Ron was taken aback upon receiving the system prompts regarding Whitebeard's impending visit to the tavern. Could this signal the start of the Summit War in Sabaody Archipelago? The thought lingered briefly before another prompt disrupted his contemplation:
[Customer Rayleigh: Swordsmanship, combat experience. Host can choose an ability from them. ]
[Customer Ace: Combat Experience, Mera-Mera Fruit....]
Despite his disdain for the Mera-mera Fruit, Ron decided, "Choose Rayleigh's combat experience and convert it into a skill book. Select Ace's Mera-Mera Fruit."
[Ding, the skill book has been generated. ]
As the system's announcement concluded, an orange, patterned fruit appeared in Ron's hand.
"Do you want to become stronger?" Ron smiled at the twin sisters who were occupied with their tasks.
Their determination was apparent as they eagerly confirmed their interest.
Especially Ram, known as the prodigious member of the ghost clan. After sacrificing her ghost horn to protect Rem, her strength had diminished substantially.
"Is it really possible?" Ram inquired cautiously.
Ron assured her, "Absolutely. One part Armament Haki, one part Rayleigh's fighting instinct, and this one is Logia Mera-mera Fruit."
Two skill books manifested in Ron's hands, and the Mera-mera Fruit was placed on the bar. He proceeded to enlighten them about the power system within this world.
It seems like Ram and Rem aren't strangers to these abilities! Rem chose Rayleigh's fighting instinct, and Ram opted for the Mera-mera Fruit alongside Armament Haki.
As the skill books dispersed into their bodies, a surge of newfound knowledge flooded their minds. Both of them were exhilarated by the incredible power they now possessed.
Ram, however, was puzzled as she'd heard that Devil Fruits were supposed to be unpalatable. After some hesitation, she took a bite of the Mera-mera Fruit and found it surprisingly enjoyable, contrary to what she'd heard.
Curious, Ron took a bite too and confirmed that the taste was no longer repugnant. It seemed the texture and flavor of the fruit had changed. But did this alteration mean the ability was lost?
[Ding, the system has improved the taste of Devil Fruit. Host can eat it with confidence. ]
With this assurance from the system, Ron was no longer doubtful. Suddenly, a burst of fire emanated from Ram's hand, warming up the once chilly tavern.
Expressing their gratitude, Ram and Rem both leaped into Ron's arms, and as he held them, Ron couldn't help but wish they would grow up a bit faster.
Rayleigh's appearance at the tavern the next morning brought a touch of sadness, apparent even in his eyes as he sat at the bar. Rem promptly served him his preferred bottle of Moutai.
Engaging in some banter, Rayleigh joked about needing morning exercise and teased about Ron's tired appearance, countering with a need for a sleepless mushroom to fuel his constant work. Ron was left defeated by Rayleigh's quick wit.
But the lightheartedness turned serious when Rayleigh spotted the newspaper headline about Ace being Roger's son. His demeanor shifted, and he mentioned that the exposure of Ace's life by BIG MOM was troublesome news. According to the information from Shakky, the revelation orchestrated by one of the Four Emperors would attract the attention of all the powerful forces in the sea.
Presently, it isn't just causing alarm among civilians. The Marine forces will significantly intensify their pursuit of Ace, driven by their own interests. This sequence of events could potentially instigate an unprecedented war. At that juncture, the concern extends beyond Ace's chances of survival—it even involves the possibility of Rayleigh becoming embroiled.
"Let's not panic. Should things progress this way, it's likely that Whitebeard and other factions will also enter the scene," Ron analyzed thoughtfully. "This will undoubtedly divert Marine's attention, potentially increasing Ace's odds of survival. However..."
Ron paused, implying, "If Ace meets an unfortunate end and falls into Blackbeard's hands, subsequently handed over to the Marines, that changes everything."
With Blackbeard losing his trump cards, he might resort to leveraging Ace's life to strike a precarious deal with BIG MOM. If Marine or Rayleigh corner Blackbeard, his fate is sealed—he'd trade Ace for his own life.
"I hope your predictions doesn't came true," Rayleigh's countenance darkened, repressing the urge to confront Ron.
Ron merely smiled in response, saying no more.
The escalating chaos in Sabaody Archipelago is anticipated to draw more visitors to the tavern. Considering the unfolding events, it's foreseeable that Kaido, BIG MOM, Redhead, and even the Shichibukai will soon make their appearances at the tavern.
While Rayleigh and Ron conversed casually, a creak echoed suddenly. The door was gingerly nudged open, revealing a cautious visitor peering in.
Following the sound, Ron glimpsed the person entering and couldn't help but display a wry smile—it was a flatterer, one of the four well-known sycophants akin to Boiling Sheep and Hei Xiaohu.
Somebody approached—a green-headed troublemaker, to be precise. This character resembled the two-faced turtle from Ron's childhood animated show, "The Adventures of Little Carp."