"That flame of yours is really dangerous. Look at your arm—it's all scorched."
In the backstage viewing area, Yamato carefully wrapped Moses' arms with medical bandages while releasing a faint chill to ice his hands.
Soon, Moses' arms were bandaged from the elbows down, even his fingers tightly wrapped.
Moses grinned. "No big deal. A good night's sleep and I'll be fine."
Yamato laughed along with him.
"Right, eat well and sleep tight, and you'll be good as new."
Ulti watched the two with an exasperated expression, muttering under her breath:
"Two freaks."
Flexing his hands, Moses nodded in satisfaction. Yamato's bandaging skills were impressive—tight enough to stay secure but not so tight as to hinder finger movement. Clearly, she had experience.
Looking at the bandages, Moses felt a sense of novelty. After all, this was the first time he'd suffered such "serious" injuries—even if he'd inflicted them on himself.
"Tomorrow at nine in the morning, you'll be fighting that Lao G. Do you think you can win?"
Yamato asked the question but then chuckled to herself. "Heh, but it's not a fight to the death. Just knock him out of the ring and you win."
"Right. Our goal is just that Devil Fruit. Knocking him out of the ring will be enough."
Moses joined in the laughter.
He wasn't particularly worried about tomorrow's match. From watching Lao G's earlier fights and his own battle with Chili, Moses had clearly sensed that Lao G's Physique was about on par with Chili's.
Lao G might be able to bully Yamato with his advanced martial arts skills, but Moses wasn't lacking in technique or Haki.
Turning to the two, Moses waved. "Let's head back."
"Mm!" "Mm!"
Yamato and Ulti responded in unison.
They quickly left through the arena's contestant passageway.
The three walked down the street, weaving through the crowd, inevitably drawing numerous gazes from earlier spectators.
But given their combat prowess, the onlookers kept their distance, refraining from approaching for autographs or the like.
Just then, a deep voice called out. Moses turned to see Chili approaching. Yamato stared at him warily.
"What do you want?"
Unbeknownst to anyone, Ulti's arms had taken on a metallic sheen, her gaze equally sharp.
Seeing Moses' puzzled look, Chili scratched his head helplessly. "No hard feelings. I just wanted to get to know you, young man—A Bao, was it?"
Moses tilted his head toward a nearby open-air milk tea stall and smiled. "How about we grab a drink over there?"
Chili's lips twitched—shouldn't "grabbing a drink" mean alcohol? But he didn't refuse. Given their obvious youth, the four settled at an outdoor table, ordering four large, deluxe milk teas.
Taking a sip of the rich, fragrant tea, Moses looked at Chili.
"So? What's up? Or are you upset about me knocking you out of the ring?"
Chili shook his head with a wry smile.
"It's just a matter of skill—nothing to be dissatisfied about. Still, I should thank you, little brother, for not going all out back then."
Moses smiled.
"Don't say that. Even if I had gone all out, that move would've only seriously injured you at most, not killed you. Since it wouldn't kill you, why bother with unnecessary cruelty?"
Chili's face twitched, helpless at Moses' blunt honesty.
Yet he couldn't help but feel pleased that Moses acknowledged his strength.
Without thinking, he took a sip of milk tea, and his eyes suddenly lit up—the taste was surprisingly good.
"Anyway, this time we've fought and gotten to know each other. I think we could become friends. So let's leave it at that. If you ever come to the Flower Country in the West Sea, I'll treat you well. Here's my Den Den Mushi contact number—feel free to reach out anytime."
As he spoke, he placed a business card on the table, then pulled out a large bill and set it down with a smile.
"The milk tea was delicious. This round's on me."
With that, he waved and left with effortless coolness.
Watching him walk away, Moses remained expressionless. Yamato, curious, asked:
"What's wrong?"
Moses shrugged.
"He left a 1,000 Berries bill, but our four cups of milk tea cost over 2,000 Berries."
Pfft!
Ulti suddenly choked, her face turning red as she burst into laughter, even spitting out a boba pearl.
"Ahahaha—no, I can't—this is too funny! How are you this ridiculous?"
Moses rolled his eyes, motioned for the server, paid the remaining Berries, and then left with the girls, milk tea in hand.
They strolled through the streets, snacking on various treats before finally returning to the hotel.
By then, Bear Cub and Hiyori had already returned.
Seeing Moses and the others carrying bags of snacks, Bear Cub's eyes sparkled as he eagerly stepped forward, grinning as he took them.
"Moses, you're back. Let me pour you some water."
Amused by Bear Cub's enthusiasm, Moses chuckled.
Time flew by, and as evening approached, they went out for dinner together. After returning and freshening up, Moses played a few rounds of cards with them.
In the room, leaning against the headboard, Moses listened to the cheerful laughter outside before focusing his mind and opening the holographic panel.
Under the Bestowed Ability section, he examined the ability that had manifested a few days earlier in Kuri, Wano Country—when he'd unleashed a water-based attack by synchronizing his Haki with the frequency of water.
[Resonance]
A Bestowed Ability that allowed him to interact with the Breath frequencies of all things in nature, wielding their power as his own.
Shifting his gaze to the Merit Points section:
Merit Points: [131,251]
Combined with the daily leftovers from [Check-In], Moses now had this much saved up—a deep sense of satisfaction filling him.
"Maybe I should try something big. Alright, let's see."
With reserves to spare, he felt no worry.
-100,000 Merit Points.
In the next instant, a dense, hazy energy surged from the "light sphere" in his mind, engulfing his entire body in the blink of an eye.
The [Resonance] Bestowed Ability began to materialize in earnest, evolving and improving through the medium of his own experiences and history.
Moses' consciousness slipped into a transcendent state. Under the Unity of Heaven and Man and Spirit-Flesh Convergence, his body underwent continuous, unknown changes.
His form instinctively synchronized with the surrounding environment, and every minute fluctuation of Breath frequencies became vividly clear in his heightened awareness.
He became aware of many unique frequency fluctuations that had previously gone unnoticed.
With each rise and fall of his Breath, the energy within his body began to shift continuously—sometimes scorching hot, sometimes cool and refreshing, at times dry, and then ethereal.
The frequencies of all things flowed and circulated within his body.
Never before had he experienced such clarity of perception. Unconsciously, Moses sank into a deep state of meditation.
His consciousness immersed itself in this wondrous interaction with the natural world, sensing its mysteries.
After a long while, the Bestowed Ability fully manifested.
Moses slowly opened his eyes.
A mysterious glint flashed in his gaze as he took in his own transformation. The energy of Haki flowed silently within him, and with a mere thought, the frequency of Water Breath resonated with his being. His Haki transformed into a gentle stream, quietly nourishing every part of his body it touched.
Delight flickered in Moses' eyes.
Unable to resist, he turned his attention to the glowing panel before him.
[EX-Grade (Conceptual) Blessing: Body of All Things] (Can be enhanced through comprehension)
[Blessing Effect: All things in existence possess their own Breath frequency fluctuations. The Body of All Things possesses an extraordinary affinity with all things, allowing it to interact with their frequencies and form a perfect cycle within the body, strengthening oneself and vastly enhancing comprehension of the concepts underlying all things.]
[Blessing Evaluation: All things in the world embody fundamental concepts. Perceive their intrinsic frequency fluctuations and comprehend the essence of their composition!]
As expected, the Bestowed Ability had undergone a metamorphosis—even its fundamental name had changed dramatically.
Moses read the description word by word, carefully absorbing the implications of his current transformation.
"My physical constitution hasn't shown any overt changes, but the internal composition of my body has undergone a radical evolution."
"What about this?"
His Haki shifted, manifesting flames. Dark red embers, clinging like bone-deep fire, ignited in his palm.
The Breath frequency of the flames resonated with his Haki, flowing silently within him. Despite their intense heat, they caused him no harm.
"I can't achieve elemental intangibility like a Logia-Type. It's more akin to a Paramecia-Type ability with superhuman properties."
The flames coiled around his hand.
Moses watched with keen interest.
"Does it possess the offensive and defensive traits of Haki? The flames are scorching, yet they don't burn the bandages wrapped around my hand."
With a thought, the bandages on his hand whoosh—burst into flames, charring black in an instant before disintegrating into ash.
As the fire dissipated, Moses observed his left hand, now bearing burn marks. Wrapped in Haki-infused flames, it took on a dark red hue with fissure-like patterns, resembling the awe-inspiring arm of a demon.
Watching the flames in his palm, Moses exhaled, and the fire vanished. In its place, a deep blue current of water emerged, its cool touch spreading across his skin.
"Comprehending the conceptual abilities within all things?"
The concept of the Phoenix Devil Fruit's blue healing flames?
The undying regenerative concept of the Yamata no Orochi Devil Fruit?
Or perhaps the healing light of the Heal-Heal Fruit?
Maybe Ulti's material conversion ability from her Absorption Fruit?
Or the spatial manipulation within the Castle Fruit's conceptual power?
Though I don't consume Devil Fruits, I can still comprehend and learn the conceptual abilities hidden within all of them.
Not just Devil Fruit abilities—but all sorts of strange and wondrous concepts.
For example, the concept of time-delaying growth emitted by pure gold.
Or the various [Oath] concept powers inherited within Eriyi's dragon blood.
As his thoughts continued to diverge, Moses suddenly felt that the [Body of All Things] truly was the ability most suited to him, evolved from his own experiences and history.
At first glance, it didn't seem to offer much help in boosting his strength, but like a vintage aged wine, Moses found himself appreciating it more the longer he savored it.
He also suddenly realized how much he still had to learn.
Yet Moses felt a sense of fulfillment.
All the unknowns would become reality in his hands.
Learning knows no bounds. And now, he had the qualifications to pursue that knowledge.
A surge of passion boiled within Moses, his emotions growing fervent, and an unconscious crimson glow flickered deep in his pupils.
Even his body began to crackle with faint black-red arcs of electricity.
The corners of his lips curled slightly. As his Breath rose and fell, Qi Circulation Throughout the Body, Moses' gaze calmed once more, his serene heart settling the fervor within.
It was his.
There would be plenty of time to experience it in the future.
To crave the unknown, pursue the mysterious, and collect everything he desired.
Knock, knock, knock!
At that moment, a gentle knocking sounded at the door, followed by Hiyori's sweet voice:
"Moses, your grandfather is on the Den Den Mushi."
Moses blinked, got up from the bed, and opened the door barefoot.
Seeing Hiyori still poised to knock, he smiled and ruffled her hair. "Alright, I'm here."
Hiyori's cheeks flushed slightly as she pointed to the already connected Den Den Mushi on the table.
Moses walked over, picked up the receiver, and grinned at the familiar-looking Den Den Mushi.
"Grandpa, are you here yet?"
On the other end of the line, Garp sat on the couch in his quarters aboard the warship.
Hearing Moses' voice, Garp snorted in amusement. "Yeah, I'm here. The ship's docked at Fist's port. Get out here and see me now."
Moses' lips twitched. The tone made it clear—this was the prelude to a beating.
Still, Moses sighed. "Fine, I'll put on my shoes and come. Wait for me, I'll be right there."
The Den Den Mushi clicked off.
Moses' eyes filled with resignation.
He returned to his room to slip on his sandals.
Just as he stepped out of the bedroom, Yamato suddenly spoke up.
"Moses, should I come with you?"
Moses glanced at her. It couldn't hurt—she'd have to meet him sooner or later anyway. He nodded, signaling for her to follow.
After all, she was Kaido's daughter, though hardly anyone knew. It wouldn't hurt to have her registered with Garp.
Yamato's expression was unreadable.
She slipped on her shoes and followed Moses.
Once outside the hotel, the two strolled toward the port. Yamato smiled and asked,
"Moses, what's your grandfather like?"
"Hard to describe. You'll see for yourself soon."
As they chatted, ten minutes later, they arrived at the port. Moses scanned the area and soon spotted the warship moored in a secluded corner.
Moments later, they reached it. Moses grabbed Yamato's hand and leaped onto the deck.
After exchanging greetings with a few familiar marines who'd already spotted him, he led Yamato into the ship's interior, heading for Garp's quarters.
A few seconds later.
Garp's room.
Facing the two of them, Moses' lips twitched again.
"Kuzan, what happened to you?"
Kuzan was also there, wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a bandage wrapped around his arm. He sat on the sofa sipping tea and rolled his eyes when Moses asked him.
"Ara ara~ Your grandpa and I went to the New World to rescue you, only to find you'd already run off. You're really something."
At that moment, Garp, who had been standing by the window, silently walked over. Moses obediently stuck out his head. Seeing this, Yamato beside him blinked and also extended her head.
Garp's eye twitched, but his fist didn't hesitate. He raised it to his mouth, exhaled on it, then smashed it onto Moses' head, followed by another punch for Yamato.
Moses grimaced in pain while Yamato's eyes welled up with tears. Seeing this, Moses sighed in relief—as expected, Garp didn't care about Yamato's identity.
Garp glared fiercely at Moses before laughing angrily, "You little brat, I'll let you off this time."
Moses smirked inwardly. He'd already been punched before hearing that—might as well have said it when he first walked in.
With a grin, Moses asked knowingly, "Grandpa, how did you get here so fast?"
"Fast? I don't think so. Your grandpa crossed the Calm Belt just to see you," Kuzan drawled sarcastically.
Moses glanced at him and smiled, "What happened to your arm? Who hurt you?"
Kuzan shot him a look. "What, you gonna avenge me? It was Kaido—your godfather. Feel free to go after him now. I'd be delighted."
Moses' eye twitched—this guy's sarcasm was on par with his own.
"Shut up, Kuzan. Go take a nap," Garp scolded wearily. "Haven't I had enough trouble? You slept the whole way here while I dealt with all the sea kings."
Kuzan raised his hands in surrender, clearly signaling he was injured.
Moses sat on the sofa and poured himself some tea. Yamato joined him.
Kuzan then looked at Yamato with a peculiar expression. "This pretty little girl must be Kaido's daughter, right?"
Yamato nervously glanced at Moses for help. Being Kaido's daughter on a Marine ship made her uneasy.
Moses chuckled and pointed at Garp, who was drinking tea across from them. "Call him Grandpa," he instructed Yamato.
Yamato blinked at Garp and called out, "Grandpa."
Moses then pointed at Kuzan. "Call him Brother Kuzan."
Yamato's eyes sparkled as she sweetly said, "Brother Kuzan."
After she finished, Moses grinned at the wide-eyed Garp and Kuzan. "Since no one objects, this relationship is settled."
Garp and Kuzan's lips twitched violently. Garp didn't mind—he was used to chaos and wasn't losing out. But Kuzan scowled. "I never agreed to this. Don't call me that. Besides, I call your grandpa 'Master.' Why should my seniority drop a generation?"
Moses nodded understandingly. "Fair enough. We'll address each other separately." He turned to Yamato. "He's about twenty years older than you. Call him Uncle Kuzan."
Yamato, finding this amusing, immediately called out...
"Uncle Kuzan."
Hearing this call, Kuzan's eye twitched, but this time he didn't object in the end.
Whether it was because he couldn't be bothered to protest or had silently accepted this relationship remained unclear.
At this moment, Garp turned to Moses and asked:
"Had enough fun yet? You'll come with me tomorrow then, I'll send you back."
Moses shook his head and spoke before Garp could frown: "I've got a finals match tomorrow. After I finish, then we can go."
"Finals? The World Combat Tournament? You entered?"
Garp raised an eyebrow with an amused expression: "Seems this year's tournament isn't up to much if a kid like you can make it to the finals."
Moses said helplessly: "I'm not weak, okay? I've awakened Armament Haki, and I have Observation Haki too. It's not a fight to the death—I just need to knock them off the platform."
Garp let out a hearty laugh.
"Fair enough, I'll come watch your finals tomorrow then."
"You got a ticket?" Moses chuckled.
Garp curled his lip. "None of your business. This old man has his own ways."
"Suit yourself."
Moses grinned:
"Then Yamato and I will head back to the hotel first. See you tomorrow. You guys should rest early too."
Garp waved his hand dismissively, signaling Moses to scram.
Moses downed the remaining tea in his cup and left the warship with Yamato.
After Moses departed, Kuzan glanced at Garp and asked, "So we're just letting that Yamato girl go like this?"
Garp shot Kuzan a look. "What else? Should we two old men kidnap her? She even called you uncle."
"Ara ara, I didn't say that. I don't want to get kicked out by someone."
Garp's mouth twitched violently.
His fists were itching again!