Hiroto had actually considered the matter of eating a Devil Fruit.
One of the core settings of the One Piece World was the various rich and colorful Devil Fruits.
But how should he put it?
Hiroto's growth rate was extremely fast. The increase in strength brought by even a Mythical Zoan's development might not be as high as the progress he makes on his own.
After thinking it over, Hiroto felt that if he really were to eat a Devil Fruit, perhaps only the More-More Fruit would be the most suitable. It could freely increase the volume, speed, and size of the things he touched.
For example, holding a flintlock pistol, after firing, he could increase the size of the bullet by 100 times and the speed of the bullet by 100 times.
If applied to his Flying Slash, what would be the result of a 100 X increase in size and speed?
It probably wouldn't be as simple as just cutting an island.
Or simply increasing his own speed by 100 times—the boost it would bring could only be described as unimaginable.
After all, it was foreseeable that Hiroto would inevitably become an all-around powerhouse in the future.
Adding the doubling mechanism on top of that, with a maximum 100 times increase, he could be said to be able to steamroll the entire world in the most violent way possible.
Dispelling his stray thoughts, Hiroto continued, "Besides, you feel very insecure, don't you?"
His words made Nami freeze for a moment, but she had no intention of denying it.
As Hiroto moved forward, the enemies they faced became more and more powerful.
Carina could still find a direction to get stronger but Nami knew that aside from sailing the ship and cooking, she couldn't help much in other areas. Sometimes, she might even become the team's weak point.
Nami just hadn't said it out loud, internalizing that anxiety and thinking about how she could keep up with Hiroto's pace.
But now, just like Carina before her, she had received an incomparably precious Devil Fruit from Hiroto.
Nami's heart felt warm as she nodded gently. "I understand."
She decisively picked up the Devil Fruit from the box and took a bite.
"Ugh!"
The extreme foulness made Nami feel like her tongue was rebelling, almost causing her to spit out the fruit pulp.
But then she remembered that this Logia Devil Fruit in her hand was worth at least 100 million berries to start with, and if the Logia type was specified, it might even sell for over 1 billion berries.
She couldn't bear to spit it out, scrunching up her face as she stuffed the fruit piece by piece into her mouth, finally sticking out her tongue with a pained expression.
Hiroto found it amusing and handed her a glass of water, letting Nami gulp it down to suppress that indescribable taste.
"So disgusting!"
Nami placed the glass on the table, still wearing a pained expression.
"Then how about something sweet?"
Hiroto suddenly stood up, pinched Nami's chin with one hand, and leaned in.
"Huh? Mmm..."
Nami's entire body stiffened as Hiroto's scent washed over her.
The distance between them was face-to-face, and then she reacted, her teeth loosening, turning the contact between them into a negative distance.
After tidying up the playful mood that had heated up, Nami began studying the abilities of the Cloud-Cloud Fruit.
She closed her eyes, seemingly sensing something, and then wisps of mist began to emerge from her body. Next came stray electric threads, followed by scorching heat, and then a hazy fog.
Various natural weather phenomena appeared on Nami in subtle ways.
"You said Logia types can be immune to attacks without Armament Haki, right?" Nami opened her eyes and asked with slight hesitation.
"Yes." Hiroto nodded.
Nami gritted her teeth and pointed at Shusui. "Come on."
Hiroto was somewhat surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Nami emphasized, believing Hiroto wouldn't lie to her.
But fundamentally, it was Carina's recent efforts that had spurred her on. Her competitor was trying so hard to be useful.
How could Nami be willing to let Carina outdo her?
"Alright."
Hiroto drew his sword, and Shusui slashed horizontally across Nami's body in the next instant.
Whoosh!
The slash passed through, splitting Nami's body in two. But what emerged from the cut was mist and clouds, not blood.
Even so, Nami felt her heart beating very fast, instinctively afraid when Hiroto struck. But also knew this was something she had to overcome.
"Amazing."
Witnessing herself being slashed by Hiroto yet remaining unharmed, Nami finally understood the power of Logia types.
If she were still in the East Blue, with just this ability, she could have dealt with Arlong and the others herself.
Yet Hiroto had given such a powerful Devil Fruit to her
At this moment, Nami felt a warmth in her heart, a sweet emotion surging within.
Indeed, she hadn't chosen the wrong man.
"Try it out. With your abilities, you should quickly find a way to use the Cloud-Cloud Fruit." Hiroto suggested.
Nami tried, and after some testing, she extended one hand.
A white cloud formed in her palm, just like the clouds in the sky, composed of a large amount of mist.
Nami blew the cloud away with a breath, then repeated the process, but this time a dark cloud appeared. Within the dark cloud, flickering threads of lightning were filled.
"I thought right, this Devil Fruit is indeed perfect for you." Hiroto praised.
"Hmph, I can't say much else, but I have a lot of experience with weather." Nami showed a confident smile, realizing she was completely different from before.
With the Cloud-Cloud Fruit's abilities, after diligent development, she definitely wouldn't have to rely on others in terms of combat as she did in the past.
Hiding behind others, watching them fight...
Especially Carina.
Catching up to her in combat power was just around the corner.
Clearly, even now, she still had some competition with Carina.
In the past, the competition was about treasure and wealth. Now, it revolved around the team centered on Hiroto.
And unlike before, where they were evenly matched through contributions in different directions, she would soon gain more advantage.
From that earlier contact, she was certain Hiroto hadn't done it with Carina.
"I'm going to experiment."
Thinking of this, Nami eagerly stood up, lightly leaving a red mark on Hiroto's cheek, before rushing back to her room in a flurry.
(End of Chapter)
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