"Absorption complete."
"Congratulations, host. Second transformation unlocked — Shadow Demon."
The Fantasy Gene's voice echoed coldly within Qin Yang's mind, devoid of emotion.
He stopped chewing the Devil Fruit and closed his eyes, carefully sensing the changes in his body.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three.
Nothing.
There was no violent surge of power. No tearing sensation. No dramatic transformation.
His body felt exactly the same.
"What's going on?" he asked inwardly.
"The Shadow Demon is a special form," the Fantasy Gene replied. "It can only be activated at night. The host is currently within a forced transformation period lasting seven days. During this time, other transformation forms cannot be used."
"…You couldn't have mentioned that earlier?"
Qin Yang opened his eyes, speechless.
He could not use the Sea Dragon form.
And Shadow Demon could only function at night.
Which meant—
For the next week, during the daytime, he was effectively an ordinary human.
Fortunately, this was Amazon Lily. It was unlikely anyone would threaten him here.
"Looks like I'll have to stay here until the forced period ends before thinking about leaving."
Now that he had arrived in the world of pirates, he certainly intended to explore it.
But survival came first.
When he opened his eyes fully, he found six gazes fixed on him.
Unbothered, Qin Yang resumed chewing the revolting Devil Fruit.
Within moments, he had finished it entirely, leaving only scraps of peel.
"That tastes even worse than expected…"
The three sisters exchanged looks.
Marigold spoke first.
"Sister, it seems he truly isn't a Devil Fruit user. Nothing happened."
Sandersonia frowned.
"How do you feel? Have you gained an ability?"
"I told you," Qin Yang replied lightly. "I am a 'deity.' Devil Fruits hold no dominion over me. I will neither lose the ability to swim nor explode."
He smiled faintly.
"Do you believe me now, Pirate Empress?"
Boa Hancock rubbed her temple, looking strangely fatigued.
"I am tired," she said quietly. "Marigold, escort the 'Guardian' out."
"Yes, Sister."
Thus, under Marigold's watch, Qin Yang left Hancock's private chambers.
Once the door closed behind them, Sandersonia spoke in a low voice.
"Sister… is he truly our Guardian? We can at least confirm he isn't a Devil Fruit user."
Hancock waved a hand dismissively, her fingers pressing lightly against her temple.
She did not believe in any Guardian legend.
But the situation had evolved beyond denial.
For now, acknowledging Qin Yang's identity brought benefits. A sea dragon guarding Amazon Lily was no small advantage.
"Treat him well," she said softly at last. "Consider it the same as raising another Bacura."
Bacura—the ferocious black panther kept by successive Empresses of Amazon Lily, used for executions.
…
Meanwhile—
Qin Yang followed Marigold back toward his residence.
As she led the way, she glanced back at him repeatedly.
"You really are our Guardian?" she asked curiously. "I heard the legend often as a child. I never thought it was real."
"Whether I am depends not on me," Qin Yang replied with a faint smile, almost philosophical. "It depends on what you believe. If you believe I am, then I am. That is how gods work."
Truth was secondary.
He had just taken a Devil Fruit from Hancock. He felt a slight pang of guilt.
After a pause, he added,
"I do have a name. You may call me Qin Yang. Or simply Qin."
"Qin…" Marigold repeated thoughtfully. "That's an unusual name. Do gods always have names like that? Very well. I'll inform Sister."
They soon arrived at his residence.
"Lord Qin, if you require anything, instruct the attendants."
With that, Marigold departed.
At last alone, Qin Yang exhaled slowly and sat at the table, pouring himself a cup of tea.
If one arrives, one adapts.
The world of pirates was vast.
He would not remain confined to Amazon Lily forever.
He also needed more mysterious energy—more Devil Fruits.
Staying here ensured safety, yes—but Hancock would not hand him a second fruit so easily.
"Before that… I need to understand what Shadow Demon actually is."
Time passed swiftly.
Night fell.
When the sun dipped below the horizon, Qin Yang, seated quietly within his room, felt the change immediately.
At first, a wisp of black smoke seeped from his chest.
Then his limbs began to blur.
Within mere breaths, his physical body dissolved.
In its place remained a shadowy silhouette—an indistinct form woven from dark mist.
"So this is Shadow Demon?"
His voice echoed faintly.
He felt intangible. Weightless.
As if immune to all physical contact.
"A peculiar form… What abilities does it possess?"
Closing his eyes, Qin Yang relaxed his consciousness.
In the darkness, countless points of light appeared—like stars scattered across an infinite sky.
Some burned brightly.
Others flickered faintly.
Some seemed on the verge of extinction.
Curiosity stirred.
He drifted toward one particularly brilliant light.
The moment he approached—
A powerful suction seized him.
The world spun violently.
When the dizziness faded, Qin Yang opened his eyes.
He was no longer in his residence on Amazon Lily.
He stood within an office.
No—
Not stood.
He was within a shadow.
In the room, only one man sat at a desk.
Qin Yang realized he was positioned directly behind him—inside the man's shadow.
"Justice…"
His gaze fell upon the coat draped over the man's shoulders.
"A Marine?"
He had crossed the sea in an instant.
The seated man frowned suddenly and turned his head slightly.
"Strange… I feel as if something is watching me. Ridiculous."
He muttered to himself.
A square face. Stern expression.
Qin Yang's heart skipped.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku?!"
He was invisible.
And this—
This was Marine Headquarters.
Before he could think further, a knock sounded at the door.
It opened.
A familiar figure entered.
"Sakazuki," Sengoku said gravely. "What of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"There was a minor complication," Akainu replied in his deep voice. "A sea dragon—possibly a Devil Fruit user—interfered."
His eyes suddenly sharpened.
He stared toward Sengoku's shadow.
"What the hell is that?!"