The early morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, casting a soft golden light across the island. Birds chirped in the trees, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. The peaceful scene belied the tension in the air as Ulti stood in the clearing, her body humming with newfound energy.
Yuji watched her from a distance, his arms crossed over his chest. "Ready to test out your new power?" he called out, a teasing grin on his face.
Ulti nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "I feel different, Yuji. Stronger. I want to see what I can do now."
Yuji raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Alright, then. Show me what you've got. But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're a kid."
Ulti smirked, her determination evident. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Page One sat on a nearby rock, his eyes wide with excitement. He was eager to see his sister's new abilities in action, though a small part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He quickly pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the pride he felt for Ulti.
Ulti took a deep breath and focused on the strange energy coursing through her body. She could feel the power of the Devil Fruit within her, waiting to be unleashed. With a thought, she began to transform.
Her body shifted and grew, her skin hardening into thick, scaly armor. Her hands and feet elongated into powerful, clawed limbs, and her head became covered in a bony dome, much like the skull of the ancient pachycephalosaurus. Her eyes glowed with a fierce, primal energy as she fully embraced her new form.
Yuji's grin widened as he watched the transformation. "Impressive. You're already getting the hang of it."
Ulti let out a low growl, feeling the strength of her new form. "Let's see if you can keep up, Yuji!"
Without warning, she lunged at him, her powerful legs propelling her forward with incredible speed. She aimed a punch at his chest, her fist crackling with raw power. Yuji barely dodged the blow, his body moving with lightning speed as he sidestepped her attack.
"Not bad," Yuji said with a chuckle, "but you'll have to be faster than that!"
Ulti growled in frustration, her eyes narrowing as she prepared for her next move. She charged at him again, this time shifting into her hybrid form mid-stride. Her body became a mix of human and pachycephalosaurus, her movements more agile and fluid. She spun around, aiming a powerful tail whip at Yuji's legs.
Yuji easily leaped over the attack, his flames flickering around him as he landed gracefully a few feet away. "You're getting better, but you still have a lot to learn!"
Undeterred, Ulti continued her assault. She swung her tail again, this time aiming for his midsection, but Yuji caught it with one hand, his grip firm but not painful. With a smirk, he spun her around and released her, sending her flying backward. Ulti managed to land on her feet, but the force of the throw left her momentarily disoriented.
"Come on, Ulti," Yuji taunted, "is that all you've got? I thought you wanted to prove how strong you've become!"
Ulti's eyes blazed with determination. She wouldn't let Yuji mock her like this. She had to push herself harder, tap into the full potential of her Devil Fruit. Focusing her energy, she charged at him again, this time aiming to use her skull as a battering ram. She lowered her head and rushed forward, her entire body coiled like a spring ready to unleash its power.
Yuji didn't move. Instead, he simply raised one hand and waited for her to get closer. At the last possible moment, he sidestepped her attack and placed his hand gently on the top of her head, using her own momentum to flip her over. Ulti crashed to the ground, her pride bruised more than her body.
"You're still too predictable," Yuji said with a smirk. "You're strong, Ulti, but you're not thinking. Power alone won't win you a fight."
Ulti growled in frustration, pushing herself to her feet. She was breathing heavily now, her body aching from the exertion. But she couldn't give up. She had to prove herself.
As she prepared for another attack, she noticed something strange. Yuji was just standing there, completely relaxed. He wasn't even using his full power. He was toying with her.
The realization stung, but it also fueled her determination. If he was going to underestimate her, then she'd just have to surprise him. Ulti took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She needed to think, to strategize.
She shifted back into her full pachycephalosaurus form, her massive, armored head gleaming in the sunlight. This time, instead of charging directly at Yuji, she started to circle him, her eyes locked on his every move.
Yuji raised an eyebrow, curious to see what she was planning. "Trying something new, are we?"
Ulti didn't respond. She was too focused on the task at hand. She continued to circle him, waiting for the perfect moment. When she finally saw an opening, she lunged at him with all her might, her head aimed directly at his midsection.
But just as Yuji prepared to dodge, Ulti suddenly changed direction, twisting her body in midair. Instead of ramming him head-on, she swung her tail around in a wide arc, aiming to catch him off guard.
Yuji barely had time to react. The tail slammed into his side, sending him stumbling backward. For the first time in the fight, Yuji looked surprised.
Ulti grinned, feeling a surge of pride. She had finally managed to land a hit.
"Not bad," Yuji said, rubbing his side. "You're starting to think like a fighter. But don't get cocky. One hit doesn't mean you've won."
Ulti growled, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. She was starting to enjoy the fight, despite the challenges. She lunged at him again, this time aiming a series of quick jabs with her claws. Yuji deflected each one with ease, but he could see that Ulti was learning, adapting to his movements.
The two continued to spar, with Ulti gradually improving with each exchange. Yuji remained mostly on the defensive, allowing her to test her new abilities while providing just enough resistance to challenge her.
Page One watched in awe, his earlier envy completely forgotten. He was mesmerized by his sister's strength and determination. He knew that she was destined for greatness, and he couldn't help but feel proud of her.
But as the fight dragged on, Page One couldn't help but notice how Yuji was holding back. Despite Ulti's efforts, it was clear that Yuji was still in control of the situation. He was stronger, faster, and more experienced. And yet, he wasn't using his full power. It was almost as if he was teasing her, trying to push her to her limits without overwhelming her.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Yuji raised a hand, signaling the end of the fight. "That's enough for now," he said, his voice firm but kind. "You've done well, Ulti. But remember, strength isn't just about power. It's about control, strategy, and knowing when to fight and when to retreat."
Ulti panted heavily, her body covered in sweat and dirt. She was exhausted, but there was a look of satisfaction on her face. She had pushed herself harder than ever before, and she had learned a valuable lesson.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice laced with determination. "I'll get stronger, Yuji. I promise."
Yuji nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I know you will. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way."
As the three of them walked back to the camp, Page One couldn't help but glance at the spot where they had just fought. He felt a mixture of emotions pride for his sister, gratitude for Yuji's guidance, and a longing to prove himself as well.
But as they reached the camp, something caught his eye. Far off in the distance, beyond the treeline, he spotted a large shape on the horizon. It was a warship, its massive sails billowing in the wind as it cut through the water. It was heading directly for the island.
"Yuji," Page One called out, his voice filled with concern. "Look!"
Yuji turned to see what Page One was pointing at. His eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of the warship approaching. A sense of unease settled over him. This wasn't just any ship it was a vessel of the World Government, and it was heading straight for them.
"Get ready," Yuji said, his voice low and tense. "We might have company soon."