The Artificial Devil Fruits created by Caesar are highly unusual. Their raw material is a unique substance called SAD, which is infused with the blood of various animals. This results in SMILEs of uncertain species, and no one knows what abilities might be gained upon consuming them.
To be precise, ordinary people—and even Caesar, the creator—don’t know whether eating one of these fruits will grant any abilities at all. Back in the days of MADS, there were no requirements regarding a person’s character to join the group; as long as you had talent, you were welcome.
While Queen still has some restraints and considers consequences when conducting experiments, Caesar is different. He has no bottom line whatsoever. He doesn’t care at all about the potential consequences of consuming the fruit; after all, he’s not the one eating it.
Arceus cannot determine the exact species, but he can guarantee that eating it won’t turn someone into some grotesque creature.
“Shayna, find me two random people. I want to test something new.”
“No special requirements?”
“Just make sure they’re weaker, the kind who clearly have no chance of becoming Blessed Ones.”
“Understood, I’ll take care of it. Please wait a moment.”
This wasn’t a difficult request. Nowadays, all the Four Emperors have their own large fleets. Aside from their elite officers, there are also plenty of low-ranking members to bolster their numbers. The ones stationed in Wano Country are relatively more elite, and this group happens to be a perfect match for the Artificial Devil Fruits.
These were bought with real money, after all. They can’t just be wasted carelessly.
….
Meanwhile, outside Onigashima, two pirates stood bored at the gate, leaning against it while on guard duty.
Onigashima had long since adopted Rotom electronic gates, and most routine guard duties were handled by Rotom. However, the doorkeeper post itself hadn’t been eliminated entirely.
The pirates aren’t one suited for idleness. Pirates like Mandrell, who are content with living a quiet and honest life, are extremely rare. To keep these pirates occupied, many positions are filled with both Pokémon and pirates.
“Ah, Lord Kaido went out again. Wanna guess who’s gonna be unlucky this time?”
“Who knows? I’d guess it’s those useless Marines. But where are the people supposed to take over the shift? It’s been way too long already.”
“Cut them some slack. Those guys had a banquet yesterday and drank way too much. We agreed to cover their shift a bit longer.”
“They said ‘a bit,’ but it’s turning into a whole day. Tomorrow, those two better make up for it…”
In the end, they’re pirates, not like the knights in the monastery who stand guard like wooden stakes. Skipping shifts happens all the time. As long as someone’s there to cover, it’s not really a big deal.
“You two, come with me.”
“Yes, Lady Shayna!”
The two exchanged glances. Though unsure of the reason, following the orders of an officer was always the right move. As a series of metal doors opened, they found themselves stepping onto a floor they normally had no permission to access.
“Lord Sacred Beast, I’ve brought them.”
After leading the pair into the room, Shayna stepped aside, giving space for what was to come.
“L-Lord Arceus?! Is there something you’d like us to do?”
“Yeah, is there anything we can do?”
Despite being stationed on Onigashima, chances to interact with people of captain-level were rare—let alone being specifically called upon.
“This is an opportunity. Here are two special Devil Fruits.”
Out of the 20 samples sent by Doflamingo, in Arceus’s eyes, only two of them were complete. That’s why he said the success rate is one-tenth.
“The abilities of these fruits are unknown, but they are undoubtedly Zoan-type. Now, we need to see the effects after consumption. Are you two willing to try them?”
The two gazed at the peculiar apples floating before them. Without hesitation, they grabbed the fruits and bit into them.
It was obvious this was an experiment, but it was also a chance. Being personally sought out by Arceus had sought them out. If they refused out of fear now, although nothing major would happen, it would be impossible to encounter such an opportunity again.
When they chose the pirate’s life, they understood the risks they might face. No matter what bizarre power they receive, they were willing to try.
The only good thing about the Devil Fruits Caesar made was that they weren’t unbearably bad-tasting. In the original timeline, Orochi distributed defective fruits to the villagers of Ebisu Town. If those fruits had the same awful taste, the villagers wouldn’t have eaten them.
The two fruits were quickly consumed, but neither of them grew any bizarre organs nor turned into those always-laughing freaks.
However, having just eaten the fruits, they had yet to grasp their powers.
“Lord Arceus, now…”
“Familiarize yourselves with your powers, then transform. It won’t take long.”
The two began to sense the energy within their bodies. Even if they hadn’t directly experienced it, they’d certainly heard about form transformations from the numerous Zoan Users within the Beasts Pirates.
In just a few minutes, their bodies started to grow bigger. One of them had his skin darken, while the back of his clothes tore apart as rows of black-and-white quills emerged—he had gained the ability of a porcupine.
While the other sprouted black feathers all over his body, and his arms transformed into wings. It was clear he had acquired the ability of a crow.
Aside from exceptions like Alabasta’s Pell the Falcon and the fruits modified by Arceus, most bird fruits caused the user’s arms to become wings. Caesar’s creations followed this same principle.
The two then switched to their Beast Forms, successfully mastering the standard three transformations of a Zoan-type.
“A porcupine and a crow. Not bad. Alright, you’re free to go about your business.“
After confirming there were no issues with the fruits, the two returned to their posts. Even they couldn’t quite believe their luck—standing in for others on guard duty had somehow led to them gaining Devil Fruit abilities.
….
“Substituting for someone can lead to benefits like this?”
“No idea, but it seems like we should put in more overtime from now on. Maybe Brother Mandrell was right—effort always pays off in the end…”
The two were discussing where to celebrate with drinks that evening when two others approached, arms draped around each other.
“Harper, Rory, what’s got you two so excited?”
The pair had been slacking off and spending their time goofing around in Hakumai before finally showing up to take over their shift. They expected a scolding but instead saw Harper and Rory grinning ear to ear about something.
“What’s up with your clothes? Why are your sleeves and backs all torn up?”
“Hahaha, you idiots have no idea what you missed out on.”
Saying that, both of them transformed again. Harper spread his wings with a flourish, while Rory examined the quills on his back, testing how they might be used.
“Ability Users?!”
“But last night, you were just normal guys?!”
“Yeah, but while you were off slacking, we gained brand-new abilities.
Not long ago, Lord Arceus and Lord Kaido seemed to have gotten their hands on something good. If you’d been on time for the shift change, these abilities could’ve been yours.”
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