else you want from the secret chamber, take it. When we leave, I'll need to see how much stronger you've become."

Carl summoned his black Bible and asked with an innocent tone, "Uncle Garling, can I take everything?"

"…"

If Carl weren't his nephew, Garling might have drawn his sword at that moment. He took a deep breath, glared at Carl, and said, "You're not the head of the family yet! Why are you trying to take everything? Do you even have the strength to keep these treasures safe?!"

"Well, I was just saying. You're a little stingy, Uncle Garling."

Garling snorted. "Sooner or later, everything here will be yours. Think bigger."

"…Fine."

Carl reluctantly agreed, then asked, "Has Lucia eaten a Devil Fruit yet?"

"You're thinking of getting her one, right? No need. I already gave her a good one. Otherwise, do you think a former slave could have risen to captain of the guard so quickly?"

"Really? Then thank you, Uncle Garling!"

"No need for thanks. She's loyal to you. A Devil Fruit is nothing. Besides, if she died while serving as your guard, you'd probably go crazy when you found out."

Carl grinned. "Then I should give her something else. She's a swordsman, right? There are four famous swords hanging outside—let me pick one for her."

"Go ahead."

Carl wasn't only thinking about Lucia; he hadn't forgotten Ginny either. But he wasn't planning to give her a Devil Fruit—he had one in mind that suited her best but wasn't ready to obtain it yet.

For now, he wanted to give her something else—like a gun.

"Uncle Garling, does the family have a high-quality gun?"

"A gun? What do you need that for? Our family uses swords; there's no need."

"I want to give it as a gift. I have a friend who's a sharpshooter. A good gun would help her a lot."

"Is this friend one of the three from the Valley of Gods?"

"Yeah, the pink-haired one. Her name's Ginny."

"Haha, I see." Garling smirked. "Alright, I'll have the science division build a suitable gun. I assume you won't be staying with the family right now, correct? I'll send it directly to the Navy."

Carl nodded. He had no intention of staying with Darian around. Only when he became strong enough would he return, kill Darian, and take back everything that was rightfully his.

But the gun would take time to develop, and Carl didn't want to return empty-handed. After all, he had promised Ginny a gift.

He remembered mentioning boots to her before. With that in mind, he stretched out his hand toward Garling.

"Uncle Garling, the family must have boots, right? I want the kind that girls wear—the most expensive and beautiful ones!"

"Of course, we do, but just giving her boots isn't enough. Not long ago, a scientist named Judge developed some combat boots—there are women's models too. You can take a pair."

"That's great! Thank you, Uncle Garling."

"Hmph. Two women in such a short time… Don't let them become distractions, or I'll have to remove them myself."

"No, I know my priorities, Uncle Garling. Don't worry."

"It better be that way."

After that, Garling and Carl bowed once more to the coffin before walking toward the exit.

When they reached the Seastone gate, Carl instinctively slowed down. He hated that feeling of weakness.

Garling glanced at him and said casually, "Why are you hesitating? Do you need me to support you?"

Carl didn't bother pretending and nodded honestly.

Garling suddenly chuckled. "Then you're overthinking. I'm not supporting you, and you don't need it."

"Huh? Uncle Garling, what do you—"

Before Carl could finish, Garling suddenly pressed his hand on Carl's back and pushed him forward with controlled force.

Carl, caught off guard, stumbled forward but quickly regained his balance. His hand landed on the Seastone door, bracing himself for that terrible feeling of weakness.

However… nothing happened.

Even after a long moment, Carl felt no suppression from the Seastone. Curious, he tried activating his ability. His hand darkened with the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit—it worked smoothly.

Garling stood nearby with his arms crossed, smirking.

"Well? Do you still need my help now?"