Time passed peacefully as Eli Winters and his crew sailed through the seas, marking the end of Sea Circle Calendar Year 1507 and the arrival of March 1508.
During those months, Eli had visited many islands some familiar from tales and others completely new. One in particular stood out: an island shaped like an enormous broccoli head, with forests of thick green stalks that looked almost edible from afar.
The people there were surprisingly fierce. When Eli and his crew set foot on the island, a group of armed villagers quickly surrounded them, shouting and waving weapons.
"Where do you come from?" one of them asked. He was a burly man, broad-shouldered but rather short barely over five feet tall, which in this world made him a small man indeed.
Eli smiled calmly. "My name's Eli Winters, from the West Blue. We're just travelers passing through, looking to resupply before moving on."
The man exchanged low whispers with his companions before nodding. "You can stay but don't wander around at night. Our island's in the middle of a war. It's not safe for strangers."
"Understood," Eli said politely. "May I ask your name, sir?"
"Call me Sade," the man replied. "Come with me. If you walk in alone, the guards might mistake you for the enemy."
"Thanks, Sade. By the way, who are you fighting?" Eli asked curiously as they walked.
At the question, Sade's face darkened. "That damned noble, Quell. He murdered our good king and started taxing us into starvation. But the prince survived and now he's leading us to take our home back."
Eli blinked. Wait a second… this sounds familiar. If his memory was right, this was the same country mentioned in the story of Vinsmoke Niji except that was supposed to happen more than a decade later.
"Well," Eli muttered to himself, "looks like history decided to start early this time."
Though intrigued, he didn't intervene. After restocking supplies, he and his crew set sail once more.
Their next destination was a medium-sized island known as Bear Paw Island, famous not for its scenery or history but for its legendary cuisine. Every household here boasted a skilled chef, and the entire island was said to be a paradise for food lovers.
When Big Pan heard this, he was over the moon. For someone who lived to eat, this place was nothing short of heaven. Each morning at dawn, he would leap out of bed and race straight to the town square, determined to sample every dish on the island.
For the next two weeks, Big Pan could be found hopping between restaurants and food stalls, devouring everything from spicy seafood stews to sweet, delicate pastries. His appetite was so monstrous that by the time they left, his clothes were noticeably tighter around the waist.
But Big Pan wasn't the only one thriving here. Chiyo, upon learning that the locals were all master chefs, found her culinary passion reignited. Every day she sought out famous cooks to exchange techniques, absorbing every bit of local flavor and creativity she could.
Though even the island's best couldn't quite match Chiyo's natural talent, she learned plenty of new dishes and left with genuine admiration for the people she met. By the time they prepared to leave, she couldn't help feeling a pang of nostalgia.
"Chiyo, one apple juice, please," Eli called from his lounge chair.
"Right away, Captain!" she replied cheerfully from the kitchen.
Eli leaned back, stretching lazily in the warm sea breeze. "Felina, how long until we reach Loguetown?"
Felina glanced up from her book. "Half a day, Captain. We'll arrive by afternoon."
"Perfect," Eli murmured, already feeling a twinge of boredom creeping in. Then a memory struck him the strange fruit tree he'd found in that underground cave weeks ago.
He made his way to the ship's small garden. The fruit on the tree had ripened into a vivid crimson, gleaming under the sunlight. Eli scratched his chin thoughtfully and called out, "Reiju, come here for a second."
Moments later, Reiju appeared, followed by Felina and Chiyo, who trailed behind curiously.
"What's the matter, Captain?" Reiju asked.
"Reiju, have you awakened your genetic factor yet?" Eli asked.
She shook her head. "Not yet. Father said it would only activate once we reach adulthood."
"Doesn't it require your battle suit?" he pressed.
Her eyes widened. "Captain, how do you know about that?"
"Oh, uh… heard it from your father," Eli said with a straight face.
"It's not exactly the suit," Reiju explained, "but rather a special switch in it that triggers our genetic abilities. Once we adapt, we can use the power without the suit."
Eli nodded thoughtfully. "Is there any other way to awaken it early?"
"There is, but it's difficult," she said. "Our bodies were modified to be stronger than normal humans, so ordinary training doesn't help. Only when our physical strength reaches a certain level can the gene activate naturally."
Eli's eyes gleamed. "Then this might help." He gestured to the fruit tree. "These fruits seem to enhance the body's strength. If my guess is right, eating one might trigger your awakening."
Reiju hesitated for a moment. She was twelve still four years from adulthood but she hated being the weakest on the crew.
"Really, Captain? Then I'll try!" she said eagerly.
"Wait," Eli said seriously. "You need to understand this is just my theory. I can't guarantee the results. But whatever happens, I'll make sure you're safe."
Felina and Chiyo exchanged worried glances. "Maybe you shouldn't," Felina said softly. "What if it's dangerous?"
"I'll do it," Reiju said firmly.
Eli blinked. "You sure?"
She smiled. "I trust you, Captain."
That smile made Eli chuckle. He was confident enough in his guess, but hearing those words still warmed his heart.
He plucked a fruit and handed it to her. Without hesitation, Reiju bit into it and swallowed.
Almost immediately, her cheeks flushed red, and faint wisps of steam rose from her skin.
"Is she okay?" Felina asked anxiously.
"She'll be fine," Eli assured her. "The fruit's just taking effect."
After a few tense minutes, Reiju's breathing steadied, and the heat faded from her face.
"How do you feel?" Felina and Chiyo asked, holding her arms.
Reiju closed her eyes and clenched her fists. "It's like… there's a surge of power inside me." Suddenly, she darted off to the kitchen and returned holding a kitchen knife.
Before anyone could stop her, she brought the blade down hard on her arm.
Clang!
The knife bounced off harmlessly. Not even a scratch.
Everyone froze.
Felina's eyes sparkled. "Whoa! That's amazing!"
Eli grinned. The fruit's effect was even better than expected. Maybe the one he'd tested before wasn't fully ripe.
"Reiju, do you feel your genetic factor awakening?" he asked.
She nodded. "I think so. I'll go put on my battle suit!"
A few minutes later, Reiju returned now dressed in a sleek pink suit. As she extended her arms, her body glowed softly. The light shimmered, and the suit transformed, forming a pair of butterfly-shaped wings behind her.
"Wow! That's gorgeous!" Felina gasped, touching the delicate wings that shimmered like real silk. The colors rippled like a living butterfly fluttering in the sun.
Fiona, Chiyo, and the others gathered around in awe. Even Fiona's eyes gleamed with longing as she whispered, "I want one of those."
Eli couldn't help but chuckle. Gotta hand it to that old scientist, Judge. He really knew how to mix power and style.
"Alright," Eli said with a smile. "Since the fruit works, the other two should go to Felina and Fiona."
No one objected. Though both women already had Devil Fruits, theirs hadn't boosted their physical strength much, so this would help balance the crew.
They each took a fruit, and soon both felt their muscles tighten and their stamina surge.
As the crew celebrated, Eli turned his gaze toward the last remaining fruit on the branch the one radiating a faint purple mist.
The Poison Fruit.
Whatever awaited them next, he knew it would change everything.
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