HPDBC Chapter 266: The Dark Tide Rises—The Battle for the Dark-Dark Fruit
Chapter 266: The Dark Tide Rises—The Battle for the Dark-Dark Fruit
The Whitebeard Pirates were undoubtedly the most powerful pirate crew in the world, their reputation unmatched.
However, they were also notorious for spending money like water.
Pirates had no interest in saving for the future, they lived in the moment, spending everything they earned.
One day, they could loot a hundred million beri, and by the next, it would be completely gone.
After all, what was the point of saving?
Were they planning to settle down, buy a house, and live a quiet life?
The Whitebeard Pirates were no different. As free-spirited adventurers, they had no concept of financial restraint—especially since Whitebeard himself secretly donated much of their wealth to those in need.
This presented a major problem for Marshall D. Teach.
The 1.2 billion price tag on the Dark-Dark Fruit was laughably out of reach for him.
After checking his own savings, he realized he had barely more than 20 million berries not even enough to enter the Devil Fruit trade market, let alone bid for such a rare Logia.
But that was fine.
After all, pirates didn't buy things.
They stole them.
Teach abandoned the idea of purchasing the fruit almost instantly.
If he couldn't buy it, he'd just take it by force.
That was the pirate way.
Besides, he had the backing of the Whitebeard Pirates.
After solidifying his plan, Teach approached Marco, attempting to convince him to help steal the Dark-Dark Fruit.
For years, Teach had played the role of a simple, good-natured crewmate—harmless, unambitious, and loyal to the family.
He had never shown any real ambition, refusing the position of second division commander multiple times despite being more than qualified.
But now, for the first time, he was showing desire.
Marco was intrigued.
Teach had always been laid-back, why was he suddenly so excited?
Still, they were all brothers, and if Teach wanted help, Marco was more than happy to oblige.
A Devil Fruit was just a Devil Fruit.
Marco himself already possessed a Mythical Zoan, meaning he couldn't eat another fruit anyway.
So if helping Teach steal one would make him happy, why not?
With no reason to refuse, Marco agreed, and the two set off.
---
Their destination was Versailles, a small pirate haven in the New World.
Places like this were common, temporary safe zones for pirates to spend their loot before setting sail again.
Countless islands across the New World catered to pirates, offering booze, entertainment, and indulgence in exchange for their stolen riches.
And where pirates gathered, chaos followed.
And where chaos flourished, the underworld thrived.
Versailles was also home to a branch of Happy Street, a renowned pleasure district controlled by Queen Stussy.
Lensa saw an opportunity.
If he could establish a long-term relationship with Enel, he might be able to become an exclusive supplier of rare Devil Fruits.
That could change his entire life.
"If I can earn Lord Enel's favor... I could join the Thunder Pirates as a member."
The thought alone excited him.
---
At the same time, Teach and Marco had arrived in Versailles.
"The sale is happening here, but I don't know the exact location," Teach admitted.
"No problem," he added, grinning. "Happy Street sells all sorts of information. We just have to pay."
His plan was simple, buy the Dark-Dark Fruit's exact location, then storm in and take it.
As for whoever else was involved in the deal?
It didn't matter.
If anyone had a problem, they could take it up with Whitebeard.
After all, who would dare challenge the strongest pirate alive?
Marco, however, raised an eyebrow.
"I don't have any money, Teach."
Teach gritted his teeth.
"I still have 20 million berries! That should be enough to buy some intel!"
Marco chuckled.
"That's your entire savings, isn't it? You must really want this fruit."
Teach smirked inwardly.
If only you knew, Marco.
For this fruit, I'd risk everything.
They entered Happy Street, and after some negotiation, purchased a single piece of intel, a portrait of Lensa, the middleman.
But not his location.
Teach frowned.
"What kind of crap is this? Versailles has thousands of people! How the hell are we supposed to find him?"
Marco, however, suddenly froze.
"I think I know why they didn't sell us his location."
Teach blinked.
"Why?"
Marco pointed ahead.
Teach followed his gaze—then looked down at the portrait in his hand.
Then, he grinned.
"Zehahahaha... No wonder. That bastard is right here."