Honestly, although Finn had theorized the Rumble-Rumble Fruit should be on Birka, he hadn't been entirely certain.
After all, how exactly had Enel acquired it in the original timeline? The details were vague at best.
Only now, seeing the legendary fruit with his own eyes, could Finn truly relax.
It was almost unbelievable how easy this had been.
He'd arrived at Birka, disembarked less than five minutes ago, approached a random passerby whose name he didn't even know, negotiated a two-hundred-million-berry business deal, and that stranger had simply led him directly to the temple in broad daylight to search for the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
The absurd part? They'd actually found it.
The Rumble-Rumble Fruit, coveted by countless people, unseen for decades, and he'd just... walked up and claimed it. Like picking up groceries.
Finn still felt like he was dreaming.
If I'd known it was this simple, I would have gathered my courage years ago, ridden the knock-up stream from Jaya Island...
Actually, no. Forget that thought. He probably didn't possess Luffy's protagonist aura. If he'd attempted that reckless approach, he'd likely be dead, ship smashed to splinters by the violent currents.
This was better.
Although he felt slight envy regarding the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, his Press-Press Fruit was arguably equal in power. Besides, this fruit would go to Gion, and Gion worked under his command. She'd never betray the Marines. No reason whatsoever.
If Finn reached Admiral or Fleet Admiral position eventually, Gion would be his most reliable subordinate, his right hand.
Giving it to her was practically the same as eating it himself, when you thought about it.
After this mental rationalization, Finn took a deep breath, stepped forward, and reached for the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
The old man's hand shot out with surprising speed, grabbing Finn's wrist. The quickness actually startled Finn slightly.
Turning, he saw the elderly sky islander wearing a cunning smile, eyebrows raised suggestively as he rubbed his thumb and fingers together in the universal gesture for money.
This old man...
However, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit sat right there, and Finn had promised two hundred million berries.
Honestly, he had no intention of breaking his word.
This trip had been too smooth, absurdly so. For the apparently simple folk of Birka, he genuinely couldn't bring himself to show them the cruel side of society.
After all, he was a righteous Marine. That meant something.
Just two hundred million berries. He'd own the Land of Gold soon. This was pocket change in comparison.
"Don't worry," Finn said firmly. "Come back to the port with me afterward. I'll give you the two hundred million berries."
The old man's smile widened. "Excellent."
Finn lifted the Rumble-Rumble Fruit carefully, weighing it in his palm. Then he asked, "Is it all right for us to take this cursed fruit? Won't your god be offended?"
The old man shook his head. "With two hundred million berries involved, the gods definitely won't object."
...What?
Are you speaking human language? Are you simple folk or scheming merchants?
Noticing Finn's obvious surprise, the old man quickly added, "Besides, cursed fruits are inherently ominous. Keeping them in town always carries risk of something terrible happening. Now that you're taking them down to the Blue Sea, we can rest easy. So the Lord God certainly won't object."
Finn reluctantly accepted this reasoning, then asked, "Won't the other islanders object?"
"No, I'm in charge here." The sky island elder smiled pleasantly.
"Are you the God of Birka?" Finn stared at him, suddenly reassessing.
"Hm? Didn't I mention that?" The old man looked genuinely confused.
You didn't tell me anything! I don't even know your name!
"Even if I hadn't mentioned it, would you have walked into the temple so casually if I hadn't led you?" the old man asked, somewhat puzzled by Finn's reaction.
"Hehe..." Finn laughed awkwardly. "I thought you Birka people were simple, honest folk."
After all this, you're the actual ruling God of the island?
That explained considerably more about the lax security.
After securing the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Finn pointed at the remaining two Devil Fruits. "Can I take these as well? They're bad omens here anyway, correct? Why not let me transport them to the Blue Sea? I know a Living Buddha with profound spiritual knowledge. When he activates his power, golden light radiates from his entire body. Truly incredible. I'll take these cursed fruits and place them in his care. He'll chant sutras daily to purify them. Eventually, he'll dispel their curses and restore peace to the world."
This wasn't entirely fabrication, right?
Admiral Sengoku was a Living Buddha. Whether he could actually chant sutras... well, for two Devil Fruits, Finn suspected he'd learn quickly.
The Sky Island God examined Finn with surprise. "There's truly such a profound Buddhist master? A Living Buddha? Radiating golden light?"
Sky islanders possessed faith, worshiping the Sky God primarily, but they maintained reverence for other deities and spiritual traditions as well. That strange monk Urouge had originated from Skypiea, after all.
So this elderly God wasn't unfamiliar with Buddhism. When you were involved in metaphysics professionally, you understood your colleagues' domains.
Finn nodded seriously. "Absolutely true. He genuinely glows golden. I swear on my character!"
"I never imagined the Blue Sea contained such a powerful master. I truly wish I could meet him." The Sky Island God's voice carried genuine regret.
Seeing his wistful expression, Finn sensed opportunity. "So, what do you think of my proposal? Suitable arrangement?"
The Sky Island God nodded thoughtfully. Just as Finn prepared to celebrate internally, the old man spoke in an absolutely firm tone: "You'll need to pay extra."
"You're literally a god, why do you value money so much?" Finn said helplessly.
Can't you focus on spiritual cultivation and worship? Don't let yourself be seduced by worldly currency and material wealth. It affects your practice!
"Extra payment is necessary. Otherwise the gods will be displeased." The uncle spoke with complete seriousness.
Finn glanced at him, then at the statue behind.
Your god hasn't struck you down with lightning yet. He's probably just waiting for Enel to come do the job personally.
After a brief pause, Finn shifted tactics. "Actually, I came to Skypiea specifically to perform good deeds and accumulate virtue. I can also read fortunes. Have you heard of fortune-telling?"
"I've heard of it. The Kingdom of Flowers in the Blue Sea practices a tradition called Taoism, and divination is central to their beliefs." The old God smiled knowingly.
"Ahem, then you're quite knowledgeable." Finn's smile turned slightly embarrassed.
Damn, I didn't even know Taoism existed in the Kingdom of Flowers. How does a sky islander know this?
"Good, since you understand the concept, I'll be direct. I practice Taoist arts and possess divination skills. I calculated that if I don't come here and remove Birka's cursed fruits, this island will be destroyed within twenty years." Finn's expression turned grave. "Simply put, I'm here to save your lives. If you hand over these two fruits now, Birka will survive the coming disaster."
Technically, he wasn't lying, right?
If he hadn't come this time, Enel would have completely annihilated Birka within two decades. Now Finn had secured the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, but who knew what the other two fruits were? What if Enel consumed one of them instead?
Would Enel without the Rumble-Rumble Fruit still be powerful enough to destroy Birka?
Then wouldn't everyone here be saved?
As a righteous Marine, he was genuinely here to rescue Birka!
Thinking about it like this, I'm getting excited!
I truly am a messenger of justice!
"Perhaps such a possibility exists," the Sky Island God said thoughtfully. "But it will cost extra!"
Finn stared at him intently for several seconds. "Fine. Those two fruits, plus two hundred million berries!"
"Deal!" The old God grabbed Finn's hand with that same surprising speed.
My goodness, you become superhuman whenever money's involved!
"Deal," Finn confirmed.
"Double happiness! Hahaha!" The Sky Island God laughed delightedly.
It truly was double happiness from his perspective. This Blue Sea visitor had removed all the ominous cursed fruits, potentially saving Birka from crisis according to his divination, and he'd netted four hundred million berries profit.
Wasn't that perfect?
Finn had just spent four hundred million berries and successfully acquired three Devil Fruits, including the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit. This should objectively be an excellent transaction. The Rumble-Rumble Fruit alone would fetch astronomical prices at Blue Sea auctions.
Two or four hundred million? Practically free.
Yet somehow, watching the Sky Island God laughing so triumphantly, Finn felt like he'd been swindled.
What's with this "deal" and "double happiness" nonsense?
"Forget it," Finn muttered, comforting himself. "Not worth arguing with sky island natives."
He turned and collected the two additional Devil Fruits, cradling all three against his chest. Finally, satisfaction returned.
"Shall we settle the payment?" the Sky Island God asked eagerly.
Finn rolled his eyes with mild disdain. "I, Rodriguez Finn, am a man of my word. Let's go complete the transaction."
They walked back toward the port, conversation flowing easily.
"Is there really a Buddha glowing with golden light?"
"Of course. Not just Buddhas either. I've seen giant dragons that fly through the air breathing clouds of mist. Impossibly long creatures!"
"Truly?"
"Absolutely real. They breathe fire too. And you know phoenixes, right? The kind that rise from ashes! Next time I visit, I'll catch one for you to see."
"That would be wonderful! I eagerly anticipate it!"
"If you find more cursed fruits in the future, save them for me. I'll return periodically to check. I want them all."
"Not a problem, but it will cost extra."
"Of course it will... Fine! I'll pay extra!"
Just like that, Finn, clutching three Devil Fruits, completed the four-hundred-million-berry transaction with Birka's God in front of the stunned Marines at the port.
Only after the warship departed did Gion emerge from her shocked stupor.
Four hundred million berries? Three Devil Fruits? Including the Rumble-Rumble Fruit!?
Finn, you'd be wasted in the Marines. You should have been a merchant!
"This is the Rumble-Rumble Fruit!?" Gion stared at the indigo fruit in Finn's hands, voice trembling with excitement.
Finn smiled. "Yes, the supposedly invincible Rumble-Rumble Fruit."
Before he could finish the sentence, Gion, whether from overwhelming excitement or long-suppressed feelings finally breaking free, rushed forward. She grabbed Finn's head, pulled him down, and kissed him firmly. Then she patted his shoulder and declared proudly, "Hahahaha! Finn, from now on, your concerns are Gion's concerns! Don't worry, I've got your back in the Marines!"
"I'm an Admiral candidate. Do I need protection from a Rear Admiral?" Finn wiped his mouth, affecting disgust.
But internally, his thoughts ran differently. You know, Gion's lips are quite sweet.
Could this woman be trying to seduce me?
I treat you as my subordinate, but you want to be my wife?
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