"Nika. The Sun God?!" Blackbeard was skeptical.
He had always believed that his Dark-Dark Fruit was the most powerful in the world. But if there truly existed a Sun God Fruit, that would be a different story altogether!
After all, the sun is the force that dispels darkness and brings light to the world.
Buggy chuckled, "There's so much about this world you don't know! The significance of the Nika Fruit goes beyond merely dispelling darkness. It's a symbol of freedom and liberation!"
"Even now, people all over the world are waiting for Nika to appear! Just waiting for the moment Nika raises the flag of rebellion with a resounding shout!"
"The World Government has been searching for the Nika Fruit for centuries, but every time they come close, it slips through their fingers by some twist of fate! It's as if the Nika Fruit has a will of its own!"
"So, you can imagine the value of this Devil Fruit!"
Blackbeard fell silent. He really had no idea about this secret. Just from Buggy's description, he could tell the power of the Nika Fruit was likely superior to his Dark-Dark Fruit.
But then, something struck him as odd. Narrowing his eyes at Buggy, he asked suspiciously, "Wait a minute. If this Nika Fruit is so powerful, why would you tell me about it?"
Buggy smiled casually, "Because I don't believe in so-called fate."
Blackbeard was stunned, confused by Buggy's cryptic response.
The truth was, Buggy had told Blackbeard about the Nika Fruit just to satisfy a bit of mischief. This was the fate of their world.
Buggy was curious to see what kind of encounter would unfold between Blackbeard and Luffy if they met ahead of schedule.
He also wondered if Blackbeard, as the destined villain, could defy fate and bring together darkness and light, possibly even turning the tables and seizing the throne.
Hearing this, Blackbeard nodded almost without hesitation and laughed, "Hahaha, if you're willing to part with it, then of course I want it! After all, it's your kind offer!"
"As for whether I'll use it or not, that depends on the circumstances."
Buggy didn't know how the final plot of the One Piece story would unfold. He only knew that two years after setting sail again, Luffy defeated Doflamingo, then faced Big Mom and Kaido one after another.
In his battle with Kaido, Luffy awakened the Nika form and trampled Kaido to ascend to the rank of the Four Emperors.
Eventually, the Straw Hat crew reached Egghead, where they had a fierce clash with the Five Elders of the World Government.
While the final outcome was still unknown, Buggy knew that the conflict at Egghead was only a taste of what was to come.
Before Luffy could become the Pirate King, his greatest opponent would be Blackbeard. And after he became king, his true battle would be against the World Government.
As the protagonist of this world, Luffy is destined to sing his way through challenges, defeat Blackbeard to claim the title of Pirate King, overthrow Imu to dismantle the World Government's rule, and finally lead his crew to create a world of true freedom!
Though unsure what Buggy's plans are, Blackbeard is focused on getting the Nika Fruit first!
What's the connection between this Nika Fruit and 'fate'?
Buggy shook his head and replied, "I don't get it either. Anyway, just tell me if you want this Nika Fruit or not!"
With a smile, Buggy continued, "Because of the special significance of the Nika Fruit, the World Government has gone to great lengths to erase its name!"
Now, the Nika Fruit is known as the Paramecia-type Rubber Fruit!
A sudden realization hit Blackbeard as he recalled the pesky kid who he couldn't tolerate, and he exclaimed in shock, "You mean the Rubber Fruit the Straw Hat kid has?"
Buggy nodded in affirmation, "That's right! It's that Rubber Fruit! But it can only become the Nika Fruit once it awakens!"
Blackbeard's mind raced, connecting the dots quickly, and he laughed, "Hahaha, so that's what you were hinting at back in Marineford! Shanks knew about the Nika Fruit and bet his arm on the Straw Hat kid, didn't he?"
Buggy shook his head, "You're mistaken. Shanks originally brought the Nika Fruit to Luffy! Although Luffy eating it was an 'accident,' Shanks later saw it as fate!"
Blackbeard frowned, "Why? Shouldn't you all have kept the Devil Fruit for yourselves? Shanks gave it to a kid?"
Buggy smiled, "Now you're thinking like a normal person, Teach! That's why I like you! Shanks was already out of his depth!"
Blackbeard chuckled, "Hahaha, you're right! We're the ones who are real on this sea, unlike those who only play pirate games!"
Buggy shrugged, "I've already told you where to find the Nika Fruit. So, what's your move?"
Blackbeard's eyes flickered, but he didn't respond immediately.
Knowing that the Nika Fruit is the Rubber Fruit Luffy possesses, Blackbeard was even more convinced that Buggy had some ulterior motive!
After all, if Luffy, the Straw Hat kid, is Shanks' future, any move against Luffy will involve Shanks. Buggy might be trying to use him for something!
So, Blackbeard was uncertain whether to make a move or wait for the situation to become clearer.
Buggy didn't care what Blackbeard was thinking; after all, he had left it up to him, and whether it worked out or not was secondary!
"You two ugly guys, if you dare to harm Luffy, I'll never forgive you!"
At this moment, Boa Hancock's voice, filled with anger, could be heard.
Buggy and Blackbeard hadn't bothered to lower their voices during their conversation, so Boa Hancock overheard everything!
Initially, Boa Hancock wasn't paying much attention, but when Buggy mentioned Luffy, she became alert!
Upon hearing that Blackbeard might attack Luffy, Boa Hancock couldn't contain her anger and threatened them! It was only at this moment that she completely forgot she was still a prisoner!
"I almost forgot about you! Teach, handle the rest yourself!"
Buggy glanced at Boa Hancock, raised a hand dismissively, and headed towards the cabin!
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