Pito tilted her head, listening through the thin wall of the private room. Nelson waited beside her, arms folded, trying to extend his Observation Haki into the next chamber. For some reason, every attempt slid off a veil of silence.
"Pito, how's the captain doing over there with that woman?" Nelson asked.
Pito's ears twitched. She focused for several long seconds before replying in her usual simple way.
"Not bad."
Nelson blinked. That was all he was getting.
Teach had deliberately wrapped himself in Observation Haki, masking both aura and intent so none of them, or anyone else, could eavesdrop. That alone told the crew everything they needed to know. Their captain never entertained private talks without gain, and Stephanie's identity made motives obvious. Just like Doflamingo before her, another powerful figure had approached them first, seeking cooperation.
"Think they'll take us to Phantom Street for some fun?" a young pirate whispered, already picturing the infamous den of indulgence.
"Unlikely." Pouf polished the gemstone bracelet he had bought earlier, admiring the glimmering surface. "You think high-end secrets come with a guided tour?"
He rotated his wrist to admire the stone again, eyes shining. "Still, I never imagined something this gorgeous would show up in a black market auction."
Baccara crossed her arms. "The captain said most items here are supplied by West Blue's dark underworld. Of course they're valuable, but they're usually covered in blood."
Pouf grinned. "Which only adds charm and artistic depth. Treasures with history fetch better prices."
Baccara rolled her eyes. He knew she had wanted that bracelet too.
Nelson sighed. "You two really fight over the smallest things. I still have a stash from the Heavenly Gold I stole. If you like any of it, I can share."
Silence fell across the group.
One by one, the others stared at him, stunned. The Heavenly Gold, tribute sent to the Celestial Dragons, was untouchable even to most pirates. Nelson adjusted his gentleman's hat, looking baffled by their shock.
"Did I not mention it?" he said casually. "The captain knows. His Kiss of Aphrodite? Also taken from a Heavenly Gold shipment. That's how we met."
He did not mention being caught during the theft, the chase that followed, or Teach saving him.
Wallace cleared his throat. "There are three Devil Fruits in this auction. The dark forces of West Blue really pulled out all the stops. Buying them is our main goal too."
Devil Fruits were still scarce aboard their ship. Many had already been distributed, strengthening their subordinates. Miles had eaten the Lion-Lion Fruit, they had acquired the Snake-Snake Fruit through trade, and the rare Bird-Bird Fruit, Crow Model, had gone to Jim Carrey, who had immediately shouted "For Justice!" while posing dramatically. There were also the Gecko-Gecko Fruit and the Itch-Itch Fruit. Zoan fruits remained extremely popular thanks to their reliability and raw boosts.
In the auction hall, the bidding began. Two of the three Devil Fruits were labeled, one was unknown. Teach recognized it anyway.
Zoan: Earthworm-Earthworm Fruit.
Paramecia: Sweep-Sweep Fruit.
Paramecia: Paper-Paper Fruit.
The Sweep-Sweep Fruit appeared harmless, allowing its user to transform limbs into brooms. Yet, just like Vice Admiral Tsuru's Wash-Wash Fruit, its real potential came from deep mastery or awakening.
The Paper-Paper Fruit held even greater appeal. The user could become an origami person and generate paper capable of folding into any shape. Its development resembled Mostima's Feather-Feather Fruit, offering surprising versatility.
As for the Earthworm-Earthworm Fruit, most bidders dismissed it. They had no idea how terrifying insect-type Zoan fruits could be once scaled to human size. Regeneration, vitality, and insane survival capacity often surpassed even elite Zoans.
In the end, all three Devil Fruits were purchased by the Nightfall Pirates for a staggering seven hundred million Berries. Prices at underworld auctions were always inflated, but the investment was worthwhile.
Teach rose from his seat and gave Stephanie a nod. "Time to go."
"Hehe, you're no fun at all." Stephanie laughed softly and followed.
They left the hall together while the crew trailed behind. Stephanie eventually parted ways, handing Teach a special secured den den mushi before leaving. Normal ones could be intercepted far too easily.
Several underworld figures eyed the Nightfall Pirates, tempted by the Devil Fruits. None dared act. Offending Teach's crew over three mid-tier fruits was suicidal, and none of them had the strength anyway.
Teach and his people made it back to the ship without a single obstruction. The mission was complete. They had gained three Devil Fruits, secured cooperation with CP0, and acquired a top-tier scientist. Profit in every direction.
The three ships set course for Phantom Street, their base in West Blue. With the Nightfall Pirates' growing reputation, even heavy trouble tended to melt away on sight.
Inside her luxurious cabin aboard her own vessel, Stephanie closed the curtains until the room dimmed to a comfortable shade. She settled into her velvet sofa and poured a glass of red wine. The faint light glinted off the crimson surface as she swirled it.
Darkness suited her. Her identity, especially when reporting to CP0, was not something meant for the sun.
The den den mushi on her table twitched, shifting into the likeness of a cold, handsome man.
"Stephanie. Is this about the two missing agents?" a sharp voice asked.
"Hehe, Aleister, don't be so serious. I found nothing. No bodies, no traces. They must have died somewhere else." Stephanie smiled and sipped her wine.
"Then this call is about the Nightfall Pirates." The man on the other end wore a white suit and cape, a sword at his hip and slightly long purple hair cascading over his shoulder. He was Aleister, Vice Chief of CP0. His presence radiated pressure even through the snail.
Stephanie knew well how terrifying he was. A master swordsman paired with the Comet-Comet Fruit, a force capable of razing an island. He was one of the two individuals closest to the CP0 Chief, known publicly as the Celestial Dragons' Strongest Shield.
And her direct superior.
"I met their captain," Stephanie said. "Teach has ambition. We should keep an eye on him."
Aleister exhaled impatiently. "Ambition describes half the ocean. Give me something meaningful. You would not call unless you had valuable intelligence."
Stephanie placed her glass down. "I obtained information about Whitebeard."
Aleister, formerly lounging, snapped to attention and leaned toward the snail. "Speak."
"Teach told me Whitebeard's physical condition is in poor shape. The Tremor-Tremor Fruit causes massive internal strain. Whitebeard's body has accumulated severe hidden injuries. His monstrous physique hides them for now, but once he leaves his peak, everything will erupt and his strength will fall sharply."
Even repeating it felt unreal. The strongest man in the world, whose power could destroy continents, carrying such devastating weaknesses.
"Teach was vague. This is my own deduction from what he implied," Stephanie said, subtly increasing the credibility.
Aleister's eyes narrowed. "This is extremely valuable. If accurate, you will be rewarded. What else?"
"Teach mentioned twenty years. Whitebeard can hold out that long. After that, the accumulated damage will break him, and illness will set in."
"Twenty years is manageable," Aleister muttered.
He adjusted his position. "Teach is seventeen and already hiding power on the level of a Vice Admiral. His potential is extraordinary. Stay close to him. Monitor the Nightfall Pirates."
"I have already discussed cooperation. He wants Devil Fruits and will trade Berries."
Aleister nodded. "They are not picky about the quality of the fruits. I will send you a batch to strengthen ties."
He had no desire to eliminate the Nightfall Pirates yet. They were far more valuable intact, generating information that could be used against the great powers.
Stephanie's eyes sparkled. "Should I share Teach's information with the Marines?"
"Why should I help them?" Aleister's voice turned cold. "Let them suffer for once."
"Then I will end the call." Stephanie smiled and hung up.
Aleister immediately began preparing his report for the Five Elders. The secrets of Whitebeard demanded the highest level of attention.
And far out at sea, the Nightfall Pirates continued to sail, unaware that their growing shadow was now under the quiet scrutiny of the world's most dangerous organization.