Bullet roared, his voice brimming with a raw craving for power.
Ron's lips curled into a faint smile, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes as he nodded leisurely.
"Of course. But... enchantments come with conditions."
Beside him, Enel crossed his arms, his posture exuding arrogance.
He had never seen these people before, and judging by their rustic, inexperienced demeanor, they couldn't be all that impressive.
Fine arcs of electricity crackled around him, shimmering with an eerie blue light as they danced at his sides.
He lifted his chin slightly, his eyes looking down on them with haughty disdain.
"Listen carefully."
"Replacing an ordinary Devil Fruit—that is, swapping out your current ability—costs 3 billion Berries per fruit." He spoke slowly, flicking his fingers lightly as he did.
In an instant, a bolt of lightning snaked through the air, searing the number "3,000,000,000" into the ozone.
"But if it's an Enchantment..." His tone suddenly intensified. "No matter the ability, the starting price is 10 billion Berries!"
The exorbitant price struck like a bolt from the blue, making the air in the area grow heavy.
Bullet's pupils contracted slightly, his expression a mix of astonishment and excitement.
A thrilled smile spread across his face.
Having a price was good—he had feared there might be some other, more abstract demand.
Enel continued, "Moreover, you must provide the blood of the target ability user yourself."
"Of course, if you can't obtain it, we can provide it... but the terms would have to be renegotiated."
Enel's words carried an air of non-negotiability.
Looking at this brawny fool, he felt certain the man would sign the contract.
After all, he was brought here by Vice-Captain Ron—he must have already signed a binding agreement.
Adding contract upon contract... there will be no end in sight!
He realized with a shake of his head that Bullet would never escape Vice-Captain Ron's clutches in this lifetime.
Another fool blinded by power.
Unlike himself, of course, who had boarded Ron's "pirate ship" purely to see the world.
Bullet froze for a moment.
The first thought that flashed through his mind wasn't "expensive," but—professional!
These people were downright, terrifyingly professional!
Their mastery over Devil Fruits, their control of the enchantment process, and even the clearly marked prices—all of it felt like a meticulously orchestrated transaction in the dark underworld.
The corners of his mouth curled, revealing stark white teeth, his smile carrying a hint of madness and defiance.
"Akainu..." Bullet muttered under his breath, his mind vividly conjuring the image of that man engulfed in magma.
The Admiral who had defeated him twice!
"The Magma-Magma Fruit... that's the one i want!" Bullet's gaze grew resolute.
Just then, Crocodile stepped forward slowly, sand flowing silently beneath his feet.
"I want an enchantment too."
The golden hook on his right hand gleamed coldly in the sunlight, ambition burning fiercely in his eyes—a flame both intense and relentless.
"A Mythical Zoan... or a top-tier Ancient Zoan. My era isn't over yet."
...
East Blue, Windmill Village
Dawn emerged gently like a veil, soft light filtering through thin clouds and spilling over a land brimming with life.
A sea breeze blew softly, carrying the distinct scent of salt and moisture. The windmill blades creaked, turning slowly in the gentle wind.
Inside a wooden cabin, Luffy lay quietly on a simple bed, his brow furrowed as if trapped in a nightmare.
Gradually, he opened his eyes.
The blinding sunlight pierced his vision like sharp arrows, making him instinctively raise a hand to shield them.
His hand trembled, his chapped lips quivering.
"I... I'm alive?" Luffy's voice was faint and hoarse, tinged with disbelief.
Memories surged into his mind like a raging tide—the heart-pounding battle at Impel Down, the uncontrollable frenzy after unleashing his Conqueror's Haki against Ron, and the final scene of devastating defeat.
Each moment flashed before his eyes like a sharp blade, stabbing at his heart repeatedly.
He abruptly sat up. His straw hat slipped from the bedside, hitting the floor with a crisp clatter.
"Luffy, you're awake."
Garp's low, calm voice came from the corner of the cabin.
He sat in the shadows, most of his face obscured, leaving only his sharp eyes visible—eyes that held a profound, weathered gravity.
Luffy clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.
A hoarse rasp escaped his throat. "Everyone... how are they?"
Garp remained silent for a moment before slowly rising to his feet and walking steadily to the window.
Sunlight spilled over his shoulders, outlining his mountain-like silhouette.
"The Straw Hat Pirates... have disbanded."
Garp's voice was deep and heavy, each word striking Luffy's heart like a sledgehammer.
Luffy's pupils contracted sharply. His breath hitched, as if the entire world had crumbled around him.
"Nami, Zoro, Sanji... they..." Luffy's voice trembled, his eyes filled with pain and confusion.
Garp turned, his gaze steely as he looked at his grandson.
He didn't mention the fact that Zoro and Sanji had followed him here; he needed to push the boy.
"They're not dead, but they've all gone their separate ways. Perhaps each is searching for their own path to become stronger."
"This world isn't something you can conquer with just passion alone." Garp's voice suddenly intensified, like thunder exploding in the small cabin. "Without strength, you can't even protect the people you want to keep safe!"
Luffy's body trembled, his eyes filled with endless self-blame and regret.
"I... was too weak."
Garp slowly approached Luffy, his rough hand pressing heavily on the boy's shoulder.
The force was weighty, as if transmitting his own resolve.
"Wake up, kid." Garp's voice carried a mix of helplessness and expectation. "The days of playing at adventure are over."
Outside the window, waves crashed against the shore's rocks, creating a splashing sound that seemed to add a layer of solemnity to the moment.
Luffy slowly raised his head.
The confusion in his eyes faded, replaced by a burning flame.
Within that flame lay unwavering faith, an indomitable will, and deep concern for his comrades.
"Grandpa..."
He bent down to pick up the straw hat from the ground, gently brushing off the dust.
Then, he placed the hat back on his head. In that instant, his gaze became incredibly resolute.
"Next time, I won't lose again."