Ten Days Later
A ragged pirate ship drifted just ten nautical miles from the shores of Rhode Island.
From the crow's nest atop the ship's tallest mast, one could already glimpse the coastline of the island.
"Boss, that's Rhode Island up ahead!"
"Good. Tell the brothers to get ready—we'll sneak ashore tonight."
"Understood!"
---
Inside Luo Lan's Office
"So, this guy arrived two days earlier than Ace and plans to launch a sneak attack tonight?"
"Yes, that's our analysis," Ian replied with a nod.
As Rhode Island was Luo Lan's main base of operations, naturally, it was heavily monitored.
In fact, Dory had been spotted the moment he came within thirty nautical miles of the island.
How?
Don't forget—Branch 157 had a massive 800-meter-deep underwater prison located just outside the island, over 600 meters below the surface.
And what comes with a prison that deep?
Submarines, of course.
After all, how else would they transport prisoners down there?
When not in use for transport missions, those submarines were repurposed for coastal patrol.
Even now, one submarine was lurking just a few hundred meters from Dory's ship—completely undetected by the pirates.
"Hmm, your analysis seems spot on," Luo Lan mused. "Looks like Dory did his homework and knows a bit about Branch 157… but…"
He smiled coldly.
"His intel seems just a little outdated."
"Once they come ashore tonight, let's use the opportunity to field test our new rifles in actual combat."
Luo Lan stood up and waved his hand.
"Yes, Colonel!" Ian saluted.
Soon, the entire base was bustling with activity.
Squads of marines equipped themselves with ammunition and, led by their captains, quietly disappeared into the surrounding forests.
At this point, there were…
Less than two hours until nightfall.
---
Two Hours Later
Under the cover of night, the pirate ship crept toward Rhode Island, finally anchoring just a hundred meters from shore.
A small rowboat, carrying a few pirates, quickly reached land.
Leading them was a pirate from a small island in the Wasteland Seas—the very one who had suggested coming to Rhode Island in the first place.
"That building over there must be the famous Navy Branch 157, right?"
As soon as they landed, the three pirates spotted the dilapidated two-story building not far from the coast.
"Let's go. Stay quiet and follow me."
The lead pirate motioned silently. The others followed, tiptoeing carefully, afraid to alert any marines.
But just two minutes later…
The three were dumbfounded.
How long had it been since this place was repaired?
They found no signs of anyone living there—no signs of recent activity at all. The building looked like it might collapse at any moment.
"This branch must've been shut down completely."
"Let's go. We'll inform the boss—it's safe to come ashore."
The lead pirate signaled again, and the trio quickly ran back to the shore.
Unbeknownst to them…
Two figures perched in the trees nearby were watching their every move.
"Colonel, they're heading back to report to Dory. Looks like they didn't suspect a thing."
"Tell everyone to prepare. Once we confirm the Devil Fruit, we move."
"Yes, sir!"
---
Before long, several rowboats made repeated trips, ferrying wave after wave of pirates and supplies to the island.
On the beach of Rhode Island, Dory stood at the front with seventy-seven pirates behind him.
Originally, Dory's Second Division had over a hundred men. But after being attacked twice by Krieg, many were lost in cannon fire.
Now, only a portion remained.
Still, for an East Blue pirate crew, this was a formidable force.
Dory led his men and supplies inland.
There was one small box he never let out of his hands.
Judging by its size and Dory's careful handling, it could only be the Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit.
They soon arrived outside the crumbling Branch 157 building, and Dory ordered the crew to set up a temporary camp.
He himself sat on a rock nearby and opened the box.
As expected…
Inside was a Devil Fruit, its skin resembling dancing flames.
It was the Flame-Flame Fruit—without a doubt.
Dory's understanding of Devil Fruits came only from scattered rumors.
Some said they were treasures of the sea, others claimed demons resided within them.
Either way, it was said the fruit had to be eaten to unlock its power.
But in such a volatile setting, Dory didn't dare test it right away.
Holding the fruit in hand, he hesitated.
Should I eat it? Or not?
If he did, what if something went wrong? Could his crew survive the fallout?
But if he didn't, he'd never gain power…
He mulled it over, uncertain.
(Ace: I bet you hesitated for at least two days, didn't you? Otherwise, how would it have ended up in my hands in the original story?)
Just then—
Bang!
A low gunshot tore through the night.
Then came a scream.
"AAAH! My hand! My hand—!!"
The pirates building the camp turned in horror.
Their boss's right wrist had been blown apart—his hand lay on the ground, along with the Devil Fruit.
Before they could process it, another volley of gunfire erupted.
With no cover on the open field, the pirates were like sitting ducks.
One after another, they dropped.
When the shooting paused, over thirty pirates lay motionless.
The rest stood frozen in shock.
But they were seasoned killers. After a moment's delay, someone shouted:
"They're in the trees! Charge while they're reloading!"
"AAAAAAHH!!"
Everyone knew it—after a volley, reloading took at least thirty seconds, maybe longer if the shooters weren't skilled.
Half a minute was plenty of time to cross the few hundred meters into the forest.
Or so they thought.
Because just three seconds into their charge—
Gunfire erupted again.
---
"Damn it…"
"DAMN IT ALL!!!"
Dory ignored the blood spurting from his right wrist and staggered forward.
With his left hand, he reached for the Flame-Flame Fruit.
There was no time to hesitate anymore. Life or death…
It all came down to this moment.
But just as his fingers brushed the fruit—
Bang!
Another shot rang out, and his left wrist was shattered too.
He turned around—
And saw Luo Lan standing not far away, calmly holding a sleek black handgun.
Behind Luo Lan were rows of fallen pirates, mowed down during their charge.
Not a single one survived.
Gritting his teeth, Dory dove forward, mouth wide open.
I still have my teeth!
He would eat the Devil Fruit—no matter what.
But he was too naive.
Bang!!!
A final gunshot echoed.
And the entire island…
Fell silent.