Chapter 3
What to Do if the Devil Fruit Tastes Too Bad
After bidding farewell to Mizuhashira, Hoshino Yū and Minato followed the Chunin through the corridors of the Academy. The two could have talked, but with the Chunin so close ahead, they communicated instead through subtle expressions and gestures.
Minato gave a small smile. "Looks like trouble follows you, Yū-kun."
Yū shot him a glance. "You aren't loyal enough. If war comes, I'd bet you'd run first."
Minato could only shake his head.
They entered the main teaching building. The eyes of the returning ninja instructors followed them, but Yū and Minato walked with their backs straight, silent and composed.
Knock, knock, knock
"Hokage-sama, the two have arrived."
"Very well. Enter."
The doors opened to reveal Hiruzen Sarutobi seated at the main desk, flanked by a familiar assistant and two advisors. They were all in their prime; the aura of authority in the room was tangible. Yū felt a moment of uncertainty.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama. Greetings, lords," the two said together.
Hiruzen gave a kind smile. "Yu, Minato, no need to be nervous. Yu, I've read your book One Piece. Quite impressive, truly."
Yū blinked. The Hokage himself had read his work. He straightened his back and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for your support, Hokage-sama," he said.
After a moment of small talk, Hiruzen's expression grew serious. He looked first at the advisors, then back to Yū.
"Yu, what is your view of the Village, and what is your understanding of the Will of Fire?"
Yū feigned deep thought before answering:
"My view is simple. Loyalty to the Village, to the people, and to Konoha. I aim to protect every person who laughs, cries, and works hard to live… and the tomorrows not yet born, which are worth looking forward to."
Minato's eyes gleamed quietly as he watched Yū.
Hiruzen rested his chin on his hands, nodding slowly. "A very good answer. And you, Minato?"
"To me, Konoha is home. I agree with Yu-kun's words…"
With their answers given, Hiruzen turned toward the window, a pipe in his mouth. Though still children, Yū and Minato had left a deep impression on him. They were already showing signs of adult reasoning.
Danzo Shimura's voice interrupted from the side. "Hiruzen, if they enter Root, I can forge them into powerful tools for Konoha."
Hiruzen shook his head. "They are six years old. Let them grow in sunlight first. Let them absorb what is necessary to become strong."
Danzo snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and left the office. Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances. Koharu murmured, "Danzo is extreme, but he has reasons." Mitokado shook his head, "A child's growth cannot be measured by control alone."
Once outside, Yū and Minato walked toward their classroom.
"Yu-kun's understanding of the Will of Fire is impressive," Minato said.
"It's nothing," Yū replied with a small smile. "I can find the right answer whenever I need."
The classroom was filling quickly. The front row was already occupied, so the two took their seats in the second row.
Nearby, a voice called out.
"Hey, yellow-haired pineapple, is that your friend, the novel-writing brat?"
Hearing this, Yū suppressed a laugh. "Well… that description is oddly accurate."
Minato rubbed his hair helplessly. "There's nothing to do about it…"
The teasing escalated, laughter echoing through the room. Then a sharp slap rang out.
Yū had given the leader of the troublemakers a backhanded strike, sending him sprawling. "Sometimes a big mouth can cost you your life," he said coolly. His hand ran through his black hair as he straightened.
The other students were stunned. Some male students kept their distance in fear, while female students couldn't hide their admiration. Minato's calm presence helped diffuse the tension further.
Their teacher, Tanaka Yuichi, arrived and quickly assessed the scene. Yū feigned innocence, explaining briefly. Tanaka nodded and instructed them to get along from now on.
After school, the two returned home and settled in for the night. Yū held the glowing yellow fruit in his hand, studying it.
"The first person to eat it gains the ability… and it tastes awful," he muttered.
Gripping a nearby sword, he peeled a small piece and forced it into his mouth. "Ugh… disgusting…"
The warmth of the fruit's power surged through him. Electric arcs danced along his skin, activating the fruit's effect. His chakra responded to the influx, and his body began to adjust. The quilt nearby caught fire from the sparks, and Yū jumped to the bathroom, narrowly avoiding disaster.
The transformation completed, his personal panel updated:
Chakra: 0.7
Power/Speed/Constitution: 0.8 / 1.1 / 1.1
Spirit: 6
Seals: 0.7
Yū began testing his new ability: elemental transformation. The body's resistance to physical attacks increased instantly, though genjutsu and sealing techniques remained a concern.
After adjusting to the fruit's effects, Yū discarded the remaining fruit. The first bite was all he needed. He trained his speed and strength cautiously, feeling exhilarated by the power surging through him.
Finally, his panel updated with the next mission:
Main Quest: Help the future Pirate King—Monkey D. Luffy obtain his first ship and assist him in sailing the seas
Reward: 0.2 free attribute points
Progress: 0%
Yū groaned quietly. Does the system want me obsessed with Luffy forever?
As dawn approached, exhausted, Yū finally fell asleep, dreaming of a familiar figure chasing him down the streets, pen in hand, demanding an autograph.