HST: Chapter 204: Hunter and Prey

New World, Totto Land.

“Artificial Devil Fruits… I didn’t expect that Caesar, that loser, could actually research something this good.”

Charlotte Linlin looked at the newspaper with a look of surprise.

What the newspaper said was not an exaggeration. Artificial Devil Fruits really do have the potential to change the world.

Whoever controls artificial Devil Fruits can produce an endless army of people with special abilities.

A large number of mid to high-level combatants is a huge advantage, whether to conquer the world or consolidate power.

Caesar had taken a large sum of money from her to research human gigantification, but there had been no results.

Thinking of this, Charlotte Linlin’s face darkened. Caesar was the first to dare to deceive a Yonko out of her Berries.

“Katakuri, bring Caesar back for Mama.”

Charlotte Linlin said this to her most capable son.

“Yes, Mama.”

Katakuri answered without hesitation, and then asked, “How much funding will Mama give me?”

“Two hundred million Berries!”

“No… let’s make it one hundred million Berries.”

Charlotte Linlin said begrudgingly.

I wonder how many desserts I could buy with that money.

“I see.”

Katakuri showed an expression of “as expected,” but agreed calmly.

One hundred million Berries could not buy the technology to create artificial Devil Fruits, and even buying one to examine would be difficult.

So these one hundred million Berries were simply travel expenses and a payment for his effort.

This time, extraordinary measures would be necessary.

However, although he believed in his own strength, he was definitely not confident about defeating Caelan.

He only had to wait until Caelan sold Caesar, and then he could track down the buyer.

“You are truly Mama’s good son. Go now.”

Charlotte Linlin stuffed a piece of cake into her mouth and looked at Katakuri with admiration.

Now it was clear that Katakuri fully understood her meaning.

That’s right, her thinking was the same as Kaido’s: just take it by force. These two former companions really did think alike.

“Yes, Mama.”

Katakuri bowed and walked out of the hall.

…

New World.

A huge ship was slowly moving across the sea. It was Whitebeard’s Moby Dick.

“Young people these days are really something!”

Whitebeard was hooked up to an IV, full of emotion.

Even artificial Devil Fruits were being sold. This was really something big.

“Dad, are we going to take a look?”

Marco, who was at his side, asked with interest.

“There’s no need to go and watch that circus.”

Whitebeard waved his hand and looked at the sky weakly.

If he were still young and strong, he would definitely join in the fun and might even challenge Caelan to a fight.

But now, he was old and very sick.

The so-called artificial Devil Fruits had no appeal to him.

There was no need to waste his remaining vitality.

Now, he should conserve his strength and protect his sons for as long as he could.

“I know, Dad.”

Seeing Whitebeard like this, Marco felt sad.

Although he was unwilling to accept it, the truth was right in front of him.

The father who was once a mighty figure had now become like a candle flickering in the wind.

“What’s that look on your face? I’m still alive and well!”

“Do you think I, your old man, can’t lift a blade anymore? I’m still strong. Beating ten of you is no big deal!”

Whitebeard looked at Marco, who seemed to be grieving, and cursed with a smile.

“Heh heh.”

Marco, even in his forties, scratched his head awkwardly, as if he were still a child.

…

The Red Hair Pirates.

Shanks looked at the newspaper in his hand and smiled. “Caelan just can’t sit still without stirring up something. He even dares to sell something like this!”

This was artificial Devil Fruit technology, something that could truly change the world.

It was bold of Caelan to openly auction it to the entire world.

“Shanks, why don’t you go grab that kid and teach him a lesson!”

Yasopp said with a smirk.

“This kid is way too arrogant. Don’t be a coward.”

“Yeah, Captain, go show Caelan the truth about keeping a low profile!”

“Come on, Shanks, we all believe you’re amazing!”

On the other side, Lucky Roux and the others joined in, and even Beckman, who was usually calm, chimed in.

“Get lost. You guys just want to see me fight!”

Shanks’ face darkened.

“Hahahaha!”

Seeing Shanks like that, everyone burst out laughing.

…

New World.

On a huge and luxurious ship, countless pirates were living lives of indulgence, wasting their wealth.

A tall man in a golden suit looked down at everything, a hint of joy flickering in his calm eyes.

“Tesoro-san, today’s newspaper.”

An attendant handed over a newspaper respectfully.

“Hmm.”

Tesoro nodded slightly and took the newspaper calmly.

The moment he saw it, he could no longer remain calm.

Artificial Devil Fruit technology!

Devil Fruits are the secret treasures of the sea, treasures that countless people seek.

Does artificial Devil Fruit technology truly exist?

Tesoro read the newspaper carefully, not missing a single detail.

After reading, he was completely shocked.

The pictures and information all proved that artificial Devil Fruits were real.

Tesoro stroked his ring, his face shifting from gloomy to delighted.

The technology for artificial Devil Fruits could be used to build an army of ability users, and its value was immeasurable.

If he had such a thing, he would never show it to anyone.

And since Caelan actually wanted to sell it, it was hard not to suspect there was some kind of scheme.

A bait?

Or is he really short on money?

“Forget it. Let’s buy it first.”

Tesoro could not resist the temptation.

As the richest man in the world, he knew the importance of power.

Do not be fooled by his current influence. Even the Celestial Dragons and the World Government had to deal with him to some extent.

But he knew that in front of a truly strong person, he could never be arrogant.

If they decided to flip the table, he would be slaughtered instantly. That massive fortune was both his confidence and his trouble.

If he had an army of ability users, he would be much safer.

Perhaps this power could be used to overthrow the World Government and destroy those damned Celestial Dragons.

Thinking of his beloved, who had been bought by the Celestial Dragons and tortured to death, Tesoro's heart ached deeply.

“I am determined to obtain the technology to create artificial Devil Fruits!”

Tesoro clenched his fists and swore.

He could already imagine how fierce the competition would be this time.

But when it comes to money, he had never feared anyone.

He was the Golden Emperor, who controlled twenty percent of the world’s wealth!

The only thing to worry about was whether he could leave safely.

Sharing the same idea as Tesoro were other underworld kings.

They all knew that this auction would definitely cause a massive turmoil, but the temptation of artificial Devil Fruit technology was enough for them to take the risk.

(To be continued.)