The two Devil Fruits varied in color and shape.
One was pure white, resembling a jade plate.
The other was pale yellow, somewhat like a cactus.
Xiano examined them for a while but couldn't recall much about either.
"Hey, what kind of fruits are these? Do you recognize them?" He turned to Jabura.
"Cough..."
Jabura, lying on the ground, struggled to prop himself up on his elbows and glared at him. "You steal our things and then have the audacity to ask us about them? How shameless! There's no way we'd tell you—"
"Of course we know, zappapa!"
Fukuro, who had been twitching on the ground, reflexively raised his hand:
"One is the Cat-Cat Fruit, White Tiger Form from the Zoan type, and the other is the Sand-Sand Fruit from the Logia type—the same one that belonged to the Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, who was killed by that terrifying Pirate Xiano! Both are incredibly rare, zappapa!"
"FUKURO!!!!"
Jabura gnashed his teeth, clutching his chest as if he might keel over from sheer rage.
"Oh?"
Xiano raised an eyebrow.
Another Logia?
Was he just destined to clash with Logia users, one after another?
Still, as Fukuro said, both fruits were indeed highly valuable.
The Sand-Sand Fruit spoke for itself, and the White Tiger Fruit was likely among the top-tier Zoan types, second only to the Mythical Zoan.
No wonder they'd said earlier that securing these two fruits would offset their failure in the escort mission.
He'd only been passing through this island for a quick vacation, yet he'd stumbled upon quite the haul!
Xiano nodded in satisfaction, leisurely tucking the Devil Fruits back into his bag and securing it. Jabura, still sprawled on the ground nearby, watched with eyes burning with resentment.
"Hey!"
Jabura barked, though he didn't dare attack again. "Someone like you can't possibly be a nobody! Stealing is one thing, but not even showing your true face? That's hardly befitting of a true strongman!"
To defeat elite CP9 agents like them so effortlessly—his strength was nothing short of unfathomable.
"You might have a point..."
Xiano stroked his chin and nodded. "Call me Buggy. And that wolf-masked one earlier was my pet, Lion Riki."
"Huh?" The three of them froze in unison.
Buggy... Buggy...
Wait, that name sounded familiar—
Thud!
Before they could recall, their eyes rolled back, and they collapsed unconscious.
"Since you cooperated, I'll spare your lives."
Xiano effortlessly hoisted them up, one by one, and tossed them into a pile of garbage.
His precise control over his strikes ensured they'd remain unconscious until the following night—by which point, he'd have long since left, possibly even reached Water 7.
He bore no killing intent toward these three, who hadn't actively sought trouble, but he also had no interest in recruiting them—especially someone like Fukuro...
Better to let him continue serving the World Government where his talents could shine.
Of course, that didn't mean he'd pass up the chance to take what he could.
[You sacrificed Fukuro's Big Mouth Zipper and gained 300 Points.]
[You sacrificed all of Kumadori's hair and gained 300 Points.]
[You sacrificed Jabura's mustache and gained 400 Points.]
A total of one thousand Points raised Xiano's remaining balance to 32,500.
Jack's turn hadn't come yet. Xiano decided to wait, believing the most valuable parts on that guy would be the mammoth tusks after his transformation. Once Jack mastered Life Return, he'd find an excuse to inspect his progress and snap off a tusk to sacrifice.
Before leaving the alley, Xiano cast one last glance at Jabura and the others.
These agents' Martial Arts skills were passable, but their strength and speed were utterly lacking in his eyes. Worse yet, they hadn't even mastered Haki. This gave him a rough gauge of CP9's overall caliber.
If this was their level...
There was clearly no need to worry about the crewmates who'd gone ahead to Water 7.
The next morning, the Sea Train departed from the harbor, racing toward Water 7.
This time, it was the girls' turn to ride. Nami leaned drowsily against Robin's shoulder, intermittently dozing off. She'd been the most energetic at last night's carnival, and despite catching a few hours of sleep afterward, she still felt drained.
Opposite them, Kuina sat holding the two Devil Fruits, quietly lost in thought.
"You still don't want to eat one?" Nojiko propped her chin on her hand. "Last night when your brother handed them to you, I saw you were tempted by that White Tiger Fruit. Why change your mind after sleeping on it?"
Aboard the Sunset, excluding the Captain and the two pets, nearly all crew members were Devil Fruit Ability Users—only Kuina and Zeff remained.
Old Man Zeff was as stubborn as ever, adamant that a chef of the seas must never be a "landlubber," refusing to touch a Devil Fruit. His reasoning made sense, but Nojiko suspected he also recognized his limited growth potential at his age. He might be stepping back from frontline combat to focus on his kitchen and restaurant, much like... what her brother had mentioned about Streusen in the BIGMOM Pirates?
As for Kuina...
Under Nojiko's gaze, Kuina finally shook her head and set the fruits down.
"I won't eat them," she said softly, her tone calm yet resolute.
"The White Tiger Fruit did give me pause last night. It's a rare treasure even among Zoan types. Eating it would boost my strength, speed, and recovery—significantly enhancing my immediate combat power."
Kuina paused, her fingers lightly brushing the hilt at her waist.
"But that's not my 'path.'"
Her path had been set the moment she first gripped a Bamboo Sword in Shimotsuki Village.
—To reach the pinnacle as the world's greatest Master Swordsman, relying solely on her own strength, without external aids.
It was, without doubt, the harder road.
But precisely because of this, when she reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, that glory and that new era would truly belong to her alone.
Just like the current world's greatest Master Swordsman, Hawkeye.
"Eh—" Nojiko blinked. "How should I put it? That's so like you."
She slung an arm around Kuina's shoulder and said with a grin:
"But that means you'll have to train even harder than you do now, right? After all, the number of monsters on our ship keeps growing. Better watch out, or you might lose your position as Vice Captain."
Not to mention the newcomers—Jack, who just joined, is an absolute monster.
His physical strength is astonishing, his Devil Fruit ability is ridiculously overpowered, and despite his seemingly dull appearance, he has an incredible talent for Martial Arts.
In just the past couple of days, he's already shown signs of grasping Armament Haki. At this rate, he'll probably master it within a month or two.
Kuina was well aware of this, but she didn't seem bothered.
Train even harder?
She glanced down at Wado Ichimonji, a faint smile tugging at her lips:
"No matter. That suits me just fine."
Descendants of Wano really do have this weirdly formal way of speaking, huh? Nojiko inwardly rolled her eyes as she carefully stored away the two Devil Fruits.
Tch. When will we finally meet someone worthy of these two fruits?
...
Woo—Woo—!!!
The Sea Train belched thick white smoke as it raced at full speed along the tracks.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently with a dull thud, as if it had collided with something.
The car swayed slightly, its speed faltering for a brief moment before quickly resuming its breakneck pace.
Robin initially thought it was just her imagination, but when she looked out the window…
A light-brown giant frog was sent tumbling through the air before splashing into the distant sea with a loud plop, sending waves several meters high.
Its limbs splayed out, belly up, its eyes spinning like mosquito coils as it floated dizzily on the water, its tongue lolling to one side.
Who knew if it was even still alive…
Had that frog been trying to stop the train?
Once her surprise faded, Robin's gaze softened with pity.
Alas, with such a vast disparity in size and strength, how could it possibly succeed?
It reminded her of herself in the past—standing alone against the suffocating behemoth that was the World Government…
But now…
Robin looked down at the person sleeping soundly against her chest and gently patted her cheek with a smile:
"We're almost there. Wake up, Nami."
"Mmm… already?"
The bubble on Nami's nose popped with a snap as she rubbed her eyes and drowsily sat up.
She turned to look out the window.
Sure enough, on the distant horizon, the grand silhouette of a bustling city had come into view.
The City of Seven Waters.
This miraculous land, hailed as the "City of Water and Craftsmen," rose from the depths of the sea like a dreamlike island.
Countless azure waterways crisscrossed the city like veins, connecting its multi-tiered districts into an intricate three-dimensional network.
But the most striking feature was the towering fountain at the city's highest point, standing like a pillar to the heavens.
It gracefully hurled seawater into the sky, where it dispersed into a misty veil that draped the entire city in an ethereal haze.
"Wow…"
Nami's drowsiness vanished instantly as she pressed her face against the train window, eyes wide and unblinking, utterly captivated by the breathtaking scenery outside.
Moments later.
Woo—!
With a long whistle, the Sea Train gradually came to a stop at the platform of Blue Station.
"We're here!"
The moment the doors cracked open, Nami shot out like a Cannonball, still clutching the half-asleep Mochi tightly in her arms.
"Slow down, wait for us, Nami!" Nojiko hastily grabbed their luggage and chased after her.
Robin and Kuina exchanged glances, shaking their heads in resignation.
Indeed, without Xiano around, this girl was like a wild horse without reins—utterly unrestrained and impossible to control.
The two followed the direction where the sisters had disappeared, with Kuina speaking as they walked:
"Before we arrived at Water 7, Lord Xiano gave us three important tasks."
"The first is to exchange all the treasures we obtained in Gourmet City for cash. Then, with the cash, we're to find a shipbuilding company on the island to inspect and repair the Sunset."
The treasures she referred to were those confiscated from "Bloodsaw" Jax.
That night, after the crew's feast, everyone had returned to their cabins. It wasn't until the next morning that they discovered over a dozen treasure chests suddenly appearing on the deck.
Presumably, the townsfolk had helped carry them over. The fact that they left such wealth untouched left Kuina marveling at the locals' honesty.
"The chests are still on the ship. They'll probably take another five or six hours to arrive."
Robin chuckled lightly. "But since we're here first, we can make preparations—like locating the island's banks and planning the best route."
"Mm, leave that to me, Robin. You go catch up with Nami and Nojiko."
Kuina nodded slightly. "Take them to find the most reliable Vivrecard craftsman nearby. The previous towns were too small, but in a metropolis like this, there's bound to be one."
"Is that the Captain's second task?" Robin asked. "What about the third?"
"The third..."
Kuina pinched her chin in thought—a habitual gesture of Xiano's that she'd unconsciously adopted at some point.
"I'm not entirely sure either. Lord Xiano only mentioned that this island harbors ambitious individuals who might give us a chance to stretch our limbs a little..."
So they're being targeted...
Robin frowned slightly. "Should we buy a few more masks?"
She wasn't one to court trouble.
The festive atmosphere of the Masquerade Festival clearly wasn't confined to Spring Queen City. Here in Water 7, they occasionally encountered people wearing masks and flamboyant outfits along the streets.
The docks outside the station also had numerous vendors peddling masks.
"No, forget it."
She shook her head and smirked coldly. "If Lord Xiano said so, they can't be much of a threat. Masks are for festival celebrations, not for cowering like turtles. If anyone dares get in our way, they'll have to answer to my sword first!"
Her murderous aura radiated intensely, causing several nearby passersby to inexplicably shiver and instinctively step away.
"Being with Kuina is quite reassuring too." Robin observed the reactions around them and smiled faintly.
"Is that so? Too bad we have to part ways now."
Kuina said calmly, suddenly stopping in her tracks and looking across the waterway at the shop with the "Blue Rental" signboard:
"I'm going to rent a Blue to find the bank's location. You go meet up with Nami and the others. If anything comes up, contact me via Den Den Mushi."
"Mm."
Blues are unique marine creatures of Water 7 and the most common mode of transportation in this city.
Resembling seahorses yet remarkably strong, even the smallest Blue can effortlessly carry four or five people through the city's waterways.
The largest Emperor Blues can even tow massive ships directly.
Having learned some basic knowledge about Water 7 from pamphlets sold by train attendants during their journey, Robin immediately understood and nodded.
Kuina said nothing more, and the two parted ways at the fork in the road.
...
Ten minutes later.
Inside a certain tavern.
"Cheers!"
Nami and Nojiko sat at the counter, raising their glasses in a toast.
"Ara, so this is where you were."
Robin pushed open the louvered door and entered, sighing helplessly. "I searched all around for you. While there's no rush to find the Vivrecard shop, Nojiko, didn't the Captain say we shouldn't let Nami drink alcohol at her age..."
"Ha! Knew you'd say that!"
Nami wore a triumphant "I predicted you" expression as she raised her glass high:
"See? It's non-alcoholic cocktail soda! Called Dreamy Star. That's what this uncle wrote on today's specials board outside, and I couldn't resist coming in when I saw it... right, Uncle Bruno?"
"Indeed. It just mimics the taste of alcohol—completely non-alcoholic, so even children can enjoy it."
Behind the counter, the burly man in an apron had a warm, gentle smile that contrasted with his muscular frame. "Though, little miss, I'm only twenty-six. If possible, please call me big brother instead."
"Tch, no way! Other than my annoying big brother who tries to control everything at home, I'm not calling anyone else 'brother'!"
Nami snorted. "Besides, you look way older than that. Isn't 'uncle' more appropriate?"
Older-looking?
Bruno lowered his head with a sad sigh, but quickly composed himself and turned to smile at the newcomer by the door:
"Welcome, new customer. What would you like to—"
The moment he clearly saw Robin's face, Bruno's smile froze abruptly.
"What's wrong, uncle?"
Nami looked up curiously, glancing between them before shooting a disdainful look across the counter. "Hey, Robin-nee is beautiful, but don't stare like some pervert who's never seen a woman before. It's rude!"
Bruno quickly schooled his expression and resumed polishing glasses:
"My apologies. This lady just looked familiar, like I've seen her somewhere before."
"No, this brat's the rude one here."
Nojiko poked Nami's forehead irritably before turning to Bruno. "Uncle, another Dreamy Star for us. Robin-nee, want to try it? It's really quite good."
Robin smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Alright, please wait a moment." Bruno turned to mix the drinks, his movements practiced, but the corner of his eye kept subtly glancing at Robin.
What did these two girls call each other again?
Sister Robin?
So it really was that woman.
After finishing the drinks, Robin took a sip and showed a hint of surprise, her eyes filled with appreciation. "The taste is excellent, and it really does resemble the flavor of real alcohol."
"Thank you for the compliment." Bruno scratched his head somewhat sheepishly.
After drinking for a while longer, Robin turned to Nami. "Alright, we've rested enough. It's time to find the Vivrecard shop."
"Eh—just a little longer!" Nami grumbled unhappily.
Nojiko patted her shoulder. "Don't be stubborn. Let's finish what big brother asked us to do first. After that, you can play as much as you want."
"Fine, fine..." Nami reluctantly hopped off the barstool, waving to Bruno before leaving. "Mister, I'll come back for your sparkling drink next time!"
"You're always welcome."
Bruno stood there like a Puppet, his smile frozen in place, unmoving. But as he watched the three leave the bar, his smile gradually faded, and his eyes turned cold.
He walked to the entrance and expressionlessly hung up a "Temporarily Closed" sign. Then, from under the counter, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
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