Tesoro and his group had just arrived at Mariejois, preparing to use the special channel across the Red Line, sanctioned by the Government, to head to the New World.
However, before he could leave Mariejois, he was intercepted and questioned by CP0 agents.
If the Fruit had been stolen by the Immortal Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, or even opportunistically snatched by the Big Mom Pirates, those outcomes would have been within his expectations.
But the arriving CP0 agents actually claimed the box was empty. How was that possible?
Tesoro looked at Tanaka, who had been the last to hand the box to CP0. Tanaka also wore a look of confusion. They had inspected the item repeatedly before the handover; how could it have disappeared?
"Tesoro, are you perhaps colluding with a Yonko and deceiving the Government?"
When the CP0 agent spoke these words, the typically short-tempered Tesoro nearly slapped the agent across the face. If he had truly done that, he wouldn't have run straight to the Government's headquarters at Mariejois. However, he could not afford to turn against the Government in this situation; he needed their protection to survive in the New World ruled by the Yonko.
"Let's negotiate."
It was even more impossible for Tesoro to grovel before CP0. He spoke concisely, choosing the most practical and efficient method.
After several hours of negotiation, Tesoro ultimately secured the Government's protection by agreeing to pay the Celestial Dragons an enormous tribute of ten billion Berries annually.
No matter how much he inwardly loathed the Government, he now had to swallow his pride and seek their protection.
With that, the matter of the Titan Fruit temporarily came to an end.
The Devil Fruit incident, which should have led to an earth-shattering battle, concluded almost like a joke, and the forces dispatched by the three Yonko subsequently returned to the New World.
Alucard only learned the full truth of the matter from Fallon while he was on his way back to Arderay Kingdom. He also learned that Beckman had boarded Ivalis's ship.
"Is that so? I see." Alucard had shed the black suit he wore on the Sabaody Archipelago and returned to his usual attire. After listening to Fallon's report, he hung up the Den Den Mushi, and chuckled as he rubbed his forehead.
After more than half a month of travel, the forces of the Immortal Pirates dispatched for the Titan Fruit returned to Arderay.
Scarlett had left Hancock, who was still busy with her own affairs, to catch up with him, likely making Hancock grind her teeth in fury.
Upon his return, Ivalis did exactly as he had told Fallon: he immediately presented the gray-and-white Mythical Zoan, the Titan Fruit, which resembled a pitaya. Walking alongside him was the former First Mate of the Red-Haired Pirates, Beckman, who was known for possessing one of the sharpest minds among all pirates.
"An ability that was once described as 'never losing as long as the user stands on the ground' during the time when legends like Roger and Shiki were still rookies..."
Alucard supported his cheek with one hand, while Scarlett hugged him tightly. He held the Titan Fruit in his other hand, repeating the description Dr. Indigo had once given him.
Alucard then stopped his motion of weighing the Fruit and glanced at Scarlett. "Do you want this ability?"
"The Titan is... a giant from mythology, right? It feels like it would be a terrifying power..." Scarlett hesitated. She was originally supposed to receive Tesoro's Gold-Gold Fruit, but Tesoro had stolen the Fruit from Doflamingo years ago.
Alucard recalled the battle on the Red Line a decade ago and felt that this ability wasn't quite suitable for Scarlett either. He casually tossed the Fruit back to Ivalis. "In that case, it should belong to the one who seized it."
Beckman was quite surprised by Alucard's casual handling of the rarest Mythical Zoan Fruit. Ivalis, however, showed no interest. "I... have no interest in becoming a Devil Fruit user. I quite like fighting on the sea and don't want to become a landlubber."
"...Then let's make it an entertainment: the winner gets it," Alucard suggested.
Ivalis silently put the Fruit away and shoved Beckman forward. "Captain, you know Beckman's capabilities. How about it? Can he join?"
"Isn't he Shanks' former First Mate?" Scarlett abruptly released Alucard's arm. Although she hadn't directly participated in that battle, she had heard about the matter from her sister, Viola. To her, Beckman joining seemed like a fantasy.
"Yes."
Alucard's reply was even more surprising. He agreed without a moment's hesitation, causing Scarlett to turn her head in shock. "Alucard..."
Beckman removed the cigarette he was chewing on. "I'm... only aboard Ivalis's ship because I have nothing better to do. I'm not swearing loyalty to you."
"You have some nerve..." Scarlett frowned slightly. In her opinion, this Beckman guy was ungrateful, daring to speak to Alucard in such a tone under the circumstances.
"It doesn't matter." Alucard smiled faintly, tilting his head. "Loyalty, or plotting betrayal, it makes no difference to me. Go ahead and do whatever you want. What I truly cannot tolerate is failing to achieve anything worthwhile."
Beckman's eyes narrowed, clearly shocked by Alucard's words. This guy is truly different, he thought to himself.
Indeed, where in the world was there a pirate captain who would encourage his subordinates to betray him?
"We will take our leave." Ivalis gave a concise bow, pulled Beckman's arm, and the two quickly departed.
"I... don't believe he will ever be truly loyal..." Scarlett lightly smoothed her white princess dress, watching Beckman's retreating figure with deep suspicion.
Suddenly, Scarlett felt a tightening around her waist and a warm breath on her neck.
The familiar sensation made Scarlett close her eyes in pleasure, only to feel a slight sting on the left side of her neck...
…
After walking out of the castle, Beckman spoke first. "A pirate captain I have never seen before."
"That's why following him is so interesting, isn't it?" Ivalis actually showed a hint of a smile on his face.
"Ivalis, what is going on? Why is the Fruit still in your hands?" A cold voice reached them. The two turned their heads and saw the speaker sitting on the ruins beside the castle avenue: Fallon, the man who detested Ivalis the most.
"The Captain's meaning is this..." Ivalis did not get angry and proceeded to relay Alucard's instructions to the crew members present.