Chapter 71: The Root Fruit and Shocking News
"Fruit? You mean a Devil Fruit?"
Itachi's mind immediately conjured images of Luffy's rubber body, Robin's sprouting limbs, and the crippling weakness to seawater that afflicted all users. For someone who would spend his life at sea, the side effects seemed... counterintuitive.
"Exactly." Law nodded. "I've studied the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia extensively. There's a known fruit—one that exists and can be acquired without an current user—that would suit you perfectly."
"What fruit?"
"The Root-Root Fruit. Paramythia type."
Law explained in detail.
The consumer of this fruit becomes a Root Human—capable of transforming their body into tree roots at will. These roots can extend, entangle, and most crucially—absorb.
Absorb nutrients from the earth. Absorb energy from enemies. Replenish stamina continuously.
"It's unfortunate," Law added, "that the Forest-Forest Fruit—eaten by the new Admiral, Ryokugyu—would be even more suitable. But since it's already taken..."
He shrugged.
"The Root Fruit is slightly inferior, but it serves the same purpose. It would compensate perfectly for the massive energy consumption of your crimson giant."
Itachi listened, a strange sense of familiarity creeping over him.
Roots. Absorption. Regeneration.
The description reminded him of someone. The First Hokage. Hashirama Senju's Wood Release.
"Where would we find this fruit?"
Law snapped his fingers.
"That's the key point."
He leaned forward.
"Devil Fruits are notoriously difficult to locate. They appear randomly across all oceans—no pattern, no predictability. But this one is different."
He paused for effect.
"It's been sighted. On an island in the New World. An island of shadows, subterfuge, and black markets."
"Rakesh Callender."
Law continued.
This information came from a pirate captain named Freys—one of those Itachi had liberated on Fishman Island.
When Law had transferred Itachi to this quiet island for treatment, he'd questioned Freys about how they'd arrived so fortuitously.
Freys had explained:
After escaping Fishman Island, he and two other liberated pirate captains had formed a temporary alliance. Rather than following the standard route through the New World, Freys—skilled with currents—had ridden the legendary White Current to emerge hundreds of kilometers away.
They'd eventually reached the waters near Punk Hazard.
There, they'd witnessed the naval warships bombarding the Thousand Sunny. And in the distance—reinforcements approaching.
Their plan had been simple: circle around, wait for the reinforcements to engage, then strike from behind.
But before they could execute—they'd spotted Itachi and Law on the island itself.
"Freys' original destination was Rakesh Callender," Law explained. "It's a black market hub—medicinal herbs, rare goods, and Devil Fruit trading. According to him, a major trading event is underway. The centerpiece? A collection of Devil Fruits."
He met Itachi's bandaged eyes.
"The Root Fruit is among them."
A commotion erupted outside.
The old doctor stumbled backward, pale with fear, as rough voices filled the corridor.
Luo moved to the door.
A massive pirate had hoisted the elderly doctor by his collar.
"Old man! Whether we see them or not is for God Itachi and Brother Trafalgar to decide! Your opinion means NOTHING!"
He raised the doctor to throw him—
"Put him down."
Law's voice cut through the chaos. Cold. Authoritative.
The pirate dropped the doctor instantly.
"So sorry, Brother Trafalgar!"
Another pirate pushed forward—larger than the first, but with eyes like tiny beans that blinked constantly.
Freys.
He was now the leader of the surviving pirates. The other two captains had died in the clash with Navy warships.
"Brother Trafalgar!" Freys' voice was urgent. "Three days! We haven't seen God Itachi in THREE DAYS! How is he?! Blink."
He punctuated the question with an exaggerated blink.
"I told you. No visitors."
"Blink. Is God Itachi recovering? Blink. Are his injuries healing? Blink."
Law's eye twitched.
"Would you STOP blinking every two seconds?!"
Freys blinked.
"Oh! That's—blink—I have the Scope-Scope Fruit! Blink. Every time I use my ability, my eyes get dry! Blink. I have to remind myself to moisturize! Blink."
Law stared at him.
"Fine. Itachi is awake. He cannot leave bed. You WILL be quiet."
Freys' face split into a massive grin.
"BLINK! We brought—BLINK—important information! BLINK!"
He thrust a newspaper forward.
"This—BLINK—shook the entire world! BLINK!"
Law snatched it from his hands.
The front page headline screamed:
"MAD SCIENTIST CAESAR'S PLOT TO DESTROY THE WORLD WITH BIOWEAPON THWARTED BY NAVY! WEAPON DESTROYED! CAESAR MISSING!"
Law snorted.
"The Navy's propaganda machine at work."
Second headline:
"ADMIRAL KIZARU SACRIFICES HIMSELF TO DESTROY THE THREAT! SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN SOLO ASSAULT!"
A photograph accompanied it—Kizaru, wounded, leaping into the air, the destroyed Shinokuni behind him.
Law's expression didn't change. Propaganda. Always propaganda.
Third headline:
"WORST GENERATION PIRATES STRAW HAT CREW EXPOSED ON PUNK HAZARD! NEW BOUNTIES ANNOUNCED!"
Law scanned the list.
Luffy. Zoro. Sanji. Jinbe (still listed despite his intent to leave Big Mom's crew). Robin. Franky. Brook. Chopper. Nami. Usopp.
All increased. All expected.
And then—
The first image on the bounty list.
A face he recognized.
UCHIHA ITACHI
"STRAW HAT PIRATES"
BOUNTY: 500,000,000 BERRIES
Law's breath caught.
Five hundred million.
For a man who'd been with the crew for days.
The photo—taken during the battle—showed Itachi with his Sharingan active, crimson eyes burning, Wind Forest Fire raised against an unseen enemy.
The Navy knows his face now. Knows his power.
Law turned back toward the hospital room.
"Itachi-san."
His voice carried through the door.
"You have a bounty now."
A pause.
"Five hundred million berries."
(End of Chapter)
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