Much to everyone's surprise, Leo decided to join the contest. He had little to his name, not even many points, but Shirley did.
Shirley, the cherished princess of the villainous family, was especially adored by both Peacock and Hina. Despite her modest medical skills, Shirley's Devil Fruit abilities were exceptionally potent. She possessed the Healing Fruit and now wielded the Sewing Fruit, rumored to be so powerful that even if one were decapitated, Shirley could sew them back to life.
It was no secret that Shirley held a special affection for Leo. When Leo chose to compete for the Ancient Demon, the others willingly stepped aside, sacrificing their future for their present survival. They knew receiving Shirley's treatment was invaluable, so they refrained from challenging Leo, allowing him to acquire this artificial Devil Fruit at a remarkably low cost.
Leo was elated. While others underestimated the fruit's combat potential, he saw its true worth. He believed that in future battles, mastering powerful Haki and Qi would determine the strongest fighters. To him, a fruit that enhanced physical ability or offered auxiliary benefits was immensely valuable.
The Childlike Fruit, in its awakened form, allowed transformation into toys based on one's imagination—a highly versatile and comprehensive auxiliary fruit. The possibilities were endless: a flying ship, a towering stone giant—all could be conjured with a mere thought.
The competitors remained oblivious to the fruit's potential, mistaking its power for that of Sugar's abilities. However, Leo's extensive research on Chiba's artificial Devil Fruits and his understanding of Sugar's Childlike Fruit led him to believe otherwise.
Though uncertain, Leo deemed it worth the risk. He quickly consumed the artificial Devil Fruit, fearing someone might recognize its power and demand a redistribution.
"Wait a minute," Ace suddenly shouted. Leo wondered if Ace had realized the fruit's true power and intended to reclaim it. But Leo didn't hesitate; he devoured the fruit before Ace could intervene. Within ten minutes, the sizable fruit was gone, and Leo's body began to swell rapidly, reaching half a meter in height.
Ace, frustrated, exclaimed, "Leo, why the rush? I told you to stop!"
Feeling the surge of power within him, Leo replied, "Deputy Captain Ace, even if you regret it now, it's too late. The fruit's energy is already coursing through my body."
Ace retorted, "It's just a man-made Devil Fruit from Chiba. We don't have any spare Foundation Establishment Pills here. Once your energy depletes, you'll face endless agony."
Leo's face fell. He had witnessed the severe side effects among his comrades who consumed Chiba's artificial Devil Fruits. Without medicinal support, who knew if his body could withstand the fruit's potent effects?
Ace continued, "You brat, why the haste? It's just a Devil Fruit. It's not like we couldn't take it from you. Now, without elixirs, what will you do?"
Vista chimed in, tapping Leo's head, "Didn't you notice we captains didn't bother taking it from you? It's just a Childlike Fruit."
Joz added, "Even in its awakened form, it's still just a Childlike Fruit. Why the rush? What now, little guy?"
As the fruit's power began transforming him, Leo felt intense pain. He couldn't speak, only scream.
Seeing this, Ace shook his head, "You fool. I'll speak to Chiba and see if there are any leftover pills."
Ace headed to Chiba's office, where Chiba was deeply engaged in his study of various Devil Fruits. As Ace entered, Chiba looked up and asked, "Who ended up with the fruit?"
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.