One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

The peculiar appearance of the cherry-shaped Devil Fruit immediately captured Carl's attention. It had two cherries—one red and one purple.

Just as Saint Charlos was about to explain the names of the three Devil Fruits, Carl pointed to the cherry-shaped one and asked:

"This Devil Fruit… its name is the Love-Love Fruit, isn't it?"

Charlos blinked twice, thinking to himself, As expected of the Figarland family, he recognized it at first glance.

He quickly confirmed, "Yes. This is indeed the Love-Love Fruit. It's particularly suitable for female slaves. I noticed you just bought…"

Carl raised his eyes slightly, a crimson gleam flashing through them. Charlos immediately shut his mouth.

Carl glanced at the two banana-shaped Devil Fruits next to it. Their animalistic design hinted at Zoan-types, most likely the Snake-Snake Fruits consumed by Boa Hancock's two sisters.

With a wave of his hand, Carl swept the three Devil Fruits into his Dark Bible.

Charlos, trembling with unease, watched Carl and then carefully said, "Excellent choices, Saint Carl. If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Carl's indifferent gaze prompted Charlos to scramble to his feet. Grateful for the perceived mercy, he hastily expressed his thanks as he staggered out, his entourage carrying him off. The only thing left behind was a pile of gold.

Neither Carl nor Garling mentioned taking the gold, but they didn't decline it either, leaving Charlos too fearful to address the matter. For him, pacifying the wrath of the Figarland family was far more critical.

Watching Charlos flee, Carl shook his head and chuckled softly,

"Who would've thought that someone like him could bring me a pleasant surprise."

From behind, Garling set his teacup down and asked, "It seems you're quite fond of that so-called Love-Love Fruit. Does it have some special ability?"

Carl turned around with a teasing smirk.

"Oh, absolutely. Its powers are just as intriguing as its appearance. What do you think, Uncle Garling? Want to give it a try? The Devil Fruits I choose are never useless."

Garling chuckled but shook his head. "I'll pass. I trust it's a remarkable Fruit, but I don't like its name. Besides, it's more suited for women."

"That's just prejudice, Uncle. Since when do Devil Fruits care about gender? If you ate it, you might even charm Shanks back to the family!"

"You brat!" Garling roared, but Carl laughed and vanished with a blur.

Carl lingered at the family estate for over a month before Fleet Admiral Kong couldn't wait any longer. The Den Den Mushi to Mary Geoise revealed Carl's whereabouts.

From Kong's perspective, Carl had vanished after leaving Whole Cake Island. His Den Den Mushi was unreachable, leaving Kong at his wit's end.

The breaking point came when a headline titled "Black Dragon Rampages on Whole Cake Island" landed on Kong's desk.

Relieved to learn Carl was safe, Kong refrained from reprimanding him. Instead, he praised Carl's work. After all, the destruction of Whole Cake Island was a significant blow to Big Mom, and reports hinted that several of her children perished in the chaos.

As the Navy's role model, Carl naturally had to return to Headquarters after receiving orders.

Before leaving, Carl summoned Monet and Sugar, speaking to them like a doting father.

"I'll be heading back to the Navy. While I'm away, make sure to listen to your teacher and study hard."

Monet and Sugar obediently nodded, their eyes filled with reluctance, especially Monet's.

For her, being captured by pirates had turned out to be a blessing. Compared to her previous life, this was paradise—materially and emotionally.

Though they were nominally slaves, they felt none of the usual disdain. Everyone treated them kindly, and Monet knew it was solely because they belonged to Carl.

She had long accepted her status and even took pride in striving to become Carl's "most favored slave."

As Carl prepared to leave, Monet raised her head and whispered, "Master, please don't forget about Sugar and me. If possible, come back to visit often."

Sugar nodded fervently in agreement.

Carl chuckled and shook his head. "How could I forget? You're my family now. I'll return often—this is my home, after all."

Hearing this, Monet's face lit up with a sweet smile.

Just then, a servant entered and announced, "Saint Carl, Spandam is here to see you."

Carl raised an eyebrow and replied, "Let him in."

Moments later, Spandam entered, flanked by two golden-armored guards. Upon seeing Carl, he immediately knelt with an exaggerated display of reverence.

"Saint Carl! It's been too long! I've missed you terribly!"

The saccharine flattery made Monet and Sugar cringe, but Carl waved a hand dismissively.

"Alright, get up. What's the matter?"

Spandam rose but kept his posture submissive. "Saint Carl, the woman you instructed me to monitor—Olvia—has crossed the line recently. Should we take action against her?"

-----------

+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg