Tesla's hands trembled slightly as he took the box and looked inside at the Devil Fruit.
It was a round fruit, its flesh a deep bluish-purple, adorned with several lightning-shaped leaves. The surface was covered in jagged, bolt-like patterns.
Having studied the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, Tesla recognized it at a glance, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Tesla's voice choked with emotion. From Dressrosa to Skypiea, then from Skypiea to Delsalado, and onward into the New World...
Ashen had practically circled half the globe in search of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
At this moment, if Tesla said he wasn't moved, even he wouldn't believe it.
"There's no need for thanks between us. Haven't you always been interested in this fruit?
What's wrong? Now that it's finally yours, you don't know what to do with it? Come on, eat it already."
Seeing Tesla finally get the fruit and suddenly grow shy, Ashen couldn't help but tease him.
From the moment he arrived in the One Piece world and learned about the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Ashen had known he wouldn't let it slip away.
He remembered it clearly, that crease in the encyclopedia back in Dressrosa.
That day, only Tesla had flipped through the Devil Fruit guide, and the page with the crease had been the one describing the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
So Ashen had set out to find it long before Enel's arc even began, before anyone could confirm whether the fruit had appeared, just to fulfill Tesla's wish.
Crunch!
Knowing Ashen's personality, Tesla didn't hesitate. He picked up the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and took a bite.
"Heh, looks like it's the real deal."
Ashen grinned wickedly at the look on Tesla's face.
Back in his previous life, Ashen had dreamed of entering the world of One Piece. If he could choose a Devil Fruit, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was his number one pick.
But now that he had given it to Tesla, he felt nothing but joy. Maybe Tesla was the one truly suited for it, excluding that other shut-in from the original story.
After two minutes of dry heaving, Tesla's color returned to normal, and subtle changes began taking place in his body.
"So, Tesla, how do you feel?" Ashen asked.
Tesla's lips curled into a small smile. "I haven't fully adapted yet, but I can feel it, an incredible power inside me!"
Zzzzz...
As Tesla spoke, faint blue arcs of lightning began to dance across his body. And they were multiplying by the second.
Gradually, his entire body was engulfed in electric light, and the skies over Birka, once painted by fiery sunset clouds, began to darken with thunderclouds.
Crack!
From within the clouds, a bolt of lightning gathered and shot toward Tesla. But before it could even strike, he raised his hand and caught it midair.
The lightning writhed in his grasp like a living dragon, shrieking and struggling, crackling with fierce resistance.
But in the end, under Tesla's control, it condensed into a brilliant, blinding blue orb of energy.
Boom,
Tesla hurled the orb toward the crumbling church. In an instant, the already dilapidated structure was obliterated, blown into dust!
The most powerful of the Logia-type fruits, its reputation was clearly well-earned. He had only just eaten it, and already it unleashed such overwhelming force!
The entire scene was witnessed by Enel, who was so stunned he couldn't even speak.
"Hey, kid! What are you doing here? Why aren't you taking care of your mother?"
Ashen's voice snapped Enel back to reality.
"Ah! Right, this is for you. Thank you for saving me and my mother!"
Enel handed over a small bundle to Ashen, then added somewhat sheepishly, "This is all we have. My mother never saved much, she gave everything to the church."
"No worries. I understand."
Ashen opened the bundle to take a look. Though it was filled with simple food, he didn't show the slightest hint of distaste.
Seeing Ashen accept his offering, Enel finally relaxed. This was all he had to give, if Ashen had refused, the guilt would have eaten him alive.
"All right. Our business here is done. It's time to head back."
Ashen noticed Toral had returned, likely drawn by the earlier explosion. There was no reason to stay longer; he had already been away from Dressrosa far too long. It was time to return.
"Wait! Can you tell me, who are you guys?"
Enel chased after them. After witnessing the power of Ashen and Tesla, the desire for strength burning within him finally pushed him to ask.
"I'm Ashen, Captain of the Helgrave Pirates. If fate wills it, we'll meet again."
Ashen paused and replied with unwavering confidence. He believed that once Enel descended to the Blue Sea, it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths again.
"Pirates, huh..." Enel repeated the word, eyes glowing with determination. As if making a vow, he shouted, "We will meet again, Captain Ashen!"
"Hahaha! I'll be waiting!" Ashen's voice echoed into the distance.
...
Two days later, Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"We just received intel, Ashen, who's been moving in secret lately, has returned to Dressrosa."
Sengoku relayed the freshly received report as he placed it down.
"Any details on his movements?"
Kong, clearly concerned about the Helgrave Pirates, leaned in with sharp focus.
"None. It's as if they vanished into thin air. They've left no trace behind.
Also, two days ago, our intelligence agents in Dressrosa were captured alive."
Sengoku answered truthfully, even disclosing the government's setback.
"I've always had the feeling Ashen is scheming something. If we keep letting him grow unchecked, it might lead to serious consequences,"
Tsuru spoke with concern, urging those present to consider countermeasures.
"I'll handle Ashen."
Kong glanced at Tsuru, then swept his eyes across the gathered admirals.
"But right now, our top priority is still Roger. Can anyone tell me where he is?"
Faced with Kong's penetrating gaze, none dared meet his eyes. Every one of them lowered their heads.
Finally, Sengoku stepped up to take responsibility. "Leave it to me. I'll increase our patrol efforts."
"Good. Ask for whatever support you need, the government will back you fully."
Kong nodded, clearly satisfied. He had high hopes for Sengoku, a capable admiral, not like some others who were a headache just trying not to cause trouble.
Meanwhile, back in Dressrosa, a lively banquet was underway.
"Captain! Next time you head out, you've gotta bring me with you! Just listening to what Lafitte went through is driving me crazy!"
Walton was nearly tearing his hair out with regret for not joining Ashen on the last trip.
"Hmph! You sure you can bear to leave all your lovers behind?" Parnell jabbed mercilessly.
Watching his two squabbling crewmates, Ashen couldn't help but smile.
"Don't worry, there's plenty of action coming our way soon!"
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