The battlefield still trembled from the echoes of Magnus's conquest.
But Magnus's thoughts were elsewhere.
Beneath his cloak, the fruit burned faintly against his palm.
The Saru Saru no Mi, Mythical Zoan , Sun Wukong.
A power that could topple kingdoms, shatter mountains, and rewrite battles.
His eyes slid toward Kael.
The young man stood among the crew, spear planted into the ground to steady himself. His chest heaved from the weight of Magnus's unleashed will, sweat dripping on his temple yet his gaze burned unwavering, fixed on his Captain.
Magnus felt the corners of his mouth curve slightly. Loyalty, Fire and Resolve. He bends, but he does not break. This fruit… yes, it belongs with him.
He stopped, his shadow falling over Kael.
The battlefield stilled, every pair of eyes following Magnus's steps. Slowly, he reached beneath his cloak and drew out the fruit.
Gasps rippled through the crew and giants alike. The crimson peach glowed faintly under the moonlight, its swirling golden patterns alive like a breathing flame.
Kael's eyes widened. His voice cracked with disbelief."Captain… is that…?"
Magnus's tone was calm, yet heavy with meaning.
"The Saru Saru no Mi, Model: Sun Wukong. Mythical Zoan. One of the rarest fruits to ever exist."
Shock rippled across the field.
Bullet's grin twitched into a rare pause, his eyes narrowing.
Even the Elbaf giants muttered in awe, their voices low as thunder.
Magnus held the fruit out toward Kael. His gaze sharpened."Eat it. Wield its power. Become more than you are."
Kael froze, His hand shook as he stared at the fruit. Kael spoke but his voice trembled.
"Captain… why me? Yo...you could wield this and crush the seas under your hand. Why give it… to me?"
Magnus stepped closer, his voice dropping low, for Kael alone.
"Because I don't need it. My blade is enough. My will is enough. But you…" His eyes pierced into Kael's soul. "You'll need more to stand beside me in what's coming. This fruit will make you into the warrior fate demands. And I…" A faint smirk tugged his lips. "I trust you with it."
Kael's throat tightened. His spear hand clenched. A thousand emotions collided inside him shock, pride, fear and joy but above them all, loyalty blazed like fire.
Without another word, he took the fruit.
The crew erupted in shouts of shock and disbelief, Bullet roaring with laughter, Brogy and Dorry bellowing in approval. Moria, limping and broken in the background, stared in utter disbelief as a power he'd hoarded for years was given away so easily, like a king granting a crown.
Kael raised the peach-shaped fruit to his mouth. He hesitated for the briefest heartbeat but then he bit into it.
The taste hit him like rot and bile, chokingly vile but he forced it down, jaw tightening as he devoured it. His body convulsed for an instant, haki flaring uncontrolled, his veins pulsing with new fire.
The crew leaned forward, eyes wide, as Kael dropped to one knee, spear digging into the ground, his breath ragged.
Then a powerful surge.
Golden sparks burst from his body. His shadow stretched into something new, something primal. For the briefest flicker, the outline of a great monkey with staff in hand, crown glinting loomed over him, its grin wild and untamed.
Kael raised his head. His eyes burned with gold.
Magnus's voice cut through the silence, like a verdict delivered.
"Rise, Kael. The Monkey King walks again."
The battlefield shook with the roar of approval.
Giants thundered their war cries.
Bullet laughed until the ground cracked beneath his stomps. The crew cheered, their faith in Magnus and their brother renewed tenfold.
And Kael, he bowed his head clutching his spear with new strength, his voice thick with conviction.
"I swear, Captain… with this power, I will never falter at your side."
Magnus turned, cloak billowing, his silhouette carved against the moonlight.
"Good Because the world won't wait and neither will we."