Chapter 374: Chapter 374: Being Cool is a Lifetime Commitment
"T-This... this is!"
When had the four of them ever seen so many Devil Fruits at once?
And furthermore—
"Ah, I'm already a Devil Fruit user, so these must be meant for the three of you, right?"
Ace rubbed his nose, puzzled as to how Sensei could produce so many Devil Fruits at once.
As for them being rewards from Marine Headquarters? What a joke. There were plenty of people who had contributed more than they did in the Summit War. While Headquarters did have Devil Fruits, there was no way they would allocate them to just the four of them.
"These are Admiral Wright's personal collection... now gifted to you."
"I hope you uphold justice and push forward!"
Rosinante's expression remained solemn.
"However, you must not reveal these Devil Fruits to anyone for now. Keep that in mind."
"Understood! Thank you, Admiral Wright!"
The three of them were curious—just what kind of Devil Fruits warranted such a serious warning from Admiral Wright?
"This first one is the Zoan-type Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Model: Nine-Tailed Fox!"
Rosinante picked up the first fruit, and his words immediately stunned the four of them.
"This is... a Mythical Zoan, even rarer than a Logia?!"
The Summit War had proven the overwhelming power of Mythical Zoan users.
From Fleet Admiral "Buddha" Sengoku's Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Model: Buddha, to Whitebeard's First Division Commander "Phoenix" Marco's Bird-Bird Fruit, Mythical Model: Phoenix, these abilities had shattered conventional beliefs about Zoan-type Devil Fruits.
"Zoan-type Devil Fruits have a potential drawback—they can affect a person's instincts and mental state to some degree. Only those with strong willpower who can suppress the animal's instincts can fully wield their power."
Rosinante handed the fruit to a dumbfounded Tashigi.
"Tashigi, as a swordswoman, especially a female swordswoman, you are different from Kuina."
"Kuina has been wearing a Lightforged Crystal since childhood, subtly nourishing her body over time. Moreover, her two swordsmanship mentors—Wright's master and Wright himself—are among the greatest swordsmen."
"As a result, she managed to break the gender barrier without relying on a Devil Fruit. After acquiring the Float-Float Fruit, she found an entirely new path for her growth."
Rosinante chuckled.
"This is what Wright instructed. If he weren't needed at Impel Down, he would have given these to you personally."
"Tashigi, you are pure-hearted, strong-willed, and unwavering in your sense of justice. You will be able to suppress the side effects of the Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Model: Nine-Tailed Fox. Moreover, the enhanced physique provided by Zoan abilities is one of the best ways for you to overcome the gender barrier!"
"Each Mythical Zoan has unique properties. The Nine-Tailed Fox is a legendary creature capable of shapeshifting, and this fruit grants that very ability!"
Tashigi was on the verge of tears. Having lived in Kuina's shadow for so long, how could she not feel envious?
Kuina was growing stronger and getting closer to her goal every day. How could Tashigi not want the same?
And now, Admiral Wright's gift had given her a real chance to catch up to Kuina!
"Th-Thank you, Admiral Wright... Vice Admiral Rosinante...!" Tashigi sobbed.
Back when Wright and Kuina had "picked her up" from Loguetown, she never would have imagined receiving such a precious Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit one day.
"No need for thanks, Tashigi. The previous owner of this fruit was the infamous female pirate, 'Crescent Moon Hunter' Catarina Devon, known as 'the most dangerous woman pirate.'"
Rosinante spoke gravely.
"Now, as a Marine, you must use this fruit to uphold justice!"
"Yes!"
As the other three watched with curiosity, Rosinante produced the second Devil Fruit.
"Next, this one is the Paramecia-type More-More Fruit. You've seen its previous user before..."
Seeing their eyes widen in shock, Rosinante smiled faintly.
"Now you understand why you can't reveal these powers for at least six months?"
The four fell into deep thought as Rosinante continued.
"The last user of this fruit was none other than 'World Destroyer' Byrnndi World, who was cut down by Admiral Wright during the Summit War!"
"And the final one is the Paramecia-type Clank-Clank Fruit."
"Its previous user was a former crewmember of the Pirate King Roger himself—'Demon Heir' Douglas Bullet, a man who single-handedly annihilated an entire nation!"
After explaining the abilities of the two Paramecia-type fruits and their previous owners' histories, Ace and Tashigi stared in awe at the two Devil Fruits.
Those men were legendary figures. One had sought to sink Marineford itself, and the other had fought against both Garp and Sengoku during a Buster Call—alone!
"You can choose between these two. No matter which you pick, they are both top-tier Paramecia-type Devil Fruits."
Rosinante sighed with some envy.
"Honestly, I'm dying of jealousy... If I had gotten one of these back then... sigh."
With how much you've developed your Calm-Calm Fruit, you'd probably still crush anyone even if you ate them, Cavendish and T. Bone silently mused.
"I refuse!"
Cavendish suddenly spoke up, stunning everyone.
"Huh?"
"I refuse..."
Cavendish plucked a rose, brought it to his nose, and inhaled deeply.
"My pursuit is not in this direction!"
"What I desire is a Devil Fruit that is both dazzling and stylish!"
"With my beauty, how could I possibly use something as brutish as the Clank-Clank Fruit? And the More-More Fruit lacks any visual appeal—there aren't even any special effects!"
Cavendish's eyes sparkled.
"Admiral Wright's abilities, now that's what I aspire to!"
He then turned to Ace with a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"The Flame-Flame Fruit and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit—those Logia abilities are what I've coveted for so long!"
Ace gave a wry smile.
"Ah, I think I understand where these Devil Fruits came from now... But are you seriously planning to take me or Enel down?"
"As for Sensei… don't even dream about it."
Cavendish grew excited.
"Exactly! Which pirate has the flashiest, most spectacular abilities? I'll capture them!"
"..."
Rosinante rubbed his forehead, looking utterly helpless.
No wonder Wright had such a strange expression when he mentioned Cavendish. Did he foresee this exact scenario?
This guy is just…
Shaking his head, Rosinante sighed.
"Fine. If you're sure, then Bone, you can pick whichever one you like."
Bone couldn't comprehend Cavendish's obsession with style. Then again… with his terrifying face, there was probably no saving his looks.
"Cavendish, are you really sure? You have first pick, I don't mind."
Bone tried to persuade him, baffled by his decision.
"I've decided. You pick!"
Cavendish flicked his golden hair dramatically.
"If I had a truly spectacular ability, I would have been the star of the Summit War! My popularity would have skyrocketed!"
"So, it must be dazzling! Even if it's not the strongest, I can train to become stronger! But if it's not stylish…"
Cavendish's eyes gleamed with unshakable conviction.
"Then my life is over!"
"Pfft!"
Feeling like he'd just taken a fatal blow, Bone forced a smile, holding back tears as he picked up the More-More Fruit.
"I... I'll take this one. It won't mess with my appearance too much..."
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