The sun was shining brightly—another summer day. But soon enough, that sunshine would turn harsh and unforgiving.
In the morning, the three of them sat down for breakfast.
Outside, the members of Katakuri's group didn't join them. People in this world, especially those who aren't ordinary, could go five or six days without eating. As elite members of the Big Mom Pirates, Katakuri and the others held themselves to a higher standard. Even if Vane brought them food, they'd see it as scraps thrown to beggars or dogs.
That was just how they were.
Sometimes, their arrogance pushed Esdeath to the edge. She hadn't had a chance to cut loose in a while. Still, Vane wouldn't let her act on it.
As he ate, Vane glanced at Esdeath and Kalifa, a sudden idea sparking in his mind.
The Fruit of Life… The second level of the Life Domain.
[Life Freeze]. [Life Grant].
Vane now had a remaining lifespan of over three thousand years. If he pushed the Life Domain even further, Could he become eternal? Would he truly become immortal? But then, would life itself lose meaning?
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[Character Template: Rhett Vane]
Age: 15 years, 6 months
Remaining Lifespan: 3,095 years, 6 months
(Without the invested lifespan from the Fruit of Life, he could live a natural 95 years. But in this world, as long as physical fitness remains, life can continue far longer.)
[Character Template: Kalifa]
Age: 27 years
Remaining Lifespan: 59 years
[Character Template: Esdeath]
Age: 26 years
Remaining Lifespan: 53 years
---
As Vane continued eating, invisible energy granted by his lifespan radiated outward. No one else could sense it. The power surrounded Esdeath and Kalifa like a mist, then flowed into their bodies.
[Life Grant: +500 Years] to each.
In exchange, Vane's lifespan decreased by 1,000 years.
But such things mattered only to the sick or the dying. For now, they were far from either.
He wasn't finished yet.
[Life Freeze]
Again, invisible energy moved through the air.
From now on, Esdeath would always be 26. Kalifa would always be 27. Their appearances frozen at their peak. Not true immortality, but a kind of eternal youth—controlled by Vane. If he wanted, he could even reverse their age and make them teens again.
But Vane didn't like young girls.
He still had growing to do himself. He wanted to look more masculine. Right now, he still had a bit too much of that boyish air.
Esdeath and Kalifa remained unaware of everything Vane had just done. In that moment, without them realizing it, he had changed them.
Vane treated his people well—no need to say more.
Only two crew members followed him for now, but that was fine. Vane preferred a lean, capable team.
The Life Domain's abilities were powerful, even if lifespan still felt a little abstract. As things stood, disease was a distant concern. His body was too strong. Even in snow and ice, he didn't feel the cold.
Beyond the Life Domain, there were other domains: Time, Space, Soul...
He wasn't sure if he'd unlocked those yet.
After finishing his enhancements, Vane returned to eating.
Kalifa's cooking had improved again. While in Dressrosa, she'd bought a New World cookbook. Now, with a greater variety of ingredients, she could switch up the menu each meal.
The table was silent. Vane didn't speak. Neither did the others.
Kalifa harbored a grudge against Esdeath. Just days ago, things were fine. But then Esdeath had seized an opportunity before her—and made it personal.
Kalifa burned with frustration. Esdeath, on the other hand, didn't seem to care at all.
Esdeath was simply stronger. Her overwhelming aura cast a constant shadow over Kalifa, who could only grit her teeth beneath the pressure.
Vane glanced at Kalifa. She bowed her head.
He was the one in charge here.
"Kalifa, don't let me down."
"Yes."
She didn't argue.
"How's your development of the Thunder Fruit coming along?"
"I can now generate up to 50 million volts. I've also developed object manipulation and basic repulsion."
"Not bad, Kalifa."
"Thank you for your praise, sir."
She smiled slightly, then glanced at Esdeath—only to find her staring blankly in her direction.
Cold-blooded woman. Acting all indifferent…
Vane could see that Kalifa still needed growth. She was talented, but still lacked the overwhelming power needed for the future. The New World was no joke. The opponents waiting ahead included Pirate Emperors, the Navy Headquarters, the World Government, and unknown monsters with unfathomable abilities.
Kalifa had potential, and she worked hard. But she wasn't a monster yet. She'd need years of accumulation before she reached that level.
Fortunately, her development of the Thunder Fruit wasn't as simple as Enel's raw electricity. Vane had guided her to explore deeper applications—repulsion, magnetism, object control.
Electricity could even ignite fire.
Enel had also combined radio waves with Observation Haki, allowing him to "hear" people's voices across wide areas, almost like mind reading.
That was why the Thunder Fruit was considered the strongest of the Logia types—its potential was enormous.
Their next stop was Whole Cake Island.
A place ruled by one of the Emperors—dangerous beyond measure.
But for now, all was calm.
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PS: This chapter added 500 years to both Kalifa and Esdeath. Esdeath's age was modified from her canon 20 to 26 due to prior investment decisions.
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