Caesar's Fate and the Grand Plan for the Throne
Even Caesar couldn't help but feel that this was destiny unfolding before him!
The imitation Devil Fruit in his possession was originally just an experimental piece—an artificial fruit acquired by chance. However, at this critical juncture, it had become a crucial part of his plan.
Before departing from Wano Country, he had no concrete intentions of seizing a kingdom or building a power base. His initial goal in acquiring the imitation fruit was merely to test whether a seastone chamber could successfully extract and transfer Devil Fruit abilities. But now, these seemingly unrelated factors had come together in perfect synergy.
That being said, to execute this strategy, one essential condition still needed to be met: finding a person whom they could completely trust.
This individual would have to consume the imitation fruit, assume the identity of the reigning monarch, and covertly eliminate the real king. Once in power, the imposter could issue highly controversial decrees—edicts designed to incite mass discontent and revolution.
This final, outrageous decree would be the last straw, pushing the people to rise up in revolt.
But how would they find such a person? Who would willingly accept this fate?
After all, the one who carried out this plan could never be allowed to live. A single surviving witness could unravel everything, no matter how well they tried to cover their tracks.
Caesar's ambition was not merely to take power—he wanted to be a true ruler, respected and revered by the people. If his underhanded methods were ever exposed, all his efforts would be in vain. Even if they successfully overthrew a despotic tyrant, seeds of doubt and distrust would forever linger among the populace.
This made finding the right person all the more difficult.
Who would willingly acquire such an ability, impersonate another, and in the end, face inevitable death—handing over the fruits of their labor to someone else?
Such a person shouldn't exist.
At this realization, the entire group fell into deep contemplation.
"Damn it! Where on earth are we supposed to find someone like that?!" Lily bit her finger, frustration creasing her brows.
"Boss, why don't we just grab some pirate and force him to do it? Nobody wants to die early!"
Brad, his normally honest face shadowed by a hint of menace, couldn't think of any other way.
A heavy silence followed as everyone racked their brains for a solution.
And then, it was Caesar who, drawing upon his knowledge from the modern era, conceived an alternative. He had seen plenty of scapegoating tactics in history and adapted them for his plan.
"I've got a way," he announced. "Hear me out, and tell me if there are any flaws."
At his words, all eyes turned to him, their curiosity piqued.
"We find a man suffering from a terminal illness on Gilmanda Island—someone with no hope of survival."
"Then, we offer him a guarantee: his family will be taken care of, living in wealth and comfort."
"If this person possesses even a sliver of patriotism and care for his homeland…"
"…Then we explain how, under my rule, this nation will change for the better."
"This way, we can completely dispel his concerns about allowing a pirate crew to take over his country."
Having laid out his proposal, Caesar leaned back in his chair, pouring himself a glass of water, waiting for their reactions.
"I think it's feasible." After a moment of thought, Gnali nodded in agreement. "At this point, I don't see a better option."
"This plan is solid," another crew member added. "A dying man would be willing to sacrifice for his family."
With Caesar's proposal gaining unanimous approval, they refined it further, considering every possible flaw.
Fortunately, the Caesar Pirates had a favorable reputation. Unlike other ruthless pirate crews, they had never committed atrocities against civilians. In fact, they had eliminated several notorious pirate factions that had terrorized innocent people.
This moral standing could be leveraged to persuade their chosen candidate.
Thus, under Lily's orders, the Rex set sail toward the waters near Gilmanda Island.
Finding the Right Candidate
After several days at sea, the Rex arrived near a deserted island off the coast of Gilmanda Island. To avoid suspicion, they concealed their ship and went ashore in disguise.
As soon as they entered the city, the crew was struck by the sight before them.
A land rich in resources… yet utterly devastated under the rule of a brutal monarchy.
Everywhere, impoverished citizens wandered with hollow eyes, their faces gaunt from hunger. Families huddled in despair, having long exhausted their meager food supplies.
The streets echoed with suffering. Wails of hunger and misery filled the air.
Yixiao, who had accompanied them, clenched his fists. His usually serene face darkened with barely restrained fury.
With Regina's keen medical expertise, they soon identified a man suffering from a severe illness—someone with a family, someone whose days were numbered.
A quick diagnosis confirmed it: the man had at most three months left to live. And that was assuming he received proper nourishment. Otherwise, he might not even last another fortnight.
The moment Regina delivered the news, the man's expression turned hollow.
Despair filled his gaze as he looked toward his frail wife and children, who lay in their home, too weak from hunger to move.
Pain. Anguish.
The helplessness of a father who had failed his family.
Caesar, watching this unfold, knew—this was the man they needed.
The Deal with the Dying Man
Caesar and his crew entered the man's home.
The man looked up, confused, only for his expression to twist in alarm as Caesar unleashed a controlled Haoshoku Haki.
Instantly, his wife and children slumped into unconsciousness.
The man's feeble body trembled with anger and fear. Though weak, he still reached for a nearby bench, ready to fight in desperation.
But then—
"Do you want your wife and children to live a good and prosperous life?"
Caesar's voice was calm, yet filled with an undeniable weight. It was the voice of a devil whispering temptation.
The man froze.
His grip on the bench loosened as he stared at Caesar in confusion.
"I came to this country and saw its suffering firsthand. I want to overthrow its rulers and bring change."
"But I need someone to play a role for me."
"…What role?"
The man, though cautious, couldn't ignore the words that dangled before him like a lifeline.
"I have an imitation Devil Fruit. You will eat it… and become the king."
"What?! A Devil Fruit? And why me?"
"You won't be a puppet," Caesar clarified. "You'll issue a series of decrees—ones that will push the people over the edge."
"When the time is right, I will step in as the savior who liberates this nation."
"And your family—your wife and children—will live in peace and wealth for the rest of their days."
"But you must understand… when it's over, the king must be executed."
Silence.
The man's breath came in short, shallow gasps. The weight of the offer crushed him.
"So… you chose me because I'm dying?"
"Yes."
Caesar met his gaze, unwavering.
The man looked at his unconscious family.
The answer was clear.
After a long, painful moment, he clenched his fists, gritted his teeth—
And nodded.
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