The battle for Greyscale Island had come to an end. The throne that once belonged to Rugo had been utterly toppled. Now, all eyes on the island were focused on a single man—Barron.
Barron sat in the council chamber, surrounded by crates filled with spoils looted from Rugo's vault.
Glittering stacks of Beli coins and banknotes were neatly arranged, their golden sheen casting flickers of light across the dim room.
Standing beside him, Kane held a clipboard, reading from a freshly tallied inventory.
"Barron, the count is complete.
Rugo's total assets amount to approximately 80 million Beli—including cash, weapons, and rare materials. In addition, the 100 million Beli Eric brought back has already been stored in the warehouse."
Barron tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over the key figures present in the hall—the merchants' guild representative, leaders of the smaller factions that once resisted Rugo, and both Eric and Hall.
"Gentlemen, the age of Rugo on Greyscale Island is over." Barron raised his head, his voice calm yet resolute.
"From this day forward, the rules of this island will be rewritten. The chaos, oppression, and infighting of the past must end."
His eyes locked onto each face in turn as he continued:
"This island is only the beginning, but it must become the most fortified stronghold in the Sea of Abyss. One day, we will extend our reach to the main island of Graham—and far beyond. This sea will revolve around us."
A heavy silence fell over the chamber. Some of the faction leaders murmured among themselves, uncertain. Finally, the merchants' guild representative—a shrewd-looking older man—stepped forward.
"Lord Barron, your vision is compelling. But we need solid assurances. If we swear our allegiance to you, can you truly guarantee safer trade routes? Better profits?"
Barron nodded, offering a slight smile.
"Of course. Rugo's resources will be used to restructure the port. We'll rebuild our defenses and establish new patrol units.
As for profit—" he gestured to the inventory list, "Rugo's trading network will remain intact, but profit sharing will be far more equitable."
Another faction leader frowned.
"It all sounds promising—but what if you become just as tyrannical as Rugo?"
Barron's eyes sharpened. He stared directly at the man, his voice low but firm:
"You can choose to trust me—or walk away. But if you choose to stay, understand this: this island will have only one voice, and that voice is mine."
Silence fell again. After a tense pause, the guild representative gave a nod.
"Very well, Lord Barron. I hope you'll stay true to your word."
After the meeting ended, Hall and Kane remained behind, watching Barron with thoughtful expressions.
Hall was the first to speak, his tone tinged with admiration.
"Barron, I always thought your war was about revenge. But now I see—it's far more than that."
Kane nodded in agreement, a rare smile on his face.
"You didn't just defeat Rugo. You redefined the future of this island. That kind of vision and resolve—it's worth following."
The two men stepped forward. Hall dropped to one knee.
"Lord Barron, from this day forth, my life is yours."
Kane stood upright, his voice steady and strong.
"My lord, I swear my loyalty. I'll fight by your side until the end."
Barron looked at them, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes before he composed himself once more.
"Hall, Kane—from today on, we are bound by life and death. Your trust—I'll repay with action."
That night, Eric entered Barron's room carrying a small wooden chest.
"My lord, I didn't get a chance earlier—but I think now is the right time."
Barron glanced at him, then opened the chest on the table.
"What is this…?"
Eric lowered his head.
"It's a keepsake your father left behind." (It had remained in the base all along.)
Barron paused, his hand hovering over the chest before slowly opening it.
Inside lay a Devil Fruit—strange and striking in a silver-gray hue, shaped like a curled banana with elegant, intricate patterns. Beside it rested a letter, penned on fine parchment—a rarity in these parts.
Carefully, Barron picked up the letter and unfolded it. His father's familiar handwriting greeted him.
[Barron, by the time you read this, I may no longer be around to say these words myself. As your father, I've never been good with emotions—so I'll leave it all here.
Lately, the Blackfin Alliance has been closing in on us. I can't shake this ominous feeling.
This Devil Fruit—I spent many years saving up to buy it. I originally intended to give it to you on your 18th birthday, as a gift.
It's a Zoan-type, standard model—Human-Human Fruit: Silverback Gorilla Form. Among the standard types, this one is among the strongest. It grants immense strength. I hope it'll protect you in the days to come.
Barron, this world is cruel and chaotic. I don't expect you to be a hero, nor to change the world. I only want one thing—for you to live.
As long as you survive, that alone will make me proud.
—Your Father]
Even though he was no longer the same Barron of the past, that deep, silent love of a father etched itself into his heart like a blade to stone.
He held the letter for a long time, unmoving. A dark red lightning seemed to flicker behind his eyes, and finally, he spoke softly:
"Father… I will live. But not just survive—I will live with purpose. I will become stronger than anyone. I will stand at the top of the world."
Eric stood quietly beside him, eyes filled with emotion.
"My lord… truth be told, when I first saw these things, I was tempted. But in the end, I realized—these were always meant for you."
Barron looked down at the Devil Fruit and gave a faint smile.
"Eric, I don't plan to use this fruit."
Eric froze in place.
"What do you mean?"
Barron held the fruit out to him.
"You need this power more than I do. I need your strength—and your loyalty. This fruit can give you both."
Eric's hands trembled slightly. Guilt flashed in his eyes. He looked at the fruit, then back at Barron, before dropping to one knee.
"My lord, I, Eric, swear upon my life—I will follow you until my last breath."
Barron placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Of course you will. You're my brother, my comrade, my family. Now let's take this sea—and make it ours."
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