The Surgery Fruit—revered as the ultimate Devil Fruit—was rumored to grant eternal life. That's why the World Government kept it closely guarded, hoping to find a worthy, obedient person to consume it and use it to perform immortality surgery for the highest ranks of the World Nobles (Celestial Dragons).
Shakky's investigation into Heaven's Sanctum—right to Mary Geoise—finally uncovered potential leads.
"There may indeed be a Surgery Fruit user in the World Government's grasp," Fang Yi said with concern.
"Yes," Shakky nodded. "There's a former renowned doctor who was taken by the Celestial Dragons. Now he lives among slaves, yet witnesses claim he performed bloodless surgery, once even decapitating someone and reviving them."
"There's a real possibility this is the Surgery Fruit in Mary Geoise," Fang Yi said deeply. But how could they infiltrate Mary Geoise and retrieve—or persuade—that person to treat Captain Roger? Even if they eliminated him, they wouldn't know where the Devil Fruit would reappear.
Rayleigh sighed. "If he still holds the actual fruit, we could steal it—but as a user… that's far more complicated."
Shakky agreed: "This doctor lived with that faction before capture. Now he leads a privileged slave life. That's why we got interested."
Fang Yi laid out his idea: "Could I disguise myself as a slave to enter voluntarily? I don't intend to kill Celestial Dragons, just find and recruit the doctor."
Rayleigh nearly exploded: "You're kidding? You'd go into Mary Geoise as a slave? You'd die before anyone could act!"
Fang Yi interjected quickly: "A disguise—as a slave with a forged identity. Shakky could provide intel. I'm not going to assassinate; just to plead our case."
Rayleigh's concern softened but held firm caution: "Roger's health is urgent…but this task exceeds your level. You're just an intern."
Fang Yi replied, desperate: "If Roger becomes Pirate King and dies right after, what then? I won't let him die before realizing the dream!"
Rayleigh's heart wavered. He patted him gently: "You've tried. I'll join Roger and Mary Geoise later if there's still time. But this… I just can't let you go alone."
Shakky quietly observed: "He's righteous—but it may exceed what he can handle."
Later, alone, Fang Yi mulled over the plan. Rayleigh gave him some Sabaody Company souvenirs to lift his spirits and encouraged him to rest.
That afternoon, Shanks and Buggy came to check on Fang Yi.
"Yi‑ge, what's going on? You've been in here all day since returning with Rayleigh," Shanks said.
"Shakky gave us intel—there is a Surgery Fruit user in Mary Geoise," Fang Yi replied. His voice carried both gravity and resolve.
"Mary Geoise?!" Shanks' face hardened—he understood exactly what that meant.
And Buggy's eyes turned to coins—Surgery Fruit valuation in the black market soared to tens of billions.
"Now what, Yi‑ge?" Shanks looked at Fang Yi.
My plan is dangerous—but I feel it's Roger's only chance. If we fail… he'll be gone before we even reach the final island.
I'll go, Shanks declared firmly after a breath.
Buggy hesitated—Mary Geoise was deadly territory. I'm not sure…
No pressure, Buggy. This is high risk. But know this: the world's greatest treasury is held in the hands of the Celestial Dragons. If we succeed—
He gestured to the seas beyond. Shanks's eyes sparkled with determination. Buggy thought of fortune... and fear.
Together they stood on one course: the path that could save their captain—or demand everything.