Can't get enough? Why not read ahead?
Visit my Patreon or Ko‑fi page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates for just $5!
Your support means the world to me. Check it out and enjoy the story even more!
patreon.com/Isopuff
https://ko-fi.com/isopuff
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
The revelation that the Barrier-Barrier Fruit could serve both defensive and offensive purposes left Happy utterly astounded. He had never imagined such versatility from a single power. It wasn't surprising, though—ordinary people, unfamiliar with the world of Devil Fruits, often struggled to grasp their full potential right away.
But as Rosh described the fruit's capabilities, it was as if a light bulb went off in Happy's head. A flood of ideas rushed in, and he couldn't contain the growing excitement that made his hands tremble slightly.
"Boss, I just thought of something. Tell me if this sounds feasible," Happy said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "What if I used the Barrier-Barrier Fruit to create a transparent suit of armor? That would make me practically indestructible, like Superman! It could work, right?"
Rosh grinned, clearly impressed. "A teachable student indeed!"
Despite his usually clumsy demeanor, Happy had an undeniable knack for creative thinking when it came to applying Devil Fruit powers. The concept of a barrier suit was a stroke of genius, and Rosh silently commended him for it.
Hearing praise from the owner of such a legendary establishment sent Happy soaring with pride. He couldn't stop the broad smile from spreading across his face, practically beaming with satisfaction.
"But there's one thing you should keep in mind, Happy," Rosh said, his tone turning slightly serious. "To activate the Barrier-Barrier Fruit's powers, you'll need to perform a specific hand gesture. Without it, you won't be able to create barriers."
"A hand gesture?" Happy repeated, his excitement dimming just a bit. "Is it complicated, boss?" The thought of intricate or awkward movements limiting the fruit's practicality worried him.
"Not at all," Rosh assured him. He raised his arms and demonstrated the gesture by simply crossing them. "It's as straightforward as this. And don't worry—once you consume the fruit, you'll instinctively know how to do it."
Happy watched the demonstration with rapt attention. Seeing how simple the gesture was, he felt a wave of relief wash over him.
"Phew, that's a lot easier than I expected," Happy said, letting out a satisfied sigh. "This won't be a problem at all!" With the simplicity of the hand gesture removing his last concern, Happy's excitement reached new heights.
"Boss, you mentioned sample testing earlier. Can I try that out for this fruit?" Happy asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Of course," Rosh said with a nod, retrieving a sample of the Barrier-Barrier Fruit and handing it to Happy.
"Thanks, boss!" Happy exclaimed, grabbing the sample with enthusiasm. Without hesitation, he took a sizable bite.
The flavor hit him like a freight train. It was overwhelming—bitter, sour, and indescribably awful all at once. Happy's face contorted in sheer disgust as he forced the bite down, his body shivering involuntarily.
"Happy, just one bite is enough. You don't need to torture yourself with more," Pepper Potts said with a smirk, shaking her head at his overzealous approach.
Happy froze, recalling how Pepper had taken only the tiniest nibble of her Bubble-Bubble Fruit earlier. He sheepishly set the rest of the sample aside, feeling slightly foolish. But the lingering taste of the fruit was quickly overshadowed by a new sensation—a surge of power spreading through his body like a rush of adrenaline.
"I can feel it!" Happy exclaimed, his excitement returning tenfold. Determined to test the fruit's abilities, he focused on creating a barrier. With a bit of concentration, it happened. Although the barrier was invisible to everyone else, Happy could sense it as clearly as if it were solid steel.
"Happy, did you already make a barrier?" Pepper asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Of course I did! Can't you see it? I'm surrounded by a layer of pure defense—oh, right, you can't actually see it." Happy's excitement dimmed momentarily as he realized his grand display wasn't as impressive as he'd hoped.
Rosh, observing the scene with amusement, decided to demonstrate the barrier's effectiveness. Raising his hand, he casually pointed a finger at Happy and fired a photon bullet.
*Zing!*
The glowing projectile shot toward Happy at lightning speed but stopped abruptly, about a meter away from him, as if hitting an invisible wall. Happy jumped, startled by the attack, but quickly realized what had happened. He glanced around, then at Pepper, grinning from ear to ear.
"You see that? It worked! My barrier blocked it!" Happy said, his voice bursting with pride.
Pepper gasped in amazement. "That's incredible! It even blocked the Shopkeeper's photon bullet!"
Her mind raced as she recalled the devastating power of Rosh's photon bullets. She had witnessed them casually blow deep craters into tree trunks, all while he nonchalantly swatted mosquitoes. For the Barrier-Barrier Fruit to withstand such a formidable attack, its effectiveness was beyond impressive.
"Whoa, this is amazing!" Happy exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "Boss, your photon thing is insane! And my barrier... it's just as awesome!"
Rosh smiled at the enthusiasm. "Happy, it seems you're very pleased with the Barrier-Barrier Fruit."
"Pleased? Boss, I'm more than pleased! I've made up my mind—this is the fruit I want!" Happy declared with unwavering determination.
In his mind, Happy saw himself as the ultimate bodyguard—equipped with impenetrable defenses and surprising offensive capabilities. The possibilities seemed endless. Though the Barrier-Barrier Fruit came with a hefty price tag of 120 kilograms of gold, far beyond his current savings, Happy was resolute.
'This is an investment,' he thought. 'Even if I have to sell my car, my house, or beg Tony for a loan, this fruit is worth every cent.'
"Happy, if you're set on this fruit, you can reserve it with a $1 million deposit," Pepper advised, recalling the store's policy. "That way, you'll have time to gather the rest of the gold."
Happy's face lit up with hope. "Really? That's perfect!"
Without hesitation, he handed his credit card to Rosh.
*Beep!*
The transaction was quick, and Happy secured his reservation for the Barrier-Barrier Fruit with it. Though it stung to part with such a large sum of money, Happy felt a deep sense of accomplishment and relief. The fruit was now essentially his, and he could hardly contain his excitement.
"Thanks, Boss! I'll get the rest of the gold soon—I promise!" Happy said earnestly, his grin as wide as ever.
Rosh chuckled. "Take your time, Happy. The fruit will be waiting for you."
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Next Chapter: The Most Unreliable Boss in History—Tony Stark
Next Next Chapter: Tony, Have You Ever Heard of Devil Fruits?
Next Next Next Chapter: I Have To See This For Myself
Visit my Patreon or Ko‑fi page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates for just $5!
patreon.com/Isopuff
https://ko-fi.com/isopuff