"Kaya, was that really your power just now? What exactly was it?"
Usopp quickly approached Kaya, curiously inquiring.
"This… was something Arton taught me."
Kaya pursed her lips, attempting to explain in a way Usopp could understand without overly revealing Arton's secrets.
"What an incredible medical technique," Zeff remarked as he observed Kaya.
"Being able to achieve something like that in an instant… Even in the Grand Line, I've never heard of such a method. Arton sure has gathered an extraordinary group of people around him."
At that moment, considering Arton's actions and the capabilities of his companions, Zeff began to think that Arton might indeed become the Pirate King someday. He even briefly considered sending Sanji to join Arton's crew. However, remembering Arton's earlier rejection of Sanji, Zeff quickly dismissed the thought.
At this time, Uta walked over.
"Are you okay, Kaya?"
"Sorry about that—I still haven't fully mastered that Noble Phantasm."
Having also exited the Elizabeth template, Uta supported Kaya, who trustingly leaned her somewhat weakened body against Uta.
"It's okay. I understand how your power works," Kaya said with a faint smile.
"But… just performing this level of treatment has left me so weak that I can't continue using medical ninjutsu. Uta, have I not been working hard enough?"
"Even Nami has already become so strong…"
Kaya shook her head and glanced at Arton, who was still in his fused state with Nami. Since Arton hadn't yet disengaged the fusion, it was clear that Nami's body still had enough stamina to sustain the mode.
Comparing herself to Nami, Kaya couldn't help but feel a sense of incompetence and a bit of disappointment in her own abilities.
"Well, healing and fighting might use energy in different ways," Uta said, offering her perspective.
"And besides, Nami is just that kind of person. It's normal if you can't compare to her."
"After all, what she can achieve isn't something everyone is capable of," Uta said with a gentle smile, shaking her head.
Hearing this, Kaya's cheeks flushed slightly. She naturally understood what Uta meant by Nami's "efforts."
"Uta, do you think you could do what Nami does?" Kaya asked hesitantly.
"Well, if I put in a little effort, I should be able to manage," Uta replied thoughtfully, nodding slightly.
Uta had a favorable impression of Arton, and she believed that if she tried harder, she could open up to him like Nami did.
"I see..." Kaya murmured, biting her lip, her expression suddenly turning a bit complicated.
"Don't worry too much," Uta said with a playful grin.
"If it's too overwhelming, I'll be there to guide you."
"If we work together, we'll surely overcome our reservations."
She placed a reassuring hand on Kaya's shoulder, her tone lighthearted.
Kaya's face reddened even more at Uta's words. For a moment, she was unsure whether to refuse outright or to join Uta in trying to gain points from Arton by being closer to him.
As Kaya wrestled with her thoughts, something shifted on Arton's side.
"Hm? What's this?" Mihawk said, sheathing his sword as he stepped back, a flicker of curiosity crossing his sharp eyes.
Standing before him, Arton, his body crackling with lightning, seemed to prepare for something.
"It's about time, Mihawk," Arton said.
As his words fell, Nami emerged from his body, visibly fatigued, and he caught her to help her stand.
"I'm sorry, Arton," Nami said apologetically, her voice soft.
"I wanted to hold on longer, but I've reached my limit."
"It's fine. Leave the rest to me," Arton replied with a gentle smile.
He gestured toward Carina, who quickly ran over to take Nami to a resting spot.
"So, it seems when you fuse, it also consumes her stamina," Mihawk remarked, his curiosity growing.
"Does this mean you're about to use the ability I read about in the newspapers?"
"Of course," Arton replied with a smirk.
"Since that's what you came for, I wouldn't want to send you back disappointed."
Arton smiled faintly and mentally activated his system, triggering the "Blank Character Template Challenge Scroll."
Although his earlier battle alongside Nami against Mihawk had drained a significant amount of his stamina, Arton knew that using the scroll on the Shirou Emiya template would allow the template to evolve, thereby restoring his physical strength.
He wasn't worried about the upcoming duel with Mihawk.
As a flash of light enveloped him, Arton's attire transformed once more, changing into that of Shirou Emiya after inheriting the arm of the heroic spirit Emiya.
Gion: "It's finally starting. Arton has activated the Challenge Scroll that he acquired earlier, hasn't he?"
Tashigi: "Is it time to witness an even stronger version of Shirou Emiya's power?"
Charlotte Smoothie: "Let's see just how powerful you can truly become, Arton!"
As Arton's appearance shifted, the diary copy holders' emotions ranged from excitement to concern, their focus completely locked on him.
Mihawk, too, displayed an intrigued smile as he observed Arton's current form.
"This look—I've seen it before," Mihawk remarked.
"In the newspaper, this was the form you used when you defeated Shiki."
"Interesting. Your ability is truly unique. It's not purely about swordsmanship."
"Still, at this moment, you exude an unmistakable aura of the blade."
Mihawk scanned Arton up and down, speaking with a mixture of curiosity and recognition.
"Words are meaningless, Dracule Mihawk," Arton replied, undoing the crimson ribbon that bound the Heroic Spirit Emiya's arm.
"Let's speak with our swords instead."
"You're right," Mihawk agreed, raising an eyebrow.
"However, it seems you currently hold no sword in your hand."
"So, what will it be? Will you bring out the legendary Golden Sword of Promised Victory?"
"Or will you summon the Unlimited Blade Works and fill the ground with countless blades?"
"Don't worry. I'll give you the time to summon that arsenal of swords."
Mihawk's voice was calm, yet his smile carried a hint of challenge.
"Excalibur—even if I project it," Arton began.
"I can't fully harness its power either," Arton said calmly.
"Only the King of Knights is capable of truly unleashing its full potential."
"As for Unlimited Blade Works... unfortunately, the mode I'm in right now doesn't allow me to wield it."
Mihawk chuckled softly. "I see. It seems your abilities are riddled with limitations."
"Then, how do you plan to fight me?"
"Are you intending to challenge me using my own swordsmanship?"
Mihawk's smile was calm, his posture relaxed, showing no immediate intent to attack. Clearly, he was willing to wait patiently until he saw what he desired from Arton.
...
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