"Zoan-type… Cat-Cat Fruit… Mythical Type… Ice Zheng?" Valthior's voice carried a trace of curiosity.
He was starting to adjust to the changes coursing through his body, gradually mastering the surging frost within him. His form quickly returned to its original shape, though a hint of awkwardness lingered in his expression.
"Grandfather… everything in this room…"
"Just worldly objects. I was already getting tired of them anyway. I'll have them replaced later," Saturn waved it off casually, then continued, "It is said that in the extreme cold regions of the North Blue, there exists a beast. The local inhabitants call it the 'Zheng Beast.' Its form resembles both tiger and leopard, with a single horn on its forehead, five tails, and a body as white as frost. Its roar sounds like iron striking stone, chilling the soul. When angered, it can freeze a thousand miles, plunging all things into icy sorrow. Because people fear its terrifying power, they avoid calling it by name and instead refer to it as 'Frost Heaven.' Its legend has been passed down through generations in those frozen lands. This fruit's ability likely originates from that very legend…"
As the Warrior God of Science and Defense, Saturn's knowledge was naturally vast.
One of the reasons Valthior earned his favor was precisely because he, too, was well-read. Ever since learning the written language of this world, he had devoured every valuable book available in the Holy Land. By now, he had read an immeasurable amount.
Among the Celestial Dragons, there were quite a few capable fighters—but someone like him, who loved reading, absorbing knowledge, and broadening his horizons, was extremely rare. Saturn himself was the same, which was why he appreciated this aspect of Valthior.
Earlier, Valthior had felt the name sounded familiar. Now, with Saturn's explanation, it all came back to him. And Saturn's remark that "the fruit's ability likely originates from this" was not baseless.
The further north one went in the North Blue, the harsher and colder it became. The farthest reaches were known as the extreme cold lands. Due to the sparse population and brutal environment, strange legends had always been common there.
The North Sea Kraken, the Frost Giant Ymir—these were well-known.
And this Ice Zheng was similarly a widely told legend in those frozen regions.
According to Dr. Vegapunk, Devil Fruit abilities might originate from human "imagination" or "desire"—the wish to possess certain powers. While this theory lacked concrete proof, Saturn's words clearly echoed a similar idea.
Mary Geoise's archives also contained comparable theories, which Valthior had read. Personally, he was inclined to agree with them.
"Mythical Zoans are extraordinary by nature. Most possess power far beyond other Devil Fruits—even Logia types often cannot compare. That is why the five of us all possess Mythical Zoans. You are aware of this. And among the Holy Knights, there are also quite a few powerful figures with Mythical Zoans," Saturn said, lifting his teacup—only to realize the tea had already frozen solid. He casually set it back down.
Valthior followed up, "I heard that among the prizes for this study tour competition, there's also a Mythical Zoan ability. I was actually thinking of trying my luck to obtain it."
"That is correct. It is the Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon form. An extraordinary power—even among Mythical Zoans, it stands at the very top," Saturn confirmed, before continuing, "However, to obtain it, one must rank among the very best in the competition. That boy Garling has already declared his intention to claim first place, along with the beauty and that Devil Fruit. Considering your current state, even with fortune on your side, you would find it difficult to compete with them. After all, you still fall short compared to those in the Holy Knights. So, most likely, you wouldn't win that prize. In that case, it's better to consume the Ice Zheng and strengthen yourself."
From Saturn's perspective, this reasoning was entirely sound.
Though he hadn't consulted Valthior before making the decision, and his approach was somewhat domineering, it undeniably contained care and support for him.
Given the current situation, if Valthior participated normally, there was no way he could obtain the Azure Dragon fruit.
Hearing this, what could Valthior even say? He had already eaten it—there was no spitting the ability back out.
So he simply said, "Thank you for your care, Grandfather."
"Mm. And there's no need for regret. While the Azure Dragon fruit is powerful, judging from the performance of this Ice Zheng—once buried by us in the dust of history—it is in no way inferior," Saturn paused slightly before adding, "But that is not something you need to know right now. Whether you can make this fruit shine brilliantly once more depends entirely on you."
"Yes. I will not disappoint your expectations, Grandfather. I'll strive to become a true powerhouse as soon as possible!" Valthior declared firmly.
Saturn nodded in satisfaction, then added, "Ability and person must complement each other to build true renown. All powerful ability users on the seas are like this. But remember this—ability ultimately comes second to the person. If the individual is not strong, even the greatest ability is nothing more than an empty shell, worthy only of ridicule."
Valthior nodded as he listened, agreeing outwardly, though inwardly he couldn't help but think, Maybe you should reflect on those words yourself, old man…
But a moment later, he realized that thought was somewhat biased—colored by preconceived notions.
Although the Five Elders would later seem underwhelming at Egghead, in truth, there were only a handful of monsters on the seas who could surpass them—those with absurd talent, luck, and strength.
From that perspective, the Five Elders were indeed exceptional figures of their era. Otherwise, how could they have risen to the highest seat of power?
Saturn's words weren't wrong.
"Arrogance and prejudice really do harm… I should reflect on myself daily," Valthior silently reminded himself.
Seeing his serious, attentive expression, Saturn smiled faintly. "You're still young. There's much for you to learn."
The room remained bitterly cold, yet neither Saturn nor Valthior seemed to mind.
After finishing their discussion about the so-called "study tour," Saturn finally brought up Valthior's recent assignment.
"How is that Clover fellow?" Saturn asked.
"The same as always. Though… he's probably begun to notice something," Valthior replied softly.
At those words, Saturn's gaze darkened slightly. He looked at Valthior without speaking, while Valthior met his eyes calmly.
After a moment, Saturn said, "Not just him. You've noticed as well, haven't you?"
"Given your arrangements these past few times have been somewhat… unusual, if I hadn't developed some suspicions, it would only mean I'm incompetent," Valthior said plainly, without hiding anything.
Saturn nodded lightly, then asked, "Eighteen years ago, a major event occurred. Do you know what it was?"
Valthior froze for a moment. After a brief hesitation, he replied uncertainly, "I was born?"
Saturn: ???
Are you messing with me right now?
That said, eighteen years ago—year 1466 of the Sea Circle Calendar—someone remarkable was indeed born: Borsalino. Valthior was the same age as him.
But clearly, that wasn't what Saturn meant.
"Don't talk nonsense," Saturn said, half amused, half annoyed, shooting him a glare before continuing, "Eighteen years ago, a man broke into the Holy Land, caused chaos, and even killed a Marine Admiral of the time, bringing great disgrace to the World Government…"
With that, Valthior instantly recalled the incident.
Ah yes—the "Civilian Admiral." He knew about this event. And that man…
Was none other than the infamous pirate now shaking the seas—Rocks D. Xebec.
"Rocks?" Valthior raised an eyebrow.
"Yes… him," Saturn confirmed, nodding gravely. "Even as our sworn enemy, I cannot deny it. Rocks was a prodigy the likes of which appear once in a century. His strength on the seas was unmatched, and his ambition… relentless. He sought to destroy the World Government and seize dominion over the world. Time and again, he proclaimed he would become the King of the World!"
Rocks never hid his madness or his ambition—the world knew of it. It was no secret.
"By now, he's gathered a fleet of equally dangerous men. The threat he poses leaves the World Government uneasy at every turn. And yet, with the current situation, we have no real way to strike at him without the perfect opportunity. Every time I think of it… I feel unease." Saturn's voice dropped low, heavy with concern.
Considering the might of the Rocks Pirates now, Saturn's caution made perfect sense.
"And Professor Clover's research might bring us some unexpected surprises. That is the reason I have tolerated him multiple times," Saturn added briefly.
But that was all he said. Clearly, whatever deeper considerations he had, he had no intention of revealing them to Valthior —for now, at least, Valthior wasn't yet qualified to know more.