"You mean Thatch's ship—Division Four?"
Iggy knew this short sentence was worth its weight in gold. It was crucial to get all the details.
It might've seemed like a small clue, but it was the result of Teach's twenty-five-year wait for the slightest sliver of opportunity.
The Fourth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates was responsible for logistics and supplies, and its captain—Thatch—was also the crew's head chef.
Thatch wasn't just skilled in the kitchen; he had the strength of a true commander. Just half a month ago, he had taken down an entire pirate crew on his own.
Could it be that Division Four stumbled upon the Dark-Dark Fruit while collecting treasure from defeated enemies?
"Yes," Teach confirmed. "A month ago, I heard that the Black Pearl Pirates found a treasure suspected to be the Dark Fruit. I stirred up an excuse and pushed Ace to attack their territory. We chased them for two weeks before finally finding their flagship."
The Black Pearl Pirates were infamous for plundering, but they had always steered clear of direct conflict with the mighty Whitebeard Pirates.
Once Teach got wind of the Dark Fruit falling into their hands, he secretly encouraged Ace to launch an attack—claiming that the enemy had invaded Whitebeard's territory.
Teach had built a solid reputation over many years as the brains of the Second Division. He was trusted deeply, and Ace didn't hesitate to act on his suggestion.
"But just when we were about to win," Teach growled, "Division Four got there first. I could only watch as Thatch searched the enemy's ship and proudly claimed the Dark Fruit for himself!"
At this, Teach couldn't hide his fury. His fists—newly healed—clenched in frustration.
Iggy watched quietly. In the two years he'd spent with the Second Division, he had learned many of the unspoken truths that lingered beneath the crew's family-like surface.
On paper, the sixteen divisions were united under Whitebeard. But ever since the old man had fallen seriously ill, cracks had formed. Rivalries had taken root.
"So Thatch had his eye on the Dark Fruit too..."
From Teach's account, Iggy could tell that Thatch had waited patiently and swooped in at the last moment to steal the prize.
By Whitebeard's own rules, the one who finds the loot has the right to claim it.
No wonder Teach was seething. This was a chance he'd waited over two decades for.
"Teach, I'll help you take back the Dark Fruit."
Hearing this, Teach narrowed his eyes at Iggy. From the boy's expression, he could only see righteous indignation—and a firm resolve to act.
But Teach wasn't so quick to accept the offer. Slowly, he flexed his newly restored arms, pushed himself up, and faced Iggy squarely.
His massive frame loomed like a mountain. Standing more than twice Iggy's height, Teach towered over him again.
"Zehahahaha... Iggy, give me a reason to trust you."
Though they were clearly on the same side, Teach was not the type to accept vague promises. He was a man of deals, not words.
His eyes—sharp and cunning—narrowed. He was already calculating, as if trying to read Iggy's soul.
Iggy smiled faintly, unsurprised. Teach's greed was part of his plan.
"Teach, do you remember this?"
Iggy reached into his black coat and pulled out a worn, yellowed book. He handed it over without hesitation.
"How do you have the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia!?"
Despite the book's cracked spine and curled pages, the cover and symbols were instantly recognizable to Teach.
At ten years old, Teach had worked as a servant in a noble's mansion. One day while cleaning, he stumbled across this very book—the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia.
From that day on, every free moment was spent memorizing its contents, page by page. The seed of ambition had taken root.
That moment was the beginning of everything—of Teach's long, calculated rise toward his dream.
Now, this rare and secret book—something the World Government had long tried to suppress—was in Iggy's hands.
"I'll give you the book," Iggy said calmly. "And more."
He knew that Teach, ever the schemer, would value the book like gold. It was both a treasure trove and a blueprint—for identifying fruits, hunting users, and building power.
But Iggy had more to offer. Something even more persuasive.
"I'll deliver Thatch's head to you—along with everything you want from the World Government."
Teach's eyes lit up with shock—and then glee.
Those weren't just words. To him, it was the promise of vengeance... and the key to rising even higher.
Killing Thatch would erase the obstacle in his path—but it would also make him a traitor to Whitebeard and a target for the entire crew.
So why not go all the way?
Seize the Dark Fruit. Claim Thatch's head. And hand it to the Navy for a bounty large enough to secure a position among the Warlords of the Sea—a Shichibukai.
"Zehahahaha... Deal!"
Teach burst out laughing, snatching the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia and stuffing it into his coat.
But behind that bold grin lay something else—a twinge of unease. Even Teach couldn't help but feel wary of the teen standing before him.
The book and Thatch's head were valuable, sure. But Teach had already decided—the Dark Fruit was his.
This meeting was more than a partnership. It was a twisted alliance—a pact of criminals, built on ambition, blood, and betrayal.
At the same time, Iggy looked back at the laughing Teach—and smiled just as boldly.
---
Who's getting played, lol.
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