Chapter 118
### **Chapter 118**
Redfield was sent to the sixth floor of Impel Down. If nothing unexpected happened, he would spend the rest of his life there.
Garp accompanied the warship transporting him, acting as an escort. But in Redfield's current state, even if he woke up, he wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.
Carl stood at the edge of his own warship, watching as the escort vessel disappeared beyond the horizon. His gaze was thoughtful, lost in contemplation.
Lucia approached, observing his expression before softly asking, **"Young Master, what's on your mind?"**
Carl snapped out of his thoughts and smiled at her. **"A Devil Fruit."**
Ever since hearing about Redfield in Mary Geoise, one particular Devil Fruit had been stuck in his mind. It was the very fruit Redfield had once possessed—one that seemed almost tailor-made for him:
**The Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire.**
Like all Mythical Zoan fruits, it granted immense physical enhancements far beyond those of a standard Zoan. But what truly set it apart was its unique ability—**eternal youth through the absorption of blood.**
This meant the user never had to worry about aging diminishing their strength.
For Carl, this wasn't just a powerful Devil Fruit—it was an investment in **immortality.**
He already knew where to find it. The Vampire Fruit had resurfaced within the ruins of an ancient town. However, retrieving it required deciphering old texts—texts he couldn't read.
**Which meant he needed someone who could.**
For Carl, finding Nico Robin wasn't difficult—he just had to go to Ohara. But Robin was still a child, barely three years old. No matter how gifted she was, she wouldn't be able to fully interpret such complex texts yet.
Fortunately, **her mother, Nico Olivia, could.**
With a plan in mind, Carl turned to Lucia. **"Tell the crew to set course for Marineford. We'll return to headquarters first."**
Lucia nodded obediently and relayed his orders.
---
After returning to Marineford, Carl wasted no time. He contacted **Spandam** through Den Den Mushi and assigned him a task—**locate Nico Olivia.**
Spandam, now the commander-in-chief of CP9, was skilled in intelligence gathering and eager to please. Within a few days, he delivered results:
**Nico Olivia had been found.**
She was aboard an expedition fleet currently bound for **Alabasta.**
In his Admiral's office, Carl reviewed the intelligence reports with a faint smile. **So, Olivia is heading to Alabasta for research? That means she's likely seeking one of the historical texts there.**
This only confirmed the accuracy of Spandam's intel. It wouldn't be a wasted trip.
Tapping his fingers against the table, Carl considered his next move before contacting Lucia again. **"Prepare the warship. We're heading to Alabasta."**
---
**Meanwhile, near Alabasta—**
In the first half of the Grand Line, a research vessel sailed steadily toward the desert kingdom.
At the bow of the ship stood **Nico Olivia.**
She held a small box in her hands, staring at the approaching land with a mix of determination and nostalgia.
A crew member approached her. **"Olivia, we've made contact with the royal family. They've granted us passage through the port."**
Olivia nodded. **"Did they ask about our purpose?"**
"I told them we're scholars from Ohara conducting research. They welcomed us."
At this time, Ohara was still **respected** around the world.
Brushing her white hair aside, Olivia glanced down at the box in her hands and sighed softly.
**"You'd be happy, wouldn't you? We're finally about to see the real thing."**
Inside the box were the ashes of her late husband—a man who, like her, had been obsessed with uncovering the truth of the world.
The scholars around her stood in quiet reflection. But their moment of silence was **suddenly broken.**
A voice echoed across the deck.
**"Historical text? Sounds like I've stumbled upon something interesting."**
Everyone froze.
Olivia's instincts kicked in. She swiftly drew a pistol, scanning the deck—but there was **no one** in sight.
The voice chuckled.
**"No need to look down. I'm up here."**
Every head turned **upward.**
Perched atop the ship's mast sat a **young man.**
His cloak fluttered in the wind, revealing the word **"Justice"** emblazoned across his back.
Normally, that symbol would bring comfort.
**But instead, it filled them with dread.**
Olivia narrowed her eyes, keeping her pistol steady. **"Who are you?"**
The young man didn't answer.
Instead, he **jumped.**
From nearly **30 meters high,** he descended—landing **silently** on the deck as if stepping down from a ledge.
The scholars stood frozen.
Not because of his jump.
But because of **his uniform.**
This was no ordinary Marine.
**This was an Admiral of the Navy.**
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