A billion!
Was that enough?
That single question struck deep into Tony's heart.
A fruit that could let someone live again after death —
once its existence was revealed, every billionaire and world leader would fight tooth and nail to obtain it.
Tens of billions, even hundreds of billions—
those numbers wouldn't even make them blink.
As for "going to hell after death"?
Come on.
How many of those sitting at the top of the world's power structures could claim to have clean hands?
Most of them had already accepted that they'd end up in hell someday.
So why not spend some money to live one more lifetime before going there?
Of course, Qin Xiao knew the truth:
matching a Devil Fruit to a compatible host was extremely difficult.
In fact, besides Tony,
no one else could even use the Yomi Fruit.
If anyone else ate it, it would be completely useless.
But—
Tony didn't know that.
Which meant Qin Xiao could play him however he liked.
A billion dollars for a second life?
Dream on.
As expected, Tony grew anxious the moment Qin Xiao said that.
"You… I'll buy the fruit right now!"
Tony snapped, unable to hide his frustration.
Even if he didn't eat it immediately, he could at least own it—keep it as insurance.
"Buy it? Tell me then, Tony—how much do you think your life is worth?"
Qin Xiao didn't name a price.
He threw the question right back at him.
"I'll give you one percent of Stark Industries' shares," Tony said after a pause, his tone almost pained.
"That's worth several billion dollars."
Qin Xiao's smile deepened.
"One percent? If this were before, that'd be true.
But now you've just announced the shutdown of your weapons division.
Tell me, Tony—how much do you think your company's stock will drop by tomorrow morning?"
He wasn't in a rush at all.
Kingpin was already planning to acquire Stark Industries stock;
one percent meant nothing to Qin Xiao now.
Hearing that, Tony's expression finally showed real urgency.
This was a buyer's market—
and he was completely at the mercy of the seller.
Unless, of course, he truly didn't care whether he lived or died.
But Tony Stark?
The man who clawed his way out of a desert cave to survive?
There was no way he didn't value his life.
He'd only been calm before because Qin Xiao said his "death" was still months away.
But now that he understood how much chaos the Yomi Fruit could cause…
how could he not be anxious?
If he gave up this chance, someone else would definitely get the fruit.
And then maybe… he really wouldn't survive.
"What kind of price do I have to pay," Tony finally asked, "to obtain this Devil Fruit?"
"More than five percent of your shares."
Qin Xiao stated his demand plainly.
That was the same price he'd charged Kingpin for the Bomb Fruit.
And he'd even provided "after-sales service" —
a demonstration of how to use the fruit properly.
Because only when a fruit user actively developed their abilities
could Qin Xiao tap into more of that power through his system.
It looked like the other person was profiting,
but in truth, he profited more—
double, in fact.
That was how Qin Xiao saw the system:
a perfect win-win… where he always won bigger.
Tony's eyes flickered, his expression hardening.
"I accept."
He finally gave in.
"Excellent."
A faint ripple shimmered in Qin Xiao's palm.
The Yomi Fruit—previously absorbed into the air—reappeared, floating above his hand.
He handed it to Tony.
"Since you've agreed to my terms, this fruit is now yours."
Tony took the strange-looking, vividly colored fruit carefully.
"I understand. I'll arrange the stock transfer immediately.
For now, I won't keep you any longer."
Having secured the Yomi Fruit, Tony promptly dismissed him.
"I'll leave right away.
Frank will continue protecting you for the time being.
Once the stock transfer is complete, have him contact me."
With that, Qin Xiao turned and walked toward the exit.
Frank personally escorted him to the underground garage.
"Qin," Frank said, a bit awkwardly, "you traded a Devil Fruit for five percent of Stark Industries.
But when you gave me the Swamp Fruit, you didn't ask for a single cent.
I… really don't know how to thank you."
Only now did he fully grasp how valuable these fruits truly were—
worth hundreds of billions, easily.
And Qin Xiao had just handed one to him for free.
"Frank, you have to understand—
a Devil Fruit's 'value' depends entirely on me."
Qin Xiao smiled faintly.
"Every fruit is different, and its true worth lies in how much its user can make of it.
If you really want to thank me,
then develop your Swamp Fruit to its fullest potential.
Make the name 'Devil Fruit User' known to the world."
He patted Frank on the shoulder.
"I understand," Frank said firmly. "I'll master it completely."
Just then—
Ding!
System notification: The Yomi Fruit has been consumed by its designated host. The user absorbs a portion of the fruit's power.