Half a year ago, Judge helped the Beast Pirates establish a factory in the Kuri Forest to produce seeds for artificial Devil Fruits, as well as a farm to cultivate these artificial fruits.
The process for growing the artificial Devil Fruits, from planting to maturation, took half a year.
Now, after six months of growth, the first batch of artificial Devil Fruits had finally ripened.
When Ian heard the news, he couldn't help but feel joy in his heart.
Now, the Beast Pirates would truly live up to their name.
King, who was in charge of managing the farm, immediately set off, and before long, he returned with the first batch of artificial Devil Fruits.
"So, these are the artificial Devil Fruits?"
On the Golden Dragon ship, the crew had gathered.
In fact, following the principle of going all out when acting, Ian and his friends had been staying on the ship for the past few days.
In front of them were small boxes, all of which were open, revealing the spiral-patterned fruits inside.
The crew curiously examined them, and Black Maria picked one up to study it carefully. "It looks almost identical to a regular Devil Fruit."
"It's not just the appearance," Ian said calmly. "Although it can't allow a person to change forms at will like a genuine Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, in terms of boosting abilities, it's no less than a real Zoan-type Devil Fruit."
These artificial Devil Fruits were made using the genetic factors from the fierce beasts on Rusukaina Island.
In terms of strength, they were far superior to the flawed products Caesar had created in the original story.
While they couldn't compare to Mythical Zoan fruits, and were far weaker than Ancient Zoan types, when compared to regular Zoan-type fruits, they were still on par.
"The first batch consists of 100 fruits," Ian said. "There are fifty here."
Why else would we say it's still Kaido-sensei?
He's truly considerate.
He directly gave half of the artificial Devil Fruits to Ian, allowing him to use them freely.
According to Kaido-sensei, Ian's subordinates are also strong, so they deserve even more Devil Fruits.
Ian was moved to tears.
"Is anyone interested?"
Ian smiled as he spoke, looking at a certain blonde kid, "Sanji?"
"I'll pass."
Sanji looked disgusted. "I'm not interested in that bastard old man's creations."
Ian's lips curled up slightly.
Still acting tough, huh?
I see you're enjoying your genetic factor and Raid Suit.
But Sanji really doesn't need an artificial Devil Fruit. If he were to eat one, it would have to be a Logia or mythical Zoan type to match him, right?
"As for Kuina, forget it. I'm helping you find a suitable Devil Fruit on the black market, so—"
Ian looked over at Zoro, who was still happily rubbing the three swords at the ship's side, even after two days had passed.
"Zoro?"
There really aren't many powerless people on the ship.
Everyone's a Devil Fruit user.
"Not interested."
Zoro didn't even look up. "I have my swords, and that's enough."
Alright then.
Ian nodded. As expected.
"Babanuki!"
He shouted.
"Lord Ian, I'm here!"
The head butler of the Golden Dragon, Babanuki, excitedly ran over, eagerly looking at Ian.
Even if it's an Artificial Devil Fruit, it's still a Devil Fruit!
And according to what Lord Ian said, these fruits, aside from not being able to transform freely, have the same strength as ordinary Zoan-type Devil Fruits!
What's there to hesitate about?
Although ordinary Zoans may not be considered powerful, they're definitely not something someone like him, a mere Shinuchi, could easily come into contact with.
"Pick one."
Ian said calmly.
"Yes!"
Babanuki excitedly rubbed his hands, stepping forward to carefully inspect the Artificial Devil Fruits on the deck.
However, just looking at them didn't reveal much; these fruits were all different in shape. Even fruits made from the same fierce beast's DNA didn't look the same.
In the end, Babanuki picked the one he found most appealing and couldn't wait to stuff it into his mouth.
He opened his mouth wide, wide enough to fit the entire fruit in one go.
It was clearly very unpalatable, but Babanuki acted as if he had eaten a heavenly delicacy.
Almost the instant the fruit entered his stomach, Babanuki's body began to change. His skin gradually turned dark indigo, and a thick, tough layer began to form.
His nose started growing rapidly, turning into a long elephant trunk, and two long tusks extended from his mouth.
Huh?
Ian raised an eyebrow.
Is this some strange kind of fate? He turned into an elephant, of all things.
"Ohhh!!"
Babanuki let out a strange shout, "Power! I can feel the power!!"
This guy leaped up with all his might, swinging his right leg, "Tempest Kick!"
A huge vacuum blade suddenly howled out, landing on the distant sea, cutting a deep ravine through the ocean.
"My lord Ian!"
Babanuki landed and excitedly kneeled on one knee in front of Ian, "My physique has increased dramatically! This is incredible!"
Ian smiled slightly.
In some ways, artificial Devil Fruits have certain advantages over the genuine Zoan-type ones, such as not having the risk of being killed before one can transform.
"Oh! This feels interesting?"
Shadows fell as Solem and Himir approached, crouching down to examine Babanuki.
"Artificial Devil Fruits, has human technology already reached this level?"
Himir was quite surprised.
"How about it," Ian asked with a smile, "Would you like to try one? Speaking of which, I've never seen a giant as a Devil Fruit user."
"We prefer to rely on our own inherent strength."
Himir explained, then rejected Ian's offer, "So, Ian, I'll pass. If I eat a Devil Fruit, I wouldn't be able to hunt the beasts of the sea!"
This guy is a hunting fanatic.
"Hehehehe! I'm quite interested!"
However, the other person, Solem, said with a cheerful laugh.
"Oh?"
Ian raised an eyebrow. Was he about to witness the birth of a Beast Giant?
"Hehehehe!"
Solem rubbed his hands together, "Boss, even though it's an artificial Devil Fruit, it should still be quite valuable, right?"
Oh, so he's this interested?
Ian smirked, "At the moment, I have no plans to sell it."
Let's satisfy the internal demand first.
"I see."
Solem instantly felt disappointed. He sighed, "Then I'll pass. But if it's a powerful Paramecia, Ancient Zoan, or Logia Devil Fruit, I might give it a try."
"You little brat still thinks too highly of yourself."
However, he did deserve it.
"Then I'll help you look for one."
Ian chuckled lightly.
"Hehehehe! That's so generous, Boss! Thanks a lot!"
Solem, feeling quite pleased with Ian's offer, turned around and looked at the other giants on the deck. "Boys, if you want to eat, step up!"
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