Nami looked at the fruit in Carina's hand in shock.
She looked at her, then at the fruit, then at Hiroto, her mind buzzing in a chaotic mess.
"The legendary secret treasures of the sea. No one knows their origin, only that eating one grants all sorts of incredible abilities."
"Although one will be cursed by the sea, becoming a landlubber who can never touch seawater for the rest of their life, the power gained, without exception, allows those who obtain these sea treasures to become powerhouses on the ocean."
Carina spoke as if reciting, telling the stories she had heard in the past.
She stared intently at the fruit in her hand, her breathing becoming rapid. "It's said that a Devil Fruit of unknown ability sells for 100 million berries on the black market. And even then, there's a price but no supply. Their appearance often triggers a bloodbath."
"Who knows how many people have to die before a winner claims it and creates a legend?"
Hiroto nodded. "Yes, but I know exactly what the one in your hand is. Paramecia: Smooth-Smooth Fruit, it grants the 'smooth' ability."
"For instance, it eliminates one's own friction to slide away enemy attacks. It's a Devil Ability that naturally counters swordsmen."
"But for girls like you, it also has the effect of making skin smooth, beautifying, or rather, transforming into a more perfect version of yourself."
With every sentence he spoke, Nami's heart trembled.
Devil Fruits, sea treasures, and the like—she didn't have much of a real sense of them.
But the starting figure of 100 million Berries was a number she was extremely sensitive to.
If she could just get it and sell it, the money to buy Cocoyasi Village would be enough immediately, and she could even use the money she had saved to let everyone live a better life.
However, this Devil Fruit worth 100 million Berries did not belong to her.
Carina glanced at the dazed Nami, suppressed her inner excitement, and acted nonchalant. "Such a good thing, you're just giving it to me like this?"
Hiroto waved his hand. "This is an investment, don't let me down."
"Aren't you going to eat it yourself?"
"Not interested. The so-called sea treasures come in many types: Paramecia, Zoan, Logia type, and the rare but powerful Mythical Zoan. For me, only what suits me is worth eating."
"It seems I've followed an extraordinary captain."
Carina took a deep look at Hiroto, feeling more and more that she had made the right decision.
Regarding this Devil Fruit, she had no right to evaluate Hiroto. Instead, she had to prove herself to him.
In that case... she tossed the Devil Fruit in her hand and looked at Nami with a grin.
"Regrets? This is a Devil Fruit worth 100 million Berries. If you had changed your mind earlier, maybe it would have been yours, but now there are no 'ifs'."
Without waiting for Nami's answer, Carina deliberately took a bite under the other party's envious gaze.
Then her pretty features twisted, as if she had eaten crap.
Hiroto watched this scene with interest, seeing Carina's pained expression as she finished it bite by bite without a word.
Investing in Carina was because he was currently short of people, and Nami was too uncontrollable before going to Cocoyasi to deal with Arlong.
Moreover, the fact that Carina could make it to the movie and become a core member of Tesoro's team was proof of her excellence.
"How can it taste so bad..."
Swallowing the last bite, Carina couldn't help but complain.
Immediately after, she felt her body undergo a change, as if an invisible power was altering her.
She raised her hand. The tiny pores on the back of her hand disappeared, becoming exquisite and beautiful.
Her chest swelled slightly, becoming more prominent, and her waist, legs, and feet all changed.
Just as Hiroto said, she was transforming into a more perfect version of herself.
And within that transformation, Carina could feel that a power had been mastered by her.
She squatted down and wiped her palm on the deck, but felt no resistance.
After thinking for a moment, she took off her boots and stepped barefoot on the deck, receiving the same feedback.
Then she began to slide back and forth on the deck like she was ice skating, leaving Nami dumbfounded.
"Explore it well on your own."
Hiroto stopped paying attention and just looked at Nami with interest.
This Cat Burglar now had a look of deep regret on her face, as if she had lost 100 million Berries.
Noticing his gaze, Nami looked at Hiroto and asked with a flattering face, "Captain, is it too late for me to join now?"
She had to admit, although she still hadn't changed her mind, Carina's words had really stimulated her. There was a heartache as if she had lost something that should have belonged to her.
Hiroto knew his methods had worked and teased, "Didn't you say you didn't trust me?"
"I was wrong." Nami put her hands together, completely abandoning her principles.
"Perform well, and the next one will be within reach." Hiroto casually made a promise.
"Now go and clean up the aftermath, it's time to turn these treasures into berries."
Nami curled her lip but still got up to pack the supplies, they still had to sail.
Carina helped out, while also trying to familiarize herself with the Smooth-Smooth Fruit's ability.
Meanwhile, Hiroto went to an open space and called up the panel, clicking on [Transmigrator].
The battle was over.
The Black Cat Pirates were wiped out, the Smooth-Smooth Fruit was given to Carina, and Carina's life trajectory was changed.
Regardless, it must have had an impact on the plot of One Piece.
The three options—[Extraction], [Fusion], and [Granting]—were the same as always.
And this time, the panel was flashing with a crystalline blue.
"There's actually this much?" Hiroto was a bit surprised.
He rubbed his hands excitedly and then clicked on Extraction.
A vibrant blue light suddenly bloomed.
[Entry: Budget Shinso]
[Quality: Blue]
[Type: Active]
[Effect: After activation, extends the length of sword-type weapons to 40 meters. The extension speed and width are determined by the degree of physical stamina consumption. Returns to original state after cancellation.
Maximum injection of D+ rank physical stamina.]
[Consumption: Physical Stamina]
[Remark: Don't be afraid, I'll let you run 39 meters first...]
On a small scale, it was highly tactical. Hiroto had many ideas for its use.
On a large scale, it added mass out of thin air, which might have a very strong effect when used during a slash.
For example, a Ship-Cutter slash?
The downside was that the maximum limit was a D+ rank stamina injection, with no way to increase it indefinitely. But for now, it was enough.
Hiroto pushed the thoughts aside, planning to think about it more tonight.
He walked to an open space on the deck and began his daily training. The previous attribute increase had shown him the value of hard work.
Although the panel didn't quantify it in detail, every swing of the sword during training was meaningful.
However, not long after, Nami's loud shout rang out from the stern.
"Hiroto, it's a warship! A warship is coming!"