"Twenty million reputation points?"
Lin Xuan weighed the value in his mind. As expected, different Devil Fruits carried different worth. A Mythical Zoan fruit was far more precious than something like the Paper-Paper Fruit.
After some thought, he decided to hand the Devil Fruit over to Orochimaru.
This fruit suited him perfectly—it might even push Orochimaru's strength to new heights. Of course, knowing Orochimaru, he'd likely dissect it for research rather than eat it.
But Lin Xuan didn't mind.
He trusted Orochimaru's methods. That man would surely make the most of the fruit's potential.
Soon after, Lin Xuan and Whitebeard wrapped up their negotiations and left the building together.
They hadn't even made it downstairs when a figure approached them—none other than Orochimaru.
Orochimaru gave Lin Xuan a brief nod before his gaze settled on Whitebeard.
After studying him for a moment, Orochimaru's hoarse, chilling voice cut through the air, laced with curiosity. "Your body… seems to have some issues."
Whitebeard's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing in surprise.
His health problems were no secret to the Whitebeard Pirates. Over the years, his condition had worsened to the point where even basic movement was a struggle.
Yet this strange-looking man had seen through his ailment with a single glance.
"Who is this?" Whitebeard asked, turning to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan's mind raced. As someone familiar with the original story, he knew full well Whitebeard's body was failing. But Orochimaru, who had no prior knowledge, had spotted it instantly.
An idea sparked in Lin Xuan's head. What if Orochimaru could heal Whitebeard? That'd be a nasty surprise for the Navy.
There was no doubt the Navy's confidence in challenging the Whitebeard Pirates stemmed partly from intelligence about Whitebeard's terminal illness.
Imagine their shock when they expected a frail, dying man, only to face a Whitebeard brimming with vitality. That'd be a sight to behold.
With that in mind, Lin Xuan made the introductions. "This is Orochimaru, head of our Ninja Guild's Medical Research Division."
Then, gesturing to Whitebeard, he added, "And this is Whitebeard, captain of the Whitebeard Pirates."
To anyone from this world, the name "Whitebeard Pirates" would've sparked awe or fear. But Orochimaru didn't bat an eye—he didn't care about their reputation, and even if he did, it wouldn't faze him. He simply flashed Whitebeard a faint smile.
That calm demeanor, however, made Whitebeard take him more seriously.
After the introductions, Lin Xuan got straight to the point. "You said you noticed something wrong with Whitebeard's body. Can you fix it?"
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly. "I'd need to examine him first to say for sure."
Lin Xuan turned to Whitebeard. "What do you think?"
Marco, standing nearby, called out nervously, "Pops!"
Whitebeard's first instinct was to decline. He knew his condition better than anyone. His ship's doctors had long given up, and the constant pain had worn him down. Even drinking, one of his few remaining pleasures, was restricted. He'd nearly resigned himself to his fate.
But then he thought of the looming war with the World Government. He thought of the Ninja Guild's surprising capabilities, the tricks they'd pulled that no one could've anticipated. A flicker of hope stirred in his chest.
Maybe this Orochimaru from the Ninja Guild's Medical Research Division had some miraculous method up his sleeve.
Whitebeard had made peace with death, but for the sake of saving Ace, for his crew—his "children"—to keep sailing freely on the seas, he made his decision.
"Alright," he said firmly. "I'll leave it to you, Dr. Orochimaru."
Marco's face lit up with relief.
"Doctor?" Orochimaru chuckled, amused by the title. "Actually, I prefer 'scientist.'"
The term "scientist" was something he'd picked up in this world, and he found it perfectly fitting. It had quickly become his favorite way to describe himself.
With that, Lin Xuan, Whitebeard, and Marco followed Orochimaru to the Medical Research Division.
On the way, Lin Xuan handed Orochimaru the Devil Fruit Whitebeard had given him. "This is a gift from Whitebeard. A Devil Fruit. Study it well."
"Consider it done," Orochimaru said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. His long tongue flicked across his lips, giving him an eerie, almost sinister air.
Whitebeard caught the gesture but didn't seem fazed. In the world of pirates, oddballs were a dime a dozen—scientists included. He'd seen enough strangeness not to be surprised.
When they arrived at the Medical Research Division, the place looked pristine, almost too new, as if it were still being set up. Marco, trailing behind Whitebeard, couldn't help but wonder if this so-called medical division had the chops to back up its name.
Orochimaru didn't immediately start examining Whitebeard. Instead, he led them to see a patient—the only patient currently in the facility.
The moment Marco laid eyes on him, his pupils shrank. "Bartholomew Kuma?!"
Whitebeard's face mirrored his shock.
Neither had expected to find one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the Ninja Guild's care, let alone in such a pitiful state.
Bartholomew Kuma lay before them, his body half-destroyed. But instead of flesh and blood, his wounds revealed wires and mechanical parts.
It was a jarring sight, even for battle-hardened pirates like them.
Whitebeard shot Lin Xuan a questioning look.
Lin Xuan raised his hands. "Don't get the wrong idea. We didn't do this to him. The World Government did. We don't know what deal he struck with them, but they turned him into… this. He was captured during the war, so we've been looking into his condition."
Orochimaru, standing nearby, scoffed. "Whoever did this modification is a hack. Turning a living being into something that's barely alive? Utter garbage."
Lin Xuan glanced at him. "You've already examined him, right? Can you fix him?"
Whitebeard and Marco both turned to Orochimaru, their eyes locked on him, waiting for his answer.
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T/N:
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