They set to work immediately, pouring every ounce of energy—and coin—into the project. Old planks were replaced with carefully selected wood, ropes were rethreaded, and tattered sails stored away for safekeeping, replaced with a crisp, deep blue sail. Veyra scurried from mast to deck, shouting instructions like a seasoned sailor, pointing out weak spots, and coordinating every move. Argento subtly used his Mercury powers to harden beams, smooth splintered wood, and reinforce critical structures. Even Ula pitched in, his surgical precision securing stubborn planks and rigging.
By the time the final stroke of paint was applied, and the coiled silver serpent on the crescent moon flag snapped proudly in the wind, the ship had transformed. Every surface gleamed, every rope was taut, and the deck seemed to hum with life. Their savings—spent entirely—had turned a battered Corsair brig into a pristine, formidable vessel worthy of their ambitions.
"GEHEHEHEHE… This ship is perfect! Introducing the… Mercurio 2.0… GEHEHEHEH!" Argento shouted, fists raised, silver fingers glinting in the sunlight. Veyra whooped beside him, and Ula leaned casually against the railing, grinning at the spectacle.
"Captain, where to next?" Ula called, red hair catching the sunlight. "I saw you buy a new map… planning something exciting, I hope?"
Argento's silver fingers tapped on the polished deck, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Geheheheh… yes. Next stop: Ohara. It's no small port town. Famous for scholars, libraries, archives. Plenty of information to gather, supplies to acquire… and maybe a way to see the world beyond our little seas."
Veyra's grin stretched wide, hair whipping in the wind. "CICICICICI! Rumors, treasure, knowledge… maybe even taverns that serve juice in ale mugs!"
Ula chuckled, shaking his head. "You two dive in headfirst, don't you? Just remember: this isn't a sleepy village. Scholars, guards… all eyes will be on newcomers."
Argento flexed his metallic fingers, silver catching the sunlight. "Geheheheh… all the better. The Mercurio is fast, sturdy… and now pristine. We'll gather what we need before anyone notices. Ohara won't know what hit it."
The refitted Mercurio swayed gently as the wind filled its blue sails, carrying the three away from Alba. Behind them, the town shrank into shadows, replaced by endless waves and the faint glimmer of open sea. The first voyage of the Mercurial Pirates toward Ohara had begun.
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I know this chapter is short so I thought I'd give you a little treat... Here is an explanation of Ula's abilities like what I did a few chapters earlier for the other two.
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The Itai Itai no Mi is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit with a deceptively versatile power: it allows Ula to transfer pain, injuries, or vitality between living beings. On the surface, it appears almost overpowered, and in the right situation, it is... but its true limitations lie in balance and energy management. Every effect Ula creates is governed by the law of equivalent exchange: he cannot heal, harm, or absorb without giving or taking an equal measure. This creates a natural ceiling for his raw strength, making him look far more dangerous than he truly is, especially to opponents who only see him at a moment like the Mercurial Pirates' encounter, when Argento was utterly exhausted from a full Mercury Tempest.
Second, and perhaps more critical, is a natural resistance mechanic. The stronger or more resilient a target is, the more they can resist Ula's powers. Against weak or fatigued enemies, his abilities seem instantaneous and devastating. Against stronger opponents, the pain or injury transfer is slowed, diminished, or sometimes only partially effective. In practical terms, his fruit works best on groups of weaker foes, distracted opponents, or those caught off-guard.
Because of these two limitations, Ula's power is deceptively strong. To the untrained eye, he appears nearly unstoppable, a wiry figure who can sap enemies of vitality, turn attacks against them, or incapacitate multiple opponents at once. In truth, he is not physically powerful, nor is he capable of brute force combat. His strength lies in timing, cleverness, and understanding the limits of his fruit. By exploiting weaker or unprepared foes, he can create openings and manipulate the flow of battle, but the moment he faces someone capable of resisting or enduring his transfers, he must rely on ingenuity rather than raw fruit power. Lastly: It takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
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Ula's Named Techniques:
Pain Pulse:
Ula sends a wave of transferred pain into a target, overwhelming their senses. The intensity depends on how much pain Ula can generate or draw from other sources. Weak opponents can be incapacitated, while stronger targets may only feel discomfort.
Pros: Can instantly disrupt enemy formations, force hesitation, or create openings for allies. Effective for controlling multiple low-resistance targets.
Cons: Requires a source of pain to draw from, either self-inflicted, previously absorbed, or taken from nearby allies or enemies. Strong opponents resist the effect, making it less reliable in prolonged fights. Overuse can leave Ula fatigued and vulnerable. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Vital Exchange:
Ula transfers vitality (energy, stamina, minor injuries) from one target to another. Can heal allies by siphoning energy from enemies or even the environment in limited cases. Strength of effect is inversely proportional to the target's resistance.
Pros: Highly versatile; can stabilize allies mid-battle, recover from near-fatal blows, or subtly weaken multiple opponents simultaneously. Creates strategic openings without direct physical engagement.
Cons: Stronger enemies may resist or barely feel the transfer. Requires precise timing and line-of-sight, and repeated use quickly drains Ula's energy. Cannot create energy, only redistribute it. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Injury Mirror:
He replicates an injury from one target onto another. Cuts, bruises, or broken bones can appear elsewhere, potentially causing confusion and chaos in battle. For example Ula could cut off his arm and then swap his cut arm with an opponent practically turning them disabled...
Pros: Allows manipulation of the battlefield; can incapacitate multiple enemies or force them to retreat. Useful for psychological warfare. Enemies may panic seeing injuries reflected.
Cons: Only works on visible or detectable injuries. Strong or disciplined targets may resist pain or shrug off minor damage. Equivalent exchange means Ula may sustain minor injuries himself if poorly executed. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Pain Shackles:
Ula projects invisible "chains" of agony that latch onto a target's limbs, restricting movement and coordination through transferred pain. Can slow down multiple opponents simultaneously.
Pros: Effective for crowd control and disabling key targets temporarily. Creates openings for allies or escape routes. Can appear magical or unstoppable, enhancing intimidation.
Cons: Strong, resilient, or highly trained opponents can resist or partially ignore the effect. Does not physically bind, targets can still attack if they can overcome the pain threshold. Overuse drains Ula's stamina.
Echo Strike:
Redirects pain from an incoming attack back onto the attacker. For example, a slash that hits Ula is transferred back to the opponent's body, creating reflexive agony.
Pros: Defensive and counter-offensive simultaneously. Can dissuade aggressive foes and protect allies without direct engagement. Strong psychological effect on enemies.
Cons: Requires first being attacked; multiple attacks in rapid succession can overwhelm him. Stronger or resistant targets may only feel a fraction of the pain. Misjudged timing can leave Ula exposed. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Life Tap:
Pulls small amounts of vitality from multiple targets at once, weakening enemies and slightly replenishing Ula's own stamina. The effect is minor individually but cumulative across multiple weak opponents.
Pros: Excellent for weakening groups and extending endurance in long fights. Can subtly shift the tide of battle without alerting enemies to the exact source.
Cons: Strong individuals barely feel the drain. Pulling from too many targets simultaneously can quickly tire Ula. Requires proximity to multiple living beings. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Agony Prism:
Ula condenses accumulated pain or injuries into a concentrated burst of energy, projected at a target as a precise, semi-solid strike. Can cut through defenses or disorient opponents.
Pros: Devastating if timed correctly. Can penetrate armor or concentrated defenses. Highly flexible application—can target single enemies or clusters.
Cons: Extremely energy-intensive. Strength of effect decreases with stronger or more resistant targets. Mistimed execution leaves Ula drained and vulnerable. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
Reciprocal Guard:
Transfers a portion of incoming damage to another target, effectively using enemies or weaker allies as shields. Can also redirect attacks toward a controlled target.
Pros: Provides short-term protection, can manipulate battlefield positioning, and potentially save allies from lethal attacks. Strategic and psychological impact is high.
Cons: Morally risky, requires targeting living beings. Only works effectively on weaker or compliant targets; stronger enemies may absorb or resist the transfer. Misuse can backfire catastrophically. Takes a ton of energy since it takes more energy to transfer pain to / from someone who is unwilling.
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Haki Mastery
Armament: Not Awakened 0/100
Observation: Natural Talent 15/100 - Due to How Ula uses his devil fruit he has an innate talent for Observation Haki.
Conquerors: Not Awakened 0/100