Chapter 75: The Barrier Fruit

"Mr. Caesar is back!"

Soon, as the ship docked at the port, news of Caesar's return quickly spread throughout Loguetown.

"It's been a while, Mr. Caesar! It's so good to see you back safe and sound!"

"Mr. Caesar, long time no see!"

"Ah~ Mr. Caesar is still as handsome as ever!"

As soon as they stepped onto the port, people from all walks of life, dressed in various styles, greeted Caesar along the way.

Passersby, young maidens, shop owners, innocent children, gentlemanly merchants, and even underworld thugs—some greeted him warmly, some paid their respects with a glance, and others tipped their hats in acknowledgment.

Even with the intimidating presence of Kuma, who stood tall and looked like someone not to be trifled with, the people's enthusiasm couldn't be dampened.

"That man with the hanger-like hairstyle is Han Ge, the owner of a fashion boutique in the shopping street. The mustached man rubbing his hands next to him is Yin Jie, the owner of a general store who loves to scam outsiders. The guy over there with the wine-stained nose and a receding hairline is Ipponmatsu, whose ancestors came from Wano Country. I bought my Third Generation Ghost Cutter from him."

As they walked, Caesar introduced some of the people he was familiar with.

"The old man at the street corner is Leighton, the landlord of the shopping street. The woman with the pink peacock-like hairstyle is Carmen, a famous chef from the East Blue, though she's quite narcissistic. The stylish old man in the knitted cap is Mister Bu, the owner of a pirate bar and an old acquaintance of Roger's."

"An old acquaintance of Roger's?"

Hearing this, Yamato immediately perked up.

Caesar nodded: "That's right. Roger used to frequent his bar when he was young, and they were quite good friends."

"So, even in Loguetown, we can encounter legends from the past? That feels quite magical."

Robin smiled: "But what surprised me the most is how much respect you command in Loguetown. Is it because of your charity work?"

"Not entirely."

Caesar spoke leisurely: "There are countless poor and suffering people in this world, and humans are actually very fragile creatures. When their survival is threatened, they can abandon their conscience without hesitation, becoming ruthless beasts."

"It's like how a villain who puts down his weapon is seen as a reformed man, but a good person who makes one mistake is condemned by society. Wealth and kindness alone can't earn people's respect."

"I am a philanthropist, yes, but I'm also a major shareholder in Loguetown's business circle, the actual controller of over a hundred village gangs, a resource sponsor for several nearby Navy branch bases, and the largest employer of nearly half the island's workforce."

"People fear violence, despise power, covet wealth, trample on kindness, and dread evil. A single trait only exposes your weakness. Only when you possess all these traits and use them wisely will people truly respect, revere, and admire you."

"Do you understand, Bonney…"

Kuma held Bonney in his hands and leaned closer to Caesar: "Caesar's understanding of human nature and the world is something we should learn from, but don't follow his example when it comes to relationships…"

Bonney nodded repeatedly: "Mhm, mhm!"

Caesar: "..."

"It is indeed an interesting perspective, but it's also true in reality."

Robin's tone carried a hint of complexity. Years of life on the run had not eroded her kindness. At times, she would quietly help those in need, but more often than not, she was met with betrayal and hurt.

It was precisely because of this that she came to understand more deeply that pure kindness alone could not solve anything. In fact, it could even put oneself in danger.

"So, is evil also necessary?"

Yamato looked at Caesar with confusion. In her simple worldview, good and evil were supposed to be irreconcilable.

"If kindness alone could reform evil, then there wouldn't be so much sin in these seas. You must show mercy to the kind, but to the wicked, you must be even more ruthless."

Caesar spoke gently. He admired Yamato's pure and kind nature, but he didn't want her to become a naive do-gooder.

Fortunately, although the girl was a bit stubborn, she wasn't someone who refused to listen. Now, with her increasing exposure to the outside world, Caesar was confident he could help her develop a healthy worldview.

"I don't fully understand it, but since it's you saying it, Caesar, then it must be fine."

Yamato chuckled. "After all, you're smarter than me. Nothing seems to trouble you. If you say so, then there must be a good reason!"

"Good. Learning from others' strengths is also a good habit."

Caesar nodded and gently raised his hand. Yamato quickly leaned in, seeking a pat on the head.

"Ohhh, Caesar!!!"

Suddenly, an excited shout rang out. From a distance, a green-haired man with a rooster-like hairstyle, tears in his eyes, was rushing toward Caesar.

Beside him, a beautiful woman with pink hair streaked with yellow was keeping pace, determined not to fall behind.

"Get out of the way, Barto! Don't get in the way!"

"Huh? You're the one who should step aside, Dezaya!"

"I'm the security captain appointed by Caesar himself. Do you want me to turn you over to the Navy, you jerk?"

"I've got thousands of underlings. What can a woman like you do?"

Screech—

Too busy to continue arguing, the two came to a sudden halt in front of Caesar, the sound of their abrupt stop piercing the air.

"Sir! You're finally back!"

"Caesar! Welcome back!"

The two of them crowded in front of Caesar, both looking extremely excited.

Caesar turned slightly and introduced them to the others. "This is Bartolomeo, the boss of the underworld in Loguetown. And this is Dezaya, the security captain of Loguetown. Both of them are my trusted aides."

"Caesar~" they both chimed in unison, clutching their chests, their faces filled with emotion.

"Waaahhh!"

Bartolomeo wiped his tears and suddenly burst into loud sobs.

"Being called your trusted aide... I don't deserve it! Knowing that you were heading to the New World, I couldn't follow you. Damn it! For the past year, I've hated my own weakness every single day..."

"It was me who told you not to come."

Caesar shook his head helplessly. "Back then, my strength was limited. I could only guarantee my own safety. It would have been irresponsible to let you follow me into danger."

"This guy... really admires you, huh?"

Robin shot Caesar a questioning look, her meaning clear—is this guy perhaps gay?

Caesar understood instantly and shook his head slightly.

"Admiration? Of course!"

Upon hearing Robin's words, Bartolomeo suddenly spread his arms wide.

"Sir... he is undoubtedly the savior sent by heaven to save this world!"

Everyone: "???"

"Actually, I'm not entirely sure myself, but roughly speaking... when these guys were young and couldn't get enough to eat, I gave them a meal and taught them some knowledge and principles?"

Caesar explained: "Later, when I started my business, I brought these people along and took in many who couldn't get enough to eat. Due to geographical factors, Loguetown has a significant number of orphans or descendants of pirates. To ensure a stable life, I decided to address this issue."

Robin nodded in understanding: "I see, so it's the merit of education?"

"Oh!!"

Bartolomeo's eyes lit up: "Miss, you really get it! But it's not just that! Sir is a man who possesses endless resources! Although I can't say much, he is definitely sent by heaven to save this rotten world!"

Caesar glanced at him expressionlessly: "Speaking of which, the title 'man who possesses endless resources'... was leaked to the World Economic Times by this guy."

"Hehe, is that so?" Robin couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

Kuma seemed to understand something too, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

They had all witnessed Caesar's miraculous ability to conjure food and even ships.

From this perspective, Caesar's ideology and his ability to provide endless resources indeed made him seem like a messenger sent by heaven to rectify the world.

"By the way, sir! I have another gift for you!"

Bartolomeo seemed to remember something and turned to invite: "It's at your house. I've been taking care of your residence this past year, ensuring there's not a speck of dust to be found!"

Dezaya immediately became furious: "You're full of it! We agreed to take turns every day, so how is it all your credit? If anything, it should be half and half!"

"Hahaha! Naive fool! I even took care of the ant nests on the roof and in the yard!"

"You're insane?!"

The two of them bickered as they walked ahead, leading everyone to a serene little estate. Inside the estate stood a two-story villa, not luxurious but still quite impressive, spacious enough even for Kuma's towering height.

Turning to look at Kuma, Caesar smiled: "Back then, I specifically increased the ceiling height to make it easier for training. I didn't expect it to come in handy now."

Kuma chuckled sheepishly: "My height is indeed quite troublesome."

"No problem! Almost all the construction companies in Loguetown are our people. We'll have this place expanded by tonight!" Bartolomeo patted his chest confidently.

"That won't be necessary..."

Caesar shook his head: "I won't be staying long this time. I have other matters to attend to, and I probably won't have many opportunities to return in the future."

"Gah—"

Bartolomeo's mouth fell open, tears streaming down his face: "Although I knew this day would come, it's still hard to bear... Sir, you are a man with grand ambitions, and of course, I wouldn't selfishly ask you to stay. But this time, no matter what—please take me with you!"

"Alright."

Caesar nodded. He had returned to Loguetown specifically for Bartolomeo, who was his absolute confidant and die-hard fan.

"Eh? What about me? I want to go with you too!"

Dezaya kicked Bartolomeo aside and looked at Caesar with anticipation.

"Dezaya, you stay here."

Caesar shook his head slightly: "I have other plans for you. After all, Loguetown is my hometown, and we still need someone to manage things here. Once we establish a foothold in the Grand Line, if you're willing, I'd like to entrust you with the security work, alright?"

Unlike Bartolomeo, Dezaya was a clever girl, exceptionally skilled in intelligence analysis.

Using meat to lure Luffy, predicting Usopp's plant-based sniping, and using sticky glue bombs to trap Zoro—these were all her doing.

Though she wasn't particularly strong, there weren't many people in this world who knew how to use their brains…

"Sure~ I'd be happy to serve you!"

Dezaya's face lit up with joy. Although she couldn't stay by Caesar's side for now, being trusted by him filled her with happiness.

"By the way, sir! Please take a look at the gift I prepared for you!"

Bartolomeo rushed into the room and soon returned carrying a small wooden box. He opened it, revealing a square-shaped green fruit with a swirling pattern.

"A Devil Fruit!"

Everyone was instantly surprised. No one expected Bartolomeo's gift to be a Devil Fruit.

"That's right, a Devil Fruit…"

Bartolomeo nodded solemnly: "To be honest, during the two years before you set sail, you spent a lot of time training and often flipped through the Devil Fruit encyclopedia. I could sense your deep desire for strength, and I had a feeling you'd eventually choose to go to sea."

"Sure enough, when you suddenly asked me to contact the Whitebeard Pirates, I knew you had likely chosen a Devil Fruit. Otherwise, with your personality, you'd never take such a risk."

"Though I firmly believed you'd succeed, I couldn't help but worry. So, I did my best to gather information about Devil Fruits, and then I found this!"

"The Paramecia Type—Barrier Fruit! I obtained it during a battle with a group of Pirates!"

"Good job, Barto."

Caesar was somewhat surprised. As expected, the fruit had ended up in Bartolomeo's hands.

He picked up the fruit, weighed it in his hand, and with a flip of his wrist, it disappeared. Another flip, and it reappeared.

"Eat it. I've already consumed a suitable fruit."

"Eh?"

Bartolomeo was stunned: "But don't you love collecting rare items like this?"

"I just enjoy the satisfaction of acquiring things. A Devil Fruit's true value is only realized when it's eaten."

Caesar smiled: "By the way, everyone on our ship is now a Devil Fruit user, and since you're the one who found this fruit, you're the most suitable candidate."

As soon as Caesar finished speaking, Bartolomeo didn't hesitate. He picked up the fruit and took a big bite.

"It's disgusting!"

Bartolomeo gagged, but the smile on his face couldn't be suppressed.

"Honestly, I've had my eye on this fruit from the very beginning!"

He looked at Caesar with excitement: "Ever since I got this fruit, I've been thinking that if I could eat it, I would definitely become the strongest shield for you, sir!"

Dezaya curled her lips: "How cheesy, you idiot..."

"Dezaya, you'll get one too. You've all worked hard during this time."

Caesar smiled slightly: "I still have a Buffalo Fruit here, but it's not really suitable for you. I'll find you a more fitting ability later."

"Ha... Thank you, sir!"

Dezaya's eyes lit up, but then her gaze subtly swept over Yamato and Baby 5, who were leaning close to Caesar, and a hint of jealousy crept into her tone.

"By the way, are these ladies your companions, sir?"

"Let me introduce them briefly. This is Yamato, this is Baby 5, and this is Robin..."

Caesar introduced with a smile: "They're all my girlfriends!"

Dezaya: "..."

For some reason, while she felt disappointed, a sense of relief suddenly washed over her.

Bad news: Sir already has girlfriends!

Good news: Sir has more than one girlfriend! I still have a chance!

Just as she was internally debating whether Caesar's playboy behavior was good or bad, Bartolomeo silently gave a thumbs up from the side.

"Walking on three boats without capsizing—truly worthy of Caesar, sir!"

"..."

Well, well, you sure know how to flatter!

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