Selling Devil Fruits in the Marvel Universe

Update: You might be wondering why I haven't posted recently. The reason is that college has been taking up all my time and energy these past few weeks, and I'm really exhausted. I guess this is one of the challenges of graduating next year. I'm sorry for the lack of updates, but now that my schedule is a bit lighter (since I've finished most of my tough tasks), I plan to post more chapters today and over the next few weeks. Thank you for understanding—I really appreciate it!

Additionally, my exams are finally over, so get ready for some updates! WOOOOOO I'm free from college for a bit!

- Isopuff

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"Now, what exactly did that Shopkeeper want you to relay to me?" Nick Fury paused momentarily before fixing his single eye on Natasha as he asked.

"His exact words weren't exactly polite. In summary, it was a warning for us to avoid making any rash moves against them," Natasha replied, spreading her hands in a shrug. 

"No, Natasha. I want you to repeat his exact words. I'd like to hear them verbatim," Fury demanded seriously.

For Nick Fury, secondhand summaries wouldn't suffice. He needed to understand Rosh's exact tone and intent. As a seasoned strategist, every nuance mattered to him.

Given the request, Natasha recited Rosh's words precisely as she remembered. Her sharp memory, honed through years of training, allowed her to repeat Rosh's words almost word for word; of course, she carefully omitted the nickname "Egghead."

"You're right, Natasha. He certainly wasn't holding back," Fury quipped after hearing the message. His face remained calm, though his tone hinted at a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "He even dared to threaten me."

SHIELD, an international intelligence organization established by the World Security Council, operated above all other agencies like the FBI or CIA. As its director, Fury wasn't accustomed to being threatened—let alone by an unknown individual who showed no reverence for SHIELD's authority.

This blatant disregard for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s power spoke volumes about the mysterious Shopkeeper. If nothing else, it confirmed that the Devil Fruit House was not an entity to be taken lightly. 

"Director Fury, what's our next move?" Natasha asked her expression composed as she awaited instructions.

"Keep a close watch on the Home of the Devil Fruits. Until we gather more intel, avoid provoking them unnecessarily," Fury decided without hesitation. 

Natasha nodded in agreement. This was exactly the response she had anticipated. The Home of the Devil Fruits was shrouded in mystery, and acting without understanding the potential risks was unwise.

"By the way, Director, there's another critical piece of information you should know," Natasha added, recalling something critical "Devil Fruits can't be bought freely. There's a strict purchasing rule: no individual or organization can possess more than three fruits under their control." 

"That's an important constraint to keep in mind if you plan to acquire Devil Fruits for our people," she concluded. 

Fury's brow furrowed. This restriction wasn't good news. He had already planned to assign agents to purchase and utilize Devil Fruits. After all, the opportunity to obtain such abilities was too enticing to ignore.

But if the "three-fruit rule" was enforced, that would severely limit S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ability to utilize the fruits. And with Natasha already having consumed one, only two slots remained. 

"What happens if the three-fruit limit is exceeded?" Fury asked after a moment of thought. 

"I haven't uncovered any details on that yet, but given the Shopkeeper's confidence, I'd wager it's not easily avoidable," Natasha replied. 

Fury nodded thoughtfully and chose not to push the issue further.

"If there's nothing else, Director, I'll take my leave," Natasha said after a pause and exited Fury's office with a quick salute. 

Not long after, Fury called in Agent Coulson and summarized the intel Natasha had gathered. 

"So, Devil Fruits are real," Coulson murmured, still grappling with the astonishing revelation.

"I have a long-term mission for you," Fury said, getting straight to the point. "Launch a full investigation into the Home of the Devil Fruits. I want every detail—its origins, its operations, its connections. Everything." 

"Yes, sir," Coulson replied, bowing slightly before leaving the room. 

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Hell's Kitchen

In Madam Gao's secret hideout, she once again met with Murakami and Nobu, two high-ranking members of The Hand. 

"The operation against the Home of the Devil Fruits failed," Madame Gao announced, leaning on her cane as she addressed the others. "The agents I sent disappeared without a trace. No bodies, no evidence—completely erased as if they never existed."

Although no bodies were recovered, it was evident that the agents were dead. Both Madame Gao and Murakami had anticipated the operation's failure. After all, an organization capable of producing Devil Fruits was unlikely to be easily subdued.

"Still, Madam Gao, you must have gained something from the operation, no?" Murakami asked, hopeful for any leads. If the Home of the Devil Fruits had acted to eliminate the agents, they must have left some traces behind—clues that the Hand could exploit.

"I'm afraid not, Murakami. Nothing at all," Madam Gao said, shaking her head. "It's as if our operatives vanished without a ripple. No indication of when they were discovered, how they were killed, who did it, or even the methods used. We know absolutely nothing." 

Murakami's expression darkened. The Hand's extensive resources usually ensured they could uncover at least some clues, but the complete lack of evidence was deeply unsettling. The Home of the Devil Fruits was proving to be even more formidable than expected.

"Still, Madame Gao, we didn't leave behind any traces either, correct?" Murakami asked cautiously.

Madame Gao cast him a pointed look. "Are you doubting my capabilities?"

Murakami wisely refrained from further questioning. Gao's confidence reassured him that their operation had been discreet.

"For now, let's set the Home of the Devil Fruits aside," Murakami suggested after a moment. "Let's stick to our plans. Fisk's days are numbered. Once he's dealt with, we can focus on the new threat." 

Madam Gao nodded in agreement. For now, the Home of the Devil Fruits would have to wait.

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Next Chapter: Introduction of Logia and Ancient Zoan Fruits

Next Next Chapter: Can Immortality Bypass the One-Fruit Rule?

Next Next Next Chapter: The Mastermind is a Dead Man

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