Brian wasted no time and picked up another fruit. This was the ninth one, with an extremely smooth surface and rippling patterns like water waves.
Unexpectedly, this fruit was somewhat difficult to grip, as if it could slip from his hand at any moment.
With just this touch, Brian had a rough idea. He once again took out the illustrated guide to check.
Sure enough, the information of the Slippery Fruit appeared before his eyes.
It could grant the eater's entire body skin an unimaginable level of smoothness, greatly reducing friction and allowing any physical attacks, projectiles, or impacts from cold weapons to easily slide off.
Brian slightly frowned, revealing an indifferent expression of neither approval nor disapproval.
Of course, he knew the ability of this fruit. It was extremely mediocre in combat power, even mocked by some as the "Beauty Fruit."
"The Slippery Fruit—the one Alvida ate in the original story? Interesting, I didn't expect it to end up in my hands now."
Brian commented indifferently, "Unfortunately, this fruit can only provide pure defense and self-protection. Its offensive capability is almost zero, and its usefulness is limited."
But he quickly realized that this was normal. Not all Paramecia Type fruits could be good things.
So far, most of Fish-Man Island's collection had satisfied him. Occasionally, one or two inferior ones were no big deal.
Besides, something like the Slippery Fruit could still yield a huge fortune if applied appropriately.
The wives and women of high-ranking World Government officials, the lofty female Celestial Dragons, and others were all potential audiences for this fruit.
"I can talk to that old bird Morgans later. He should have connections to reach these people. If there are suitable buyers willing to pay a high price, that would be a great thing."
In a daze, Brian thought of that old bird, the world's information broker, Morgans.
As a world-renowned information broker, Morgans' connections were beyond imagination.
Although his identity was that of an underworld king, Morgans could open doors whether with the World Government or the Navy, not to mention the pirate world.
Even Brian had conducted several transactions with Morgans. He was indeed useful, no wonder Morgans was so famous in the Black Market.
Brian decided to add meeting Morgans to his agenda and handle it as part of his plans.
"Alright, only one fruit remains now. I hope it brings me a huge surprise?"
Brian still hadn't seen what he most wanted to see—a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
Reluctantly, he could only pin his hopes on this last one.
So, could he achieve it?
The answer was obviously no. Something as precious as a Mythical Zoan couldn't just appear like that, not even with Fish-Man Island's century-old collection.
The reason he obtained three Mythical Zoans at once last time was due to the top-tier collections of the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.
The two situations were completely different.
Brian picked up the final Devil Fruit—a square-shaped fruit with a grid-like pattern on its surface, emanating a cold metallic aura.
Rustle, rustle~
The encyclopedia displayed: Paramecia Type · Barrier Fruit.
It allows the user to generate sturdy iron bars or cages through physical contact, either on the target or around themselves. This ability can instantly restrict or seal off targets or areas.
"What a pity~"
"Another fruit ability belonging to a character from the original story, and a Navy one at that. It really seems like I'm destined to clash with the Navy."
Brian murmured softly, then brushed aside his regret. This was just how life went.
But then, thinking of the somewhat tsundere pink-haired Rear Admiral Tine from the original story, Brian's interest was piqued.
As one of the few valiant and heroic female officers in the original story, Tine's presence was indeed a refreshing sight in the Navy's "monk's den."
Aside from Tine, the only other notable female Navy officers were the Admiral candidate Tokikake Gion, Tashigi under Smoker's command, and a few others—their numbers were limited.
Otherwise, Tine wouldn't have been hailed as one of the Navy's "flowers," receiving endless admiration.
It was unexpected that Brian had obtained the Devil Fruit that should have belonged to Tine decades ahead of time, making him feel that fate truly had its wonders.
Of course, it was just a passing thought. The Barrier Fruit's ability was average—truly average.
"Forget it, I'll keep it for trading later."
The last two fruits were relatively mediocre Paramecia Types, leaving Brian somewhat disappointed.
Quickly regaining his composure, he looked at the ten Devil Fruits before him, filled with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
Ten Devil Fruits: one Ancient Zoan, one Ordinary Zoan, one Logia Type, and seven Paramecia Types.
The quality wasn't too bad either. Among the Paramecia Types, there was even a high-level one like the Shadow Fruit, exceeding Brian's expectations to some extent.
At most, he just felt a bit regretful that he hadn't obtained a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
"Excellent, Fish-Man Island." Brian smiled happily. "Your contributions have been quite impressive!"
He ordered Agni and the others to load all the wealth, Sea Stone, and Deep-Sea Alloy as quickly as possible.
Afterward, Brian led everyone away from the now completely emptied secret base.
Returning to their own base, Brian personally handed the specially designed safe containing the ten Devil Fruits to the centaur girl Leona.
The mission to harvest Fish-Man Island's wealth was successfully completed.
Brian wasn't in a hurry to leave Fish-Man Island. Before departing, he had one final matter to attend to.
His next target was the Red Stone in the Sea Forest. He intended to completely drain Fish-Man Island of all its value.
Yes, the Sea Forest, known as the forbidden area of Fish-Man Island, had always been off-limits to most ordinary people on the island.
Only the royal family knew what was preserved deep within the forest and prohibited anyone from approaching.
This even involved a true secret of the world.
Having already taken control of Fish-Man Island, how could Brian possibly overlook this place?
He did not bring the entire Beast Girl Legion, leaving behind the Mythical Beast Species Griffon Girl Griffin and the loyal guardian Centaur Girl Leona as leaders to remain on the warship.
At the same time, he also left behind all the Ancient Species Beast Girls and Common Type Beast Girls, having them handle the remaining tasks on Fish-Man Island.
Accompanying him to the forbidden land were the two masters of fire control: the Mythical Zoan Hellhound Girl Berlos and the Mythical Zoan Fire Rat Girl Agni.
With two vice-admiral candidates and himself—a top-tier admiral—the three of them combined could dare to venture into most places in the world.
Of course, alongside the three of them was also Otohime, who had just completed her transformation, her gaze resolute.