"Mr. Ren, Miss Carina…"
"It is a humble hall. Please, do not think poorly of it."
At the patriarch's invitation, the group entered the palace. Unlike the simple wooden dwellings of the Shandia, this building was more ornate, its design echoing the grandeur of Angel Island's past.
Once, this had been the residence of the so‑called "gods" of Angel Island. In those days, only priests who served the gods and the guards who protected them were permitted to enter. Even the Angel Islanders themselves were forbidden to set foot inside.
But now, after reclaiming their homeland, the Shandia chief had chosen not to live here. Instead, the palace had been repurposed—a place for council, for the discussion of matters vital to the clan, and for welcoming honored guests.
Ren and Carina were seated respectfully.
Though Raki was renowned as one of Shandia's most beautiful warriors, her temperament was gentler than Wyper's or Kamakiri's. She moved gracefully, pouring tea for everyone with practiced ease, her hands steady and elegant.
The fragrance of the tea drifted through the hall, softening the atmosphere.
Ren accepted his cup with a faint smile, while Carina's eyes flickered curiously, taking in the surroundings—the carved walls, the lingering aura of history, and the quiet pride of the Shandia people who had reclaimed what was once denied to them.
The fragrant steam of tea still lingered in the air when the black treasure box was opened.
Ren's breath caught.
Inside lay a fruit unlike any other—its golden skin gleamed, covered in jagged lightning-shaped barbs that seemed to pulse faintly with energy.
"This is…!?"
Ren's pupils contracted sharply, his heart pounding.
He knew it instantly.
The Thunder Fruit—the legendary Logia of lightning. The very ability once wielded by Enel, the tyrant god of Sky Island.
Ren had searched desperately for it before, mobilizing Shandia warriors, scouring Apayado and Angel Island alike, yet it had eluded him. And now, here it was, resting quietly in his hands.
Karina's eyes widened, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Is this… a Devil Fruit? The legendary Thunder Fruit?"
Even without ever seeing the Devil Fruit encyclopedia, its form was unmistakable. The jagged arcs etched into its peel radiated a mysterious allure, tempting anyone to bite into it.
Ren's chest tightened. This gift was far too precious.
He looked up at the patriarch, Wyper, Raki, Kamakiri, and Braham. "Old Patriarch… this is an incredible gift. Where did you find it?"
The old man smiled knowingly, his weathered face calm.
Ren exhaled slowly. Though he already possessed a Mythical Zoan, this fruit was no less valuable.
The Thunder Fruit was a bug among abilities—perfect in every aspect. Speed, destructive power, versatility. It was the kind of fruit that could turn even an ordinary person into a force of nature in an instant.
No matter the version, lightning never went out of style.
Ren's fingers tightened around the box.
He understood: this was not just a gift. It was a symbol of trust, of gratitude, and of the Shandia clan's faith in him.
"I think, Mr. Ren, what you have always sought—what you spent so much effort to find—is the Devil Fruit ability once belonging to Enel, correct?"
The old clan leader smiled. "Shortly after you left Sky Island, our clansmen discovered this fruit at the ruins of Yunyin Village. We cannot be certain it was Enel's… but it is indeed the regenerated Logia: Thunder Fruit."
Ren did not hide the truth. "Yes. This is the Logia Goro Goro no mi."
"What!?"
Carina's eyes widened, her breath catching.
This was the fruit Ren had spoken of—the strongest of the Logia types, a power bordering on omnipotence. She stared at the golden fruit covered in lightning-shaped barbs, unable to calm herself.
"I never imagined… the Shandia clan would give Ren such a gift."
"Is that truly it?"
Wyper's face remained calm, unsurprised.
The patriarch, Kamakiri, Braham, and Raki all smiled. Though they were handing over something priceless, they showed no regret.
Ren weighed the fruit in his hand, his expression thoughtful. "I must admit, this gift is truly satisfying. But I am curious… I saw Enel's power firsthand. It was overwhelming, almost divine. None of you are tempted? Even if there's only a chance, wouldn't you gamble for such strength?"
The patriarch sighed. "You are right, Mr. Ren. I confess, I once thought of giving it to Wyper. Even if it was not truly the Thunder Fruit, its power would surely strengthen him, allowing him to better protect Shandia. But Wyper refused. And so, I resolved to give it to you."
"What?"
Ren blinked in surprise. Carina too stared at Wyper, astonished.
Facing Ren's gaze, Wyper spoke firmly: "Ren, you defeated Enel. You restored the sound of the Golden Bell to Noland's descendants, fulfilling the last wish of our great warrior Kalgara. You helped us expel Gan Fall and the invaders, reclaiming our homeland. Such kindness cannot be repaid. This fruit is our way of expressing our gratitude."
His eyes were steady, unwavering. "If I took Enel's power, I would indeed grow stronger. But when you returned to Sky Island, how could I face my benefactor? As Kalgara's descendant, I will never stain his glory with selfishness. Therefore, I will not take it. It belongs to you."
Ren looked deeply at Wyper, admiration stirring in his chest.
He had always valued Wyper's potential. In his own plans, he had considered another path—bringing Wyper to Punk Hazard to claim Vegapunk's artificial Zoan, uo uo no mi model seiryu born from Kaido's bloodline factor. A weaponized "War Demon" worthy of fear.
Though artificial, Vegapunk's creations were leagues beyond Caesar's. The Seiryu Zoan was nearly equal to Kaido's original Azure Dragon fruit. Even if awakening was uncertain, its raw power surpassed most Devil Fruits.
But now, Wyper's refusal only deepened Ren's respect.
"Thank you, Shandia clan…"
Ren smiled, playing with the Thunder Fruit in his hand. "This is an ability I once dreamed of."
He felt a surge of emotion. He had helped the Shandia on a whim, never expecting reward. Yet here he was, holding one of the most coveted powers in the world.
"As long as you are satisfied, Mr. Ren…"
The patriarch, Kamakiri, Braham, and Raki all smiled warmly.
Though a trace of regret lingered, they did not falter. Ren was their great benefactor, and the Shandia had always repaid kindness.
The old patriarch's words carried a deep sincerity, and the hall quickly filled with laughter and anticipation.
"Mr. Ren and Miss Carina are rare guests from the Blue Sea. Tonight, we celebrate!"
Kamakiri clapped Ren on the shoulder with a hearty grin. "Yes, Ren, let's drink until the stars themselves grow jealous!"
Carina glanced at Ren, her smile playful, leaving the choice in his hands.
Ren chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "Then I'll accept your hospitality. Tonight, I won't stop until I'm drunk!"
"Ha! With Ren's drinking capacity, Wyper and you will be the first to fall!"
The warriors roared with laughter, their voices echoing through the palace. Even Wyper, usually stern and reserved, allowed himself a faint smirk.
Raki poured tea and wine with graceful hands, her cheeks faintly flushed as she stole glances at Ren. Carina rolled her eyes at the sight, puffing her cheeks in quiet annoyance.
The banquet began.
Tables were laden with roasted sky beasts, fruits from the cloud forests, and steaming bowls of hearty broth. The golden bell's shadow seemed to bless the gathering, its silent presence a reminder of Shandia's reclaimed pride.
Warriors raised their cups high, voices booming: "To Ren, our benefactor!" "To Carina, his companion!" "To Shandia's future!"
The hall shook with cheer, the air thick with the fragrance of food, the warmth of firelight, and the bond of shared struggle.
Ren lifted his cup, smiling broadly. "To Shandia. Tonight, we drink as family."