Chapter 18: Chapter 018: You Only Need One Bite of the Fruit?
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If Deadpool were the one choosing, he'd definitely go for the more cost-effective, high-potential Cotton-Candy Fruit. But since it wasn't Deadpool buying but rather a gift for Vanessa, everyone knows how women are when it comes to shopping.
You can't expect them to be as rational and analytical as men.
So, what could Deadpool do?
"Boss, let's go with the Suit-Suit Fruit," Deadpool decided without much hesitation. "By the way, Boss, does the Suit-Suit Fruit also cost a million dollars?"
"Yes, Wade. My store's discount period isn't over yet, so it's still seven hundred thousand dollars, just like before," Rosh nodded.
"Still at a 30% discount, huh? Boss, I brought you a new customer and brought my wife along, too. How about a little more discount?" Deadpool started haggling.
"Wade, a 30% discount is already quite low," Rosh shook his head. Besides, the prices were set by the system, not something Rosh could change at will.
"But Wade, I won't let your efforts go unrewarded. I'll grant you and Vanessa membership status," Rosh added with a smile.
"Boss, what are the perks of membership?" Deadpool's eyes were locked on Rosh as he asked.
"Members have many privileges. For example, non-members can purchase only up to three Devil Fruits, but members have no such limit. During auctions, members also have priority. And there are other exclusive benefits for members that you'll discover in the future."
Rosh explained with a smile to Vanessa and Deadpool.
"Sounds pretty good! It's settled then, Boss. Vanessa and I are both members now," Deadpool said, quite satisfied.
Although he kept asking for a discount, he knew full well that Devil Fruits were rare and valuable items. It was clearly a seller's market, not a buyer's.
Discount? You'd be lucky just to find one of these.
And the shopkeeper—while he looked harmless enough—was obviously no ordinary person if he had something as extraordinary as Devil Fruits for sale. No doubt, he was someone with serious connections!
If you had the chance to cozy up to someone like that, you'd count yourself lucky. Introducing customers? That should be an honor.
You were an absolute fool if you thought that little effort was worth some big reward.
"Of course, Wade, I appreciate your support for my store," Rosh said warmly to Deadpool.
"With that, Boss, I feel my efforts weren't in vain," Deadpool said, pulling out a briefcase and placing it on the counter with a thud.
"Boss, you do accept cash, right?"
Wade opened the briefcase, revealing it was packed with stacks of cash.
"Of course."
After a quick verification, Rosh confirmed the amount, took the money, retrieved the Suit-SuitFruit from the display case, and handed it to Vanessa.
Vanessa held the bizarre-looking fruit in her hands, examining it closely. Without Deadpool's firsthand experience, she would never have believed such a bizarre little thing could contain such miraculous power.
"Wade, is this really as awful as you said?" Vanessa asked, glancing at Wade.
"Worse than you can imagine!" Deadpool nodded seriously, "Sweetheart, let me give you a tip: when you eat it, hold your breath or pinch your nose; just don't take another breath..."
"That's enough, Wade," Rosh chuckled from the side. "Vanessa, you only need to take one bite. Devil Fruits may taste horrible, but you don't need to eat the whole thing—just one bite will do."
"What?" Deadpool froze as if struck by something.
"Boss, did you say you only need to take one bite? Are you sure?"
"Are you sure?" Deadpool's eyes were wide in disbelief as he looked at Rosh, asking repeatedly.
"Wade, I never told you to eat the whole thing, did I?" Rosh tried to hold back his laughter, but it was hard.
"Shit!"
"What have I done?"
Wade looked like he'd been hit by a truck. He had eaten the entire Devil Fruit!
Why, world, why do you hate me so much?
"Hahaha, Wade, it looks like you did something really stupid," Vanessa couldn't hold back her laughter, her body shaking with amusement.
"Boss, why didn't you tell me back then?" Deadpool asked Rosh, looking utterly defeated.
"I wanted to, but Wade, you were so quick that I didn't get the chance. You'd already eaten the whole thing before I could say anything. I had no choice," Rosh shrugged.
"Wade, I'm going to start now," Vanessa said, giving Deadpool a heads-up.
She took a deep breath and then took a small bite of the Devil Fruit.
"Ugh!"
As expected, Vanessa's face twisted in disgust as she struggled to swallow the bite.
"Wade, you mean to tell me you ate an entire one of these?"
Vanessa looked at Deadpool with newfound respect.
Just one bite felt like it could kill her; she couldn't imagine eating the whole thing. Wade must be some kind of freak!
"Feels like you'll be mocking me for the rest of my life. Alright, I give up. This is a stain on my life that I'll never wash away. Boss, this is all your fault!" Deadpool said, looking at Rosh with deep resentment.
Then he eagerly turned to Vanessa, "Sweetheart, how do you feel now?"
"It's incredible! Wade, this is an experience like no other! So this is what a Devil Fruit is like?" Vanessa exclaimed in amazement.
*Whoosh*
She began to test her new powers, and suddenly, a large "rag" appeared on her body, wrapping around her.
"Wade, look! It's real; I actually made clothes!" Vanessa was so excited she was practically dancing.
"Sweetheart, though I wouldn't exactly call that 'clothing,' I have to say, it does look pretty good on you," Deadpool said, examining Vanessa seriously.
"Wait a minute!"
Deadpool pulled out a gun and pointed it at Vanessa. "Let's see how bulletproof it is."