Upon hearing the voice on the Den Den Mushi, Caesar issued a direct order:
"Find a way to imitate the ability of the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."
"Then create an illusion and make it appear somewhere within the kingdom—preferably in a place where it will be witnessed by others!"
This deception was a calculated move to conceal the fact that he had the ability to extract and claim Devil Fruits.
As everyone knew, when a Devil Fruit user died, their fruit would eventually reincarnate elsewhere in the world. There were even specialized hunters who scoured islands in search of newly reborn fruits. Now that Shiki the Golden Lion was dead, his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi would undoubtedly become the target of many powerful forces.
To mislead them, Caesar orchestrated a scheme: he secretly fabricated a fake Devil Fruit and strategically placed it within his own territory, ensuring that it was "discovered" and that news of its rebirth spread rapidly.
By making the world believe that the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi had naturally reappeared within the Middle Kingdom, he could claim it for himself without arousing suspicion. Furthermore, this would deter rival forces from daring to interfere—who would dare challenge something that had already fallen into Caesar's grasp?
"Understood. I will arrange it immediately," responded the intelligence officer on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, not questioning the reasoning behind the order. Their role was to execute, not to inquire.
Caesar nodded with satisfaction. "Within three days, secure the real Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."
"Yes, I understand!"
With that, the call ended.
A flawless cover-up required an airtight narrative. Caesar had already taken possession of Shiki's corpse, ensuring there was no trace left behind.
Meanwhile, in the central square of the Middle Kingdom, Admiral Issho—known as Fujitora—was delivering a speech to the gathered citizens. His voice was calm but firm, resonating through the crowd.
The topic was, naturally, justice. He spoke of the Central Navy's mission to protect the people, to eliminate threats from the sea, and to ensure stability in a world rife with chaos.
The Central Navy, still in its infancy, was positioning itself as an alternative to the corrupt World Government's Marines. With Issho's reputation and integrity, this message carried weight.
"Everyone perceives justice differently," Issho declared, his expression serene. "And so, the belief in justice will never be the same for all."
Some in the crowd listened with trust, placing their faith in their own nation's military. Others analyzed his words carefully, trying to discern the deeper meaning.
A bold voice rang out from the crowd:
"Admiral Issho, do you believe the World Government's Marines represent true justice? Will the Central Navy remain unwavering in its ideals?"
A speech was not merely about delivering words—it was about guiding thoughts, provoking reflection, and allowing the people to draw their own conclusions.
At this, Issho's lips curled into a faint smile.
"I do not deny the justice of the Marines," he answered. "But the justice of the Central Navy will always be for this country and its people!"
"Our existence is to ensure that you all live safe and peaceful lives. And any threat—whether from the seas or elsewhere—we will be the ones to eliminate it!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
At that moment, it didn't matter who was right or wrong. The people simply felt the security of being protected, and for them, that was enough.
While Issho was busy shaping public perception, Caesar was in an excellent mood, strolling into his palace chambers with the real Fuwa Fuwa no Mi in hand.
Thanks to the execution of the Golden Lion, all schools in the kingdom had been temporarily closed, leaving the royal children at home. The three eldest, now six years old, were playing with their four younger siblings, who had just turned two.
Their laughter echoed through the halls, painting a picture of warmth and joy.
With the kingdom on a stable path, the three princesses—Lily and her sisters—had fewer governmental duties, allowing them to focus on their personal interests.
As for Effiete, she was heavily pregnant, her due date fast approaching. Soon, the royal family would welcome another heir.
Upon seeing their father enter, the children squealed in excitement, rushing toward him. The older ones moved swiftly, but the younger ones, still slightly unsteady on their feet, stumbled in their eagerness.
Seeing their elder siblings claim their father's attention first, the two-year-olds protested with adorable pouts. The youngest, Elise, even pursed her lips, tears forming in her golden eyes.
Beside her, Venus, another favored daughter, mirrored her expression, seeking her father's attention.
Caesar chuckled. Though he had doted on his eldest children, he couldn't bear to let his younger ones feel neglected. With a simple thought, he used his abilities to gently lift all four little ones into his arms, embracing them together.
The warmth of a large family was something even he couldn't resist.
Lily and the other princesses watched this scene with smiles, their hearts full of contentment. Effiete, resting nearby, stroked her belly, her face glowing with maternal affection. She longed to give birth soon, so that her child could join this loving family.
After spending some time with the children, Caesar turned to Lily and the others.
"My little ones, I need to speak with your mothers. Why don't you go and play for a bit?"
"Okay, Father!"
"Come on, Venus! Let's go this way!"
Obediently, the children dispersed, though Venus and Elise lingered for a moment before being coaxed away by their elder sister.
Once they were occupied, Caesar approached Effiete and sat beside her. He gently placed a hand on her belly. Almost immediately, the unborn child reacted, shifting inside her.
Caesar smiled, his mind reaching out in a way that no ordinary man could. His mental energy enveloped the child, offering a gentle, fatherly touch from within the womb.
This unique form of interaction was something only he could do.
Meanwhile, Effiete's gaze lingered on the Devil Fruit in his hand. She had noticed it the moment he walked in but had refrained from asking until now.
"Caesar, what Devil Fruit is that?" she finally asked.
Hearing her question, the other three women also turned their attention toward him.
"This?" Caesar raised the fruit slightly. "It's the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."
His casual tone barely concealed the weight of his words.
Effiete's eyes widened slightly. A top-tier Devil Fruit like this was a rare find, highly coveted in the world. She briefly considered the future—her child would need a powerful ability. However, the four other young ones had yet to receive their own fruits, making it unlikely that hers would be chosen first.
She felt a tinge of disappointment but quickly pushed it aside. As a mother, she prioritized her child's future, but she would not compete unfairly against her stepchildren.
Caesar, perceptive as ever, caught the flicker of emotion in her eyes. He smiled and said, "This Devil Fruit is for you, Effiete."
"What? For me?"
She was genuinely surprised. She had assumed it would be reserved for one of their children.
"The children will have their own Devil Fruits in time," Caesar reassured her. "But this fruit isn't suitable for them."
Effiete blinked in confusion.
"The power of the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi overlaps too much with their innate psychic abilities," Caesar explained. "For them, it would be redundant. But for you, it will be invaluable."
The three princesses nodded in understanding. Effiete looked at them, then at her own children, realizing that Caesar was right.
Their children had all inherited his unique gift—psychic power. Even at such a young age, they were already demonstrating its potential.
With that in mind, she finally accepted his decision.
Caesar smirked. "Go on, take it. I'll make sure every one of our children gets a power suited to them."
Effiete hesitated no longer. She took the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, knowing that with this power, she would soar to even greater heights.
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