Is this the Mythical Zoan?" Sanji asked, eyeing the White Tiger Fruit with curiosity.
Kai rolled his eyes and replied, "This fruit is among the top-tier Devil Fruits in the world. You think it's just 'okay' here? You've got high standards!"
"So, does anyone have any thoughts on this fruit? Eating it will cause a massive boost in your strength in no time! It's on a whole different level compared to those transparent fruits!"
Sanji just stared blankly.
Zoro and Sanji remained uninterested, but Usopp, who had previously expressed a dislike for becoming a landlubber, now gazed at the fruit with fascination.
After a while, Usopp asked, "Kai, is this Mythical Zoan really that powerful?"
"Absolutely!" Kai confirmed.
"This fruit is on par with the one possessed by the Four Emperors, Kaido. Kaido's fruit is the Mythical Zoan, Uo Uo no Mi, Azure Dragon form!"
"And this fruit is the Neko Neko no Mi, White Tiger form! The White Tiger and the Azure Dragon are on the same mythical tier! So, do you think it's powerful?"
Usopp fell silent for a moment. Had he known this fruit was so powerful, he might have considered it sooner. Seeing Nami's impressive strength after eating the Thunder Fruit made him envious.
Once weak, Nami had become incredibly strong, whereas Usopp still felt like a novice. His current strength was the weakest on the ship, even compared to Chopper, who was considered emergency food.
His current potential felt limited, which was frustrating.
He clearly saw his own limitations—his physical strength was average compared to Luffy and Zoro. But if he ate this fruit...
Usopp's thoughts raced, and he finally came to one conclusion.
"I want this fruit!"
"Alright!" Kai grinned and tossed the fruit to Usopp, though he mused to himself:
With Usopp eating this fruit, their crew would have four Mythical Zoans. Even the Four Emperors wouldn't have a lineup like this! The only thing missing is developing Chopper's civilian form!
Kai now felt a pressing need to boost the crew's strength. Since meeting Rocks, he sensed significant changes in the world's plot trajectory.
Although the islands and events in the plot would mostly remain the same due to the record pointer, many details had already shifted.
He wasn't sure if his presence alone had caused such a stir or if other factors were at play. But it was clear that things could no longer be seen in the same light.
So, the priority was strength!
With enough strength, even if the plot changes, confidence remains intact!
While Kai was lost in thought, Usopp had already devoured the White Tiger Fruit.
"Ugh~"
Watching Usopp kneel and retch, Kai had a black question mark on his face.
"Why... why did you eat the whole thing?"
"I... ugh~"
"I'm worried that a single bite wouldn't give me the full power!"
Kai sighed, "Well, if you're happy..."
With that, they wrapped up their business. After leaving the Sky Island, they found themselves inexplicably here.
Their next destination was... Water 7!
On their return, no zombies were seen. Luffy and the crew joyfully recounted their thrilling adventure.
As expected, Luffy, despite feeling he was weak, would only be down for a short while before bouncing back.
Some time later~
The crew finally spotted the Merry and hurried towards their ship with excitement.
Kai paused, glancing in a certain direction as if he could see Rocks through all obstacles, a smirk on his face.
"Rocks, we'll meet again!"
He turned and leaped onto the Merry.
At some point, Luffy had already produced a large barrel of sake and called out to Sanji, "Sanji, make us some tasty food! We're throwing a party to welcome Brook aboard!"
"I'm on it!" Sanji waved and headed to the kitchen.
"Everyone... is so nice, it almost brings tears to my eyes! Even without eyeballs, yohohohoho~"
Brook, moved by the warm atmosphere, hadn't felt this in years. Loneliness had been his norm for decades, but now, he felt an overwhelming happiness.
Brook took out his violin and played a tune for everyone.
"Sending Binks' Sake to you~"
——
Meanwhile, on the Thriller Bark.
Kuma stood in front of Moria, his expression indifferent. "Moria, you really kept this hidden well!"
"What do you think the World Government would say if I told them you were deliberately concealing your strength?"
"Cough, cough~"
"You can't, Tyrant Kuma !" Moria said after a few coughs.
"Because... you're part of the Revolutionary Army!"
!!!
In an instant, Kuma appeared right in front of Moria. The gloves on his hands had vanished, revealing his signature fleshy palms, pressing against Moria's chest.
"How did you know?" The Kuma stared at Moria coldly, though his confusion showed.
Why had two people discovered his identity as a Revolutionary? When had it become so noticeable?
"You don't need to worry about how I know! Just know that we're now connected!"
Kuma's eyes turned icy as he whispered, "But you're seriously injured. If I kill you here, who will know it was me?"
"Chihehehehe~ahem!"
Moria laughed, accidentally touching his injury and coughing again. Then he looked at Kuma with a knowing smile and said, "Guess why Kai didn't kill me just now?"
"Huh?" Kuma was taken aback.
Despite limited contact, Kuma had sensed Kai's decisiveness. He had seen Kai prepare to kill Moria but stop for unknown reasons, seemingly communicating with someone.
Kuma hadn't overheard Kai's conversation.
An idea struck him, and he said, "Then I'll find out the answer myself!"
-------------------------------
Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.