---
The Eclipse sailed quietly through the open waters, the air heavy with the aftermath of their encounter with Doflamingo. Though battered, the crew had grown stronger, their resolve steeled by the fight. Michael stood at the helm, his Observation Haki sharper than ever, scanning the sea for anything unusual.
Lia was at the navigation table, humming softly as she reviewed their course. Amara was inspecting the ship's dials, her focus unwavering as she ensured everything was in working order. The atmosphere on the ship was calm, but the crew remained vigilant.
Michael suddenly froze, his gaze narrowing as his Haki picked up something far below the surface. It was faint, but there was no mistaking it—a presence, still and lifeless, yet brimming with potential.
"Lia, Amara," he called, his voice cutting through the quiet. "We've got something."
Lia perked up, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"Something deep," Michael said, his tone measured. "A shipwreck, I think. Big, and old."
Amara joined him at the helm, her sharp eyes scanning the water. "You're sure?"
Michael nodded. "Positive. Prepare to drop anchor. I'm going down."
"You're diving?" Lia asked, her concern evident.
"I'll be fine," Michael reassured her. "Stay ready to pull me up if anything goes wrong."
---
Once the Eclipse was anchored, Michael donned his diving gear and secured a rope around his waist. Lia and Amara stood at the edge of the ship, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation.
"Be careful," Amara said, her tone firm but laced with worry.
Michael smirked faintly. "Always."
With that, he dove into the water, the cool sea enveloping him as he descended. The light from above grew dimmer with each passing second, replaced by the eerie glow of the deep. Michael's Observation Haki guided him, leading him toward the presence he had sensed.
After several minutes, the shipwreck came into view. It was massive, its hull half-buried in the sand, its once-proud insignia faded but still recognizable: the mark of the World Government. Michael's pulse quickened as he swam closer, his mind racing with the possibilities of what might be inside.
---
Michael entered the wreck through a gaping hole in the side, his movements slow and deliberate. The interior was a haunting sight—rusted metal, decayed wood, and debris floating aimlessly in the water. Yet, amidst the ruin, he spotted something gleaming: gold coins, stacks of berries sealed in waterproof crates, and a strange box, intricately engraved and untouched by time.
He also noticed several books, their pages preserved in sealed containers. Carefully, Michael gathered what he could, placing the items into a waterproof bag he had brought for the dive. The box, however, drew his attention the most. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, the carvings on its surface depicting strange symbols and patterns he didn't recognize.
With his haul secured, Michael made his way back to the surface, his muscles burning but his determination unshaken.
---
When he emerged from the water, Lia and Amara were there to pull him aboard, their relief evident as they helped him onto the deck.
"What did you find?" Lia asked, her excitement barely contained.
Michael grinned, laying out the bag's contents: stacks of gold coins, berries, the sealed books, and the mysterious box.
"This," he said, holding up the box, "is what caught my attention."
Amara knelt beside him, her sharp eyes studying the carvings. "That's not just decoration. Those are symbols—maybe instructions."
Lia's gaze shifted to the books. "And these? They look ancient."
Michael nodded. "I'll take a look at the books later. But first, let's see what's inside this box."
Carefully, he opened the box, the lid creaking slightly as it revealed its contents. Inside was a Devil Fruit, its swirling patterns unmistakable. The fruit was a deep metallic gray, its surface shimmering like polished steel.
"A Devil Fruit," Lia whispered, her eyes wide.
Michael studied the fruit, his instincts telling him it was no ordinary find. "It's a Paramecia type," he said. "I can feel the energy from it. Based on everything I've read, this one's abilities are… unique."
"What kind of abilities?" Amara asked, her tone cautious.
Michael's gaze shifted to Lia, a knowing smile on his lips. "It's the Metal-Metal Fruit. Whoever eats this can control any metal they touch, down to the subatomic level. Not just in combat—it's a creator's dream."
Lia's breath hitched, her hands trembling slightly as she stared at the fruit. "You're serious?"
Michael nodded. "I can't think of anyone better suited for this than you."
Lia hesitated, her excitement tempered by uncertainty. "Are you sure? A Devil Fruit isn't just power—it's a burden. I'd never swim again."
"You've already given up swimming," Amara said with a smirk. "You barely go near the water."
Michael's expression softened. "It's your choice, Lia. But if anyone can use this fruit to its full potential, it's you. You've been the brains of this ship since the beginning. This would make you even stronger."
Lia looked at the fruit, then at Michael and Amara. Finally, she nodded, her determination outweighing her doubt. "All right. Let's do this."
---
The moment Lia bit into the Metal-Metal Fruit, her face contorted with disgust. "That's… awful," she said, coughing slightly.
Michael chuckled. "They're not known for their flavor."
Almost immediately, a strange sensation coursed through Lia. She held out her hand, her fingers brushing against a metal pipe on the deck. The pipe shuddered, then twisted and reshaped itself under her touch, forming a perfectly symmetrical coil.
Lia's eyes widened. "I can feel it. The structure, the density… I can change it."
Amara watched with a mix of awe and approval. "Looks like it works."
Lia spent the next few hours experimenting, her excitement growing with each discovery. She bent and shaped metal into intricate designs, combined alloys to create stronger materials, and even enhanced the ship's dials with precision adjustments.
"This is amazing," Lia said, her face flushed with exhilaration. "I can do so much with this."
Michael crossed his arms, a satisfied smile on his lips. "Then let's see what you can build."
---
That night, the crew gathered on deck, their spirits high. The treasure from the wreck had been secured, the books promised valuable insights, and Lia's newfound powers added a powerful asset to the team.
Amara leaned against the railing, watching as Lia demonstrated her abilities. "She's going to turn this ship into a floating fortress," she said with a smirk.
Michael nodded, his expression thoughtful. "She'll do more than that. This fruit isn't just power—it's potential. And she's the perfect person to unlock it."
Amara's gaze softened as she looked at him. "You've got a way of bringing out the best in people, Captain."
Michael glanced at her, his smirk faint but genuine. "Maybe. But it helps when you've got the right people."
As the Eclipse sailed into the night, the crew's excitement was palpable. The Grand Line's challenges loomed ahead, but with each discovery and every step forward, they grew stronger. Together, they were unstoppable.
---