"If you didn't come with me, you might be the one who gets to eat that Devil Fruit, Momousagi."
Ace looked at the tall woman beside him, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Momousagi Gion fell silent at Ace's words. After the Entei incident, she had been with the Entei Pirates, but her interactions with Ace had been cold and distant. This man, who had previously engaged in battles with the likes of Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard, and later faced Kaido, treated her with an aloofness that she found puzzling.
Momousagi had a guess as to why. After the Entei incident, Tashigi, a former Marine, brought her to meet Portgas D. Ace. Ace had been surprisingly kind, acknowledging her reasons for seeking him out. However, despite her struggles and the time she spent deliberating, she never managed to articulate why she had chosen to follow him.
Her failure to explain herself resulted in Ace's cold treatment. It wasn't entirely her fault, though. Few could maintain composure in the presence of Ace's overwhelming Conqueror's Haki. Facing the man who had bested Marine Headquarters was no small feat. In the Entei incident, Ace had not only demonstrated a power surpassing the Four Emperors but also showcased a terrifying intellect, rivaling Ben Beckman, the right hand of the Red-Haired Shanks, and even surpassing the strategic prowess of Marine Marshal Sengoku.
Aware of this, Momousagi had kept her secrets to herself, fearing what plans Ace might concoct against the Marines if he knew. Despite his coldness, she never disclosed anything. Leaving the Entei Pirates was not an option either. Since the Entei incident, influenced by Ace's Conqueror's Haki, she had found herself drawn to him almost instinctively.
Momousagi had abandoned any dreams of leaving. Where she stood now, among the Entei Pirates, was among the strongest pirate group in the world. Their combat power exceeded that of any of the Four Emperors' crews. Ace had replaced the former world's strongest man, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, and the former most powerful, Red-Haired Shanks. In this era, Ace was the strongest and most Haki-driven man, the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace.
In front of this man and the Entei Pirates he commanded, Momousagi knew that even the combined forces of the three Admirals of Marine Headquarters would suffer. Escape was not an option. Even if she managed to flee while Ace was training other members of the Entei Pirates, Ace's Observation Haki allowed him to glimpse the future briefly. Additionally, Nami, the 'Little Thieving Cat,' could detect vast areas of the sea with her Thunder Fruit-enhanced Observation Haki.
In her current situation, Momousagi realized that her only option was to remain with the Entei Pirates and observe the changes. She had to stay and see where this path would lead her.
However, the drastic changes taking place in Naval Headquarters have made Momousagi, who originally intended to wait and see, become anxious.
Marshal Sengoku's resignation did not surprise Momousagi. After all, she had spent many years alongside Tsuru, the chief staff officer at Naval Headquarters, and had developed a keen sense of strategy and foresight. During the Entei incident, Sengoku had risked everything, facing off against the Entei Pirate Fleet led by Ace. The result was a devastating defeat for the Naval Headquarters, an unprecedented rout that would have led to its complete collapse had the Five Elders not intervened. Even with their arrival, however, they only managed to secure a compromise, halting the Super Buster Call that represented the absolute justice of the world government. Despite the intervention of the Four Emperors—Red Hair, Whitebeard, and Kaido—the failure was undeniable, and someone had to take responsibility. Sengoku's resignation was expected.
Sakazuki's appointment as marshal was also no surprise to Momousagi. The world government's top leaders had always favored Sakazuki, known for his absolute justice and unwavering resolve. Even after Sakazuki's defeat at the hands of Ace during the Entei incident, their support for him did not waver. The closer one gets to the top of the Marine hierarchy, the clearer it becomes that the Marine is merely an extension of the world government. Compared to the interests of the world government, the reputation of the Marines is inconsequential.
What truly horrified Momousagi was Kuzan's defection. Kuzan, who once held the highest combat power in the world government and competed with Sakazuki for the position of marshal, left the Marine to join Ace. During the Entei incident, the captain of the Entei Pirates' First fleet, who had remained unseen, was a position reserved specifically for Kuzan.
Momousagi was shocked by Ace's foresight and confidence. Having been with Ace for some time, she knew that Kuzan had not yet joined Ace during the Entei incident. The position of captain of the first team was preemptively reserved for Kuzan, indicating Ace's expectation of Kuzan's defection. Moreover, when Kuzan did join, Ace showed no surprise; it was all within his calculations. Ace immediately ordered Kuzan to freeze his former comrades and their mentor, 'Black Arm' Zephyr. This level of confidence and resolve was staggering.
Kuzan, once the highest combat force in the world government, had quit the Marine and fully committed himself to Ace, carrying out his orders without hesitation. Even Smoker and Hina, juniors whom Kuzan had been optimistic about, would not be spared if Ace ordered their deaths.
This was entirely different from the influence of Ace's Conqueror's Haki on Momousagi. Kuzan, a former Admiral of Headquarters and one of the most powerful warriors in the Marine, had given everything to Ace. This allegiance was not driven by Ace's bloodline or any other factor. These top figures in the sea—'Dark King' Rayleigh, 'Dark Ranger' Fujitora, and Kuzan—followed Ace out of genuine loyalty, seeking to make him the sole ruler of this world.
Ace's charisma and strategic genius were truly terrifying. Momousagi pursed her red lips and exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself amidst the whirlwind of changes and revelations.
"In my current situation, I can't become Admiral of Headquarters," Momousagi said with a somewhat complicated expression. Although the Tea Dolphin is strong, she is still somewhat stronger than him, and as a female, it presents certain disadvantages. However, in terms of age and potential, she actually has an advantage. By eating a powerful Devil Fruit, she could reach the Admiral level. If she hadn't been influenced by Ace's Conqueror's Haki and was not compelled to stay by his side, it might have been her who consumed the powerful Devil Fruit.
The position of Admiral of Headquarters is the highest honor and pursuit for every Marine. Momousagi had naturally dreamed of becoming the first female Admiral of Headquarters in Naval history. Missing such an opportunity left her with a deep sigh.
...
The leaders of the Entei Pirates' fleet, including Momousagi, fell silent. Becoming the Admiral of Headquarters meant facing these formidable individuals in battle. Compared to other Vice Admirals, Momousagi had a clear understanding of the power an Admiral of Headquarters possessed. As a candidate, she was significantly stronger than other Vice Admirals.
In the sea, only a few individuals surpassed the Admiral of Headquarters. Kaido and Red Hair, fully mastering Conqueror's Haki-Infusion, and this man, Ace, who stood above the Four Emperors, were among them. Even powerful figures like 'Dark King' Rayleigh and the once strongest man, now frail Whitebeard, could not claim to defeat an Admiral of Headquarters with certainty. Here, the term "Admiral of Headquarters" referred to the three Marine Admirals from the previous session, known for the strongest comprehensive combat power in Marine history: Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji.
Other Admirals, such as the Tea Dolphin and the former Zephyr, barely reached the Admiral of Headquarters level. However, even a strong man who had just stepped into the Admiral threshold remained among the pinnacle of combat power in the sea, capable of fighting against the Four Emperors, even if ultimately defeated. Unlike Admiral candidates, they could withstand a full blow from a peak Four Emperor and Conqueror's Haki.
But the peak combat power of the Entei Pirates was unparalleled. Over time, Momousagi understood why the Entei Pirates became so powerful. Despite being young women, they were incredibly strong. As a woman and an Admiral candidate, Momousagi knew the difficulties women faced in becoming strong on the sea. Haki and physical strength were the fundamental requirements, even for Devil Fruit abilities. Women were inherently weaker than men in this regard, often significantly so.
Momousagi had worked hard for many years, relying on exceptional talent, to finally reach the level of an Admiral candidate. Yet, the distance from becoming an Admiral was still immense, almost unreachable. Conversely, the girls of the Entei Pirates were extraordinarily strong. Not only the leader, 'Little Thieving Cat' Nami, but even the desert princess Vivi and the firebird Laki surpassed her strength.
In her time with the Entei Pirates, Momousagi discovered the truth. Portgas D. Ace wielded a power known as the "field of understanding." With this power, these girls gained terrifying talents, stronger than hers, and progressed rapidly. The outside world and Naval Headquarters severely underestimated the strength of the Entei Pirate Fleet. Beyond Ace and the newly joined Kuzan, four individuals possessed peak combat power: Kuzan, 'Little Thief Cat' Nami, 'Dark Ranger' Fujitora, and 'Dark King' Silver Rayleigh. Among them, Nami was believed to have reached the Admiral level threshold through her Thunder Fruit ability.
But now, it's completely different! The Entei Pirate Fleet, under the command of Portgas D. Ace, has gained other peak combat powers beyond the initial four.
Unknown to the outside world but confirmed within the ranks, the 'Pirate Empress' Boa Hancock, a Shichibukai, has joined Ace's command. Her Haki has improved immensely, and combined with the awakened Sand-Sand Fruit ability, the "Desert Princess" Vivi has reached the peak combat power of the sea. Additionally, Laki, who is preparing for her Devil Fruit awakening and aiming to consume the top-tier Bird Fruit - Phantom Beast Species - Suzaku form, is another formidable force. Kaya, though usually on par with her peers, can surpass them using her healing fruit ability to counteract physical collapse and employ the "Black Flash," a technique superior to the Six Styles' ultimate secret, the Six Kings Spear.
Ace now commands a total of eight peak combat members. Nami, previously recognized as the weaker peak combat power under Ace, has ascended to the second strongest in the Entei fleet. This mischievous girl has manifested the power of Conqueror's Haki - Infusion and, due to her perfect control over the weather, has elevated her Thunder Fruit abilities to terrifying levels. The seamless combination of Conqueror's Haki and Thunder Fruit power renders her nearly invincible.
The three peak combat powers—Vivi, Laki, and Kaya (with her short burst "Black Flash")—are formidable, yet they only manage to draw with Nami. Although her ability to handle three peak combat powers simultaneously is largely due to the Thunder Fruit's unique characteristics, Nami, the leader of the Entei Pirate Fleet, is a fearsome force capable of standing toe-to-toe with the top Four Emperors.
The other women under the Flame Emperor, except for 'Angel' Conis who is not suited for direct combat due to her Vocal Fruit, and the newly added 'Princess Mononoke' Perona, are all seasoned fighters. Conis, however, is as terrifying as any peak warrior; her Vocal Fruit, developed to its limit, can significantly enhance everyone's combat power during battles. Perona's ghost fruit ability, when combined with other combat powers, can produce devastating effects, leaving enemies without the ability to resist if their Haki is broken within a short period.
The Entei Pirate Fleet boasts eight peak combat powers, four Admiral alternates, and two formidable Devil Fruit abilities for field control. Additionally, two giant captains of the Giant Corps have yet to make their appearance. This formidable assembly allows the Member of Entei Pirates Fleet to fight against Navy Headquarters without relying on Ace's strategic genius as they did in the Entei incident. These cadres alone can crush Naval Headquarters into ten pieces without Ace even needing to lift a finger.
Since the Great Pirate Age began, even with the death of the former Pirate King and the disbanding of the Roger Pirates, and despite the retirement of many strong figures from the old era, the strength and power of pirates have continued to grow rapidly. The overall combat power of the Four Emperors and their forces now surpasses that of the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates. This shift prompted the World Government to create the Seven Warlords of the Sea system to balance the powers of Naval Headquarters, the Shichibukai, and the Four Emperors. Naval Headquarters alone could not maintain the balance at sea.
Fortunately for Naval Headquarters, the Four Emperors do not work together to jointly confront them. Furthermore, the once strongest man, Whitebeard, is aging and frail, and the monstrous BIG-MOM is preoccupied with tea parties and having children, resulting in a decline in their combat power. Only two of the Four Emperors, red-haired Shanks and Kaido of the Beasts, are at their peak. Initially, this situation was advantageous for Naval Headquarters, but the sudden rise of Flame Emperor, Ace, changed everything.
Ace established a terrifying pirate group that is far more powerful than the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates. Momousagi, who had studied the histories of the Rocks and Roger Pirates, imagined a scenario where the Entei Pirate Fleet, rather than the Rocks Pirates, attacked the Celestial Dragons during the Valley of Gods incident. She concluded that even if Vice Admiral Garp, the Roger Pirates, and the Knights of God joined forces, they wouldn't be able to stop the Entei Pirate Fleet. Ace's current fighting prowess surpasses even the legendary figures of the past, including the Pirate King Roger, Whitebeard at his peak, and Rocks D. Xebec.
Momousagi's heart trembled at the thought of Ace's growth. His practice had lowered the sea level in their area, and with sufficient physical strength, he could potentially burn the entire world. Ace has also addressed the Entei Pirate Fleet's previous shortcomings, such as the lack of backbone combat power. While Ace's and his cadres' strengths can handle mob tactics with Conqueror's Haki and Devil Fruit abilities, these methods consume a lot of physical and mental energy, which is a hidden danger in duels between peak combat powers.
During the Entei incident, Marshal Sengoku had exploited this weakness, almost causing significant trouble for the Entei Pirate Fleet by using Vice Admirals to form an assault force. Ace had to use his residual fire-South-Fire Ten Trillion Death Burial Formation to summon Sand Crocodile, God-Enel, and Ghost Spider to fight the Vice Admirals, depleting his physical strength and energy and putting him at a disadvantage against the Five Elders.
To command a large territory and become the king of the world, Ace needed more than just a few peak combat powers; he needed a solid backbone of combat power and influence. The warriors of Amazon Lily, who almost all learn Armament Haki upon reaching adulthood, have helped Ace address this issue. Under Ace's "field of understanding," strong individuals can quickly awaken Observation Haki and master Armament Haki by investing time. Those who fully master Armament Haki can become Headquarters Rear Admirals, and those who master both Observation Haki and Armament Haki can become Vice Admirals. Individuals who can cover their whole body with Armament Haki and form Haki armor can host Buster Calls and fight officers of the Four Emperors Pirates.
In Amazon Lily today, those who fully master Armament Haki aren't even qualified to join the fifth division of the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet. Only those who fully master both Haki colors can become alternate members, and those who can cover their bodies with Haki armor are official members of the fifth division—a Haki Corps composed entirely of Haki masters. Under Ace, there is also a giant corps and a beast corps being built, along with a powerful Devil Fruit Corps.
The "Dark Ranger" Fujitora is on a mission to hunt for the String-String Fruit owned by Doflamingo and the Childlike Fruit owned by Sugar. Ace has also stored the Wax-Wax Fruit and the Light Lion Fruit obtained in Little Garden for future members, forming the sixth division of the Entei Pirate Fleet, which will be a Devil Fruit Power Legion. The captain of the sixth division is yet to be determined and is temporarily commanded by Vivi, who has completed the awakening of the Sand-Sand Fruit ability.
When these legions are fully built, Ace will have four powerful legions: the Haki Corps, Devil Fruit Corps, Giant Corps, and Beast Corps. With these legions, even all the elites of Naval Headquarters wouldn't be able to stand against them. Ace's sphere of influence continues to grow rapidly. He plans to include Dressrosa in his territory and create more Entei Pirate Ship Squads. Such a force will no longer need to involve the Red Hair Pirates, Whitebeard Pirates, and Four Emperors Kaido to force the World Government into concessions. When Ace completes the creation of his forces, the Entei Pirate Fleet alone will be able to go to war with the world government.
This force is beyond the capability of Naval Headquarters to handle. Becoming the Admiral of Headquarters and facing the strongest pirate group in history led by such a dominant figure is not desirable. Momousagi sighed with relief that it was the tea dolphin who became the Admiral of Headquarters, not her.
"Really? Wait until you truly understand why you wanted to meet me. When you've figured it out, come find me again."
Ace spoke these words with a meaningful tone, his eyes locked on Momousagi.
"Snake Fruit-Phantom Beast-Snake Belt Form—such a useless Phantom Beast ability isn't worth offering to my cadres," he added, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Ace was aware of Momousagi's situation. During the Enies Lobby incident, after she had prayed to him, she had been overwhelmed by the impact of his Conqueror's Haki. She couldn't resist it at all. At that time, Ace couldn't comprehend why this happened, but now, as he began to utilize the power of 'Nika'—combining Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, and the residual fire of his Residual Fire Style—he started to understand.
He realized that it was likely a special ability that emerged from the unique blend of Conqueror's Haki and Nika's power by some coincidence. Nika's exclusive ability of imagination allows its wielder to fight as they wish. At that moment, Ace had genuinely wanted Momousagi to surrender and join his crew. This desire, combined with Nika's power and Conqueror's Haki, along with Momousagi's submissive state, had resulted in her current predicament.
Ace was pleased to have gained such a powerful and obedient combat force. However, what he truly desired was Momousagi's genuine wish to join his crew, not a submission born from the influence of his Haki and Nika's power.
Momousagi's eyes widened in shock at Ace's words. Did this man want her to join the Entei Pirate Fleet? And was he offering her another powerful Devil Fruit ability?
"Look, this Devil Fruit was obtained using my understanding field yesterday," Ace continued, his gaze unwavering as he slowly took out a strange-looking fruit.
"Cat Fruit-Phantom Beast Species-White Tiger Form," he announced.
As the words left his mouth, Momousagi's expression was violently shaken.
Ace held a Devil Fruit in his hand, its pure white surface adorned with pitch-black sharp claws emitting an astonishing cold light. This fruit was completely different from the Blue Dragon scales of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, or the Suzaku feathers of the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Suzaku. Just looking at it, one could feel a killing intent emanating from it.
"This is the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger," Ace announced.
Momousagi stared at the Devil Fruit, her beautiful eyes wide with shock, her throat swallowing unconsciously. This was a Devil Fruit with the potential to stand at the top of the ocean, far superior to the Snake-Snake Fruit, Model: Snake-Belt that the tea dolphin had consumed.
Four Emperors Kaido was renowned as the strongest creature in the world due to his Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, which made his Blue Dragon body nearly immortal. Before the Entei incident, Kaido was almost universally recognized as the strongest in one-on-one combat, thanks to his top-tier Devil Fruit.
Kaido's Blue Dragon form not only provided him with an almost indestructible body but also granted him control over natural elements like thunder, storm, and fire. His signature technique, Thunder Bagua, integrated the element of thunder into his attacks, making them almost impossible to perceive, even with Observation Haki. His most powerful move, Rising Dragon Flame Bagua, combined bursting flames with his Blue Dragon body, allowing him to rush toward enemies with an invincible demeanor.
Ace, however, wanted more than just raw power from his Devil Fruits. The Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, was on par with Kaido's Azure Dragon form and Laki's Suzaku form. Laki, despite her mediocre martial arts talent, had reached Admiral-level strength purely through the power of her Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Suzaku. This fruit allowed her to generate purifying flames that could burn even Haki and granted her the ability to rise from the ashes, making her a formidable opponent.
The Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, promised similar top-tier power. Its abilities were so potent that even the Devil Fruit encyclopedia mentioned it as having the strongest attack power among the phantom beast species. This Devil Fruit could potentially surpass Kaido's Azure Dragon form in terms of pure attack power.
Momousagi was overwhelmed. If she consumed this Devil Fruit and mastered its abilities, she could rival the Four Emperors themselves. Her Haki and swordsmanship, combined with the White Tiger's power, would make her one of the top combatants in the sea.
"Did you really obtain this Devil Fruit?" she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Ace smiled, pleased by her reaction. "Yes, I did. This fruit is now yours, should you choose to join my crew genuinely."
Rayleigh, observing the exchange, couldn't help but express his surprise. Even the World Government would consider such a top-tier Devil Fruit a treasure. The Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, was awarded to the highest-ranking member of the Knights of God during the Valley of the Gods incident. However, the top-tier phantom beast fruits seemed to have a will of their own, making them difficult for the World Government to control.
Rayleigh mused that the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, might have been guided to Kaido deliberately in the God Valley Incident. Similarly, the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, had evaded the World Government for centuries until it ended up in the hands of Shanks and was eaten by Luffy, its chosen master.
Even in his old age, Rayleigh acknowledged the tremendous power the White Tiger fruit could bestow. He trusted Ace's judgment in offering such a fruit to Momousagi, confident that she would become a loyal and powerful member of the Entei Pirate Fleet.
Ace's lips curved into a slight smile as he explained, "What a coincidence. Yesterday, when I used the Field of Understanding to help Laki attempt to awaken the Suzaku form, Suzaku's will issued a summons, and this Devil Fruit resonated with Suzaku's will. The White Tiger form chose me."
Although Suzaku's call delayed Laki's awakening, Ace deemed it worthwhile for obtaining such a top-tier Devil Fruit ability. He was confident that Laki would eventually awaken her powers fully. The biggest risk in awakening a Zoan Devil Fruit lay in the will contained within it. Failure could result in the user turning into a beast. The rare and powerful phantom beast fruits were especially risky, but Suzaku's will had been friendly and obedient when Ace contacted it using Nika's power. This meant that as long as Laki met the conditions, Suzaku's will would not hinder her awakening.
Ace knew the importance of fully mastering the powers granted by the Suzaku form, including the ability to rise from the ashes. Suzaku's will had gone silent after summoning the White Tiger fruit, indicating that Laki's awakening would happen smoothly once Suzaku's will recovered.
Momousagi, now known as Gion, was in awe as she held the White Tiger Devil Fruit. The Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, had chosen Ace. Even though Ace could not eat it due to already having a Devil Fruit, the White Tiger fruit was willing to be used by him, demonstrating its loyalty.
Ace gently encouraged her, "Eat it, Momousa-No Gion, and become my strength."
Gion hesitated, her face a mix of emotions. Joining the Entei Pirate Fleet and submitting to Ace's command meant accepting his ideals and renouncing her ties with the Marines. Ace's Conqueror's Haki had shown her that she could not resist his will. Yet, he offered her a genuine invitation and respected her as an equal. This deeply moved her.
Concerned about Vice Admiral Tsuru, Gion was surprised when Ace addressed her worry directly. "If you join my crew, you may not be enemies with Vice Admiral Tsuru. Don't forget, my old man is also Garp," he said with a meaningful smile.
Gion's heart raced at the possibility that Ace hinted at. She took the Devil Fruit from his hand, her resolve strengthening as she bit into it. Her body transformed into a majestic white tiger, exuding an aura of pure terror. The entire island's beast kings trembled and bowed under her presence. The White Tiger form, the absolute king among tigers, was awe-inspiring.
With a mighty roar, Gion's transformation caused Rayleigh, Tashigi, and her original sabers to vibrate violently. A powerful aura emanated from these famous swords, wrapping around her body in a terrifying airflow that seemed to break the atmosphere itself.
Ace watched with pride and excitement as Gion's new form revealed its capabilities. "The Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, grants the ability to control Dangerously Sharp Winds, turning their breath into a breath of killing and forming the White Tiger. Its destructive power surpasses even the natural elements of the Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon. This is the strongest attack power among the phantom beast species."
Ace recounted what he had learned from the Field of Understanding, his smile widening as he saw Gion's newfound strength. The White Tiger form had indeed chosen well, adding a powerful new ally to his crew.
With a burst of fantastic light, Gion's massive animal form began to shrink, soon returning to a nearly normal human shape, albeit slightly taller. She now stood in a hybrid form, her body adorned with sharp claws, fangs, and a tiger tail—the Yin Beast Form of the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger.
The power of a Devil Fruit comes from the eater's own strength. As seen in the original story, after Sabo consumed the Mera-Mera Fruit, he could immediately harness most of its power. Similarly, when Blackbeard seized the Gura Gura no Mi from Whitebeard, he could instantly unleash its destructive potential. A powerful individual can control a Devil Fruit's abilities immediately after consumption, with the only challenge being the fruit's awakening.
As an Admiral candidate, Gion's strength was second only to the Admirals themselves. After eating the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, she could instantly master most of its powers, including complete animal transformation, human-animal transformation, and the special abilities unique to the White Tiger form, such as the White Tiger Winds.
Each Devil Fruit from the phantom beast species grants the user a unique ability. For example, Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, allows him to control natural elements. Luffy's Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika, gives him the freedom to fight according to his imagination, enabling incredible feats like catching lightning and creating objects from thin air. Typically, these special abilities can only be fully mastered upon awakening the fruit.
Neither Laki nor Gion had completed their Devil Fruit awakenings. Gion had just eaten the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger. Before the Entei Incident, Laki could only use the basic powers of her Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Suzaku, such as her transformed body and the purifying flames. However, after Ace activated his Residual Flame Style, Laki was able to utilize the special ability of the Suzaku form—the power to rise from the ashes. This ability allowed her to return stronger after being defeated in battle, as long as she had physical and mental strength.
Ace had tested this during special training, where Laki, severely injured and on the verge of death, was enveloped in Suzaku's special flames and reborn stronger. This capability, even without full awakening, elevated Laki to near-Admiral level combat power. The unique abilities of the phantom beast Devil Fruits often set their users apart, making them formidable even without complete awakening.
Ace began to suspect that the will of the Suzaku form had already submitted to him after he mastered the Residual Flame Style. The will of a phantom beast Devil Fruit is what grants the user its special abilities. During the awakening process, the user's will merges with the fruit's will, unlocking these abilities. If the fruit's will submits before awakening, the user can access its powers earlier.
The brief contact with Suzaku's will, which summoned the White Tiger form, confirmed Ace's theory. With Suzaku's will completely submitting to him, Laki could use the Suzaku form's special ability before awakening. Now, Gion, having just eaten the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, could also utilize its special abilities.
The White Tiger Gale, imbued with a potent killing aura, confirmed the devastating power of the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger. "So strong, is this the special ability granted by the White Tiger Form? Such pure aggressiveness, it's as if everything is being torn apart," Rayleigh mused, his expression solemn as he observed the gale swirling around Gion's claws in her human-beast form.
Unlike Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, which allows the user to control natural elements and enhance combat effectiveness, the White Tiger Gale was entirely different. This was a destructive wind formed from pure killing intent. Its sole purpose was killing, with local offensive power surpassing even the destructive capability of the Gura Gura no Mi in close combat between top-tier fighters.
Rayleigh, familiar with the Shock Fruit's profound power from his battles with Roger and Whitebeard, concluded that in terms of offensive power, the White Tiger Gale was superior. This marked it as one of the strongest offensive Devil Fruits among the mythical beasts, a testament to its terrifying potential.
"This strong wind can also be used on weapons, Gion. Give it a try," Ace suggested with a smile. Gion, slightly startled, quickly understood. She channeled the power of the White Tiger into her claws, which then began to morph, allowing her to grip her sword, Kinpira.
With a resounding "clang," Kinpira was unsheathed. The White Tiger Winds wrapped around the blade, emitting a harsh, metallic sound. As Gion swung her sword, a terrifying slash materialized, roaring through the air. The attack cleaved through the island's land and continued, splitting the sea with a long corridor-shaped cavity that remained open for a long time.
"I haven't even used Haki yet," Gion murmured, astonished by the sheer power she had unleashed.
"The Devil Fruit ability is truly perfect for a swordsman," Rayleigh observed. "It gathers all the killing aura and wraps it around the sword, creating an effect no less powerful than Conqueror's Haki - Infusion. However, unlike Conqueror's Haki, the power of the Killing Winds depends on the quality of the weapon. The more renowned the sword, the more terrifying the killing aura."
"I cant Imagine how strong Zoro would be if he had Eaten this devil fruit" Ace silently Mused.
Gion looked at Tashigi, feeling conflicted. Despite Tashigi already possessing the Suke Suke no Mi, Gion couldn't help but wonder if the White Tiger Fruit would have been more suitable for her. Tashigi, who had always supported and cared for Gion, had a pure heart and unwavering dedication to Ace.
"Sister Gion, your talent is greater than mine. Even if I hadn't eaten the Suke Suke no Mi, I would have given you this Devil Fruit ability. You can unleash its full potential and help Ace even more," Tashigi said, smiling brightly.
Gion's eyes welled with emotion as she nodded, fully embracing her new role. "The position of captain of the Sixth Division is yours, Gion," Ace announced with a smile.
Rayleigh chuckled, "Congratulations, Ace. You've gained another top-tier combatant."
Gion, now possessing Admiral-level combat power, felt a profound sense of belonging. The Entei Pirates welcomed her warmly, celebrating her addition with joy and camaraderie. For the first time, Gion felt truly accepted, not as someone influenced by Ace's Conqueror's Haki, but as an equal and valued member of the crew.