Dusk settled over a small island by the sea, where two small figures sat side by side. The afterglow of the setting sun painted the clouds in fiery hues, casting golden reflections on the sea.
"What a beautiful sight," Leo marveled, captivated by the scene.
Princess Shirley nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's truly beautiful."
"If only time could stand still at this moment," Shirley mused, gazing at the horizon. The sunset was even more enchanting with someone she cherished by her side.
The two small figures edged closer together.
Hina watched from afar, sighing with envy. "I really envy them. I wonder when I'll be able to watch the sunrise with Chiba like Leo and Shirley."
Meanwhile, Chiba was busy in his laboratory, conducting research on Sugar.
Sugar sat there, eyes wide with curiosity. "The candy you gave me is delicious! Where did you get it? I've never tasted anything like it."
Chiba smiled. "I made it myself."
"You did? Can you teach me how?" Sugar asked, excitement in her voice.
"Of course, but you promised to let me study your body in return. It's time to fulfill that promise," Chiba reminded her.
Sugar pouted. "You said it wouldn't hurt, but Leo told me you cut his bones and flesh. You lied to me!"
Chiba reassured her, "My research on Leo was different. I conducted two studies: one on his fruit, which involved minor discomfort, and the second on his physical body, which was indeed painful. But for you, I only need to study the properties of your fruit. It won't hurt much."
Despite Chiba's assurances, Sugar shook her head. "Even a little pain is too much. You promised it wouldn't hurt at all."
Sugar's reluctance was typical of a child, possibly a side effect of the Childlike Fruit. Seeing her resistance, Chiba's patience waned slightly.
"Listen, if you keep this up, I'll have to use a needle as thick as your arm," Chiba jested with mock severity.
Sugar's eyes watered, prompting Chiba to call Hina for help. Hina comforted Sugar, promising to stop the experiment if it became too painful.
With these reassurances, Sugar agreed to proceed. On Chiba's test bench, he delved into a comprehensive study of Sugar and her fruit.
**[You have conducted detailed research on Sugar's flesh and blood. You understand the blood factor and have created the Childlike Fruit Awakened Form.]**
**[Awakening Form of the Childlike Fruit]: Upon consumption, you can transform into any toy imaginable. The toy's size and power depend on your imagination and the purity of your true energy. When fully awakened, you can turn surrounding animals and plants into toys, manipulating them at will.**
Chiba was finally satisfied with these findings.
He extracted a substantial amount of Sugar's blood factor and combined it with his research and precious medicinal ingredients to create an artificial Devil Fruit with an awakened form of the Childlike Fruit.
The fruit, blood-red with white swirls, was stunning.
Chiba entrusted the Devil Fruit to Ace for distribution among the crew.
As they prepared to confront the Kaido Pirates, Chiba knew the importance of strengthening the team. Any artificial Devil Fruit made by Eve was used to bolster their forces, and this Childlike Fruit was no exception.
When Ace presented the fruit to the crew, many pirates who sought strength hesitated, knowing that powerful Devil Fruits were still to come. However, the ordinary crew members eagerly bid with their bounties and points, hoping to claim the fruit.
Their hearts raced with excitement. While the captains waited for a more aggressive Devil Fruit, the crew saw this as their chance to gain unique power.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.