CHAPTER 182 — Devil Fruit Identification & Departure
Holding the fruit in his hands, Tony activated the identification system. A panel appeared before everyone, displaying all the information about the Devil Fruit.
Edge-Edge Fruit (Paramecia):
The Edge-Edge Fruit allows its user to create and sharpen invisible cutting edges along any surface they touch, turning objects or even empty space into ultra-thin, razor-sharp planes. Unlike energy blades, these edges are physical but nearly imperceptible, capable of slicing through metal, wood, or flesh with precision. (ps. Weaknesses of the Devil Fruit are omitted to avoid unnecessary repetition.)
He tapped the table lightly and smiled faintly. Perfect. He glanced at Saeko. "This one's yours."
Saeko's eyes flicked to the panel. Her brow furrowed slightly as she read the description herself. She understood immediately how it could enhance her attacks. Without hesitation, she reached out and accepted the fruit gracefully.
Tony moved to the next fruit.
Dash Dash Fruit (Paramecia):
The Dash Dash Fruit grants its user the ability to perform sudden bursts of speed in any direction, enabling rapid movement, evasive maneuvers, or surprise attacks. The effect is instantaneous and can be used repeatedly, though extended or frequent use drains the user's stamina.
He paused, glancing at the group. "Hmm… who's this good for?"
Naruto didn't hesitate. "Me! Me!" he shouted eagerly.
Tony raised an eyebrow and explained, "It allows you to dash instantly in any direction. That seems like it would suit you well."
Naruto grinned. "Since this is my power, my clones can use it too, right?"
Tony nodded. "Indeed. It will enhance your mobility, and your clones will replicate the ability. It's yours."
Naruto grabbed the fruit eagerly, but then paused as he noticed Saeko hadn't eaten hers yet. His hand froze halfway to his mouth. A subtle nod from Tony confirmed it, wait until everyone is ready.
Tony picked up the third fruit.
Focus-Focus Fruit (Paramecia):
The Focus-Focus Fruit allows its user to enter a state of extreme concentration at will, sharpening perception and reflexes without actually altering the flow of time. In this state, the user processes information faster, reacts more effectively to threats, and anticipates movements with heightened clarity. The ability requires mental discipline, and prolonged use can fatigue the user.
He held it out to Mindy. Without hesitation, she took it, but didn't eat it right away. Seeing that the others hadn't either, she waited. A faint smile appeared on her face, excitement flickering at the possibilities.
Calculation Fruit (Paramecia):
The Calculation Fruit allows its user to accelerate mental processing related to prediction, trajectory, and probability, enhancing their ability to calculate outcomes, aim attacks, and anticipate movements. It does not grant mind reading or future sight, only faster and more precise analytical thinking.
He sighed lightly. If only I hadn't the reward from Diana's world… Tony thought. Eating this fruit would enhance his own already strong mental abilities. It felt redundant. Instead, he glanced at the panel and decided it would be perfect for Tanya, who had yet to receive a fruit.
Tony said, "This will be for our new member, Tanya, if we don't have a Devil Fruit that would suit her."
The group looked at the panel silently, and none of them objected. Tony smiled faintly.
Then he turned his attention to the three Logia fruits.
The first one
Jōki Jōki no Mi (Steam–Steam Fruit) — Logia:
The Jōki Jōki no Mi is a Logia-type Devil Fruit that allows the user to transform into hot steam at will, becoming intangible to most physical attacks. They can generate scalding bursts of vapor at close range to burn or repel enemies and create dense mist to conceal movement or obscure vision. As a Logia, the user can disperse into vapor to avoid damage, though their powers are nullified by Haki, Seastone, or Pyrobloin, which prevents activation and may weaken the user upon contact.
Tony read through it, letting out a sigh. "This was expected. We wouldn't think the World Government would hand out strong Logia fruits."
Gaius replied calmly, "It was to be expected."
After all, why would the World Government give powerful Logia to someone who was their enemy? Even if they followed the agreement, giving strong Devil Fruits made no sense. Even the Paramecia here were only average.
Tony sighed again. "At least these could go to our close ones… or your comrades," he added, glancing at Gaius. He meant that a Logia this weak was better suited for allies than for themselves.
Gaius simply nodded.
Tony took out another fruit and began to identify it.
The second Logia
Awa Awa no Mi (Foam–Foam Fruit) — Logia:
The Awa Awa no Mi is a Logia-type Devil Fruit that allows the user to transform their body into foam, making them intangible to most physical attacks. They can use the foam to trap or immobilize enemies, cushion allies from impact, and obscure vision or create barriers on the battlefield.
Tony didn't even say a word. He simply continued, examining the next fruit.
The third Logia
Dust-Dust Fruit (Suna Kōsa Variant) — Logia:
The Dust-Dust Fruit is a Logia-type Devil Fruit that allows the user to transform their body into fine, airborne dust and manipulate dust particles at will. The user can disperse into the air, travel along surfaces, and reform their body, making them intangible to most physical attacks. Dust can also be controlled to obscure vision, create barriers, or lightly manipulate the environment.
Tony let out a sigh. "At least the last one has some potential."
Then he placed the three Logia fruits on the table. "Gaius, Diana, choose first."
Diana gestured toward Gaius. "You go first."
Without hesitation, Gaius picked up the Dust-Dust Logia. In his assessment, this Devil Fruit had the highest potential compared to the others.
Diana chose the Steam Logia for herself.
Tony took the remaining Foam Logia.
He then turned to the group. "What are you waiting for? Eat yours."
Saeko nodded and ate the Edge-Edge Fruit. Her face twisted, its taste was indescribably bad, but she forced herself to swallow. Even after, her face remained pale and her body weak. After a few moments, she finally calmed down.
She unsheathed the knife at her waist. Instantly, she felt the blade sharpen in her hand. A faint shimmer of invisible energy ran along its edge. Testing it, she sliced through the wooden table in front of her. The knife passed cleanly, as if the table didn't exist.
Tony whistled softly. "Seems to have potential."
Saeko smiled faintly. "Yes. It feels like it drains my stamina a little… though not too much."
She was pleased with the result, though she still grimaced at how terrible the taste had been.
Seeing how Saeko's face had twisted at the taste of the Devil Fruit, Mindy shuddered and hesitated. But she forced herself. She ate her Focus-Focus Fruit.
Her face immediately changed. "This tastes like shit!" she exclaimed, retching slightly. Luckily, she had already swallowed it. Otherwise, the consequences could have been worse.
The world around her seemed to slow a little, though she remained fully aware. Her senses sharpened, every detail clearer. She smiled broadly. "So this is what it's like, Tony, when you use your abilities?"
Tony nodded immediately, recognizing that she had activated the fruit correctly. "Exactly. But how would you know the taste of shit?"
Mindy laughed. "It's just… what I know would taste the worst, so I used it for comparison."
Next was Naruto. He ate the Dash-Dash Fruit and immediately retched. Luckily, Mindy was by his side, she quickly covered his mouth with her hands, forcing him to swallow it.
Once he had swallowed, Naruto breathed heavily, as if he had nearly drowned. Then he stood up. Almost instantly, he formed a Shadow Clone. Both the original and the clone began moving at impossible speeds, dashing horizontally, vertically, and in every direction, testing the limits of their new abilities within the small office room.
The fruit's power integrated perfectly with his training, enhancing everything he already knew.
Tony observed quietly, taking in just how much potential this group now had. This world was enormous, full of magical abilities, Devil Fruits, and knowledge he wished he could study more. He wasn't sure if he'd ever have the chance to return.
Then, finally, Tony spoke. "Alright, everyone, let's leave this world now."
They were leaving this world behind, taking with them the Devil Fruits, the Sunburst traps, and the power of their combined abilities. Tony felt that pang of regret, thinking of how vast and magical this world was, and how much of it he would never get to fully explore.
Naruto grinned faintly. "My Shadow Clones have already set up the Sunburst spheres across the island. We're ready."
He felt it as the last Shadow Clone dispersed, its memories returning to him and confirming the deployment of all the Sunburst spheres.
Tony nodded, and then the air in the office shimmered. The Right of Crossing activated, opening a glowing gate before them. They all paused for a moment, looking at each other. A silent acknowledgment passed between them.
Naruto ran ahead and called out as he entered, "Goodbye, everyone!!"
Then Saeko followed, waving slightly as she said, "Goodbye."
Then Mindy and Tony entered together, Mindy holding Tony's iron hands.
They said, "Then we'll both leave now. Goodbye, Gaius and Diana."
Even Gaius let out a soft, "Hm," a quiet note of acknowledgment.
Diana waved at them.
Then diana looked up at Gaius and said "should we now go as well, gaius?"
Gaius looked behind him, not at the office walls, but far beyond. He sensed the arrival of the World Government army, but he didn't care; they were leaving now.
He glanced at Diana and said, "Let us go as well."
Diana nodded, and the two of them left together.
The office, the island, and the world behind them faded away.
~~~
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