Kyle waited anxiously as the reward wheel spun faster and faster. Soon, the bronze arrow began to slow, then came to a stop—directly on a glowing purple fruit. The entire circle burst into a brilliant golden light.
[Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained the Gravity Fruit.]
[Description: A Devil Fruit ability granting control over gravity. The user forms a gravitational field that grows stronger as their power increases. At peak mastery, even meteors can be drawn from the sky. Upon first acquisition, proficiency instantly increases by 50%.]
[Master, do you wish to activate this ability now?]
Kyle's heart skipped a beat. The Gravity Fruit—this was easily the best prize so far. Unlike auxiliary powers like Zoan Bat or Vampire Forms, gravity control was raw, devastating power. Exactly what he needed.
Even better, the system specified it was the Gravity ability, not the Devil Fruit itself. That meant no Devil Fruit weaknesses like sea-water vulnerability.
Kyle knew a battle with Golden Lion Shiki was inevitable. Could his gravity power suppress Shiki's ability to float? The thought excited him.
He tapped the confirmation button.
Instantly, a new force surged through his body. With the 50% proficiency bonus, he could now freely manipulate gravity.
---
At the ship's bow, Admiral Sengoku fixed his gaze on Shiki hovering above. But he didn't forget to watch over Kyle as well.
"Recruit, what's your name?" Sengoku asked.
"Kyle!" he answered, voice steady.
"Good," Sengoku nodded. "Leave the fighting to us admirals. You're a recruit—stay in the rear and wait. This battle's not for you yet."
As a seasoned admiral, Sengoku understood leadership. He respected Kyle's courage but knew the Golden Lion was no ordinary opponent. Letting a green recruit rush in recklessly would be a Marine Corps disaster.
He gestured, moving to push Kyle back.
But Kyle planted his feet firmly, refusing to yield.
He knew every chance to prove himself was worth the risk. And now, wielding the Gravity Fruit, he wanted to test his new power.
"Admiral Sengoku, it is our duty to uphold Marine justice!" Kyle said firmly.
Sengoku paused, surprised by the recruit's resolve. Even offered a way out, Kyle stood his ground—ready to defend the Corps' honor.
"Well said," Sengoku smiled slightly. "This is exactly the spirit we need."
The Vice Admirals and Marines around exchanged stunned looks. What seemed like reckless bravado now revealed itself as steel will.
---
The gunners and snipers lined the decks, ready under the vice admirals' orders.
"Fire!" came the command.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cannonballs streaked toward Shiki, but with a casual flick of his swords, the Golden Lion sliced them in half midair. The fragments exploded harmlessly, lighting up the sky.
The artillery exchange intensified.
Zephyr calmly lit his cigar and blew out a stream of smoke.
"Recruit, watch closely."
He demonstrated the Six Styles Technique "Cutting," transitioning fluidly into the "Moon Step," teleporting through the air and delivering a series of powerful strikes.
"Black Fist!" Sengoku shouted, driving off the deck with a sharp push of his feet. He surged forward at blistering speed, breaking through thick planks as he attacked.
At that moment, Kyle witnessed Sengoku's true power — the terrifying Buddha Form — for the first time.
"Don't get cocky, Shiki!" the admiral roared.
Golden waves of golden shockwaves blasted everything in their path.
Though Shiki was airborne, Sengoku's aerial combat skill was more than a match for a brief skirmish.
From another side, Akainu propelled himself forward like a missile, using the explosive heat of lava beneath his feet.
The three admirals' combined assault seemed set to overwhelm the Golden Lion.
"Buddha's Strike!"
"Black Hand!"
"Dark Dog!"
A spark of excitement flashed in Shiki's eyes.
He spun both swords with lightning speed — but his target wasn't the admirals.
His blades sliced toward the three Marine warships still sailing at sea.
"Ha-ha-ha!" he laughed fiercely.
"Wave of Cut!"