Big Mom pointed at Shiro, her tone icy:
"You don't need to thank me. From now on, this one is your master. You must obey him!"
"Yes, Master! I am honored to serve you!"
The spirit of Oto bowed respectfully, the blade's reflective light casting a mysterious shadow across Shiro's face.
"Good. From now on, we'll cooperate. But first… let's get you something to eat!"
A sly smirk appeared on Shiro's lips.
"Alright, alright! Thank you, Master!"
"Oto" shivered with excitement, rubbing against Shiro repeatedly.
Shiro placed the sword's palm on Oven, and his injuries visibly began to heal at an astonishing speed. Soon, the palm gathered a ball of pinkish energy, eerie and pulsating.
This was a physical manifestation of the injuries and ailments, extracted by Shiro's Paw-Paw Fruit powers.
"Can… can I eat this?"
The sword spirit trembled, fear evident in its voice.
"I command you to eat it!"
Shiro's voice rose sharply, full of unquestionable authority.
"Yes, Master!"
The sword spirit closed its eyes and swallowed the horrifying mass of energy in one gulp.
"Ah!"
A piercing scream rang out. The entire banquet hall shook with the metallic clang of the sword's transformation.
Oto writhed violently, its blade flashing with blinding light.
A minute later, everything calmed.
"Spirit… how are you?"
Shiro carefully held Oto, tension gripping him. This was the first time he attempted to combine his Paw-Paw Fruit with a soul-infused weapon, and countless failures flashed through his mind.
"M-Master! I feel filled with power! What… did you make me eat?"
The sword spirit's voice trembled with uncontainable excitement, its blade radiating dazzling light.
"It worked! This method really works!"
Shiro jumped in excitement, his eyes sparkling with joy.
Everyone else looked on in confusion, unable to understand why this young boy was so ecstatic. They had no idea that a brand-new ability, one capable of changing the rules of combat in the pirate world, was being born here in the chaotic hall.
Shiro enthusiastically used his Paw-Paw Fruit powers, gently touching the wounds of the injured. The injuries healed before their eyes, groans of pain replaced by murmurs of gratitude.
Shiro carefully fed the extracted injury energy to Sakurato. The sword devoured it like a glutton, emitting a low humming sound.
Big Mom's children gathered around, eyes wide with admiration. Their respect and fondness for Shiro skyrocketed.
"This kid… he's truly dependable!"
"Yeah, count on him in the future!"
The tense atmosphere that had been thick with hostility suddenly relaxed.
Seeing Shiro's skill and composure, Big Mom even suggested making him her new husband. Her children protested—no one wanted a sixteen-year-old stepfather.
True to her word, Big Mom slowly opened a delicate brocade box and handed it to Roger. A dazzling red light spilled out—the precious Red Poneglyph.
As the Roger Pirates packed to leave, a graceful, cold beauty stepped before Shiro.
It was Stussy, the center of attention at this tea party. She wore a golden mermaid gown, her curves perfectly outlined. Golden short hair fluttered in the breeze, every strand radiating charm. Her large, expressive eyes shimmered with emotion.
Shiro's throat went dry as he took in her stunning looks and sculpted figure.
"You must be Shiro, right? So young and already so strong—I like what I see!"
Stussy laughed lightly, her voice like silver bells. She elegantly tossed her hair, eyes sparkling, sending Shiro into a dizzying daze.
Just as he was getting lost in her beauty, a sudden mental image of the old, short, unattractive Miss Buckin flashed through his mind.
Shiro shuddered. Looking closer at Stussy, he realized that although well-groomed, she was already in her forties and nearing the decline of youth. Any attraction he felt vanished instantly.
He frowned, his face full of disdain, and coldly said:
"Sorry, I'm not interested."
Without looking back, he strode toward the Oro Jackson, leaving Stussy dumbfounded.
"You brat! Do you have no eye for quality?!"
Stussy stomped her foot in anger, her voice echoing across the empty yard.
Big Mom, seeing this, lumbered over and gently patted Stussy's shoulder:
"Stussy, don't get worked up over a child. We have more important matters. Lu Feld should be here soon."
Calmed, Stussy suppressed her anger, following Big Mom back to the reception room in her heels.
On the Oro Jackson, the sea breeze ruffled the sails. Roger laughed, draping an arm around Shiro's shoulder:
"Shiro, that Stussy still has her charm. Why'd you reject her?"
Shiro stroked his chin, making up an excuse:
"Captain Roger is still single, so how could I, a small crew member, pursue anyone first? Our dream comes first!"
Roger nodded thoughtfully, pride in his eyes:
"You're right, Shiro. After this journey, I'll take the lead in marrying and having kids, or all these rough men on the ship will grow old alone!"
Just then, Oto suddenly glowed brightly, chiming in:
"Master, little Oto wants to find a partner and have children too!"
Shiro rolled his eyes, muttering internally:
"Why did Big Mom give me a chatty sword spirit?!"
"This is fun! Our pirate crew will be livelier than ever. Alright! To celebrate capturing the Red Poneglyph, let's feast! Wahahaha!"
Roger's booming laughter rang across the deck. The crew cheered, bringing out wine and food, and a grand celebration began.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
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