Chapter 104

Dragon's head snapped up, his sharp eyes locking onto Carl.

"Carl… Admiral, what do you mean?"

Carl's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"You still have some time before you graduate. Go out to sea in advance. It'll do wonders for your knowledge and strength."

Before Dragon could respond, Carl's figure distorted into a swirling **dark vortex**—

And then—

He was gone.

###

Carl had **other matters to attend to.**

As a newly promoted Admiral, he was expected to report to **Mary Geoise.**

Garp, despite his overwhelming strength, had refused the promotion to Admiral, wanting nothing to do with the **Celestial Dragons.**

Carl, on the other hand, had no choice this time.

Saint **Garling** had personally summoned him, claiming there was **something important to discuss.**

###

After informing Kong, Carl set off for Mary Geoise, accompanied by **Lucia** and a fleet of **warships.**

He didn't bring **Ginny.**

Even if he wanted to, she likely wouldn't have agreed.

Her past as a **slave** had left deep scars—she held nothing but **hatred** for the Celestial Dragons.

**Except for Carl.**

###

Upon arrival, Carl and Lucia **disembarked.**

Ignoring the Five Elders entirely, Carl headed straight for the **Figarland estate,** escorted by a squad of **golden-armored guards.**

The guards **stole glances** at Carl's Marine Admiral coat, their eyes filled with admiration.

Whispers spread as soon as Carl passed.

"The young master… is an **Admiral** now."

"And he's not even **twenty** yet… Unbelievable."

"As expected from the Figarland heir. His talent is **terrifying.**"

"With **Lord Garling** and **Lord Carl**, our family's power will only continue to grow!"

"Uh… what about **Saint Darian**?"

Silence.

Then, one guard spoke in a **hushed tone.**

"It's been a long time since anyone's seen **Saint Darian…**"

"You don't know? **Saint Carl** and **Saint Darian** never got along. Even **Lord Garling…**"

The guard quickly **bit his tongue.**

Everyone else fell silent, understanding the unspoken rule—

**The Figarland family's internal matters were not to be discussed.**

###

Inside a **lavish bedroom**, Garling sat on an opulent chair, one leg crossed over the other.

His arms were folded, his eyes closed—

Seemingly asleep.

But the moment Carl stepped in—

Garling's eyes **opened.**

A small smile touched his lips.

"You're back."

Carl pulled up a chair across from him and sat down.

"Yeah. I'm back."

Garling casually picked up an apple from a bowl and tossed it to Carl.

Carl caught it, took a **big bite**, and chewed.

Unlike their previous meeting, there was a **natural ease** between them now—less formality, more familiarity.

###

After finishing the apple, Carl summoned the **Dark Bible.**

From its depths, he pulled out a **Devil Fruit** and set it on the table.

Garling's brows furrowed.

"A Devil Fruit? Why did you bring this?"

Carl dusted off his hands.

"This is the **Float-Float Fruit.** A powerful ability. If you're interested, Uncle Garling, it's yours."

Garling's fingers **tightened** around the armrest of his chair.

"The **Float-Float Fruit?!**"

He abruptly stood up, staring at the fruit with an **incredulous expression.**

"Where did you get this?"

Carl casually explained the development of his **Dark-Dark Fruit** abilities.

Even with all of Garling's **knowledge**, it took him a moment to fully comprehend.

His gaze flickered between Carl and the **Float-Float Fruit.**

Then, after a long pause, he shook his head.

"No. It's a powerful fruit, but it's not for me. I don't need a Devil Fruit."

Carl **wasn't surprised.**

The **Float-Float Fruit**, though undeniably strong, wasn't the best match for a **swordsman.**

Even the **Golden Lion**, despite his fearsome reputation, never truly **merged** his swordsmanship with the fruit's abilities.

###

With a flick of his wrist, Carl returned the fruit to the **Dark Bible.**

"Alright," he mused, "I'll see if one of my subordinates is a good match for it."

He had briefly considered **Ginny**, but ultimately dismissed the idea.

Powerful Devil Fruits required **powerful wielders.**

The **Float-Float Fruit** wasn't inherently broken—it was only thanks to the **Golden Lion's mastery** that it reached such **insane heights.**

If Ginny ate it, she might only be able to **levitate small objects**—

Nowhere near **moving islands** like the Golden Lion.

Carl needed to find **someone exceptional** to wield it.

###

Still, the thought lingered—

A **Devil Fruit** could be useful for someone of **Garling's caliber.**

"Are you sure?" Carl asked, watching Garling closely.

"You really don't want to eat a Devil Fruit?"

Garling chuckled, leaning back.

"What, are you worried you'll have too many to give away?"

Carl smirked.

"Hey, I just thought **family** should get the best stuff first."

Garling laughed—a rare, genuine laugh.

Around Carl, he felt **lighter**, more at ease.

It had been **years** since he had laughed this freely.

But despite Carl's insistence, Garling remained **resolute.**

He had once **considered** eating a Devil Fruit—

But that was a **long time ago.**

Back during the **Valley of the Gods Incident.**

There was only **one fruit** he had ever wanted—

A fruit that had left a **deep impression** on him.

A fruit whose power he had **personally witnessed.**

And that fruit—

Wasn't the **Float-Float Fruit.**