Inside the giant palace on Elbaf where Harald handles daily government affairs.
"Little White Hair, are you guys leaving?"
Seven nodded: "Yeah."
"It's time to go back; there are still many things to do."
With Fujitora, Shiliew, and Tesoro on Hachinosu Island, no problems had arisen on any front.
Vergo's undercover infiltration was also very successful.
Word was that he had been favored by the Beasts Pirates' Lead Performer, Queen, and was responsible for playing the drums while Queen sang. His future was bright.
However, Vegapunk had urged him repeatedly, even threatening that if Seven didn't go within half a month, he would throw that dragon-dragon fruit into the sea.
The Flamingo had also called many times to ask,
When he would go to the North Blue to discuss cooperation between the Morning Star Pirates and the Donquixote Family.
Because of this, Seven prepared to return.
Hearing that Seven's group was preparing to leave Elbaf, a strange sense of parting sorrow welled up in Loki's heart.
Loki hated this feeling.
Furthermore, he would never admit that he was reluctant to see Little White Hair go. It must be because he was losing a sparring partner that he felt a bit lost... and stifled.
Yes, it must be that.
"If you're leaving, then leave. Once I find a suitable weapon, I'll definitely charge into Hachinosu Island and smash your whole place to bits."
Because of his father Harald and mother Date, Loki did not accept Seven's invitation to join the crew, choosing instead to stay on Elbaf.
He planned to find a suitable weapon in a few years and then swim to Hachinosu Island to spar with Little White Hair.
Seven smiled brightly.
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
"If you don't come, you're just a low-class giant."
"Tch." Loki strode away without looking back.
Leaving Seven and Harald alone, their faces bearing identical smiles as they watched Loki depart, looking very much like a gratified father (big brother) watching a son (younger brother).
"Aside from you, Loki has never shown reluctance to part with anyone before."
Hearing Harald's words, Seven's heart was instantly filled with half-satisfaction and half-pride.
Sorry, Straw Hat.
Being born early is a huge advantage. Loki, the future King-class crew member, will be accepted by your Uncle Seven first.
But at the thought of Iron Thunder, the smile on Seven's face quickly faded, replaced by helplessness.
"Your Majesty, Giant King."
"Iron Thunder said he's willing to go with me, but first, Elbaf's legendary devil fruit must be handled. Find someone to eat it quickly."
If the fruit wasn't handled, Iron Thunder wouldn't leave.
If Iron Thunder didn't leave, the fruit couldn't be taken.
Damn it, it was a total dead end.
Harald pondered for a long time, then suddenly said something inexplicable.
"Beelzebul, can I trust you?"
Before asking this, Harald actually already trusted Seven ninety-nine percent.
Whether it was the rumors at sea that Beelzebul kept his promises, his treatment of Loki, or Loki's attitude toward Seven.
Everything indicated that Beelzebul was an ally worthy of Loki, Harald, and Elbaf.
As the parting approached, Seven took out several jars of Dandelion Wine and poured some for Harald and himself.
"Why not?"
"I am worthy of your trust."
Regarding the rumors on the sea, Seven was actually quite helpless. They said his standards were incredibly high, and that he had traveled throughout the East Blue without recruiting a single crew member.
They also said he was extremely honorable.
Seven suspected that there must be a fanatic fan of his in Morgans' World Economic Journal, who was tirelessly finding ways to praise him like this.
Just like that Chopper fan in Marineford, who refused to increase Chopper's bounty no matter what.
The quality of his fans was extremely high.
Harald took a deep breath, as if he had made a major decision.
"Given the World Government's coveting of the legendary devil fruit and the frequent appearances of the Gods Knights recently."
"Beelzebul, I hope you can help us guard the legendary devil fruit and return it when Elbaf needs it."
"Iron Thunder is the Reward I'm paying."
Seven spread his hands.
"Your Majesty, I am a Captain after all, and I have my own territory. How..."
"How..." Seven suddenly realized: "Are you telling me to take the legendary devil fruit with me?"
Harald smiled and nodded.
"As long as it stays in Elbaf, the World Government, the Gorosei, and the owner of the empty throne will never give up on seizing it."
"It's better to let you take it for safekeeping."
"I trust your friendship with Loki, and I believe that someone who would come all the way from Hachinosu Island to Elbaf just to pick up a crew member will never break his word."
Of course, what Harald didn't say was:
With Iron Thunder following Beelzebul at all times, that fruit would be safe.
Moreover, the other party had already consumed a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit and could not consume a second one.
If he really could eat it, Harald would just consider it bad luck. Beelzebul wasn't from the Davy lineage, so how could he possibly eat a second fruit!
As for Beelzebul giving the legendary devil fruit to a crew member to eat, selling it, or handing it over to the World Government, there was a chance, but it wasn't large.
This guy came specifically for Iron Thunder.
Harald had already specifically implored Iron Thunder to follow Beelzebul even when he went to the bathroom.
"What do you say?"
Seven frowned, instantly analyzing all the pros and cons of taking the legendary devil fruit.
The downside was that the Gorosei and even Imu would shift their gaze from Elbaf to him, which would likely result in another round of testing and tug-of-war.
But then again, even if Seven had one more crime on his head, it wasn't really any different from before.
In the eyes of the World Government, they were all capital offenses anyway.
The upside was—
If this fruit was the Ancient Zoan · Mythical Zoan · World-Ending Black Dragon Nidhogg Form, then there was nothing to hesitate about; he'd eat it directly.
If it was the Giant Wolf Fenrir Form or the Divine Eagle Vedrfolnir Form, he would keep his promise and give the fruit to Loki.
In any case, Iron Thunder was joining the crew.
Loki would also join in the future.
"Fine, you owe me another favor."
Seven didn't continue the back-and-forth. What if the deal fell through?
Only good things held in one's own hands are truly good things; otherwise, one can only stare at them helplessly.
Harald did not object.
"If you take it away, Dorry, Brogy, and the others won't be able to leave with you for the time being."
Seven naturally understood this.
Right, if you take away Elbaf's national treasure and the giants of Elbaf still follow you to the death, you have to make the act look a bit more convincing.
"You owe me yet another favor."
Hearing this, Harald hurriedly reached out and held up two fingers.
"Shifting the World Government's attention to relieve pressure on Elbaf counts as one. Taking the legendary devil fruit for safekeeping counts as one."
"That's clearly only two favors."
"How can it be three?"
"Look," Seven said word by word.
"Dorry, Brogy, Oimo, Kashi, Raideen, Bjorn, and Higu are my crew members, right? Yet they are staying behind to protect Elbaf."
"How does that not count as a favor?"
Harald was speechless and didn't bother to argue further whether it was two or three. Since he already owed them, he would naturally pay them back if they survived the crisis.
If they couldn't even survive the crisis...
You can go ask Imu for it.
"I'll take you to find Iron Thunder."